Apocalypse Read online

  Allantra rose, oblivious to her nakedness. “Allow me to correct you, Dharean,” she said carefully; her anger appeared to rival Dharean’s and his own. “I belong to no one; truth be told, both of you belong to me. You know better than I do that this had to happen. My mother is lying in a bed near death because of what that bitch Dominica did to her. In case either one of you forget, she is corporeal now and she means everyone in existence ill will. I will not twiddle my thumbs and cater to egos because we don’t have that kind of time. There is no telling what she is doing while we stand here arguing about something that had to come to pass anyway!”

  In a huff, she turned, gathering the red sheets about her like a toga. She marched right past the two men and paused at the door. “I hope the two of you get whatever male ego shit out of the way and start to focus. If either of you should need me, I will be with my mother.”

  The door slid closed quietly after Allantra’s stormy exit. The two men faced one another in stony silence. It was Dharean who attacked first; his hands, partially shifted into deadly hooked claws, went for the vampire’s throat. Khaelen, moving in a quick blur, deftly avoiding the attack; he retaliated by inflicting long, deep ravines in the shifter’s back. The shifter pivoted quickly, growling in anger.

  A whispered word from the wizard and Khaelen was viciously thrown against a wall; the impact was great enough for him to lose his bearings for just a moment. Dharean gave him no room for recovery as he pounced on him. Khaelen’s scent on Allantra seemed to have further enraged the wizard. He took one long, hooked claw and tried to pierce the vampire’s heart.

  A bloodcurdling roar rang out as the claw missed its target but still penetrated his chest deeply. Khaelen ignored the searing pain as he drew back his fist and struck Dharean across the face, this time sending the shifter reeling back so fast, he crashed into and broke one of the posts on the solid wooden bed. Dharean landed with a very audible thump against the wall and slid to the floor.

  Injured but still very much empowered by their anger and egos, both males stood and launched themselves at the other; their powerful bodies crashed together in the middle of the room. Khaelen, his head partially shifted in his wolf form, bit deeply into the shoulder of the shifter. Likewise, Dharean had changed into his jaguar form and then returned the favor. Both men slashed and clawed and bit at the other, systematically destroying the bedroom. Blood sprayed the walls, and it was increasingly difficult to tell who was bleeding more, for they both were bathed in blood.

  *

  It was the frantic call from Masque that drew Dharean’s attention. He pushed the vampire away and retreated far enough to listen to the call of his friend, keeping a wary eye on the vampire.

  She is heading for the clan, Masque imparted.

  How do you know this, friend? What is wrong?

  She has injured me, but I will heal.

  Dharean was stunned. He couldn’t remember the last time anyone had ever been skillful enough to best his most prized warrior. How can that be?

  She caught me unaware, Brujo. Her power is great and I fear it grows steadily. We must pursue her before she reaches the clan.

  She came to the compound?

  No, she can wield power over a great distance, it would seem.

  Come to me, Masque, I wish to learn more.

  Dharean looked at the battered vampire and knew he must look just as bad. He took in the blood and damage and, for the first time in his life, he felt ashamed of his actions. “I hope this encounter has gotten any hostilities out of our system for now. The female vampire has attacked my best warrior. Allantra was correct in assuming she was growing more and more powerful.”

  Khaelen made his way to the side of the bed and sat. He looked down at his wounds. “I fear we both have behaved rather childishly. We lost sight of our goal.”

  “Women can do that to a man,” Dharean agreed with a wry smile.

  “Agreed, and Allantra is just not any woman.” It was Khaelen’s turn to smile.

  “She is right, however. We must form this Triumvirate to defeat this female vampire. It is a prophecy that has been with us for a long time. This is our last chance as a people to survive.”

  “I am not proud of the legacy of my people. They have wronged you and yours and I aim to make things right. Allantra and I entered this fight knowing the chances of winning are slim. If this is what is required, then both of us will have to find a way to make this work.”

