Unleashed, p.20
UNLEASHED., page 20
“Great service around here,” she says, picking it up and taking a sip. I reach over and grab the bottle of tequila still sitting there. I pull the corked lid out and bring the bottle to my lips.
“Presly,” a man’s voice growls, but I don’t recognize it. I keep drinking one, two, maybe three shots later. I pull the bottle away and look toward the source of the voice. It’s the other hulking vamp who is standing guard at Eva’s side.
“Mind your business, Lurch.” I shoot him a death glare, taking another shot from the bottle. Eva stifles a laugh. I look over to Jess, who is back to her rigid self.
“You good?” I ask her, but my eyes go to the tattooed wall at her side. He looks at her with such intensity it’s hard to decipher if it’s adoration or hatred.
“What’s your problem?” I step closer to him, and Jess puts her arm up between me and him. I shift my glare to her, and she shakes her head so slightly it barely moves. Okay, what the fuck. Who is she trying to protect?
“Bathroom,” she says, standing from the stool. Huge hands wrap around her arms before she can move. My hand moves before I can think and grip his wrist. “Get your hands off her.” I glare up at him, but he’s not backing down. He glares at my hand on his wrist and then meets my eyes.
“If you look at her like that again, Jax. I will remove those pretty eyes that you’re so fond of.” We all look to see Ian standing there, arms crossed over his broad chest.
“And I don’t mean yours.” His eyes move to Jess and back to Jax. He releases Jess from his grip, and his eyes move back to me. This time, the glare is gone, and he just nods. Whatever.
“We’re just going to the bathroom,” I say, grabbing Jess’ hand, and Eva follows. We don’t make it far before Daris blocks us.
“Holy fuck! Can’t we pee without all this drama!?” I snap. My frustration isn’t all about him. It’s Ian, Jax and the other giant. We can’t move without someone up our ass. Daris grabs me by my throat and pushes me back to the wall beside us.
“Do not push me, Presly. You are Goddam lucky to be here at all. Your safety is my only fucking concern right now. If you want to act like a little bitch about it, you can fucking leave now,” he barks inches from my face. I squirm against his grip. My hands grip his arm, my nails digging in. Stars start to pepper my vision just as he releases me. He lowers his mouth to my ear and whispers,
“If someone wants you dead right now, baby, it seems they may be able to accomplish it. Do you understand? We are done here. You are too fragile. Something is wrong. We need to get you somewhere safe.”
Anger rips through me at the thought of being weak, helpless… at someone’s mercy. A shock of energy shoots through my body. It feels as if sparks seep out of every pore and burn my flesh. Before I know what’s happening, Daris is thrown clear of me. He lands on his back with a thunderous crash that shakes the floor beneath me. He’s about twenty feet away from me, but he doesn’t stay down. He’s back on his feet and headed right for me. Jax, Ian, and Lurch all stand in front of me, blocking my view of Daris. I try to push between them to get to Daris, but I can’t move them. They’re like a brick wall.
“Move!” I scream over the ringing in my ears. “Move! He won’t hurt me!! Move! Ian, Please!” I can feel tears running down my cheeks. Ian turns to me and wraps his arms around me. I try to pull away. I just want to get to Daris and tell him I didn’t mean to do that.
“D, take a minute,” Lurch says in a calm, soothing tone.
“She should not be able to do that! She’s fucking stronger than the Goddam blocking spell on this place! No witch is able to use their magic in here. She needs to be put under control!” Daris sounds out of control himself. He’s beyond what I would consider angry at this point but he won’t hurt me.
“Daris, it’s Halloween, and you should know how thin the veil is between our world and theirs. The Dark Witch… other witches could be sending all they have to her. We can’t know what she’s fully capable of right now. We don’t know her plan.”
“What veil? Ian, please. I’m sorry, please.”
“Not yet, Little One. Not yet,” he whispers into my hair, holding me close.
“Why the fuck is she allowing you to touch her!?” Daris barks, and I flinch. Looking up at Ian.
He’s right. Why did I lose it on Daris? It’s far from the first time he put his hands on me like that.
“I will end your life right now, Ian! Get your fucking hands off her!” Daris sounds like a man possessed and on the edge of losing whatever control he has left. Ian releases me but keeps me behind him.
