On the Edge of Destiny (Book 3) (A Vampire SEAL Novel) (4 page)

I didn’t flinch when he squeezed my hand harder, even though shock coursed through my body. She’d tried to kill her own father?

“Anyway, her love for Edmund is driving her actions.”

“If she threatened your dad…” I couldn’t finish the sentence. If I did ask the obvious, I would essentially suggest Webb should’ve known. Right?

“Then what, Jo? I should’ve known she was capable of betraying me?” Anger coated each word.

I pushed away the bite in his tone, chewing my lip as I thought about Sam. How would I react if my brother tried to kill me? As soon as the question scrolled through my brain, I let out a sigh. Without question, I would never believe Sam to be capable of harming me. However, I knew all too well how volatile a father-daughter relationship could be, which was way different than a sister-brother one.

We both sat in silence. His hand was still tethered to mine, but his grip had loosened.

I refused to believe anyone would kill her own kin because of love for someone else.

“Webb,” I said over the crashing waves.

With vampire speed, he spun me around so I was straddling him—a position that was becoming the norm for us.

“She’s my sister, Jo.” There was pain in his voice.

“Yeah, and that’s the point. She’s your family, Webb.”

He framed my face with his hands. “Listen to me. Kate and my father had a very explosive relationship. But Kate and I didn’t. We’d do anything for each other. This is hard for me to grasp.” He pinned me with a hard glare.

Maybe Kate was bipolar. I didn’t have the answers, and no matter how many times we speculated about why she drove a sword through his chest, we weren’t going to find the reasons.

“Would you kill your own sister, Webb?”

I’d asked the question once before, and he hadn’t been able to answer it at the time. However, he’d since had time to mull over Kate’s actions.

“Would I intentionally? No.” He gripped my shoulders. “Would I in self-defense? Maybe.” He let go of me then looked away. “It all depends on the circumstances.”

I had so many mixed emotions regarding the conversation. Never in a million years or in this lifetime could I or would I kill my brother. Never. Ever. Not for anyone. Not even in self-defense.

“Hey, breathe.” His tone changed, his choleric mood seeming to blow away in the wind. “We’re not going to solve this today. We’re not going to understand what Kate is thinking. I do, however, want to have a chance to talk with her.”

“Sam told me you did talk with her at the mansion, and you two got in a fight.”

“True. But I want to talk to Kate without Edmund present.”

“How?”

“No idea right now. I’m sorry if you’re angry and upset over this. I’m being honest with you. When you ask me something, I’ll always be honest.” His voice gentled. “Okay?”

The sunlight highlighted the sadness in his eyes.

“I’m sorry for bringing up Kate. I don’t want to see you hurt.”

“Thank you” was all he managed to say before his phone rang again.

We both glanced down. My dad’s name flashed as the caller ID.

He picked it up. “Yes, Commander?”

I grabbed his shoulders, pushed to my feet, then walked down to the shore. A soft breeze blew off the ocean as I rolled up my jeans and dipped my toes in the surf. A prickly sensation stung my skin as the ice-cold water flowed over my feet. I inhaled crisp ocean air. I hated to see Webb hurt and angry. Even more, I hated Kate for what she’d done to her brother. I vowed to myself I would do anything to protect Webb. How? I wasn’t sure.

Daylight brought on a whole new image for the small town. The grocery store parking lot bustled with people. The gas station had a steady stream of cars, funneling in and out. Cars and trucks packed the lot at the diner. This place seemed busier than the city streets of Fall River.

George had picked us up not long after Webb had finished his conversation with my dad, who’d called to check on us. I wasn’t surprised. I’d asked Webb if Dad had said anything about Mr. Jackson, and he’d said no. The topic hadn’t come up.

We were on the way to a Target located in the next town so I could purchase some personal items. After our shopping spree, we were scheduled to meet Stan at the crash site.

At the store, I jumped out of the car. Several humans walked by. Some were walking into the store. Others were headed to the cars.

George stopped me. “Wait, Jo,” he said.

I turned back, and Webb sat in the backseat of the truck, not moving. Stan had loaned George a spiffed-up four-door Toyota Tundra.

“What’s wrong with Webb?” I asked as George corralled me.

“He’s talking with Stan,” he said. “Webb wants you to wait for him.”

Odd. I hadn’t heard the phone ring.

