“What the hell happened here?” Torin growled.
“It was Jonas and Rubio,” Gage blurted. “I checked the car, it was definitely their scents. Jonas ripped the passenger door from the hinges and abducted Donja.”
“And the pictures, too.” Makayla sobbed.
“Pictures?” Torin questioned, his blood boiling. “What the hell are you talking about?”
“Some old bridal pictures we found in our attic,” Makayla sobbed. “They were all Chippewa women, and so we posted them online to see if someone had lost them. Those two men Jonas and Rubio contacted us and said they recognized them. They said they had been stolen and wanted to buy them back.”
“Damn it, Makayla. The two of you went alone to meet a strange man about stolen pictures?” Torin growled. “You walked into a trap! Why didn’t you tell me or Gage?”
“She did tell me about the pictures,” Gage replied sheepishly, “but at the time I didn’t think much of it and I certainly didn’t think something like this would happen.”
Torin shook his head, his soul bleeding misery.
“I’m so sorry.” Makayla sobbed. “We never thought that…”
“It’s done.” Torin stammered. “So back to your meeting. What happened?”
“We arranged a meeting at the library but after examining them closely, they said it wasn’t the pictures they were looking for. That Jonas guy set his sights on Donja and questioned her about the bite marks on her neck.”
Torin cut a side glance to Makayla, his lips trembling. “What did she say?”
“She told him she had no idea what he was talking about and then they left. We thought it was over but after we left, I realized they were following us. Gage just happened to call me. I told him what was happening but soon thereafter, they slammed the Mercedes into my car and ran us off the road. They took Donja,” she sobbed uncontrollably. “I could hear her screaming but there was nothing I could do—everything was blurry. I couldn’t think. I’m so sorry.”
Torin exhaled. “Don’t beat yourself up, you’re lucky they didn’t snap your neck to silence your tongue.”
Makayla covered her face with her hands. “What am I going to tell our parents? They’ll call the police and since it’s an abduction, the FBI will get involved. What am I going to do?”
“Nothing,” Torin said, his voice edgy.
“Damn it Torin!” Gage chimed in. “I can’t believe two Iridescents would risk the wrath of the Council and abduct a marked female.”
“And they wouldn’t, not without orders to do so,” Torin retorted. “Someone powerful is behind this, someone who is taking a risk that Donja might be able to conceive a child.”
“But she has your antigens so they’re shit out of luck. There’s no way it would work.”
Antonio’s warnings echoed through Torin’s mind. “Sadly, it could work but it’s a long shot. They would need to drain her blood.”
“No!” Makayla screamed.
Torin, whose nostrils were flaring, tightened his jaw. “She would need a transfusion, but being Rh-null they would have to have her mother to…” his words trailed. “No,” he stammered, his lips trembling, “now that I think about it, that won’t work, Donja has her father’s blood,” his eyes narrowed. “Damn, they’ll go for her brother, it’s most likely a perfect match.” He plowed his hair with his fingers. “They’ll drain him dry,” he growled with such anger that he inadvertently gripped the armrest so tight that it shattered in his hand. “Grrr! I could kill every damn one of them right now, no regrets.”
“And I’d love to join you,” Gage glowered. “Any idea who ordered this?”
“Possibly, but I’m afraid there’s more to this than just Donja’s abduction.”
“What do you mean?” Gage asked.
“The victim at a crime scene I just left was drained of blood with every bone in her body shattered.”
“Another Chippewa?”
“Only half Ojibwe this time.” He sighed. “It was Marie.”
Gage’s jaw dropped. “Antonio’s daughter?”
“Yes, I’m afraid so and it was premediated. A vengeance killing if I ever saw one.”
Gage took a harsh breath. “That’s unbelievable. Does Antonio know?”
“Yeah I had to tell him. He’s pretty busted up right now.”
“This is war,” Gage growled. “Who the hell’s behind this?”
“I can’t say with certainty, I need to talk to Antonio first, but the message is loud and clear.”
