We Shall Rise Read online

  “I can tell you this, son. Don’t try to separate them. They will not survive without each other. As strong as Reysa is, she needs Chris and he needs her.” Kaden’s shoulders slumped. Disappointment etched in his face. “But, that doesn’t mean she can’t need you just as much. Don’t force her to choose. Accept them and you can have it all. Fight them, and you will end up alone and miserable. You all will.”

  Kaden was confused and borderline drunk. Riddles were too much for his addled brain. “Are you implying a threesome? I don’t do those at least not with another guy.”

  Savannah slapped him twice. “Don’t be crude. You can’t possibly be this thick. Well, you are a vampire so it’s quite possible actually. Let me try to break this down to your intoxicated level. Reysa and Christian are as close as two people can be without being lovers. They are bonded in a remarkably deep way. If you try to destroy their relationship you will fail and you’ll lose her.”

  “I never said I wanted her,” Kaden grumbled. Savannah reached her limit. She slapped him left and right and then right and left with all four hands. “What the hell! I see where Reysa gets her violent streak from.”

  “Darling, you had that coming. I have a feeling your mother hasn’t done that enough. I’m trying to help you and you’re being a brat. Don’t let the one eye fool ya. I see everything in this place especially when it involves my babies. I’ve watched you all evening watching my Reysa like an oversexed teenager. You look like you want to do her in the middle of the club regardless of who’s around. I also noticed your obvious jealousy when she dances with other men, especially Chris. You may be in denial about wanting her, but I know and anyone in this club with at least one good eye knows as well. Stop pretending and deal. If you want her, go get her, but remember what I’ve said about Christian. He’s her soul mate. The bond is undefined. It’s not the romantic kind though, but one equally as important. You sever that and you break her.”

  Savannah lightly slapped Kaden on the cheek and left to serve other customers. Savannah was right, and although that fact frustrated him, he needed to hear the truth. This situation was making him crazy. He wanted Reysa with a desire that he had never imagined feeling. He also feared that giving in would lead to devastating consequences for both of them. He could not be the man she needed, yet he might be the man destined for her. Destiny sure screwed her he thought.

  He grabbed the beer from the frail demon sitting to his right and downed it in one gulp. The odd looking creature stood up as if to challenge Kaden, but one look at Kaden’s flaming eyes caused the horned creature to mutter an apology and flee with a surprising speed. Sometimes it really was fun being a dick, Kaden mused.

  Before Kaden could terrorize another, the lights dimmed in the club and silence swept the club as the eager faces of the patrons focused on the stage and the silhouette of the tall curvaceous figure approaching. All were enthralled as soft music began to play and those curvy hips swayed to the beat. Those hips were enclosed in a snuggly beaded deep purple dress that reached mid-thigh. Those luscious legs wrapped in garters and lace fishnet stockings. The outfit complemented by six inch matching purple heels. Suddenly the figure stopped, the lights illuminated that glorious face and Reysa began to sing.

  II

  The melodic, sultry sounds of Reysa’s voice mesmerized the entire audience. She was like a deity worshipped by the masses. Every move captivated the crowd as they fought to get closer to her.

  There was something about the way she sang, the way she moved that caused Kaden’s body temperature to soar. The words were unfamiliar to Kaden, probably some mystical language of old he assumed, but his soul seemed to recognize every word. She locked eyes with him as she sang another passionate song and Kaden’s body responded again. Those dark regal emerald eyes were luring him into her web of desire and his body wanted so desperately to come to her. She was beckoning him and his body was answering.

  Smoke emitted from his overheated body. He was going to combust from this unfulfilled need. The crowd moved away from him, but no one left. Reysa’s call too powerful to deny. Everyone continued to push forward trying to get as close as possible to the stage. Kaden wanted to destroy them all. No one would touch her but him. She was his.

