Chapter 37 ∣  Bloodline

-Maverick

Rook extended an arm, motioning toward the front door where Lucette stood, "It'll cost you your blood magic."

"My blood magic?" Well, that wasn't too bad, considering I never used it. I refused to. If that is the price, I would have to pay in order to save Eris, I would. Oh, so I guess you're going to ask why I have blood magic? Well, some hunters are born with the innate ability to control blood, bending it to their will in order to use it as an unstoppable weapon. My grandmother was once a hunter who possessed this trait, she was then turned by my grandfather, who happened to be the vampire king at that time.

My mother was born with blood magic, startling the world as the first pureblood vampire born with this weapon. Well, after meeting my father, I was conceived...which apparently was never supposed to happen, as I was foretold to either save this world, or destroy it, becoming the most powerful being to ever come into existence. Sure, I would have been born with the blood magic trait, yet when I was in my mother's womb, I siphoned her own magic for myself. I couldn't control it, that wasn't my fault. I never wanted to have it to begin with. I'd give it up in a heartbeat if it meant I could be accepted.

Before I was even born, my father had forsaken me...blaming me for taking away my mother's power. It wasn't my fault...

The control I had over my blood magic, was pathetic and my temper just as bad as my father's. Yea, like any father and son, we had our disagreements and arguments would escalate further than they should, but it was the moment I had enough of his rules and judgment, that I attempted to kill him...

Yes, I regret my actions every day. I turned against my father, the vampire king...

I became the rogue pure blood "prince".

"Yes," Rook replied, allowing me to step in front of him, making our way up to the door as Lucette backed through it and turning to the right. As I stepped into the grand lobby, the dark marble floors with crimson flecks reminded me of the luxurious that I once was a part of, my eyes drifting to catch every detail of his home. I was thankful that my childhood friend had heard me out, knowing that if I cared this much about someone, then he truly knew I was changing.

After being on your own for so long, you do find enjoyment in the little things. My favorite had always been, kill as many humans as possible without getting caught. Guess who's still standing? I upped the ante one time...killing an entire coven when I had barely turned twenty-one. I wanted to test my limits and see just how dangerous the words had foretold about me.

The horrifying truth, every bit of it was right. I slaughtered the coven within six minutes. The true sickening terror? I liked it and had no remorse for my actions. Not a single care in the world for murdering my own kind.

You're really going to give it up? Just like that?

Oh, the joys of having a blood bond through family ties, it never dissolved like when you were cast out of a coven.

Of course, Lucette. I have no other choice and I'll be damned if I let Keegan do as he pleases with her. She's already been through enough pain and suffering for a lifetime. She deserves love and a life without deception.

I glanced at Lucette and she raised an eyebrow.

Deception? You're one to talk. I'm going to take a gamble and bet you haven't even told her about who you truly are. If she knew, do you think she would continue to stay within the same proximity as you?

I don't care. I'll worry about that after I tear out the throat of that disgusting incubus.

Oh yes, like I haven't seen those looks before.

I bit my tongue from lashing out at Rook's coven members, coming and going as they pleased, but not before giving me a longing glare or a low growl. I didn't miss this. Yes, as the ratio of purebloods to regular vampires were low...everyone knew who the more powerful beings were and unfortunately, with Rook having said my name, everyone knew exactly who I was.

"Of course," Rook mused to himself, nodding in the direction of the large marble staircase, his eyes locking with mine before walking toward the bottom landing, "It will only be temporary."

"I'd do anything for her...she was enslaved when she was just a child by Prince Kalyn. She killed him, and now the younger brother, Prince Keegan wants her and I'm not even entirely sure why as she was sentenced to a life of seclusion for murdering his brother," I sighed, furious once again with myself for letting him take her away.

His words finally sunk in...

"What?" I was confused now, following his lead to the marble staircase, members of his coven who had been close, suddenly became a lot more scared as I approached them. Good...should fucking be afraid if you're going to be so judgmental, I'll be the monster then, the one everyone knows and fears I will completely become.

"Thankfully...it'll be temporary, as you happen to have a blood relative to serve as a vessel," he was talking about Lucette.

