Blood Runs Through the Heart Read online

  Blood Runs Through The Heart

  L.L. Shelton

  T.A. Williams

  Blood Runs Through The Heart is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Published by:

  L.L. Shelton

  Newport News, Virginia

  First Edition © 2019 by L. L. Shelton

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, 978-750-8400. Requests to the publisher for permission should be addressed to Email: [email protected]

  Dedicated to

  My sister

  Patsy Ann Shelton Allen,

  On her 71st Birthday

  Without whose support, enthusiasm, and love, this story might still be untold. You cheered me to new heights and consoled me when I have fallen. You embraced me with open arms and never turned away. My family, my sister, my friend, and my heart.

  Forever bonded by the blood that runs through our hearts.

  All my love for eternity.

  Your little sister

  Angel (L.L. Shelton)

  Contents

  1. She-Wolves

  2. Vampires

  3. Young Ones

  4. Old Ones

  5. The Talk

  6. Goodbyes

  7. First Step

  8. Five Miles

  9. Lake

  10. Play Time

  11. Let’s Eat

  12. Captured

  13. Lake Witch

  14. Run

  15. Hello

  16. Bacon Bacon

  17. Gone

  18. At Home

  19. You Again

  20. Don’t Die

  21. Just Breathe

  22. Almost There

  23. Last Leg

  24. Destination

  25. Alpha

  26. Mother

  27. Love

  28. Pillow Talk

  29. Test Two

  30. Family Jewels

  31. The Proof

  32. Home & Heart

  Also by

  1

  She-Wolves

  The sun is moments from dipping below the horizon. Dark and white fluffy clouds filled the skies as a mixture of colors converged into one canvas. A little nippy this evening, an unusual chill lingered across the skin but never reached the bones. The streets were busy for a Thursday night. Delicious smells from various vendor carts filled the night air while humans, she-wolves, and only a few vampires who tolerated low sun strolled down the brick sidewalks. It was a peaceful world where everyone lived as one. A thought not even possible fifty years ago. Not until the leaders of the three races signed the famous Truths Treaty.

  The limo arrived promptly at six in front of the high-rise apartment complex. The driver, a young blonde girl fresh out of college, stepped from the driver’s seat. She was wearing all black that accented the long, curly blonde hair lying on her shoulders. Avoiding eye contact with the passersby, she stood patiently by the limo door, waiting to meet the high-ranking leader of the she-wolves. Not knowing what to expect, her nerves were on high alert. She studied Lady Rochelle’s history in college, but now it is about to become a face-to-face reality.

  Lady Rochelle rose to power fast in the pack. Fresh out of college, she conquered the high seat within five years. Leading her pack into success, the members of the she-wolves reached all corners of the world. Over a million strong, her wolves remained loyal and trustworthy. Believing in her leadership, they trusted her.

  The door flew open, causing the young girl to stand up straight. All the thoughts in her head could not have described the first sight of Lady Rochelle. Legs went on forever; broad shoulders squared as she walked. Muscle tone of her arms and legs enhanced by tight black leather painted her body. Her hair, white as snow, hinted of what was once black. Mystery surrounded her. As she approached, air became still.

  Merely inches from her, Lady Rochelle stood. The limo door opened, and the young girl lowered her head in respect. “Close the door.” The raspy voice demanded. The door slammed shut. Lady Rochelle stepped closer, her nose inches from the blonde hair. She sniffed as she walked around, her eyes scanning the toned body. She sniffed again. Long nails scraped down the young girl’s arm, causing her to coward down. Her shoulders lowered, and she bent slightly at the knees and waist with a wobble.

  “I smell fear,” Lady Rochelle announced. A low growl emerged from her throat before she spoke again. “Are you scared?” She asked the trembling girl.

  “Yes. Yes, ma’am.” The young girl answered, a stutter in her voice.

  “You fear me?”

  “I am scared that I will disappoint you, Lady.”

  “Open the door.” The demand rang out in the night, followed by the second one. “Get in the back of the limo.” Lady Rochelle ordered.

  The young girl stood stunned before climbing into the back seat. Her heart was pounding against the rib cage. Blood rushed through her veins from the unexpected request. She was there to drive, instead of joining her in the backseat. She lowered her eyes as she felt her presence in the back seat.

  “Lift your eyes to me.” The raspy voice ordered. Her eyes lifted to find dark ones. “Your eyes are beautiful. They are golden. You are gorgeous. What is your name, young one?”

  A lump formed in her throat. She swallowed a few times, trying to push it down. “Brandy Lee, my Lady.”

  “Very nice. A beautiful name, and one of my favorite drinks.” Lady Rochelle laid her hand on Brandy Lee’s thigh. She watched as a shy smile came across Brandy Lee’s lips. “And a sweet smile. Come here. Let me smell you closer.”

  Brandy Lee scooted an inch as impatient arms pulled her closer, their bodies adjoining. A soft touch pulled blonde strands from the neck, and Brandy Lee felt a breath roll over her skin. She growled, which only fired Lady Rochelle to nibble at the flesh. Lips traced down, kissing lower before tracing back up into the crook of the neck. Lady Rochelle wrapped her fingers around this sexy creature’s throat. She squeezed, allowing her nails to dig into the flesh. The blood dripped slowly down; Lady Rochelle pulled back. The unusual smell caused her breath to hitch. Her dark eyes widened.