  Kaden watched as Broderick, Alejandro and Christian moved in front of the stage creating a sizeable barrier that prevented the crowd and him from getting too close to Reysa. Many tried repeatedly, but each time, her hybrid protectors calmly thwarted their attempts. There was no violence, no fighting of any sort. It was if they understood the crowds’ need to be near her, but they would stop them. Reysa was not to be touched. Her three protectors would never allow anyone to hurt her. Kaden felt a pang of jealousy as he wanted to be the one to keep her safe.

  Kaden was ready to explode. The longing becoming too much as he felt his body drifting forward as if compelled to reach her. He couldn’t stop himself if he wanted. His body was no longer his to control. It was moving under its own volition as if his mind no longer had any power over it. His body was answering Reysa’s call and he was helpless to stop it.

  Bodies flew out of his way as they were singed from Kaden’s searing heat. His eyes never left hers as he finally reached the stage and the blockade that was keeping him from his heaven. “Move!” he yelled demanding they allow him access, but all three stayed in place. Christian and Broderick looked ready to attack, but Alejandro was the one who responded.

  “Allow her to finish, Kaden,” Alejandro spoke in his calming manner. His golden eyes sending a wave of comfort to Kaden. “She must finish her song.”

  “I can’t wait,” he groaned shocked by the desperation in his voice. He couldn’t understand what was happening to him. He was losing control.

  “You must.” Alejandro touched his shoulder and some of the intense fury overtaking him began to ease. Moments later, Reysa’s smooth voice lowered and then stopped as she sang her last soulful note. Before Kaden could blink, she was gone.

  The overwhelming need that had swept through Kaden eased. His breathing no longer labored and his body no longer moments away from exploding. “What the hell just happened to me?” Kaden asked. Alejandro studied his carefully but did not respond. A frustrated Kaden pushed past him to look for Reysa, but Christian stopped him. “Get out of my way, blondie,” Kaden commanded.

  “You do realize that I own this club with Reysa and with a snap of my finger, I could have your sorry butt tossed out?”

  “Go for it, pretty boy.”

  Christian’s eyes narrowed, the golden eyes growing brighter as he fought back his own fury. “She’s not here.”

  “Thanks, Captain Obvious. I noticed her disappearing act after the last song.”

  Christian fists tightened by his side eager to launch a punishing blow. “You can’t reach her right now. She dematerialized to a place she likes to go when she wants to unwind from a performance. You can’t get to her now. You might as well have another drink or two, pass out, and then speak to her in the morning. I’ll be sure to let her know you were looking for her when she comes home tonight. I’ll make sure I tell her before we go to bed.”

  Kaden wanted to knock that smug look off Christian’s face, but before he could, he felt the presence of the seven foot bear-wolf at his side ready to defend Goldielocks. Kaden stormed away nearly taking the steel front door of The Lore with him as he shoved it open.

  “Kaden, wait!”

  Kaden stopped to see Alejandro racing to catch up to him. The cat shifter was remarkably agile even when in human form. “What do you want?”

  “Reysa’s at home. She’s probably in the Moroccan room at our house. That’s where she goes to clear her mind.”

  A puzzled Kaden responded, “Why are you telling me this?”

  “Because I love her,” Alejandro admitted without reservation. “I would give my life for her to be happy. If that means you, then I will do what I can to help both of you.”

  “I don’t think your friends would agree with you
. They would rather I stay far away from her.”

  “They don’t want her hurt either. I trust her judgment and if she ultimately chooses you, I must believe that is because you are the one for her. If that proves to be wrong and you hurt her, I assure you that I will kill you or die trying.”

  Kaden couldn’t help but respect the cat. He nodded and sprinted to Reysa’s house. Just as Alejandro had advised, Reysa was sitting on a pillow in the Moroccan meditation room. Kaden plopped down next to her as they both sat in silence for several minutes.

  “I don’t understand this thing between us,” Kaden spoke first.

  “Maybe we just don’t want to understand it,” Reysa confessed.

  “Maybe, but I do want to understand what just happened out there? I felt like killing everyone in that room if they stood in the way of me reaching you. I have never felt so out of control. I may be a bit of a loose cannon, but I always know what I’m doing. This time, I was powerless over myself. I need to know what happened, Reysa.”

