Betrayal: The Unforgiven Read online

  Tristan was glad Gerard had come. The stocky red-bearded man grinned. By the gleam in his eye, he loved this atmosphere, the attention he received. These people respected him, loved him even, and with good reason. Gerard had a way about him, easy going and yet stern enough to not cross his path. He’d stick up for anyone who deserved it, and damn the consequences.

  People laughed and danced to music as if they hadn’t a care in the world. Fires burned from one end of the cove to the other. Vampires of all types had settled in for the next eight hours to celebrate the night. Whatever that meant.

  Tristan scowled. Maybe he should’ve declined this job. It didn’t make sense to have a showrunner when these people ran the event themselves. All he needed to do was stand here with a drink in hand and watch the festivities go on.

  So, what was he doing here? None of this meant anything to him. Home was where he belonged. With Anna. She needed his touch. His attention. His love. He’d pushed her away and caused her pain. Sorrow. She’d almost died because of his lack of devotion.

  His heart ached for her. He’d had no other choice but to walk away. If Gerard and Edith hadn’t been in the house tonight, he’d given her his body. Didn’t matter how much it pained him morphing from vampire to human then back to this darkness, he’d give Anna anything she desired. She deserved so much more than he had to offer. Life. Love. Happiness. Children. If they could just find the cure, he could give her all of those things.

  Tristan stopped near the bonfire. A woman in a short red dress and flowing white hair bowed as she handed Tristan and Gerard a glass of warm blood. Her eyes batted and a smile crept across her wine-colored lips. She slid her hand up Tristan’s arm. She brought her other hand to his back and turned to stand at his side as if she belonged here.

  A quick sneer and growl from him shooed her away. Nobody deserved to stand beside him but Anna. He had a mind to grab Anna up to leave this place, and never look back. If he didn’t have these damned obligations.

  Tristan glanced around at the crowd. These people—vampires, drunk off blood, laughter plenty, he despised them all. He hated that others were happy when misery gnawed at his insides. How could he leave the love of his life for this? If he had any sense, he’d go home and beg Anna for forgiveness. Not that he deserved it. He’d broken his promise to let her come to this event. But what else could he do? It wasn’t safe for her here. Not in her human condition.

  What was going on inside her? One minute she was angry; the next she was her kind, sweet self. She was possessed rather than at one with her demon. Two separate entities were stuck inside a cage that could not open. No wonder Anna was ill.

  “I have never seen the celebration so lively.” Gerard drew a sip from his glass then elbowed Tristan’s side. “So many years Charlotte ruled this event with a mighty fist. She was a bit harsh when it came to the dancing, the loud music, and lights. I think everyone here’s going to accept you for your relaxed attitude.”

  “What would be the point in harnessing their…fun? I do not wish to dampen their spirits.”

  “You sound like Elric.” Gerard chuckled. “He’s taken quite a liking to you, obviously. To make you his successor and announce it in front of the Elders—that’s quite an honor.”

  “I did not ask for this, my friend.” Tristan shook his head. He didn’t want any of this either. If he had the guts, he’d tell Gerard about everything on his mind. He’d tell him about Anna and her ability to heal with her touch. He’d confess his abhorrence to be part of this dark world and how much he wanted out of it.

  There was no reason not to trust Gerard with his secrets. They’d been comrades longer than any other person he’d known. But still. Gerard was an Elder. He had an obligation to tell the leaders about any strange activities going on. The research in the basement was full of strange activities.

  “Yeh may not have asked for it, lad. But you are part of the vampire world now. Might as well get used to it.”

  “I do not wish to lead anyone or be in the limelight. I just want to live my life in peace with the woman I love.” Though lately he had done a poor job of showing her how much he loved her. Coward. He’d pushed her away so much, she’d run away. She’d almost died because of him. His lack of attention had caused her pain and suffering. It was time to end this fear of her touch and tell her how much she means to him. “I am going to propose to her.”

  “Marriage?” Gerard looked up at him, bushy brows arched in curiosity.

