Embrace The Dawning (The Covenant Series Book 1) (27 page)

“All of you back off, or I’ll kill her!” he shouted.

Adrian pulled Danika’s shirt away from her neck, making her vulnerable to his bite. He brought his fangs down and ripped away the flesh below. The blood poured over her shoulder and chest, saturating the shirt and skin beneath it.

Danika’s eyes widened. She howled from the pain.

“Listen to him!” she demanded.

The other three stepped back and stood still. Vladimir, bruised and bloody, was now healing. He turned toward Elise and untied the ropes that bound her to the chair. With ease, he lifted her up under her knees and her back. Her head leaned against his chest, and her arms hung loosely to her sides. He walked out of the room with her and headed toward the balcony.

The other three vampires glared at Adrian with fangs extracted. They stayed still only for a moment longer, then charged at Adrian and Danika. Adrian shoved Danika into them, knocking them off balance. He rushed out of the room. He disappeared before the other vampires reached the balcony.

Chapter 19

Kayci sat silently in the dim light of the hospital room. She listened to the rhythmic beeping of the machines and stared at the bandages covering Elise’s body. A ball of guilt sat firmly in the center of her gut. She didn’t look up but knew Adrian stood in the shadows of the doorway. Kayci spoke to him, her voice low and unusually composed, her gaze still on Elise.

“The doctor gave her pain medication to help her sleep. He said she arrived in terrible shape. They gave her a couple pints of blood and an IV. She was dehydrated. He asked me what happened to her. I couldn’t tell him vampires drank her blood over and over, so I said the only thing I could think of…that she was attacked by feral dogs. I’m pretty sure he didn’t believe me, but I don’t think he could think of a better explanation.”

Kayci finally looked up at Adrian. Tears welled in her eyes. “Thank you for saving her. I can’t express how much it means to me.”

Adrian quickly made his way across the room to reach Kayci. She stood up as he came near. Kayci moved into Adrian’s arms, as they wrapped around her. He kissed her forehead gently, then softly on her lips. Kayci closed her eyes and felt the usual warmth from his touch. She clung to that peaceful moment until it was disrupted by the beep of the machine monitoring Elise’s heart rate. With it came the reminder of her guilt.

“I never should have gone out to dinner with her. My instincts told me it wasn’t safe, but I ignored them, and now she’s…”

Adrian cut her off before she could blame herself any more. “It’s not your fault. If it’s anyone’s fault, it’s mine.” Adrian put his hand below Kayci’s chin and raised her head so she looked into his eyes. Kayci watched his eyes transition back and forth between the vampire gold color and his natural green.

“I brought this on you. I’ve been entranced with you since I first saw you. I never should have revealed myself to you, but I couldn’t help myself. I sensed something different about you, and I was right. I’ve been waiting for someone like you for a very long time, Kayci.”

Kayci sensed their energy mingling. It felt like a gentle humming. She basked in the feeling as she leaned up and pressed her lips against Adrian’s. As their lips moved, the humming grew stronger. It spread throughout her body, giving her a light-headed, dizzying sensation. Her body yearned to be touched more intimately. A low groan escaped him. She lessened their kiss in response. As she put space between them, she saw what she expected. His eyes had fully transitioned to their golden color.

Adrian grinned. “I’m pleased to know you feel the same.” He admired her bright-gold eyes staring back at him.

Kayci stepped back farther to compose herself. The dizzying sensation subsided. She smiled back at him. “Not sure when I’ll get used to my emotions being exposed.”

Adrian half smiled and gave an understanding nod, then looked out the window at the lightening sky.

“Morning is coming. I need to go, but I want you to know this before I do.”

Kayci moved in closer now that she felt more herself. Adrian reached out and took her hand in his.

“I won’t have you living in fear. I will stop Danika from ever hurting you again.”

Adrian and Kayci touched foreheads. Adrian lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the back of her hand.

“Take care of her.” He motioned toward Elise.

Kayci smiled and let her hand fall away from Adrian’s grasp.