  Reysa closed her eyes wishing she had more time to deal with the emotions and confusion rattling her mind. She wanted to tell Kaden the whole truth, but feared his reaction. She was not ready to face the truth of what she was and what Kaden was for her. She needed more time.

  “I’m not sure. I think we just both got caught up in a surreal moment. I don’t think we should make a big deal out of it. The moment has passed and things are back to normal.”

  “There is no normal for us.” Kaden clutched Reysa’s shoulders forcing her to face him. “We both know this is far from over. Something keeps pulling us closer together no matter how hard we fight it. We can’t run from it forever.”

  “You actually make a lot of sense when you’re borderline drunk.” Reysa teased. “You never sound so logical or philosophical when sober.”

  “I’m a smart drunk. When completely bombed, I can name every capital city for every country. I can beat anyone at Trivial Pursuit and I also kick ass on Wii Jeopardy. When sober, two times two can be a little tricky for me.”

  Reysa laughed. The sound as melodic as when she sang on stage. “You’re such a liar.”

  “True, but not about this. I’m not wasted enough to prove it, but give me another bottle of my friend Señor Cuervo and I’ll recite the national anthem of Bangladesh.”

  Reysa shook her head in disbelief. “I would have guessed that you were an angry drunk.”

  “I’m angry sober. Pretty much all the time if you haven’t noticed yet. I don’t need alcohol to lose my temper. Trust me, I’m a genius when I’m drunk. I started getting straight A’s in school when I showed up sloshed every day. My mother wasn’t pleased, but she couldn’t deny the results. Sober equaled a D; drunk equaled A’s. That was one of the few highlights before I transformed into a vampire. I could get completely drunk rather than disappointingly buzzed like I am now and I had the perfect excuse to be a wreck. Being drunk was necessary for my academic success. I would come home from school completely wasted and before my mother could complain, I would just tell her I had an exam and she had to accept my mess of a state. It drove my father crazy. He used to bitch that only he would have a son that could be successful as a stumbling drunk.”

  Reysa hated that haunted look in Kaden’s face when he mentioned his father. He barely ever mentioned the man, but the few times he did, his tone changed and Kaden became hard and defensive. Reysa enjoyed Kaden like this—when he wasn’t so serious, angry and bitter. This was the Kaden he was meant to be, playful and kind. This was the Kaden her heart wanted.

  “I challenge you to a game of Wii Jeopardy,” Reysa offered.

  “Name your time and place, woman. I will make sure I’m bombed enough to embarrass you.” Kaden could not help but stare at this beautiful woman who was managing to take the darkness away. “You’ve temporarily distracted me, but we still need to talk about what happened on stage.”

  Reysa stood up and crossed her arms in that defensive motion making it clear that the fun was over. “I don’t know what to tell you Kaden. All I did was sing. I do that every now and again at The Lore. I’m a singer and dancer. I enjoy performing. That’s what I did out there. I don’t get to do it often, but I wanted to tonight.”

  “There was something more. The way everyone responded to you. The way I responded to you. That wasn’t normal.”

  “Have you ever been to a Justin Bieber concert? Believe me, my fans are pretty tame compared to his.”

  “Don’t make me lose respect for you, Reysa. Please tell me you are not a fan of the kid with bad hair.”

  “He’s a talented kid, but don’t get nauseous. I only went to one concert and that was because of Lina. She’s the fan.”

  “Thank goodness. For a moment I was afraid. Enough about that kid. You keep changing the subject.”

  “Stop badgering me, Kaden. You’re making a big deal out of nothing. All I did was sing.”

  Kaden pushed her up against the wall tilting her chin so that her eyes were forced to meet his and to see the hunger she stirred. “And all I did was nearly go mad from need for you. Tell me why. I don’t like losing control. Did you do something to me? Are you doing something to me now?”

