Chronicles of the Uprising (Trilogy 1): Trilogy 1 (29 page)

“Do you mean for us to go up against all eight colonies?” Lucian asked.

“We never wanted to be part of a war,” Curtis finally spoke, his voice warbling with fear. “We’ve been through so much in these last few days. More than we had ever expected.”

Lucian stood and squeezed Curtis’s shoulder. “You’ve gone above and beyond, my friend.”

“I’m not saying I won’t do what’s required of me, but my poor Sarah…”

“I’m fine, love,” Sara pulled her husband into a tight hug. “As long as we’re together, I can withstand anything.”

The skinny woman looked as if she’d blow away in a strong breeze. No. Mira couldn’t involve her in a fight.

“You both have done enough. I don’t want you to worry. Whatever happens, I’ll protect you. Your job is done.”

The other wolves milled about the cave anxiously. Remy kept his distance, but shot furtive glances back at Mira. The threat from the council may have been taken away for the moment, but there was still a lot of animosity in the air. Terrance, though part of Stryker’s pack, still kept to himself alone along the back wall.

“Don’t you all see how pointless this is?” Mira directed her question to everyone keeping their distance in the cave. “We could all be enjoying this beautiful starry sky and fresh air, but because of your stupid prejudices, you’re standing in there waiting for the word to fight and have me kill you. I don’t want to kill you either. I want to be your… frien… I want to get to know you all better. To live with you in peace.”

Remy pulled his ugly hat off his head. He bit his lip and nodded. “You got a point.” He walked forward and held out his hand. “Truce.”

She took the offered hand. “Was that so hard?”

“Yes,” Remy said with a smirk.

“Now we just need to get the rest of the Council to let go of that stupid ignorance.”

“Hey, now…”

“I’m not saying you’re stupid… just your actions.”

Stryker looked up from his drawing. “You don’t erase centuries of hatred in minutes.”

“Never said I wanted to erase it. But if you don’t give people a chance…”

Lucian stood and reaching out a hand, walked over to Mira. Uncertain of what he was doing, she hesitated when he took her hand and stroked it. “I’m so very glad you took a chance on me, Mira. Thanks for not killing me in that hallway.”

Best decision of her life. Mira met Lucian’s mossy eyes with a smile. He’d been the first human to show her kindness. And that small spark gave her faith that humanity was not all a lost cause. “You wouldn’t have made a good meal anyway.” Of course she didn’t want to let on that she had a soft spot for the handsome human.

“Always the attitude. Do you ever let your guard down?” Lucian looked as if he was hiding his hurt feelings, but his tone remained light.

“You know how I feel about that.”

Stryker cleared his throat. “Back to the matter at hand. The Iron Gate humans need to be taught a lesson. I’m not saying we have to fight every last one of them, but we need to hit them hard and make it known that we are a force to be reckoned with. If nothing else, it will teach them not to come after us again.”

Lucian released Mira’s hand. “If I may, we can hit them hard, but as long as the Magistrate is in power there will be no end to the battle. You will need to kill him.”

Though she’d felt uncomfortable holding it, she found she missed the warmth of Lucian’s hand. “Make an example of him, though. Put his crimes on display. You want the humans to stop coming after our kind, but you also want them to see us for the people we are… not savages, not bloodthirsty. They need to see that we’re capable of thoughts, feelings, and most of all, that we have a conscience. That’s the biggest problem with the human population at this time. They do not think us… well, vampires, that is, capable of rational thought. We’re nothing more than beasts to them. Which is why they don’t care when we’re slaughtered.”

“Well, before we can do anything to the humans, we must secure the support of the Council.” Stryker’s voice lacked enthusiasm. “I’m not confident that we’ll get that.”

“They may not have a choice,” Mira said. “As you clearly pointed out, the battle is at their door already, thanks to us.”

“Yes, but they suffer from a bit of the same arrogance as your humans do. It’s been centuries since they’ve had to face any opposition. They feel comfortable in their superiority and strength. They’ve never been tested.”

“They can be superior all the way to the grave,” Mira scoffed.

“I’m not arguing with you, I’m merely pointing out where their thoughts will be,” Stryker said.

“Then if they don’t agree, we’ll have to make them see reason.” Mira punched her hand.

“Knock some sense into them?” Stryker asked.

“Was that you making a joke, wolfman? I like it.” Mira laughed. “But yeah, to be blunt, if they need to see where their weakness lies, I’ll be more than happy to show them.”

