Crest Of The Blood Moon

Chapter 1

Claw-fingered shadows shredded my skin in the darkness. I screamed out in terror as blood spewed everywhere. When I tried to fight back, my hands passed right through their bodies as if I merely sliced through air. Then, like almost every night since my capture, I woke up in a panic. Unable to catch my breath, I grabbed my chest and shot forward to a sitting position. Frantic, my eyes darted around the room, but I found nothing. It was just a dream, I kept repeating in my head.

Tears stained my face and I shivered, but my knees stopped banging together. I tucked wet tendrils of hair behind my ears and looked down at my soaking wet clothes stuck to my body.

I remained trapped in a castle tower under Laszlo’s watchful eye. He needed me, this he’d made abundantly clear. Actually, he needed my blood. Convinced, since I had become a Rafe, drinking my blood would renew his youth and give him the same power I held. Healing.

After showering, I sat on the couch staring out the window, my thoughts lost in the darkness. When the door slammed, I lurched forward, then slumped back against the couch and closed my eyes, too exhausted to argue with Peter. He’d entered carrying a tray topped with several blood bags. The same as he’d done each day since shortly after my arrival.

I told you I won’t drink it, I scoffed, not bothering to open my eyes and look at him. You can drink it and just tell Laszlo I did.

I cannot do that, Genevieve. He is not stupid and will know I am lying. Peter sounded frustrated.

I peeked from beneath one eyelid, watching him cut open the top of one of the bags. The smell made my mouth water. I was starving, but still refused to eat. I’ll die before I let Laszlo drain my blood just so he can live forever.

Peter’s muscles flexed when he placed the tray on the glass coffee table in front of the couch. I swear I felt my insides gnawing at each other. I grew weaker by the day, but I’d never let Peter know.

I’m not doing this for Laszlo. I… I am worried about you. He dropped his gaze.

I wanted to believe him, but couldn’t. Not with him being Laszlo’s nephew. Get out! And take the tray with you.

You are so damn stubborn! I do not know how William put up with you. Peter snatched the tray from the table. One bag slid off and landed on the floor. He didn’t even bother to pick up the stupid thing.

I remained frozen until after he’d stormed off and slammed the door behind him, then I scooted forward and focused on the bag he’d left. When I couldn’t stand it anymore, I snatched it up, bit off the top and guzzled down the delicious elixir. Mmmm, I moaned, closing my eyes while the last of the sweet nectar ran down my throat.

After I finished, doubt filled my mind. I’d spent the last several months believing I was strong. Physically and emotionally. In reality though, I was a scared little girl who could throw cars and kill mythical creatures.

I took the bag and squeezed the remaining few drops into the bathroom sink, hoping to convince Peter I had poured it out.

My head snapped toward the door when I heard someone knock. I glanced back at the mirror and made sure no traces of the blood had been left behind. Who is it?

Dahlia, she called from the hallway. Are you all right, Genevieve? Her voice, soft and dainty, reminded me of my mom’s.

Yes, I’m just freakin wonderful, I groaned, opening the door. Still kidnapped. Still Laszlo’s intended lunch in a couple months. Still no way of knowing if William is coming for me. But I’m just peachy. Sarcasm dripped from my voice as I stepped to the side allowing her entry.

Dahlia’s long flowing golden hair got caught in the door when I closed it, jerking her head back. I’m sorry. I snatched on the knob. I really didn’t mean to do that. Her hair fell past her waist, nearly the same length as mine, but mine reminded me of fire because of its flaming red color.

She wore the same long black hooded robe, which she normally kept her hair tucked inside, but lately she’d been letting it hang loose. Sometimes I found her being William’s mom hard to grasp. She didn’t look a day over thirty but was, in fact, around two-hundred.

My shoulders hung forward as I trudged to the couch and plopped down. I let out a sigh that sounded like a tire after it sprung a major leak.

Oh darling, Dahlia said, her head tilted and the corners of her mouth dipped. She wrapped me in a hug and stroked my hair. I would have found it weird coming from anyone else, but from her it seemed right. You mustn’t lose hope. I am trying everyday to get word to Angelica.

