Vampire Mine

Chapter Fourteen

Shifters were here, moving all around the house.

Sadie inspected each thought, trying to lock on to the minds of the pack. It wasn’t easy. She’d been instructed to remain inside. Diskant wanted to speak to everyone first, addressing the issue of Nathan’s departure and Zach’s new position as Beta of the pack.

Zach. Now that one was a pisser.

She’d sensed the male’s arrival an hour earlier. When she’d eavesdropped on his conversation with Diskant she’d been shocked to discover he didn’t really give a shit that Trey had mated a vampire. The poor man had actually felt jealous of his Alpha. He longed for the mate he’d lost—Katie. Sadie’s heart belonged to him in that moment. Trey had told her how Zach’s female had died but she’d felt Zach’s pain when he pictured Katie’s face, seeing the brightness of the fallen woman’s smile.

The visual brought her a strange amount of strength.

That woman had died because her pack hadn’t seen the Shepherds coming. With Sadie around they could detect the intentions of strangers. True she might not have been able to prevent what had happened but there was a chance she might’ve changed things. If they accepted her, she’d do everything she could to keep them safe. Innocent people wouldn’t die.

Hopefully they’ll listen. If I bust my ass I might be able to convince them.

She found herself reaching out with her mind, searching for Trey. He’d accompanied Diskant outside. The men knew the pack would sense their tension and thought it best to offer a united front. She found that Trey, in turn, was thinking about her. He tried to keep his attention on the pack and they hadn’t noticed—to his knowledge—his lapses. But he ached for her. Knowing she was just inside but out of sight drove him crazy.

The memory of him in the shower—about to tell her he loved her—felt like coming home. She almost let him do it but she wanted the declaration to be sincere. She hadn’t said the words herself and she wouldn’t until it was time. The same applied to him. Besides, the words didn’t change anything. Technically it was nothing more than a verbal acknowledgment. She wanted to hear him say it but not before he was ready. Maybe it would happen after they made love, or before he left on some silly errand.

Wasn’t that how reality worked?

Loosen up. You’re not doing yourself any favors.

Swinging her arms, she tried to steel her nerves and stretch her muscles.

She was grateful she’d stashed a sleeveless shirt at her apartment. The garment gave everyone a bird’s-eye view of her neck and let her move freely. There was a good chance she was going to have to fight for her place in the pack. The females didn’t intimidate her but she’d have to face anyone who stepped up. It could be more than one fight. She had to be cautious, using her resources only when necessary.

“They’re a tough crowd.”

Sadie stopped flinging her arms across her chest and looked up. Mary had joined her. She’d thought everyone had gone outside but she’d obviously been wrong. Alone, Sadie finally got a good look at the young woman. And she truly was young. No more than twenty-three or twenty-four years old. Her blonde hair was a shade darker than Ava’s and long, reaching past her shoulders.

“Is that why you’re not out there?” she asked. Maybe it wasn’t a fair question but since Mary had been glued to Emory’s side it seemed the most likely cause.

“That’s exactly why I’m not out there.” Mary sighed and crossed her arms, rubbing her hands over her biceps. “They don’t need a reminder that I exist. Believe me.”

“But they accepted you.”

“In a way.” Mary shrugged. “But I’m not like you. I can’t earn their respect.”

She didn’t like how conquered the girl seemed. “And that’s important, isn’t it?”

“It is for you,” she said sharply, as though she caught the glimmer of empathy. “I’m the enemy but they can kill me. You, on the other hand, are a threat. You’d better tread softly and grow eyes in the back of your head.”

Then—sliding into Mary’s head—Sadie recognized the source of her apathy. It was harsh, bitter and resentful. Mary didn’t like Sadie being at the house. She’d been willing to give things a chance but had quickly changed her mind. In Mary’s mind the sooner Sadie got the hell away from her home the better.

A vampire was too dangerous.

Especially around pregnant women.

“You think I’m a danger to Ava?” she snapped. The notion really pissed Sadie off. “You think I’d harm a pregnant woman and her fucking child?”

“I don’t know who you are or what you’d do. I’m just warning you,” Mary said, taking a step closer. “Diskant won’t let you slide if you fuck up and neither will anyone else. You haven’t shown anyone but Trey that we might gain more than we’ll lose by keeping you around.”

It was official. Between Ava and Mary the bitch quota in the house had been filled.

“Well since you put it that way,” with a practiced motion, Sadie drew her sword from the sheath at her back, “I guess I’ll make sure to leave an impression.”

