Fractured (The Deep in Your Veins Series Book 5) (11 page)

Butch rested his forehead against mine. “See, he’s a prick.”

I laughed. “Yeah, he really is.”

Chuckling, Butch kissed me again. It was slow and deep and drugging. It was also a possessive display, so maybe he understood that the only way that people would believe this relationship was serious was if he—a usually commitment-shy guy—made such an obvious and public display.

He broke the kiss with a bite to my lip. “When we get back, I want you to go straight to the bedroom and strip for me.”

I arched a brow. “Oh, you do?”

“I do.”

Sounded like a plan to me. Just then, our waiter reappeared, gathered our plates, and said he’d be back shortly with our dessert. I gave Butch a quick kiss. “I need to use the ladies’ room; I’ll be back in a minute.”

He bit my lip again. “All right.”

As I was passing Jen’s table, she smiled up at me. Considering she’d been flirting with Butch all evening, I didn’t feel the urge to smile back. Instead, I bent and spoke in a low voice. “I know you flirt as easy as you breathe, Jen. And I like you, so I won’t hurt you. But you do
not
try to get my man’s attention like that again. It’s disrespectful to me and it’s pointless for you...unless of course you’d like to be off solid food for a year. Understood?”

She looked from me to Butch, who was watching us closely. “You two are serious? I heard the rumours but, well, it’s Butch.”

Her disbelief was understandable. “They’re true.”

She patted my hand. “I’ll spread the word that he’s all yours and not to be flirted with. You’re kind of cute together. I’m happy for you.”

See, she was a nice person. Just very misguided and not all that bright. I gave a curt nod. “Have a good night.”

Her smile was impish. “Considering what you’ve got in your bed, I think it’s safe to say that you will.”

Oh, it was.

I hurried to the restrooms and did my business. I was just washing my hands when the door opened and in walked my supposed friends. Groan. They gathered around me, their expressions determined. Apparently there was going to be an intervention. Awesome.

Drying my hands on a paper towel, I sighed. “Make it quick. I don’t want my ice cream to melt. But before you tell me you think I’m making a mistake, you should know that I don’t care.”

Mouth tight, Jude shook her head in disbelief. “Never thought I’d see the night when you chose a guy over your friends.”

Was she kidding? “Um, actually, it was
you
who froze
me
out. Was I supposed to chase after you? Beg your forgiveness for making decisions
regarding my own life
without your approval?”

“It’s not that we think you shouldn’t act without our approval, Imani,” said Alora, casting Jude a ‘calm down’ look. “We just don’t like that you kept something so big from us.”

“There was nothing to keep from you until the evening before you and Paige showed up on my doorstep.” I splayed a hand over my chest. “I’m sorry, should I have text you all straight away to let you know what happened?”

“Imani, honey, there’s no way it all came out of the blue like that,” Maya insisted, though her tone was soft and not in the slightest bit challenging. She seemed more concerned than anything else.

“You’re right. It didn’t. I knew what Butch wanted, and I took some time to think about it.” I wasn’t going to apologise for that.

Jude put her hands on her hips. “But you didn’t tell us.”

“Nope, I didn’t.” And I didn’t regret that. “It was a big decision, and it needed to be
my
decision. Asking your advice wasn’t necessary since I knew exactly what you’d say.”

Paige leaned forward. “We’d say what you didn’t want to hear.
The truth
.
Butch doesn’t do relationships, Imani. You, of all people, know that.”

Cassie nodded. “She’s right, sweetie. You said yourself that he doesn’t connect with people and he doesn’t want to. Why give him an opportunity to hurt you again?”

I exhaled heavily. “He’s not going to hurt me.”

“He hurt you once before, remember? Or have you forgotten about that?” sniped Jude.

It was hard to maintain an even tone, but I managed it. “I haven’t forgotten. I happen to believe in second chances.”

Paige threw her hands up in the air. “You weren’t good enough for him a year ago, so why now?”

“People change.” Hell, I’d changed plenty in the past year.

“And you believe he’s changed?” scoffed Jude. “God, Imani, what’s wrong with you?”

“My elbows itch sometimes. Is that weird?”

“Has it crossed your mind that he could be doing this just to keep you from getting back together with Dean?” asked Maya. “I don’t mean it in a bitchy way, honey. It’s just that, you know, guys do weird stuff like that. There’s no denying that Butch can be weird.”

“Weird?” echoed Paige. “He’s about as deranged as they come. He hides it well, but we all see it.”

“You think he’s normal, Imani.” Alora gave a soft shake of the head, adding, “He’s not. He never will be.”

I frowned. “
No one
on this island is normal. Hell, Alora, you talk to freaking animals.”

“Imani, you take relationships seriously,” said Paige. “You’re going to demand things from him that he just can’t give you. Then what will happen? You’ll be crushed and devastated, and we’ll have to pick up the pieces.”