As he headed toward the door, Elise’s doctor walked in. He stared at Adrian with a look of obvious curiosity. With his emotions heightened, Adrian had no doubt he appeared more like a vampire than human, especially with his brightened eyes. He wasn’t surprised by the doctor’s uneasiness, especially with the bite marks all over Elise. It didn’t take much for the mind to put puzzle pieces together. Adrian politely nodded at the doctor in an attempt to lessen the doctor’s concern and then made for a quick exit.

The doctor cleared his throat nervously. “Miss Pierce.”

Kayci half smiled at him. “Yes?”

“I’m going to wake Miss Stephens and see how she’s doing. You may be able to take her home soon.”

Hearing him say that was a relief. “I hope so.”

The doctor went to Elise’s bedside, pressed a tab on her IV tube, and then leaned in toward her. He spoke louder than he had to Kayci and more steadily.

“Miss Stephens.”

Kayci watched as Elise’s eyelids gave way to a small opening, revealing a little of her eyes. Elise’s limbs twitched as if coming out of a deep sleep. She mumbled a few unclear words before opening her eyes completely. She focused on Kayci. Her expression went from confusion to a better understanding of where she was.

“Miss Stephens, how do you feel?”

Elise looked at the doctor. “Tired,” she replied wearily.

“That’s expected. We had to give you almost three pints of blood and help you get fully hydrated. You were in pretty bad shape when you were brought here. How’s the pain? Did the medication help?”

“Yes,” she replied softly.

“Your lab results were all negative, and your stats are stable, so if you’re up to it, Miss Stephens, we can release you into the care of Miss Pierce.”

Elise slowly nodded her head yes. “Okay,” she replied softly.

The doctor smiled and nodded at Kayci. “I’ll get the paperwork prepared.”

After the doctor walked out, Kayci shut the door to Elise’s room, then came to her bedside.

“Elise, I’m so sorry you had to go through this.”

Elise gave Kayci a reassuring expression shrouded by fatigue. “I don’t blame you for this.”

A frown settled on Kayci’s face. “I do. I never should have agreed to have dinner. It’s not safe for you to be around me.”

Elise didn’t argue with Kayci’s comment but said meekly, “I thought you were dead in the parking garage. I saw you collapse on the ground after the vampire stopped drinking your blood. I realized later that you must be alive, because that wretched vampire woman kept asking me questions about you. She’s crazy, Kayc.” Her last few words were said with more zeal.

Kayci sighed. “Yes, she is, and now I know not to underestimate her. She’s Adrian’s ex. Apparently, she sired him. In vampire language, that means she turned him into a vampire.”

Elise’s expression displayed her surprise.

Kayci’s frown returned. “Yeah, my thoughts exactly. What kind of questions did she ask you about me?”

“She asked where you came from, when you were born, your strengths and weaknesses. Questions about your relationship with Adrian. Even questions I didn’t know the answers to. That’s how I got all these.” Elise waived her hand over the bandages.

“I didn’t answer any of them, but I’m pretty sure she knows you’re part witch now too. One of the other vampires said it was you that created the spell that kept her from being able to touch me. And thank you for that. It saved my life.”

Kayci took Elise’s hand into hers as she smiled at her. “Once we get you back to my place, I can take care of those.” Kayci pointed to the bite wounds. “I can do a healing spell for you.”

Elise sighed with relief. “Good, they hurt like hell. Do you think they’ll leave scars?” Elise sounded worried as she scanned her body.

“No, I don’t think they will,” Kayci reassured her.

“I do want you to know something though…before I take you back to my house.”

Elise looked at her.

“You’re right. I was left in bad shape. The vampire I fought hurt me pretty badly. He broke a couple ribs, cut my head open, and gave me a concussion. Not to mention the blood he drank from me and the puddle of blood he left me in. Thankfully, I received some help from a vampire that I thought Adrian had sent. That vampire ended up being my father, Thorne.”

“What?!” Elise used her hand to push herself up in the bed. “Your real father is alive? How did he find you?!”

“We’re connected somehow through our blood, and he can sense what I’m feeling, so he came when he felt I needed him.”

“Wow! That’s all I can think of to say. Wow! Your father’s…a vampire.” Her eyes brightened. “It’s wonderful that you’ve had a chance to meet your real father and that he’s alive.” Elise leaned against the pillow. Her brows furrowed. “So your family is all vampires?”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore, Toto.”

