Red Queen Read online

  “Oh, fuck yes, Babes.” He set her down and motioned to Trevor to hurry his arse up.

  * * * *

  Joey sat in the back of Trevor’s Land Cruiser with Sorcha. The day had gone too smoothly. Last time they were in the same town as Desire, she’d stalked them, until she managed to entrance him and drag him to her room where all hell broke loose.

  “What are you thinking, Babes?” Sorcha asked against his ear.

  He turned his head to take a taste of her lips, wishing he could drown out the worry that something would happen before night’s end.

  She moaned deep in her throat before pulling back with a sigh. “What is it? Talk to me.”

  He laid his head back on the seat with a sigh. “I got a bad feeling.”

  “We got your back,” Trevor reassured him. He met his gaze in the rearview mirror. “If she’s stupid enough to try anything at Shenanigans, she’s going to get slammed—hard.”

  “I don’t know. She’s not human. You didn’t see the shape Sorcha left her in that morning. Half her face was gone, her head bashed in against a mirror. She was lying in a pool of blood and glass when we snuck out of the hotel. I can’t figure out how she survived.”

  “None of us are human,” Roxy pointed out. “Then again, it seems like I’m rarely around humans anymore.”

  “This is true.” Joey relaxed slightly, but he couldn’t stop thinking. “Thing is, she looks really fucking young now. Last time I saw her, she was pretty ragged.”

  “Good makeup?” Trevor asked.

  Joey shuddered. “She had old lady arms eight years ago. That doesn’t go away without something supernatural.”

  “Sold her soul to the devil?” Sorcha offered.

  “Does anyone really do that?” Joey countered.

  “She could have bought her face, or arms for that matter,” Roxy added.

  “Doubtful. She’s some kind of witch.”

  Roxy turned in her seat. “Like witch that uses real magic? Not just wiccan?”

  Sorcha smirked. “Aye, Roxy, there are witches with real power. Usually ritualistic magic. Don’t tell me you find that hard to believe. You’re a druid. You’ve seen mages at work.”

  “Only saw Robert zap us back to the cabin. Rest was sort of a blur with his death.” She nodded at Trevor.

  Trevor reached over to squeeze Roxy’s thigh. “You brought me back, A Chroi.”

  Roxy smiled at Trevor before turning to face Sorcha again. “I get it. But what kind of magic?”

  “Aye, that’s the question. Wish I knew.” Sorcha leaned into Joey with a wicked gleam in her eyes. “Remember the plan?”

  His dick responded, and he dramatically shifted the bulge with a grin.

  Trevor pulled up to the curb.

  Joey held Sorcha back as Roxy and Trevor climbed out. “I’ll kill Desire if she touches you,” he promised.

  “Won’t have to. I’ll kill her if she comes near you.”

  “Love my vicious girl.”

  “Come on. You promised hot, dirty alley sex.”

  He growled an affirmative before following her out of the SUV.

  As soon as he pushed the door shut, Trevor set the alarm and nodded to the tour vehicles pulling up. “Well, I don’t see her bus.”

  “Yet,” Joey mumbled.

  * * * *

  The music ended and she longed to play one more song. But it was already late, and she didn’t want to miss Joey. She caught news that Lunar Storm was going to some dive bar up on Capitol Hill, of all places.

  Didn’t matter, she had one goal in mind.

  She threw an arm up in the air. “Thank you for coming out, but I’m afraid my time is up. You’ve been wonderful, Seattle.” Blowing kisses, she backed off the stage and handed the mic to one of the crew before heading to the tour bus. Her manager, Jaxon, fell in line behind her.

  Hans opened the door as they approached, and quickly shut it before any fans could follow. Jaxon caught her arm once they were inside. She spun toward him with a death-glare.

  Her skin was starting to itch like it always did right before the wrinkles spread. She was having trouble drawing a full breath after her set. Past due for a fix, but she had put it off, hoping she could take Sorcha’s blood.

  “You need to take a shower. I know you have big plans but it’s been too long.”