“That won’t be necessary.” Alec had returned with the rest of the Council, sounding calmer than he had earlier. “Your presence here has caused a great disturbance in our way of life. But, though we are loath to endure it, we must. If not now, some other time in the future this would have happened. Stryker is right: We do need to meet the threat of the humans’ encroachment head on. And, it has been pointed out we also need to help our imprisoned brothers in need.”

“So then you’ll fight with us?” Mira asked.

“We will fight the battles we can win. As you have so clearly pointed out, we are not as strong as we should be. We need reinforcements.”

That raised Mira’s eyebrow.

“You will provide them.”

“Oh?” she asked.

“We’ll make you a new deal. I want you to take a team back to the human city. You spoke of the other vampires who would fight alongside of us. Free them and bring them with you. If you can do this, we’ll combine our forces and create an army capable of taking on the humans.”

There were far too many ifs in that sentence, but at least they were heading in the right direction with their so-called deal.

“Fine. But while this is happening, what of my friends?” Mira’s question was directed at Alec, but her eyes fell on Curtis and Sarah, weary and tired, sitting together on the ground. “I need to be assured of their comfort and safety.”

Alec’s jaw tightened. He took a breath and calmed himself before speaking. “As for the humans, they’ll be allowed within our sanctuary, as our… guests.” He cringed as he said the word. It was apparently taking all his control to keep his voice expressionless. “But, they cannot leave under any circumstances until the battle is won.”

By the sound of it, she wasn’t sure she could trust his word. “I’ll need your assurance that they’ll be comfortable and safe – something more than just your word.”

Alec sneered. His eyes shot daggers at Mira. “My word should be more than adequate for you, vampire.”

“Your word means nothing to me. You have not earned my trust.”

“I don’t have to earn it. I am the leader of the…”

Natasha spoke up. “I give you my blood oath as one of your own. This oath is witnessed by all present. The humans, Sarah, Curtis, and Lucian will remain here, comfortable and safe.”

“And remain human?” Mira asked.

“Yes,” Natasha answered. “They will remain as they are, so long as it is their wish to do so.”

“No compulsion.” Mira directed her comment at Alec, knowing full well he’d probably planned to trick them while she was otherwise occupied.

Alec’s sneer faded. “No tricks. No games. We will not alter them in any way. Do we have a deal, vampire?”

“Almost. What are the terms of this deal should I not return?”

Natasha spoke up before Alec had the chance to answer. “Your sacrifice will be honored, Mira, and your friends will live out their life in peace.”

Mira took a slow deep breath. She looked out of the cave, up at the stars. The glorious stars that she’d waited more than thirty years to see.

This new “deal” was anything but. To go back to New Haven, back behind the Iron Gate and not only live to tell the tale but also free a prison full of vampires in the center of the city? It was a suicide mission. One she was sure she’d never make it back from. But her friends would be safe. That was what mattered now. They’d risked their lives for her; now it was her turn. It was the right thing. The honorable thing to do.

With a heavy sigh, Mira turned back to the council members, meeting each of them in the eyes in turn. “Deal.”

Revolution

Chronicles of the Uprising: Book 3

Katie Salidas

Silvery moonlight bled through the sheer curtains above Mira’s head. Cradled in the warmth of the pillowy mattress, Mira could have stayed in bed for all eternity. She could hardly remember a time when she’d been so comfortable. Thirty years in a dirty cell had made her forget the simple comforts of a warm bed and soft clothes. The breeze drifted in, picking up the curtains and sending them lazily dancing. She reached up, letting them tickle her fingertips, and noticed something she’d ever seen before. Well, at least something she hadn’t seen in a very long time. Her hands were clean. Truly clean… and soft. No caked-on blood and grime, or gunk embedded into her nail beds. They even smelled of lemongrass and sandalwood, and were smoother than she’d ever known, thanks to the oils and lotions Stryker had provided her.  This was how things were supposed to be. Life was not supposed to be dirty and ugly. Life was meant to be lived, and small comforts like this enjoyed, not ended by the swift stroke of her sword at the order of her masters. Though she missed the comfortable weight of her weapon, she’d gladly give it up if it meant never having to fight again.

She sighed contentedly and let the squishy mattress hug every inch of her body. This was heaven.

If she could somehow stop time, make the moment last forever, she would. Not being a very devout vampire, Mira still silently prayed – begged really – to the gods for more of this blissful peace. Hope kept the dream alive, but Mira knew the truth. This was only a brief peaceful interlude, one she so desperately needed, but it would be short-lived. 

Mira was a warrior. Fighting was her life, try as she might to deny it, and the looming dread of what was to come weighed heavily on her heart.