  Dharean nodded in agreement at the tenuous peace. “Masque will be here with more information soon. I believe we should both clean up and get this room in order before Allantra returns. Her anger can be quite—”

  “Say no more.” Khaelen chuckled, rising. “I am more than acquainted with her anger.”

  * * * *

  Freshly showered and now feeling suddenly shy, Allantra entered the bedroom of her mother. Her mother. The word just seemed to echo in her head. She had a mother. Tiptoeing quietly, she approached the bed to find her mother’s eyes already open.

  “She sleeps that way,” Minn murmured, rising out a chair in the corner of the room. “I think the princess is afraid even in her slumber.”

  Allantra felt a lump rise in her throat. She couldn’t begin to imagine whatever torture her mother had gone through for so many years. She reached a hand out tentatively and stroked the dull locks of long hair splayed on the pillow. “She is safe now. We must get her to understand that.”

  “Allantra, none of us is safe at the moment,” Minn replied. Allantra opened her mouth to tell Minn that was simply not true, but Minn rushed on. “That black-hearted vampire is out there with a goal to destroy us and she has the power to do it. Until we can stop her, we have no right trying to convince the lost princess that she is safe.”

  “It is true, Minn, because I will make it true. I have not risked so much to fail now.”

  “Your passion and dedication are admirable; however, you must understand that life is not always as you wish it.”

  “I have two of the most powerful men I’ve ever known by my side. We can do this,” Allantra insisted, drawing her hand away from her mother for fear of zapping her unintentionally with her rising anger.

  “And you believe those two preening males will work together side by side, while sharing your bed?” Minn barked a laugh.

  “What’s wrong with you, Minn? I expected more faith from you than this. They both will do what is necessary no matter the cost to their egos. I know them both and I certainly wouldn’t be pursuing this if I didn’t believe we could win this.” Allantra looked at the plump woman and saw the remnants of a smile tease the corner of her lips.

  “I didn’t mean to anger you. I had to be sure of your confidence. You do understand that you are in charge here, not those two. You will have to control them and keep the peace. They are men after all, and will always be in competition for your favors. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if they were off somewhere beating the bloody hell out of each other.” Minn laughed at the thought.

  “You might be right about that. I left them alone with each other in a volatile mood. I am hoping that they get whatever it is out of their system. I have this feeling inside that…”

  “What?” Minn walked around the bed and put her arm around Allantra’s shoulders. “Don’t discount whatever you feel. As a synergist you can tap into all sorts of energy.”

  When Allantra felt she was far away enough from her sleeping mother she began to confide in Minn. “I can’t explain it.” Allantra twisted her hands, trying to find the words. “Something is going to happen, and I believe the most obvious choice is not the best one.”

  “Well, well, well. You have your work cut out for you. There’s a price to pay for having two good-looking men in your bed.” Minn winked at her then rubbed her back in comfort. “You will know what to do, and if you have any trouble getting anyone to line up and follow your lead, I’ve been known to have an unconventional but effective way of getting people to do what I want.”
/>   “Thank you, Minn. Now if you don’t mind, I would like to visit with my mother alone for a while.”

  “Well, of course you do.” Minn gave her a hug and silently left the room.

  Allantra pulled the chair Minn had been sitting in beside her mother’s bed and sat. So much pain had to be bottled up inside of her. Shyly at first, she touched her mother’s hand, then held it in her own. She sent small pulses of energy to her mother, being careful not to overload her.

  After some time, Allantra thought it might be a good idea to check on the men. She stood and leaned over to kiss her mother on the forehead when her mother’s hand changed position and clamped around her wrist. “Oh,” Allantra exclaimed in surprise. She looked into her mother’s eyes to see if she was awake. The grip tightened and began to grow painful. Allantra tried to wiggle free from the hold, but Taraema held on tighter. “Mother, wake up,” Allantra said, fear and dread making her voice rise.

  “I’m afraid your mother isn’t available right now, you little bitch.” The voice of Dominica poured from her mother’s mouth.

  Chapter Six

  Allantra stared in horror as her mother’s lips transformed into a hideous sneer. “You see, I can get to her and to you anytime I want.”

