Betrayal: The Unforgiven Read online

  How dare he do this to us! Be calm.

  “What are you doing?” Anna bit her tongue as he jerked her head back again to expose the other side of her neck.

  “Checking for authenticity.”

  We will rip out his throat.

  “I assure you that I am Pete’s.”

  Pete’s eyes widened. Maybe he would see the distress Lenny put her under and go along with her story. Or at least keep his mouth shut long enough for her to get out of here.

  Lenny let her go. Anna hunched over. Her stomach churned from the lingering scent of his breath. As he circled the fire, she shuddered. What might he do if Pete told him they’d just met?

  Kill him.

  Like that would happen. She wasn’t strong enough to kill anyone, let alone fight him off if he tried anything. Not even her demon could win.

  Lenny huffed as he gazed at her. “You can never be too sure who is truthful anymore. A woman with your scent makes us all wonder if you're not human. Maybe Pete here can enlighten us.”

  Pete stared at her as if he knew her secrets. She shook her head. Please, don’t confess. Confess. We’ll kill him too. Damn the demon’s voice.

  “I didn’t turn her.” His brows lowered against his eyes. “I just met her on the way here tonight. She said her maker is dead. That makes her a free prize.”

  Lenny licked his lips. “Shall we initiate her into the group, or kick her out for telling lies?”

  “She’s a loner like us.” Pete grinned. “I say she’ll fit right in. I’d like to keep her afterward as mine, if you all are okay with that.”

  Lenny laughed. “If she can take our initiation, then she’s yours.”

  Three men stood and joined the rest of the group. They stalked toward her like wolves ready to pounce on their prey. Anna could see by the glimmer in their eyes what they meant by initiation. No way in hell would they get within an arm’s length, even if she had to scream at the top of her lungs for the entire gathering to hear.

  Anna backed into a solid body. She whipped around to find Pete, eyes red, fangs gnashing wildly. He didn’t look so sweet anymore.

  Idiot. You’ve gotten us into another mess. Now we pay the price with our body. Should be fun.

  Anna shook her head. “Go away. I don’t want initiated into their group.”

  “Ah, come on, Anna.” Pete caught her arms. “This is a great place for you. You and I can hang out all the time once you’re in.”

  Pete turned her around to face the other men who crept up on her. As he dragged her back into the dark toward the ocean, she struggled to break loose, but he was too strong.

  “Don’t do this. I demand you to stop. Now!” Damn it. Where was her demon’s strength? Why did she leave when she needed her most? Coward.

  Lenny stepped closer. “I’ll try to be gentle, but damn, you’ve got me all bothered.” By the way he clutched at his crotch he meant to have his way with her. Away from the fire, nobody would see. Nobody would even care what they did to her.

  “I am not yours to play with.” She swallowed fear as a wave rolled onto the sand. The pull under her feet was strong. If she could wriggle loose of Pete’s grasp, she’d let the next wave take her away. It’d be better to die than go through what these disgusting creatures meant to do to her.

  "It’s too late to decline the invitation," Pete said near her ear. "Lenny’s already got you in his sights. You should feel privileged. Not many women get to experience the pleasure of initiation into our group."

  Creeper grabbed her other arm as Lenny came to stand in front of her. He looked her up and down as he slid his fingers down her neckline. He fisted the top of her shirt and bra. With a quick jerk of his arm, he ripped the garments down the center exposing her breasts.

  “Nice.” Lenny’s fangs slid fast and easy into place. “I’m going to enjoy breaking you in.”

  Anna gritted her teeth. Tears worked into her eyes, but she bit them back. She couldn’t cry or they’d discover she was human.

  How would she get out of this? She hadn’t the strength to fight them off not without her demon. All she had was words. Maybe if she told them the truth. If they knew who she belonged to, they’d back off like she carried a plague.

  “You don’t have to do this.”

  Lenny’s fingers traced the curve of her breast. He pressed his cheek against her neck and breathed in deep. “I smell fear. That’s so…enticing.”

  “Listen to me.” She tried to control her thumping heart, but it was a losing battle. “I lied about who I am. I'm not a loner. I belong to an Elder.”