Kayci laughed. “I think someone is starting to feel better.”

Their conversation was interrupted as the door opened, followed by a stout nurse with a kind face, carrying paperwork.

“Miss Stephens?”

Elise nodded.

“Here is your release paperwork. The doctor has prescribed some pain medication for you to take as needed.” She handed the paperwork and prescription to Kayci. “He also would like for you to come back in a couple weeks for a checkup and to run a blood panel just to make sure everything is still okay.”

Elise smiled and nodded. “Thank you.”

“No problem. How about I get those things off you.” She pointed to the IV tube and heart-rate monitor.

The nurse moved around the bed and removed all the tubes and wires, freeing Elise.

“I’ll get you a wheelchair to get to your car,” the nurse said.

“That would be great,” Kayci replied.

“I’ll give you a few minutes to get changed.”

The nurse walked out and closed the door behind her. Kayci helped Elise ease onto her feet. Once Elise felt steady on her own, Kayci grabbed the pile of fresh clothes, which she had brought for Elise, lying on the bedside stand.

“Thanks. I appreciate you bringing me clothes. These gowns are awful to wear in the hospital. I can’t imagine rolling out of here with one on.”

“It’s the least I can do.”

Kayci helped Elise out of her gown and into the clothes as carefully as she could, so as not to unsettle any of the bandages. The nurse reentered the room just as they were finishing.

“I brought some fresh bandages and tape for you to take home until you can buy some more.”

“Those won’t be necessary, but thank you,” Kayci told her.

The nurse gave a small look of surprise, then set the bandages aside. She rolled the wheelchair over to where Elise stood. Elise eased into the chair with a grimace, clearly feeling the friction of her clothes against the bandages.

“I can’t wait to get to your house, Kayc.”

“Me too.”

The nurse stepped out of the way as Kayci handed Elise her paperwork and took over pushing the wheelchair.

“Thank you,” Kayci told the nurse with a smile.

The nurse nodded and gave a polite smile back. “I hope you feel better soon.”

Chapter 20

Kayci couldn’t help but smile. She listened to Elise drill Thorne with questions as she put together the necessary components for the healing spell. She had put a strong dose of chamomile in the mug filled with green tea just as the notes instructed. Said an incantation over the tea to enhance the chamomile’s natural ability to soothe and heal. Created a paste from the seeds of fenugreek, and gathered the earth candle and Rosemary’s book. Now her book, she reminded herself.

She placed everything onto one of her cookie sheets, using it as a makeshift tray, and walked into the living room. Elise sat propped up against several pillows on the couch. Thorne chuckled at another one of Elise’s shocked expressions.

“Kayci, he’s experienced so much! Seen so many amazing things!”

Kayci smiled with pleasure as she set the tray down on the coffee table.

“I’m hoping he’ll stick around long enough to share some of those stories with me as well.”

Kayci gave him a fixed stare that clarified her feelings, which she knew he understood.

“I’ll stay as long as you’ll have me. Although I may need to find accommodations of my own. I’d rather not impose upon you after having been absent from your life all this time.”

“Doesn’t matter. You’re here now.” Kayci held the mug out for Elise to take.

Kayci glanced at Thorne, and they matched each other’s smiles, then she turned to Elise.

“Drink this. Then we’ll begin.”

While Elise sipped the liquid, Kayci removed Elise’s bandages one by one. She flinched with each removal.

“Sorry, Elise.”

Elise grimaced and then took another sip of the tea.

“It’s okay. The sooner we finish, the better,” she replied in between sips.

“We’ll need to put this paste on each of the wounds.”

Elise set the mug down and took some of the paste from Kayci’s hand and helped apply it to each of the bite wounds. The skin around the bite wounds was red and puffy. Kayci could tell the process caused Elise even more discomfort. She hoped she could help the lacerations heal quickly. Once they finished and wiped their hands, Kayci handed the mug back to Elise.

“You have to drink all of it.”

Elise frowned. “At least it doesn’t taste bad. Could use some milk and sugar though.”

