Blood Twist (The Erris Coven Series)

15



LIZ





An early evening rain had fallen. In the encroaching darkness, Liz and Braden headed back upstairs to change their clothes and tidy up before the others awoke.

Having ventured out in the weather for a quick walk in search of food and bottled water, Liz was saturated. Braden, too. Everything they owned was back at the motel, but Braden didn’t think they had enough time to catch a cab there and back before sunset. Liz didn’t push it. She knew if they got in a cab, he would end up changing his mind again about her staying with him. Instead, they had settled with what the neighborhood minimart had on hand.

There were a few tourist shirts for sale along with post cards and “I heart Canada” shot glasses, but not a lot of variety. Liz chuckled when Braden settled for a muscle shirt that read, “These guns don’t belong in any holster.” It was that or the “Free Hugs and Kisses” top. For the sake of getting dry, her preppy damphyr settled with a shirt that made him look like a cast member for “Jersey Shore.”

Riley left them at dawn. With the promise to return as soon as the sun set, Riley’s only warning was to stay out of the basement. Other than that they were left to their devices. No locking the doors, no barricading the stairwell shut. The whole thing was confusing.

While Braden cleaned up in the next room, Liz tried making herself look as pleasant and non-threatening as possible. Dragging a comb through her long hair, she missed her flat iron. Liz preferred wrestling her hair into submission, leaving the natural look for Lexie, but she was out of options. The lose waves had a mind of their own. Giving up, she tossed the comb into her purse and sat down with a bag of Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies.

Nibbling on the baked good, Liz wondered about Braden. She hadn’t seen him eat anything at all. Unless he went hunting the night before their flight, she was pretty sure he was fasting. At the service station, she picked up extra bananas and apples and put them in the bag with his t-shirt. But, she didn’t think he could sustain on snack foods.

He’ll need blood eventually…

All she knew was that damphyrs fed on animals. If she had thought of it earlier, she could have helped him catch the miserable owl that tried ripping her hair out. On second thought, he might be better off abstaining. If that creature was a pet of those things downstairs, it could be diseased.

Like those rats Strix was eating.

The thought of Braden needing blood was hard enough to wrap her brain around. Lumping him in the same category as Strix or the others was downright traumatic.

He isn’t like them. He’s different.

Any doubts she may have subconsciously been clinging to before were washed away this afternoon. For a moment, on the stairs, she felt connected to him in a way she didn’t think was possible.

Braden opened up to her, showing a side of his personality that was more than just the serious half-vamp he appeared on the surface. In doing so, she finally could see what all of the other’s saw in him. His cousins adored him and Lexie did nothing but sing his praises – but it wasn’t just because he had integrity or was the eldest of the group.

A guy like Braden, so settled in silence, carried his burdens alone – not out of arrogance or distrust in the others, but because he loved them. He was willing to do anything for his family. Living with such a heavy burden must have been terribly lonely. The pain of knowing his brother wasn’t just happy with Lachlan’s death, but demanded his own as well, must have haunted every memory he ever had of their early childhood together. Yet, Braden did his best with it, refusing to pass the buck or trying to run.

Liz respected that. If she had a family to fight for, she would give anything to save them. Even the Captain and Aunt Bev – neither had been overly content to make a place for her in their busy lives, but her minor status forced upon them a responsibility they couldn’t shake. At least her Aunt’s monthly check from Liz’s father was enough to make her pretend she cared.

Braden though – he shouldn’t be stuck in this mess. As much as she thought he should have told Donovan and the others, Liz wasn’t sure she would have handled it any different if it had been her. Kids are always covering up things to save their parents. She did it, so it wasn’t a surprise to her when Braden explained his fears that the vampires would have come to Erris to destroy his family.

It’s only when you’re older that you realize you made a mistake.

Then there was the almost kiss. Leaning in to him, she could feel the energy particles charging between them. Even amid the stinky smells of that place and the grotesque creatures locked up tight for the day – the only thing she could feel at that moment was her need to kiss him.

Need isn’t even a strong enough word…

What was she doing? It was almost laughable that she was crushing on him. Braden was tall, buff and blond. He could even fill in for one of the uber macho sailors that worked her father’s vessels. Totally not the wiry, lanky guys she always saw herself ending up with. But, there was something about him she couldn’t deny. Her body definitely responded to him even when her head didn’t want to believe it was true.

Admitting denial is the first step…now you just need the balls to fess up to him…

The way he constantly placed his body between her and the vampires, insisting they find her food when she refused to go to the airport, touching her face so gently right before that damn owl ruined the moment – Liz wasn’t blind. As much as she tried insisting Braden wasn’t her type, he repeatedly made her heart want to do a happy dance every time they breathed the same air.

It was useless, she couldn’t stay mad at him for wanting to send her home. That was just Braden’s way. He was a hero, the guy was just to decent to see it.