  “Yes.” Tristan grinned. “I think about it often. I have yet to find the opportunity to ask.” Nor the time. His obsession to find a cure had kept his attention when it should’ve been on her. She had needs and he’d been too fearful to fulfill them.

  “Why did yeh not bring her with you tonight? Why did yeh scold her for wanting to come?” Gerard shrugged his broad shoulders. “Bah. I apologize for eavesdropping a wee bit, but, maybe I could offer you some advice.”

  “Anna has been…ill lately.” Tristan sighed. “She refuses sustenance. I do not know why she starves herself.”

  “Aye.” Gerard gave a snort through his nostrils. “I have seen it before. New ones hold on to that small shred of humanity. They haven’t learned to let go of the routine they once had. Give her more time. She’ll realize what she needs to survive.”

  Maybe that was part of the reason. All the blood he’d extracted from her body had taken its toll, made her weak and dizzy. Though their research was important, something would have to change. No longer could he focus on anything other than Anna’s well-being. He’d set aside his fear and touch her. Make love to her. Give her everything she desired as he had always promised he’d do. And damn the descent back into darkness.

  Chapter Six

  Anna darkened her lashes with a thick layer of mascara. So strange to look like them, but be so different. She slipped on her black leather boots that stretched up to her mid-thighs. The matching tank top hugged her body a little more than it used to. She pulled the hem down over her stomach and straightened it along the short leather skirt.

  Happy with her reflection, she put on her leather jacket and went to the kitchen. She opened the drawer near the front door. Her car keys were gone. “What the hell.”

  Tristan hid them from us. We will punish him for that.

  She slammed the drawer shut and stormed from the house. For once she agreed with her demon’s voice. Tristan had gone too far by keeping her locked away like some princess in a castle. She retrieved the spare key taped behind the fender of her car. It was a good thing he didn’t know about this little gem or she was hoofing it to the beach.

  She started the engine. She stepped on the accelerator. The tires dug into the gravel. The car fishtailed out of the driveway then straightened as she steered down the road.

  What were the consequences of going to this gathering? If her humanity came out and someone took notice, they’d take her to the elders. Or worse, they’d lose control and feed on her. They’d force her into giving her body. Though rape was illegal in the vampire world, Tristan said it happened often and without repercussion. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.

  If you get us into a bind, I will take over.

  “Everything will be fine,” Anna whispered as she drove down the scenic road toward the ocean. Anna didn’t like her demon’s voice. Another entity inside her head giving her advice and direction was unnerving. Medical professionals would say she had a split-personality, but they’d be wrong. Something inhabited her mind. Her body. Whatever this thing was inside her existed. Its voice was real.

  Anna pulled off the road and into a viewpoint. She shuddered. Tristan would be livid if he knew she was here. He’d probably tie her up in the basement and hold her hostage. Maybe he wouldn’t go that far, but he’d be pissed. Or would he even care? Maybe it’d be a weight off his shoulders if she wasn’t around.

  Nothing would go wrong tonight. It’d go smooth as silk as long as she didn’t draw attention or touch anyone. She turned off the engin
e. As she got out of the car, she drew in a deep breath. She shut the door then exhaled as she stared down the dark path.

  Did she actually want to go down there alone? One wrong turn and she’d walk right off the cliff and plunge into the ocean below.

  With her back to the door, she lifted her gaze to the clear sky. She’d have to rely on the half-moon to see. It wouldn’t be helpful in the thick trees, but by then the path to the beach was easy.

  The light breeze breathed on her skin as she headed toward the hillside. Courage built with every step she took. Only a few more feet and she’d be on her way to the cove to meet other vampires.

  “You drove to a gathering?” A man’s voice came from behind her.

  Every hair on her skin rose from the chill. Nausea crept into her throat as she turned to face the stranger who flashed his white canines. She didn’t expect to see in the dark, but her vision came clear. These weren’t her human eyes. They were her demon’s.

  The man flashed his fangs. In blue jeans and a leather jacket, he looked like a Hollywood star straight from the rebellious fifties. His short black hair was slicked back, and he had a cigarette balancing above his ear.