Silence fell upon them, suddenly shattered by a passing semi which rocked the vehicle.
“I’ll call Val,” Torin said, “and have him and some of the boys dispose of Makayla’s car before someone discovers it and calls the police. We don’t need interference.” He shook his head. “Then I want you to take Makayla home. I’ll be right behind you.”
“And what do I say?” Makayla sobbed. “How do I explain all this?”
“You don’t,” Torin retorted bluntly. “I’ll do the talking,” he said as he opened the door and got out. Cat’s out the bag and for the sake of everyone, I can only pray that blood’s thicker than water.”
“Meaning?”
“None of your family has to die.” He slammed the door.
~~~
When Makayla entered the front door of Hampton Manor with Torin and Gage behind, she fought her fear.
We’re all going to die…what have I done?
Gage, who must have sensed her distress, pulled her into the safety of his arms. She succumbed, fearing the worst.
Lisa, who was busy loading the dishwasher, her mind adrift with thoughts of wedding bells and Italy, heard Maestro barking, but ignored it. She found herself thinking about Torin. He was a mystery she couldn’t solve. She sighed. There was something about him, something she couldn’t put her finger on, yet it lingered, like a dread she couldn’t shake.
Hearing the signature creak of floorboards, she eased to the door and glanced to the foyer.
“Torin, you’re early,” she said, forcing a smile while drying her hands on a dishcloth. She instantly noticed that his face was dead serious. He met her eyes briefly, then dropped his head, feet planted squarely and behind him she saw Gage with Makayla in his arms.
Lisa cocked her head. She heard Makayla sob softly. She took a step forward with the floorboards creaking. Makayla turned to face her briefly, then turned back to Gage, but Lisa didn’t fail to notice her bloody nose and tear-streaked face.
“You’ve been crying,” Lisa blurted, “and you’re bleeding. What’s happened?” she asked just as Carson came bounding down the stairs.
Makayla burst in to tears.
“Where’s Donja?” Lisa asked.
Torin jerked up his head. “We need to talk,” he said bluntly.
“Donja!” Lisa cried out, pushing her way to the front door. Torin grabbed her and held her back. “She’s gone.”
“Gone?” Her legs felt suddenly weak; the dishcloth fell to the floor. She searched his face which was stolid. Something cold washed over her. “Gone where?”
Carson spun Makayla to view her face. “Baby, what happened…Jesus, you’re bleeding.”
“Please, could we all sit down,” Torin said.
Makayla turned back to Gage, silent. Carson, seeing Lisa’s fear, pulled her into his arms.
“Carson,” Lisa whispered, “somethings—”
“Let’s all sit down,” Torin said forcefully.
They made their way in silence to the living room. Lisa sat down wringing her hands as Makayla and Gage took a seat, side by side.
“Makayla, where is Donja?” Lisa snapped.
Makayla didn’t answer, her face buried on Gage’s chest.
Carson faced off with Torin. “What’s going on here?”
“Sit down, Carson,” Torin said, leaning upon the mantel.
Carson ignored him and walked to Makayla. “Where is Donja?”
“Dad,” she sobbed, “just sit down…pl
ease.”
He sat down reluctantly and put his arm around Lisa.
Torin turned to face them and he held his jaw tightly. “How much do you love your daughter?” he asked with imploring eyes locked on Lisa.
“What kind of question is that?” Lisa snapped. “Where is she?”
“How much do you love her?” Torin’s voice intensified as he moved closer.
Carson stood up. “That’s enough.”
Torin forced him back to the sofa with one hand.
Lisa gasped.
“Now I’m asking you one last time,” Torin snapped. His lips trembled, rage leaching from his eyes. “How much do you love your daughter?”
“With all my heart,” Lisa sobbed cowering to Carson.
“This needs to stop!” Carson snarled, rising to his feet.
Torin shoved him back with such force that the couch slid, knocking a lamp from the side table. Lisa gasped, clutching Carson.
“Enough to do anything to protect her?” Torin said with a voice which was suddenly sinister.