She should have been up and moving, sunset having long since passed, but she couldn’t tear her eyes away from the window. So many evenings lost. So many missed opportunities to take in the breathtaking majesty of the starlit sky. Thirty years of imprisonment deep underground had robbed her of everything she’d once taken for granted, and now that she was finally able to see and appreciate the twinkling stars, Mira wasn’t wasting one second of it.

In less than forty-eight hours, she’d be back on the road to almost certain death.

She pulled a soft knit blanket up to her shoulders to ward off the slight chill in the air.

Everything comes with a price. Caldera Grove. Beautiful, mystical, and earthy, it promised that longed-for freedom to Mira, and a life free of prejudice. But that did not extend to the humans who’d accompanied her. Lucian, Sarah, and Curtis’s fate depended on Mira. She’d already paid dearly in the struggle for her own freedom, but it had not been enough to ensure her friends’ safety. The price promised to cost her more than she would be able to pay… a trip back to New Haven, behind the Iron Gate.

Hardened warrior as she was, thinking of returning to that dreadful place made her cringe. Silver-coated bars. UV torches. The lightbox. Thirty years spent trying to escape from within those walls. Enduring unbearable tortures and being forced to kill for the entertainment of her masters.

Anger turned to bile in the back of her throat, threatening to sour the peaceful moment she’d been enjoying.

It was best not to think of such things. Live in the moment. Enjoy the comfort. Savor the delectably squishy mattress at her back, and the chilly breeze blowing in. These luxuries deserved to be cherished.

 “Mira, are you up?” Lucian’s voice, muffled slightly, penetrated the thick wooden door of the room she was using for sleep. “We’re scheduled to meet with the Council.”

The root of her latest set of problems. The Otherkin Council. Mira grumbled, “Bunch of pompous asses. Self-absorbed and out of touch...” Other choice descriptions came to mind, but name-calling wasn’t going to change the fact that she owed them a debt that had to be paid. And she had to at least make the effort to play nicely until she left the walls of Caldera Grove. She was just as much on their good side as they were hers. But, it was by their good graces she and the humans had been allowed within the boundaries of Caldera Grove, and she had to cooperate, much as it annoyed her to do so.

Lucian must not have heard her grumbling. He knocked on the door and waited a moment before saying, “Mira? Can I come in?”

She wanted to say no. His very presence reminded her of the duty she must perform, and all she wanted to do at that moment was forget her troubles. Heaving a heavy sigh, Mira reluctantly tossed aside her blanket and stood. “Yeah, get in here!”

Lucian pushed the door open but did not step inside. “Making yourself at home, I see.” His mossy eyes spoke more than words about his discomfort and deep-rooted anger.

“Shouldn’t I be as comfortable as possible while I can?” Damn his silent judgment of her. She deserved a little rest and recuperation after all she’d been through. “It’s not often I get to enjoy such luxury.”

She could see the words forming, but Lucian did not speak them. Nothing about this place was luxurious to him, nor was he happy with their situation.

“Have you been mistreated?” she asked, wondering if she’d missed something beyond their hosts’ prejudice.

“Quite the contrary.” Lucian folded his arms and leaned against the doorframe. His posture might have looked relaxed, but she saw past the ruse to the Elite within him, rising to the surface. The pampered prince throwing a temper tantrum, but desperately trying to hide it. “Stryker’s pack has been quite congenial. But we’re quarantined here. Only allowed to leave with your escort. I’d have loved to explore the city.”

“You will in time.” Mira tried to hold back the smirk. Thirty years she’d been imprisoned in a tiny cell, and he was daring to complain to her about having to stay inside the wolf-pack’s large den all day? In some ways, though she dare not admit it out loud, she felt a little vindication seeing Lucian’s discomfort. After all, he had enjoyed his Elite status and all that entailed while she’d spent all those years as a gladiator.

“Yes, of course. I’ll be able to explore after the suicide mission.” Sarcasm made him sound petulant, but she decided best not to call him out on it yet. “Assuming, that is, I make it back in one piece. Speaking of that, we should head to our meeting about our impending death. The Council is waiting.”

“Don’t sound so positive, Lucian. People will think we’ve swapped bodies.”

His eyes narrowed slightly, forming tiny creases at the corners. “Are you not bothered by the fact we are going to die?”

Mira shook her head. Death threats had been her way of life for so long they’d become white noise. Of course she was not ready to die, but there was no point in acknowledging those fears. “Everyone dies eventually. Enjoy the ride and make the trip worthwhile.”

“Spoken like someone ready to die.” His tone fell flat, as If he’d already accepted defeat and the inevitable.

