Cursed by Fire (Blood & Magic Book 1) (16 page)

So much for getting a real answer. Before he could jerk free from my hold, I pulled my fire out in a concentrated effort, directing the flame to the daggers embedded within him. His eyes grew wide and I watched as he burned from the inside out. Smoke escaping from his ears, nose, and mouth.

I’d never seen a vampire die that way but I watched that amber glow in his gaze dim and his undead flesh grow dry, then crisp, falling in an ashy rain all around me.

It only lasted a moment before my head began spinning, the release of energy had been so great that I struggled to keep my eyes open. I jerked my blades free from the plaster, small wisps of ash floating away from the crumbling corpse in the invisible breeze.

I swayed on my feet, looking around at the three distinct piles of ash, a certifiable smile on my lips. And then, my world pitched on its end and it all went black.

M
y head was pounding when I woke. This seeming to become a habit. When I tried to sit up a wave of nausea caught me off guard and I collapsed back against the cushioned surface behind me, a groan escaping as I curled into myself.

“Don’t try to get up yet or you’ll be throwing up all over the place and Mmm…mm, Annabeth Maple does not clean up vomit, no she does not,” a heavily accented voice said. The woman sounded as if she had just stepped off a plane from Georgia, not that I’d ever been before but well, I knew a southern accent when I heard one.

She bustled over to my side, helping me into a seated position before bustling to a nearby counter.

“You need to start looking after yourself. That poor boy when he saw Jennifer bring you to me.” She was shaking her head now “The look on his face was like he’d seen a ghost. The Hunter doesn’t scare easily but you? You gave him quite the fright. Look at you,” she said, waving a tongue depressor at me, “you’re all skin and bones. Don’t you ever eat?”

Walking back towards me she placed a meaty hand on her floral fabric-covered hip. “Well?” she asked.

I frowned at her. “Yes I eat.” Wondering why I felt like a small child being scolded.

“Mmm…hmmm…sure you do, that’s why you passed out like you did. Open up,” she said, holding the depressor out in front of my face.

“Who the hell are you?” I asked. I tried for commanding but instead my voice came out scratchy and weak.

“Don’t you take that tone with me, young lady,” she said. “I am Miss Maple and I’m responsible for looking after you. James entrusted you to me so don’t make me regret agreeing to help the poor boy out. Now open up.”

I did as she asked, unsure what to say. If James trusted her then she wasn’t a threat, at least I didn’t think she was. She did a quick check before tossing the stick in a nearby waste bin.

“You need to eat more. If you did, you wouldn’t be passing out all willy-nilly. Our girls, they eat. That’s how they have the energy to shift, and you obviously didn’t have enough juice to do whatever it was you did last night.”

“What are you talking about?” My stomach still rolling with every movement I made.

She stopped before me. “Don’t you remember?” I thought about it for a moment and -like a crashing wave, it all hit me at once. Mike was gone. My vision blurred and I faintly made out Annabeth heading towards the door and opening it. Peeking her head out, she said something in a hushed tone that I couldn’t quite grasp before coming back in.

My breath hitched and my hands began to shake.

She busied herself for several seconds, her back to me as she stood once more in front of the nearby counter. I ignored her and stared at my hands, remembering last night’s events. Vampires had come for me but instead found Mike. I replayed his death in my mind. There had been so much blood, I felt like I’d been bathed in it. Staring at my hands, they were clean, all signs of blood erased but, I still felt the blood there. It was dripping from my fingers and coated my arms. I could smell the metallic tang in the air and struggled to keep the contents of my stomach down.

The door opened and in walked James with Jennifer close behind. James’ hair was tousled as if he’d just woken up. His eyes were rimmed red and he looked ill, a slight green tinged his complexion. He walked over to my side, an air of caution in his every step. I felt a tear escape and make its way down my cheek. Just seeing him tore the hole in my chest wider. Mike was gone. James was all I had left.

