The Calling (20 page)

Carmen grinned at him before chuckling. "I hate to break it to you, lover, but you won't be able to do anything but watch." She raised her hand and touched his neck, fingering his skin above the metal collar. "You'll have no choice wearing this," she said. "It isn't too tight is it?" A lone finger slid between the metal and his skin and he realized then how tight it actually was. The ring felt thick and lay against his collarbone and ran halfway up his neck. He turned his head and felt the first pinch of something sharp. Carmen's smile told him whatever it was, wasn't put there by accident.

"This pretty little collar you have on won't exactly go with your fur coat," she said, "So I wouldn't suggest bringing that wolf to our party. The minute you try to shift, the collar will expand, exposing the metal studs imbedded inside the ring. By the time your wolf is out, your head will be ready to fall off those gorgeous wide shoulders of yours. What good will you do her then?"

He grabbed her chin, tilting her head up, and the thoughts running through his head caused his fingers to tighten, the one still in her hair twisting the strands until he felt them start to break from her scalp. The hand cupping her chin tightened, squeezing until his fingers were digging into the side of her face. Her pained gasp only fueled his rage and the wolf slid under his skin, trying to free himself. The bones in his face shifted, his claws extended and the first drop of blood that rolled down Carmen's cheek caused his bloodlust to rise, his fingers digging deeper. The wolf was coming, he felt it roll beneath his skin and just as Carmen said, the collar expanded as his neck grew thicker, the small metal spikes piercing his skin.

Clamping his teeth together, he closed his eyes and held the wolf back. He heard the roar inside his head and felt the tug of war as bone and skin started to shift then recede. When the noise inside his head finally calmed, he opened his eyes.

Malcolm was standing behind Carmen. "Let her go, Garrett," he said.

He stared at him, his fingers tightening on Carmen's head. "Why should I?"

"Because I asked you to."

Garrett snorted a laugh. "Wrong answer."

"I need her," he said. "And so do you whether you choose to believe it or not."

"I don't need anything from any of you and the minute I get this contraption off, I'm going to prove it."

Malcolm smiled and nodded his head. "Point taken," he said. "Although, I would like to talk to you, alone, so if you wouldn't mind releasing her for now, I promise you'll get another chance to kill her. We both know she won't stay away from you. It's only a matter of time before she'll be back."

Garrett looked down at her, watching her blood seep between his fingers. Her eyes were glassy, her lips void of all color. He wanted to kill her. Wanted to hear the crack of grating bones as he twisted her head and felt her neck break.

"Please, Garrett. Just postpone your vengeance for a little while longer."

He slung her away, watching her slide across the floor. She coughed and doubled over, trying to catch her breath. When she slowly climbed to her feet and pulled her skirt down over her hips, he wiped his bloody hand on his shirt and fastened his pants.

"Carmen," Malcolm said, "Go upstairs and find Caleb. We'll be ready to start soon."

She started across the room, her gaze locked on Garrett. "You'll be sorry for that, Garrett," she said. Her eyes were bright amber and her soft growls filled the basement. When she climbed the steps and was gone, Garrett leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms over his chest. "All right, old man. You have my attention. What do you want?"

* * * *

When Carmen entered the sitting room, Rayna gasped. Carmen's normally pristine appearance was disheveled. Her hair looked as if she hadn't brushed it all day, her dress revealed more than she ever wanted to see but it was the condition of her face that shocked her. Blood ran in rivulets down the left side of her face, over her jaw and into the top of her dress. Holes were seen in her cheek and judging the distance between them, they looked suspiciously like someone had dug their fingers into her face.

The noise in the room died as she continued to cross the floor. Her steps were shaky but the look in her eyes caused Rayna to sit up straight in her chair. It only took seconds for her to realize those hate filled eyes were looking at her. When Carmen continued to advance, Rayna stood, backing up until the back of her legs hit the chair.

Carmen raised her arm and as she neared her, swung her fist. Rayna's eyes widened seconds before it connected with her jaw. The bright, blinding light she saw only lasted a second as she flew backwards over the chair and landed in a heap on the floor.

