Chapter 2 ∣  Siphon

-Lucca

The next night, Evie is still hidden away in our room. She won't let anyone in, not even myself. Rainier has recovered; his willingness to fight to the death surprised Locaine. Unfortunately, we will not have time to test Janie until we have relocated.

"It's been arranged for us to relocate to Dyer, Washington," Locaine speaks to me, as we walk down the hallway toward Evie's and my room.

"Evie can't leave," Annika stops the two of us, blocking our path.

"Little hunter," Locaine sighs, trying to understand what is going on with his daughter, "the hunters have set their sights on our current location. We need to move before they can track our movements."

Annika is taken aback, "What?"

"We need to leave. Tonight," I reply, shifting around Annika. She glares at me, throwing her arm out and pinning me against the wall.

"She can't protect herself," Annika's glare softens slight, as I remove her arm from my chest.

Annika turns her gaze from me and locks her eyes with Locaine.

Isn't that just nice, having a little chat without including me. I need to see Evie. I must be sure.

Annika allows me to move past her, staying near Locaine as I approach the dark oak wood door to our room, taking the metal handle into my hand. I open the door inward; the room is mostly dark, save for the small light that Evie has turned on beside the bed. The light cast a soft glow over her body as she lies on her side facing away from me. I close the door behind me, locking it.

The sound startles her, turning from her side to lie on her back, propping up on her elbows. She is wearing black yoga pants and a loose-fitting aqua tank-top while her long white hair frames her face.

"Lucca, I'm so sorry..."

I walk toward her, the bed dipping as I crawl up to her, lying down beside her on my side. Evie is still resting on her elbows as I lift the bottom of her tank-top, leaving it right before her breasts. I place the palm of my right hand against her stomach, feeling the faintest pulsation flickering back.

I was right.

"I-I was trying to tell you yesterday..." her voice trails off, as though I will be angry with her.

My eyes lift from her stomach, looking deeply into the whitish blue pools that hold so much fear and sadness. I ask her in confusion, "Why are you sorry?"

"This makes me weak. My blood magic will barely connect with me, forcing all my strength and focus on this little being," Evie is upset with herself. She's just so used to being in control and it frightens her that the one ability she has, she can hardly tap into its power.

"You know," I whisper, removing my hand from her stomach, placing a gentle kiss just above her waistline.

"Yes?" She asks hesitantly.

My lips trail up and over her belly button, leaving behind the sincerest kisses as I want her to feel all the love I have for her. At this moment, I don't want her to doubt herself or think of herself any less considering recent events.

"Letting someone take care of you, does not make you weak," I push myself up, so our faces are just inches apart. Placing one of my hands against her cheek, I bring my lips to hers. At this moment, I feel the tension release from her, coming down off her elbows and resting her back against the bed. Evie wraps her arms around my head, entwining her fingers into the back of my hair.

She breathes in deeply, before exhaling a sigh of relief.

"Lucca?" Her lips leave mine, her eyes searching me.

I arch a brow and ask, "Yes?"

Evie bites down on her lower lip, and I can hear her heartbeat accelerate when she admits so blatantly, "I'm horny as fuck..."

Uh-yeah, I had heard about how some woman become sexuality heightened, while others don't even want you to touch them. Guess I know where her standpoint is...

"Well, unfortunately, angel," I can see the sadness in her eyes, "we need to leave tonight. The coven is relocating to Dyer, Washington."

Evie nods, her eyes shifting away from mine for a moment. I can't help but smirk from the surprised gasp that escapes her lips, my hand cupping her lower region through her thin yoga pants.

"Don't get me wrong, I would love to fuck you, angel...it's been well over a month," the last part comes out needier than I mean for it too.

"My mother knows as well," Evie whispers, "she said that it might siphon my magic in the beginning. But, everything should return to normal soon."

"What?" I'm oblivious for a moment, releasing her and standing from the bed.

Evie sits up cross-legged on the bed, "She knows because this is exactly what happened to her with me. My father, apparently, had been in a constant state of worry over her."

"I see," I wonder if Locaine has put two and two together yet, or if Annika is waiting to let Evie tell her father herself.

