Corrupt Cravings (20 page)

“I must go.” She glanced at Donavon nervously. “Tell Ambrose my phone is broken, but all is well.”

They dropped in unison and piled into a two-door sports car. Aaron quietly got in the SUV as Marcella turned and looked at the ground. She remained quiet while she passed him and got in. Donavon stood in the parking lot, feeling completely bewildered. After a few seconds, he shook his head and climbed in. The remaining trip back didn’t prove to get any better. He figured they were all too shocked to speak.

Parking in front of the small guest house, Donavon popped open the back and turned off the car. They all unloaded the groceries, and he watched as Marcella began putting the food away.

“Aaron and I have to go speak with Luis. I have a gun under my pillow if something happens. I’d really feel better if you kept it in the kitchen with you.”

“I’ll be fine. Go ahead and go.”

Donavon adjusted the Glock at his lower back. Kissing her forehead, he nodded for Aaron to follow. If shit was going to go down, he needed his friend to stand guard and get Marcella out in case anything happened. Damn, he was really starting to think he needed details on the plan those two had been discussing.

Chapter 9

Nemmy led the way through the brush, saying every curse word he could think of. He might have been an angel, but even they sinned from time to time. Stepping over a fallen branch, he nearly tripped as his foot slid into a small hole.

“You’re usually quieter than this. A bit impatient, are we?”

“Caspius, spare me. I have to see if this is where she’s staying. It’s the only place where the power is coming from. My guess is that this little house isn’t a fucking house at all.”

“Couldn’t we have just taken the damn road? If it is her place, you know they’re going to detect us no matter where we come from.”

Damn, Caspius did have a point, but they were almost there, anyway. “Just keep going. There’s not that much further to go.”

“You know you’re buying me a new pair of boots, right? These are scratched to shit.”

Nemmy didn’t answer as he broke into the clearing. The small, red brick house looked like any other home in the area, but he couldn’t ignore the power coming from within. Either a Wiccan was cooking up one hell of a spell, or they’d just hit the jackpot.

“You want to go up and ring the doorbell or just stand here and take in the view of the goldfish swimming around the pond?”

Catching a glimpse of the actual small, manmade pond, Nemmy rolled his eyes. He took in the expensive car in the driveway and cringed at the pitchfork logo. That alone was almost a dead giveaway. It reminded him of Samael. Was the demon master here? Surely not. “What do I say if she answers?”

“Get real. We both know that’s not going to happen. She’s guarded better than the pearly gates themselves. I guarantee one of her men will answer, if not an army of them.”

Damn, he knew that, but he couldn’t think knowing she could possibly be so close. “Maybe I should just go and knock.”

“Or we could be smart and come up with a plan before jumping the gun.”

Nemmy’s mouth opened and then closed. Turning his attention back to the house, he mindlessly shook his head. “I can’t leave without knowing. If one of her men opens the door, then she’s definitely alive. I have to see.”

“I understand completely, but shouldn’t we stay out of view? We could throw something toward the house. It’ll either break a window or bounce off of their invisible shield. Either way, I guarantee an alarm will go off.”

Nemmy smiled. “Let’s do this.” He looked down, searching the ground. Besides brush and twigs, no rocks were in view. Sighing, he grabbed his knife. Damn, it was his favorite. At least he could get another one. He flashed the thing to Caspius. “Not quite the message I wanted to send, but here goes.”

The weapon left his hand, cutting through the air like silk. As the blade stuck into the invisible shield, a ripple waved down the illumination. A great fortress flashed into view, and Nemmy felt the air leave his lungs. He could barely hear himself whisper over his pounding heart.

“She lives.”

* * * *

The sound of the door shutting had Marcella spinning around. Running to the window, she watched as Donavon and Aaron walked a good twenty yards away and paused, starting a conversation. Turning into her collector, she materialized a new phone and immediately called Ambrose’s number.

“Marcella?”

“Oh, thank God! Ambrose, Nexius should be calling you soon. We just had a run-in with him, his twin, and another vampire. I’ve invited them back to the fortress.”

“They just called. Are you okay?”

“I’m good. I promise. How are things there?”

Marcella continued to stare out of the window. Donavon was walking toward the main house as Aaron leaned against a tree. Confused, she kept her eye on him.

“Things are okay. We’ve been training. Everyone’s a bit restless with you being away, but we’re managing.”

“Good. I’m glad. There’s no telling how long this is going to take. I’m trying with him, but it’s going to be a while. Maybe a week or two. Hell, it might be longer. I’ve got to get him more stable before I bring him and Aaron back.”

“Wait. Who is Aaron?”

“Donavon’s best man. He’s had dreams, too. Somehow he’s linked to us. I think he’s part of Dominic’s army.”

“Well, he should be pleased. Maybe he’ll recognize him.”

“I hope so because I don’t. Anyway, is Dom or Jason by you?”

“Jason is. Dom went to go check something with the alarms. He said it wouldn’t take long.”