The chaos that ensued was barely heard as she blinked and tried to focus her vision. Spots flew past her line of sight and the world darkened momentarily. Mitch's concerned voice snapped her back to reality and Carmen's wild, screeching voice was heard over the shouting in the room.

"Rayna? Can you hear me?"

Her ears were ringing and try as she might, she couldn't seem to focus her eyes on anything. Her vision blurred again and her eyes grew heavy. Something cold touched her cheek, the cool sensation washing through her body like ice water poured into her veins. She gasped and looked up. Sabriel was kneeling at her side.

"Are you all right?" he asked, concern etched into the set of his jaw and the look in his eyes.

She stared at him, noticing then his hand was on her face. The cooling sensation was still there. When he smiled at her and removed his hand, the feeling vanished. She blinked up at him and tried to smile. She wasn't sure she succeeded. Her jaw felt like someone had hit her with a two-by-four.

"Can you talk?" Mitch said. "Your jaw isn't broke is it?" He opened her mouth and she moaned. The pain brought tears to her eyes. "You still have all your teeth. Well, unless they fall out when you stand up." He grinned at her and she saw the old Mitch in the look he gave her. She rolled her eyes at him.

"It's not broke," she mumbled. "I don't guess it is."

"You're talking so that's a good sign. Can you sit up?" He grabbed her arm, Sabriel grabbing the other, and they helped her sit up. She saw Carmen immediately. The woman was on the other side of the room, pinned against the wall. Her hot gaze was focused on her and like the old saying goes, "If looks could kill," Rayna knew she'd be dead right about now. Why, she didn't know.

She saw Bryce walk across the room. He glanced down at her, a sympathetic look on his face before he looked at Sabriel. "Malcolm isn't back yet. What should we do with Carmen?"

"What would I do personally?" Sabriel said, "I would kill her but she isn't one of mine. Secure her until Malcolm returns."

When Bryce turned and motioned for the men holding Carmen to follow him, Carmen dug her heels into the carpet. "I bear his mark," she yelled, glaring at her from across the room. "It may be you who shares his bed but I'm the one his wolf has chosen. I'm his chosen mate!" She screamed as they yanked her out of the room and Rayna stared after her, letting her words rattle through her head. She was his mate? Was she talking about Garrett? Had Garrett claimed Carmen when he lived among these wolves? If so, then why did he say the wolf wanted her?

"You should sit," Sabriel said, his words drawing her from her thoughts. She looked up at him, the intense look on his face washing everything away. She couldn't explain what it was when he looked at her. It was as if everything around her calmed. The problems she faced seemed mundane and a lethargic peace settled into her bones. She wasn't sure if it was him or some fancy vampire mojo. She still remembered the cooling sensation his hand left on her face. He had a firm grip on her arm and she didn't feel it. Whatever he'd done, he wasn't doing it now.

He motioned her back to her chair, helping her cross the short distance, and when she finally sat and the ringing inside her head had stopped, the only thing she could think of was where they were keeping Garrett and why Carmen's hysterical words left her feeling so cold.

* * * *

Malcolm grabbed a chair, sliding it forward. He sat, propped one ankle on the opposite knee and finally looked up. "What I want is simple, Garrett," he said. "I want you to join us."

Garrett laughed and shook his head. "Not going to happen."

"We're not the monsters you think we are, Garrett."

"You aren't doing much to disprove my theory, either."

"What if I see to it that you're the one to infect Ms. Ford?" Malcolm said. "I'm sure you would rather not let Caleb do it. He seems a little... eager. I'm afraid he may hurt the girl."

"No one will be infecting her. As soon as I get out of these chains..."

"You'll whisk her to parts unknown?" Malcolm said. He laughed and stood from his chair, straightening his suit jacket before crossing the room and stopping in front of him. "Please, Garrett. Don't fool yourself into thinking you can keep her safe. We'll find her no matter where she is. Just play along and all will be well."

Footsteps on the stairs drew their attention and Garrett turned his head, watching Bryce enter the basement. "There are problems upstairs that need your immediate attention, Malcolm."

"What sort of problems?" Malcolm said.

Bryce glanced at Garrett before clearing his throat. "Carmen."