  “Get out of her,” Allantra demanded, finally breaking the grip around her wrist but being careful not to hurt her mother.

  “I’ll leave when I am done.” The body of Taraema pulled itself into a sitting position. “Besides, the thought of being inside the mind of this shifter is revolting to say the least, but it is necessary.”

  “What do you want?”

  “Your blood, Khaelen’s, and that bastard Masque. All of you will die, you know; it is merely a question of when.”

  “Say what you need to and get the hell out of my mother’s mind!”

  Taraema squinted at Allantra then began to laugh, a hideous low laugh. “You’re all just animals, you know, with the ability to appear human. You’re lower than vampires and always will be. Accept this and avoid the unnecessary death of your clan. A live shifter is of more use to me than a dead one.”

  “I will not bow down to you or anyone else for that matter. You are wasting your breath and your time.”

  “Am I?” came the sinister reply.

  “You knew I would never give up that easily so why…” Allantra trailed off as something began to click into place. “You’re buying time, but for what?” she whispered to herself.

  “Did you know once I enter a person’s mind, it is hard for them to keep me out?” Dominica said conversationally. “You’re different because you’re bonded with that wizard and his mind protects yours. Let’s see—” Taraema’s fingers began to count off. “I’ve been, quite obviously, in this bitch’s mind that I occupy now.” A finger went up. “There’s your father but he died. Shame too, he set my plans back; I’ll never forgive him for that.” She tsked as another finger went up.

  Allantra wanted to run and yell to everyone. But that was too obviously a first gut reaction. As painful as it was to stand here and listen to the maniac rant, there was something to be learned here. “And you know those two bastard pups, but I didn’t have enough time to make a permanent connection because they passed out from fright—good breeding there.” Dominica snorted as two more fingers went up. “Masque can keep me out if he wants, but I’ll fix that soon.” Another finger went up. “I am forgetting someone; who?” She tapped the side of her head, pretending to be perplexed. “Tell me, dear, what is the name of that rather plump shifter?”

  Allantra had to keep reminding herself that it wasn’t her mother saying these things. The brown eyes staring at her with such menace were not her mother’s. Allantra, full of anger and will, grabbed her mother’s wrists and prayed that it would work. She sent pulses into her mother’s mind with the sole purpose of incinerating the dark energy that resided there. Her mother screamed, Dominica’s voice echoed, and then her mother slumped down into the pillows, breathing heavily.

  “Mother?” Allantra spoke quietly, afraid that Dominica still resided and had caused her mother great damage.

  “Keep, keep,” Taraema began, barely audible. “Keep her away from me.” She looked at Allantra pleadingly. “Don’t let her get to me again.”

  Tears welled up in Allantra’s eyes. “I won’t, Mother, I will find a way,” she assured her.

  The door to the bedroom burst open and Dharean and Khaelen entered, worry etched on their faces.

  “We heard screams. Are you two all right?”

  “Minn, go check on Minn!” Allantra yelled.

  * * * *

  Minn was found standing over her two sleeping boys, a pair of scissors gripped in her hand. Tears were rolling down her cheeks as her arm was held poised, still as a statue’s, ready to strike the life out of her boys.

  “Minn.” Dharean spoke softly so as not to startle her. “Step away from the pups.”

  Minn’s head cocked quickly to one side upon hearing Dharean’s voice. “I’ve been trying to, Brujo.” She wept. “But I can’t move. Something’s wrong with me and I have been using every ounce of my magic to counter it.”

  “It’s Dominica,” Khaelen replied, keeping his voice neutral as well. “She’s controlling you.”

  “How do I stop her? Her voice is in my head and she won’t let me move until I—” Minn began the downward deadly arc, aiming for the heart of the nearest child.

  With his wizard speed Dharean plowed into Minn, knocking her to the floor and shoving the air from her lungs. The scissors clattered loudly to the floor. Minn lay sprawled and gasping for breath; she looked at Dharean, who held out a hand to help her up.

