The Dragon's Vamp(2)

Mari rolled her eyes as she rose. “Yes, Mother.” She snorted.

“I’m gonna slap you.”

“Oh that sounds real wise and ancient-like,” she chuckled.

Darina smiled as she started fading. “On the back of the head when you least expect it, just so you know I’m watching.”

“Just not while I’m getting all hot and bothered with the vamp.” She grinned, chuckling. The mist sparked bright for a moment before disappearing entirely. “Ah, crap,” she exclaimed as she turned and headed back to the Roven’s manor. She’d stayed with Rhys for a while until he started getting all touchy feely and bugging her about what Drake Roven had scented about them on their first meeting at the edge of Alston. “Damn Lykens, always sticking their noses where they don’t belong.”

“Not true and you know it,” Darina’s disembodied voice replied.

Mari whipped around when she felt the slap to the back of the head. “Damn it, Mom, cut it out.” Turning back around, Mari took off at a run, heading for her secret place. She could have flown, but knowing her luck someone would see her, and then she’d be answering a bevy of questions about what she was and she wasn’t ready for that just yet. Climbing the rock face to stand on a ledge, she lifted her hand to the rock in front of her and walked through it. She’d erected a magical charm years ago to hide and cloak the entrance so no one would find it or bother her while she was here. Sighing loudly, Mari headed over to her wooden chest and withdrew four stones, placing them at the four points of a circle to represent the directions and elements. She then sat down on the skin in the middle of the cave, crossed her legs, closed her eyes and rested her hands on her legs. Her chest rose with a deep breath. As she blew it out slowly, Mari connected with the land of her birth.

* * * *

“Where in the hell have you been?” Rhys yelled.

Mari glanced behind her to see if there was someone there before turning and meeting his gaze. “Are you talking to me?”

“Who in the hell else am I talking to? You take off for three days without telling anyone and stroll back in here like nothing’s happened?”

Mari’s eye twitched as Drake and Kalana Roven stood in the middle of the Roven Manor foyer with several others and one pissed off vamp. “The last time I checked I’m pretty sure I’m old enough to take off without a chaperone. And I did tell someone. I spoke with Olivia telepathically. I’m taking it she didn’t let anyone know.”

“No she didn’t, but that’s what happens when you tell a child what’s going on! We didn’t know if someone had gotten past our borders and taken you or worse. Forces have been out searching every inch of Alston for you!”

Mari’s head tilted. He was worried for her and not just a causal fear. The emotions she sensed coming off him were something she’d never felt before, even from her first husband. Calmly she replied, “I connected with Olivia because she’s the only one I can connect with as she is the next guardian. I apologize for any inconvenience, but I needed some time alone.”

“Where in the hell were you?”

“Within the boundaries of Alston.”

“Bullshit! If you were here, we would have found you!”

Ok, now he was starting to piss her off. Breathing deeply, she kept Rhys’ gaze as he stepped forward. “First off, vamp, I don’t lie, so you’d better get that through your thick skull right now. Second, just because you think you know all of these lands, I’m here to tell you, you don’t. Third, if you don’t stop yelling at me, so help me by the ancients, I’m going to give you something to yell about,” she growled through her teeth. Mari clenched her fists tightly to keep the rising heat of rage at bay. Damn it, she didn’t need this. She’d just spent three days getting herself in balance again and what’s he do the minute she walks through the door? He jumps all over her. Well, she wasn’t taking any of his shit. Worried or not, he needed to understand he couldn’t treat her like she was one of his coven.

“Oh really,” Rhys gripped her by the arms bringing her closer. “And just what the hell are you going to do?” he snapped.

Mari’s eyes narrowed, nostrils flaring as her body heated.

“Gods!” Rhys yelled as he jumped back looking at his hands.

“Don’t you ever put your hands on me in anger again,” she growled. She stamped her foot and watched everyone sway as the ground under them moved. “You just wasted the three days it took me to bring my balance back, you selfish, over-bearing vampire! Kalana, I’m going back to sanctuary!” Turning, she stormed out of the manor, hitting the field at a run. She waved her hand, casting an invisibility cloak. The minute the veil engaged, her wings came out and she took off at an incredible speed, soaring over the land. As the scent of seawater became stronger, Mari angled up and landed on the ledge of her safe haven. Drawing her wings back, she stepped foot inside the warm cavern.