Fated Love: Fated Bloodlines, #1

Chapter One

Anja

I’d never thought of myself as particularly spoiled, but I had to admit, I missed having the private jet at a time like this.  The San Francisco airport was crowded, even at that late hour.  Miserable people shuffling through the metal detectors, shoes in hand.  Sure, I could’ve used my compulsion to get to the front of the line, or even bypass it entirely, but why should I get through scot-free when everybody else had to wait?  Bishop’s patience looked a little strained, but he offered me a faint smile as the line lurched forward.

Besides, it wasn’t like I had any real reason to skip through the lines.  I’d fed earlier in the night (even though I hadn’t felt the particular need to), just in case.  That was one good thing since coming back to the future – that weakness I’d experienced in the past, the need to feed every night – there was no trace of it.  It would take a while to figure out if I was immortal again or if that was well and truly gone thanks to Andri’s spell, but for the moment, I lived each night like the gift it was.  And I didn’t intend to squander my do-over. 

They opened another scanning station and people surged forward, eager to speed through, but we stayed where we were, the split off cutting our waiting time in half.  If it bothered Bishop to leave the country with no weapons on him, he gave no sign of it.  Though I figured he probably had access to them in England anyway, if he really needed them. 

Right about then, I was used to being ushered to a swanky lounge and served drinks and nibbles while the private jet went through final preparations.  But traveling coach meant no frills.  Bishop had offered to spring for first class, but I’d turned him down.  He was already footing the cost of the tickets, and I felt bad sponging off of him, even though he assured me he had plenty to last us for an eternity.  Besides, it wasn’t like the regular airport was a slum or anything.  It was clean and modern, with lots of shops and food stalls, even a yoga room of all things.  Only in San Francisco, right?

Without money from Jakob (or Lodinn, since he was still alive and kicking out there somewhere) I was on a pretty strict budget.  Sooner or later I’d have to get a job and earn my keep, but first, there were a few things that needed setting to rights or I’d never be able to sleep days.  At least my parents weren’t hassling me about dropping out of college.  I know, I know, I won’t compel my way through the security line at the airport but I’ll smother my parents’ thoughts just fine.  Hypocritical?  Maybe.  But one thing I’d learned was to pick my battles, and it was easier for everyone all around if they didn’t worry about my life choices. 

All they knew was I’d met someone and we were taking a trip to Europe.  I never said the break in my education was permanent, and maybe it wasn’t?  There was nothing saying I couldn’t go back to school in a year or ten or fifty, but for now, I needed the break to deal with everything.  They were happier, I was happier, and we could all go about our lives without that horrible ickiness between us. 

I felt bad about keeping things from my sister, but the less people knew about what I’d learned from the future, the better.  And I fully intended to shield Hanna from anything that might end up with her in the vampire club.  Of course, that also meant shielding her from Mason.  I still wasn’t sure if that was the right way to go. 

Shilling for your thoughts?

I looked up to see Bishop watching me, already done re-fastening his boots.  Hanna and Mason, I said simply, slipping mine on and setting the plastic tub aside. 

What about them?

They were so good together, I admitted with a sigh. 

Mason knew a lot about me and what I’d been through in the weeks since I’d been turned.  He was one of the few people who knew about my adventure in time travel, but I’d never said a word about Hanna, apart from the fact that he knew I had a sister. 

Now that things are changed, I don’t know if they’ll ever meet.  Not that my sister needed me to set her up on dates, but she didn’t have the best history in her relationship choices.

What’s the problem?  Bishop shrugged, clueless to my dilemma.  Introduce them.  She doesn’t have to know he’s a vampire.  You know you can trust him.

No, I do trust him.  It’s just...  How could I explain when he hadn’t lived through the same things I had?  Sure, I’d told Bishop lots of stories about our future past together, but it wasn’t the same as experiencing it.  I’m not so sure I want her dying again.

She didn’t die, she was turned.

She still died.  I don’t know if I want that for her.