  “I can’t believe I almost…”

  “You didn’t,” Dharean interjected. “Your mother’s instinct overrode her dark command long enough for help to come. You did well, Minn.” He spoke soothingly, still extending his hand. Reluctantly she allowed herself to be helped up.

  “Everyone now to Taraema’s room,” Khaelen ordered sharply as Masque arrived. Without pausing to see who would obey, Khaelen was gone, already no doubt waiting for them.

  Khaelen began once everyone had assembled. The boys had been made a pallet on the floor in a corner. “She’s systematically attacking us. Right now we need to access our weaknesses and cover them. She’s not wasting any time; we can’t either.”

  “Does that mean she will come after the three of us next?” Allantra asked, perched on the side of her mother’s bed. “We aren’t ready yet. I’m not ready.” The last was said with just a hint of despair.

  “First things first,” Dharean began. “We have to secure ourselves before any training can be safely done. I don’t think she can get to us three because of the mind link. My body and mind are warded against dark magic; therefore, by extension, so are the two of you.” He nodded in Khaelen and Allantra’s direction.

  “She’s more powerful than we realized,” Masque added quietly, moving his broken arm slightly to check on the healing process. “And she is very clever. She has already managed to stop us from following her before we even started.”

  “Explain, brother,” Minn demanded, looking with longing at her boys, too afraid to approach them.

  Masque walked to the middle of the room to make sure everyone could clearly hear him. He did not like repeating himself. Patience was not always a virtue of his. “She’s going after the clan, we could have easily guessed that, she didn’t need to tell me that but she did. Why? She wanted to show she is not afraid of us. Any of us.” He looked pointedly at the soon-to-be Triumvirate. “She wanted to demonstrate her power hoping to shake us, and she has. But it is the last reason that makes her very clever.”

  “She is forcing us to second-guess everything we do. And everyone. We have to take the time to protect ourselves from what little power she has shown us,” Khaelen added.

  “Exactly.” Dharean jumped in. “I will have to tattoo every one of you that has been touched by her mind to keep her at bay. This wi
ll take time. She knows this.”

  “Fine.” Allantra stood. “I want to know everything she said to you, Masque, and what she did. You too, Minn. We need to keep tabs on what she’s capable of doing so far. Ancestors help me, I am sure we are only touching the tip of the iceberg of her capabilities.”

  “What will you require for this ‘tattooing’?” Khaelen directed this to Dharean.

  “Just basic materials, but you and I will talk as you help me prepare. There is something we must discuss.” Dharean headed for the door.

  “The two of you wait,” Allantra said sharply, focusing a keen eye on the both of them. Both men looked at each other and then faced Allantra. “I know the both of you heal fast so I am guessing what you truly did to each other is much worse than the lingering injuries I see. I know this is hard for both of you, but I hope whatever happened between the two of you will temporarily feed the testosterone monster.”

  “You’re right.” Khaelen smiled at Dharean. “She does get that little tic in her jaw when she’s angry.”

  “Well, don’t underestimate the way her hands are tightly fisted at her sides; you pointed that one out. I have to say I didn’t notice it at first until now,” Dharean replied.

  “Oh no.” Allantra pointed a finger at both of them. “This type of sexist bonding will not be permitted. Get that into your beastly heads right now.”

  “There’s the name-calling you mentioned earlier,” Dharean noted while he and Khaelen resumed walking toward the door.

  “We should hurry; you know how she likes to throw things,” Khaelen said with a hint of humor.

  “Don’t you just hate their ilk sometimes?” Minn laughed as the men walked out. Masque snorted and walked over to the boys, looking them over carefully.

  “Oh, like you wouldn’t believe,” Allantra responded, giving in to the smile. “Just what I need, those two ganging up on me.”

  “Yes, well, I am quite sure you wouldn’t mind a certain kind of ganging up on you from those two,” Minn said with a devilish smirk.

  Allantra ignored the off-color joke and headed back to her mother’s side. “Minn, I would like my mother to get tattooed first, if you don’t mind.”