Angelica, another Seer and close friend of Dahlia’s had given my twin sister, the Adlet warriors, and me a place to stay while we devised an escape plan for William. Laszlo had taken him hostage in order to get to me and his plan worked perfectly. William and I had simply swapped places.

We both sat quietly, staring out one of the large tower windows. Will I have to stay locked inside this room until… I trailed off, thinking about my fate and growing more depressed by the minute.

Peter and I have both asked Laszlo to allow us take you outside of the tower, but he won’t budge. Not yet anyway. Give Peter a little time. Laszlo has a soft spot for him.

I couldn’t see Laszlo having a soft spot for anyone, even if he had been in love with Peter’s mother. Peter told me how his mom had been dead for a long time. Raped and killed by rogue vampires.

My shoulders sagged and I sighed. Yeah, whatever.

After Dahlia left, promising to come back later, I crossed the room to a little writing desk, took out pen and paper, and began another letter to William.

Dearest William,

I’m barely holding on to the hope that you will find me before… well, just before. I can’t breathe in this place. Laszlo has me locked inside a tower with tungsten doors, locks, and even bars on the windows.

As I said before, all I know is I’m inside a castle tower in the mountains. Where are you? Each day that passes brings me one day closer to my eighteenth birthday and the night the Blood Moon will rise.

Dahlia says Peter is working on getting Laszlo to let him take me outside. If I can get out, I’m going to gain Peter’s trust and when the time is right, run away. Even if I’m caught and killed it has to be better than what Laszlo has in store for me. Just thinking about such a crazed lunatic makes me want to hurl.

I love you and time is running out. I have even thought of removing my ring. We both know what the end result would be. I’m not giving up on you, just trying to be realistic.

Hurry up and find me… please. I can’t take much more of this.

Love Always,

Genevieve

Chapter 2

I folded the letter neatly and slid it underneath the drawer along with the first one I had written. My letters weren’t as much for William as for me. They helped to keep my spirits from dying a long horrible death—like I undoubtedly would in sixty-eight days, four hours and thirty one minutes… give or take a minute or two.

When I heard a soft knock at the door, I automatically assumed Dahlia would be standing on the other side.

Peter? My eyes widened in surprise. Um. I stuck my head out the door and looked for Dahlia. It had been her scent I smelled, not Peter’s.

Were you expecting someone else? Peter asked once I pulled my head back inside my room and straightened.

After the initial shock passed, I thought for a moment and made myself a mental note to ask Dahlia about it later. Our eyes met briefly, then my gaze trailed from his face, down his arm, ending at his hand. He held a small bouquet of wild flowers in a lovely etched crystal vase. Growing suspicious, my gaze flew back to meet his. What’s this?

Peter’s face reddened as he lowered his head and peered at me through dark lashes. I thought you might like something to brighten up your room a bit. He held out the vase for me to take. His shy smile made him look like a little boy.

I turned around and scanned my room. An antique wrought iron bed with a pale pink satin duvet surrounded by cream-colored silk curtains sat on a small pedestal. To the right, a bookcase sat against the wall behind the desk I’d used. Across the room, a pinkish-beige couch and glass coffee table sat parallel to a fireplace with a large flat panel TV hanging above a mantle. On the adjoining wall, a door and a dressing table with a matching wardrobe. An ordinary dark wooden door housed my bathroom and closet, and behind the entry Laszlo had installed a second barrier made from tungsten … a barricade keeping me from freedom.

My room might have been decorated elegantly, but the walls, large rectangle stone blocks, left unpainted became a constant reminder I was a prisoner.

Sure, why not? I took the vase of flowers and set them down on the coffee table, then dropped onto the couch. I pulled up my knees, wrapping my hands tightly around my legs.

Are you ever going to get dressed? Peter asked, one side of his mouth turned up into a cute smirk and I noticed he had a dimple, which made him appear even more handsome. Dahlia made sure you would have beautiful things to wear. He had this way of making his sleepy eyes smile when he smiled, and for a moment, for a brief moment, I forgot he was my enemy.

