Death Marked

  Death Marked

  Fate Bound Trilogy #2

  Madeline Freeman

  Copyright © 2017 Madeline Freeman

  Cover Art © 2016 Steven Novak

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  All rights reserved.

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  First Edition: April 2017

  This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance of characters to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. The Author holds exclusive rights to this work. Unauthorized duplication is prohibited.

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  For information:

  http://www.madelinefreeman.net

  Contents

  Acknowledgments

  Description

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Soul Cursed

  Also by Madeline Freeman

  About the Author

  Acknowledgments

  Thank you Steven Novak for the fabulous cover.

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  Thanks to Samantha at Invisible Ink Editing for your assistance in polishing this novel.

  Ava’s lust for blood endangers the very humans she’s supposed to protect. Being a werewolf-vampire hybrid is complicated enough, but when a bounty is placed on her head, she’s forced into hiding.

  When Jack—Ava’s alpha and lover—is snatched by the witch who wants Ava dead, Ava has to form a new alliance with supernaturals she barely trusts. But when they uncover a sinister plot involving disappearing werewolves, Ava has to choose between saving Jack protecting hundreds of weres from a fate worse than death.

  Chapter One

  I swallow around the lump in my throat. I hate that I’m so nervous, but at least the humans around me can’t smell it.

  I inhale and hold my breath for a beat before releasing it. I stride forward in time with the music coming from the live band. Despite it being a Thursday, the place is filled nearly to capacity with men in tight-fitting jeans and women in low-cut tops. The tables nearest the stage are loud and rowdy, but the sheer number of people back here by the bar makes me feel almost claustrophobic. I almost long for the little dive I used to frequent.

  But that was another life.

  There are no seats, so I choose two men to squeeze between. The blond on my right is in his early thirties. The one on the left is younger with too much product in his hair for my taste. But he’s the one who smiles.

  I lean forward and give a halfhearted wave of my hand, but the bartender pays me no mind. Taking a half step to the side, I brush against the man on my left. “Sorry.” I offer a broad smile as I turn to him. “It’s so crowded here tonight.”

  He looks me up and down in an openly eager way. I keep my lips upturned as he takes in every carefully selected piece of my appearance. My chestnut hair was painstakingly curled into beachy waves by Lillie, and Maggie did the smoky shadow on my eyelids and chose a lipstick far darker than I would have picked on my own. The blue halter dress is too short and the cutout on the front shows more of my cleavage than I’m comfortable with. But the look is having the desired effect, so I disregard my insecurities.

  The man’s eyes linger a little longer than polite on the curve of my breasts before he makes eye contact again. “What are you drinking?”

  “Long Island.”

  He leans forward and waves his hand with far more gusto than I did. Within thirty seconds, the bartender is in front of us. “A Long Island iced tea for the lady, and for me... Jack and Coke.”

  My stomach clenches and I’m sure the smile on my face falters. Of all the drinks he could’ve ordered, why did it have to be that?

  As the bartender mixes our drinks, my companion begins talking. I catch his name—Tommy—but beyond that I can’t make myself pay attention. I’m not doing anything wrong—not really. I’m not cheating. If I want to meet my objective, I need to do this. The familiar lines chase themselves through my mind, but they don’t comfort me. They never do.

  As Tommy finishes off his drink and slides his hand around my waist, I can’t quite ignore the guilt swelling within me.

  “You wanna get out of here?” I murmur in his ear.

  I lead the way to the stairs. When we reach the ground floor, Tommy scoops up my hand and opens the main door. He tries to tug me toward the parking lot, but I don’t follow.

  “My apartment’s not far from here,” I say. “About three blocks.”

  His grin is so wide it’s almost a leer. “Well, all right.”

  My heart thuds harder with each step and my mouth goes dry. My hand is shaking, but Tommy is too distracted to notice.

  I scan the street. Traffic is light and the bar is the only business open at this hour. The windows of the surrounding storefronts are all dark. A few voices echo against the buildings as people leave, but no one walks in this direction.

  There’s a narrow alley between a barbershop and a used book store and I pull Tommy into it so fast he almost trips. He releases my hand, but my grip is enough to keep us connected.

  When I round on him, a grin stretches his lips. “Couldn’t wait to get me alone, could you?” He slides his hands down my sides before digging his fingers into my hips and yanking me toward him. When I don’t budge, his face twists with confusion.

  I shove him against the brick exterior of the barber shop and bar my arm across his chest. “Don’t move. Don’t make a sound.”

  He wriggles against my arm. “What?”

  I clench my teeth. Damn. Narrowing my eyes, I try again. “Stand still and don’t talk.”

  Tommy continues to struggle. “What’s happening?”

