Twisted: Rogues Shifter Series Book 3

1

Jackie: Wednesday, 12:00 a.m.

Idreamed

Garrett and I entered the forest, his long fingers playfully weaving through mine as we walked among the ancient sentinels. Our footsteps were silent on this pathway, cut through the brush long ago by the forest’s smaller residents. As I filled my lungs with my mate’s sweet scent and the musky smell of the damp forest, we came to a clearing where the branches and leaves formed a roof of sorts and the rain found no outlet to the ground. We rested on the soft, dry forest floor, leaning shoulder to shoulder with our backs against the trunk of a redwood tree.

Garrett stroked my face with his knuckles and lifted my chin. His glittering sapphire eyes spoke to me of his love. Je viens pour toi. I’m coming for you. He kissed me gently on the lips. Never doubt it.

I jerked awake, painfully aware of the burning ache in my upper arms and the jackhammer-like throbbing in my head. My hands were tied tightly behind my back at the wrists and I could barely feel my fingers when I tried to wiggle them. Although my legs and ankles were unbound, my bare feet felt bruised, as if I’d been dragged and banged around on the journey.

I hesitated for a moment, afraid, but forced myself to open my eyes. I was on the bare mattress of a double bed in a room with cement walls and no windows. The only light came from a small lamp that sat on a wooden dresser opposite the bed. In the corner, a round wooden table and two chairs rounded out the plain furnishings. A cool breeze stirred my hair so I looked up to discover the source. An air vent in the concrete ceiling, covered by the usual metal grid, was blowing fresh air into the room.

With awareness, came memory and intense fear, causing adrenaline to pour into my system. My heart jumped in my chest and a chilled sweat began to seep under my arms and along my hairline. He’d taken me, just as he’d threatened to do.

I listened intently but didn’t hear anyone breathing or moving about so I wiggled my arms to try to loosen the bindings. Making no progress, I wrenched and twisted my body to get a view of the other side of the room. Jolts of pain rewarded me for my efforts, and I bit my lip to keep from crying out or moaning. I might appear to be alone, but someone could be right outside. Outside of what? I looked again. Other than a door that led to a small bathroom, there was no other means of entering or exiting the room.

I sucked in a breath to steady myself and tried to think about something other than the pain. As Kennet had promised, he’d allowed me to call Garrett, which meant Bridgett was safely home again. I hoped she wasn’t in bad shape and that Garrett didn’t blame her for what happened. From the way she’d mumbled when she’d spoken to me on the phone, I was fairly sure her face was swollen from a beating. Garrett or Liam would be able to take care of any serious wounds, and any other injuries she’d heal on her own with her shifter powers.

Garrett must have read my note by now and understood why I’d agreed to the trade. At least I hoped he understood. There was no way I could have left my sister in Kennet’s hands. This was not her fight and I wouldn’t allow her to suffer because of my big mouth. I’d stupidly insulted a fae lord, turning him into an enemy. My impulsive behavior had put everyone in danger. Ethan had almost died because of me. Bridgett’s only mistake was to stupidly go out alone, against Garrett’s orders. He’d be angry with her, but I trusted his level head would win out over his rage.

I visualized him reading the note I’d left on my bed. What had I written? Take care of Bridgett, I knew he’d find me, and he was my heart. That’s all I could remember, although I’m sure there was something else. He’d laughed at me when I’d called, before I’d had a chance to tell him where Bridgett was. I’d had no time for long goodbyes, but I’d made a point of saying, "Je t’aime, mon ange," and I knew he’d feel my love in those few, intimate words.

I looked around the room once more. Where was I? I definitely wasn’t in Faerie. This was more like where Kennet had kept the fae he’d kidnapped with the help of the werewolf pack run by Bridgett’s dad.

My brain had finally cleared enough to remind me I could get out of my bindings by connecting to the magic. I sent out my usual mental thread; only this time it crashed into a solid wall right where there should have been a river of magic. For the first time since I’d learned to use them, I couldn’t access the power of the ley lines.