Rook was hiding the intrigue behind his eyes as we reached the top landing. I had barely heard Lucette follow behind me, after all, she was a very practical being and didn't fancy wearing heels. Instead, she was wearing silver flats with light blue denim jeans and a long-sleeved crimson V-neck shirt.

Rook stated, "I should be able to open up a link connection between the succubus and you."

"Huh?" Every time he opened his mouth, I was becoming more confused, not exactly sure how this demonologist was planning on sending me to Hell.

Are you okay with helping me, Lucette?

I've been trying to find a way ever since you were cast away. It was a lonely childhood growing up without you once you were gone. The least I can do is help you now...when you need it the most.

We moved down the hallway, Rook's sights set on a large dark wooden door at the end of it. It was unlike any door I'd ever seen before, but then again; Rook wasn't like any other vampire in the world either. His fascination with diabolism caused a slight uneasiness with other vampire covens and I'm almost positive my father wouldn't want anything to do with it. It was dark magic...along the same lines of what my blood magic was labeled as.

When Rook took hold of the door handle, it changed from golden bronze to an abyssal night. It must be his touch alone that allows the door to open, bio-recognition, but not like any science scanner. He stepped into the room, the once dark space was instantly illuminated with scarlet orbs, floating above open brass cones.

Yea...if only others knew...he'd probably be cast away from the vampire world as well.

What surprised me more...was Lucette didn't appear phased in the slightest. Having the princess knowing about this could very well jeopardizing him if daddy dearest decided to interrogate her. But, apparently, he trusted Rook enough for her to leave the coven and live with her beloved.

I followed cautiously into the large room, the sound of the door closing quietly behind Lucette met my ears, my eyes locking with her sage ones.

"Did you bite her?" Lucette asked, a little nervous for the answer. Like I had assumed, I though Eris would have died, but she didn't...she was asking if she had been altered in any way. Luckily, she hadn't, if anything, just a little more pissed off with me than usual for the next few days.

"Yes," I replied firmly, Rook's chuckling brought my attention from my sister to the pureblood gazing down at an open book on the antique desk, his palms resting against the smooth surface. He snapped his fingers and one of the scarlet orbs flew, coming to float just above his right shoulder, casting his dark shadow against the wall.

"Then yes, I can create a link, so you'll be able to communicate with her," Rook stated, his eyes lifting from the book and flickering from mine and then to Lucette. She walked right past me, her long white hair trailing behind her. Once she approached an emerald table, she motioned me to come to her.

I moved across the room, standing on the opposite side of the table and asked, "How can you create such a special bond?"

"As you know, vampires bite each other when they mate, taking in each other's blood and seeing on a whole new level. With that, a mental link is established, just like when you are a part of a coven or with any family member in your bloodline," Rook paused, taking hold of the book in his hands and walking to the head of the table, Lucette and him staring at each other silently. Before I could say anything, he looked to me and stated, "That's not how a succubus mates."

"Eris told me that sex demons don't have a soulmate," I narrowed my eyes.

"Eris...what a beautiful and perfect name for a succubus, reference to the Greek goddess of chaos, strife, and discord. If she was enslaved like you said she was," Rook paused, setting the book down on the surface of the table. "She was probably fed lies. They do, well, from what I've read and so far regarding other demonic creatures, I haven't been wrong."

My shock was clearly written on my face, Lucette frowning and asking gently, "Are you okay?"

"No...not at all, and I'm positive Eris isn't either," I clenched my hands into fists, shaking in rage at what else she had been lied to about. Those fuckers not only messed around with her physically but screwed her up mentally, leading her to believe she'd never find her true soulmate because she didn't have one...

"Love?" Rook spoke to Lucette, her eyes begrudgingly leaving mine and staring into his, "Are you ready?"

"Yes," she replied, smiling lightly, her footsteps almost silent as she walked around the table, coming to stand just inches away from me. "Are you ready to give up your power, brother?"

If I was underestimating Keegan, I could very well be at a disadvantage not having my blood magic to rely on, traveling to Hell. But without sacrificing it, no matter for how long, I wouldn't be able to go there in the first place. I quickly responded, "Do it."