  “I had to drive,” she said in the breathiest voice she could. She puckered her lips and strode around him. “The sun burned my skin today. I couldn’t find the strength to lift my feet off the ground.”

  He snickered as she came back around to his front. “Guess I’ll give you a lift the rest of the way.”

  Afraid he’d touch her, she drew a step back. “I’ll walk.”

  “Let a pretty thing like you walk this treacherous path? Hell no.” He slid his arm around her waist then pulled her against him. She waited for his appearance to change, and for him to freak out over it, but nothing happened.

  He lifted her up into the sky. Trying her best to keep up her appearance, she stared into his dark eyes that shimmered in moonlight. His pretty boy stature seemed to glow with affection. He liked her.

  “My name’s Pete,” he said as they fell through the sky toward a large bonfire near the edge of the beach.

  “I’m Anna.”

  He set her down on the sand next to the roaring fire. "It’s nice to meet you, Anna."

  Everything about these creatures, these people who have more character than humans, astounded her. No denying it, she liked them, and she liked Pete.

  “You made it.” A tall-framed, eager looking man patted Pete on the back with one hand and shook his other hastily. “Who do you have here?”

  “This is Anna.” Pete’s grin widened. “She drove her car to the lookout. I gave her a lift the rest of the way.”

  The men around the fire chuckled as if there was some hidden joke between them. Anna arched her brows and grinned. Though she enjoyed the attention, this felt a bit off. The way they stared, it almost seemed like they knew she teemed with humanity.

  “Anna.” Pete tossed a pointed thumb at his friend who looked her up and down. “This is Creeper. He has a thing for women in black boots and minis. So you better watch out for him.”

  “I have a thing for all women, especially new ones.” Creeper’s eyes burned a rusted shade. His fangs were twice as long as any vampire she’d ever seen. Intimidating. Unnerving. “Who do you belong to? I know you’re not Pete’s. He hasn’t had a new girl in years.”

  “You’re new?” Pete arched his brows. “You act like you’ve been around for a while. Although…” He sniffed the air briefly then closed his eyes. “You do have a rather nice, clean scent.”

  “I turned a little over a year ago. My maker…died by the sun.” That was a horrible thing to say. But if they knew she belonged to an Elder, they wouldn’t speak to her at all. “I am free to wander here alone.”

  “Fascinating.” Pete grasped her hand and raised it to his lips. “Then I'm glad we ran into each other.”

  She’d heard what he said, but her mind was on the warmth of her skin. Funny he didn’t notice. Strange that he didn’t change as Tristan did every time she touched him. Not that she wasn’t relieved. But why didn’t she have an effect on this guy?

  Who cares? Fuck him and have some fun.

  She retracted her hand. That would never happen. Fire reflected in Creeper’s glowering stare. The corners of his lips stretched across his pale face then curved upward in a maniacal grin.

  Anna stepped back. “Thanks for the lift, but I think I’ll go have a look around.”

  She stepped quickly over the sand, around the sea of bonfires and people who sat around them. She glanced back. Pete and Creeper followed. She shuddered at the thought that Pete had detected the warmth coming from her. Maybe she shouldn’t have come. She should’ve stayed in the safety of her home. If she’d arrived a few moments later, she wouldn’t have run into these guys who seemed a bit too friendly, and now quite interested.

  “Wait. Anna.” Pete ran to catch up with her. “Where are you going?”

  She kept her pace. “To mingle a bit.”

  He clutched her arm and stopped her. Goosebumps spread over her skin as he leaned close. “Hang out with us. We’ll introduce you around. I mean, since you don’t belong to anyone, maybe you could join our group.”

  “You’ll have to pass our leader’s test though.” Creeper gave his toothy grin. “And, of course, be initiated by the rest of us. It’s a pretty simple task.”

  Sounds good to me. Let’s do it.

  "I'm not interested.” She tried to go around them, but the two stepped in front of her, blocking her path. Goosebumps turned to chills. “I need to go.”