Maybe that’s not your decision to make.

"Okay, but it’s not like I can ask her – hey, hypothetical question, would you become a vampire if you had the chance to spend eternity with a hot guy?"

You think Mason’s hot?  His brows pinched together.

Bishop... bigger picture here.

Bishop took hold of both of my hands, his voice gentle.  Anja, as long as Jakob stays hidden, it’ll never send Lodinn to your doorstep.  She’s in no danger there.  And since everyone at Vetis remembers you as Carys’ progeny from two hundred years ago, there’s no reason for Volkov to question your identity.  There’s no reason to think Mason will have to turn her.  They could have a lot of happy years together.  And if and when she decides to take that step, it’ll be her decision.

He had a point.  I’ll have to think about that.  I hated it when he used logic on me.

If it’s bothering you that much we can put off the trip.  The holidays are coming, are you sure you don’t want to spend them here with your family?

Part of me did, but that wasn’t the right answer either.  Thanksgiving is almost a whole month away.  I can’t stick around for that long while that jerkwad Jasper is hurting Maggie.  No, we stick to the plan and go fix things in England, and then we can worry about domestic stuff.  Oh, and we should find Carter and persuade him not to go on killing vampires or he’ll end up with a bounty on his head so high I’ll think about turning him in myself.

His brows rose.  You wouldn’t.

Hey, a girl’s gotta eat.  I gave a playful shrug, but there was more truth to that than I let on.  Not that I would turn Carter in, but I did need to figure out what my next steps were. 

Bishop seemed to realize there was more to that statement then a glib response.  I can take care of you, he insisted, not for the first time, and I squeezed his hands.

And I love that you want to take care of me, but I need to do something with my life.  Being your arm candy is only fun for so long.

The corner of his mouth tugged up.  You’re getting tired of me already?  It’s barely been a month.

No, not tired of being with you, but eventually I’ll need some kind of goal or purpose.  You said the same about the Order, right?  You’re on a break, but eventually...

Eventually I’ll have to think about going back or doing something new, he nodded. 

Well, it’s the same for me.  My gaze flicked to the digital clock on the wall.  We still had over two hours to kill before the flight, thanks to my overzealous planning schedule.  Hey, how about you go get us a couple of hot chocolates at the Starbucks over there?  I think I want to check out the yoga room.

So you do want to get rid of me? he smirked, and I leaned up on my tiptoes to give him a kiss. 

With cinnamon, please.

Whatever my lady desires, he replied with a kiss to the back of my knuckles that made my grin stretch wider.  It still floored me when he said stuff like that, a mixture of romantic, courtier Ulrik and my hard-bitten vampire cop, Bishop.  The best of both worlds.  

My phone rang and Hanna’s face flashed up on the screen.  I picked it up on my way to the yoga room.  Speak of the devil, I was just thinking about you.

Hey, An.  I didn’t wake you up, did I?

No, of course not.  And then it hit me – she wasn’t nocturnal like me.  It’s almost two a.m., is everything okay? 

Yeah, I’m wondering if I can crash at your place tonight?

There was an undercurrent of strain to her voice that bothered me.  Sure, but why? 

Because I just got back in town and I’m too tired to drive all the way back to San Jose. 

Sure, of course.  You just got back in town?  Okay, so I felt like the world’s worst sister, not even knowing she was out of town in the first place. 

Yeah, impromptu Vegas trip.  I came back early and couldn’t catch a flight to San Jose, so I’m here in San Francisco.

Oh.  I looked around, even though it was ridiculous to think I’d see her.  Who knew what terminal she’d come in to?  We’re at the airport now, we must’ve missed you.

You’re at the airport?  Well, crap, I was hoping I could come over and you’d let me in.

It’s okay, there’s an extra key under the potted plant on the front stoop.

You know that’s a terrible idea, right?  Doesn’t your boyfriend work for a security company?  You’d think he knew better.  Her protective instincts kicked in, and I smiled on my end of the phone. 