Either way, it's not my place to say a word.

**

-Evicka

I feel better now that Lucca is in the loop that I'm pregnant. It really shouldn't have come as such a shock. I mean, it isn't like were being careful during our binding...or...any times after that for that matter. The bigger surprise is the faint connection to my blood magic, the once powerful pull is barely a mist.

I wonder if the being growing inside me is inherently using the magic to protect itself.

I still need to tell my father...

It isn't that strong of a heartbeat just yet, invisible to the coven's ears. But, I'm not sure how long this will last for. After what I had overheard my father saying about Enock heading in our direction, it frightens me more. As I've been reminded countless times, I'm not the strongest pureblood when it comes to just fighting, as I rely heavily on my blood magic to change the tides.

The coven leaders had always overpowered me and when I became desperate enough, that's when I tapped into my connection.

The coven has gathered in the grand entrance, everyone dressed in dark clothing, trench coats being passed around as the rain has started to fall. That is good, it makes for better concealment. It must be a weird feeling for Lucca and my father, being put on the run. Without the iron fist of the recognized coven leaders, parts of the world are already shinning a light on vampires. This forces them into the shadows, the hunters having shown the humans how to fight back.

The world is slowly being taken back by their race.

I have always lived in secrecy, so this is nothing new to me.

"Stay together," my father orders, the front doors opening to reveal the rain pouring down from the clouded sky. There are no stars, no moon; the eerie feeling passing over everyone is obvious.

I'll be right behind you, angel.

Lucca's voice slips soundlessly through my mind as I flick my hood up. Eryx and Rynn are the first to dash out into the downpour, standing on the sidewalk and glancing around them. It appears that the hunters have yet to arrive.

Darius and Michael are the next two to exit the mansion, tapering off to the sides of the building. Half of the coven exit after them, my father and mother leaving next. I breathe in deeply, trying to push the building fear down, burying it inside me.

I take off out into the night, the rain immediately pelting down on my coat. The knee-high boots guard me against the large puddles of pooling water. Lucca is right behind me, followed by the rest of the coven, Henri, Kato, and Flynn guarding the back of the group.

Rainier, Janie, and Zak are dispersed into the outer rim of the group. Luckily for them, as they begin to slow, coven members will rotate pushing them further with their own strength, keeping up with the group.

We don't even know where these hunters come from...how do we know which direction they are heading from?

It bothers me that we cannot pinpoint where they reside.

We haven't run into anyone, as humans are still terrified to leave their homes at night, despite the decrease in vampires roaming around since the leaders' deaths. Passing through Oregon had been a breeze; the excessive trees provide ample cover for us. It is only once we reach Wenatchee, Washington, is when we start to see signs that hunters have been through this way. Whether or not they still linger, is a whole new question entirely.

That's why Rynn's sudden burst causes most of us to cringe. Right, shift now!

It might not be the whole hunting party, but it seems that there are some members left behind. If we are going to make it to the ghost town, we must stay hidden, or they will continue to follow us.

Thanks to Rynn's quick warning, we avoid a run in as we reach Dyer, just south of Brewster. It isn't raining here; the sky is clear, and the stars shine brightly down on us. There are beautiful homes, and it appears we all won't be staying in one single building. I find that odd, as there is strength in numbers. It seems like it will be easier to take us down if they did find us if we are separated like this.

Great.

Just what I need, more anxiety.

At least for the moment, we are safe.

**

-Annika

She's much more powerful than me...why is this affecting her even more than it did to me?

My fist contacts a dark blue punching bag in the underground basement of the home I'm residing in with Locaine. It doesn't make any sense, she is a strong pureblood...

I can't sleep, and Janie's rite of passage challenge will take place when the sun falls. Wandering down here to blow off some steam is exactly what I need. My shin contacts the bag, causing it to swing on the hinges.

"Little hunter?" I felt Locaine enter the room, my back still facing toward him. I turn around in my black shorts and white tank-top, seeing he is dressed in just navy-blue sweatpants. He asks me with concern, "What are you doing down here? Why are you up so early?"

