Captive Beauty: Harem of Redemption 1, page 5
Though in reality, I was exchanging one rich prick for three. Though these men felt…different. Probably because they were on the other side of the law, whereas Garrett was a creepy politician. Honestly, I didn’t know which was worse. I only knew the bosses were hardened criminals and would not treat me as kindly as Garrett had. Which was a dismal thought. Why couldn’t they just kill me and have it done with?
I startled when the cell door opened and Lucas pushed through. My nerves tingled with the sense of a predator approaching. I stood, gaining my full height which was dwarfed by the burly wolf.
Lucas halted inside the door. His eyes burned with that golden glow unique to werewolves when their wolf was close to the surface. I swallowed hard, frozen to my spot in the corner. Even if I could convince my legs to move, there was no way to escape. Not without my wand.
With lupine grace, Lucas edged closer. I steadily held his gaze, terrified he’d pounce as soon as I lost my focus. A whisper in my brain told me I was only delaying the inevitable. I’d agreed to be Zane’s pet. Would the other two really leave me alone? Doubtful.
Lucas moved forward until he was an inch away. The warmth from his large body seeped into my skin, driving away the chill. Before I could stop myself, I swayed toward him, seeking his heat. His nose ran over the top of my hair to my temple. I stilled. He inhaled deeply and a sensual growl rumbled in his chest. I shuddered at the sound.
“Fuck!” he said.
I recoiled at his unexpected outburst. Why was he cussing? I hadn’t done or said anything.
Lucas let out a groan and placed his palms on the wall behind me, on either side of my head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
He leaned in, trailing his nose down my neck. My heartbeat sped and my breath came in shallow bursts. What kind of strange wolfish behavior was this?
I’d attended the academy with the four other supernatural types, but my few friends had been witches. I had a basic knowledge of werewolves, vampires, fae, and shapeshifters but that was all. We tended to stick to our own kind.
“Wh-what are you doing?” My hands balled into fists at my sides to keep from touching him. I had the feeling if I made physical contact this situation would spiral even more out of my control.
Lucas nipped at my earlobe and I gasped. He smelled like musk and pine, an enticing combination of beast and wilderness. Not that I was going to be tempted by him—or any of them. I was a prisoner here and I wasn’t going to forget that fact.
“Zane,” I said, reminding him who I belonged to; as much as that idea made me cringe.
He pulled away. “Don’t let him hurt you. He needs you more than you know.”
Zane needed me? That didn’t make any sense. I was alive for his entertainment, nothing more. I may have skirted the perimeter of society, but I could guess what I was in for here, and how it would end.
“Why would you say that?” I asked.
Lucas growled. “Because it’s the truth. In fact, we both need you.”
Ah-ha. It turned out to be too much to hope that the others would leave me for the vampire. Were they going to pass me around? They’d soon come to realize that I’d agreed to die in Orion’s place, not be their sex toy.
“Come with me,” he said, straightening to his full height. “I’ll show you to your room.”
I blinked up at him and frowned in confusion. “My room?”
“Yes. Come.”
Was this code for something or were they not going to keep me locked in the dungeon?
We quickly and awkwardly made our way through the mansion. The place was all wide corridors, high ceilings, and dark wood. We went up a gleaming, marble staircase to the third floor. Lucas ushered me along with him. The few times I glanced at his face, his eyes still held that golden, wolfish light. Was his primal side always so close to the surface?
Down a wide hallway, Lucas opened a door to our right. He stepped back, letting me enter first. Hesitantly, I moved forward. The spacious bedroom held a dresser, wardrobe, desk, and a canopied bed. Warmth came in the form of a small fire in the hearth. A single, but large, window overlooked one side of the mansion.
Something struck me as odd about the space, but I couldn’t place it, other than it was over the top luxurious. I tried not to be impressed. I refused to be bought.