Yes, that’s why we have the alarm system, so I’m not all that worried about robbers.  I’ll text you the combination.  It’s kind of tricky, so make sure you follow all of the directions.

Thanks a million, sis.  You’re saving my bacon.  Mmm, bacon.  How can I be this tired and hungry at the same time? 

I missed bacon sometimes.  The memory of enjoying never met up with the reality of the greasy, overpowering food though, not now.  Not even one bite.  Get some rest, I’ll text you after we touch down in London. 

Wait, you’re going to London?  Her voice rose two octaves before dipping to a husky growl.  So jealous right now.  My life is in shambles and you’re jetting off to England.

Shambles?  Hanna, are you okay?  I can put off the trip if you need me...

No, no, don’t do that, she immediately cut me off.  I’m fine, just whining.  I’m gonna go before I end up crashing in my car in the airport parking lot.

I didn’t like the sound of that.  Take an Uber.  If it’s the money...

I’m fine, Mom.  Really, she laughed, and I felt a little better.  Have an amazing trip.  Nobody deserves it more than you.

Okay, I love you.

Love you too, An.  G’bye.

Bye, I called out as I stepped into the yoga room, freezing when I saw someone sitting on one of the blue mats in the center of the room.  I took her to be in her late twenties or early thirties, with shoulder length brown hair, shot through with red highlights.  Oh, sorry, I didn’t actually expect anybody to be here so late at night.

Her eyes popped open, a pretty gray green that crinkled with good humor.  That’s okay.  I get a little twitchy before I fly and I was hoping this yoga thing would help me relax.  I should’ve just gone to the bar for a drink.  More power to you if you can make it work for you though, she said, rising to her feet with supple grace.  Once she stood, I was surprised find she was about the same height as my sister, around five foot two, though far more curvy than Hanna. 

There wasn’t a speck of make-up on her, and her skin was so pale, it was almost translucent, giving her a luminous glow, a tattoo of a smiling sun visible on her inner calf.  Dressed for comfort, nevertheless she didn’t look sloppy, and her clothes were well fitting and expensive.  For someone who professed to be twitchy, she sure seemed comfortable in her skin.  Though if I listened carefully, I heard her heat beating a fast staccato, belying her easy stance.

I’ve never really done yoga before.  I guess I just wanted to see what was in here.

Not really a whole lot to see, she shrugged.  There was a flat screen TV mounted to one wall that played a yoga routine, but the sound was muted and the remote nowhere in sight.  Dipping to pick up her jacket and carry-on bag, she let out a long breath, her forehead puckered with worry.  I think maybe I’d better order a double.

I recognized those nerves, even if flying didn’t bother me one bit.  Ordinarily I tried to stay out of someone’s head, but if I could make her trip easier...  I sent out a burst of compulsion.  Flying’s not a big deal, you know.  All the waiting to get on board and take off is the biggest pain in the behind.  Once you’re up there it’s not bad at all.  And then the next thing you know, you’re there, easy peasey.

Yeah, easy for you to say, she muttered, shaking off the compulsion like water off a duck’s back. I still think I’m heading for the bar.

I followed her out, getting a good whiff of her as she passed me by without looking like I was smelling her like a creeper.  She seemed perfectly human, nothing special about her at all. Well, maybe the drink will help calm you down then.  But I promise, flying is still the safest way to travel, I pointed out, hoping the words might offer some comfort.

I know, but knowing and feeling are two different things, aren’t they? she said with a rueful grin, and I couldn’t argue with her there. 

I was about to reply when someone came around the corner, knocking the words right out of me.  I must’ve looked like I’d seen a ghost because she stopped, her face twisted with concern. 

Hey, are you okay?  You literally look white as a sheet.

Great googly moogly.  He was headed right for us, blending in with the upscale crowd in a dark suit, but nothing could mask that predatory vibe that said, don’t mess with me, I’m dangerous.  His expression was completely devoid of emotion, and I couldn’t help but wonder – what did he know?  He couldn’t possibly remember me, could he?