"I've got a lot on my mind," I turn my back on him again, angrily punching the bag twice more.

Locaine's cool hands fall on my shoulders, "This isn't like you. Tell me what's wrong."

"I can't," I reply, feeling him wrap his strong arms around my shoulders, his bare muscular chest flush against my back.

"I always find out," Locaine whispers into my ear. A shiver runs down my spine when he asks, "How long do you honestly believe you can keep a secret hidden from me?"

Believe me...I

...want you to.

Locaine's voice turns deep and seductive, "How about we play a game?"

"You and your games...I never win," I can't help the laugh that slips past my lips.

"Come on," Locaine releases his embrace around my shoulders and turns me around to face him, "you always end up liking the result anyway."

My eyes meet his and I fall for him all over again. "Okay," I release a sigh, "what are the rules and rewards?"

Locaine chuckles and smirks, "Why don't we have a rematch?"

"Are you referring..." my voice trails off, being reminded of the day Locaine put me in my place when he had captured me.

"Yes, I am," he replies, grinning evilly.

"You're already enjoying this way too much, you know?" I push his shoulder and he barely moves.

"Of course, I am, I only play a game I know I can win," Locaine brings his lips to mine swiftly, his fangs tugging on my bottom lip. I moan involuntarily and kiss him back, my head beginning to swirl around; a feeling only he can bring out of me.

"Okay," I breathlessly answer, after he draws his lips away from mine.

"The rules are simple," Locaine walks away from me, "if you win, you keep your secret. If I win, you tell me."

Of...flippin...course.

"Are you ready?" Locaine asks, smiling mischievously.

I nod and breathe out, "Yes."

In the next moment, Locaine is in front of me taking my upper arm and throwing me to the ground. As my back hits the ground, I somersaulted backward, crouching down with both my hands on the ground.

I push off the ground, aiming for his face. He takes my fist into his hand effortlessly, blocking the blow and spinning me around to pin my wrist behind my back. "It took you a lot longer the first time to get into this situation." I can feel the desire in his voice.

I roll my wrist in his hand, taking hold of his own wrist and flipping him over my back. Locaine lands on his hands and knees as I laugh lightly at him, "I also didn't have enhanced strength, my love."

That same devilish smirk crosses his face and I find my legs knocked out from under me, lying flat on my back.

"Which means, I don't have to be as gentle," Locaine straddles my hips, tilting his head to the side when I don't move. I don't mind being beneath the wall of muscle that hovers above me, but I'm not telling him Evie's secret...that is for her to tell when she decides to.

"Locaine?" I ask.

"Yes, little hunter?" Locaine responds, watching me shift beneath him.

"It's about time I won, for once," I smile, taking hold of his elbows and flipping him over me once again, this time I'm on top of him.

Locaine narrows his eyes at me, "Don't kid yourself. You'll never beat me...unless I let you."

"Well, now that doesn't seem very fair, now does it?" I roll my eyes and punch him square in the jaw as hard as I can. The sudden shock wipes that cocky smirk off his face. I can see the faint trail of blood leaving the corner of Locaine's lip.

Locaine takes hold of my hips, tossing me off him before he flips up off the ground. His thumb wipes away the blood from his lips.

"Alright," Locaine's seductive blue orbs shift to their black rose, "I see we're going to play that way."

I blink, and he's gone. The air shifts behind me and I whirl around to see Locaine, right before he slams me against the wall.

"So, you do get off pinning me to every wall," I smirk at him, watching the lustful look creeping into those dark eyes. I gasp, Locaine taking both of my wrists in his one left hand and locking them above my head.

"You've discovered my secret," Locaine murmurs, his lips linger on my neck as he presses his body against my own. He then chuckles, "This time, I don't have reign in my urges thanks to your temptations."

His fangs elongate, pressing against my neck and slowly sinking into my flesh. I moan softly as his tongue laps up my blood, taking all, he wants without having a second thought as to my safety.

The sudden release of his canines brings his eyes to lock back on mine, my blood lingering on his lips, "You enjoy being restrained, don't you?" Locaine squeezes my wrists tighter. My upper body just arches toward him, answering his question on its own. "That's what I thought," Locaine smirks, bringing his hand up under my shirt and grasping my breast from under my bra. I writhe in his grasp as he rolls my nipple between his fingers, a burning desire heating me and pooling down to my core.