  “You? Belong to an Elder?" Lenny glanced at the other men who laughed.

  "It's the truth," she said, hoping he'd listen. "My maker is here. He’s in charge of the gathering."

  The group laughed heartily. They didn’t believe her. Come on, demon. Fight for us. Fight for our dignity.

  "Everyone knows a new one cannot leave an Elder's side. It’s forbidden. Unless, maybe he doesn't give a shit about you." Lenny’s growl sent another round of chills through her. "I don’t see anyone coming to your rescue. All I see is a lying bitch who’s fair game. Once you have a little of me, you won’t want anything else anyways. I won’t let you.”

  He lifted her skirt up her hips. His eyes grew as wide as his grin as he released himself from the confines of his pants.

  “Turn her around boys.”

  The men turned her around and bent her over. She struggled to break loose, but they were too strong. God no. Please. Her thoughts went to Tristan. Why? Why’d I have to be stubborn and come out here alone? If she’d listened to him instead of her demon, this wouldn’t be happening.

  Lenny tore her undergarment off and tossed it to the side. “That’s more like it.”

  “Don’t do this!” Anna cried out. “Please!”

  Lenny gripped her hips. His cold body pressed against her backside. There was no other way out but to call for help. She inhaled deeply then screamed long and loud. “Tristan!” She drew in another breath then shrieked again in hopes he’d come to her rescue.

  Pete slid his hand over her mouth to muffle her scream, but it slid away the moment he’d touched her. His red eyes widened as he flew backwards into the darkness. One by one, the men holding her down was ripped away from her until she was free.

  Anna straightened her skirt. She turned around to face Lenny who stood slack-jawed. He tucked his erection inside his pants then fell to his knees. He opened his mouth wide to show he'd retracted his canines. Fear, undeniable terror spread across his face as he stared at something hovering above her.

  “Forgive me, Elder. I didn’t know.” Lenny’s voice trembled as he bowed his head. “She claimed to belong to no one.”

  Anna pulled her ripped shirt and jacket together as she turned around. The fear of being taken against her will left her mind as she lifted her gaze straight into Tristan’s.

  His eyes burned a greenish hue. She’d never seen that before. They were beautiful and frightening at the same time.

  He grasped her arm. With a growling heave, he lifted her up into the sky. She’d seen him angry many times before, but this was entirely different. This was pure rage. Afraid of what he’d do, she wrapped her arms around his torso, pressed her face against his chest, and held on tight.

  Chapter Seven

  Tristan took Anna to the old lighthouse off the northern coast and dropped her near the dilapidated entrance. On her hands and knees, she shivered from the cold. She’d seen this place before, but had never been on the island. The rusted, broken building looked eerie in the full moonlight. But the glowing eyes that glared in the darkness, gave her a different kind of chill.

  It was clear why Tristan had brought her here. They were far away from the burning fires of the gathering; away from ears that might listen to him scold her for disobeying his order to stay home. Surrounded by the roaring ocean that crashed on the rocks, there was no way out but to swim or fly.

  Tristan walked the length of th
e rock, hands tucked inside the pockets of his trench coat. Maybe he contemplated leaving her here as part of her punishment. Not that she blamed him for being angry, but he could've taken her home to discuss this in a civilized manner.

  “Why do you defy me?” His voice was calm. Collected. It was obvious he was pissed, but so was she. By his question, this argument would turn into a fight that had been a long time coming.

  “Defy you?” She scoffed. “You force me to do things on my own. You act like I can’t think for myself. I am not yours to toss aside when it’s inconvenient.”

  “The humiliation you put me through tonight cannot be undone. If I had not heard your scream...If I had not caught your scent—”

  “—then I would no longer be yours.” She strode toward him. The ocean spray sent goosebumps over her heated skin. Her teeth chattered from the cold and the stress she was under. “You’ve pushed me away for weeks. Sometimes, I don’t think you want to be with me or be near me, like I’m a burden on you.”

  “That is not true.”