  “You are a virgin?” Lady Rochelle asked with interest.

  Brandy lowered her eyes. Shame? Embarrassment?

  “Lift those beautiful eyes.” The ordered came in a lower tone, followed by a low growl that emerged from deep in the back of her throat. “I will not tolerate shame or fear from my Pack.” Lady Rochelle laid back in the seat, looking out in the window in thought. “So, what’s your answer to my question?

  “Yes, ma’am. I am a virgin.”

  Lady Rochelle's eyes remained focused out the window. Anticipation made Brandy Lee wiggle in her seat. Had she failed her first job detail? Lady Rochelle broke the uncomfortable silence. “That’s not what concerns me about your smell, even though I can’t understand why such a gorgeous she-wolf is a virgin. No, that is a matter of detail.” She turned her face towards Brandy Lee. “Your blood smells of royalty. Who are you related to?”

  Remembering not to lower her eyes, Brandy Lee stiffens in her seat. Her golden eyes gazed into the dark eyes. “I would not know, my Lady. I was in
an orphanage during my human stage. I do not know who I am. I was given up as a baby.”

  “Hmm . . . Interesting . . . ” Lady Rochelle handed Brandy Lee a tissue. “Clean yourself up. Swallow that fear. I don’t want to smell fear on my driver. Understood? That is one thing that disappoints me. Now exit and drive me to The Redblood Estate.”

  Brandy looked at her like she had spoken a foreign language. Seriously? Family or not. Why would she put herself in such a situation? With only her by her side, there was not enough protection. They could kill Lady Rochelle within minutes of arriving.

  “Is there a problem, Brandy Lee?” she asked.

  “That is the house of the vampires. You have no protection, except for me. I was top in my field in combat studies in college, but we are talking about an army of vampires. I may lose a fight, or worse, fail you.”

  “There you go again. Afraid of disappointing me. I am sure teachers made you study the history of she-wolves, vampires, and humans in school?”

  “Yes, my Lady. I know the queen of the vampires is your sister. Even being related to Queen Lana, you are still in danger. I hope that I have not spoken out of place. Your safety is my main priority.”

  “Well, thank you for your concern. I will be fine and so will you. Now, take me to Redblood.”

  2

  Vampires

  The delicious thick red liquid drained from the plastic bag into the wine glass with the sweet smell teasing Raven’s circuits, allowing them to fire up. She needed to tame her urges. This blood was for her queen. The distinctive mixture aged for one hundred years in the cold dark cellars.

  The Redblood Estate, founded in the 18th century by Queen Julia, housed the highest members of vampires. Queen Lana was the successor after Queen Julia perished in a battle over grounds with the she-wolves. After taking the throne, it was her mission for world peace between vampires, she-wolves, and humans. Nearly twenty-five years later, the mission finally accomplished when her sister Rochelle became a leader of the she-wolves.

  Queen Lana laid in her chaise lounge with fresh night air whisking over her gown. The material lifted with each gust of the night wind. Her eyes the color of onyx searched the skyline as the day turned to night. Lights glowed in the distance like a smoldering heat. Her luxurious black hair cascaded down her curves, blanketing her.

  The knock on the door jarred her from the thoughts, yanking her back into reality. “Enter,” She yelled.

  Raven, Queen Lana’s assistant, entered with a push of the door. The silver tray carried the glass of blood. Dressed in an emerald long dress that clung to her body, she glided over the tiles. Reaching her queen, she lowered to her knees. “Your early nightcap, my queen,” Raven said.

  “Thank you, Raven. Please, join me.” Lana motioned with her hand for Raven to join her on the lounge chair. “So, is there any news to report?” She asked. The rim lifted to her lips slowly, and the red fluid slipped over her lips. Not waiting to hear Raven’s answer, a soft moan of pleasure released. “Mmmm. An exquisite flavor.” With a slight tilt of her hand, Queen Lana finished half the glass. A long index finger wiped the corner of her mouth before she sucked gently on the tip. “Enjoy,” Lana passed the half-full glass to Raven.

  Raven slipped her fingers around the thick glass, pulling it to her mouth, and ravished the sweet taste. Her tongue rolled over her lips. “Delicious,” she murmured before sitting the glass to the side. “My queen, you seem distracted tonight. Is there something bothering you?”

  Lana released a long sigh that echoed off the walls.

  “You can trust me,” Raven said.

  “I know you are trustworthy. Something is off. I can’t put my finger on it.” Lana responded.

  “I can sense it,” Raven confirmed. “I think the others sense it too. Talk of an uprising has been roaming around the house.”

  Lana cocked her head to one side, then back to the other. “Okay, you have my attention. Why haven’t you told me about this news?”

  “My queen, I just heard of it today.”

  “Go ahead. I am listening,” A hiss followed Lana's last word. She felt her temper rising. She bit down on her lower lip to control the anger. Even though Lana strived for world peace, she had a terrible temper. One that needed to remain caged or it is deadly.