"Now," Locaine grins, "where I have seen this before?"

"Please..." my breathing is slightly uneven, the constant attention my nipple is receiving is enough to make me beg him for more.

"Please what?" Locaine asks, already trailing his right hand away from my breasts and coming to settle at my hip. Instead of attempting to lower my shorts, as he had done with our first encounter, I find his hand sliding down the front of my shorts and my underwear.

A pleasant shiver runs from the base of my neck all the way down to my spine, anticipating his movements. His middle and ring finger separate my already wet folds, his thumb resting on my clit. My hips buck toward his touch, wanting him to continue with his agonizingly slow touches.

"Please...don't stop," my voice is full of want and he sees it in my eyes, suddenly burying his two fingers to his knuckles deep inside me. He begins to pump them in and out of me, his thumb working away at my sensitive and swollen clit.

"Oh please!" I moan out loudly, Locaine pressing hard against my clit and pumping his fingers against my receptive spot. My muscles clench hard, making me shudder against him. Coming down off my high, Locaine removes his hand, only to tear down my shorts and underwear to my ankles. I step out of them as he removes his sweatpants and boxers.

"My gorgeous little hunter," Locaine whispers into my ear, releasing his hold on my wrists and wrapping my legs around his waist. "we will have to make up for all the years lost."

I smile back, feeling his canines trail down my earlobe and onto my neck, nibbling and licking the sensitive spot. He brings the skin of my neck between his teeth, nipping it playfully as I gasp my body moving closer to his.

Locaine holds my hips, lowering me down onto his throbbing hard cock. Feeling him at my entrance, my cheeks reddening, and I turn away from him for a moment.

"That's what I love most about you, little hunter," Locaine brings my face back to him, kissing me softly on the lips and then pulling away, "you're always so shy...and no matter how many times we do this, you always seem so innocent."

I whisper, "I love you, Locaine. I couldn't ever imagine a life without you in it. Promise me...you'll never leave me again."

"I promise," Locaine assures me, lowering me onto his thick cock. My uncontrollable moans only cause him to thrust into me faster. My arms wrap out around his neck, closing what little space there is between us.

"Oh! Locaine!" I moan, my head leaning back against the wall, as he holds me firmly opposed to it. His grip on my hips tightens, pushing me over the edge as a wave of ecstasy passes over me, clenching onto his engorging cock.

I feel the familiar warm liquid seep out of me, Locaine's sudden thrusting slowing down until he comes to a complete stop.

"I love you, Annika," Locaine pants, our heads resting beside each other's necks.

**

-Evicka

Apparently, we aren't the only one's busy last night. My gaze lands on my mother, who is situated in one of the outdoor chairs. One thing about these new homes...sound carries...even from underground. She seems...renewed. They had been 'training'.

Yea...I don't buy that.

It is Janie's turn, as promised, to take her challenge. None of the buildings are large enough to facilitate an indoor battle like the magnitude the challenge provides. Each of the homes does have a training room, large enough for four people, but with spectators, we are pushing the limits.

Janie is prepared, standing in the center of the row of homes on either side of her. She has two broadswords and two daggers, the swords are already drawn and waiting for everyone to set up. Her challengers are; Rynn, Eryx, Flynn, Henri, and Michael. Kenzie and Killian are still not allowed to fight her, as their feelings toward her might get in their way.

After what happened to Rainier, I'm praying Janie will be alright, as my mother will be the only person on standby to stop any major wound. My father finally comes into view.

I must tell him.

I run up to him, halting him in his tracks as he approaches the area where the challenge will take place.

"Dad, wait," my voice is barely above a whisper.

My father gazes down at me with his cerulean eyes, "What's wrong, Evie?"

He's such a dad...he can already tell something's bugging me.

"Locaine, we need to hurry, the sun is not on our side," Killian yells from his chair, drawing my father's attention away.

"Sweetheart," my father smiles, "can it wait until Janie's challenge is