I licked my front teeth. “You’ll
have
to pick up the pieces? Like that will be a favour to me? Like I wouldn’t do the same for any of you?”

Cassie stepped forward, hands up. “We’re just concerned for you. Sweetie, you don’t think straight when it comes to Butch; you never have.”

Maybe not, but… “This here and now isn’t about me, it’s about all of
you
and your bruised feelings. At least be honest about that.”

Paige folded her arms. “Well, since when do we keep shit from each other, huh?”

Oh my God. I ran my gaze along all of them as I said, “Are you going to honestly stand there and say that
you
tell
me
everything that goes on in your life? Really?”

None of them answered, and I took that as a resounding ‘No.’ I could practically
feel
them backing down. Well, not
all
of them.

Spots of colour stained Paige’s cheeks. “You know, I never had you down as naïve, Imani. Clearly I was wrong, because from what I’ve seen of Butch and Marco, you sure know how to pick ’em.”

I sucked in a breath. “That was a low blow. And it’s the last I’ll let you make.”

Shoulders drooping, Paige looked like she wanted to take the words back.

I didn’t give her the chance. “I’m happy. Does that not matter to anyone here? Is it only
your
feelings and opinions that count? I’m very aware that I’m taking a risk. You don’t have to like it. You don’t have to like Butch. You don’t have to support me in this. But you
do
have to get rid of this idea that I need to explain myself to you. Seriously, why is it that you feel I owe you that? Huh? Why? Because I gotta tell ya, girls, if you really feel I owe you a piece of my soul then fuck you all.”

The door swung wide open, and Butch took a step inside. His dark gaze swept the room, taking in everything, and his anger seemed to vibrate through the air. It was simple enough for him to conclude what had just happened. In fact, he may have overheard some of it.

His eyes moved to me and he held out his hand. “Come here, baby.”

Pushing back my shoulders, I went straight to him. “Does this mean dessert’s ready?”

His arm slid around my waist; the move was both possessive and protective. “It means that you were gone too long and I got worried.” He sliced the girls a withering glance that would have made me flinch if I was the recipient of it. “You couldn’t let her just enjoy her evening? This was really necessary?” 

Alora cleared her throat, the image of regret. “We just—”

“They were rhetorical questions,” he rumbled. “There’s never a good reason to fuck up your friend’s evening.”

Paige lifted her chin. “We didn’t want to mess up her evening. We just wanted to talk to her.”

“And look how that turned out.” His face went hard, his voice cold as he added, “All of you hear me when I say this because I’m absolutely serious: You don’t talk to Imani again until you’re ready to apologise—and that won’t happen unless I’m there to make sure you don’t hurt her any further. If you’re lucky, she’ll forgive you. But I won’t. She’s done nothing to deserve this shit, and none of you have a right to dish it out. She owes you nothing.” His glare fixed on Paige. “And you…you’re the one person I trusted with her. Now? That trust has gone.”

I thought she’d go on the defence, but her face fell. “I—”

He shook his head as he said, “You’re not the person I thought you were.”

With that, he guided me out of the restrooms.

CHAPTER TEN

(Imani)

The Alpha dragon shifter was seriously good-looking. Unkempt russet hair, tall toned body, and electric blue eyes that saw way too much. He didn’t hold a candle to Butch but, still, I wouldn’t kick him out of bed—or, at least, I wouldn’t if my bed wasn’t already occupied.

Two equally good-looking males flanked him, but they weren’t the only ones around. I could sense people standing amongst the trees that fringed the large field. Really, considering the history that existed between our two species, I couldn’t blame the Alpha for being so cautious.

For long moments, no one said a word as we sized each other up. The Alpha took in Butch’s protective body language, and his eyes smiled. Yep, he saw way too much. Then he nodded at the male on my left and greeted simply, “Marco.” The Alpha’s eyes shifted to me, now glinting with curiosity. “You must be his first-born.”

“I must be.”

Marco spoke. “Imani, this is Andres. Andres, Imani.”

Andres inclined his head ever so slightly at me. I gave him a brief nod.

“Ask your questions,” said Andres. Apparently there would be no chit-chat. Good.

“Actually,” I began, “I don’t have any questions. I’m here to pass on a message from the Grand High Pair.”

His lips flattened. “What message is that?”

I lifted my chin. “Whichever dragon drove is planning to obliterate The Hollow should seriously reconsider it.”

The air seemed to chill and the three dragons went unnaturally still. Finally, Andres asked, “What makes you think any such plan exists?”

“Someone had a premonition; they saw the dragons warring with us at The Hollow.”

“Really?” He sounded bored and unconcerned. Granted, I wasn’t expecting fear from him. But, at the very least, I’d expected him to take this seriously.

“I respect that your kind is powerful,” I told him. “But you have one weakness.”

He didn’t like that comment. “We do?”