James paused beside me but just stood there, his hands awkwardly in his pockets. Jennifer hung back a bit. I turned my gaze to her and she blanched. I was pretty sure if I had shifter senses, I’d smell fear on her. I couldn’t blame her after what I’d done last night.

I turned back to James. “He’s gone,” I choked out.

James nodded. I curled into myself further, wrapping my arms around my legs and making myself as small as possible as tremors wracked my body. My tears flowed freely, and for the first time in years, I broke down and sobbed. My eyes flooded with moisture and my lungs heaved in an effort to take in breaths between my broken cries. I felt empty.

I thought the loss of my parents had been painful but this, I couldn’t handle it.

The tremors quickly turned into shakes and the cold empty feeling was replaced by an overwhelming heat. My tears began to sizzle on my cheeks, the moisture quickly evaporating.

“She’s going to do it again,” I heard Jennifer say. Panic in her voice.

Waves of heat akin to those you see on asphalt on a hot summer day rose from my arms but I didn’t care.

“Ari?” James said cautiously. His voice made my grief that much worse. He must have thought I was some freak show now. He wouldn’t even get close to me.

“Aria, you need to calm down.” His voice sounded far away now. Distant and easily ignored.

“What’s happening?” I faintly heard Annabeth ask.

“Nothing, she just needs some space. Clear the room,” James said.

There were sounds of retreating footsteps before I felt a dip in the mattress I was on.

“Aria, look at me,” James said.

I shook my head. Grief consumed me and I could feel myself spiraling.

“Aria, please. I know Mike is gone but I’m here, okay. I’m right here.” He rested his hand on my shoulder. The smell of burning flesh instantly hitting my senses. I jerked away from his touch, horrified to see smoke come from his hand.

“Oh God. I’m so sorry.”

“Hey, shhh…It’s okay. I’m okay. Aria, call your fire back for me.”

I looked down at my hands, small flames climbing along my fingers. I clenched my eyes shut and tried to concentrate. Seconds passed, turning into minutes and nothing changed.

“I can’t.”

“Yes you can. Focus, you can do this.”

I tried again, sucking in a deep breath as the flames slowly dwindled all around me. I could feel my body absorbing the flames, taking them back inside by sheer force of will. When the last of the flames retreated James jerked me into his embrace and I buried my face in his shoulder.

“It’s okay,” he told me. “Everything is going to be okay.”

My body was still overheated and I worried the contact with me would still burn him so I pulled away.

“Hey, I’m here for you,” he told me, reaching back out.

“Don’t. I don’t want to hurt you.” My voice was barely above a whisper, cracking with nearly each word.

“Aria, I’m a wolf, super healing abilities remember?”

I nodded, thankful for small victories but still consumed by my grief. I knew I should pull away from him. I’d lost Mike but I wouldn’t lose James.

“I want to go home,” I whispered.

“Soon, okay? I’ll take you home soon.”

I nodded and allowed him to ease me back into the bed. He kept his hand on mine, the touch giving me a small piece of security. I lay there for what felt like hours as he ran his fingers over my hair and held my hand. I was almost certain that I was in shock but I was grateful for it.

The door opened and I heard footsteps enter the room. I pulled myself into a sitting position to greet the new party, my arms shaking from the effort.

“Ms. Naveed. I’m sorry for your loss,” Declan said. There was an air of authority surrounding him. His words seemed sincere but something about his tone put me on edge. Dressed in jeans and a navy t-shirt that hugged his body, showing the ridges of his abdomen.

“Thank you,” I told him. “I appreciate your help but I think I should go home now.”

Declan gazed at me through hooded eyes, a small frown marring his striking features. His bright emerald eyes, just like James’, took on a metallic quality when his beast was near the surface. He moved closer to the bed I was lying in, practically stalking forward, a definite feline grace to his gate.

“Ms. Naveed, I think it best if you stayed here within the Compound while you recover and we investigate further into those responsible for the death of your friend and the attack on your life.”

