Born Of The Blood Page 5

  Oh, what she wanted to do to his body. If only they were alone.

  Daniel was beside himself as he looked at Jessie’s hips moving from side to side under his hands. Her skin was warm as it seeped into him. Her shoulders rolled back as the music moved through them. God, she was beautiful. Her hands trailed down his chest and he desperately wanted them to keep going. He sucked in his breath as they played with the waist line of his jeans. Her dainty fingers dancing along the sensitive skin. He wanted her, right here, right now.

  He looked up as Aria danced with Bender, and Helena with Colt. Drew was bringing Tasha on the dance floor. He looked back to Jessie. Her beautiful, light brown eyes were staring right at him, and as if their minds were one, he could read exactly what she was thinking. She wanted him.

  He looked back up and realized nobody was paying him, or Jessie, any attention. They could easily sneak out of here. He took her hand to lead her off the dance floor.

  Jessie followed Daniel, her hand in his. This was it. Finally, she was going to know what it feels like to be a woman. To be Daniel’s woman.

  She was so lost in thought, she didn’t realize Daniel had stopped, and she ran into his back. She peeked around his shoulders to see Justin and Robb standing in front the stairs, arms crossed, feet apart, blocking their path. They stared down Daniel with murder in their eyes.

  “Songs not over,” Justin said through clenched teeth.

  “It is for me,” Daniel replied. Jessie had to admire the way Daniel stood up to her brothers. Robb and Justin were intimidating. Then again, Daniel was a Gregorian and belonged to the strongest pack in the world.

  “It’s not happening, mutt,” Robb said. “Turn around.”

  “We’re her brothers,” Justin said. “And she will be staying down here where we can see her at all times. By the way, I know it was you that put butt paste in my toothpaste tube.”

  Daniel cracked a smile. “Please tell me you found out by using it.”

  “I did. Stay out of our house, mutt.”

  “Look, I’m trying to be nice right now,” Daniel said. “Out of respect for Jessie, but call me a mutt again and I won’t be so nice.”

  Jessie could feel the tension between the three men, so thick she would need a chainsaw to get through it. If she didn’t stop this, then there would be blood drawn. She glanced back at the stairs that led to Daniel’s room with all hope of seeing it fading away.

  It wasn’t happening tonight.

  “Okay, enough.” Jessie stepped out from behind Daniel. “Enough. Come on, Daniel.”

  She led him back to the bar and made him sit on the stool next to her.

  “Sorry,” Daniel said. “I’m really not trying to pick a fight with your family.”

  “I know. They can be annoying. They’re just protective of me.”

  “I get it.”

  Jessie looked at Daniel as he smiled at her. He was just as protective of Ashley. She knew he liked her family enough, and she knew her family liked him. It was just a different story when it came to her. It almost made her feel like a piece of meat being fought over. Tugged in one direction and then another. Meanwhile, the way she wanted to go was disappearing every day.

  She was torn from her thoughts as Drew came over and tapped Daniel on his back.

  “You want to play?” Drew asked, nodding to the stage. Daniel was a part of the house band, Midnight Sabbath, along with Drew and Boyd. Daniel played the drums and was very good. Daniel looked back to Jessie.

  “Go for it.”

  “I’ll be right there,” he said to his brother.

  Daniel stood and then leaned down, his lips brushing hers then trailing to her ear.

  “One day we will be alone,” he whispered so low only she could have possibly heard it. “And on that day, I’ll be the one never letting you out of my sight.”

  Jessie took in a deep breath before he left her. She watched him jump on the stage with ease and take his place behind his drum set. Every muscle rippling with each movement.

  “Hey, Jessie!” Dani called out. Jessie looked over as Dani waved for her to sit next to her. Jessie got up and walked back to the corner, taking a seat beside Dani.

