The Bite That Binds

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

(Sam)

Opening my eyes at dusk, I found Jared’s gaze locked on me. I didn’t get my usual boyish smile. There was a combination of adoration, mystification, and anxiety in his odd expression, making me frown. His words distracted me from quizzing him about it.

“You kicked me out of the bed in your sleep.”

My eyebrows flew up. “Say again?”

“You were mumbling something too. What was your dream about?”

Thinking hard, I quickly remembered. “The brothers. I dreamed that they’d come for me now that the changes are complete. They will, won’t they?”

“They’re eccentric enough to try. I won’t let them take you.” He ran the pad of his thumb along my cheekbone, seemingly drinking in every detail of my face like nothing else existed.

“It’s the Keja allure,” I reminded him, feeling a little sour that the person I loved was only gazing at me like that because of some preternatural enchantment.

Frowning, he shook his head. “It’s you. Just you.” He nipped my bottom lip. “You’ve never had to do anything to make me want you. It’s…almost visceral.” As if to demonstrate that, he then hooked my leg over his hip and surged inside me. Every thrust was smooth, deliberate, and sensual. Not once did he even slightly up his pace. No matter how many tricks I tried, he didn’t speed up, didn’t move harder, didn’t handle me with anything but reverence. I sensed why. He was determined to remain in total control of himself, intent on proving to me that he wasn’t swept away by any Keja allure; that he was inside me for no other reason than that he wanted to be there.

When he finally came, it was with his eyes locked tight to mine. “It’s just you,” he repeated, his voice husky. “Don’t ever doubt that.” As if to ensure that I didn’t, he did the exact same thing again in the shower. Or maybe that was just because he had an overactive libido.

It was as we sat at the breakfast bar, drinking NSTs and eating cereal, that there was a knock at the apartment door. No sooner had Jared opened it than the entire squad barged inside and piled in the kitchen. They all seemed to sag in relief when they saw I was fine. Then they were all staring, open-mouthed. Not so much in admiration of the new allure, but in surprise − despite the occasional compliment, they really thought of me as one of the boys as opposed to a woman. It had only ever been Max who behaved differently on that score.

Currently, his face was scrunched up in confusion rather than admiration. “Is this and your super strength good changes or bad changes? I mean, yeah, power’s good but for you to actually change in any way, like with the irises…” He let the sentence trail, knowing we’d get his point.

I shrugged. “I don’t know.” I addressed them all as I said, “I can’t say much about it. Not because I don’t trust you lot, but because − as Ryder will soon show − there are other ways of getting information from people. All I will say is that these changes will only be temporary.”

Harvey frowned. “What’s with the mercury rings to your irises anyway? Don’t get me wrong, they’re nice.” He smiled at Jared’s growl.

Sighing, I shrugged again. “No idea.” I felt bad that I had to be so secretive. This was my squad, and there had to be total trust between us all. I didn’t want that to change but if they felt slightly embittered by my failure to be totally open with them, it might just happen.

As if he had guessed my train of thought, Chico patted my back once. “Hey, we get it. You’re trying to protect us and protect yourself.” The others nodded.

“Yeah, we might not know what’s going on,” began Damien. “But it’s obvious that it’s some weird shit. Unless it’s something we need to know that you’re not telling us, then only then is it a problem for me. But I trust that you’d tell us if we did need to know.” Again, the others nodded.

I smiled at them. “Thanks for getting it.”

“So, I’m guessing Magda’s nothing but ashes now. Which one of you killed the bitch?” asked Max. When neither Jared nor I responded, he narrowed his eyes. “She’s still alive? Tell me that you guys have at least sent her packing.”

When he again received no response, each of the squad either cursed, sighed, or groaned in annoyance. Well of course they did: they all had big hard-ons for Magda − and not good ones.

“In a couple of evenings, she’ll be gone,” I stated. “I’m pretty sure she won’t bother me in the meantime. Not after what happened last night.”

Unfortunately, my words didn’t seem to have placated them. In fact, Max looked about to have an outburst. The sudden ringing of my mobile phone distracted everyone. Not in the mood to hear any of the squad rant and support Jared’s argument that she should leave, I took advantage of the distraction and quickly scarpered to the bedroom to answer my phone.