“I appreciate your concern,” I told him, “I really do, but I’m not Pack. I don’t belong here.” I said the last statement and saw James cringe.

Declan clenched his jaw. “Regardless, we think it best that you stay.”

I swiped my face and narrowed my eyes, my gaze traveling from him to James and then back. James avoided my scrutiny, guilt written all over his face. Declan however looked determined. I had a feeling that staying within the Compound wasn’t a request. It was an order.

“Look, I appreciate your concern but I’m going home.”

A firm hand rested on my shoulder, effectively stopping me from rising. I followed the hand up to Declan. “You have no authority over me,” I said.

“That may be true, but my request for you to stay comes from our concern over your safety and wellbeing. You are in no condition to be alone right now.”

“And you’re the judge of that?” I scoffed.

“I’ll look over her,” James said.

Declan growled and James looked away. I shook my head. I didn’t need a babysitter. I was a grown woman for Christ’s sake.

“Aria,” Declan said. It was the first time he’d used my first name since we met. I glared at him, suspicion warring with exhaustion, “please, just for a few days. Allow us to look after you. Once we’re assured your life is no longer in danger, you can return to your apartment. This is just a precaution.”

James remained silent during our exchange but his expression showed genuine concern.

“Fine,” I conceded.

“Good. James will show you to the room you’ll be staying in. Get some rest. We’ll discuss tonight’s events in the morning.”

I nodded and watched as he left the room. James replaced him and reached out to grasp my hand. “Thank you,” he said.

“For what?”

“For being reasonable.” I nodded, unable to muster up a better response. Though when I could, he was going to get a piece of my mind.

“I’m going to pick you up okay?” he said.

“I can walk.”

“No, you can’t. Just be quiet and let me look after you.” I frowned but wrapped my arms around his neck when he scooped me into his embrace. I rested my head on his shoulder, the steady thrum of his heartbeat comforting.

I must have dozed off. My eyes briefly fluttered open when I felt James lower me onto a plush mattress, pulling a comforter over me.

“I’ll be back to check on you later. Get some rest.” Letting out a muffled sigh I closed my eyes, listening to James’ retreating footsteps.

I
stood on the roof of the Pack compound, staring at the never-ending tree line. The acreage was covered in greenery and I could faintly make out a scattering of small cottages around the grounds. Pack homes, for those who wanted more privacy than what the main building allowed but still wanted to remain under Pack protection.

“I don’t like this,” Inarus said, tilting his head to the side as he listened to the crack of lightning that echoed around us. He’d teleported onto the roof when I went out for some alone time. Had I been in my right frame of mind I would have been shocked by the display of his abilities. I hadn’t known he could teleport before but at this moment, I didn’t particularly care what he could do. I wasn’t quite sure why he had come or how I felt about him being here but my mind wasn’t ready to deal with that. The loss of Mike still had me reeling and the knowledge that my mother was alive was enough for me to take in.

I breathed in deeply, as I welcomed the coming rain with a sense of peace. I wasn’t sure what to say to him. There was so much distrust between us now and I didn’t know how to bring it up. I wasn’t even sure if he was aware of the doubt that filled me.

“It’ll be okay,” I told him. “I’ll get some rest, call Rebecka to sort everything out and then it can all go back to normal.”

“Is that what you want?” he asked.

I stared at him and shrugged. “Yeah of course, why wouldn’t I?”

“It’s just…” Inarus paused, twisting the ring on his right index finger.

“What?”

“Why did you leave me the other night? Did I upset you somehow?”

I shook my head. “I just needed to get away.”

“Aria, I saw the look on your face when you turned away. You looked like you’d seen a ghost. What happened?”

“It’s nothing, really. Please just drop it.” A part of me wondered if he knew. I thought he did. That he was toying with me.

Inarus studied me. I avoided his gaze afraid he’d see right through me. “You should go inside,” he said abruptly. “A storm’s moving in and you probably need to rest.”