“You don’t frighten me.” Mary didn’t flinch when she met Sadie’s level stare. “I’ve seen things you can’t possibly imagine. The threat of hell loses its charm if you’ve actually lived there.”

Sadie didn’t bother reading Mary—if she wanted to she could see what the woman had experienced—taking her statement as a slice of advice. She didn’t really care to see any more horrific things today, not if she had a choice. Watching Leigh being driven away had pretty much put a do-not-fuck-with-me-anymore damper on Sadie’s evening. Mary’s sudden appearance and harsh warning were sufficient. The woman only wanted to say her piece.

Mary had made her point. She didn’t have to say anything else.

Voices rose outside and Mary no longer seemed important.

Sadie spun around, gazing at the doors that led to the back of the property. The pack had met at the barn. There was a decent amount of distance placed between her and them. Yet—from the sounds of it—they weren’t very happy.

“I think you’re about to make your curtain call.” When Sadie looked at Mary she found the woman no longer seemed angry. There was a sliver of remorse in the words. “Good luck.”

It’s no different than battle, Sadie told herself. Prepare for what you can’t see. Anticipate your enemy’s movements and attack before they happen.

If only it were that simple.

Everything rested on her shoulders. If she messed up everyone would suffer.

Footsteps approached and she froze, anxious to see who’d come to the house. The door opened and Trey’s head peered around the edge. His dark hair scattered around his shoulders, the black leather coat he’d put on stretching over the bulk of his muscles. When his eyes settled on her they changed colors, going from gold to amber. The lines around his mouth smoothed, making him appear years younger.

“It’s time.”

Exhaling through her nose, she returned the sword to its proper place.

This might be the hardest challenge she’d ever faced but she’d never backed down from anyone or anything. There was no way in hell she was starting now when Trey needed her. Sometimes people had to bite and claw their way to the top. She wasn’t above fighting dirty if that’s what it took to win.

She shook her shoulders loose one last time, clearing her head.

Walking to the man she’d risk everything for, she said, “I’m ready.”

Trey couldn’t believe his eyes. This was the woman he knew, an Amazon fucking warrior like no other. There was hum surrounding her, the air almost electrified. If she had any concerns about what was about to happen it didn’t show. On the surface she looked totally confident and alert. He hoped she didn’t play poker because he had a feeling she’d kick his ass.

There was no way to read her.

“Sadie?” He stopped her before she could step outside. He had to make sure she was okay. “Talk to me.”

She kissed him quickly, her mouth rough against his. Just as fast she yanked away and looked at him. Again, he couldn’t tell what she was thinking.

“This is the way I have to be,” she informed him, not cold but brusque as she continued, “If you want me to do this properly you’re going to have to accept this is how I am. Until this is done this is the woman you’ll see.”

“Diskant told them about Nathan. They took that well.” He started filling her in on the details, holding the door open so she could step into the dark night. “They took my news well too but we told them to hold their applause until they met you.”

“You’re not going to tell them about Aldon?” she asked, falling in beside him as he led the way.

“No,” he answered, reaching for her hand.

She wrapped her fingers in his but she didn’t relax. He felt the tension radiating from her. God help anyone who tried to play a prank on her when she was like this. She’d probably chop their head off and leave them for dead. He tried to consider it a good thing. Like this, no one would get the drop on her. At least she was ready to show the pack who she was, declaring her position in his life.

He punched in the code for the lock and opened the gate that led them toward the barn. Once they were on their way he took her hand again. “Is there anything you need to know before we do this?”

“Do you expect any fights to break out?” She still hadn’t lost her edge. If anything she seemed even more focused. “Did you sense any potential opponents?”

“No, but I didn’t give them the good news.”

Trey knew the moment the pack picked up her scent. They turned one by one, nostrils flaring. His night vision allowed him to see everything clearly. Sadie didn’t falter, soldiering forward. It would take a few seconds for them to detect something was off. Once they did…

Growls carried on the wind, merging together in a dangerous chorus.

“I told you to hear me out,” Diskant snarled, trying to attract their attention. “Don’t react without thinking. There’s too much at stake.”

“What is she?” a female standing next to the barn demanded.

“She’s not a human,” a male bellowed.

Trey studied the pack, his gaze darting over their faces.

