Beneath a Blood Moon - Book Two (Moon Child Series)

Chapter Ten

Luca POV

Chaos ensued around us as Mia and I mind linked each other.

Seth told us to go! And he’s right! Mia said into my mind as she waved away an approaching rogue.

I know, but we can’t just leave them! I say back to her. I see pain in her eyes at the thought of leaving our family to fend for themselves.

You two! Get out of here! Now! Mia and I flinched at the power vibrating through his words as Seth shouts at us through the mind link. His Alpha voice is hard to deny and I turn to where I thought Amelia had been standing but found her gone. I follow her scent to the tree line and see my mum vanish, Hailey in her arms. Grabbing at Amelia, I turn her to me.

“We have to go. Now!” my tone urgent as more rogues appear out of nowhere. She nods and grasps my shirt tightly in her hands, as I rearrange the duffle bags on my shoulders. A shout sounds behind Amelia and then we’re shimmering away from there. We land in a clearing of a different forest, new scents filling my nose, along with the metallic tang of blood. My head whips up to see Amelia on the ground, her hands clutching at a knife protruding from her side.

“Amelia!” my heart leaps into my throat as I run to her, my hands clutching at her face, her eyes dazed. I turn my attention to the knife and pull it from her, a new scent of sour blood filing my nostrils. Throwing the blade from me I examined the wound closer.

“Dead man’s blood.” Not enough to kill her thank Goddess, but enough to incapacitate her and slow down her healing. There was no way she was going to be able to shimmer us anywhere until she was fully healed. Her soft whimper that follows my words has my heart clenching at her pain and I stroke her hair calmingly, trying to sooth her.

“It’s alright. I’ll clean it as best I can. But we are going to have to find another way to get to Greece. There is no way you can shimmer in your condition.” Her nod is weak, and concern grips me as her eyes blink sluggishly, the dead man’s blood taking affect already. I glance around our surroundings. The sun is high above us, signalling it was probably midday where we were. Some trees near us are twisted and bent into a natural shelter. I scoop Amelia into my arms as gently as I can feeling my heart tighten as she winces, and walk towards the large group of trees, and deposited her gently in the soft grass below. My hands dig through my duffel bag where I’d had the good sense to pack a first aid kit. I turn from the duffel bag and I feel a small blush rush across my cheeks as the realization hits me that I’ll have to remove her shirt to tend to her wound. Why was I suddenly so embarrassed at the prospect of seeing my mate half naked, when just last night I’d been close to ripping her clothes from her in steamy passion. I shake my head and focus on the task at hand. I can see Amelia drifting in and out of consciousness as I try and pull her attention to me.

“I’m going to have to take off your shirt to get to the wound, okay?” her nod is sluggish, and her eyes slide closed slowly. I reach down to the hem of her shirt and carefully lift it over her head. I flinch as she hissed, hating the thought of hurting her. Reaching into the first aid kit I grab the antiseptic wipes, before turning back to her to clean the wound. Her body went limp as I cleaned it, and I knew then that she had passed out from the pain. I continued cleaning the wound carefully, before bandaging it up and grabbing one of her shirts from her duffel bag and gently dressing her. Pulling her close to me, I laid her head on my lap as I stroked her hair softly. My heart was aching so much looking down at her, hating the fact that she was in pain. Although our bond had not been made yet, her pain was my pain, and it made me feel sick to my stomach imagining how she was feeling. Her face was peaceful, appeasing some of the pain I felt for her. My phone buzzed in my pocket as I gently stroked her cheeks, and I reached down to retrieve it. I clicked the green answer button and held it to my ear

“Luca? You all good?” Mia’s voice put my mind at ease knowing that she’d managed to get out unscathed.

“Not really.” I said, my voice coming out in a croak as my throat clenched. “Amelia got hurt.” Mia gasps from the other end of the call.