I shook my head. The rain was exactly what I needed.

Inarus looked at me quizzically.

“You enjoy the rain?” he asked, a slight frown marring his features. I nodded in confirmation. The rain was one of the reasons I’d come to Spokane. Rain was a way of cleansing the earth, of washing away the dirt and grime and it reminded me of new beginnings. Rain made me feel at peace, despite the fact that it seemed so opposing to my natural pyrokinetic abilities. It didn’t rain in Spokane nearly as much as it did in Seattle, but for me, it was just the right amount and after everything that had happened the past few days, a cleansing was exactly what I needed. I wanted to just let it all go, clear my head and just
feel
something other than the pain or grief.

“I love the rain,” I told him. His frown grew deeper. I laughed out loud at his expression, ignoring the ache in my chest. The laugh sounded forced, even to my own ears but I needed this as if it were the very air I breathed. I tugged his arm, leading him farther into the wide-open space. A slight drizzle began and I knew it would turn into a heavier rain any moment.

Inarus squinted his eyes in an effort to keep the moisture at bay and once I released his hand, he shoved both hands deep into his pockets. “How can you enjoy this? You’re getting wet and soon you’ll be soaked. This rain is miserable.”

I turned towards him. “You have to feel the rain. Embrace it. If you do, then you won’t end up just wet.” I could tell that he wasn’t getting it but smiled anyway when the second strike of lightning thundered across the sky and the rain turned into a torrential downpour. Walking to the middle of the roof, I spread my arms wide and turned in a slow circle, my face tilted upward. I let the rain pour down my face and felt invigorated with each droplet against my skin. In a way, I felt like the earth was crying with me over Mike’s death. I still felt like crying myself but I’d already broken down once. I wouldn’t again, not until I brought those responsible to justice. Vampires had killed him and I would make them pay. I still didn’t know who was behind Daniel’s death. Nor did I know who was behind Emma’s, though I had my suspicions. I did know who was behind Mike’s. Their deaths had come too quickly. I should have made them suffer more, drawn out their agony but there were others. The vampires responsible had gotten their orders from someone higher up. I would find out who and I’d make them pay.

“Aria,” Inarus called. I turned toward him. “Get out of the rain,” he said.

I shook my head and continued to spin until I was dizzy. I felt myself teetering on the edge of balance and when I felt my boot slip against the slick surface, I threw my arms down in an effort to catch myself but he was there, and instead of finding myself on the cold, wet pavement, I found myself in Inarus’ arms.

He was crouched down with my body tucked gently in his arms. I looked up into his crystal clear blue eyes and my breath caught at the look of longing in his gaze. He gently tucked a wet tendril of hair behind my ear, his eyes never leaving mine.

“I believe,” he began, “that this rain you’re so fond of, may be growing on me.”

I felt a tentative grin begin at his admission and reached up to cup the side of his face. I didn’t know why I was allowing the contact. I didn’t trust him. He was likely the enemy. I needed to be on guard around him, not swooning over his proximity.

I held my body perfectly still as he slowly lowered his face to mine, giving me every opportunity to pull away but I didn’t. Couldn’t. I needed to feel something good, something that would make all of the pain go away.

When his lips lightly brushed mine, I felt a fire burn deep in my veins and felt sweat drip down my back despite the chill of the cold night air and cool rain.

When he pulled back I saw reflections of thunder and lightning in his eyes. I reached up and unconsciously touched my bottom lip, remnants of his kiss ghosting along my senses.

Abruptly Inarus stood up, pulling me with him. He quickly released me once I regained my balance and stepped away, distancing himself. I looked at him, a question evident in my expression but he refused to make eye contact with me.

I visibly shook myself and turned away, suddenly feeling awkward and embarrassed. I tucked my hands in my jacket pockets and made my way back towards the door leading to the stairwell that would take me back within the Compound, not bothering to look back. God, how could I be so stupid? So naïve.