“Daris, open your eyes. This is her plan. She wants to put a wedge between you two, so Presly is weakened, so she’s easier to control, take over.”
“What?” I push into Ian’s back, trying to get someone to listen to me. “Ian! Who? What are you talking about?!” I can feel the anger building up… I’m going to snap.
“Ian… Daris… I… I’m….” my voice is just above a whisper as the surge of anger crawls up my spine, as if there’s an entity that is not a part of me. I need to stop this. Why am I so out of control? My mother taught me to control every emotion, and now I feel like a live wire. Two personalities: the normal human me and the Dark Witch me. Jekyll and Hyde.
“Eva… please. I can’t ….” I plead, knowing something bad is coming and I need to stop it.
“Move now!” Jess yells. “She needs us!” I squeeze my eyes shut, willing the rage to stay inside, to not escape and hurt someone… everyone. My flesh is covered in goosebumps; every hair is standing on end. Breathe Presly, breathe! The wall of men opens, and Jess and Eva grab me and pull me toward the bathrooms. I pause, bending over and placing my hands on my knees.
“I can’t… I can’t stop this.” Tears prick at my eyes. I’m afraid I’ll kill them all. Strong hands grip my shoulders, pulling me upright, and my eyes meet Daris’ granite eyes. His brows pulled together, his perfect mouth in a hard line. He searches my eyes for what I don’t know.
“My Sweet little witch, take a deep breath… now.” His voice is soft but firm. His hands move to the sides of my face, holding me inches from him. I take in a lung full of air, hold it, and then slowly blow it out.
“Again,” he whispers as he presses his lips to my forehead. I repeat the action a few more times, and my rigid body relaxes into his chest. His strong arms wrap around me.
“I am so sorry, baby. I wouldn’t have—”
“Yes, you would have,” Jess says from my side.
“Get your cunt away from me, Jax or—” Daris growls.
“Stop. Both of you, please stop,” I say, pushing his chest.
“Can you just two fuck and get it over with,” I groan, pushing my palms into my eyes. What they fuck did I just say? Oh my god. I freeze as I hear a low growl from behind me, and I know it isn’t Ian… it’s Jax. I pull my hands away from my eyes and look up at Daris, who is looking down at me in utter disgust, and turn to see Jess looking mortified.
“I didn’t mean that… I just… fuck! And you!” I whip around to face Jax. He looks down at me with what seems to be… pity. My anger is creeping back in an instant.
“Don’t-fucking-look-at-me-like-that,” I seethe, taking slow steps toward him and coming to a stop a few inches from him. I have to crane my neck to look into his eyes. His eyes leave mine to find Daris, and he shrugs. He didn’t realize how he was looking at me.
“Pity,” I say through gritted teeth, ready to send my fist into his too-perfect face. I’m certain his sharp jawline would cut my hand open. Daris puts his hand on my shoulder, but I shrug it off.
“Everyone can stop pitying me because we all know I can destroy every one of you.” I narrow my eyes on Jax, but Jess pushes her body between us. It doesn’t last because Jax yanks her to stand behind him, and I can’t stop the laugh from escaping my lips.
“What is going on with you two?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest. “Love at first sight? Or are you just worried about her pussy being destroyed before you can fuck it?”
“Presly!” Eva gasps. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself and my foul mouth.
“Sorry, I’m just… I can’t stop it sometimes.” I shake my head and turn to face her.
“Because the Dark Witch is taking over, and soon you won’t be Presly. She will destroy you and take over.” Eva says, coming to stand in front of me.
“I will be me, just dark and evil,” I say, rolling my neck so it cracks, releasing some tension.
“No. That’s not what’s happening. Your Dark Witch is separate from you. You aren’t her, and she isn’t you. Once she takes over, you’re gone… dead.” Jess says, stepping around the tattooed wall.
I look around at all the eyes on me. My head is swimming. What does that mean? If I’m dead, then my Dark Witch is dead. This is my body. “Oh, you stupid girl. Don’t listen to the opinions of morons. We will rule them all. They are afraid and jealous of the power we will soon.” I shake my head, trying to shake the voice from my mind.