I was starting to panic, my breaths coming fast and shallow. To prevent the terror from consuming me, I dug my nails into my palms, allowing the pain to bring me back to reality. If I couldn’t think clearly, I wouldn’t be able to plan an escape.

Escape isn’t possible, Jacqueline. Kennet’s voice was rich in tone and full of its usual arrogance. My gut cramped up, threatening to bring up the contents of my stomach. He always had that effect on me, the snake. He stood alongside the bed, having appeared magically out of nowhere. Obviously, he’d had no trouble with the lines, which meant the block was only keyed in to me.

He was dressed in breeches, boots and a loose shirt, fitted at the waist with a belt and a scabbard, which housed a long blade. He was in fighting gear, perhaps prepared for a rescue attempt. That thought cheered me up, as did his slightly frazzled expression. His waist-length blonde hair was unkempt and his deep purple eyes were red from lack of sleep. He knew Lord Caelen and the other fae elders were searching for him, and when they found him, he’d be in serious shit.

My body was trembling from the rush of adrenalin, but he only smirked. "You don’t need to fear me, as long as you don’t prove uncooperative. You are an intelligent woman, Jacqueline. Your mate and your friends will be safe as long as you obey me. I will let you return to your mate after the birth of my heir. I swear to you this is the truth. I am sure your vampire will take you back when I’m finished with you." He referred to Garrett with disgust. Kennet thought all races were beneath the fae, and him in particular.

My hands were suddenly free of their bindings. I groaned from the pain of renewed circulation as I struggled to sit up, rubbing my wrists vigorously. I was dressed in a long, soft sleeveless gown in light green with a deep v-neck. He stared at my breasts as I moved, so I tried to pull the neck of the dress up to cover myself.

He smiled at my feeble attempt at modesty. I’m going to leave you to recover and regain your strength. Blankets for the bed can be found in the drawers and food has already been left for you on the table. The bath is through that door. This is your sleeping chamber for the time being. If you please me, I will move you somewhere much more luxurious. If you don’t, then I will find a way to force you. As you’ve seen, I won’t hesitate to use someone you care about to convince you to cooperate. The snow leopard is quite lovely.

He sent to my mind an image of Sinc tied up and crying out in pain, her beautiful face a bloody mess. I couldn’t stop myself from gasping in shock, making him smile as he disappeared into the magic.

I dragged myself off the bed to stumble into the other room and splash cool water on my face, wiping away the few tears that had forced their way out, despite my best efforts to hold them back. There was no mirror—no glass anywhere—probably a wise move on his part.

After drying my face, I moved like a zombie into the main room and sat, the edge of the bed dipping slightly. Now that he’d left, I was able to breathe normally, but when would he be back?

I shuddered, but refused to fall apart. Instead, I rubbed my arms to warm my blood, clenched my jaw in concentration and began to formulate a plan.

2

Garrett: Wednesday, 12:00 a.m.

That bastard had Jackie.

Bridgett was sitting on the couch sobbing plaintively, but I couldn’t bring myself to care about her pain or her guilt. Sinc was attempting to comfort the girl, but all I wanted was to force her to give me every shred of information she had so I could drain her and rip out her throat. My fangs were already grazing against my bottom lip, anxious to sink deeply into her flesh and drink her dry. The familiar tingling sensation in my eyes, coupled with her scent made my mouth water in anticipation. The smell of the blood on her face and her clothes had already helped me forget that she was Jackie’s sister.

Garrett, you’re frightening her. Liam was in my mind and he was angry. You won’t get any information that way. Try using glamour.

I’d rather drain her. I pulled back my lips, forming a snarl.

Completement givre! Liam was telling me I was out of control, hoping this warning would get my attention where his English demands hadn’t.

I turned to look at him and was shocked at his furious expression. There he stood, still wearing the sweatpants Jackie had loaned him when he’d shown up at the house exhausted and ill from the executions he’d been forced to carry out. His skin was pale but his eyes held flecks of angry gold as his temper flared. Glamour her and get the information we need so we can find Jackie.