I waited until he turned away before stealing a quick look at my pajamas. I had worn the same flannel sleep pants and tank top for days. Gross, I know, right? Being depressed I really didn’t care about my outward appearance.

"Maybe. What’s it matter to you? All you care about is kissing up to Laszlo because he’s told you that someday you’ll be taking over as Amalric. Never going to happen," I said crisply, narrowing my eyes.

Oh, but I will, he countered, then mumbled, sooner than my uncle thinks.

What was that second thing you just said? I asked, playing the did not hear card, but I’d heard every word perfectly. Anyway… what’s the point? It’s not like I’m ever going to see anything outside of these walls, I sighed, poking out my bottom lip. I thought if played on his sympathy he might try harder to get me outside for at least a stroll.

My room had huge picture windows, and when I’d stood staring out the south window a few days after my capture I saw the most beautiful garden. Not manicured like other gardens, this one had a wild look with flowers filling the inside and tall bushes covering the walls. Still, it reminded me of being free and when I thought about it, my depression grew.

I stood and walked to the south window. Come here, Peter. I want to show you something. Even though it was dark outside vampires had something similar to night vision, but more powerful. The military would love to get their hands on such technology if it were possible.

What am I looking at? he asked after pressing his forehead against the glass.

I pointed at the garden below. I would love to go out there.

Laszlo will never allow you to take a single step outside of the castle, he said, and I heard his heart speed up. Regardless of how brave he acted, Laszlo frightened him.

Does that mean you can take me into other parts of the castle as long as we don’t go outside? If I could get in to the castle’s library I might be able to find out how to kill an Original. I’m going stir crazy in here. I can tell you how many blocks make up each wall. I couldn’t really, but he didn’t have to know the specifics.

By staying locked inside the tower I would never find a way to escape. I had to be able to get out, to explore other parts of the castle. For all I know there could be tunnels running underneath just like his other castle had. If so, maybe I could use them to escape. Well, as long as those doors weren’t wolfram. Laszlo hadn’t been sure if wolfram would work on me, but unfortunately, it did weaken my power.

I will have to consult with my uncle on the matter, he said, pushing away from the window.

I pushed the corners of my mouth downward and even made my eyes tear up before turning around to face him. Please, Peter, I uttered, pretending to choke back tears. I laid my hand on his forearm. It was ice cold and solid like steel. I even took a step, bringing us so close our noses almost touched. Please talk Laszlo into letting you take me out of here. I’ll even wear a chain around my neck. I don’t care. I’ll die if I don’t get out of this room.

Peter’s eyes glanced at my hand on his arm, and I slowly removed it. Sorry, I smiled, lowering my eyes, hoping my face turned red.

His expression softened and he flashed a crooked smile. I cannot promise, but I will try. He stood still a few more seconds before turning to go.

Just as he opened the door, I called out to him. Peter?

Holding the knob, he twisted his upper body to face me at the same time a tear ran down my cheek. It couldn’t have been better timing. His shoulders dropped, as did the corners of his mouth. Yes?

Thank you, I added, then purposely wiped away my tear, just to drive home the whole distressed girl point.

As soon as I made sure he had left the tower, I fell back onto the couch. Reminding me of an iced tea commercial where a girl takes a drink of said tea and falls backward into a swimming pool. A smile spread across my face. For the first time in weeks I felt optimistic.

I stared out into the vast darkness beyond the window. As a hint of deep orange peeked over the mountain, signaling the start of a new day, my eyelids grew heavy. I forced myself to get up off of the couch and go to bed, not that it took any great effort on my part to walk twenty feet.

I climbed into my bed, kicking away the covers. My heavy eyelids closed and sleep fell upon me until I heard William’s voice and bolted upright.

Chapter 3

My heart hammered in my chest, pounding, as if a heart attack would be imminent any second. William? I called out, crawling to the end of my bed. I gasped after throwing back the curtain.

