Beneath the Broken Moon: Part One: Shifter/Vampire Romance Page 5

  But what did Chandra mean about him ruining her? An ugly bruise stained her face, but surely there wasn’t anything more serious than that. Even as I tried to deny that Father could stoop to such a wicked level with Chandra, I wasn’t surprised. He beat Mother regularly, what stopped him from raping Chandra? If Mother hadn’t stopped him, he would’ve done the same to me, regardless of trying to find me a mate.

  I wriggled against the ropes, trying to slacken them. If I were at my full strength, I could’ve broken through, but I’d only draw more attention to myself. Even if Father’s senses were dulling from age, he’d be able to hear that much commotion.

  Instead, I stayed quiet and hoped Mother would loosen the bindings. Surely Dr. Matthews would be around soon. They wouldn’t keep me like this with the doctor set to arrive, would they?

  I frowned and looked out the bedroom window again. At least Derek had been kind to me, even if being in his presence was hazardous to my health.

  Father was just as dangerous to my sanity, after all.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Carmela

  I opened my eyes to see Mother standing over me. Sunlight peeked through the window. Faint bruises still marred the skin of her face, neck, and arms. She worked a knife through the ropes that bound my wrist.

  “I’m so sorry, dear. Your father is just stressed. Since you weren’t feeling well yesterday, he moved the visit with your mate to today. He’ll be here in a few hours. I’ll be helping you get ready.”

  “What about Dr. Matthews? He said he’d check in on me.” I frowned and stared down at my hand, which had become red and slightly cool from constriction. Rubbing it against my leg, I watched her cut the bindings on my feet, relieved it was a new day.

  “He came yesterday afternoon. Before...this.” She pointed to the ropes and sighed. “He said you seemed to be well enough, considering the circumstances. Dr. Matthews realizes how important it is for you to meet your mate. He’ll be back in a week to recheck your shoulder.” Mother attempted a smile but looked defeated. “There you go, sweetie.” She lifted me into her arms and slid me to the edge of the bed, then rubbed her hands over my feet and ankles.

  Pinpricks of pain flowed through my hand and feet from the blood returning to them. “How are you?” I traced my fingers over the splint Derek had fitted me with.

  “Oh, I’m fine, sweetie. Don’t worry about me. Today is your day to shine.” Mother hugged me gently and put a little more effort into her smile. If it weren’t for the bruises, she might have been convincing. However, hurt tightened the corners of her eyes, and I hated that.

  I opened my mouth to argue with her, but what good would it do? Instead, I pushed my legs off the bed and stood, hoping I wouldn’t collapse to the floor. My legs shook, but at least I stayed upright. “Do you know who he is? My soon-to-be mate?”

  “Yes, he’s a nice young man named Brendan Kelly. Comes from a very good family. You two will be happy together.” She nodded, a little too quickly. “Now, enough with the questions. We need to get you ready.” Mother took a hairbrush from my vanity and went to work on the tangles caused by being in bed for an extended length of time. Next, she set out a washing bowl with a washcloth in it. It wasn’t often we took actual baths.

  Water was rationed, and only the very wealthy could afford to use the amount it took to fill a bath or, heaven forbid, take a shower. Instead, society had reverted to times when people merely sponged off. Didn’t make for excellent hygiene, but it was better than nothing.

  I sat up and cooperated with Mother, getting ready for the big meeting everyone except me was excited for. I wanted to get away from Father; did it matter who the mate was?

  Not really. Whoever it was wouldn’t care for me. He’d be someone who wanted to mate for lineage and political purposes. I hung my head, staring at the sling. It was crazy, and possibly Stockholm syndrome, but my feelings for the vampire were more than I’d had for anyone else.

  I wondered if I was broken for feeling the way I did about Derek.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Derek

  I stretched out on the spare bed Carmela had occupied while she’d been here. I could still smell her, still taste her in my mouth. I’d ended up having to lick her wound to stop it from bleeding so heavily after most of the fragments were removed. A vampire’s saliva coagulated blood so our prey wouldn’t bleed out completely. It’d been hard to stop at just a few swipes of my tongue, but I’d managed.

  Unfortunately, the weaker of the two attackers hadn’t survived. I’d dumped the body before the sun came up, in one of the unguarded open graves where the poorest of the poor were discarded.

  Tonight, I would repair the damage Carmela had done to my window, once the new one arrived. The High Council meeting was also this evening. Part of me wasn’t terribly excited about going, but after the attempted kidnapping, my curiosity was piqued. Had other council members been targeted too? If this wasn’t about council members, then it had to be an assault due to the werewolf. But if she’d said something to someone, werewolves would be attacking me, not a necromancer and a human. The Cazador? Hmm... They didn’t work with people gifted by the supernatural.

  Nothing made sense.

  I rubbed my hand over the stubble on my chin. If I knew the cause, I could handle whatever was going on. Ever since Carmela appeared, my life had been turned upside down and shaken like a snow globe.

  I let out a sharp breath and held up my watch to read the time. Nearly six o’clock. I should be receiving the window any time now.