  She looked him in the eyes. “I was in agony when you found me in the cave, but you weren’t gentle with me. When my body mended, you didn’t even care. You left with Gerard and that...woman who pines after you.”

  “Is that why you flirted with those men, because you are jealous?”

  “I wasn’t flirting with anyone.” She palmed her aching forehead. Feverish again. She’d dive into the ocean to cool off if she could. “I’m tired of being alone every night. You promised I could explore the camp and talk to other vampires. That’s all I wanted to do tonight.”

  “Damn it, Anna.” He cupped the side of her neck. “They were about to rape you.”

  “I know.” She tightened her jacket around her and shuddered. “I just want to fit in with your world. I want to stand beside you where I belong.”

  “You are not like the rest of us.” He leaned his temple against hers. “I asked you to stay home to keep you safe.”

  “Asked?” She gave a short laugh through her nose. “You commanded me in front of Gerard and Edith.”

  “I do not want them to become suspicious.”

  Tears welled in her eyes as she grabbed a fistful of his jacket. She pulled him close and gazed up into his heated eyes. “Why are you so afraid of me?”

  “I do not fear you.” He palmed her cheek. “It is just difficult to understand why I heal every time we touch. It is disheartening to let go.”

  A dizzy spell caught her off-balance. Her lips tingled. Ears ringing, she stumbled back. Tristan caught her in his arms before she fell to the ground.

  “You are dizzy again?”

  She massaged her temple with her fingers. “A little.” That was a blatant lie. Her head felt like it twirled around like a top. The pain in her head and abdomen was immense, so much she wriggled her way out of his grasp. She fell to her knees and buckled over, arm across her aching stomach. “I feel so strange. So…hungry.”

  Pain spread through her body like the fire she’d experienced this morning. Her eyes burned. The throbbing inside her mouth was immense, like her teeth were being pulled one by one.

  “Tristan!” She reached for him.

  He drew a step back. “What is this?”

  She groaned as she crept to the rock’s edge. Someone else—something else, guided her movement as she looked over the drop-off into the dark abyss. Her demon took over.

  Tristan reached for her but was too late as she crawled off the ledge and fell toward the sea. Black wings rolled from her back. They extended and caught the wind. She was aware of them, and yet they were lucid. As if possessed by some dark angel nobody else could see, she flew toward the small town on the mainland.

  The craving for human blood intensified. The black spirit roared with fierce hunger. The cold bottled liquid Tristan stored in the house was nothing but a joke, a cruel punishment for the demon within. What she deserved was a fresh meal.

  She neared a man and woman walking hand in hand down the sidewalk. They will do nicely. She landed behind them and followed. With her gaze on the couple, she crept—silent like a cat, anticipating the moment she'd dig her claws into their flesh. Her footsteps barely touched the pavement as she glided with an eagerness to rip out their throats. To drink in their warm, delectable essence would be heavenly as long as Tristan stayed out of her way.

  Damn him for following! Damn him for ruining our meal!

  Tristan clutched Anna’s arm tightly then jerked her back up into the sky. Her arm popped. It hurt like hell, but she laughed, welcoming the pain, indulging in it. Her wings beat at her back as she fought him, but his grip was too strong.

  He landed on the balcony of their house. She screamed as he dragged her across the living room floor then shoved her down in front of the fireplace. Eager to get back to her meal, she leapt to her feet. She bound toward the balcony, but he blocked her path.

  His eyes burned that mystical blue shade as he gnashed his fangs. “You are not leaving.”

  "Get the fuck out of my way!"

  With a rigid hand, she struck his cheek. His head turned to the side. Go now. Make our escape. She stepped around him. Her hand caught the handle on the door. As she slid it to the side, toward freedom, Tristan caught her around the waist. As he dragged her back toward the fireplace, she struggled to break free.

  "Let me go!”

  He held her firmly in his arms. "I will not!"

  She placed her hands on his chest then shoved. He fell to the floor on his backside. This was the perfect opportunity to make for the exit, but causing him pain, fighting him was way more fun.

  She climbed over him. She straddled his hips. Hands wrapped around his neck, she pushed his head hard into the floor. Killing him was the only way to get out of here.