  Footsteps echo in the alleyway, but I don’t turn my head. I know who’s approaching. I can smell him.

  “Poor guy.” Luke’s voice is as smooth as ever. “Probably thinks you’re some kind of dominatrix or something.”

  “Wait—what’s happening?” Tommy shifts against my arms. “Who’s that? Are you... Are you gonna rob me?”

  Luke continues his slow, easy pace until he’s standing right behind me. “Be silent. Stop moving.”

  Instantly, Tommy’s body goes limp. He stands stock-still against the wall, his eyes darting back and forth. When I remove my forearm from across his chest, he remains where he is.

  Luke clucks his tongue. “You’re not getting any better.”

  “I’m trying.” I draw back my shoulders. No matter how hard I try to bend a person to my will, I haven’t been able to compel anyone to so much as blink. I suggested compulsion may be beyond my abilities because of what I am, but Luke won’t hear of it.

  Luke opens his mouth but closes it almost immediately. He exhales noisily, his nostrils flaring. “It’s okay. We can try again tomorrow.” He sweeps a hand toward Tommy. “Go ahead. You managed to get him out here.”

  Tommy’s eyes zoom around in their sockets as I take a step n
earer to him. I can’t imagine what’s going on in his mind. Is he afraid I’ll steal his wallet? Stab him? Or does he have an inkling of what’s really about to happen?

  I inhale the scent of his skin. Beneath the thick spice of his body spray is a hint of perspiration and a faint sweet aroma. Pain shoots through my gums as I focus on a spot on the side of his neck midway between his chin and his shoulder. My incisors lengthen as I detect the gentle pulse below the surface. The horror in his eyes should be enough to repel me, but it doesn’t, and in a flash my elongated teeth have pierced his flesh and his warm blood gushes over my parted lips.

  The taste is intoxicating—complex like an expensive wine. It’s something I wouldn’t have noticed a few weeks ago, but now each flavor note explodes through my senses like a starburst. I gulp down mouthful after mouthful like it’s my first meal in weeks.

  An annoying hum like the droning of a fly buzzes at the edge of my awareness. Something tells me I should pay attention to it, but I don’t care. All that matters right now is taste and sensation—all that matters is the blood.

  A hand clamps on my shoulder and yanks me back with enough force to propel me into the opposite wall. My back and head smash into the cinder blocks so hard there’s no doubt it would have knocked out a human. But the pain that flares through my body only serves to anger me.

  Luke stands in front of Tommy, his back to me. Does he think it’s his turn now or something? I lunge forward and spin him around to face me. “The hell?”

  There’s no hunger in Luke’s eyes, just grim determination. “You were out of control. You know you don’t need that much. Hell, even I don’t need that much.”

  His accusation fuels my fury. A small voice in the back of my mind urges me to calm down, but something more powerful rules me. A rival interrupted me from a feed, and he’s standing between me and what’s mine. “Step away, Luke.”

  He shakes his head. “You’re not thinking straight.” He turns to Tommy. “Forget everything that happened from the moment you laid eyes on that girl. Get out of here. Go home.”

  Tommy begins moving and I make a grab for him, but Luke encircles me, pinning my arms to my sides. I struggle against him as Tommy stumbles toward the street.

  “Let go of me!” I twist, but his grip doesn’t lessen.

  “Not until you calm down,” he spits through clenched teeth.

  I lean forward, forcing Luke to bend with me. He adjusts his footing and I whirl and push backward, slamming him into the brick wall Tommy was just frozen against. Luke’s hold slips incrementally, but it’s enough. I force my arms away from my sides, breaking his grasp. He tries to grab me again, but I shake him off and run toward the road. Tommy can’t have gotten too far.

  At the mouth of the alley, a searing pain tears through my body, making me stumble. Another wave sends me to my knees. It’s as if my body is burning from the inside out. I inspect my hands, but I’m not melting. I can still move, still breathe—but how can that be? I must be dying. How can I endure agony like this and not die?

  “Ava? Ava?” Luke clutches my shoulders, shaking me. “What’s wrong?”

  “I... I’m not sure.” I push his hands away and struggle to my feet. The initial shock of the pain ebbs, but it doesn’t evaporate completely. Something terrible is happening, but I don’t know what. All I know is I have to go.

  I take off down the street. I’m not sure of my destination, but I’m positive each step brings me closer to someone who needs me. Luke calls my name, but I don’t stop.

  Chapter Two

  I’m not sure how long I’ve been running. At some point I shifted, and now the paws of my wolf form propel me through the forest at a breakneck speed. This is faster than I’ve ever run before, but I can’t shake the feeling I’m still not going fast enough.