  Grimacing, I slid off the bed. I needed to stop thinking about her.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Carmela

  I stared at myself in the mirror. The sleek black dress hugged my curves, and the make-up presented a nice polished finish to my features. Mother put my hair into a high ponytail, styling my hair to finish off the look. I didn’t know what I would do without her.

  Male voices drifted up from downstairs. One was obviously Father, but the other must be my soon-to-be mate. My heart pounded in my chest, and I took a deep breath.

  Mother held my hand and walked with me to the top of the stairs. She cast me a small smile and nodded. “Go now, dear. You two have a lovely time.”

  I averted my gaze, staring at the floor. It hurt to leave her here alone with that monster. Chandra had holed up in her bedroom, but I didn’t blame her. We all suffered because of my father.

  Mom’s fingers caught my chin, and she tugged my head up to look her in the eye. “None of that, now.” She pressed her lips against my ear and whispered so low I could barely hear her. “This is for your good, my precious daughter. Your safety.” Pulling back, she placed a small peck on my cheek. “Go on. He’s waiting for you.”

  I forced a neutral expression and turned away. Mom was right; it wouldn’t be proper for me to look upset. I had to face this like a woman. Walking down the steps in the new heels she’d given me, I wobbled a little from being in bed so long. I gripped the stair rail tightly and kept my gaze in front of me.

  “Well, here comes my girl. It’s about time. Shall we?” Father’s voice sounded from his office.

  My spine stiffened. Fear and disgust battled in my chest while nausea knifed through my stomach. I fought to keep my feelings under control, to keep the neutral look I so needed to have, especially in Father’s presence.

  “Sure,” a deep, masculine voice responded. Two sets of footsteps closed in on the bottom of the stairs, and I spotted a pair of shiny black shoes and nice dress slacks. My gaze drifted up the long legs as I kept walking down the stairs, until it landed on a very attractive face. Clear blue eyes stared at me, watching my every move. The man had sandy blond hair, which he’d brushed back from his face.

  My foot slipped, and I stumbled forward. Before I could tumble down, strong arms circled my waist and steadied me. I stared into those blue eyes from just inches away. How could I be such a klutz? A smirk tugged at his lip, and he moved back to offer me his arm. Embarrassme
nt burned my cheeks as I placed my hand on the crook of his elbow, allowing him to help me down the rest of the steps.

  My father’s face was bright red with anger, but he smiled in time for Brendan’s glance his way. My heartbeat quickened, and not because I’d nearly fallen face-first down the stairs. What would Father do to me once I got home from my date with this seriously attractive werewolf?

  “I’ll have her back before her curfew, sir.” Brendan’s husky voice announced, and he turned his gaze my way. “Shall we?”

  I nodded before cutting my eyes to Father. “Bye, Dad.”

  “Goodbye.” He came behind us and shut the door as we descended the front steps.

  “Carmela, you have a lovely name. Where would you like to go?” He turned to the left, leading me toward the shopping district.

  “I don’t know. I’m good with anywhere.” Anywhere but here.

  He chuckled. “I see. That makes things easy. I’ll throw out some suggestions, and you can pick your favorite.”

  “Okay.”

  “Do you like seafood? Steaks? Sandwiches? I’d like to take you out for dinner, but before that, I have two tickets to a play I’ve wanted to see. Haven’t had anyone to go with me.”

  “I like steak.” Smiling, I lowered my gaze. It had been so long since I had a steak. Not because I didn’t want it, but because Father never went to the expense to take us out, nor did he let Mother buy any from the store to cook. The sound of a delicious steak for dinner whetted my appetite. “I liked seeing movies at the Teatro. Where is the play we’re going to being held?”

  “Ah, the Teatro. Weren’t they raided the other night? I heard some nocturnes were killed. That’s horrible. Where we’re going isn’t far from there, but if you like the Teatro, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this place.”

  “That sounds lovely,” I said. I looked up to see him staring at me intensely.

  He nodded to the sling. “What happened to your arm?”

  My lips parted, and I frowned, instinctually pulling away, but his grip on me tightened. “Let me go. Please.”

  He released my arm, and I stumbled a step away from him. “Are you okay?”

  My mouth went dry, but I nodded. “Yes.” Panic coated my insides, and I swept my tongue over my lower lip. “I’m fine, thanks. What’s your favorite steakhouse?”

  His nostrils flared, and my heart skipped a beat. Could he smell Derek on me? Brendan sighed before extending his arm to me again. “It’s a place near the theater.”

  Placing my arm back on his, I stayed quiet, but now the silence was awkward. For a moment I’d felt semblance of comfort with him. Now that was gone, and I wasn’t sure how to feel.

  After several blocks, I caught sight of Derek’s home. My heart pounded in my chest. I didn’t worry about him taking me away or hurting me. The only thought floating through my head was the almost-kiss.

  I glimpsed Derek headed through the side alley toward the back of his home. His shoulders stiffened, and he turned in my direction. Our gazes met, and he blinked in surprise. He looked like he’d seen a ghost.

  “What’s wrong?” Brendan asked, pulling my attention back to him. He glanced between Derek and me, sucking in a deep breath. His lips curled back in a snarl. “Let’s go.”