Hello, Genevieve, Laszlo sneered. He stood across the room wearing a white button-down shirt with puffy sleeves and pants that rode so high, I’m sure they nearly touched his nipples. He even wore a cravat. Talk about stuck in a fashion time warp. Laszlo wore nothing but Victorian era clothing. His black hair and matching eyes reminded me of what I thought the devil might look like. An extremely handsome man, for someone hundreds of years older than me, but evil seeped from within him. I was on my way to retire, but decided we needed to chat. Are your accommodations satisfactory? His eyebrows arched, he waved his hand around the room.

Look, buddy. I’m locked in a tower with nothing to do. I’m a teenager. We do things… constantly. Have you forgotten what it’s like to be young and free? Well, to be young, anyway?

Young lady, I can assure you when I was a lad of your age I had already fought in a war, killed many men, and courted half a dozen ladies. As he talked, he strolled around my room with his hands clasped behind his back like he was addressing his soldiers. So, what is it you are trying to say? He stopped and spun on his heel to face me.

"I’m a teenager now, not a million years ago. I need to at least get some exercise, outside of this room. You can secure me however you want, send a gazillion guards with me, have someone cast a spell, I don’t care. I just want to go outside," I pleaded.

His eyes narrowed and he started to walk again. Using his thumb and index finger, he rubbed his chin. I shall grant your wish, he said, stopping and waggling his finger in my direction. "If you will stop this starvation nonsense, I will allow you access to the castle, not the grounds." He cocked his head slightly to one side, but kept his gaze locked on me.

Can I at least go into the garden? I swear I won’t try to escape.

You will feed daily? he asked, and I saw something in his eyes just then, making him look halfway civilized.

Yes, I said with a smile. Excitement filled me knowing I would finally get out of my one-room prison. Caught up in the moment I hurried toward him, but froze when his eyes turned black and he threw up his claws in attack mode.

Uh, sorry. I swear I wasn’t trying anything. Apparently, I lost my mind for about half a second. I turned and retraced my steps, then climbed up to sit on the foot of my bed. I know what will happen if I try to escape. You will kill everyone I care about, and I’m not about to do anything to make you honor your threat. I lied, raising my eyebrows for effect. Not that I didn’t believe him, because I did, but if I could escape, I’d warn William and the others before Laszlo could get to them.

I will have Peter bring you nourishment later, he said, emotionless. After a moment of silence he left, closing and locking the outside door behind him.

I crawled back inside the privacy of my bed and pulled the curtains snug. The thought of being allowed outside of my room spoiled any desire I’d previously had for sleep and restlessness set in.

I clasped my hands behind my head and stared at the gathered masses of material resting atop the bed’s canopy. Each time I closed my eyes I imagined seeing the faceless monsters who’d haunted my dreams and wondered if I shouldn’t have agreed to feed. Maybe the monsters were actually my subconscious and had come to tell me not to give in to my kidnapper. Or maybe deep down I worried William would be disappointed in me. Ugh, I grunted.

Rising up, I pulled one of the pillows from underneath my head and smashed it against my face, but it didn’t help. Each time I closed my eyes, I saw William with the same disappointed look on his face.

I tossed and turned for over an hour before completely giving up. It wasn’t like I had been sleep deprived. If I needed to catch up on anything, it would be studying, martial arts, or making out with my boyfriend. Not sleep.

I sat up and threw back the curtain, bracing myself in case one of my captors waited on the other side. I saw no one when I craned my neck before stepping onto the pedestal.

The pink hues painting the early morning sky had turned a ripe orange as the sun rose higher. I stepped to one of the windows and closed my eyes. Contrary to popular belief, the sun didn’t burn vampires, hybrids or even Rafes. However, it did slowly drain our energy, but I didn’t care. I felt like a caged animal, the four walls of my tower room acted as an enclosure. Unrestrained life lay beyond my grasp, but that would soon change.

Thinking about getting out of my room caused the rhythm of my heart to rocket. My eyes shot open after remembering what Peter had said about my clothes, and I made a mad dash for the bathroom.