I was clinging to my rage like a life raft because allowing myself to feel anything else would unravel me. You glamour her. Then I’ll rip out her throat. I turned back to Bridgett. My expression must have been fairly terrifying because she took one look at me and buried her swollen face in Sinc’s shoulder, whimpering softly.

Garrett, you’re vamping out, she snapped. You’re not helping Jackie this way. I could smell fear wafting off both of them. I was scaring Sinc almost as much as Bridgett.

I glared, speaking in measured tones. Move off the couch, Sinc. I stepped closer.

Her eyes had widened but she continued to protect Bridgett, showing quite a lot of courage. I might have felt proud of the young snow leopard, if it hadn’t been me from whom she was protecting Bridgett. I’m not going anywhere. I won’t let you hurt her. She stuck her chin out stubbornly. Kennet had total control over her. She couldn’t stop herself from calling Jackie.

How do you know this?

She told me.

And you believe her? Sinc nodded.

I glanced at Liam, who sent, "Go into Bridgett’s mind and find out what happened. I’ll be there with you so you don’t…vamp out." I narrowed my eyes when I caught Liam’s mouth twitching slightly.

Even though breathing wasn’t necessary for a vampire, I took in a slow breath and expelled it at the same rate, making an enormous effort to calm my mind and my body. I wasn’t helping Jackie with my anger. But Bridgett’s foolish decision to leave Maya’s house alone, making it easy for Kennet to snatch her up and turn her into a hostage, was the real reason he was able to take Jackie so easily.

I’m asking you one more time to move off the couch. I’d lowered the volume and pitch of my voice and unclenched my fists to show Sinc I was in complete control. I’m not going to hurt her. Yet. My darker side was perfectly willing to rip her to shreds after I’d gotten the information I needed.

My rational side understood quite clearly why I was clinging to my anger. If I let go I’d fall apart, and that couldn’t happen until my love was home and safely away from that pervert. An uninvited shudder ran up my spine. How was he treating her? The idea that he could be torturing—raping her—shredded my mind and engulfed my heart with rage and horror. I dug my fingernails into my palms, reopening previous wounds. Blood flowed freely past my knuckles to drip on the floor by my feet. I heard a hiss and realized it had come from my mouth.

The hand squeezing my shoulder brought with it a wash of healing energy, jolting me back to a good view of the two terrified females on the couch. I turned toward Liam, aching for his help and a return to sanity. Listen to me, Garrett. We’re going to find her. He will not kill her or seriously harm her because he will understand she must be strong and healthy to bear his child. I know it’s horrifying to think of him touching her, but she will survive and you will get her back. She’s survived such a thing in the past. We may find her before... He took a deep breath of his own. He may wait until it’s her fertile time of the month, which for shifters usually begins two days before the full moon, a week from now.

I closed my eyes. Liam was correct. I would stay in control and think clearly. Sucking in another breath of air, I blew it out in a loud huff to steady myself. The silver sensation was gone, meaning my eyes had cleared. I pulled in my fangs and looked again at Sinc, letting her know I was back in control and expected her obedience. She nodded, much less defiant, and stood to move beside Liam. Bridgett whimpered in terror, trying to scoot away from me, but I lowered my body to the couch and slowly reached for her hand.

Bridgett, I whispered, as I glamoured her. You will let me into your mind now. Tear down your wall and open to me. Show me everything that happened tonight from the time you decided to leave Maya’s house until now. She stared into my eyes with a glazed look and nodded.

As I sent Bridget’s thoughts to Liam, we were finally able to witness what had led to Jackie’s abduction.

3

Bridgett: The Night Before, 10:30 p.m.

Maya was cool. I was having a good time with her and learning a lot. But she’d gone to bed early and I was restless. I thought about calling Jackie, but changed my mind when I remembered we were meeting up tomorrow morning. I’d need to work hard if I wanted to have a real sister-type relationship with her, and there was nothing I wanted more than that right now.

The realization freaked me out a little. I mean she’d stood by and watched her fae buddy, Liam, torture and kill my dad. It was true, he’d been guilty of torturing six fae, holding them prisoner and chaining them with iron for months. So I guess there wasn’t much she could have done about it anyway, especially since she was busy saving my life at the time. But I’d never trust that fae friend of hers.