My lips moved, but nothing came out until I squeaked a single word.  Rob!

That single word brought him up short, pausing several feet away.  His brows twitched closer together, head canting to one side.  Do I know you, miss?

Frak.  You’re not here for me?

Should I be?

What was I thinking?  Of course he didn’t know me.  And of course Jakob hadn’t sent him to watch over me, I hadn’t heard a single peep from my Sire.  I guess not. 

His entire body was on edge, coiled to spring at the first sign of danger, and from his close study, I wondered if he could guess what I was. 

It’s okay, Jakob told me about you.  I recognized you is all, I tried to explain, hoping to get him to relax.  A waft of his familiar scent hit me, and it was all I could do not to close my eyes and breathe deep.  Human.  Rob was human again, or more than human.  The important bit being he was alive and well, and staring at me with more scrutiny than I liked. 

You know Jakob? he said carefully, eyes narrowed.

In a roundabout sort of way.  My head tilted back and forth, not wanting to get into it.  Anyway, if you’re not here for me, who are you here for?

Her.  He pointed to the yoga lady who looked even more surprised than I was. 

Um, what now? she blinked, coughing uncontrollably and then gulping in a big breath of air. 

You and me both, lady.  If I’d had spit in my mouth I would’ve choked on it too.  Do you two know each other?

Haven’t had the pleasure, Rob replied.  I’m here strictly on business.

I definitely would remember him, she murmured.  You couldn’t be here for me though, she added in disbelief.  My name is Rebecca, but nobody calls me that.  I’m...

Bex Anderson, yeah?  Rob applied with one of his amused half smiles.  I’m here for you right enough.  Come on then, better get a move on.  I’ve arranged for us to board the plane with the first group.

Her lips pursed with hesitation.  But where are we going?

Paris, France.

Something in her eased at that.  Right, that’s where I was headed, she nodded, but...

And I’m to see you there safely.

Just as quickly the mistrust returned to her eyes, they’d gone gray as a storm cloud.  Was there some reason why I need a bodyguard?

Rob’s gaze flicked to me.  We can talk more about that when we’re not in mixed company.

I was about to say I wasn’t mixed company and they could talk in front of me when Bishop came up, hot chocolates in hand. 

Rob, he said with a courteous nod.

He looked less ruffled to see Bishop than he had me, and nodded in kind.  Bishop.  And then Rob looked at me again, studying me in an appraising way that made my scalp itch before he turned back to his charge.  Shall we go then?

Bex hesitated, uncertainty radiating off of her in waves, her heart pounding at a furious rate. 

It’s okay, you can trust him, I said gently, using my sincerity since I couldn’t use compulsion.  Was that why Rob was there?  Was she something special?  Either way, I knew she’d be safe in his hands.  He’s a good guy.

Uh huh.  Of course he is, she nodded, a short burst of nervous laughter spilling out of her before she came to a decision.  Outstanding.  Okay then, Rob, is it?  Let’s get this show on the road.  I’ve got a drink waiting with my name on it.  I’m thinking I deserve a triple shot. 

Very good, miss, Rob replied, reaching for her carry on, and after a brief hesitation she let him take it.  He sent another one of those penetrating stares in my direction as he passed by, but then focused his attention wholly on his new charge. 

I stared after them, my mind going a bajillion miles an hour as I tried to work out what Bex was and what danger could be bad enough that someone’d hired Rob to protect her. 

Bishop’s words pulled me out of it.  Ah, so that Rob is the Rob that you...

Yes, I said simply, wondering why he’d never made the connection before.  You know him, right?  He seemed to know you.

Ah, sure I know Rob, everybody does.  I just never thought that you and he...  His face twisted with distaste.  I mean, I didn’t think he’d be your type.

Are you jealous?

No, of course not.  None of that ever happened, he denied a little too quickly, but I could tell from the set of his shoulders that it bugged him. 