“Your numbers are low in comparison to ours. The vampires at The Hollow are there because they’re very powerful. If dragons come, they will die. Personally, I think enough dragons have died at the hands of vampires.” I didn’t hide my regret about the latter, and the emotion seemed to appease him slightly.

“The vampire who had this premonition…they lied.”

Of course, Butch tensed. Before he could leap to my defence, I asked Andres, “Why would you say that?”

“If an attack was being planned on The Hollow, I would have heard about it.”

“You’re sure?”

His eyes narrowed. Oh, he didn’t like being questioned.

“The vision was real. Your kind will soon attack mine.”

The certainty in my voice seemed to reach him. “How soon?”

“Soon enough.” Even if I did have an exact date, I wouldn’t have given it to him. That could have led to a self-fulfilled prophesy.

His lips twitched. Why my evasiveness amused him, I couldn’t say.

Frustrated, I said, “Let’s say that, hypothetically, dragon shifters were planning to attack The Hollow. Why might they do that?”

Eyes gleaming, he said, “Hypothetically?”

“Sure.”

“There are only two possible motives. One, your Grand High Vamps made a serious enemy of a drove. Or two, they were hired to attack The Hollow. If the first had occurred, I would know.”

Which left… “Mercenaries.”

“Yes. They will work for anyone, if the price is right.”

Shit.
“Maybe you could pass on our message. We truly don’t want to war with your kind. But if there is an attack on our home, we will stand against it. There will be deaths on both sides. I don’t think you want that any more than we do.”

Andres studied me for a moment before shifting his attention to Marco. “We’ll no doubt speak again soon.” As one, he and his dragons turned—giving us their backs to communicate their lack of fear. Whatever.

At my signal, Ian teleported all five of us to the castle entrance, where Sam, Jared, and the two squads waited on high alert.

Sam moved straight to me, but it was Ian she spoke to. “Take Marco inside; this is Hollow business.”

Marco’s spine snapped straight. “You brought me into this. That makes it my business.”

Sam snorted. “Not on your life, Marco.”

Ian teleported him out of there before Marco had the chance to object again. Within seconds, the teleporter was back.

Jared arched a brow at me. “Well?”

After I repeated the short conversation I’d had with Andres, Butch said, “My gut says that he’s telling the truth and hasn’t heard of a plan to attack our kind. And, since I think Imani’s right and he doesn’t want a war, I’d say he’s likely to pass on our message. I just don’t know if anyone will heed him.”

Sam sighed. “And that’s the problem.”

“Now that that’s over and done with, we can get back,” said Jared.

“Before we leave, I’d like to just wish Eleanor a happy birthday,” I said. We’d all been invited to the party that was currently in full swing, but I didn’t think it would be a good idea to attend. The guests would most likely be drunk out of their minds by the end of it, which meant they wouldn’t be thinking straight. That could lead to either Tait challenging me or Marco blindsiding Butch. Neither of those scenarios appealed to me.

“Not alone,” stated Butch.

“I agree,” said Jared. So, at his order, I was accompanied by him, Sam, Butch, David, Ava, and Salem through the castle and out to the massive courtyard.

David frowned. “They’re having a
rock
concert?”

I smiled. “It would seem so.”

(Butch)

Spotting Lazarus and Annalise in a VIP box, Imani mouthed, “Where’s Eleanor?”

They both pointed to the front row, near the stage. Imani shot them a smile of thanks, and then we all pushed our way through the crazy throng of dancers. Eleanor gave her a huge hug and seemed disappointed that Imani wasn’t staying, but whatever explanation Imani said into her ear had the other female nodding in understanding.

After she gave Eleanor one last hug, we all began to retreat through the tight crowd. I cursed when someone knocked into me, causing me to stumble and—in the process—separate from Imani. With a growl, I shoved my way through them, easily catching up to her since she’d come to a halt. “Keep moving, we—”

A violent tremor wracked her body. “Butch…”

I spoke into her ear. “Baby, what’s wrong?”

Turning, she blinked up at me. “I don’t know. Something…”

“What?”

“Something pricked me in the arm.” She swayed, eyes glazing over in a truly creepy way.

I examined the arm she held out just in time to watch a tiny red mark fade away.

“I don’t feel good.” Her knees buckled.

“Shit.” I lifted her, cradling her against my chest. “Hold on, baby.” I carried her to where Sam, Jared, and the others were waiting. They all stiffened at the sight of Imani in my arms.

“What’s wrong?” demanded Sam.

“No fucking idea,” I rumbled.

Lazarus and Annalise appeared at my side. “Oh my God, what happened?” asked Annalise, face creased in concern.

“I don’t know,” I replied. “She said she felt a prick in her arm. Now her eyes are misty, she can’t stay on her feet, and the occasional tremor runs through her.” I watched Lazarus take an almost unconscious step back, head shaking slightly in denial. “What do you know?” I growled.