I stared out the window. The night was warm and clear, so I thought I’d sneak out for a shift. It was a new thing for me to feel comfortable as a cheetah. As the adopted child of a werewolf pack leader, I’d had to hide what I was from the rest of the pack for my own safety. Cheetahs are gifted with psychic powers that often give other supernaturals the creeps and my dad had done all that he could to make sure no one found out the truth.

I’d always love and miss him even though he may have lied to me about my mom’s death. As awful as it seemed, I understood why he’d helped Lord Kennet, even though it was horribly wrong and had put all of us in danger. Our pack had been struggling financially. Some of our wolves didn’t have enough food for their families. Before Kennet showed up with his scheme to kidnap those fae, my dad would cook for the families who were in the worst shape or buy them groceries whenever he could. Kennet’s plan seemed like the answer to everyone’s prayers. Weres don’t generally trust the fae, especially since they sometimes ally themselves with vampires.

And nobody trusts the bloodsuckers.

I left Maya a note, just in case she woke up and got worried. I was wearing a tank top over a sports bra and Capri-length sweatpants that had a pocket where I put my cell phone in case anyone called. I knew I wouldn’t be running into any weres, because it was still a week before the full moon. Bumping into other shifters was never a problem since we just sniffed around each other and then went our own way. And really, what was the chance that Kennet would be anywhere near Maya’s house? A powerful witch had warded it up the wazoo. We were all totally safe.

As I ran into the woods, I felt the warm air blow through my short dark hair. I thought about letting its natural color grow in, but that would look pretty awful. Maybe Maya or Jackie could help me dye it to a color that was closer to my light brown. I’d stopped wearing my brown contacts too. I kinda liked looking at my green eyes in the mirror, especially since they were exactly the same color as Jackie’s. Having a real blood sister was definitely the coolest thing that had ever happened to me.

I fell on the path and landed hard, sprawling face down in the dirt and scraping up my hands pretty badly. My first thought was, what did I trip on? When I tried to get up, I realized I couldn’t move at all. My heart was pounding out a heavy beat when a pair of black leather boots appeared on the ground by my face. My stomach twisted in my gut when I smelled fae, a scent I’d become very familiar with in the last few months. I wasn’t completely surprised when I was lifted up magically to kinda float before Lord Kennet, my legs and arms dangling uselessly at my sides.

His smirking face iced my blood. Young cheetah, do you have your phone? He looked smug and relaxed, not straining at all with the effort it took to hold me suspended in the air.

Fuck you.

He didn’t hold back, because the slap across my face whipped my head to the side and really stung. He must have cut my lip, too, ’cause I tasted blood. I asked if you have your phone? His voice was harsher, not quite like the way the fae usually sounded. I was scared but I held on to my anger. No way was I helping him catch Jackie.

I lifted my chin. "And I answered you, Kennet. Maybe you didn’t listen. I said, fuck you."

He smiled as he slapped me again in the same spot. This time I cried out from the pain. Call Jacqueline and I won’t hurt you again. I blinked away tears and glanced at his face. His eyes were sparkling with gold. I had a really bad feeling that meant he was getting off on the violence. Not. Good. At All. My lip was bleeding worse, the drops falling on my shirt, but I couldn’t lift my arms to wipe it.

No. This time my voice sounded a little shaky.

He scanned my body with his dark gaze. I could search for it. He reached out and grasped the bottom of my tank top in both of his hands, then slowly began to rip the fabric, the tear moving upwards until my sports bra started to show. At this point I was trembling, disgusted he was standing so close that I could smell his sour breath. Everything about him made me feel dirty. I turned my head away as much as I could manage. I’m not going to help you hurt her.

He stopped what he was doing and forced my head back around, his fingers digging into my chin. I will not hurt her. I intend to honor her by making her my lady, the lady of a fae lord of the royal blood.

I snorted and then laughed. I couldn’t help it. His ego was off the charts. I didn’t even see the fist coming at me or realize the danger until I heard my nose break. Blood was spurting everywhere and I was sobbing. The pain, oh god, it hurt so much.