(Jared)

I sighed at Sam’s retreating back. She’d known that we would all gang up on her, attempt to pressure her into changing her mind. Luckily for her, she’d been saved by the bell − or cell, as the situation might be.

“Why are you keeping Magda around?” demanded Max in an abrasive whisper. “Please don’t tell me you still have feelings for her or something. Coach doesn’t deserve—”

I held up a hand, barely refraining from balling said hand into a fist and smashing it into the guy’s jaw. “Whoa there, Slaphead. The only thing I feel for Magda is pure and utter contempt, so get your facts straight before saying shit like that.”

“You’re saying it’s Coach who wants her to stay?” asked David. “Why?”

Realisation appeared to dawn on Chico, and he sighed tiredly. “Coach is as ruthless as they come, isn’t she?” The others all seemed to understand too…bar one.

“I don’t get it,” said Harvey. No surprise there. He was great at forming strategies, but common sense seemed to be something he lacked.

“I want her gone,” I explained, “but Sam’s determined that she stays. She wants Magda to be in close proximity when she feels the blood-link break so that she can’t escape the physical pain of it. I’ve tried talking her out of it, but Sam thinks of this as the worst possible revenge.”

“I hate to say it, but she’s right,” said Salem. I nodded, sighing.

“We’ll get going,” announced Chico. “See you later.” Giving me respectful nods, the squad then left the kitchen, heading for the front door.

Max, however, lingered. “You swear that you don’t still have feelings for Magda? That you’re not going to betray Coach like that?”

I snorted. “I’m not even going to credit that fucked-up question with an answer. And what does any of this have to do with you anyway? Still have some delusion that you and Sam will get together?” If he did, I’d have to rid him of that very quickly.

“No.” The tension left his body, and he exhaled heavily. His tone was no longer confrontational when he spoke. “Look, I cared about her. Still do a little; I admit that. But I don’t care about her the way you do. To you, she’s all there is. For me, it was never that intense. If you want the truth, when you two got together I was more upset with myself than the situation.”

That surprised me. And confused me, actually. “With yourself?”

“Like you, I have a guard up. Don’t deny that you have it. I can see it in another person. Coach is a great girl, but I hadn’t been able to lower that guard for her. I’d wanted to, but I couldn’t. Maybe, in time, that would have happened, but maybe it wouldn’t have. And I can’t help thinking that if I can’t lower my guard for someone as great as her, then I’m never going to lower it for anyone, am I?”

Huh. I sure wouldn’t have guessed that that had been his issue. Odd how we could be similar in having a guard up like that, and yet we were still so different − unlike him, I didn’t resent the protective walls I had. Figuring honesty deserved honesty, I told him, “I’d never wanted to let my guard down, never wanted to let other people in. So maybe if letting someone in could still happen for me, it’s even more likely that it can happen for you. I know I’d never have done it for anyone other than Sam, though.”

He seemed to consider that for a moment. “So what you’re saying is that it’s a matter of finding the right person?”

I shrugged, thinking it was kind of strange to be giving advice to a guy that I’d happily strangle. “Maybe.”

“Like fate?”

“I’m not sure if I really believe in that, but, yeah, I guess − taking into account the large population − there’s a probability that each person’s going to have someone who’s well suited to them. Just because you’re a prick doesn’t mean there isn’t someone out there who won’t find that a problem,” I added, smiling.

He laughed. “You’re a prick, too, you know.”

“I know. But I wouldn’t hurt Sam. You don’t need to protect her from me, and you should note that it pisses me off when you try.”

“I’m not protective of her because I want her. She’s someone I look up to, who I admire, who’s given me a lot of the strengths that I have. I treated her badly at the beginning, and then again when she got together with you. I feel like I owe her for all of that, for who I am now, but it’s hard to give something back to someone who’s ten times more powerful than you.”

Yeah, I got that. “The thing is…if you tried to repay her for anything, she’d tell you that she doesn’t give to receive and then she’d bitch-slap you. Believe me, I know.”

He chuckled. “You’re probably right.” He went to leave but then turned back. “Whether you believe me or not, I am happy for you guys.”