  I opened my mouth to explain. But what could I say that wouldn’t incriminate me? Besides, I didn’t know Brendan very well. What if he found out what Derek had done for me? He might have him killed. “What are you going to do?” I asked. “He’s minding his own business.” I glanced back at Derek before he faded into the shadows.

  Brendan stared at me, pressing his lips together in thought. “What would you like me to do, Carmela?”

  I shrugged my good shoulder. “Nothing? Just take me out to dinner and a play. We don’t need this incident to ruin our evening.” I forced a smile, knowing I looked at my future in his eyes. Derek was someone I wanted, but he wouldn’t be the one I got.

  “That’s against our laws, you know.” He cocked an eyebrow. “What if he tells his kind about us?”

  “We’ll be gone by then, but if you’re worried, maybe we should ask him not to?”

  Brendan chuckled; amusement lightened his eyes. “You’ve lost your mind.” He quirked his lips in a half-smile. “Come on. Let’s get to the theatre.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Derek

  Fire burned in my chest, and I had to force myself to remain where I was. Carmela was with another man. From what she’d said previously, I doubted she was in a consummated relationship. Was this guy her chosen mate? Grimacing, I watched the male werewolf escort her down the street. Would the werewolf report my presence even though she’d asked him not to? I shook my head, turning toward the back of the house.

  Elliot stood before me and grinned. “Caught skulking about by some werewolves? Speed and stealth, mate. The two joys of what we are.”

  “Caught? No, I wasn’t caught. Just walking around outside of my home. I have repairs to do.” I jerked open the back door and walked inside. After dealing with the necromancer and his helper, I’d gone back to the hardware store to add to my order. Seemed I’d be doing remodeling instead of relaxing before the High Council meeting tonight.

  That was probably why Elliot was here. He likely wanted to make sure I would be attending. How thoughtful of him...

  I started toward the spare bedroom, but stopped myself. If Elliot followed me, he’d smell Carmela, and that was the last thing I needed.

  I glanced back to find him sniffing around my den and living room. Elliot knelt in his nice suit and slacks and placed his nose just above the tile where the necromancer’s helper had perished. “What’s this? Someone died here.” Elliot looked to me with his now-black eyes.

  “I was attacked yesterday. I’m not sure by whom, or why they were here. He didn’t leave me much choice but to kill him before he...killed me.” I leaned against the wall by the back door, not sure how much I should tell him. If I mentioned the necromancer and the kidnapping, Elliot might talk to Lord Prescott, and I didn’t want that. He might discover that I’d helped Carmela.

  Elliot’s lips pulled away from his fangs. If it had been anyone else, I might’ve felt threatened, but with Elliot, it was just a sign of frustration.

  “There’s more to what you’re saying; I smell something else here. This man wasn’t working alone.” He bent by the area where the necromancer had knocked me against the wall. “There’s something familiar about this lingering energy. Afraid I can’t place it though.” Casting me a glance, he added, “Sorry.”

  I shrugged. The less Elliot knew the better, at least for the moment. I’d figure out who tried to kidnap me. Necromancers were rare these days, and not many roamed this city. “Guess we’ll see who doesn’t arrive at the meeting tonight.”

  “Just because I recognized the scent doesn’t mean they’re connected to the High Council. This doesn’t feel vampiric.” Elliot took another sniff before rising to his feet. “No, they might play a smaller role. As impressed as I am with your formidable skills, I don’t think you would last long if two High Council members ambushed you. Besides, they wouldn’t want to risk their necks. Perhaps it was done by minions.”

  “Since when do you hang out with minions of other High Council members?” I raised an eyebrow at Elliot, glad he wasn’t paying any more attention to the scents around my place.

  Elliot groaned. “It’s not what you think. Some of us have a libido.” A grin cracked his lips. “Or do you have one? Does fur fulfill your tastes better?”

  A hiss escaped my lips before I could catch myself. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “I see. Why the visceral reaction? Maybe because it’s true.” He leaned in and winked. “Don’t worry. I won’t go against our friendship. Even if it forces me to compromise my duty as a responsible vampiric denizen.” His smile widened, flashing a lot of fang.

  “I’m not attracted to her.” I gritted my teeth.

  “That’s good. Th
en you won’t mind if I tattle on her to the Cazador, or worse, our fellow High Council members.” Elliot’s eyes narrowed, and I felt wholly discomforted by this exchange.

  “Fine, I am. Don’t mention anything about her to anyone. It’s not like there’s any chance for us. Besides, she’s with someone, and even if we were together, I’d have to protect her from our kind’s wrath.”

  Elliot chuckled and shook his head. “Well, it seems like you’re more screwed up than I am. That’s a first.”

  AUTHOR’S NOTE

  Thank you for reading Beneath the Broken Moon: Part One! I hope you enjoyed reading this story. Please consider leaving a review at Amazon or on Goodreads, even if it’s a line or two. It truly helps! Also, if you’re interested in being the first to know when Part Two releases, sign up for my newsletter or like my Facebook page.

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