Still, I wouldn’t call her. You can—can kill me but I’m not helping you. I spat blood at his face.

He wiped it off with a cloth he pulled from his sleeve. If I decide to kill you it will be accomplished very slowly and will involve a great amount of pain. He was suddenly in my mind and I was watching Jackie and my mother and father burning from the silver chains around their necks, arms and legs. They were screaming and pleading with me to help them. I could smell the burning flesh melting from their bones. I heard myself screaming madly. He hit me again, this time in the ribs. There was a cracking noise. If I’d been able to move anything other than my head, I would’ve doubled over from the agony.

I am beginning to enjoy myself and may not wish to stop at all. He grabbed my hair roughly, tilting my face so I’d have to look at him. Beg me to stop now, cheetah. His eyes were solid gold and he was grinning and breathing in my scent like some kind of crazy animal. I knew I wouldn’t last long at this rate. His horrible vision continued to run through my mind, still torturing me. I swear I will not hurt her, he repeated. When I didn’t answer right away he pinched my broken nose. I screamed.

I hated myself when I broke. He’d left my face so badly swollen I was only able to mumble between sobs. I’ll call her. I’ll call her. Just please, please stop it. The vision disappeared, but to my horror, he reached out to stroke my face. I wanted to puke.

Of course you will. Now listen and obey me. Tell her to go somewhere in the house where she will have complete privacy. Say you have to tell her something very important but you do not want anyone else to overhear your conversation. If you say anything else to her, you will regret it.

He allowed me the use of my hands and I did what he’d told me to do. I was shaking and nauseous and my face was so swollen that I sounded strange when I spoke. Jackie said she’d call me back in two minutes so I hung up.

Hand me the phone. He held out his hand and I passed it to him, despising myself for being so freakin’ weak. He smiled and grabbed my nose, giving it a yank. I wailed. You should thank me for straightening it.

Instead I moaned and panted and cried and felt like the world’s stupidest person for leaving Maya’s house alone. Jackie would never forgive me and Garrett would probably kill me if she got hurt. I’d deserve it too.

Kennet’s eyes were glowing with gold and it was clear he was totally getting off on watching me bleed and cry. The phone rang and he lowered his face to my level and whispered. You will speak only when I tell you to, or I will kill you. To emphasize his point, he pushed on my broken rib with his hand. I gasped and groaned.

He answered the phone. I have your lovely young sister. Bridgett, say something to Jacqueline.

I’m sorry. I croaked into the phone. It was all I could think of to say. He laughed at me.

Bridgett, are you all right?

Don’t come. I saw his fist only a second before it hit my temple. I blacked out.

4

Garrett: Wednesday, 12:30 a.m.

Ireleased her from the glamour and stood, moving to sit in the chair across from her so I wouldn’t appear so intimidating. She’d surprised me. She was stupid to have gone out against my orders but she’d shown great courage in her encounter with Kennet. Her face was a swollen mess. Her nose and lip were still bleeding and the broken rib was causing her pain when she breathed. She needed something to help her natural healing kick in. Sinc, could you ask William to come upstairs? Sasha and Heinrich are still out, but William should be in the basement.

You won’t hurt her? Jackie would never forgive you. Sinc glared at me defiantly.

I watched the tears streaming down Bridgett’s face. She’s safe here with us. Sinc looked at me curiously, but when I pointed toward the staircase, she left.

Still trembling slightly, I shook off the tension and spoke to Bridgett in a calm voice. Thank you for trying to keep Kennet from taking her. You were extremely brave. I apologize if I frightened you.

Bridgett’s stunned expression was expected after the way I’d behaved at first. Her speech was mumbled because of the swelling, but she did her best. My faul he haser. You shuh kill me.

Many of the tears she was shedding were probably for Jackie’s sake. It isn’t your fault. It was stupid of you to leave Maya’s house, but Kennet is the one responsible. You’ll stay with us until Kennet is taken care of. You’re safer here. There’s another bedroom on the third floor. Maya can bring over your things later.