  She rubbed a trembling hand over her face with a snarl. The argument on the tip of her tongue died as she caught sight of her skin, reflected in the bus’ darkly tinted windows, aging before her eyes.

  “Oh fine!” Desire shoved past Jaxon and threw open the bathroom door. At least he’d splurged on the big shower. He knew her secrets and kept them.

  A girl of nineteen or twenty stood in the corner of the triangular stall. Her arms were shackled above her head. Black makeup streaked down her face, matching her dyed hair and babydoll dress.

  A cruel smile twisted Desire’s lips as she stripped off her concert attire before climbing in the shower.

  Terror filled the young woman’s pale blue eyes. Then she screamed and Desire’s heart kicked into overdrive as she wove a sound dampening spell through the walls of the already soundproofed bathroom. No one would hear the girl’s cries, which would turn to pleasure before the end.

  She licked her lips and closed the distance. “Shh now, lovely. Don’t you worship me?”

  The girl nodded, her cries fading to fearful panting.

  “I’m beautiful, aren’t I?” she whispered.

  Her head nodded emphatically.

  “You can help me stay that way.”

  Grabbing the top of the dress, Desire ripped it down the middle.

  “Such pretty skin,” she cooed as she splayed her hand over the girl’s smooth stomach.

  A whimper escaped, then her breath caught as Desire leaned in to kiss the girl’s jugular. The smell of blood was rich and heady.

  “What’s your name?”

  “B-b-betty,” she stumbled over the word, her chest heaving.

  “Well, Betty,” she trailed her fingers up her stomach to cup firm, generous breasts, “will you help me?”

  “Mmm.” Her eyes closed with a nod. Desire pinched her rosy tips, and Betty pressed her body closer, whispering, “Anything, I’ll do anything.”

  So tempting, and Desire wanted to play. Unfortunately, she couldn’t risk missing Joey or her revenge on his tramp. She trailed her tongue over the pulsing vein, then dragged her nails over the girl’s skin.

  Her guest hissed in pleasure before Desire pressed the razor sharp blade covering her pinky nail into Betty’s throat and pulled down.

  Blood spilled down their bodies and a terrified scream filled the room. Desire covered her mouth with hers, swallowing the cries as the girl’s blood coated her skin.

  Relief flowed through her nerves as the blood soaked in. Tired flesh smoothed, and air filled her lungs. The aches and pains eased away with the girl’s dying breath.

  She took a step back to rub the blood into her flesh. Every drop absorbed, leaving pearly white, flawless skin. Once more, she was revived.

  She caressed Betty’s still-warm cheek. “Sorry, doll. I would have loved drowning out the pain with pleasure, but the man I need is wasting time with another woman. Tonight, I get him back, once and for all.”

  Chapter 3

  From their table, Joey watched Sorcha sashay to the bar. “How did I ever find my little firecracker?”

  “She blew you off the first time you talked to her.” Trevor laughed. “I still remember the way you tried to get her number, and she flipped you off before walking away. Then you sang that awful rendition of What’s Your Name. At least that got her attention.”

  “I knew she was mine the moment I laid eyes on her.”

  Trevor slapped him on the back. “You two make one hell of a pair. But watch out,” he nodded to the door, “I have a feeling the night’s about to take a turn for the worse.”

  “Bloody hell.” He groaned. “We were having so much fun. I didn
’t even get Sorcha back to the alley yet. I knew we should have skipped the bar and went for the cabin, but she was so looking forward to playin’ pool.”

  Roxy’s brow arched as she also noticed Desire, who walked in like she owned the place. Nearly every set of eyes landed on her. “Oh, this should get interesting. The claws are about to come out.”

  Desire’s scowl morphed to a smile as she turned toward Joey. Apparently she hadn’t noticed Sorcha who zeroed in on her from the bar.

  Roxy smirked. “Should I intervene before blood is spilled?”

  Trevor shook his head. “Doubt that’s a good idea.”

  “Don’t see much of an option.” She slid out of her seat.

  Trevor shot Joey a look that made his hair stand on end. “If Roxy gets hurt because you were stupid enough to dip your dick in that stinkpot, I’m going to kill you.”