“Yes,” Lisa whimpered, her fear intensifying.
“Good,” he breathed, “because Donja’s been abducted and this can go one of two ways. One, you follow my direction and we might get her back. Two, things get nasty.”
“Oh my God!” Lisa blurted, a hand to her mouth.
“Abducted by who?” Carson asked. “We aren’t super rich, we just bought this estate. We couldn’t pay more than a hundred grand.”
“They don’t want a ransom, Carson,” Torin said, “they want something money can’t buy.”
Carson looked past Torin to Makayla. “Is this true?”
“Yes, my car was forced off the road and they took her,” she sobbed.
“Did you see them?” Carson asked.
“Yes.”
“I’m calling the police,” he glowered as he stood up.
“I can’t allow you to do that, Carson,” Torin said.
“The hell you can’t,” Carson said bitterly. “This is my home and my family.” He faced off with Torin. “Just so you know, most abductors kill if you don’t involve professionals who are trained to deal with these thugs.”
“No, I can’t allow you do that, Carson,” Torin sighed.
“Excuse me,” Carson snapped with narrowed eyes, “this is my decision, not yours.”
“You’re wrong,” Torin said with a sinister glare. “If you involve the police, you will lose everything, your wife, Frankie, your daughter and then your own life. You’re dealing with something out of your league, something the police can’t handle.”
“Torin, you’re not making sense.” Carson barked.
Lisa rose to her feet with a faraway look in her eyes. “Torin,” she said, her voice suddenly more in control than one would imagine, “you say it’s out of our league. What do you mean?”
Torin cocked his head. “You sense it, don’t you, Lisa?”
She raised a hand to her brow. “I’ve sensed something since the day I met you, something I can’t put my finger on. Last night I woke from a deep sleep and it dawned on me that I was warned not to bring Donja here. Now, I see that I should have listened.”
“Warned?” Torin asked, “by who?”
“My mother-in-law.”
Torin’s eyes narrowed. “Anna, I should have guessed,” he mumbled under his breath. He locked eyes on Lisa. “And her warning?”
“She wouldn’t explain, she just spoke of evil, the same evil that drove her from this very land when she herself was only thirteen. I thought it was nonsense, but now the pieces are falling into place. Donja’s changed overnight and it’s because of you,” she said as she moved closer, his scent settling upon her. “I’m her mother. What is this evilness, Torin?”
They locked eyes.
“Are you part of it?” she asked searching his face.”
Torin just stared.
“My God, you are,” she whispered, “I can see it in your eyes.” She took a step closer, inches from his face. “What’s happened to my child?”
“Iridescents,” he whispered.
Lisa froze with wide eyes, rooted in place.
“What did you say?” Carson asked with a huff, shaking his head.
“Iridescents!” Torin said.
“What the hell is an Iridescent?” Lisa asked.
“I know what they are,” Carson scowled joining her side. “I’ve studied Chippewa history and it’s just that, fictional history. It’s not real.”
“What are they?” Lisa screamed, glancing from Carson to Torin.
Carson pulled her into his arms. “Spirits,” he stammered, “imaginary spirits.” He gave Torin a disparaging glare. “Is this some sort of joke?”
“No,” Torin said. “It’s real. Donja has been abducted by Iridescents and though I can’t be certain, I can only assume it is due to the rarity of her Chippewa blood.”
“Oh no, Anna was right,” Lisa mumbled as she pulled free of Carson’s arms, hands to her face.
“Don’t listen to this nonsense,” Carson said. “There’s no such thing as Iridescents. I’ve had enough of this. I’m calling the authorities.”
“You’ll never live to make that call,” Torin said with staunch eyes to the floor looking at nothing.
Makayla jumped to her feet, “Torin, no! Don’t you dare touch him!”
“I have no choice!” Torin growled.
Makayla grabbed Gage by the arm. “Stop him, don’t let him kill him!”
Gage stepped past Makayla. “Don’t touch that phone, Carson!”