  Raven took in air. She ran her fingers through her long brown hair before twisting it in a long rope of strains. She slipped it over her shoulder, allowing the twine of hair to lay softly down her front. The reflection of the half-moon danced in her pupils, along with fear. The last thing she wanted was to be at the end of Queen Lana’s wrath.

  “I was down by the stables when I heard voices. The feed machinery muffled the women speaking, but I finally identified the two women; Gayle and Betsy. They mentioned something new is stirring amongst the villages; a change is coming. The vampires sense that the she-wolves have a secret that they are hiding. Suddenly, a muffled voice interrupted the conversation between the two.”

  Raven watched as Lana's eyes squinted in thought, her tongue rolling over her lips. “My sister would have called if she thought there was anything out of the ordinary in her pack. I want to talk to Gayle and Betsy.”

  A guard’s entrance startled Raven, whose nerves were on edge. She jumped up between Queen Lana and the intruder, but relaxed when the older vampire entered. Raven stepped closer. “What is it?” she asked.

  “I am sorry to disturb the queen, but her sister Rochelle has arrived.” The older vampire stopped halfway and waited for her instructions.

  “Allow her entrance.” Queen Lana's voice announced from behind Raven. The older vampire nodded her head, retreating from the room.

  The door opened, and Raven watched two women walk in. Lady Rochelle led the way, followed by a young girl Raven had never seen. Her eyes studied her as she crossed the room. Usually, Lady Rochelle commanded a room with her looks, but the blonde behind her was stunning. Breathtaking. A low stir in her stomach caused Raven to shuffle between feet. Raven felt the brush of Queen Lana as she rounded her.

  “Evening, sis,” Lady Rochelle said.

  The nickname sis sounded odd to Raven. She couldn’t imagine her queen being a sis or imagine her as a child. There were pictures of the human Lana with long dark hair, olive skin, and darken eyes that aged beyond years.

  “We need to talk. Privately.” Rochelle continued.

  Lana turned her head back towards Raven. “Take my sister’s assistant to the dining area.” She paused and looked at her sister for a name.

  “Brandy Lee,” Rochelle said.

  “Raven, take Brandy Lee and wait for us to call you.”

  Raven nodded her head. “Yes, my queen.”

  Lady Rochelle winked at the young girl. “Go with Raven. It’s safe. I will come and get you.”

  The two sisters watched as Raven and Brandy Lee walked out, and the door closed behind them. They turned to each other with the same black onyx eyes. “We have a problem.” The words rang out in unison.

  3

  Young Ones

  The heavy door closed behind them. Raven stood back, motioning down the hallway. Her arm stretched out, guiding Brandy Lee toward a darkened area where rustic lanterns flickered in a hypnotizing dance against stone walls. Greystones laid above in a towering formation worn and chipped, broken, and many mutilated with claw marks. Shadows mystically swayed in the distance. Stagnant air invaded every breath with mold, lime, and blood.

  Brandy Lee joggled her head and blew a puff of air from her nose. She planned to keep quiet and wait for Lady Rochelle to pick her up. She never expected to be in a dark hallway with a vampire, especially one that was so beautiful.

  “Is something the matter?” Raven asked.

  “No, why do you ask?”

  “You are not moving, and that puff of air which came from you was disturbing.”

  “I am not a fan of walking into unknown dark spaces. The air down here reeks of oldness.”

  The vampire released a laugh t
hat ricocheted off the walls before being swallowed up by the darkness. “You think our air stinks? Have you smelled yourself?”

  Before Brandy Lee could answer the smart-ass remark, her ears perked up, the sound of breathing heard just out of sight. The hair on her neck raised. She inhaled. A low rumble from her vocal cords vibrated through the hallway. Her eyes became the color of crimson. Scanning the pitch-black, she found nothing. The breaths were low, and even with her keen wolf eyesight, Brandy Lee's eyes filled with blackness.

  Raven stiffened. Her body tensed, and lips parted, releasing a hiss in response to the sudden demeanor change of her guest. Even in the lowest of light, the sharp white points of fangs shined. The words slid between her lips with authority. “Show yourself.” Moments passed, but no one appeared.

  In a crouch, Brandy Lee’s fingernails started to extend into long, razor-sharp claws. She prepared for a fight. Her head shook from side to side, her breaths rapid. Channeling her thoughts, she tried to divert a full change. Brandy Lee could rip off a vampire’s head in a half morph, but with Lady Rochelle down the hall with the Queen of the Vampires, that may not be the best move. A hand touched her shoulder. Her head turned to find the glow of Raven’s eyes staring down at her.

  “Let me take care of this.”

  With a backward step, she allowed Raven to step forward. If the situation weren’t so dire, she would find humor because a vampire was protecting her. Raven’s body blocked her from the hallway. In the hunched position behind Raven, her eyes scanned up the emerald green dress and traveled the long slit that revealed a glimpse of her never-ending legs. Her perfect rounded ass teased her. Her lower back curved inward, leaving the imagination to run wild. Sheesh! She is a beautiful creature. The thought was a pleasurable distraction.