4. Embry
Chapter 4
Embry
T he arrogant vampire lord looks down his royal nose at me as though he has much better things to do, and I’m almost positive that he does. But then he shouldn’t have messed with me, at least not tonight. Does he think I haven’t heard the heavy step of his foot on the forest floor, or the sound of his voice trying to pry information from friendlies along the way, or that they wouldn’t let me know?
He has not been through the rigorous training that I have. Lord Corvinus may be Overmaster Descallia’s right-hand lord, especially now that Lucas is no longer alive, but he has not been in bloodthirsty battles with the rogues who use every dirty trick in the book and force you to ensure your skill sets with the steel to stay alive.
The vampire lord looks down at me from his over six-foot muscular frame, but no matter the difference in height, I have speed and can disappear or take flight in a blink of an eye, disappearing again, which would cause him more wasted days. I can see the barely constrained frustration and tolerance in his eyes. He has one mission. Deliver me back unharmed, and then be on his way and he wants to get it done and over with as soon as he can.
His strong and masculine voice booms with his anger. “I understand that you’re coming with me. I’ve been asked to bring you back, and that’s exactly what I intend to do.”
I’ve heard a rumor that he’ll be in charge of the warriors. Everyone knows his skills with the sword, but just because he’s got immaculate skills and is quick on the draw doesn’t mean he should dismiss mine. “If you come any closer, this is going to turn from a very friendly chat to an all-out war. Turn around and go home. Tell my friends that I’ve made up my mind, and they should heed the note I sent. It’s really all I have to say.”
Those intent dark black eyes draw me my eyes upward, magnetizing me momentarily as though locking me in place. So handsome, yet deadly in his own right. Yet his voice softens as though changing tact. “I mean you no harm, but you’re making this difficult at best. Why not come back, tell them yourself that you are fine, convince them of that so Lucianna does not worry, and then you can return.”
I laugh scornfully. “You mean after the vultures and gossip mongers rip me to shred with their lies, or the other vampires and their mates condemn me to a burning fire for no reason at all? Which or all of that would you want to run back to, Lord Corvinus? Because I, sir, will have none of it at all. You will go back and tell them whatever you wish. Because I simply don’t give a fuck.”
His eyebrows arch in challenge, causing me to ready for battle, my fingers stroking the handle of my steel in the event that he pounces to take me by surprise.
Instead, the handsome vampire lord surprises me yet again. Speaking to rationale that I’ve gone over a million times in my own head.
Corvinus gestures with a nod toward the forest. “Funny, you don’t look like a quitter to me. Yet, you’d rather I tell them you ran away, that you aren’t willing to defend yourself, or to tell them the truth? All they know is what they’ve been told. That’s what they believe, Embry. Why not tell them your side of the story? Tell them your truth.”
It's not that I haven’t told myself the same thing time and time again, but if they didn’t listen to it when I pleaded with them to, when I could have been their biggest ally, then why the hell does he think they’ll listen now?
My silence infuriates the beast. “Why are you so damn obstinate after I’ve come all this way? Do what I say, or I’ll take you home the hard way, in shackles and with a sore ass.”
The fury of days and days builds to an almost overflowing cauldron of angst, bubbling inside while seething fire at his words. “Leave now before this becomes something it does not have to be. Make no mistake, I’ve said my piece and If I have to run you through?” I shrug. “Then it was meant to be, asshole. My blade has taken down tougher than you.”
His eyes flare red, bright flaming red, a warning that I’ve gotten on his last nerve. Well, newsflash, he was on mine a long time ago. The minute I caught sight of him tracking me through the forest floor. But this standoff is real, and my hand clenches the steel, knowing what an accomplished adversary he will be. Because I’ve heard rumors to, about just how arrogant and deadly he can be.
A loud screech pierces the forces, a blood-curdling scream that causes him to turn and gives me the very chance that I need to open that door and sink into the sanctity of my new home, hoping against hope that what gramma said was true.
No one, evildoers, and vampires alike, can penetrate their walls. Too filled with the sacred magic of those who built it centuries ago. An almost impenetrable fortress, a safe haven that will always be your home. Unless, of course, you invite them in.
And as I slide to the floor in exhaustion, I have to hold on to the hope that what she said is true, that I’ve not made the journey for nothing, only to be led back by the arrogant bastard on the other side of this door.
But yet his ferocious knock makes my heart race with fear. “Go away. Tell them I’m fine.”
The door shakes with his wrath, his strength pushing against the door, and my back as it moves with his rage, but yet, just as gramma warned it stays locked and keeps me safeguarded from his attack. “Go away.”
A heavy thud on the door is enough to sway it and me at the same time, but the door does not come from its hinges. The not too light footsteps fading away, and the scurrying of creatures scrambling through the night can be heard as the enemy retreats, hopefully to go back to Descallia and Lucianna and leave me alone.
But I’m not taking any chances. The lord is known for his arrogance and in his circle, coming back without accomplishing his mission will no doubt be seen as a blemish on his impeccable record. No, that asshole is coming back, and I’ll be more than ready to convince him to leave.
I stand, surprised at just how shaky my legs are now that I’ve had time to calm. The room is dark, but my keen eyes grow accustomed to the dark, taking in the small table and chairs, the hearth in the corner and the queen size bed that lays against the wall. I walk toward the lamp and strike a match, wondering if after so many years they will work, but the flame flares in only one stroke.
The lantern lets off a warm glow around the interior of the cavern carved into the hills of the Carpathian mountains, and gratefulness and memories of my gramma abound.
A light brushing sound against the floor causes me to turn. But only the rocking of a chair can be seen by the unlit hearth. “Welcome, child.”