After turning on the shower, I stripped down. Everything in the bathroom appeared to be new and I wondered if Laszlo had done the remodeling with expectations of capturing me. And if so, how long ago? The bathroom itself seemed almost half the size of my bedroom. It housed a white marble shower and separate claw-footed bathtub. I figured the tub had already been there. Also, a large pedestal sink and dressing table with a mirror filled one of the walls. A small closed off area housed the toilet.

I stood under the path of the hot spray, allowing the water to beat against my back and neck. Right away my tense muscles began to loosen, relaxing me to the point my muscles felt like jelly and I wanted to melt to the floor. I relished the feeling for several minutes before I washed my hair.

After prying myself from the shower, I decided to pick out something decent to wear. I had been so distraught clothes were the last thing on my mind. For the first week she’d picked out outfit after outfit, but I never dressed so she eventually gave up trying.

When I opened the closet door I thought I’d walked into a small designer boutique. Since Laszlo planned to kill me, why would he even allow Dahlia to purchase so many nice things? Even growing up, living with my mom, I had a modest wardrobe. What a waste.

I shook the thoughts of my mom from my head and eased into the closet, slowly taking in all the different clothes and shoes. Purses were about the only thing I didn’t see, but I knew why. Even Dahlia knew I didn’t have a need for them, considering I would never leave the castle again.

Not alive, anyway.

Chapter 4

I had no trouble sliding on a pair of dark blue jeans, the skinny kind. I’d probably lost more than five pounds from not feeding. The turquoise scoop neck shirt I’d picked out, should’ve hung off one shoulder. However, after slipping the shirt over my head, both sides slid down my arms. I frowned, and yanked it back off long enough to look at the tag, hoping Dahlia had bought a size too large. Unfortunately, she hadn’t.

Sighing, I stepped in front of the mirror. A stranger with wild red hair stared back, black circles around sunken eyes, their color murky like stagnant lake water. The sharp edges of her bones stuck out stretching the skin taught across her shoulders and face. Thin. Frail. I no longer looked like the same girl captured a few weeks ago.

I was dying.

While I continued to gaze in the mirror, I traced my finger along the facial features of a withering stranger. What have you agreed to, Genevieve? Building your blood back up just so Laszlo will have more to take? Is it really worth it just to go outside? I sighed again before picking up my toothbrush.

When I exited the bathroom, I found Peter sitting back on the couch; one foot crossed over the other knee, and his left arm stretched across the back. When our eyes met, the corners of his mouth turned up into a sexy smile. Two perfect rows of stunning white teeth shined through.

Hello, Genevieve. I see you have decided to make full use of the facilities and also the wardrobe I made sure you had. You look lovely, he said, as I watched his gaze leave my eyes, dance their way down, then back up again.

My forehead wrinkled. What are— I caught myself starting to reply sarcastically, but quickly changed my tone and grinned. Uh, I mean, what a nice surprise. However, he hadn’t just stopped by. I glanced at the coffee table and my saliva glands jumped into action. The familiar tray topped with several bags of blood beckoned. Does Laszlo expect me to drink all this at once?

Peter chuckled, his tone deep and smooth. Do not tell me you are one of those females who barely eats enough to satisfy a mouse. He sat forward, patting the couch next to him.

I twisted my still damp hair into a messy bun, securing it with the hair band I’d slipped onto my wrist, then purposely sat extremely close to him. I’m famished, I said as if I had sat down to eat a steak dinner. Well, to me bagged blood was sort of like hamburger steak, where as drinking directly from a donor would be my filet mignon.

I plucked a bag from the tray and twisted off the cap. Using my fingernail, I poked a hole in the top. As soon as the scent hit my nose, adrenaline rushed through me and my fangs grew. I’d planned to drink slowly, but the second I got a taste, my self-control flew out the window. I leaned my head back and squeezed the plastic, allowing every drop to pour down my throat.

Slow down, Peter whispered as he watched me tear open bag after bag, guzzling each one, and discarding the empty remains back onto the tray.

I ignored him, losing all control. It had only been a few months since I’d first turned, so I hadn’t quite gained full control over my bloodlust. Only two bags remained untouched when I had finished.