  With the arrival of Robb, also came Ty and Nathan. Jessie looked over to them as they leaned against the wall, Nathan looking bored as usual, and Ty looking arrogant as he puffed his chest. Both were lone wolves that her father had taken in. Nathan was about six one and lean. His sandy blond hair was short and straight. More man than wolf. Ty was about an inch taller, and nearly opposite in looks. He was strong and broad. His dark hair fell to his shoulders and his aviator glasses were tucked in the pocket of his grey T-shirt. He was more wolf than man and the light reflected off his pupils. Her brother’s and father’s eyes did the same, which is why they usually wore their sunglasses everywhere, even indoors. Tonight was a rare exception. The bar was closed to humans tonight in celebration of Dani and Brandon.

  “They’re really good!” Dani shouted over the music. The band was covering Imagine Dragons Believer. Drew played guitar and Boyd sang as Daniel pounded away on his drums. Jessie became lost when she looked at Daniel play. He never let up and never missed a beat. She could see the sweat dripping down his forehead as he shook it out of his eyes. He did have a raw manliness about him that sent her hormones flying.

  “What’s wrong with you?”

  Jessie looked over to Ty as he stood over Brandon. Brandon rolled his eyes before adjusting in his seat and then returning to ignoring Ty. Ty was a bully. That’s really the only way Jessie could put it. He had some good qualities and he protected the pack, but in the end, he was a bully. And Brandon was an easy target.

  “Leave him alone, Ty,” Jessie said.

  “Awe, is the poor baby sad,” Ty said in a mock baby voice, ignoring Jessie. “Does the poor baby need his mommy? Too bad she’s dead.”

  Brandon usually just let the insults roll off of him. But tonight was different. Jessie could see it in his body. Tense and ready to pounce. She could see it in his eyes as he glared at Ty. Calculating. It could have been the Change or it could have been that Brandon was just tired of taking Ty’s crap, but either way, nobody was expecting what came next.

  Jessie watched as Brandon leapt in the air. A loud thud echoed out and blood sprang from Ty’s lip. Brandon stood, his fists in the air, as Ty wiped his lip.

  “You stupid mutt!” Ty screamed.

  Ty swung. Brandon stepped back, dodging the blow and swung in time to land one into Ty’s ribs. Ty turned around just as Brandon swung down, landing another blow to Ty’s face. Quickly dodging and delivering punches, Jessie noticed how fast Brandon had become, but Brandon’s speed was fading, and he got a full fist to his face. He staggered back before launching again. He knocked Ty to the ground and punched him. Ty kicked him back and then he was on top of Brandon. Brandon took hit after hit, trying to protect his face and ribs at the same time. Blood was seeping from Brandon’s eyebrow and nose, and soon he wasn’t even able to keep his arms up.

  “Stop, Ty!” Jessie shouted. She looked to Robb. “Do something!”

  “They need to fight it out, Jessie. Give Brandon a chance to stand up for himself.”

  Dani made to move for her brother, but Justin held her back.

  “Ty!” Jessie shouted again. Brandon had managed another punch, but was met with three more. He was still weak from the Change and Ty had a lot of practice with hitting things.

  She could already see Brandon’s eye swelling up and his lips were covered in blood. She looked back to Robb, pleading with him to end this.

  “All right, Ty,” Robb said. “That’s enough.”

  But Ty wasn’t stopping.

  “Ty!” Robb shouted. He went to grab for Ty, but Ty slung him back, sending him skirting to the ground.

  Jessie couldn’t take this anymore. She went to grab Ty’s shoulder, but before she touched him, his body flew through the air, sailing across the room, and coming to a screeching halt in front of the
door.

  Everyone went silent. The band stopped playing. Jessie could hear her heart pounding in her chest. Panic set in as everyone turned to her. She looked to her brothers and then down to her hands.

  “Jessie,” Robb said, inching to her.

  “I’m fine, Robb.”

  Jessie turned and held her hand out for Brandon. He eyed her before he took it. He winced as he stood and then stared at her like everyone else.

  Daniel quickly ran to her side, cupping her face in his hands.

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  “Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just tired of Ty’s crap.” She looked back and everyone was still staring at her. Their faces coming in and out of focus.

  “You’re bleeding,” Daniel said. Jessie looked at him confused and then she felt it.

  The slow trickle of blood down the top of her lip.