“Baby, we are going to figure this out.” Daris pulls me into his arms, but I pull back. “Stop. Please, all of you, just stop trying to protect me. I can do this. I’ve been through hell alone. I can do it again.” I look around at the people surrounding me, and all I can think is, I want my girl. I want Sara. I need her.
“I know how strong you are, baby. We all know you are goddam force, but it won’t stop me from needing to protect you.” Daris runs his knuckles down my cheek.
“Why?” I shake my head, pulling away from him. “Because you protect what’s yours? Because you own me?” I keep backing away from him and bump into Eva.
“Presly, I will always have your back. You’re my cousin. I don’t care what it takes to be at your side… but not to protect you. To fight with you. Vampire or witch, I’m beside you,” Eva says, grabbing my hand.
“I used to think you looked like my mom.” I tilt my head, examining her features. “But I guess that’s impossible, huh? Who are you to me? Not blood… isn’t that the whole point of being a witchy little family… the same bloodline?” I hear the cruel words leaving my lips, wow I’m a bitch.
“That’s something I want to know too,” Jess storms over, shoving Eva’s shoulder.
I snort. “Who the fuck are you, Jess? A lying, knifing, weak little witch. Who pretended to be my friend to get the dagger, to get my powers. Oh, and let’s not forget after befriending me, you fell for me and wanted to make me come all over your pretty little face.” I say, brushing her hair off her shoulder and leaning my face to hers. Her big blue eyes swim in unshed tears. I feign a sad expression jutting out my bottom lip.
“Oh, sorry, that was mean, but if you ever push Eva like that again, I’ll end your pathetic existence.” I press my lips to her cheek, and I know what’s coming.
Jax and Daris are tearing us away from each other. I know Jax wants to strangle me, but he wouldn’t dare, and Daris has always hated Jess but won’t kill her because of me.
“I need to feed. That’s all. I’m sorry,” I say, looking up at Daris. I’m sorry, Jess. I’m just... I need blood.” I don’t at all. I just have the urge to manipulate them all. My Dark Witch is right, they’ll all bow to me.
“She’s lying,” Jess says, pulling away from Jax to stand in front of me.
“Why the hell would she lie?” Daris mutters. He’s over this night. He wants to get me home, and usually, I would want that too, just to escape all the drama. But right now, I am the drama.
“To manipulate the situation Daris. You’re blind when it comes to her. You have been since the moment you laid eyes on her.” Ian says strolling over, putting himself between me and Jess. His eyes bounce between us until he reaches out, pulling Jess’ wrist to his mouth. Jax can’t stop himself from protecting her and grabs Ian’s arm. The tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife and I’m enjoying all this drama for once.
“Think carefully about your next move, Jax,” Ian growls.
“Jax.” Lurch, the man in the three-piece suit warns. “Fuck off, Nathan,” Jax says through gritted teeth. Oh, so Lurch has a name… Jax and Nathan.
Jax doesn’t move and doesn’t loosen his grip. Ian raises Her wrist to his mouth.
“I am testing this lie of Presly’s so you can trust I won’t kill the witch. I haven’t killed her the many times I fed on her, and I won’t now.” Ian clearly enjoys provoking Jax. He loosens his grip but doesn’t release Ian.
Ian opens his mouth and sinks his teeth into her wrist. It looks too tiny and frail in his mouth. The scent of blood fills my nostrils, and the pain rips up my throat, and my teeth extend. I was lying. I didn’t need to feed, but the smell of blood made the hunger very evident. I can’t stop the feral noise that crawls its way up my chest. Jess’ eyes meet mine, and there’s fear there, and something new is happening… my stomach clenches with not only need but desire. Am I getting turned on by the smell of her blood? Christ, what is wrong with me?
The snarl that comes from Daris makes it clear he knows I’m getting wet from it. He grips the back of my neck, pulling my back to his chest.
“Still a vampire. Yet still a witch. You haven’t won yet.” I know he isn’t talking to me but to my Dark Witch. “And baby, get the greedy cunt under control before I rip your dress up and let everyone watch me fuck you.” I can feel his cock pressing into my back now, making my pussy clench with need. Ian’s eyes slowly fall down my body, and he smirks at me, knowing I’m getting wet. This means the other two vampires can smell me too, but they don’t look at me. Nathan keeps his eyes locked on Jax. At the same time, Jax can’t rip his stare off Jess.