  Joey rubbed the back of his neck. “Oh, I doubt Sorcha lets Rox play. She still wants to kill the witchy whore.”

  * * * *

  Sorcha turned to find Desire start in Joey’s direction. She leaned across the darkly polished wood. “Lana, hold those drinks. I may have to cut a bitch.” She tapped her sharp nails on the counter before spinning back to intercept the woman who wanted to take her man.

  Desire stopped moving when Roxy walked into her line of sight and crossed her arms over her chest, hip out. “Joey’s not interested.”

  “And you care why?” she snipped.

  Sorcha bit her tongue to keep from laughing.

  “He’s family. As is Sorcha, who he’s in love with. I’ve heard about your twisted game.”

  Desire leaned in close to sniff her neck. “Oh, sweetie, I’d love to taste you first.” She reached a hand out to touch Roxy, probably to try enthralling her.

  Even knowing Roxy was a druid, and naturally resistant to all forms of mind control, Sorcha wasn’t about to risk testing her power. Trevor was likely to kill her, or even Joey, if Desire managed to hurt his woman.

  Sorcha reached out and dragged her nails down Desire’s arm, pulling attention from Roxy.

  Desire whipped her hand out and grabbed Sorcha’s wrist. Her eyes blazed scarlet as she glared back. Sorcha felt the pull in her mind before Roxy grabbed Desire’s jaw and yanked her focus back with a growl.

  Sorcha caught the flash of white from Roxy’s chilling stare. “Now, now,” Roxy warned, “no touching, or tasting, me or my friends. You’re not wanted here.”

  “Do you know who I am? Everyone wants me.”

  Roxy laughed out loud. “Not everyone. You’re welcome to find someone who does, but you’re obviously in the wrong place.”

  One hand still on her arm, Desire squeezed tighter. Sorcha grabbed the witch’s hand with her free one and pierced Desire’s skin. The blood flowed down her wrist, and she let go with a hiss.

  Sorcha’s eyes nearly fell out of her head as she watched Desire’s smooth, pale flesh thin and crinkle.

  “No!” she wailed, jerking away. Her eyes rounded as she stared at her hand, now covered in dark age spots and bulging veins. Desire ran out of the building with a screech.

  Roxy blinked and turned toward her. “What the fuck was that?”

  Sorcha shook her head. “I’m not sure. Never seen anything like it.”

  Roxy fumbled to get her phone out, then started texting.

  “What are you thinking?”

  “You said she’s a witch. Fiona mentioned blood magic. Something about how it could rejuvenate someone. Isn’t Desire sixty-something?”

  Sorcha nodded, a frown pulling at her lips as Joey and Trevor joined them.

  “Should we leave?” Joey asked gruffly.

  Sorcha looked at her hand with a frown. “Nah. I should wash the skank’s blood off though.” She started for the bathroom with an anxious Joey on her heels.

  Chapter 4

  Joey followed Sorcha into the women’s bathroom and locked the door behind them. He was tempted to storm out of the bar and track the crazy bitch down.

  But Sorcha was pale and clearly shaken. She needed his presence more than he needed revenge.

  He took a shuddered breath, then ground out, “What the bloody hell happened, Babes?”

  Her brow pinched as she shook her head. “Don’t know. Never seen anything like that. Her skin—it aged before my eyes. Roxy mentioned something about blood magic.”

  Joey’s jaw dropped open as he blinked. A rush of seemingly unimportant details bubbled to the surface. “She’s Hungarian. Supposed to be related to the Blood Countess. But I thought that was all bullshit.”

  “Related to who?”

  He snorted. “I bet Roxy would know the story—Elizabeth of Bathory. Infamous for bathing in virgin blood.”

  “What?”

  “Desire aged when you bled her. Maybe other people’s blood is what’s keeping her young. She didn’t always do that. I would have noticed.”

  “So you think she’s killing people?”

  He rubbed at his head. “I’d say that’s likely. Looking back, seems there’s always some sort of death or disappearance in towns she visits over the last seven to eight years. They tend to be her fans.”