  She wiped her nose then looked down at the blood covering her fingers. It was so dark, it was black. Now she knew why everyone was staring at her. Only demons had black blood. She felt the room spinning and everyone’s faces meshed. She looked back at Daniel, trying to focus. She could see the concern in his eyes… and the curiosity. Then she saw nothing at all. She felt the floor drop from under her, arms wrapping around her, and then darkness.

  ***

  Daniel paced the room as Helena crouched over Jessie.

  “She’s fine,” Robb said. “She just needs to go home.”

  “She passed out,” Dani said. “She’s not fine.”

  Daniel saw the look Robb give Dani, and then Dani give one right back.

  “I can’t find anything wrong with her,” Helena said, standing up.

  “She’s just tired,” Justin said. “She was up all night and then all day with the twins.”

  Brandon flinched next to Daniel. He glanced at the wolf. Brandon kept his head down as he held the ice pack to his face. He didn’t know Brandon all that well, but from what Jessie had told him, Brandon was a good kid with a sensitive heart. Brandon probably blamed himself for the fight that led to Jessie’s over exertion.

  “I’m taking her home.” Robb picked his sister up. She fell limp in his arms as he carried her to the front of the bar.

  “I’m going with you.” Daniel reached for his keys, but Robb cut him off.

  “No. She’s safe. We’re her family. We can take care of our own.”

  And on that note, Robb carried her out of the bar and into the night.

  Daniel stood in the middle of the bar, staring at the door. He felt so helpless. He should be protecting her. He should be the one carrying her.

  It didn’t take long for the bar to clear out. Daniel just stared at the door. He wasn’t sure how much time had passed. He desperately wanted to go after her. He wanted to hold her. He wanted…

  He heard voices to his left and turned to the bar. His sister and the Dark Lords stood around it.

  “Black blood?” Aria asked. “How is that possible?”

  “I don’t know,” Bender replied. “I’ve never seen a Cambion with black blood. Have you, Ashley?”

  “No. Our blood is red from our human side. We barely have any trace of demon in us other than our powers and immortality.”

  “Oh, is that all,” Helena said.

  “Bite me,” Ashley said. Helena winked at her before turning back to the group.

  “Never mind the blood,” Boyd said. “Did you see the way she threw Ty across the room without even touching him?”

  “I’ve heard of witches with telekinetic abilities, and even some humans,” Ashley said. “But never a werewolf.”

  “Nothing was wrong with her?” It was Bender that asked Helena. Helena shook her head.

  “Nothing. She just passed out.”

  Daniel had heard enough.

  “Nothing is wrong with her,” Daniel said. They all looked at him.

  “Daniel,” Ashley said. “We’re only concerned about her.”

  “Stop talking about her like she’s a problem you have to deal with. Stop talking about her all together. She’s not your concern.”

  Ashley moved to touch him, but he backed away. He was hurt from being shut out by Jessie’s family. He was anxious to know how she was doing. He was angry that there was nothing he could do. He just wanted to hold her. He just wanted to care for her.

  He took off out of the bar. When he broke into the night air he let his body shift, ripping his clothes from his body. Things were easier in wolf form. They were simple.

  He took off towards the bayou, taking the long way around so no one would see him. The sun was starting to come up as he ran deeper into the swamps until he reached the small house Jessie called home.

  He knocked on the cottage door and waited. Nothing. He knocked again. Some shuffling of boots echoed through the house. The door opened and Justin stood in the doorway.

  “Geez! Put some clothes on, Daniel,” Justin said, looking away. Daniel took a step back and wished he had thought this through.

  “Sorry. I left them at the bar when I shifted. I just wanted to see Jessie.”

  “You’re not seeing her naked, and she’s still sleeping.”

  “I’m not going to wake her.”

  “You’re not going anywhere near her naked. Sleeping or not. Go home, Daniel.”

  “I’ll get some clothes and come back then.”

  Justin shook his head as the door swung open wider. Robb stood next to his brother.

  “You’re not coming back. I told you she isn’t your concern.” Robb’s words sliced through Daniel.