  Before Reysa could respond, a loud familiar screeching tune blasted the room. A startled Kaden jumped back ready to attack. Reysa quickly reached for her cell phone she had left on the coffee table.

  “Your ringtone is the theme music from the murder scene from Psycho?” a bewildered Kaden asked.

  “It’s my favorite movie,” Reysa responded. “I use this ringtone for one special caller.”

  Kaden waited impatiently as Reysa spoke to some unknown person whose calls apparently inspired the Psycho theme. He wanted to finish their conversation. Reysa was hiding something and he was determined to get to the truth.

  Reysa snapped the phone shut and faced Kaden. “We have to go.”

  “Was that a lead about Yasmine?”

  “Possibly. Please get Julian and meet me in front of the house in ten minutes. I need to change and let everyone know I’m leaving.”

  Kaden had more questions but Reysa disappeared before Kaden could ask. Sometimes he really hated her ability.

  III

  Reysa reappeared in her room and immediately began to change clothes. “I’m glad you’re here. Diamonde has summoned me. Kaden, Julian and I are going to see her. Hopefully, she has some information about Yasmine.” She turned to face Christian who was in the process of changing her sheets. “You hate making beds. I can’t believe you’re doing this.”

  “They smelled like him so I burned them.”

  “Tell me you did not burn my 800 thread count purple jacquard Egyptian cotton sheets.”

  “You still have dozens more in the linen closet.” Sensing Reysa’s rising temper, Christian added, “Relax babe. They’re in the washing machine being decontaminated.”

  Reysa sighed in relief as she walked over to Christian and pushed him into her bed. “Not funny. You know how much I love my sheets. Now I’m going to punish you for the joke.” Reysa jumped on top of him and started tickling him mercilessly. Christian’s face turned bright rouge as he struggled to catch his breath from the onslaught. He fought to grab Reysa’s arms so he could flip her on her back and return the favor. They both laughed so much, they didn’t notice Kaden walk into the room. They did notice the flame directed at Christian’s head that nearly torched his blonde locks, but ended up burning a hole in Reysa’s wall. Christian leapt up ready to pounce as his eyes glimmered a hauntingly bright gold. His body was contracting and expanding as if ready to shift.

  Reysa quickly jumped up and grabbed Christian forcing him to face her. “Calm down, Chris. Please calm down for me,” she begged as she stroked his hair and face. She briefly glanced at Kaden signally for him to leave, but he ignored the hint. Rather than argue with him, she focused on Christian who was close to unleashing his beast. “Christian, see me. It’s just me and you. Reysa and Chris. Stay with me, sweetheart.”
Reysa wrapped her arms around him hoping her scent would help him pacify the beast determined to surface.

  Over Christian’s shoulder she could see an infuriated Kaden, but she could not focus on him right now. She had to help Christian find control for all their sakes. Christian’s stiff body finally began to relax in her arms as she stroked the tight ridges of his back. A frustrated Kaden turned to leave as Reysa held Christian until the beast subsided.

  “Your taste in men seriously sucks, Rey,” Christian’s strained voice muttered as he pulled away from Reysa’s embrace and settled on to her bed.

  Reysa straddled his lap and rested her forehead against his. “I’m sorry for that. I wish you guys could get along better.”

  “Does anyone get along with him? The man has no redeeming qualities.”

  “Don’t say that about him,” Reysa defended. “You don’t know him.”

  “Neither do you. Not really. God Rey, why did you sing that song tonight? Why did you open that door that you’ll never be able to close?”

  Reysa moved off Christian’s lap and sat beside him on her bed. He pulled a lock of her hair and began twirling the dark brown coils like he had always done. “I didn’t have a choice. I had planned on singing one of my pop songs, but something compelled me to sing that song and then the other. I think something inside of me longed for the truth and I could no longer deny it. I had to know.”

  “And now you do babe, but what does that mean for you? Do you think he will accept you when he knows what you are?”

  “No,” Reysa lamented. “I think he will resent me.”

  “Then I will have to kill him.”