"It will be for twenty-four hours," Rook spoke, watching as Lucette brought the palm of her hand against her lips, her fangs elongating. "Just like it had been discovered by one of the deceased recognized coven leaders, way back in the day, the blood of a pureblood can control any hunter that possess blood magic...except a pureblood. You can willingly allow Lucette to pull it from you and she will be your vessel. It will be strong for her to control and I won't allow any fatalities...I'm not taking any chances as I'm not entirely sure what it could do to her."

Rook came into view, carrying a syringe with what I could only assume was some type of blood thinner, the only thing that could render blood magic useless and the exact reason why I never drink, as alcohol is a natural blood thinner. Standing beside Lucette, Rook broke the surface of the skin on her neck, the needle sliding in as he dispensed the liquid. Once the needle had been removed, Rook smirked, "Go for it."

Lucette's fangs punctured the palm of her hand, lifting my own palm to my lips and feeling my fangs touching against the skin. When her blood filled my senses, I bit into my own palm, drawing it away from my lips and bring my eyes to look at hers, blood rose orbs reflecting my own. We clasped our hands together, letting the connection that I had suppressed for so long, ignite to the surface on its own.

A small gasp escaped her lips, the blood magic leaving my being as I remained calm, focusing on just letting it happen and not fighting back to keep it. It was much harder than I thought, but then Lucette whispered, "Think of mother..."

If I could give her blood magic back to her...permanently, I would. My sister's words alone keeping my focus and before I could second guess myself, our palms ceased to touch, Lucette taking a few steps away, her lower back hitting the solid emerald table.

"Lucette?" I asked. It felt like ice had taken up residence in my chest, the warm light that once held onto me, was no longer with me. It was an odd feeling, but if I didn't shake it off, I'd falter and that could get Eris or myself killed.

She held her hand up and shook her head, "I'm fine..."

"Now," Rook sighed, knowing I wasn't going to like the next part, "Take off your coat and shirt and lay on the table."

I nodded silently, still feeling slightly shaken as to what had just happened, my coat hitting the floor, followed by my shirt. Placing my hands on the edge of the table, I lifted myself, feeling the coolness radiate through my skin as my back contacted its surface.

"Maverick," Rook stood on my left side, his eyes scanning the book as Lucette walked around the table to stand opposite him, "I'm going to put you in a death-like state."

"What the fuck are you talking about?!" I panicked, my muscle tensing.

Rook withdrew a silver dagger, my body involuntarily moving away, but stopped once I hit Lucette. "Stop being such a baby," Rook chuckled darkly, "You know you can't die unless someone removes that arrogant head of yours. No, I'm going to ram this dagger through your heart and prevent it from leaving your body. It'll send you to Hell but allow you to return."

"H-how will I return?" My eyes glanced from the dagger and then back to Rook.

It was such a creepy laugh...

"If I'm correct, which I always am," Rook smirked, "When your beloved's soul is completely restored, she'll be able to transport you back."

"M-my b-beloved? W-what?" My mind was running at a million miles a minute, I had only called her that in an endearing term, knowing she couldn't possibly be my beloved.

Rook leered at me, bring the tip of the dagger to rest on my skin, right above my beating heart.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you," he pressed the metal a little harder against my skin, "If you weren't truly meant for each other, I wouldn't be able to establish a temporary connection...that is until the two of you can make a permanent one yourself."

Eris truly is...is my one love, it must be that portion of her soul that has been taken from her, preventing a connection from her side to even happen. An odd thought struck me at Rook's words, how the fuck does a succubus mate...? I mean...I saw what the princes did...but they forcefully marked her.

Rook's eyes shifted to a black rose, his fangs elongating as he whispered, "Coniungere."

He shoved the dagger unexpectedly through my chest, slicing right through my heart and causing a low yell to leave my lips, snapping my eyes shut tightly to push away the pain. My breathing became uneven and my pulse slowed, my body losing touch with the world around it.

"Find your love, dear brother," Lucette's voice was distant.

Eris...

Maverick?! H-How...

I'm coming for you, my little vixen. Hold on, sweetheart.

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To Seduce a Succubus by K. A. Young.

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