“Good. It means I don’t have to slit your throat.”

Rolling his eyes, he waved and left.

It was a moment later that Sam returned to the kitchen. “That was Antonio,” she said, hopping onto the bar stool to finish her cereal. “He was just letting me know what rumours he’s let circulate that will explain to everyone why I’m suddenly so strong. They’re all now under the impression that a few weeks ago, as a reward for defending The Hollow, he had used his gift of bestowing power on me so that I could develop another gift. The general belief is that this has finally manifested itself by simply making my present gifts and qualities stronger.”

I had to give Antonio full points for his creativity and quick thinking. “People are buying it, without question?”

“He said it seems that people don’t particularly care why I’m suddenly so strong; they’re only interested insofar as it means I’m capable of protecting them. Some had wondered about the mercury ring to my irises, apparently, but Antonio had suggested to them that my having a large amount of power inside me was bound to be visible in some way.”

“I suppose they’re likely to believe it, since they have no reason to think Antonio would lie to them.”

“He said the same thing. I think he feels bad about it and I can understand that, but they can’t know the truth.”

“They won’t. Besides, the brothers will be found soon enough and then they’ll return you to the way you were.”

“You don’t like my new qualities?” she teased.

“I like all your qualities, but I don’t like anything that puts you in danger.”

“Good, because this Keja allure has the potential to severely piss me off.”

Same here, since the ogling would now be worse than it already was. Not that Sam realised just how much people drooled over her. But I’d sure as hell noticed, and I’d sure as hell…strongly suggested…that they didn’t do it again. “People are going to wonder about the Keja allure, too.”

“Antonio’s already on top of that. He told everyone that the new mesmerising effect was a Binding gift from one of the many vampires in his bloodline. No one’s going to question that either − the ability to impart bewitching glamour isn’t an uncommon gift to have.”

True enough. One of Magda’s vampires had had that very gift and had used it on her, which had been the main reason why she had been able to have me so infatuated with her once-upon-a-time. It was probably why Brook was so infatuated with her, too. On that topic…“You’re sure I can’t convince you to banish Magda back to the hole she crawled out of?”

Sam shook her head. “Nope. I think I’ve proven that I don’t need protecting from her. So drop it.”

I shrugged unrepentantly. “I told you, baby, I’ll always try to protect you, even though I know you’re perfectly capable of protecting yourself.” Watching her lick a stray cornflake from her spoon, I couldn’t help feeling a little jealous of that particular piece of cutlery right then. As if she sensed that, an impish grin surfaced on her face. “You’re a tease. Do you know that?”

She copied my unrepentant shrug. “It’s not my fault you’re a randy bastard with a one-track mind.”

“Come on, let’s get ready for tonight’s entertainment. I have a feeling you’re going to love it.”

(Sam)

At any other time, I would have been seriously irritated by the way my previous non-supporters were suddenly giving me respectful nods or admiring smiles – of course I was glad to be finally accepted as the last thing I wanted was for Jared to have to step down from his position as Heir, but it was annoying to know that I was around such two-faced, fickle people. One demonstration of power and they all wanted us to be chums. I don’t bloody think so.

But at this moment, I didn’t give a shit. As Jared had predicted, I was loving tonight’s entertainment. I’d always wanted to go to a Caribbean street party, so this was an absolute treat for me. Jared also seemed to be truly enjoying himself as the colourful floats and parades wound through the streets of The Hollow, lending an extraordinary level of energy to the evening. It was even affecting Dexter: his tattoo form was slinking around and I could sense how stimulated and animated he was feeling.

Live music, torch lights, and flamboyant, vibrant, feathery costumes all added to the feel of the evening. The atmosphere was light and fun, made all the more better by the smells of various Caribbean delicacies that were being prepared at each of the food booths − all of which were delicious by anyone’s standards. There were also craft tents and game stalls, as well as the occasional sideshow.

Every single resident of The Hollow was allowed to be part of the celebrations. And they really were celebrating the Binding now that I’d been totally accepted. Just like the masqueraders, they all practically danced their way along the streets, going from stall to stall, and tanking themselves up on food and rum flavoured NSTs.