“Is she ok? What the hell happened?!” I took a deep breath, my fingers stroking her cheek, my chest hurting as I looked down at where the wound is.

“I don’t know. Someone attacked us as we were shimmering, and when we arrived, she was on the floor with a silver dagger in her side. It had been dipped in dead man’s blood.”

“Shit.” She exclaimed, and I nodded even though she couldn’t see me. “I’ll come get you.”

“No. Continue the mission. It’ll be ok. She’s strong.” I could feel my sisters doubt through the phone, but I left no room for argument. “Do what needs to be done Mia. We will be ok. I’ll let her rest for a little while and then we’ll continue with our task too. Even if I have to carry her.” A resigned sigh sounded from Mia’s end of the phone and I smiled.

“Fine. But the minute you need me, you better contact me.” She grumbled.

“I will. Be careful, and I love you sis.”

“I love you too bro. and same to you.” I said a quick bye before we hung up. Sighing deeply, I leant my head back, looking up at the gnarled bark and branches of our tree shelter. I closed my eyes to rest them for a few seconds before sleep soon took me.

***

Mia POV

Hanging up with my twin was the hardest thing I had to do. I’d felt his distress through our twin bond and had feared the worst. We’d managed to portal out of the clearing without any trouble, after seeing that my family was ok. As we’d left the pack, warriors had descended full force. I was confused however as to how the rogues had managed to slip past our patrol, and our defences. We had made sure to strengthen the patrol tenfold, so that no land was left un-patrolled and we would not have a repeat of what happened at Seth and Elizabeth’s wedding. I was concerned that we had a mole amongst our midst, allowing them to cross the border. I knew Seth and Luca shared my concern and after today, Seth would be ever more cautious about what he spoke about in front of others.

I hoped that Amelia would be alright. I knew she was tough and that there wouldn’t have been enough dead man’s blood present to kill her, but she was now incapacitated, and they had no way of reaching their other destination at this present time. She and I had grown close in the short time we’d known each other as well, and I considered her to be a friend. She was also really good for my brother, and he had definitely come out of his shell the past week. Her fiery and stubborn nature pulled him from his melancholy thoughts and lit a fire in him I haven’t seen since he lost Fae. And her kindness had his heart slowly melting in her hands. They couldn’t see it yet, but I could, they were definitely falling in love. The attitude and bickering were sometimes still present, but the earlier venom was no longer there. I dialled a new number on my phone and waited for Seth to answer. Thankfully within a few minutes he picked up.

“Mia are you guys good?” his authoritative voice made me smile. Even though we were older than him he still had that sense of authority to him.

“Yes, Viktor and I arrived with no troubles, however…” I could mentally see Seth tense at my words and continued quickly before he could interrupt. “Amelia was injured as she was shimmering to their location. She’s okay, but they might take a little longer to retrieve their ingredients, as she is unable to shimmer now. Are you guys ok?” Seth released a frustrated sigh, and I could see the look on his face vividly in my mind, I’d seen it enough being his Gamma.

“As long as she’s alright. Yes, the minute you guys were gone, they retreated.” I nodded in agreement even though he couldn’t see me and frowned confusedly at the sudden disappearance of the rogues. “Continue as planned and keep me updated. I’ll try and get in contact with Luca and get his new game plan.” After a few more minutes of checking up we hung up and I sighed in frustration at the situation. Viktor patted me on the back comfortingly and I smiled up at him. No matter how I was feeling a simple gesture from Viktor was enough to make me feel better. I stood from the rock that I had been sitting on and steeled myself for the task ahead. We had to walk the rest of the way to the hidden cave that was to be our meeting location for Cordelia’s friend, so we set off without a further to do.