Some of them knew what Sadie was but they hadn’t spoken up. Others had never seen a vampire. Usually shifters and leeches didn’t run in the same circles. Aldon had been the only one many of them had ever encountered. Their sense of smell detected something different but their eyes couldn’t gauge the threat. Without seeing a vampire’s barely noticeable fangs a shifter could never be sure. They might have an idea but not an absolute certainty. He wondered if maybe he could have tried to hide what Sadie was. The pack might have been fooled.

He pushed the notion aside.

Eventually they’d have figured it out and he had nothing to hide.

If this was going to happen, it had to be clear from the start.

“I’m your Alpha’s mate,” Sadie answered unexpectedly, stopping him several feet from the pack. “I’ve accepted his mark and the responsibilities that come along with it. I know what’s expected of me and I’m equal to the task. If any of you want to challenge me for the position feel free.”

“I want to know what she is, not who she is.” Another female stepped forward, addressing Trey. “We have a right to know.”

“If you’d be so kind as to look at me,” Diskant’s low growl silenced the crowd, “I’ll be happy to answer any questions.”

The pack didn’t like it. Distrust and edginess was written all over them.

They did as they were instructed, facing the Omega. Trey studied Diskant, noting how angry the male had become. As the leader of the shifters of New York, Diskant wasn’t accustomed to people questioning his authority. Usually if any of the pack reacted this way—especially since Diskant was a born werewolf and had been raised with many of them—he’d stomp serious ass and ask important questions later.

“I’d like to remind you that I have as much to lose as any of you. My mate is expecting. I’d never risk her or the life of our child. This issue isn’t the most pressing danger we have to face. In case you’ve forgotten the Shepherds haven’t fled. They’ve only slithered away to lick their wounds. They’ll come back and when they do we have to be ready. We don’t have time to fight amongst ourselves.”

“If we don’t have time to fight,” a familiar voice spat, “tell us what she is.”

Sadie’s fingers tightened around Trey’s. He wondered what had broken through what appeared to be an impenetrable shield around his female. His mate’s gaze was riveted on the member of his pack who’d spoken, a woman who’d tried to weasel her way into Trey’s bed on more than one occasion. Brandi was backed by her closest friends, her bestie Andrea glued to her side.

That fucking bitch.

Trey was certain Sadie hadn’t meant for him to hear the thought. Her mental shields had to be slipping and he was growing attuned to what she was thinking. Or perhaps their connection was growing stronger. Either way he was able to feel her outrage and his wolf rose in response. It felt Sadie’s distress and wanted to alleviate it.

No, damn it.

They’d think she’d made him her familiar if he didn’t get a grip. Nothing in this world would convince them to accept her into the pack. The wolves would turn on them and kill them or run them off the property. If things got out of hand now a scuffle would ensue for sure.

“She’s the woman who’s going to help us protect the pack,” Ava called out.

Before she could keep going Andrea added her two cents. “She’s not a woman. She’s something else. She’s definitely not human. She reeks of something.”

“It’s called death.” Sadie let Trey go and walked toward the group. “I’ve been called a harbinger before.”

“Don’t.” He thought to her. He didn’t want to see her trampled by the pack.

“I’ve got this.” Her response was firm, her determination unshakable.

He thought she’d go for her sword but she didn’t. Instead his female faced the werewolves in front of her head-on with her weapons put away.

“If you have a problem with the position I’m about to take,” Sadie repeated, coming to stop a couple of feet from the women, “you’re welcome to challenge me for it.”

“I suppose that’s easy to say.” Brandi waved at Sadie’s back. “Since you’re armed.”

“This?” Sadie slid the strap from her shoulder and glanced down at her sword. With a shrug she cast the weapon to the ground. “I don’t need that. Not to take care of you.”

The prickly hum of energy around everyone shifted, tension quickly suffusing the air. Everyone in the pack reveled in the possibility of a fight, their animals practically begging them for it. While they were partially human, they were also partially beast.

Brandi sized Sadie up before she started removing her jacket.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to go.

“I have to show them what I can do. You’ll never get through to them otherwise,” Sadie thought to him. “And you’ll never be my familiar. I’d never perform the ritual to make it happen. But I don’t have time to explain that and neither do you. Don’t you dare move. Stay right where you are and watch.”

Before he could argue, Brandi unleashed her claws. He couldn’t breathe, his feet weighted by invisible sand. The shifter female went at Sadie, fangs bared. Without pause Sadie met the woman head-on and slammed her fist in the center of Brandi’s face.

The fight had started.

There was nothing he could do to stop it.