Ian pushes Jess’ wrist in my face. Daris doesn’t release my neck, preventing me from taking her wrist between my teeth. “Daris, please.” I whimper. “It’s fine. She won’t drink it.” Jess says with confidence. Yes, I will! Ian and Jax exchanged a confused glance that matched my own. Daris loosens his grip and pushes my head to her wrist. My mouth hovers over the blood, pooling at the puncture wounds, and my stomach turns. I cringe and pull back. What the hell?
“The Dark Witch is going to starve her, force her to choose her, and convince her body and mind that she doesn’t need it,” Eva says, coming to stand beside Ian and placing her hand on his shoulder.
“How is that even possible?” Jax asks.
“Ever hear of mind over matter? The brain is the most powerful tool our body has. Our brains react to imagined scenes the same way it does to an actual visualized scene. If the Dark Witch takes over her brain… your brain.” She turns her eyes to me, realizing she was talking about me as if I wasn’t there. “Presly, you’re strong and smart. Don’t let her convince you that you’re a weak human. You’re a vampire, and you need blood to stay strong.” Eva looks at me with nothing but respect… adoration. She believes in me. God, I love this girl.
Ian releases Jess, and Jax grabs her wrist. He’s looking at the blood like he’s about to devour her. With his free hand, he swipes his thumb across the bloody wounds. He brings his thumb to his lips, wiping the blood along his tongue, a noise that can only be described as a moan, rubbles up his chest and he releases her hand. When her hand is free, she swings! Fast and hard! She lands a solid slap on the side of Jax’s mouth.
“Shiiiit,” Nathan laughs. His laugh is musical and catches me off guard. Wasn’t expecting that.
Jax clenches his jaw so tight it looks like his bones are going to snap. He pulls his bottom lip between his teeth, and a slow, sinister smile spreads, and bright red pools at the corner of his mouth. Jess doesn’t back away from him like I think she probably should. He swipes his thumb across his bottom lip, gathering the blood. No one is making a move to stop him. He pulls her to his chest, looking down at her like he’s going to end her. She doesn’t back down, glaring up at him. He holds his bloody thumb in front of her, and his gaze falls to her mouth.
“Open.” He growls. She snorts, and her hands come up to push on his chest. He doesn’t budge.
“Open your pretty little mouth, Princess, or I’ll make you.” His hand tightens, and her hands move from his chest to claw at his arm. Eva steps toward them, but Ian puts his arm out to stop her. No one speaks; it’s as if all of our mouths are frozen. We stare in awe, stunned into silence. The situation unfolding in front of us has us all in a trance. Our little Jess, so pretty and delicate, has the hand of this monster of a man—covered in tattoos, with muscles that seem to have muscles—wrapped around her tiny face. To my dismay, her mouth pops open, and he pushes his bloody thumb into her mouth.
“Now close those fuck-me lips and suck. Bite me, and let’s see what happens.” His smile is so menacing that my mouth snaps shut. She closes her lips around his thumb and sucks. Oh my god. Her eyes get heavy the longer this goes on. She opens her mouth, breathless as he pulls his clean thumb from her lips. He brushes his thumb across her lips, leans his mouth over hers, and she sighs. Actually sighs. My eyes are like saucers as I take this in. Not only because that was so hot, but Jess… she’s melting. I want to deny this, that she could be so weak to this man, but how can I? It’s impossible to deny.
“Now that’s my good girl,” he whispers against her lips.
“Uh oh,” Ian whispers, stepping back to take in the show that we’re all sure is coming. After the other night, we know she doesn’t like being called a good girl, but instead, she stays still, unmoving, as if she’s in a trance, under his spell.
“Is that what you want, Princess? To be my good girl?” Jax moves so his lips are at her ear. “Answer me, Princess. Do you want to be my good girl?” He runs his bottom lip up her ear, and his eyes find mine; he smirks and gives me a wink, like he just staked his claim, pissed on her leg, letting me know that she’s not taken by me as I implied. There’s no way Jess will fall for this. For one, she’s not weak for a hot man, and second, he’s a bloodsucker, and we all know how she feels about that.
Jess sucks in a deep breath and slowly nods against the side of his face.
“Damn, the wicked witch falls,” Daris mutters from behind me.