Carson ignored him and picked it up. Gage rushed to him and ripped the cord from the wall.
Carson stepped back and pulled his cell from his shirt pocket.
Torin moved toward Carson with his fist balled.
Gage grabbed Torin. “Don’t do it, man, take it easy. That’s Makayla’s dad, we gotta talk this out.” Gage looked over his shoulder to Carson who had the phone to his ear. “Hang up the goddamn phone, Carson!”
Torin shoved Gage aside and his eyes glowed. Fangs inched from his lips.
Lisa clasped her hand to her mouth, backing away.
Gage scrambled to his feet with his eyes radiating light. He grabbed Torin again. “No!”
“I have to stop him,” Torin growled, “if I don’t the Council will kill them anyway!”
“Fuck the Council!” Gage shouted. “There has got to be another way.” He turned his glowing eyes to Carson.
For a moment Carson just stared at Gage’s eyes. “What the hell?”
“Put that goddamn phone down, Carson,” Gage roared, “I’m no match for this man and he will fucking kill you!”
Makayla screamed.
“I need to report a kidnapping,” Carson said backing away with his eyes locked on Torin.
Torin seized Gage and threw him across the room, crashing into fireplace.
Lisa screamed, then ran for Carson. “Hang up the phone!”
Carson lowered it. “But honey.”
“Do it!” she said, “now!”
Carson closed the phone and took Lisa in his arms. She pulled free and walked to Torin as his fangs disappeared.
“What are you?”
“Iridescent.”
Lisa just stared.
“Lisa, get away from him!” Carson shouted.
Lisa ignored him. She inched closer and raised her palm to cup his cheek. “Your body temperature…you’re on fire,” she exhaled and it’s not a fever, is it?”
“No, I’m not capable of having a fever.”
“And your scent. Donja said it was incense, but it’s not…is it?”
“No.”
“Show me again,” Lisa whispered.
An eerie hush cloaked the room.
Torin morphed, fangs inching from his lips, his eyes a fluorescent green which lit the shadowed walls. He instantly morphed back to human as Lisa backed away, bumped into the sofa and sat down with a plop. She plowed her fingers through her hair, eyes loc
ked on the floor.
“Makayla, did you know about Gage?” Carson asked, his face tortured by disbelief.
“Yes, and I love him, just like Donja knew about Torin and…”
“Loves him, just the same,” Lisa interrupted.
“Now, the critical part,” Torin said as he faced off with Carson and then Lisa. “I don’t want to hurt you, you’re Donja’s family, but if you talk, you will be silenced by a force none can see or touch. There is no hiding and the police won’t believe you and even if they did, they too would be killed. This is not a few or even a handful, it’s enough that if need be, they will take out this whole city to protect their way of life. That’s why you cannot involve anyone. Do you understand?”
“This is unreal,” Carson stammered.
“Do you understand?” Torin growled inches from his face.
Carson swallowed hard and took a step back. “Yes, I…I’m starting too.”
“Well you better get past the start, Carson, because they may come for Lisa and Frankie.”
“Carson jerked his head up. “Why?” he asked with pleading eyes.
“Blood.”
“Blood?” Lisa screeched.
Torin stepped closer. “Donja’s blood is a rare type, Rh-null. It’s of the Durent Clan which originated in this area over a thousand years ago. Most of them are dead, or taken, that’s why they want Donja, she’s rare, a needle in a haystack, but for her to be of use they’ll need a donor.”
Lisa gasped. “I don’t understand.”
“For Donja to mate with someone other than me, they have to drain her blood and get rid of my antigens.”
“Antigens, I don’t understand.”
“I marked her and she bears my antigens. We’re one in the blood and for her to successfully mate with another, they would have to drain her…”
“No!” Lisa interrupted, “this can’t be happening.”
“But it is,” Torin whispered.
“So, you’re saying that they would need my blood, or Frankie’s for a transfusion?”
“Yes,” Torin sighed. “Yours wouldn’t work, it’s different, but they’re not aware of that so they’ll try for you as well as your son.”