“He called Stan,” George responded to my thought.

I almost choked. “Can you read minds?” I asked.

He laughed. “No, ma’am. That task is only reserved for your father. I’m so glad I can’t, either. There are twisted people in this world. Anyway, your expression told me you didn’t believe me at first.”

I let out a sigh. Wouldn’t that suck if George could read my mind?

Webb climbed out. “Jo, are you okay?” he asked, searching my face for something.

“Huh? Why wouldn’t I be?”

He did a quick survey of the busy parking lot. “There are humans here, you know.”

“Yeah, and your point? Are you afraid I’m going to attack one of them?”

The idea had crossed my mind. The sweet human aroma wafted around me, tugging at my resolve. Regardless, I had to keep my inner vampire at bay. Ben had almost become my dinner at sea. After the past couple of days, I’d decided to do everything in my power not to get myself into trouble, which meant keeping my bloodlust in check. I was confident I could. I had to, if I didn’t want to face my dad’s wrath—or worse, the vampire government—for infractions against a human.

“Seriously, Jo. I want to make sure—”

“Webb, chill. I’m fine. I’ll let you know if I need help or I can’t handle it. Can we go now? I would like to at least get out of these dirty clothes sometime today,” I said snarkily.

I hadn’t meant to be so sarcastic, but frankly, I was tired of everyone babying me or not trusting me. Granted, I’d brought on most of my own problems by being a whiny teenager. Still, if I were going to sink my fangs into a human, I would’ve already done it five minutes ago when a woman brushed past me, smelling like coconuts.

George and Webb just shrugged, then Webb growled.

“Stay close,” he said, wrapping my hand with his.

So we were going to walk in to the local Target holding hands. Ooookay.

“George, we won’t be long,” Webb tossed over his shoulder.

I laughed. “You afraid you might have to pry me from some human in the store? Is that why we’re holding hands?”

He stopped short. “Jo, don’t you get it? I love your touch, your skin on mine.” He gave me a cocky grin before his gaze lowered to my lips.

Though his statement made my heart trip, his tone was nervous.

As soon as the doors slid open, thousands of scents hit me like a tornado. I pressed my lips together, willing my fangs to stay hidden.

“Having a hard time?”

I scrunched my nose at him. I would’ve stuck out my tongue, but I feared my fangs would show. Yes, they were down. I took in several breaths as we zipped over to the women’s section.

The last time I’d been shopping was with Mr. Jackson, when I’d still been human. He’d kindly purchased clothes for Sam and me after our fight with our foster dad, Cliff Birch.

Once I found the underwear section, I quickly picked out what I needed. I flushed ten shades of red while Webb watched. I again longed to be in his head. His gaze roamed the fabric in my hands then the length of my body. A tingling took root in my tummy.

“Do you mind?” I glowered.

He gave me a crooked grin.

Asshat.

With my underwear selection done, I selected a pair of jeans in my size, forgoing the dressing room. If they fit, great; if not, oh well. Then I found a red blouse and two V-neck T-shirts. Next we zipped over to the toiletries section, and I swiped a toothbrush. With everything in hand, Webb and I made our way to the registers. He whipped out his wallet. The woman at the register batted her eyelashes at Webb while he counted out the bills. When he handed her the money, her fingers lingered on his a little too long. A sound escaped me, and Webb’s head shot up. The woman who’d been gazing at Webb with heavy lids now glanced my way, eyes wide.

Webb squeezed my arm as a feathery sensation tickled the back of my neck. Then his voice filled my head.
Close your mouth. Your fangs are showing.

I glared at the woman, deciding if I wanted to punch her or drink her blood. Neither happened. Webb grabbed the bags then dragged me from the store.

We were at the door when a male voice blared from the intercom overhead. “Need assistance at register two.”

Satisfied, Jo? You made the poor sweet lady pass out,
Webb said.

I grinned from ear to ear.
Serves her right.

Webb didn’t say anything else as we got into the truck. George just shook his head. I imagined Webb had told George what had happened via telepathy.

Before long, we were on the road and headed up to the crash site to meet Stan.

“At least I didn’t snack on the woman, Webb,” I finally said as he drove. George sat in the backseat this time.

“Not today you didn’t, but the day is still young.” He looked at me then back at the road.

Without even thinking, I punched him in the arm. The vampire didn’t flinch in the least.