I continued to explore, finding a door leading to a bathroom, and lots of dresses in the old cedar wardrobe. Strange. The plum colored upholstery and drapes made the room feel cozy. A thick, Persian style rug covered the wooden floor. I didn’t dare go near the bed with Lucas hovering on the threshold, but the comforter was also a deep purple with fringe.
Then it struck me. Not just fringe, but old-world fringe. The entire mansion’s furnishings, the dresses, the fixtures, everything was from another time. Another century. Old, but grand and well cared for. It was both creepy and intriguing. Old money.
“Is the room comfortable enough for you?” he asked.
I turned and faced him. “Yes. It’s fine.”
A frown tugged his lips down. “Is there anything else you need?”
I knew it would be a long shot, but I asked for it anyway. “My wand.”
“You can’t have that back.”
I crossed my arms with a sigh. “Okay. But I do need my pills. There is a bottle in my coat pocket.”
“What are they? The pills.”
“I have a rare energy disorder. Without them I weaken and can’t summon my magic.”
“You won’t need your magic here.”
“No, you don’t understand. I’ve never missed a dose. I don’t know what will happen if I do.” My heart hammered against my ribcage.
“No pills.” His jaw muscles worked. “Don’t try to run. I’ll find you, now that I have your scent.” With one last sweeping gaze down my body, he exited, pulling the door closed behind him.
I rushed forward and slammed my fist on the wood. When I tried the handle it was locked. No surprise there.
Fucking asshole! I’d never been without my pills. What if I weakened and slowly succumbed to death? Were they trying to torture me? Panic and rage tightened my chest. I breathed through the dizziness.
Death. That was how this chapter of my life would end. I needed to give into it. I wanted to, but my survival instinct, after so long in that mode, was hard to suppress. The need to survive was in my every cell. It drove me onward. I knew myself. I wouldn’t give in no matter what—no matter what they did to me. Not until my last breath was ripped from my lungs. Why couldn’t death be easy?
I was sitting on the bed when the lock turned over in the door. A mousy older woman stepped inside carrying a tray and gave me a smile. The aroma made my mouth water. It was evening, more than twenty-four hours since I’d last eaten. So far, any repercussions of going without my pill hadn’t surfaced.
I’d passed the last few hours by showering, throwing on some clean clothes, and gazing out the window.
“Good evening, miss,” said the woman. She set the tray on the desk. “I brought your dinner.”
“Thanks. I’m starving.” I stood, awkwardly smoothing the silk dress I’d found in the wardrobe after my shower. Seriously, who wore silk? “My name’s Emma.”
“Maeve, miss. Nice to meet you.” She headed toward the door. “Just leave the tray there when you’re finished. I’ll come back to pick it up.”
“Wait. What… Can you tell me anything about your bosses?” Knowledge was power after all.
Her brow raised. “What would you like to know?”
“Who are Zane, Cade, and Lucas? What exactly does the Penumbra Syndicate do?” I sat down at the desk, but kept my attention on Maeve.
“Well, we used to be quite powerful until…”
“Until what?”
Maeve clasped her hands. “Best not to talk about it. I’m to deliver your meals and fetch you anything you need, that is all.”
So, she wasn’t going to give me any answers. I tried a different subject. “Have other women been held here before?”
She interlaced her fingers, gaze on the floor. “Yes, miss. But not how you think.”
Right. Like I believed that for a second. “What, ah,” I licked my lips, “what is Zane like? Do you know how he treats his pets?”
Maeve nervously shifted her weight. “I don’t know, miss. One word of caution though. Try not to anger them. The lords are not known for their kindness or mercy. Though they are not so bad if you’re obedient.”
“How powerful are they?” I leaned forward, trying to ignore the delicious food smells and get some answers.
She shook her head. “You should eat. I’ll be back later for your tray.”
I sighed in defeat as she let herself out and locked the door.
I removed the metal dome from the plate and forked up some type of fish. Starving, I shoved it in my mouth. My eyes rolled back in my head. Absolutely delicious. My tastebuds exploded with herbs I had no name for and lemon. It was so good, I let out a moan.
