Red Moon Secrets (Deadly Beauties #3) Page 2

  "I'm going upstairs and sleeping this off," I mumble in a choked whisper.

  "I'll come with you, honey," Mom says, rubbing her hand on my shoulder as she pulls me to her.

  I just nod and try not to fall apart in her arms. She has an imposter posing as her, and I still don't know what happened. I need to know. Hell, I need a distraction.

  "Why did they take you, and how did you get out?"

  She sighs out as Drackus trails behind us.

  "How about tea before you go to bed? There's a lot to tell."

  I just nod, willing to accept anything to soothe me.

  As Drackus sets a kettle on to boil, Mom pulls up a barstool and sits down beside me behind the counter.

  "They took me from the training camp when I was getting ready for bed. I never heard them, felt them approaching, or even sensed a presence. A couple of words in a chanted spell knocked me on my ass like I've never been taken out before.

  "I woke up in a cell; one with crested bars full of incantations engraved along the iron. It was complex and incredibly powerful – powerful enough to keep me imprisoned without fail.

  "No one ever spoke to me, touched me, or even bothered to check on me. It's a good thing immortals can't starve to death, because I would have. I assume I'm only alive because they either couldn't kill me or they need something I hid with a spell.

  "Drackus came for me two nights ago. He went to speak to me about you, and when the imposter spoke to him like a scorned lover—"

  "I knew it wasn't her," he quickly interjects while pulling the whistling kettle from the stove. "No one knows how very much in contact your mother and I have stayed. Obviously, neither did the imposter."

  "Apparently you two forgot to tell me, as well," I insert; not feeling too thrilled about that omission.

  I've hated my father because I thought I was supposed to, and my mother has been on good terms with him? Why keep that a secret?

  Mom ignores it as she continues. "The second I heard the screams and felt the power emanating around the room, I knew Drackus had come. He found a guy who knew how to undo the spells that had been cast to lock me away, and he tossed him in there to free me. I'll spare you some of the details, but he got me home."

  "So you've been back for two days and you're just now telling me?"

  "Honey, I didn't want you to know at all. Whatever is going on is big. They're looking for something, or they're trying to accomplish something from inside. I just don't know who to trust. I didn't want them catching on that you knew they were posing as me because I was afraid of putting you in danger. I should have known you'd figure it out. Frankie said you've been suspicious for a while."

  "You told Frankie but not me?" I harp.

  "I didn't tell Frankie; he figured it out. He's the one who helped Drackus locate me. He'd been sneaking in on the poser and listening in on conversations. He pieced together my whereabouts through several cryptic conversations. The second Drackus told him that woman wasn't me, he agreed."

  "Wait. How did Drackus walk in without anyone knowing who he was?"

  She laughs, smiling at him with dreamy eyes. "Your father knows a few spells to mask his identity for a few hours. He looked as light as anyone, and he was escorted in by Chaz, who he called ahead of time."

  "Chaz was there?" I ask, surprised Shay's son would even be there.

  "Chaz was investigating the imposter for Shay."

  Considering Chaz was the closest thing to a best friend I had while growing up, I'm surprised he didn't tell me he and Shay were also suspicious. I haven't seen him since our moms had their big fallout, but I would have called him if the situation was reversed.

  "So they never touched you?" I ask, feeling relieved to know that.

  The imposter came in so beat up she spent weeks in healing. I suppose that was all for show.

  "Never," she says reassuringly. "They knew your father was looking for me. That could have prompted them to send in an imposter to douse suspicion so they could move forward with whatever they're planning."

  "Does this have anything to do with the black diamond of Roth?" I ask, remembering a theory once spawned by Gage.

  She shakes her head in a shrugging manner. "I don't know. They never spoke, and they all wore masks. They more than likely knew I wouldn't give them any answers."

  I feel like she's holding back—like there's more to the story than she wants to give me. My head is already about to explode though.

  Picking up my tea, I stand to head out of the kitchen. "Will you be here when I wake up?"

  "Of course," she murmurs softly.