With our bodies meshed together, swaying sensually to the rhythm of the music currently playing, Jared and I watched the parade in total awe. Taking the hand that I’d had curled around his neck, he held it in front of him, turning it this way and that way, admiring the speckles of energy that dripped from my fingers like fairy dust.

“I think it’s because of how hectic the night is,” I told him. “So much positive energy around us.” I shaped it into a silvery-blue energy ball, surprised by how substantial it looked. Curious, I told Jared, “Hold out your hand.”

His brows arched in surprise, but he did as I’d asked. Carefully, I rolled the ball onto the palm of his hand. Rather than immediately disintegrating as it should have done since Jared wasn’t a Feeder, it remained in shape.

Jared jerked his head back. “Wow. Does the energy always buzz against your skin like that?”

I smiled. “Yep. Feels odd, but nice, doesn’t it?”

He smiled in agreement, watching with me as the ball stayed as it was for a good ten seconds before visibly weakening, until it sort of winked out.

“My whip’s stronger as well.”

“Which means it will hurt more. That would be a good thing if you didn’t use it on me.”

“Let me have my way in all things and I’ll never have to.”

His snort told me that that would never happen. But then, things would be boring if it did.

I smelt the High Master Vampire before he tapped my shoulder. Swerving around, I felt my eyebrows fly up as Ricardo and his consort bowed their heads respectfully. I repeat, respectfully. “Are you taking the piss?”

Ignoring my question, Ricardo spoke in a courteous tone. “I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge last night. That was an impressive display of power. I have to say, it was quite ruthless of you to toy with Magda and allow her to believe she was winning the duel for a while. I admire that.”

“So you’re staying for the ceremony?”

He cocked his head. “In all honesty, I think that I would have stayed regardless. You may be, by far, the least polite person I have ever met, but I strangely find myself liking you.”

Oddly enough, I was quite happy about that. Although Ricardo hadn’t exactly been friendly at any point, I didn’t dislike him. He had been looking out for his bloodline, and that wasn’t something I could fault him for. In fact, it was a shame that all vampires weren’t like that. I’d certainly have appreciated it if Victor had been like that. “You know something? I like you too, Rick.”

His smile shrunk slightly. “It is Ricardo.”

“Right, that’s what I said.”

It was at that moment that Bran, Connelly, Kaiser, Rowan, and Marcia approached. Oh joy.

Connelly smiled affectionately at us. “I do not wish to anger you,” he said to Jared, “but it is impossible not to comment on how beautiful the mercury glow is.”

Well of course my irises were glowing – Jared had been grinding against me for the past half hour as we swayed, whispering sensual promises into my ear, so it was hardly surprising that I was horny. I wasn’t impressed by the fact that my arousal would be so easily evident to others. I could now relate to the plight of blokes and how they were unable to hide their arousal.

Jared laughed at Connelly’s comment. “I can’t blame you for that.”

“Yes, it is very unique,” said Bran. “I have to wonder if it was wise of Antonio to bestow power onto someone who was already extremely strong.”

Kaiser grunted his agreement. “Does it feel uncomfortable to have such an immense quantity of power inside you? Does it make you feel bloated?”

I shook my head. “It feels kind of…uplifting.”

Rowan spoke then. “I admit to feeling placated now that I have seen just what you can do.”

I snorted. “Forgive me if I’m not bowled over by the comment, considering you’ve been a bit of an arse.”

His mouth twitched into a smile. Not an ugly smile, but still self-satisfied and slightly mischievous. “But − as it turned out − it wasn’t anything you couldn’t handle, was it?”

Seeing that Marcia’s smile matched his, I realised something. “You two had been baiting me, hadn’t you? You’d wanted me to lose control, to show you my gifts?”

Marcia jiggled her head. “That was partly the motive. But it was also important for us to see if you would easily turn on your own kind. In the past, leaders have ruled by instilling fear − punishing anyone who disagreed with their decisions or dared to question them. We want to feel comfortable voicing our thoughts, want that assurance that we will be heard and not punished.”

That I could understand. Antonio ruled in such a way, and it had always worked. Everyone respected him for it.

“You gave as good as you got,” continued Marcia, “but you did not physically harm any of us. That spoke volumes about what kind of leader you would be.”