Marcella watched Aaron kick at the ground as he studied the area around him. She frowned and looked around at some men off in the distance playing with their guns.

“Babe! How are you?”

“Oh, how I missed your voice, Jason. I’m good. How are you?”

“Same ‘ol, same ‘ol. You know me. I’m always good, even when I’m bad.”

Marcella laughed and shook her head. “Yes, you are. Jason, I wasn’t going to do this, but can I ask you a favor?”

“Anything, babe, just name it.”

“I need you.” He paused, and she felt herself grow nervous.

“You want me there with you?”

“My succubus came out earlier, and I had to trick Donavon. I was so close to being busted. I need you here in case she comes again. She was far from being sated.”

“I can’t…” Jason sighed and breathed out deeply. “Just tell me what you want me to do.”

“I don’t know. Fuck. I don’t think you can just show up. Not unless you’re somehow connected to the pack.”

“Do I look anything like Donavon?”

Marcella laughed. “Hell no. Think along the lines of Dominic’s twin. No lie.”

“Hell. Well, maybe I’m a long-lost cousin or some shit.”

“It’ll have to do. Manifest yourself in Victoria right away, get yourself a car, and then turn wolf and feel for your connection to me. It should lead you here. There’s no way I can give you directions. I have no idea the names of the roads.”

“I’ll be there as fast as I can.”

“Thank you, Jason. I love you.”

“I love you, too, Marcy.”

The connection went dead, and she made the phone disappear. Turning back into wolf form, she walked back into the kitchen and continued her task. When the food was put away, she started preparing dinner and the desserts. The fried chicken was practically cooked when the door finally opened and Donavon and Aaron walked in.

“Smells good,” Aaron said, practically purring.

“Why, thank you.” Marcella smiled and looked at Donavon’s stressed face. Concerned, she took a step toward him. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” He gave her a tight smile. “The food smells great.”

“Thanks. Did everything go okay with Luis?”

“Fine. We just had a long talk about rules.”

The sound of Donavon’s phone ringing had Marcella’s heart rate soaring. He groaned and flipped it open.

“What’s up?” His eyes narrowed as he listened. “What do you mean we have an imposter?” Silence lasted for a few seconds and Marcella could feel herself shaking. “Donavon’s cousin? Really? No, no. Bring him to the house. I want to speak with him.” He hung up the phone and looked at Aaron.

“Patrol stopped a car pulling in. I’m going to take care of this before Luis starts nosing around.”

Aaron nodded. “Yeah, you know it won’t take him long. Good thing you’re in charge of this kind of stuff.”

“Tell me about it.”

Marcella flipped the chicken and cried out as grease splashed over her fingers. Fuck. She needed to pay attention to what she was doing, but knowing Jason was here was making her extremely nervous. What if Donavon made the connection or wouldn’t let him stay? What if her other half got hurt?

“Shit. Come here, sweetheart. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be talking about this stuff in front of you. Are you okay?” Donavon’s hand touched her arm and froze. “God, you’re shaking.”

“I’m fine. Just a small burn.”

Cool water from the faucet rushed over her hand as her wolf mate cuddled his body into hers. “No, I took your attention off of the food. I’ve hurt you again. I haven’t forgotten about my punishment.” He whispered the last of the words under his breath.

“It was my fault. Please. Just forget about it.”

A knock saved him from answering. The door opened, and she watched three men escort Jason inside. Donavon and Jason’s gazes locked, and she watched as they both turned pale.

“So what do you want us to do with him, Arizona? He claims to be some guy named Donavon’s cousin. I told him we didn’t have anyone here by that name.” A few seconds went by, and the men on patrol shifted uneasily. “Arizona, you okay?”

Marcella watched him shake his head back and forth. Slowly, he looked toward her. Fear engulfed her body as she turned to focus on the chicken.

“I know him. He’s cool. You guys get back before Luis sees you missing.”

“You sure?”

“I said go!” The roar made Marcella jump. The men scurried out of the door, practically slamming it behind them in their haste.

Silence settled inside. Turning off the burner, she removed the frying pan and braced herself. Donavon turned on her so fast she was rooted to the ground.

“He’s yours, isn’t he? No one knew my name but you.”

“Whoa, dude. Chill out. Are you saying you don’t remember me?”

Donavon looked back at him. “I don’t know what in the hell is going on, but you and I have never met before.”

“We haven’t?” Jason raised an eyebrow at him. “You know we have. Think about it. Look back at my face, and try to remember.”

Donavon made it to him in two strides. “I’m saying I don’t fucking know you, bro. Don’t make me repeat myself.”

“Then why didn’t you let them cart me off?”

Silence.

“Listen. No more arguing, please,” Marcella whispered. “Dinner is ready. Let’s all just sit down and eat. We’ll talk more afterward.” Sadness quickly took over. The last thing she wanted was for Donavon to take two steps back and be angry all over again, but Jason really needed to be here for her.