  Something nags at the back of my mind, but I can’t devote my attention to figuring out what. First I need to get to my destination—wherever that is. I can deal with everything else after.

  The sense of urgency overtaking me only increases, but my speed wanes. I’m not tired, despite the countless miles I’ve run, but the ache in my bones still hasn’t subsided. It’s not as bad as the initial agony I felt in the alley, but every time my paws hit the ground, pain ricochets through my body.

  A starburst erupts in my vision, bringing with it a certainty. I know who’s in trouble. Everything makes sense.

  I try to run faster, but the discomfort ratchets up and I lose my footing. I tumble snout-first into the soft earth. I attempt to get back to my paws, but my limbs are too weak. Whines and whimpers escape me. I can’t stop now—not when I’m so close. But my body won’t cooperate. Every nerve feels like it’s on fire.

  Rapid thudding approaches, bringing with it a scent on the breeze. Luke. Has he been following me all this time?

  I need to tell him what’s happening, but I can’t communicate with him while I’m in this form. After a few tries, I’m able to submerge my wolf and change back to a human. I open my mouth to call out, but all that emerges is a long, low moan.

  The pounding slows, then stops. “Ava?” He crouches at my side, his brow furrowed. “I’m not mad, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

  I shake my head. “It’s not—”

  “You probably feel guilty, but don’t. That guy’s gonna be just fine. A little tired tomorrow, but he’ll get over it.”

  I reach for him, managing to grab a fistful of his tee-shirt. “Luke.”

  He scoops me up in his arms effortlessly. “I have to get you back to wolf world. You’re not safe out here.”

  “No!” I call, my voice the loudest it’s been. The enclave is in the exact opposite direction. “We can’t go—not yet.”

  His expression hardens. “I’ve had about enough of this. We’re going.”

  He takes a step, but I press my hand to his cheek, forcing him to look at me. “Marisol.”

  Recognition flickers in his eyes. “Hybrid number two? What about her?”

  “I need to get to her. She’s... She’s in danger.”

  A shadow crosses Luke’s face and his electric blue eyes darken. “Okay.” He turns around and starts off in the direction we had been traveling—slowly at first, then faster.

  I close my eyes as the scenery whips by and do my best not to cry out as the agony intensifies. I don’t know what I’d do without Luke. There’s no way I can run in this condition. Pinpricks of light explode against my eyelids and my conscious mind dips below the surface.

  I jerk back to awareness abruptly. When I open my eyes, nothing makes sense. Luke isn’t holding me—I’m flat on my back in the center of a dilapidated room. There are holes in the walls and ceiling and the whole place smells musty, like clothes left too long in the washing machine.

  I try to roll over, to push myself to my feet, but my body doesn’t respond. The agonizing burning is gone, but it’s as if the sensation left me boneless, an empty shell.

  Where’s Luke? What happened while I was unconscious?

  Xander must have found me. He’s got me again, and he’ll want me to do something even more horrible this time...

  No. Xander is dead. By degrees, my senses sharpen and my muscles begin to respond. I sit and scan the room.

  It’s hard to tell in the dimness, but in addition to the moldering piles of leaves nestled in corners, I detect something else on the floor in the adjacent room. The shapes stick out because they’re too symmetrical to occur in nature. They must be relatively new if the winds haven’t pushed them against a wall yet.

  I don’t know what’s going on. I should stay put and wait for Luke to return, but curiosity gets the better of me. I crawl toward the objects, eyes searching for a clue as to what they could be.

  But it’s my nose that provides the necessary information. Despite the rancid undertones indicating some of these things were discarded days ago, I pick up some fading top notes that make everything snap into place.

  Blood. The objects on the floor are t
he bags used by hospitals to collect blood. But why are they here in this abandoned house in what I assume—based on the last trajectory I remember—is in the middle of nowhere? There are at least two dozen of them sucked dry.

  Footsteps echo from the next room and my body tenses. I crouch, ready to leap into action—to fight, if necessary—but a familiar form comes into view.

  “Luke? Where are we?” I spring to my feet and immediately wish I hadn’t. My head swims and blackness encroaches on my periphery.

  I reach out my hand for something to steady myself and find Luke, who’s at my side in a flash. “It’s okay—we’re safe. They’re all gone.”

  His response makes no sense. Who is he talking about? I came here—wherever here is—for Marisol. “But...”

  “I think they were all holed up here—the ones who escaped when we rescued you from Xander.” A shadow flickers over his face and he doesn’t meet my eyes. “Marisol must’ve been here too.”

  If she was here, it means she’s gone now. Earlier, I was guided here by an instinct I couldn’t ignore—but now there’s nothing driving me onward, only an empty feeling in the pit of my stomach. “I have to find her.”