Unleashed: The Cursed Trilogy, Book Two by Betty Legend (little bear else holmelund minarik .TXT) 📗

my knees. I try to move, and the blade tips are pressed tighter to my skin.

“You’re going to be the bait.” The stranger’s cold tone is full of excitement.

“For who?”

“The witch, of course.”

“What makes you think she’ll come for me?” I stare back at the short, blond-haired leader, his blue and gold uniform displaying a larger pin than the others. His cruel blue eyes stare back at me, a smirk forming.

“We installed a few cameras on our last visit.” His smirk downturns. “Unfortunately, we had to witness your vile fornication with the hellion witch.”

Anger surges, but I release it with my usual sarcasm.

“Sure, someone held a gun to your head and made you watch… all of it. Don’t pretend you didn’t enjoy it.”

The man backhands me, and one of the blade tips stabs my skin. Warm blood dribbles down my neck, and my fangs descend.

“Look at his fangs,” another Accolade points. “Work of the Devil!”

He’s not entirely wrong. Vampires were created with demonic blood and magic.

The Accolade pokes his pointer finger at one of my fangs, and I snap at him. The additional puncture wound to my neck is worth it to see the terrified expression on his face.

“Don’t toy with him,” the leader scolds. “He’s dangerous.” His eyes narrow in on me. “And I’d hate for our plan to be foiled because I have to kill him… too soon.”

“I hope you know what you’re doing. The witch won’t come alone.”

Leaning forward, his foul breath lingers beneath my nose.

“I’m counting on it.”

Between gritted teeth, I ignore their frightened and angry looks and track their turns, following the direction the best I can. In my heart, I’m torn between hoping Selene does come for me and succeeds in getting us out, but the other part of me hopes she doesn’t come, doesn’t risk her life trying to save mine.

It’s at least forty-five minutes before the van stops, and I’m manhandled and forced into an age-old, steepled church. Through a back door, I’m dragged down a corridor, down a flight of narrow, damp stairs into a cellar. Shoved into an empty cell, I stand from my knees to view the area as they slam the cell door closed. The blond-haired leader lowers a lever, and electric wires buzz to life around the cell, releasing a blinding white light. Narrowing my lids, I peer through the openings of the cell. In a room with several computer monitors sit two Accolades on duty, watching the monitors. There are several more cells set up on the other side of mine, each hard-wired with the same electric wires.

“Don’t try to escape.” The leader snickers. “The voltage will fry you to ash.”

My lip rises as a growl escapes me. “We’ll see how long I’m here and how long you get to keep your head.”

“Guess we will, devil spawn.”

The leader and his minions ascend the stairs, leaving the two guards behind the windowed wall, watching the monitors.

My fangs bite into my bottom lip as anger surges through my chest. Testing my strength, I yank at the cuffs. The corner of my mouth lifts as the chain snaps apart between my hands. Whatever debilitating aerosol I inhaled is finally wearing off. Bringing my hands forward, I rub at the reddened skin. I’m going to need fresh blood to heal.

The two Accolades who were watching the monitors rush into the space, standing in front of my cell with taser wands. Nearing the cell, I test them, hissing and revealing my fangs. The one charges, poking the wand through the cell. Grabbing it, I yank it from his grip and spin it, the end now facing them.

“You fools, I’m faster and stronger.”

With wide eyes, they back away from the cell.

“Get the acid,” one barks to the other.

Shit.

Receding from the cell wall with speed, my back hits the hot wires, and a volt of electricity sears my skin, burning viciously to my bones. The pain topples me over, distracting me from the vial of liquid they throw at me. Agony tears through my limbs and face as my skin bubbles and burns. A roar tears from my chest, my fangs descending as I pant through each breath. Damn my stupidity for shutting Selene and the others out.

CHAPTER SEVEN

SELENE

Killian takes my hand, helping me up onto the next boulder of rocks. Between the trees, his house sits in the distance. We’re nearly back from our hike. I’m exhausted and equally refreshed. Keeping my hand in his, I pull him to me for a kiss.

“These last three days have been great. I’ve loved the hiking, breakfast in bed, and cuddling by the fire.”

Glancing at me sideways, he gives me his sad wolf eyes, and my heart pitter-patters in response. “I wish you were staying longer. Three days isn’t enough time with you.”

Caressing his arm, my fingers tuck under his rolled-up flannel.

“I’ll come back soon. I promise. I need to visit my mom and Rachel. We have a lot to talk about, and I want to know if Rachel knows she’s a witch.”

“I understand. I’m just going to miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too.” Kissing his shoulder, I breathe in his delicious masculinity and woodsy scent. “You’ve been what I needed for the last several days. This getaway was perfect. It helped clear my head.”

Leaning down, he kisses my hair. “You can stay with me anytime for as long as you want. You know I’d love you to stay here with me, and this be your primary residence.”

We exit the trees into the clearing of his yard, the sun casting its warm rays over my skin in the same way his words touch my heart.

“Believe me, it’s something I’m considering. Leaving you is difficult.”

All morning, an ache settled in my gut, knowing I won’t see him for a few days. It’s hard leaving any of my guys, but with our mated bond, it’s even harder. When I’m with him, I feel safe and at home. Leaving him tears at my heart.

Reaching the porch,