  "Your mother will be staying with me until we get this imposter situation sorted out. There's no place safer for her," Drackus says while placing a protective hand on her shoulder.

  It's odd to see them so at ease with each other.

  "What about Cruella... er... I mean... Amari?"

  He lets a laugh escape, and Mom stifles a laugh of her own. Drackus just smiles as he answers.

  "I only ever got close to Amari so I could get close to Gage. With your mother staying here, I went ahead and cut ties to Cruella."

  Mom's haughty grin intrigues me a bit. I don't say anything else, though. Instead, I turn on my heel to head up to the room that once felt so much like a place of refuge.

  My phone rings in my hand, and I roll my eyes when I see Kane's name. It's time I end things with him the way I just did with Gage. I'm sick of his baggage, just like I'm sick of Gage's deceit.

  "Hello."

  "Fuck, Alyssa. I've been calling nonstop. Where are you?" Kane scolds, making me cringe a little from his harsh tone.

  "I'm with Drackus right now. Kane, I know you say you're not supposed to be with Amy, but I think we both know—"

  "You don't know a damn thing, Alyssa. Go ahead and believe them if you want to. I'm tired of defending myself to you and everyone else. Amy needs me, but I sure as hell don't need her. The second she gets her shit under control, I'm leaving my whole damn coven. Zee's coming with me. Deke, Sierra, and Amy can live happily ever after for all I care."

  I'm obviously taken aback by this. He's so close to Deke and Sierra. They've been together longer than he and Zee.

  "I'm sorry, but I think you're wrong. Lycans and night stalkers have been tied for centuries. I've never seen the bond myself, but Drackus has. He knows the two of you are meant to be together."

  The disgruntled groan he releases curses me more than words. "Whatever, Alyssa. I just wanted to know you were safe. You know how to reach me if Castine makes a move. Tonight's the red moon, so stay inside, please."

  I forgot about the red moon. Mortals can't see it, but immortals can. It's the night the savage creatures of our world lose it a little. Well, more than a little.

  "I'm sure Amy will definitely need you tonight," I sardonically release.

  "Thanks for reminding me. Any more stabs you feel like taking, or should I let you go now?"

  I wince, realizing how cold he can be when he's mad. I don't want us to go back to that place. We'll still have to see each other with Castine on the loose.

  "Yeah," I huff with a clipped tone, hanging up directly after.

  I stare at the phone, and I do as I always do after hanging up. Waving my hand over it, I listen in.

  "Fuck!" Kane spews before something in the room crashes.

  I can only assume he just lost his temper and threw something. Then I hear Zee's voice.

  "That good, eh?"

  "She's fucking impossible. One second she's mine, the next she's his. I'm sick of this shit."

  "Then let her go," Zee says too casually.

  "I wish I could. I love her. Apparently being in love makes you bat-shit crazy." He takes a steadying breath, giving my heart enough time to react and flutter, betraying me with an emotion I shouldn't feel for someone I can't have. "Make sure Amy's cage is reinforced tonight. I don't want to risk her breaking free, and I don't want to help her if I don't have to. The sooner she gets it under
control, the better. I'm ready to get the hell away from her and our supposed destiny."

  Sierra's voice interjects suddenly, seeming to surprise both of the night stalkers, given their sharp intakes of air.

  "You can leave, but it won't change anything. You'll come back for her one day, Kane. You'll love her the way you're supposed to."

  "I wish you'd get it out of your mother-fucking head that I'm going to be with her, because I'm not. Damn it, Sierra. I'm leaving because of this shit. I've come to hate Amy over all of this. I've come to hate you, too."

  She whimpers, and I immediately feel a little sorry for her. I know how deep Kane can cut with his harsh words, but I almost understand his anger.

  "You don't mean that," she whines.

  "I do mean that. I mean it enough that I've already bought a house in Edgebrook."

  "Edgebrook?" she scoffs. "Why? So you can stalk your witch a little better?"

  I wait in silence, holding my breath after hearing the revelation. I keep waiting, only to realize the conversation has been cut short. Damn it.