I reached for the hot chocolate he still held and covered his hand with mine.  Bishop, it’s okay if you are.  I mean, it never happened for him, but it did for me.  You can’t completely say it never happened.  He had every right to feel jealous about it.

He didn’t seem too pleased by that.  Are you saying you still have feelings for him?

No, Jakob compelled me not to ever love Rob again.  Or did that apply?  Was I still the same person I was before?  Physically no, I’d reverted to the body I had right after I’d been turned.  But mentally?  Wasn’t that the root of compulsion?  At least, I think so, I frowned, still turning it over in my mind.

Cool beans.

Did you just say cool beans? I laughed, tickled pink to hear him say it. 

I guess I picked up a few habits from you, he shrugged, and I laughed again that such a thing had survived for two centuries. 

There’s one way to test it, you know.

You’re not kissing him, he muttered darkly.

I wasn’t offering to, I replied, mashing my lips together to keep from smiling over the burst of jealousy that I found adorable.  I can always try to sing. 

The pinch on his forehead fell away, replaced by curiosity.  How would that prove anything?

I used to be terrified to sing in front of people alone.

But you sing so beautifully.

Just because I can sing doesn’t mean it didn’t terrify me like a ship full of Reavers.  Which are these scary...

Cannibals in space, I know, he replied, stunning me for a good ten seconds.

You do?

"Of course I do.  You said it was a thing between us, Firefly.  I paid attention."

I love you so much, I cried, tears standing in my eyes as I kissed him for all I was worth right in the middle of the airport. 

Who cared if any of Jakob’s compulsions had stuck?  We were about to embark on a new future together and that was all that mattered.  I only hoped I wouldn’t be leaving him alone all over again.  That thought, even more than my actual dying, was more than I could bear.  But whether I lived for a single lifetime or an eternity, we’d spend it together. 

Chapter Two

Hanna

I’d only been to Anja’s new place with Bishop once, but my car still had the address plugged into the GPS.  It was all clean lines and modern design, the type of place designed by an architect with ambition, not a tract house that looked exactly like its neighbor.  Set into a hill overlooking the San Francisco bay, the living spaces were upstairs on the main floor and bedrooms down on the lower level.  Bishop had to have some serious bucks since I knew my sister hadn’t picked up a job since dropping out of school. 

Did it bother me that she’d dropped out in her last year of school?  More than it bugged my parents, weirdly enough.  The more I thought about it, the weirder it was that my dad hadn’t given birth to a live cow over it, but maybe he was mellowing with age?  Frankly, if I could sing like Anja, I probably wouldn’t have bothered with college in the first place, but I understood why she’d caved to pressure from our parents to earn her degree. 

Personally, I’d never given two fucks about their plans for me; it was my life and I was happy with my choices.  Still, I probably needed to have a sit down with my baby sister when she got back to make sure she wasn’t flushing her life down the toilet over some guy.  Then again, who was I to knock it?  Anja seemed happy enough, and as a sugar daddy, Bishop was easy on the eyes, not some blubberous old letch.  Hell, I might’ve moved in with him too if he’d dangled a trip to Europe in front of me. 

The front porch lights weren’t on, and I felt around under the planter, hoping I didn’t encounter anything gooey or with legs, but I found the key before too long.  Finally I got the stupid door open and dragged my bags into the foyer, too tired to lug them down to one of the bedrooms.  The alarm didn’t sound, and I muttered to myself in disgust as I locked up tight, wondering what kind of security expert Bishop must be to leave a key under the planter and the alarm off before they left the country. 

Holy fucking Jesus, was I beat.  How long had it been since I’d last slept?  The crick in my neck said too long, and I kicked off my shoes and shuffled into the kitchen to get something to wash down a couple of painkillers before I dragged my ass down to the guest room. 

Bathed in light from the fridge, I gave the carton of milk a sniff before risking a small taste, not bothering with a