  “So she’s killing virgin fans? Are they twelve?”

  He shrugged. “Who knows? Does that matter? She’s killing innocents regardless.”

  “Come on, maybe Roxy has more information.”

  The stepped into the hall, but Joey pulled her out to the alley.

  * * * *

  Desire stumbled onto the bus and sank to her knees, holding her bleeding hand and wrist. The aging was spreading up her arm, her skin wrinkling and sagging.

  Jaxon crouched in front of her. Horror was clearly written across his face. “I can get another.”

  No time, you buffoon, she wanted to scream.

  Instead, she grabbed the back of his neck and stared into his deep brown eyes. “You’ll do.” Her ancestor had been wrong. Virgin blood was no better than any other human’s blood. However, Other blood was the strongest. Some kinds especially so.

  Blood from the dark haired bitch who got in her face would be potent. She was something completely different than anything Desire had ever encountered.

  Magic and beast, all rolled into a buffet. Between Sorcha and her friend, Desire planned to enjoy the night, then claim the man who should have been hers all along. If only she’d realized that in the beginning.

  Focused, she delved into Jaxon’s mind and relished in his lust as she moved closer, pressing herself to him.

  His desire kicked in. “Please,” he whispered desperately.

  Her hand landed on his rigid cock and stroked slowly through his jeans, pulling a moan from his lips.

  “Need you,” she admitted, though not the way he craved.

  She pulled the dress over her head before stripping his shirt off and shoving his pants down around his knees. Skin-to-skin made the blood transference more efficient.

  Jaxon wrapped his hands around her waist as he bent his head to hers. “Waited so long for you, Desire.”

  “I know.” Wanting it to last, she pulled the deceptively petite silver blade from her boot and made a delicate slice down his chest. His blood flowed slowly, coating her skin. Rubbing against him, she kissed his pulse point.

  He hissed in response, then crushed his lips to hers. One thing was on his mind, sinking deep into her heat. Sadly, she couldn’t grant her faithful servant his final wish. Only one man for her from now on.

  However, he’d been useful, and he deserved a final reward before she took his life to fuel her own.

  “Anything for you,” he moaned, his hips jerking forward as his eyes closed. Hot seed spurted over her stomach. After his release, she dug the blade deep into his throat before she pulled him down on top of her.

  Chapter 5

  Joey pulled Sorcha into the alley. “Need you.”

  Her grin was wicked as she leaned against the wall and hauled him closer. “We need to be fast. Can’t leave Roxy and Trevor
too long.”

  “Mmm, can’t have that.” His hands slid up her thighs and pushed her skirt up while she freed his throbbing cock. “No panties? You’re killing me, firecracker.”

  “You know you love it when I’m a dirty girl.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and hopped up to lock her legs over his hips.

  He shifted, sliding deep into her heat. “So bad, so fierce, and so mine.” Swirling his hips, he caught her bottom lip between his teeth and squeezed her arse with one hand. The other landed against the exterior wall.

  Hungry, he took her hard, while thrusting his tongue into her mouth, kissing with the same ferocity as he fucked her. Sounds of passion echoed in the alley. Anyone could hear them from the street, and that pushed his desire further.

  Sorcha’s beast brushed through him as his rose to rub against hers. She hit her peek, pulling him with her as she tore her mouth away to cry out.

  Joey nipped her ear with a chuckle, “Shh, Babes. Don’t need an audience.”

  She panted with her own laugh. “Right. Your stalker might be close.” He took a step back from the wall and Sorcha found the ground with a sassy little smirk as she straightened her skirt. “I’d love to finish what I started.”

  Both their phones pinged with texts. “Bloody hell,” he complained.

  “We best get inside. Find out what they want.”

  He nodded. “Aye. Maybe Roxy has some news.”

  * * * *

  Sorcha wished Desire had been stupid enough to interrupt the romp with her mate. She was slightly disappointed when they walked back inside.

  Joey whispered against her ear. “Fiona’s here.”

  Nodding, she lifted a shoulder in a shrug. “Maybe there’s more going on.”

  “Let’s get our drinks first, and stall a bit.”