  I feel dizzy all of the sudden, like something's happening, but I don't know what. Lying down, I close my eyes on the spinning room. Maybe I'll feel better after some sleep.

  Chapter 2

  Officer Graden

  The sniveling mess of a girl sobs as she pulls her panties back on, her eyes staring at the ground as her tears pour out. I tuck my shirt back in, then button and zip my pants before reassembling myself completely, finally holstering my gun.

  It's almost comical to watch her so broken, weak, and pathetic. Pretty fucking bitch. They're all the same.

  Stupid stuck-up bitches that don't give guys like me a second look; they drive through here like they own the place, expecting to bat their pretty little eyes and get their fucking way. She learned the hard way that if you tease me, you're not walking away until I'm fucking satisfied.

  "You can tell anyone you want about this," I say deceitfully, a sinister smile playing on my lips. "But you'll see me again if you do. Not to mention, no one's going to believe a snotty little bitch like you over me."

  She cries harder, wiping her hair out of her eyes as she climbs out of the back seat of my car. She readjusts her short skirt, tugging at it as if she can add length to it. Stupid whore.

  Her car is miles down the road, but I'm going to make her walk. It'll do her good to lose a few pounds.

  Just as she runs off, a sexy brunette zooms by me in a flashy Jag, making me smile. Tonight's my lucky night. One has to love working the graveyard shift. It makes it easy to pick up the trash without anyone else seeing me.

  I jump in my car, spinning the tires as I turn the siren on, giving the bitch the last chase she'll ever want. She saw my patrol car, knew I was a cop, yet she blatantly disrespected me by speeding through and not even tapping her brakes.

  She's like all of them. They all think they're above the law—above men like me. They have to be taught a lesson in respect and obedience. They have to be broken like a wild horse.

  I love my job.

  As I catch up with her, she taps her brakes, steadily slowing down and pulling over. I just got my dick thoroughly waxed by the last whining bitch, so I'll be able to draw out the punishment for this one.

  I pretend as though I'm running through the motions, checking her tag, calling it in -all that shit. This sad little lake town doesn't have the funds to keep the dash cameras functioning properly. Fortunately for me, mine's been broken for over a year now, making life almost too easy.

  After drawing out the suspense for long enough, I slowly climb out of my car. I'm already rock hard with anticipation. I love a good hunt. I hope she's a screamer.

  Out here, in the middle of the wooded section of Pine Shore, no one will ever hear her cries for help. That's why I stick to this strip. It's right in the middle and perfect for privacy.

  I tap her window, surprised when she turns to face me. She looked hot from the small glimpse I caught, but fucking shit, this girl is beyond gorgeous. She definitely needs to be punished.

  She rolls her window down, wearing a secretive grin as she does so. Her long, dark hair stops just below her shoulders, and her icy, pale blue eyes almost look silver. Her perfectly manicured red nails grip the black leather steering wheel, and those red lips are begging to be on me, whether she knows it or not.

  "Good evening, officer," she says in a voice that is as equally as enthralling as her fucking glorious body that is dressed in leather pants and a sexy scrap of a shirt.

  "Good evening indeed," I murmur, my wicked fantasies running amuck.

  I'm definitely glad I'm warmed up and ready for her.

  "You were speeding back there," I say, pointing behind me. "You were doing seventy in a forty-five."

  She smirks, her eyes seeming to darken a little.

  "How could you know that when you weren't even in your car?" she asks, provoking me in a way I'll make her pay for later.

  A smartass bitch, eh? I'll enjoy this even more now.

  "Can I see your license?" I ask, pacing myself, suppressing the rage that begs to spill free.

  She hands it over, along with her proof of insurance, though I didn't ask for that. She really needs structure, discipline. She needs to learn to do what she's told and only what she's told.

  "Alyssa Coldwell, is it?" I ask before handing her back her credentials.

  She accepts them, and then a daring grin quirks up as she puts them away and turns back to me.

  "Actually, I prefer Airis Devall."