Malcolm sighed before turning back to Garrett. "Very well. Take our guest here to the clearing and secure him. I want to make sure he has a front row seat for our little show."

Garrett pulled on his chains, extending them as far as he could go. "I'll not let you hurt her, Malcolm."

"Then join us and see to her safety," Malcolm said. "I would hate to have to destroy you and leave her defenseless before the pack. We both know how the Alpha's get when there's a new female amongst us. Do you think she would survive the hunt when they all tried to claim her?" He smiled and turned, walking back to the stairs. "Think about it, Garrett. If you're not here to protect her, who will?"

Garrett watched him leave before turning his gaze to Bryce. He looked much like he did when he left twelve years ago. He was still tall, solidly built and had a face that could hide every thought he had. They stared at each other for long moments before Bryce finally moved.

"You do know I'll kill you the minute you take these chains off, right?"

Bryce smiled. "No you won't," he said.

"And what makes you think that?"

"Because you'll have a reason not to."

"And that would be?" Garrett asked.

The smile Bryce gave him told him things words couldn't. Garrett stood stock still as he approached and watched him until he stopped in front of him. "Things are about to get real interesting around here, Garrett," Bryce said. "And I for one can't wait for the fireworks."

Chapter 14

When Malcolm returned, Rayna could tell by the look on his face he'd been told of the excitement he'd missed. He hurried across the room and knelt by her chair. "Are you all right, Ms. Ford?"

Rayna looked at him, her jaw aching and the side of her face feeling as if it would explode any minute, and said, "Actually, I'm having a wonderful time, Malcolm. Who knew a bunch of crabby old wereanimals could throw such an exciting party." He looked shocked for a moment before he offered her a tiny smile.

"Your sarcasm is well noted," he said. "I do apologize. Carmen will be dealt with."

She looked away, noticing everyone staring at her and leaned back in her seat. She closed her eyes and willed the headache pounding in her head away. "I want to see Garrett," she said, keeping her eyes closed.

"I'm afraid that isn't possible."

The look she shot him caused him to lean back. She stared at him and felt a bubble of hysterics try to surface. The only person she felt safe around was being kept from her and she was sick of all the games. She was sick of these people. Sick of playing by their rules and completely sick of being the victim. The gun was poking into her spine and in that moment, she felt brave enough to use it. "Then I'm afraid you give me no choice," she said, sitting up before reaching behind her back and grabbing the gun. She stuck the barrel just under his left eye and pushed until the skin around the black metal turned white. "Unless you have some fancy werewolf power that will allow you to grow a new brain, I suggest you take me to him now."

There wasn't a sound in the room. The silence was damn near deafening. Rayna kept her gaze locked with Malcolm and swallowed the fear trying to claw its way up her chest. She had no doubt he could take the gun if he wanted to. She just hoped she had enough nerve to pull the trigger if he tried.

He said nothing for long minutes, his gaze never leaving her own and she knew the moment he'd made a decision. A spark of something flashed in his eyes and he blinked at her before saying, "All right, Ms. Ford. As you wish." He stood and she followed him, keeping the gun pressed into his face. They stood awkwardly staring at each other before he motioned to the door with his arm. "After you."

"No," she said. "After you. I insist."

Malcolm turned and she turned with him, moving the gun to the side of his head, pressing it into his temple. They walked out of the room and down the hall, stopping at one of the doors at the end of the corridor. When it opened, she glanced down the stairs. "What's down there?"

"The basement," he said. "That's where you'll find Garrett."

"No, that's were we'll find him. Start walking," she said, shoving him with a push of the gun. He started toward the stairs, much to her surprise. She followed him awkwardly down the steps, trying to keep the gun on him. She realized halfway down that she wasn't holding him at gunpoint as much as he was letting her do it. If he wanted to, he could have taken the gun from her by now. She wondered why he hadn't.

When they reached the bottom of the landing, she was shocked by what she saw. The basement was immense, the walls made of gray and black stone, and from what she could see, it looked like a torture chamber. An assortment of chains hung from the walls and the few wooden tables scattered about the room held metal instruments she'd never seen before. The cement floor held stains she didn't even want to contemplate and several cages were in the far corner. "Where is he?" she asked.