An hour or so later I felt the soft vibration of a cloaking spell and after uttering the revealing word Cordelia had given me, a large set of stacked rocks with an entrance appeared before us.  A glance at Viktor and we head towards the entrance. Warmth consumes us as we enter the cave, and the soft hint of brimstone hits my nostrils. I don’t know what I’d been expecting as I’d entered the cave, but it was definitely not what I found. The cave, although appearing small on the outside, had been magicked to almost quadruple in size. The cave consisted of three tiers, accessed by steps carved into the rock face. The first level appeared to be a living area complete with couch, tv and kitchenette. The second was full of scientific equipment, bubbling beakers, and flowing tubes. And the third held a simple bed, with two bedside tables and a small door that I couldn’t see where it led to. Perched before a desk on the second level, glancing into a microscope was a gorgeously stunning woman.

As we enter, her glowing green eyes fell on us, power exuding from her very gaze. She stood from the desk and descended the stone steps until she stood before us, giving us a better look at her. Her hair was much like mine, deep red in colour, that flickered with hints of purple as she walked; her emerald green eyes were kind as her lips stretched into a smile. Her figure was one a woman would kill for and filled out her tight-fitting jeans and tank top in all the right places. She was a little bit taller than me, and as she came to stand before me, I found myself raising my eyes a little to greet hers. She reached out her hand and I shook it.

“You must be Mia,” her voice holding a faded accent that I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. She turned to Viktor, a curious smile on her face before shaking his hand. “and you must be Viktor. I must say, it is very unusual to see a vampire and a wolf shifter working so closely together.” She stated with amusement. You should meet my brother and his mate then. I joked to myself in my head.

“Yes, it is unusual. But Viktor is my Guardian, my protector.” The woman’s eyebrows rose at that and curiosity appeared in her eyes. “We really appreciate you agreeing to help us…?” I left the statement open, hoping she would provide her name.

“Of course. My name is Nimue, and any friend of Cordelia is a friend of mine. That woman has been a great friend for many years, and a great help in my researching.” I glanced up at the makeshift lab on the second floor. “My passion is science and magic.” She informed us as she led us to the lounge area. We sat across from her and waited patiently for what was to happen next. Nimue headed towards the kitchen and grabbed a kettle and cups before heading our way again. As she poured us each a cup of tea, she made polite conversation. But I was anxious to get to the point.

“So, Viktor is your guardian you say? Your protector? What makes him so?” she places the cups of tea on the coffee table in front of us before she sat on the couch on the other side of the coffee table. I take my cup in hand and blow softly before taking a sip.

“There is a thing amongst vampires called the Chosen. Unlike the witches, a Chosen is not a soul mate for a vampire, but someone that the vampire is compelled to protect against all harm. There is a legend of the first Vampire and his daughter. Felicity was her name. the legend says that she waged war against the son of Lupin the Great, the first wolf shifter ever created. When the son had been slain by her hands his mate was consumed by grief, and being a witch cursed Felicity and all of her kind.” Nimue’s attention never left me as I told her the story, her fascination apparent by the cup held still before her mouth, just hovering. “Yet, even in her grief, she was pure of heart and wished only peace between the species. All species. So she cursed the vampires with the fate of the Chosen. Each vampire during their eternal life would be given a chosen one to protect, no matter the species. With her curse set she joined her true love in the peace of death, and her life force bound the spell to last until the end of all on earth.”

“Wow.” Nimue sighed, her cup now no longer hovering before her mouth.

“Of course, that is only a legend. Whether it is true will probably never be known. Viktor has been with me since I was five, and he will live to be my protector until my last breath.” Nimue’s eyes flickered between Viktor and I with a fascinated smile.

“How interesting.” I chuckled at her at her tone and drained the rest of my tea as she scribbled away in a little notebook that she had pulled from her back pocket. When she was done, she put it back in her pocket and clapped her hands together once with a smile.