Swallowing the rest of her cookie, Liz wandered back over to mirror. What did she look like to him? Her small chin and nose always looked out of place in contrast to her wide set hazel eyes. Aunt Bev was always trying to use her to demonstrate her Avon products; even insisting that Liz could model for JC Penney or Target if she would just stop wearing so much black. Neither overly curvy nor tall compared to women like Endellion or Fianna, Liz lacked the poise that made them so elegant. Even Maze, the snake like creature downstairs, was overtly stunning. Liz looked like the plain girl next door in comparison – the kind that lived in concert t-shirts and skinny jeans.

Was she appealing enough for someone like Braden? Did he find her attractive? Liz would never try to change herself for a guy, but wondered if he thought of her the way she did him. There were times he seemed just as drawn to her, but she wasn’t sure. Perhaps she was just a distraction to pass the time, or maybe a shiny new toy – Liz had no clue. But if there was a chance he experienced any of the sensations she did, there was a possibility the two could lead to something more.

Maybe when we get back to Erris things between us will be clearer…That’s if we get back.

Unsure how the night’s events would play out, the only thing she knew for sure was that she and Braden both wanted to inquire about the lycanthropy cure. If Riley wouldn’t tell, then she would have to ask Strix or Garrick and see what they were willing to share. Braden said he feared that there wasn’t any, if there was, they would have already given it over. But Liz wasn’t so sure.

Something was motivating the vampires. There had to be a reason Braden was still alive. If Riley planned to kill him, why the show? Why did they get ushered upstairs for the daylight hours without anyone locking them in?

It wasn’t clear yet, but she would figure out what was going on. It shouldn’t be much longer before the truth was revealed.

A light knock startled her. Before she could get up, the door opened and Riley strode in.

“Good evening, beautiful,” he said, with his familiar unnerving smile. “I’m delighted, but surprised to see you. I thought for sure my brother would have whisked you away to Siberia or Glasgow, Taiwan even. Some place far from here by now.”

Dressed in the same black leather coat but clean dark washed jeans and a button down shirt, she hated that she found his appearance attractive. Riley wore smugness well. The vampire knew his effect on women.

“I didn’t want to leave,” she shot back, trying to ignore him. “I don’t exactly trust you and your little fangtabulous friends.”

Riley chuckled, his laughter lighting up his stormy blue eyes. “You stayed to protect him?”

She didn’t like the sound of that and stared at him suspiciously. “Why not?”

“Because,” he sputtered incredulously, “He’s capable of taking care of himself, but having you here makes him weak.”

“You don’t know anything.” Liz turned from him gaze. She didn’t want him to recognize how stunned she was by his observation.

I make Braden weak?

The idea was thrilling and terrifying. Knowing Braden may have feelings for her was wonderful, but she hadn’t thought that she could put him in danger.

“I know plenty. He’s obviously in love with you or at least – well on his way there and fully cognizant of the fact.”

“In love? We just met. It doesn’t happen that fast.” She casually flipped a strand of hair over her shoulder.

Although with Braden, I wish it did.

“Maybe not for humans, but damphyrs are different. I’m guessing you like to play the ‘mixed signals game’ which probably has him confused as hell.”

“You don’t know anything about me.”

Sidling up to her, Riley trailed his cool fingers down her shoulders. She shivered at his touch. The effect was nothing like what she felt when Braden touched her, no tingling or pulse racing. Riley lacked something she found in his brother.

Maybe a pulse.

“Yeah, I’d say you’re presence gives him a disadvantage, but between you and me, I like that you stayed. I was hoping we could become closer.”

“Really? Close enough that you would consider giving me the cure for the lycanthropy virus so I can save a friend?” Liz edged away from his touch. That took her by surprise.

“I’m not exactly thinking bosom buddies – but another tradeoff could be made.” Riley’s expression shifted. The humor behind his eyes darkened as he stared down at her. “Give me all of you, let me make you my own. I really think you would quite like this lifestyle. In return, you would have your cure.”

Liz tried swallowing, but her throat dried up. Riley’s voice had a seductive quality – matched with the heated gaze he gave her, she was stunned she was still conscious. If she had never met Braden and knew nothing of what the draugr was really like, she may have actually been tempted to follow the sensual creature to hell.

“You mean me becoming a vampire – like you,” she stated simply.

Riley sat down on the bed beside her. His hand extended over to her leg. Very lightly, he traced small circles on her knee cap. Liz sat frozen in place, afraid to even breathe.

“I’m sure my brother painted it in a negative light, but I’m far from the boogeyman.” Riley smiled. A hint of black stirred around his irises, intensifying his gaze. “It’s simple really. You and I can spend the evening together, take off our clothes, do a little kissing – maybe massage – I would drink some of your blood and give you some of mine. There are lovely places on the body to do that.” His voice lulled to just a whisper. “Imagine how much fun we could have night after night.”

Liz didn’t have loads of experience with boys, but she didn’t grow up in a convent. Even she could tell that Riley was offering more than just some vampire ritual. Shaking her head, Liz fumbled off the bed to her feet. It wasn’t clear what game Riley was playing, but she knew one thing – it had to end.