For the next twenty minutes, I ate and mulled over what little information Maeve had offered.
I knew nothing about the various crime families. Though members must have crossed my path before since all supernaturals were required to attend the academy. I’d been there with crime bosses’ children, but hadn’t realized it at the time.
Zane, Lucas, and Cade were older than me, I’d guess by about ten years. It was always challenging to tell with supernaturals because we aged so slowly after reaching maturity. None of us were immortal, but we lived quite a bit longer than humans.
Making sure to eat every crumb, I finally sat back, satisfied. Rich men and their delicious food. I hated them, but loved the meals.
I wandered over to the large window. Darkness had fallen hours ago but antique lamps illuminated the snow covered grounds below. I gazed past them to the forest beyond; which was little more than a dense, jagged green under the moonlight.
Orion was out there, hopefully safely back with his foolish friends. I nibbled on my thumbnail and heaved a sigh. My little brother was going to have to grow up fast. He’d never been left all alone until now. He said he wanted freedom and to go his own way. Now he had his wish. I couldn’t be there for him even if I wanted.
What the hell was I supposed to do here? Wait in this room until Zane wanted to feed?
A chill raced through me. I’d never been bitten by a vampire before, but I’d heard the experience was euphoric. It often led to sex. Sex with Zane… In any other circumstance, I’d be fully on board with that idea. He was beautiful, but from what Maeve said, he was also cruel. He could go fuck himself.
If Garret had taught me anything, it was that I was too gullible when it came to men. I’d been an easy target for him to trap in his net. Never again. These bosses wanted a piece of me? They were going to get it. And they weren’t going to like it.
My brother was safe now. I’d make it out of this alive, or die fighting. The upside was at least I wouldn’t have to face Garrett any time soon. I could only deal with so many men’s bullshit at once.
9
Lucas
Fuck me. I tore off my clothes under the cover of darkness. I needed to run, to clear my mind and get a grip. The mate bond, while being rare, was only supposed to be possible between animal shifters. Not between a wolf and a witch. And it was not supposed to be possible for me. My dark soul was too damaged to be blessed with the purity of a mate bond—for a second time. Among wolves, it was viewed as the greatest of gifts. Only once might one find our soulmate. Never twice. After the most heinous crime I’d committed, I was completely undeserving.
This was another of the enchantress’ tricks. It had to be.
With practiced ease, my body morphed into an enormous white wolf. Landing on all four paws, I lurched forward at a sprint. My pads left giant prints in the snow as I made my way into the dense woods. For a while I ran without a destination in mind. The wind ruffled my fur and stung my eyes. I darted around trees, leapt over boulders, and caught the scent of frightened wildlife on the gentle breeze.
No sign of those wicked creatures who haunted this enchanted land reached my senses. I was free to roam. At least for a while.
The run warmed my blood and cleared my head. Panting, my tongue lolling to the side, I halted. I broke the creek’s thin layer of ice to take a drink. The frigid water numbed my mouth as I lapped it up. Unfortunately, the pause was long enough for my mind to slip back to my troubled thoughts.
I’d been on the run for years after my brother’s betrayal. Since that night I did the unthinkable—the unforgivable. I pushed the blood drenched memories away.
For so long, I’d yearned to finally meet with my demise. To end this cursed life would be another blessing perhaps I didn’t deserve. Was that why the enchantress had sent Emma to me? Was the mate bond with her a kind of twisted revenge for all my bad deeds? Or, a sliver of my mind hoped, a chance for redemption?
I shuddered, my thick fur bristling. I was beyond redemption. Though the hope for it never diminished.
Staring into the forest, though not seeing it, my gut clenched and my heart pounded. Emma was my mate. Zane seemed to have a connection with her as well—or perhaps he only wanted her blood. Cade claimed to want none of her, but the fae often denied himself his desires. Could she be…the one for all of us? Possessiveness tore through me. I shoved it down.