As much as she owed him her allegiance, his mood swings were testing the limits of her patience. “I can see you’re stressed, so I’ll forgive the temper tantrum this time… Suck it up, Elite.”

Her use of that word had the intended effect, rendering Lucian speechless. Jaw hanging wide, he looked positively stunned. Behind his eyes she saw a multitude of emotions fighting to surface. She stared him down, daring him to say something else stupid and give her a reason to shut him up. He was better than this. She knew it. This moodiness had to stop, one way or another.

After the moment had passed, and he appeared to have calmed, Mira spoke again. “Will Sarah and Curtis be joining us?”

“They’re required to attend.” Though much calmer now, contempt still tainted his voice. “Escorted guard and all.”

“You’re going to have to drop the attitude. The tables have turned. You’re no Elite here. You are nothing to them… until you show them your worth.”

Lucian let out a sigh. His shoulders slumped. “You’re right. I’m being an arrogant idiot about all of this.”

“Remember, those are your words, not mine.” Though she whole-heartedly agreed with them.

“These last few days have been so trying.”

Mira closed the gap between them. Her first thought was to reach out and comfort him, but stopped herself. Touching was what other people did, hugging and hand holding. She could try to emulate it, give the pouting human what he wanted. But unnecessary touching felt odd and mechanical. Physical contact wasn’t what he needed anyway. A swift kick in the ego would do. “I’m trying my best not to laugh now.”

Her snarky comment earned a much more acceptable impish smile from the human. “Laughing at my misfortune; how very magnanimous of you.” Lucian crossed his arms, making him look even more the pouting child.

“Not sure what that word means, but sure. I’ve been tortured and damn near killed. Risked my life and put my neck on the line for you… and you’re grumpy.”

“And pouting like a little child. Yes. I hear you loud and clear. I’ll shut up now.”

“Finally.” She winked. “We’re on the same page.”

“I’m just not used to this. Not that it should be an excuse, I know. I’ll suck it up, as you said, and try harder to be accepting of their … hospitability.”

“I wouldn’t go as far as calling them hospitable just yet. They’re only harboring you until the outcome of the suicide mission.”

Finally, his mood truly lifted, and Lucian even let slip a laugh. “I love how blunt you are, Mira.”

“Pussy-footing doesn’t get you anywhere. And neither does procrastination. Let’s get moving.” She grabbed a light shawl from a hanger by the door and threw it over her shoulders. The air in Caldera was chillier than she was used to, and though she enjoyed it, Mira was finding it left her cold to the bones after only a short while. Blame slow vampire circulation for that, but at least there were warm clothes to compensate.

The wolves’ den was surprisingly quiet at this early hour of the night. Their room was one of many off the great circular shaped living space. Even to her enhanced hearing, there were hardly any sounds of life in the building. Two figures, human by the smell of them, were lounging by the fire, but aside from that, the place was empty. Odd, she thought. Mira would have expected to see at least some of the pack milling about in the great room. They had, after all, been told they had to have an escort anywhere they went. Why leave them alone, then? Questions for another time.

Mira headed for the door, expecting a guard to be placed there, but again found nothing. Not that they could go far on their own; Caldera was far from a huge city, and they were obviously newcomers. On orders to stay put until an escort came for them, any misstep would certainly be reported.
Oh, well.
She’d deal with the repercussions if any arose; they were meant to go visit the Council anyway. She opened the door, intending to walk there herself, when Stryker rounded the corner at the end of the street. He spotted her and waved.

As escorts went, he was certainly preferable. She knew he was on her side of things. And not too bad in a fight, either. She waved back and waited for him to make it to the door.

Fresh from a run, he had the scent of sweat on his skin, but Mira secretly felt a pang of disappointment that he was clothed instead of in his usual natural state. Shifters did not seem to mind nudity, and neither did Mira. A well-toned body was always a sight to appreciate.

“Drooling again, Mira?” Stryker flashed her a toothy grin as he brushed past her in the doorway. She purposely stood her ground so they would touch and she could get a deeper breath of his manly scent before it was gone.

Lucian crossed his arms, setting his mouth into a hard line. Not sure if his aggressive stare was directed at Mira or Stryker, she shrugged it off and licked her fangs. “Hungry, actually.”

“Wild for more wolf, eh?” Stryker’s amber eyes sparkled at her.

That got a rise out of Lucian. The air of Elite decorum fell as he practically snarled, “You fed from him?”

“Yeah, why?” Confused by his appalled tone, Mira stepped back from both men.

Eyes cast down to the ground with uncharacteristic abashment, Lucian quietly mumbled, “Nothing. I forget your nature sometimes.”