Huh. “I still think you’re a bit of a snob.”

Marcia laughed, sounding delighted. “Not something I haven’t heard before. Much like you, I do not believe in changing who I am to suit other people.”

That was something I could respect. Having exchanged nods with both Jared and me, the five vampires walked away.

“Since I arrived at The Hollow, I’ve been constantly tested one way or another,” I griped to Jared.

He smiled. “You think it was any different for me? Although I’d passed the try-outs and earned a spot in the legion, I hadn’t been promoted to commander straight away. That came later, and it hadn’t been easy. I wasn’t appointed as Heir until after I’d intercepted a direct attack on Antonio − twice. I hadn’t expected him to give me that position in a million years. There are lots of vampires in the legion who are older than me and have served him a hell of a lot longer than I have. Everyone was curious as to why he would select me. They knew I was powerful, but that hadn’t been enough for them to be comfortable with me.”

“So they tested you?”

“Yep, just like they tested you. They were rude, they were patronising, and they repeatedly goaded me. One of them even challenged me. Not like Magda challenged you. No, they challenged me for my position. That was something I wasn’t prepared to lose.”

“Who?” I’d kill the twat.

“You haven’t met him, because he’s dead.”

Oh, good.

“He was a very old, very powerful, very well-known vampire, but I won. And I ensured that I made a spectacle of this bastard who had been a huge problem for Antonio over the years − no swift, clean death. I fought fairly, but I didn’t make it quick and painless. And no one forgot that. They didn’t want a leader who was dishonourable, but nor did they want one who gave mercy to those who didn’t deserve it. You did that very same thing to Magda, and no one will ever forget that either.”

Hearing my name being called, I turned my head. My eyes widened when I noticed two very familiar faces dancing on one of the floats passing us, waving like crazy. “Oh dear God.”

Jared’s gaze followed my line of vision and he laughed. Who wouldn’t? The feathery, sequin-covered eye-masks that they had clearly made themselves should have made Fletcher and Norm look completely daft, but they somehow suited them. It was their idea of dancing that was so amusing. It looked more like they were hyperventilating.

Having jumped down from the float that they had clearly hitched a ride on, they both dashed over to us. As usual, Fletcher gave me a tight hug. “Isn’t this party bloody brilliant?”

“I know, it’s amazing. I love it.”

Norm, too, gave me a hug. Pulling back, he studied my eyes and smiled knowingly. “The mercury’s glowing.”

I tensed. “Tell me the truth. Does it look bad?”

Jared groaned in frustration, tugging me to him and enfolding me in his arms again. “I’ve told you, it looks anything but bad.”

I huffed. “You would say that – you like sex.”

Laughing, Fletcher agreed with Jared, “It doesn’t look bad at all. It looks quite sexy actually.”

“Sexy,” repeated Norm, though he was looking directly at an unsuspecting Jared − it wasn’t an uncommon thing.

Unlike Jared, Fletcher hadn’t missed that and he shot his boyfriend a scowl that swore repercussions.

Norm snickered. “Oh you can look, but I can’t?”

“I’m pleased we’ve sorted that out,” replied Fletcher with a cheeky smile that made Norm gape in outrage. Turning back to me, Fletcher said, “Widow Twankey’s nowhere to be seen. Does that mean she’s gone?” When I shook my head, he gave me a castigating look. “You must have a screw loose to keep her around. Well, at least she’s not here at the party.”

Right at that moment, I couldn’t have cared less where she was. With Jared wrapped around me and the fabulous atmosphere, the woman didn’t seem important. We continued to dance and eat and dance and eat…right up until sunrise when the street party finally ended, culminating in an amazing firework display.

Even if the street party hadn’t been so incredible, we would still have enjoyed the night. We had a list of reasons to be happy. I had been totally accepted by all so there was no longer any worry that Jared may have to step down from his position. Magda and Brook were very wisely keeping a low profile. There had been no more bouts of excruciating pain or attacks of bloodlust. And my gifts were now under total control − not to mention stronger.

But our contentedness only lasted until dusk when we received a message from Antonio, summoning us to meet with him. Ryder had got the information we needed.