She gazed at me gratefully and the sight of emerald eyes like Jackie’s forced me to turn away and try to swallow down my pain. I heard a noise at the top of the stairs as Sinc returned, followed by William. Will, this is Bridgett Brownlow, Jackie’s sister. Bridgett this is William Carlyle. He’s a member of my nest. William, did you feed tonight?

Yes.

I’d like you to give Bridgett some blood. I won’t force you to do it, but her wounds aren’t healing well and I’d appreciate it if you could help her.

They looked at each other, seemingly sizing one another up. Yes, of course Garrett, William answered.

I turned to Bridgett. It will help you heal more quickly.

K, I guesh. She looked a little embarrassed, as if I’d asked her to kiss him. As William sat on the couch next to her I flashed on when I’d first given Jackie blood. She’d been seriously injured and wouldn’t have survived without it. It created a natural bond: a protective link. I smiled. A connection like that might be something good for both of them.

I sent to Will, "I’m trusting you with her. You will be gentle. Will nodded. No more than one minute, I said out loud. Bridgett turned to William looking curious. William would have blushed if he could have. When you finish, I want both of you downstairs. You’ll need to eat something, Bridgett. We’re having a meeting, and you’re a part of this now. I’ll be back in twenty minutes. I’m calling back Sasha and Heinrich."

I took the stairs two at a time as I raced to find Liam. He was waiting for me by the front door with Samson’s leash in his hand. Samson was restless: pacing, growling and whimpering in turn.

My thoughts exactly. Have you contacted your father and brother?

Our full resources are at your disposal. I’m glad to see you’re back with us. He smiled.

I’ll have plenty of time to fall apart after I get her back. Thank you.

You’ve done the same for me. I’ll take Samson and we’ll search together for Jackie. My father is coming to your meeting tonight. He has a suggestion or two.

He honors me.

You are his ally and his friend. Now go and feed before you pass out. Liam turned and left and I followed him out the door. I watched as he disappeared into the woods and I walked in the other direction. When I reached the grassy area behind the house I switched into vamp speed. One minute later, I was standing in front of a small ranch-style house, which sat back from a narrow one-way lane. I rang the doorbell and Carol answered the door.

She smiled when she saw me. Hello, Garrett. I didn’t expect you.

I’m very sorry, Carol, but I need your help tonight.

It’s fine. My mom is here and she can watch the kids. You’re always welcome. Come in.

Carol’s husband had passed away in a car accident five years ago, leaving her with two young children, an elderly human mother and no health insurance. I paid for her family’s insurance and she allowed me to feed from her once every ten days or so. I had five donors with whom I had similar arrangements. I didn’t need to take blood from any of them because they were all shifters and I could drain energy from them simply by touching them. They experienced no pain and simply fell asleep in my arms. It was gentle and quick. On other nights, I would feed from Jackie, usually exchanging blood when we made love.

Feeding every night was the ideal, but I could last a long time without feeding at all. It just wasn’t very pleasant.

Hello Mrs. Johansson, I greeted her mother.

Hello, Garrett. How is your lovely Jackie? Carol and her mom had been at the bonding party one month ago.

I’m afraid she’s in trouble. I didn’t want to go into too much detail. I’m not going to be able to keep to a regular schedule anymore. I’m leaving soon and I’m not sure when I’ll be back.

You let us know where you’re going to be and I’ll get you some volunteers in that area. Don’t worry about anything. You’ve risked your life for us and it’s the least we can do. And we’re so grateful for what you’ve done for Carol and the children. I’ll set it all up. Just tell me where you’ll be.

I’ll call you when I know.

Perfect.

I leaned over and kissed her on the cheek then followed Carol into her bedroom.

I think my mom has a huge crush on you. She laughed as she sat on the bed pulling me down to sit next to her.

She reminds me of my mom, which is a huge compliment by the way, I laughed.

I took her face in my hands and it only took a few seconds for her to fall into the trance. I leaned her head against my chest, wrapped my arms around her, then tapped into the lines, beginning to drain her of some of her