“Milk and sugar would slow down the healing process.”

Kayci set the earth candle onto the coffee table and placed the cookie sheet and bowl of remaining paste aside. She lit the candle as Thorne took the empty mug from Elise. He gathered the mug, cookie sheet, and bowl of paste and took them into the kitchen. Kayci barely noticed as she read the spell from the book once more and murmured it to herself, memorizing it.

She turned toward Elise with the earth candle in her left hand. “Here it goes.”

“Something must be working. I already feel really relaxed.”

“It’s the chamomile in the tea. I gave it a spell boost.”

Elise smiled as she sat back into a more relaxed position. “It’s definitely working. I feel really relaxed.”

Kayci grinned at Elise’s sleepy repeat.

“Okay, close your eyes, and let your body sink into a deep relaxation. Imagine yourself somewhere comfortable and soothing.”

Kayci watched as relaxation crossed over Elise’s face. Kayci placed her hand over Elise’s core. She closed her eyes and focused on her own core, where her energy began assembling. She gave that energy a push with her mind and tried to enhance it, just as she did the fire spell. It rolled and turned in response to her will. She pushed that energy and tried to send it up her core and across her chest, shoulder, and arm and into Elise’s core.

“Take what you need. Root the seeds of healing and undo the wounds of thee.
Tolle quod vos postulo ut semina radicitus sanare, et interficiam de vulneribus.
” Kayci continued to push her energy flow toward Elise and repeated the spell once more.

Thorne watched as the paste began thinning, spreading, then gradually transformed into thin layers of fresh skin where there were deep puncture wounds before. The new layers of skin quickly lost their translucency, and thickened. The bite wounds were completely gone, and shiny thick skin now covered the marks. Watching his daughter heal her friend was one of the most amazing things he had ever seen. He swelled with pride and watched Kayci’s own amazed expression when she opened her eyes and saw that the spell had worked.

Kayci slowly pulled her hand back from Elise’s core. Elise had slipped into a deep sleep. Exactly what she needed, Kayci thought. It would increase the strength of her healing, inside and out. She felt a flicker of excitement as she looked over Elise’s limbs and saw the fresh skin. It was amazing. A true gift. One she was suddenly very thankful for. She blew out the candle and started to stand up. She stopped and sat back down as an overwhelming wave of dizziness swarmed her head. She fought back the feeling of fainting.

Thorne appeared at her side instantly. He placed his hand on her arm to steady her and took the candle from her hand and set it on the coffee table.

“I don’t believe you were healed enough yourself for that spell. It apparently drains a lot of your energy.”

Kayci nodded in agreement as she regained her composure. The dizziness lessened.

“I think you’re right. Do you mind helping me up to my room? I suddenly feel very tired.”

“Of course.”

Thorne nearly lifted Kayci into a standing position. He gave her a moment to gain her bearings before helping her walk to the stairs.

Kayci spoke slowly, sleepily. “The spare bedroom is across the hall from my room. It’s ready to be used. Fresh sheets and towels. I keep it ready for when Elise stays over. It’s all yours. Oh, but I need to close the curtains first.”

“That’s very kind of you, Kayci.”

Kayci eased up the steps, using the railing as support, then the wall when the railing ran out. Her headache from earlier had returned. Her limbs felt heavy and her body lethargic. She ignored the uncomfortable feelings and opened the door to the spare room.

“Give me a moment,” she muttered.

She closed the door behind her so not to let light into the hallway. She slowly made her way to the window and closed the blinds. She pulled the curtains from their holdbacks, making sure not to let any light seep through. For extra security, she grabbed a spare sheet from the closet and tucked the corners into the curtain rods to ensure no light got through the cracks of the curtains. She switched on the nightstand lamp and opened the door for Thorne.

The drowsiness came through in her voice. “You’re all set. I’m quickly crashing, so I’ll say good night…er, good morning.”

Before entering her bedroom door, she turned back toward Thorne.

“I’m glad you’re here.”

Thorne smiled from the pure joy that tickled his heart. “I as well.”

Kayci smiled back, then closed her bedroom door. She sleepily traipsed to her bed and collapsed onto it.