“We must get her inside.” In vampire speed, Lazarus led us all to a parlour. “Please lay her on the sofa so I can examine her.”

I was hesitant to release her but I did as he asked. I stayed at her side and kept my hand on her hair, needing to touch her.

“Imani, where exactly did you feel the prick?” he asked, an urgency in his tone that was freaking me the fuck out. She shuddered, but she didn’t answer him. He waved his hand in front of her eyes, but they were unfocused and her pupils didn’t respond.

“She felt it in her left upper arm,” I told him. “When I looked, there was a small red mark fading away.”

His eyes flew to mine. “How small? Like an injection site?”

Come to think of it… “Yeah.”

Annalise gasped, hand flying to her chest. “Lazarus, you don’t think…”

“Think what?” snapped Sam.

Lazarus’ expression crumpled as a tremor again assailed Imani from head to toe. “Yes, Annalise, I do.”

My frustration mounting, I advanced on him, invading his personal space as I jabbed a finger at him. “You need to explain what the fuck is going on.”

As if he didn’t have the strength to support himself, he sank into a plush chair. “You remember I told you about my many attempts to create a cure for vampirism?”

“You said they haven’t been successful.”

“My last serum came very close,” Lazarus told me, but there was no excitement in his voice. “We tried it on four people. Unfortunately, the serum didn’t work in the way that we’d hoped.”

Something about his tone made the hairs on my nape rise. “What do you mean?”

“It is designed to reverse the transition we all endured as we changed from human to vampire. As such, they have to re-experience the pain and bloodlust they suffered during that transition before they are once again human.”

My fists clenched, and I barely resisted the urge—no, the need—to punch something. “You think Imani’s been injected with that serum?”

Lazarus swallowed. “It is possible.”

“She’s going to be human again?” asked
Ava.

“Not necessarily,” replied Lazarus, regret staining his eyes.

The vague answer made me growl. “What happened to the four volunteers?”

“The result differed from person to person. But in all cases, the transition didn’t
fully
reverse.”

Leaning into Salem, Ava bit her lip. “What happened to them?”

“The first was Pierce’s cousin,” said Lazarus. “Mid-way through the transition, he weakened until his strength became that of a human. He no longer craved blood. His gift faded. But he also aged at a dramatic rate until his body was that of a hundred year old man. He died of heart failure.”

A chill scuttled up my spine. “Fuck.” I scrubbed a hand over my face. My breath coming in short, soft pants, I asked, “What about the other three?”

“One developed a stronger craving for blood while at the same time aging even faster than Pierce’s cousin. She died when her organs shut down. The second vampire didn’t age at all, but he became so weak and frail that he fell into a coma and died.”

I took Imani’s hand, trying to calm the panic that was riding me hard. “What about the last volunteer?”

He looked pained. “As with the others, the reversal partly worked. But whereas they died mid-transition, he didn’t. However, his mental state remained that of a partly formed vampire. Consumed by bloodlust, he was more animal than man in his way of thinking. Saw everything as prey. We had to kill him.”

Shell-shocked, Sam gaped. “You’re saying that there’s a chance that Imani could find herself either dead or stuck mid-transition, consumed by bloodlust?”

“Yes,” sighed Lazarus. “I’m sure you remember what that’s like.”

I couldn’t recall every moment of the transition, but I remembered the bloodlust, the pain, the confusion, the high sex drive, and the pressing urge to hunt.

Salem asked the question haunting me, a question I couldn’t bring myself to voice. “So either way, she’s going to die?”

“It is likely.”

The words hit my chest like a fucking sledgehammer, causing the breath to explode out of me. No. There was no way I’d let that happen.
No. Fucking. Way
.

Lazarus sighed again. “I feel responsible.”

Right at that moment, I was holding him responsible. “You should,” I spat. “You knew the serum didn’t work, knew what it could do, but you didn’t get rid of it!”

His eyes squeezed shut as his face pinched in pain. “I did not for one moment think it would ever be misused this way.”

Jared raised a hand. “Butch, I understand you need someone to blame—”

“Imani isn’t like the others! She didn’t volunteer to take part in any trial!” I turned to Sam and pointed at the floor as I demanded, “Get Paige in here. She can fix it.”

Teeth biting down on her lower lip, Sam looked at Imani’s arm. “There’s no point, Butch, Paige can’t do it.”

“She can.”
If Paige was able to remove the taint of the Reaper’s Call, she could fix this.

But Sam shook her head. “Paige heals by taking an injury and passing it to someone else. Imani doesn’t have any wounds. The prick from the needle healed. Without a wound…”

Fuck.
I swallowed hard, and the movement hurt. “So how do we get rid of it? Don’t say we can’t. There are thousands upon thousands of vampires out there. At least one must have an ability that will somehow combat this.”