“Uh, as much as I appreciate the offer, I think I’ll stay human tonight.” Looking away from him, she felt disgusted that a part of her found Riley desirable. Not the same way she felt for Braden, but that she would have wanted the vampire if she didn’t know a thing about him and met his brother first.

He’s sick in the head and I’m just as sick for listening to him.

What was Riley’s issue anyway? He just got through telling her Braden was starting to develop feelings for her and in the next breath he tried seducing her right there on the bed. Liz could only figure he was awfully miserable in his life to want her to join him so bad. Riley didn’t even know her.

Poor Braden…. He really better watch his back.

First the vampire took their father away and tortured Braden with the knowledge for years. Like that wasn’t bad enough, he now offered to sire his brother’s travel companion on top of everything else.

Riley watched her as she picked up a few remaining objects around the small room and stuffed them in her bag. Although there wasn’t much illumination shining in from the streetlights, Liz could see he was disappointed. Gone was the sexy confidence he usually exuberated, leaving only a vulnerable boy.

Forever eighteen and completely self-loathing. I don’t envy that.

Just when she almost felt sorry for him, his expression hardened over, and a slow smile crept across his face. “Well, maybe you should go in and talk to Braden. I’ll be around all night if you change your mind.”

Watching him leave her room, Liz knew his words were meant to hurt although she had no clue what their intentions were. It wasn’t the first time her inner alarm was screeching for her to be wary of him and knew it wouldn’t be the last. Riley wasn’t what he seemed. If she was smart, she wouldn’t forget it





16



BRADEN





Less than ten minutes after Braden left Liz alone in her room, he was standing next to his bed, staring out the window at Vancouver’s night-clad skyline. With the mountains as a backdrop, skyscrapers lit the valley with millions of twinkling lights. A far cry from the place he found himself in now.

Around him, the greying sheetrock was old and crumbling. The scent of cockroach excrement was strong, but surprisingly, he couldn’t hear them in the walls or under the furnishings. Other rodents were silent as well. Night was setting and the draugar would be rising. Even the critters knew to run and hide.

He just wished Liz would do the same. She was such a fierce thing. Neither of them expected to have their freedom, yet she still insisted she stay.

Another night and he could get to the bottom of the charade Riley was playing. If there wasn’t a cure for Ruby, then fine. He would need to let the coven know so they could search elsewhere. But having Liz right smack in the middle of a draugar nest was insane.

It was his fault. If he hadn’t been completely taken by her, he would be able to use his brain for something other than thinking about her mouth and how desperately he wanted to kiss her.

When that damn owl swiped at them, it took all the control he had not to fang out right in front of her and tear its blasted wings off.

A light knock summoned his attention.

“Braden,” Liz said, leaning against the door. Her hazel eyes were wet; like she had been crying. There was a tiny catch in her voice, “I need you.” Coming in she closed the door behind her, and walked over to the bed. Still in her tank top from earlier, he wondered what was wrong. “The last twenty-four hours are messing with my head. I need to just shut out ever thing and feel you against me.”

“What happened?” Striding over to her, Braden looked for signs she was hurt. “Did one of them bother you?”

“No,” but they’ll be up soon. It’s our only chance to be together. I know you want me. I want you, too.”

Braden was stunned. Taking a breath, he allowed her to take his hand and sit back on the bed. Her skin was cooler than usual, missing the usual ripple of sensation she usually gave. Touching her shoulder, he was again surprised how very fragile she was.

“I need you. All of you,” Liz repeated slowly, climbing onto his lap until she straddled him completely.

Running his hands down her back, she shuttered beneath his touch. Inside him, his hearts beat in perfect synchronization. He wanted this, he knew he did, but something didn’t feel right. She didn’t feel the way he thought she would in his arms. Her pleasant vanilla scent was just missing.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Before he could even finish the last syllable, Liz’s mouth was on his. Her tongue parting his lips with urgency.

“Wait,” he said, turning his face away. Her body rocked against his. Reaching out, he grabbed the bedrail for leverage, the metal beneath creaked from the strength of his grip. She pushed her face harder against his throat. Her small, sharp teeth skimmed over the sensitive skin.

Braden’s eyes flew open. Grabbing her shoulders, he pushed her back as her black hair turned frosty and her hazel eyes shimmered into a stony grey. Grinning like a shark, Maze, smiled naughtily at him.

What the…?

“What’s wrong?” she asked in a thick voice. “Do you not want me to pretend I’m that child your drag around? What’s her name again?”

“Liz,” he mumbled, completely thrown off guard.

“That’s right. Ah and just in time. She came to watch.”

And there she was – motionless at his bedroom door.

The girl he just thought he was kissing stood with eyes filled with a terrible, knowing hurt. Looking from him to Maze, utterly betrayed, Liz couldn’t seem to draw a deep breath. The pained expression she gave him was so hopeless. His chance of being hers, disintegrating on the spot.

“No.”