  "I’ll tell you what.” Pete puffed his lips in an attempt to be cute. He was an adorable guy who’d, she was sure, charmed the pants off a lot of women. "Creeper and I will give you a tour of the camp. When we’re done, you can come back to our fire to meet Lenny, our leader. It’ll be up to you whether you want to join us for the rest of the night or not. If you decide we’re too much for you, you can go on your merry little way."

  It would be nice to talk to other people, to learn how they acted. Tristan and Gerard were the only vampires she’d ever known. Pete seemed harmless enough, but she wasn't so sure about the rest of his group. Nothing bad would happen when there were plenty of others around. As long as she didn’t touch anyone, a tour around the camp was just what she needed.

  “All right.”

  “Yes.” Pete gave a short nod. “Let’s go then.”

  She followed them from bonfire to bonfire. They passed diverse groups of vamps. Some were rowdy as they listened to death metal. Others were tame, laughing amongst themselves as they told stories around the fire. An ancient group, with gray hair and wrinkles prominent on their thin pale frames, sat together in silence. What cruel vampire had turned them? How awful it’d be to stay eternally old.

  A lot of vampires looked like kids in their first or second year of college. It was sad to see such beautiful people trapped in darkness. Although they seemed content, were they truly happy? How had they turned? Were they forced into this by savagery? Hiding behind pale faces, did they lie to themselves? Was happiness an act they put on for each other? If she could talk to them, she could find out.

  Pete and Creeper stopped at the edge of the beach. So engrossed by everything, she hadn’t noticed they’d come full circle. Now it was time for her end of the bargain. She was apprehensive to meet their leader, but maybe she could get some of her questions about their past answered.

  A young couple sat on a log, backs to the dark ocean. Others in the group sat in the sand on the other side of the fire. By the way they stared maybe they knew humanity flowed through her veins.

  A voice in the back of her mind told her to go home. Get the hell out of here now. Run. But her demon was too curious about what these guys had to offer.

  “Hey.” Creeper spoke coolly to the others in the group.

  “Creeper.” The guy sitting on the log next to the disgruntled looking female raised his cup. “Grab a drink, guys.”

  “Thanks,
Lenny,” Creeper said as he wandered to the cooler beside the fire.

  As Pete followed Creeper, Anna took a step back toward freedom. Everyone stared. With shallow breaths, she slowed her heart that throbbed with fear.

  Lenny stood. Gaze on Anna, he strode toward her. The woman he’d sat beside of sneered. If looks could kill, Anna would be dead in the sand. If she could reassure the woman that she didn’t want any part in this, she would do it now.

  Stupid bitch needs to mind her own business.

  Lenny looked about twenty-five years old. He had a nice face, but his dark gaze was dangerous, more so than the rest of the men in the group. His faded blue jeans had holes and his shirt was covered in bloodstains.

  He tossed his hand through thick purple hair that stood in spikes around his head. "Is she yours, Pete?"

  “Yes,” Anna answered before Pete could open his mouth. "I'm his."

  Liar. Tell him we’re free to do what we want.

  Lenny looked her up and down as he made his way around her. As uncomfortable as he made her, she couldn’t show fear or he'd become suspicious, if he wasn't already.

  Tristan had taught her to slow her heartbeat. She’d done it many times before Gerard and Edith arrived at their house. She drew in a deep silent breath followed by another. As she let it out in a slow exhale, she fixed her gaze on Lenny.

  “I envy you, Pete. She’s attractive.” Lenny leaned in and breathed. He lifted a lock of her hair then let it fall back against her shoulder. “Her sweet scent is unusual.”

  He glanced back at his glaring female companion. “Why can’t you smell like her instead of rotting meat?”

  The group around the fire laughed. The woman leapt to her feet. She hissed at Lenny. She tossed Anna a red-eyed glare then took off down the beach alone.

  Lenny grabbed a handful of Anna’s hair and yanked her head back. With a fang-baring grin, he searched her neck. His rancid breath sickened her as he licked her skin. Her heart pumped harder as she drew in a breath.