“Shall we get down to business then?” Viktor and I both nod enthusiastically, eager to get to the point at hand. “So, Cordelia informs me that you have had the honour of dealing with the ever annoying, Adrienne.” Her name had anger running through my veins and I had to repress a growl. I could feel my magic crackling in the air as the thought of everything Adrienne had done to my family over the past years and I saw Nimue smirk knowingly. “She also informs me that you need dragon fire.” I nod in agreement, glad were finally getting to the point. “Are you willing to make a trade for it?” The shock must have been apparent on my features because she raised her hands in a signal of peace.

“I am more than happy to give you my fire without payment,” she reassured me. “however, it is very rare for me to come across a hybrid of your distinction.” I raise an eyebrow in question. “if you’d be willing, I would give you my fire in exchange for a vial of your blood. Strictly for research purposes. Hybrids fascinate me!” she finished excitedly. I mulled over what she’d said in my head before softly nodding. I watched with amusement as she bounced up and down excitedly before she rose from her chair and grabbed my hands. She pulled me up onto the second floor where I was led to a small table. She opened up the drawers atop the table and pulled out a syringe. I rolled up my sleeve so she could better access my veins and closed my eyes as she approached with a needle. I’d never been a big fan of needles, and it had not changed in the last few seconds. There was a slight pinch and after a few minutes I felt her press a soft small cotton ball on the pin prick in my skin. I open my eyes and watch as Nimue walks off to put away my vial of blood safely. After she had put it away in a safe place we headed back down to the first floor and I grabbed the vial for the dragons breath from my satchel that I’d left on the couch, before turning to an expectant Nimue.

She took a step back from us into an empty area of the cave and closed her eyes. Heat exuded from her as I watched in awe. Her body smoothly morphed into a stunning dragon, with a swirl of flames licking across her skin. Her scales glimmered a deep purple, and her green eyes glowed powerfully. She stood at least seven feet tall from the ground to her shoulder, and at least thirty to forty feet long from the tip of her tapered nose to the end of her serpentine tail. Her large wings were tucked safely to the sides of her body. She exuded power and heat and I stood in wonderment before her. She beckoned me forward with her large head and I approached her, feeling exceedingly small next to her hulking form.

‘Are you ready?’  she asked, her voice filling my head. I unstopped the vial in my hand and held it before me. As I started chanting the containment spell, I watched in awe as Nimue’s chest started to glow and soon soft blue and purple flames were slowly leaving her mouth and being sucked into the vial. The vial was warm in my hand as I stoppered it and Nimue shifts back into her human form, her clothes still intact. I carefully placed the bottle of dragon fire into my satchel and slid the strap over my chest. I turn to Nimue as she returns to the lounge area and pull her into a hug.

“Thank you for your assistance.” She returns my hug tightly, and we pull apart with smiles. A bond had formed between us, one that magical beings like dragons and witches had always shared. It was an unspoken bond that led to strong friendships of the pair. A few hours in her presence was enough to form a strong everlasting friendship.

“I have something I want to give you.” I look at her questioningly as she runs up to the third floor of the cave and returns with a Viking like horn in the same shade as her scales. “If you should ever need me, all you need to do is blow into this horn, and I will find you.” Tears filled my eyes at this sweet gesture. I pulled her in once again for a tight hug. Placing the horn in my satchel I turned to Viktor and we headed out of the cave after saying our last goodbyes to Nimue. As we stepped outside, I was surprised to see that the sun had set, and the night air was cool on our skin after having spent time in the warm cave. With a slight shiver, I pulled my phone from my pocket and texted Seth a quick update before turning to Viktor.

“Ready to go?” I ask, and he nodded in agreement. Our next stop was Cape Coral, Florida, where Cordelia had informed us of an impending hurricane in the next few days. Grasping Viktor’s hand I chanted the portal spell and we stepped through landing in an alley of a hotel we would be staying in for the next few days to await the hurricane. After we had checked in, we settled in for bed, having no choice but to wait. I only hoped that Luca and Amelia were ok. Before falling asleep I shot my twin a quick text checking up on him. Awaiting his reply sleep took me, and I willingly let it.