“Aria…” I heard him call my name as my hand reached for the door handle. I stopped for a second, waiting to see if he would continue but when all I heard were the sounds of rain splashing against the concrete and thunder in the skies, I turned the handle and walked inside.

I didn’t need this. I had enough going on in my life. I didn’t know why I was feeling rejected or why suddenly the ache in my chest was more painful than it had been moments ago. I barely knew him, he was nothing to me.

So why did it hurt?

I was soaked to the bone as I made my way back downstairs, frustrated beyond reason. Stupid! That was so incredibly stupid. I was furious with myself for allowing the touch. For allowing him to get under my skin. I gave him a power over me I never gave to anyone.

Berating myself on the way down the stairs I cursed my ignorance. I stormed down the stairs leading into a winding hallway and headed to the room I’d been assigned. When I found it, I threw the door open and stomped in, coming face to face with James. I paused just inside the threshold, my hand still on the doorknob. James looked up from his position, seated on the side of the bed.

“Hey,” he said.

“Hi.”

Neither of us said anything else for several moments. James ran his hands through his hair, exhaling a sigh.

“Look, I know you need to rest but, can we talk?” I nodded and made my way into the room, allowing the door to close with a
snick
that sounded loud to my ears. I kicked off my boots and grabbed a towel from the nearby dresser, drying my hair as I sat across from James in a wicker chair.

“What did you want to talk about?” I asked, leaning forward in my seat.

James exhaled a breath and looked around the room before meeting my gaze. “It’s about Inarus,” he began.

I eyed him warily. I wasn’t sure yet if Inarus was friend or foe though I’d prefer he were a friend, despite our awkward moment. James also didn’t know that he’d teleported his way onto the Compound roof. I felt slightly traitorous for not telling him and a small part of me wondered if I should. Perhaps the Compound’s security wasn’t as solid as they believed it to be.

I nodded for James to continue.

“I had his placed searched.”

My mouth dropped open. Part of me was upset on Inarus’ behalf, for the invasion of privacy, but the other part wondered what James had found. Whatever it was, the grim expression on his face right now meant that it wasn’t good.

“He isn’t who he says he is.” Well I knew that already.

“Care to elaborate?”

James reached inside of his pocket and pulled out an envelope. I took it and opened it, pulling out the contents. Inside were several photographs of me from the last few weeks. He’d been watching me, spying on me. My stomach dropped.

I rifled through the photographs disturbed by the invasion.

“He was following me,” I said.

James nodded his head and then handed me what looked like a small cell phone. I looked from the phone to James and lifted my brows in question.

“It’s a burner phone, one of our younger Pack members found it in his room. Check the message log.”

I did as he asked, scrolling through a series of text messages that all belonged to a single conversation.

Unknown: Status report

Inarus: Pack is blaming the Coven as planned. Phase 2 is moving into place.

I scrolled farther down the screen.

Inarus: Girl may be a possible asset. I plan to bring her in upon mission completion.

Unknown: Good

My hand began to shake, he had to be talking about me. He planned on bringing me in to someone, to
them.

Unknown: Status report

Inarus: Everything is going as planned. No new updates.

Oh God, I felt sick. I looked up from the phone to James’ expression, he looked remorseful but I had no idea why. I stood up and began pacing the room.

“What now?” I asked, flexing my fingers around the phone. I took several deep breaths and pushed the fire inside of me deeper. I wasn’t going to break down. I was not giving him that kind of power over me. How could he play me like this, how could I allow it?

“The Pack is already moving into place to take him down, I just…I wanted to let you know before we took action.”

“I want to be there,” I told him.

James was shaking his head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Ari.”

“Look, he’s here.”

“What? What do you mean he’s here?”

“I mean he’s here, on the Compound. Right before I ran into you, I was talking with him on the roof. He teleported in.”

James swore before heading for the door, his movements determined. I grabbed my daggers I’d placed on the bedside table earlier and sheathed them in the loops along my belt.