George just laughed. “I like her, Webb.”

Webb grinned from ear to ear. “I think I do too,” he said in a serious tone.

“What?” I squeaked as a soprano. “You
think
? If I remember this—”

“Jo,” Webb warned, sliding his hand over the console in search of mine.

I sat on my hands. As soon as his fingers touched my arm, electricity zapped me, and I jerked. “What was that?”

“Energy. Lots of energy. When we get back, I need to teach you how to use some of the energy in you.”

“Huh? It’s not me. You have enough electricity in you to kill a person.”

“Does she have any of the elements, Webb?” George asked.

“She does. She doesn’t know how to harness them yet. She has the ability to manipulate water, air, and maybe earth. And I believe she has the elemental magic, as well.”

“No shit!” George exclaimed. “She’s a
new
vampire. How is that possible?”

“No idea,” Webb replied. “My guess? Genetics.”

My dad was considered the most powerful of all vampires, and I’d learned recently he could do something with elemental magic, whatever that meant.

“Webb, you said I had the earth element, not air.” During our raid on the mansion, I’d created tornados in the basement, stirring up the dirt on the floor. Now that I was thinking about it, tornados were air.

“I know, and I’ve been meaning to discuss that with you. I wasn’t thinking straight.”

I didn’t think any of us were thinking straight, especially him when his sister was about to drive a sword into him. “So is anyone going to explain to me what elemental magic is?”

We’d also learned Edmund had some unique powers the sentinels weren’t aware of, and one of them was energizing an invisible wall of air. Yes, with electricity. How? No clue. I’d been told the only one who could break an electrically charged wall was my dad…and now me.

I was still trying to wrap my brain around what I could do with water. For example, I was able to change water into ice. All these abilities only came easily when I was angry, though.

Now the element of fire wasn’t on my list of abilities, but I was intrigued on how that would work. Would fire shoot out of my hands?

Webb snagged my hand and traced circles on my palm with his fingers.

“We’ll talk later. We’re here.” He turned the truck onto the gravel incline and parked next to Stan’s police cruiser.

I scanned the area. “Where’s Stan?”

George opened the back door. “Probably on the rocks below.”

I jumped out. “What? How did he get down there?”

My question was answered when I peered over the cement barrier. The rocks leading down to the ocean were situated like stairs.

The charred, mangled limo lay on its side with the wheels facing the ocean. Low tide helped keep the vehicle above water.

Webb stood at the opening where the boulder and the limo had gone through. “Stan?” he called.

Stan tilted up his head. “Come on down. All of you.”

He was crazy. I wasn’t going down there.

“Jo?” Webb had his arm out.

“That’s okay. I’ll wait here,” I said as I glanced down. George had already descended.

“I’m not leaving you up here. So if you don’t go, I’m just going to carry you,” Webb said.

I raised one brow. “I dare you.”

He smirked, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Take my hand. This is not an option.”

I growled and shook my head.

“Jo?” His voiced dropped, and his eyes narrowed before his expression softened. “I promise you won’t get hurt. Please trust me.”

I huffed and obeyed. We crossed the rocks, although I didn’t look down. Not that I was afraid of heights, but one wrong step, and I’d be ocean diving for sure. Webb checked out the underside of the car while Stan and George chatted, pointing to areas of the limo.

I stayed away, sitting on a rock. I loved watching Webb. The way he moved, the way his muscles bunched every time he ran a hand through his hair—which I’d come to realize was a nervous habit of his—and the way the sun highlighted his masculine features. Letting out a sigh, I rested my elbows on my knees with my face in my hands, enjoying the view.

“Jo?” Stan snapped his fingers.

Tearing my attention away from Webb, I lifted my head. Stan peered down at me, wearing a pair of tattered jeans with a tan button-down shirt with the word
sheriff
on one side and his name on the other. A tan ball cap covered his head, complementing his uniform. His hair was cut military style so all that peeked out were his long sideburns.

“Yes?” I asked.

“Boy. You really like him, don’t you?”

I glanced back to Webb, not acknowledging Stan’s comment.

“Be careful. I’ve known Webb a long time. I’ve seen him with a few lady friends over the years. He’s not the type of vampire to settle down, especially not after the crazy one.” He spoke in a low tone and kept glancing over his shoulder to make sure Webb wasn’t listening.