You just drank the equivalent of a two-hundred pound man. Peter smiled and shook his head. I thought about joining you, but you were going so fast I was afraid you might bite off my hand… literally, he teased, waving his hand in front of my face.

I rolled my eyes, then fell back against the cushion. Ahhh, I moaned, completely sated. I wanted to drink the last two bags, but figured I might puke if I did.

Are you ready to tour the castle? Peter asked, scooting toward the front edge of the couch.

Too full to stand, actually too full to breathe, I reached up and grabbed his forearm. I had a tight hold at first, but released my firm grip so my hand simply rested on his arm. Um, would you be mad if we just sat here a few minutes first? I swear, my stomach feels like it’s about to explode. I leaned a little closer to him and whispered. We both know it would be really messy. And, you’d have to clean it up, I added. On second thought, I joked, pretending I was about to stick my finger down my throat.

No, we can sit. Peter panicked when he saw me and lunged for my hand. I giggled. Not wanting my stomach to slosh around too much, I let him pull it away from my mouth. Sinking back further against the cushions, I closed my eyes and relaxed. Something I hadn’t done in a while.

Unease fell over me, like someone watched me. I tried to dismiss it as paranoia, but the feeling stayed with me. My eyes shot open and I found Peter in a full blown stare. Nothing perverted or evil, he just gazed at me. He jerked and looked toward the table, trying to cover by reaching for a fashion magazine. But he knew I’d seen him and his face turned bright red.

Not wanting to add to Peter’s embarrassment, I turned my head away so he wouldn’t see me smile, and covered by doing a whole body stretch before turning back.

Peter’s expression darkened and he pitched the magazine onto the table. If you would like to tour the castle, let us go now. Otherwise, I have things to do. His demeanor changed like snapping your fingers. A furrowed brow replaced the playful smile he’d worn only seconds before.

I frowned. Did I do something to upset you? Because if I—

Are you coming, Genevieve? Peter cut me off, then jumped to his feet and hurried to the door. After placing his hand on the knob, he stood with his back to me and paused. Never mind. He yanked open the door and started to leave.

I rushed after him, confused about how he could be so nice one minute, then a complete ass the next. I stopped beside him and kicked the door shut. Wait a minute. What did I do to make you so angry? I stared at the side of his face, but he refused to look at me.

I do not know what you are referring to. He slowly turned to face me with semi-narrowed eyes.

I am ‘referring’ to whatever it is I did to piss you off. We were laughing one minute and the next you’re… you’re… ugh, I groaned, frustrated. I stared hard for a minute while thinking. Wait a minute. I nodded repeatedly. It was all an act to get me to eat, wasn’t it?

Act? Peter tried to appear innocent, but did a poor job.

Get out, I opened the door and shoved him through the open tungsten door into the hallway. Creep, I snapped, and slammed the door shut, then spun around. I screamed out in anger before sliding down the inside of the slick wood. I tucked my face inside my hands and sobbed.

Chapter 5

After crying for what felt like hours, anger took over. I couldn’t believe I had been such an idiot to think Peter could actually be a decent un-human being. Laszlo might not have been his blood uncle, but from where I stood they couldn’t have been more alike.

I stormed into my closet, ripped off my clothes, and slung each piece into the corner. Pulling an over-sized tee shirt from one of the drawers, I tugged it on over my head and went back into my room. I fell across the couch and scooped up the remote from the table. I had all of about ten channels, five of which showed nothing but news. My thumb pounded the button as I scanned through them, until something caught my eye. I clicked the back button and stopped on one of the news channels.

A large freightliner had crashed ashore in one of the harbor towns of Alaska, close to where I lived. I watched in horror as a reporter talked about the crew of thirty-eight. Most of which had been found dead, and the others gone missing.

I gasped when the reporter described the condition of the bodies. Each one had either their throats ripped out or had been decapitated.

Oh God! My first thought drifted to Laszlo. His ultimate goal was to take over the human race. Using them as blood slaves, he’d sell men, women, and children like