  He grasped at her hands, but she squeezed tighter. No way would she let go. He deserved to die. Nobody stopped her from getting what she wanted. Right now, that was fresh, hot blood.

  He lowered his hands to her sides. As he stared up at her, she tightened her grip. Those angry eyes turned black as the night. What was this this look he gave? Sorrow? Defeat? It didn’t matter. She’d won this fight, and there was nothing he could do to stop her.

  Still. This look he carried as he gazed up at her—she hated it, and yet, it drew her in. Her heart thumped against her ribs, excited. The desire to kill him turned into a longing for pleasure.

  She removed her hands from his throat and sat back. For a long moment, she gazed into his eyes. Not a word was spoken. With her guard down, he had the power to overcome her. But he made no effort to move her from his body. He'd conceded.

  A smile crept across her face. Her hunger would drive her to every human house. She’d rip away hearts. Warm blood would flow like a river into her mouth. She closed her eyes and inhaled a deep breath. Excitement poured through her. The hunger in her belly was immense, but the ache between her legs became unbearable.

  With a moan, she lifted his hands to her breasts. She rocked her hips against him. The cool cloth of his slacks felt good between her heated thighs.

  As she ran her tongue across his lips, she gave a wicked laugh. She kissed him, but he refused to return it. He remained still as a mannequin, staring into her eyes with a straight-lipped frown.

  “Are you not enjoying this?” she whispered. She released him from the confines of his slacks. As she stroked his cock, she gave short, breathy gasps. “Oh yes,” she continued as he grew rock solid on her palm. “Mm…yes. I believe you are.”

  She removed her ripped jacket and shirt then tore off her skirt with ease. She rose to her knees then slid down on his erection. His eyes turned ice blue. The color of his lips blended into a beautiful human shade. He was disgusting. And yet, the most beautiful man she'd ever seen.

  "Anna." He breathed like a human as she leaned on him.

  "Shut up and let me fuck you," she whispered into his mouth.

  He tried to respond, but she silenced him with a kiss that he finally retu
rned. This power and strength was unbelievable. She could take on the entire world and she would win. Everything around her, inside her, inside Tristan, was loud in her ears. His adrenaline was high. His heart thumped at a quick pace. The blood coursing through his veins was human…mesmerizing. To taste him would be an ultimate rush.

  She nuzzled his cheek. The thought of biting into him sent electricity through her. The ache between her thighs intensified. Anticipation soared as she scraped her daggers against his flesh. She bit slightly then ran her tongue against the vein prominent in his neck.

  Do it! Don’t hold back.

  With a growl, she plunged her fangs into him. His throaty groan resonated through her as she drew in his essence. His blood tasted like nothing she’d ever had before. Bitter yet sweet. The power she’d experienced before held nothing on what she had now. She was an unstoppable God.

  Tristan clutched her shoulders. "Stop this now.”

  She let go of his vein. “I can’t. Not yet.” She worked her hips against him faster. “It feels too good. You taste divine…ungh.” She ran her tongue across her blood-stained lips. She hungered for more. Desperate for more, she rolled her hips faster. Oh God, this was so wrong, but so damned pleasurable. She couldn't stop now, even if she wanted to.

  "This isn't you." He grasped her hips and pulled on her as he thrust upward.

  It was true. This wasn't her. She'd never have fought him, or taken his essence without permission. She’d never have forced him to make love to her. She'd desired to be with him, but not like this. God, not like this. Tears welled in her eyes.

  She looked down and studied her abdomen. The bump was slight, but there. Exposed. Her secret might come out if she didn't cover up, but the dark entity had taken control of her mind and body. It didn’t care.

  No. She was still here. Though in a deep fog, Anna fought the demon's grasp.

  "Tristan, I’m so sorry..." She bit her tongue. Pain made this all the more pleasurable. The demon took over once more. "The child...” she said in a low voice. The demon's confession. Damn it. Be quiet. Gain control. "Tell me, my love,” the demon continued. “You like being human, but it frightens you, doesn't it? You suffer when I let go. That’s why you push me away."