The idea of one woman for all of us spread through me like wildfire. It consumed my every sense and blazed through my soul. Emma. Mine to protect. Ours to have and break the curse.
I turned around and headed back to the mansion at full speed. Snow caked my paws, flinging in every direction as I plowed through the woods and entered the back gardens. There, I shifted and quickly approached the door. The guard greeted me with a nod as I entered.
In the locker room on the first floor, where we all kept extra clothing and weapons, I grabbed a pair of black slacks and a T-shirt, then bounded up the staircase to find Zane. We needed to come to an understanding.
I entered his private parlor without first rapping on the door. He sat hunched over a chess board near the window. A fire roared in the hearth, casting flickering shadows on the wood paneled walls and heavy drapes.
“Why are you crashing through the manse tonight?” he asked without looking up from the solo game in progress.
“I wasn’t crashing through anywhere.”
“I could hear you on the ground floor.” Zane moved a pawn one space forward. “Are you losing your stealthy touch?”
I ignored his question. “We need to talk.”
He glanced at me as he spun the board around to play the other side. “Speak.”
“You can’t take Emma as your pet.” My fingers involuntarily curled into fists at my sides.
“Oh, this again,” Zane sounded bored.
I let out a warning growl. “No, not this again. It’s gotten complicated.” I leaned over the table. “My wolf has claimed her for his mate.”
Zane’s onyx eyes flicked up to meet mine, his hand hovering over a rook. “Now that is interesting. I thought animals only mated with animals.”
“We do.” I drew in a deep breath. “I can only assume this is possible because of her.”
“The enchantress.” Zane moved the rook closer to the king.
I grimaced. “Yes.”
He continued, “So you’ve claimed our delectable guest for yourself, but we’ve shared before. I don’t see how your animal bond with her changes that for us.”
I leaned in, gripping the table so hard the wood squeaked. “You will not draw one drop of blood from her, and I will not mark her or touch her in any way until she comes to love us. I think she’s the one for us all.”
Zane stared up at me for several long moments, then he burst into laughter. I scowled. He continued to laugh, eyes watering, and pushed away the chessboard.
“I’m fucking serious!” I straightened to my full, imposing height, and growled.
“Oh, Lucas,” he said, sniffing, “you’re fucking delusional.” He wiped his eyes and pinned me with those inky pools. “If she were to love us and break the curse, she must know us. All our flaws, bad deeds, and deepest secrets must be exposed to her. You won’t be able to hold yourself back from claiming her, as it is your nature.”
I tensed up. I couldn’t bring myself to contradict him without it sounding like a lie.
Zane rose to his feet. “You will claim and mark her. I will enjoy drinking from her and bedding her. And Cade will…do whatever he does for pleasure. There’s no way around any of that. The future, regarding Emma, is already written. All we have to do is act it out.”
I roared, overturning the table with one sweep of my hand. “She will not love us if we force her!”
“You can barely control your beast as it is. Look at you.” He sneered. “You won’t last a week without giving in to your impulses. Now, pick up those chess pieces.”
“You fucking pick them up.” I glared back. “You touch her and I’ll—”
“You’ll what? Hurt me?” Faster than a blink, he was in my face, standing so close our noses almost touched. “Don’t threaten me, pup.”
I snarled. “Fuck you, asshole. I’m serious. Don’t. Touch. Her.”
His grin was all fangs. “I make no promises. Now, get out.”
The beast inside me clawed and growled, wanting to be released. If anyone else stood before me, staring me down, I’d have already shredded him. But Zane and I…well, we’d been through our fair share of fights—with each other. Neither of us ever won, but we did an astounding amount of damage.
Most of the time, I was glad Zane was the one in charge because I didn’t have a cool enough head for such responsibilities. At other times, his authority irked the fuck out of me.
I backed down. I couldn’t protect Emma if I was wounded for any length of time. With a snap of my teeth in his face, I spun around and lumbered out of the room. Cade passed me in the hallway. He shot me a curious glance before entering Zane’s parlor. Fuck them both.