  The way she says it—it feels like she's trying to taunt me. This bitch is really grating on my nerves.

  "Hop out of the car, Ms. Devall."

  I play along with the false name she has given me, letting her think she's in control. The real awakening will make this bitch's snippy mouth shut.

  "Yes, sir, Officer Graden," she murmurs after reading my tag. It'll do her no good to know my name. They never talk. Not when they fear what I'll do to them again.

  She steps out, making my dick pulse with desire when I see her perfectly divine body in full. I may call it a night with this one.

  "Turn around and put your hands on the car," I instruct, and she does as I say, giving me an unobstructed view of the ass I'm going to have fun with.

  "Is this protocol, officer?" she asks, still taunting me, showing no fear. I know how to remedy that.

  I push my gun into her ribs as my body presses against the back of her, letting my breath find her neck as I inhale her intoxicating scent.

  "Ms. Devall, I'm about sick of your mouth. How about I let you do something more useful with it?"

  Usually, they start crying at this point. I love it when they cry. This stupid bitch merely smiles as she turns around, treating my gun as if I've shoved a candy bar at her.

  "Now, officer. All you have to do is ask nicely."

  I feel myself getting dizzy, high almost. What the hell is this bitch doing to me?

  She pulls me to her, letting her breath find my lips before the kiss that almost shocks me. My pants almost burst with desire, my lower half begging to be buried inside her.

  "What do you like?" she asks while pulling back, leaving me in a foggy haze.

  "I like it when they fight," I gush out involuntarily, staggering a little under a drunken spell I can't explain.

  "Funny," she murmurs while licking her lips. "So do I."

  Her pale eyes glow a darker blue suddenly, and fangs that weren't there before slide down. I start to scream, but the devil temptress clamps down on my neck with a painful ripping sound.

  Holy fucking shit! What the hell is going on?

  The burn I feel outdoes any pain I've ever before experienced. I finally manage to scream out, pleading for mercy which she denies. Then I feel a strong sense of seduction taking over as her bite changes, and she drains me more. I ache to feel her against me, to never let me go.

  She leans back, my blood staining her mouth, and I fall to the ground
, collapsing as blood runs free from my neck. I gurgle on my own blood as my head falls to the side, and the fog of seduction is broken, letting my sanity return. Sanity. There's nothing sane or rational about any of this. What the fuck is she?

  The bitch chuckles while wiping her mouth and opening her car door.

  "This isn't something you want to see," she says to someone. But who? Not me. Thank fuck. If someone is here, they can save me from this monster.

  Then I see a shadow in the darkness, and the image becomes clearer under my persistent scrutiny. I recognize the girl I taught a lesson just minutes ago. She kneels in the bushes, watching, basking in my terror instead of calling for help. That bitch.

  The demon girl comes back, picking me up as though she's inhumanly strong, and tosses me in the back seat. "Let's go make this a little more interesting," she says, no warmth in her killer tone.

  The drive is short, as I go in and out of consciousness, and then I feel us stopping completely. I smell the lake nearby, but it's too far away. The houses will be beyond the woods from here. She's about to dump my body. This can't be real. It's the nightmare from hell, but it's not real.

  She drags me out, laughing a little as more of my blood spills free from the gaping wound in my neck. It all sounds like an echo though, as my breath thuds in my ears. Then her eyes turn from blue to a glowing green as she slides her hand over me, doing something to me I can't see.

  Air enters my lungs, and my wound closes up. I feel a little stronger, but still weak.

  "I need to stretch my legs, officer," she says, sounding as though she's at the end of a tunnel, while kicking me and forcing me to roll off the side of the road and into the wooded area. "Here's your chance to run. I'll even give you a head start."

  I don't have to be told twice. I stagger drunkenly to my feet, and look over my shoulder as I try to limp away. I gasp as her eyes turn orange, and then she sheds her clothes, getting naked in front of me.

  Surely she's not going to do to me what I was going to do to her. I run forward while looking behind me, refusing to take my eyes off her, until fear consumes me completely and my feet become too weighted to move.