  “I just want to see her,” he pleaded.

  “And I just want you to leave.” Robb took a step out of the door. “Don’t make me make you.”

  “You can’t make me, even if you wanted,” Daniel said.

  “You want to bet?” He saw Robb’s eyes flash and his hands rolled into fists at his sides.

  “Robb! Enough!” Rickon stood next to his son. “Daniel, I know you care for Jessie, but there really is nothing you can do. There’s nothing any of us can do. She just needs to sleep. I can’t make you go, but I am asking you to. I’ll call you when she wakes.”

  Daniel didn’t want to leave, but there really was nothing he could do for Jessie, and his presence was just making things worse with her family. Daniel looked at Rickon and nodded.

  “Please, let me know as soon as she wakes up.”

  “I will.”

  Daniel shot one more glance at Robb before he turned back, shifting into wolf form, and took off out of the bayou.

  Robb watched Daniel leave. He didn’t hate the Gregorian, he just didn’t like him. What Jessie saw in him, Robb didn’t know, or want to know.

  Robb walked back in the house and shut the door behind him. It had been a long night. He was exhausted, but he couldn’t sleep now. Jessie was in trouble and he needed to stay awake and alert. She had never had an outburst like that before. It was his fault. He should have stopped the fight sooner. He just thought if Ty and Brandon finally had it out, then they could move past their issues. He didn’t mean for it to get so out of hand.

  And worse, everyone had seen her blood. There was no hiding it anymore. It was only a matter of time before everyone knew the truth.

  The door knocked again.

  Robb looked to it, ready to pound Daniel into the ground. He stormed over and swung the door wide open only to stop in his tracks. Agnes stood in front of him, her long hair braided to the side and cascading over her shoulder.

  “Your father called me,” Agnes said. She stood tall and unafraid. He guessed she didn’t need to be afraid of a pack of werewolves. She was the most powerful witch he had ever met. She could annihilate them all in the blink of an eye. A scary thought and one he preferred not to think about.

  “Her powers are growing,” Robb said.

  “You knew they would,” she replied calmly, taking a step into the house.

  Robb took a step out of the way to give her room. She moved with grace, her round hips sw
inging from one side to the other. Her dress touched the floor, flowing loosely from her body. It didn’t need to be skin tight to know she had a perfect figure under it. Her dark skin glowed against the yellow silk fabric. Her gold bracelets lacing her bare arms. She was a very beautiful woman, but not one Robb dared to dance with. He knew she was just as deadly as she was beautiful.

  “She’s in her room,” Robb said. Agnes nodded to him and then disappeared down the hall.

  Justin came back inside and sat down at the kitchen table. Robb walked over to him and took a seat next to him.

  “Is Brandon okay?” Robb asked.

  “Yeah. He blames himself though.”

  “He shouldn’t. It was my fault. I should have broken it up.”

  “It’s not your fault. And it’s not Brandon’s. Ty needs to learn how to get along with the pack. He’s been a lone wolf for too long.”

  “Maybe.” Robb looked back down the hallway. A few minutes later, Agnes reemerged with his father beside her. They walked in to the living room talking quietly to each other. Robb stood up and walked over to them.

  “Can’t you make the binding spells stronger?” his father asked.

  “The spells are strong,” Agnes replied. “They just aren’t lasting long enough. Whenever Jessie is under emotional stress, her powers become unleashed.”

  “Unleashed?’ Robb asked.

  “Yes. They break free of my binds. I’m guessing though that this is happening a lot.”

  “We haven’t seen it,” Rickon said.

  “My guess is Jessie is learning to control them. Trying to keep them hidden from you. It’s not the worst idea, but she can’t have both. She needs to decide if she wants to be a wolf or a witch. As long as she keeps doing both, they will keep fighting inside her. Her blood has already turned black. Once the disease sets in, there’s nothing I can do to stop it.”

  Agnes touched Robb’s shoulder before she left the way she had come. Robb turned to his father.

  “What do we do?” Robb asked.

  “We do what we always have done. We protect her.”

  “And what about the Gregorian pack? They all saw her blood.”