Rebellion (Risen Series Bk1)

Chapter 11: Trust

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A knock on the door had me sighing heavily, pulling the pillow tighter over my head. I hoped if I just ignored them, whoever it was would go away, but they were persistent. Another round of knocks and I groaned, sitting up.

"Come in." I called wearily, expecting the serious face of Atanas to appear.

I was surprised when it was Anna that entered, gently shutting the door behind her. She stood awkwardly by the door, tucking chestnut hair behind her ear.

"Are you going to hide away in here forever?" She asked, taking the initiative and sitting next to me on the bed.

I shifted, putting some distance between us. She didn't seem offended by my need for space.

"If I can get away with it." I muttered, staring at the bedsheets that I fidgeted with.

Her laugh was musical her whole face lighting up in amusement, "I don't think I can let you do that."

"I just need some space to breath. Everything here seems to be so...intense."

She laughed again, reaching out to squeeze my hand. I flinched, unused to being touched so and Anna seemed to understand. While she never released my hand, she loosened her hold enough that I could move if I wanted to. She seemed to know more about my odd quirks than I felt comfortable with. Padraig had said that Anna could see our deepest desires, I wondered if she could see more about us than she let on.

"Atanas is worried about you, I think he'd like it if you joined us downstairs. Our guests will be arriving in the next few days, it would be good if you stood by Atanas' side when they did." She urged.

I frowned, Atanas was worried? That was something I highly doubted. If anything, I was an inconvenience he could do without, not something to be worried about.

"He knows you'll be uncomfortable around so many strangers and he knows there's a risk they won't trust you. He needs them to trust you for you to be safe and you're safest by his side, where he wants you." She continued, giving me a pleading look.

Rubbing my face, I pushed the mountain of questions away, focusing just on what I needed to. She was right, I needed to be trusted. Perhaps that was why Atanas had left my mark on his skin, as proof to the others of how he trusted me enough to let me feed from him. It made more sense than the idea that he had actually wanted to keep it.

"Okay." I relented finally, giving myself a headache with all my thinking, "I'll show my face."

She grinned, her delight shining through her features. She gripped my hand again, pulling me with her to the door while I tried to stomach the nerves that rolled through me. It was hard enough watching Padraig and Anna's odd relationship without thinking of having to deal with others.

She paused, turning to face me.

"It's more than what it seems, trust that. He really does care." She said suddenly, freezing me to my core.

It was like she could read my thoughts and her warm brown eyes were like windows that I didn't want to look through for fear of what I would see. I wasn't sure who she was talking about, whether she knew that her relationship with her master scared me, or if she was talking about Atanas. Either way, I gave her a weak smile that seemed to satisfy her enough to start moving again.

Her grip on my hand was light but she never let go and I began to worry that maybe there was already new people downstairs. I was relieved when I saw it was still just Padraig and Atanas. They were sitting across from each other with playing cards in hand, serious expressions on their faces.

"See, master," Anna sang smugly, drawing the males attention towards us, "I told you I could coax her out!"

Padraig grinned, tugging her onto his lap to plant a kiss on her lips, "Well done."

I looked away, sliding onto the couch beside Atanas. At least I managed not to make a fool of myself this time, even as I recoiled at the word. Why Anna would gladly call a man her master was beyond me, what could she possibly be getting out of it. While she had somewhat of a young and innocent air about her, I had no doubt that she was capable of looking after and protecting herself.

Padraig collected all the cards from the table, shuffling them in his hands, "Do you want to play, Shylah?"

Eyeing the game and the odd counters that were piled in the middle, undecided if the distraction would be a welcome one.

"Sure, though I don't know how good I'll be. I've never played before." I replied, watching him hand the cards out.

"It's not too difficult, you'll catch on quickly." He assured me with a smile.

Atanas remained quiet. He hadn't so much as glanced in my direction and I took the time to glance at his neck. My mark was fading, only two faint red dots were left, but my scent still lingered on his skin. He must have sensed my gaze on him because suddenly I was staring into electric blue eyes that glinted. The corner of his lips quirked into a smirk and I blushed, quickly looking away.

"So..." I murmured, trying to find a topic of conversation, "How did you and Anna meet?"

Anna and Padraig shared a grin.

"Have you ever heard of the Yetholm gypsies?" Padraig asked, tipping his head.

I shook my head, forgetting about the game of cards. Anna slipped from his lap and poured two more glasses of wine, passing one to me. Taking a grateful sip, I relaxed into the soft couch.

"My full name is Anna Faa Blythe. I am a descendant of the Yetholm gypsy kings. We were granted land by the borders in 1695 after one of our own saved the life of a British officer. Originally we were from areas around Egypt, but we made the borders our home after escaping persecution. What it won't tell you in the history books is that our family are supposedly descendants of gods. Magic ran strong in our blood, it's somewhat dwindled now.

"Many of our tribe have settled permanently but my family still travel. My mother and I would tell fortunes while my father and brothers would do odd building jobs and the likes. I was one of the last in our family that still had real magic, powerful magic." Anna explained.

I was entranced and surprised that I had never heard of her people. Her origins made sense though, Anna's skin was an olive tone, giving away that she wasn't a native Scot. Leaning forward, eager to hear more, I ignored the quiet laugh from Atanas. I must have looked like a child eagerly waiting to hear a bed time story.

Padraig sat back, picking up his glass, taking over the story telling, "I'd heard of Anna's family and found myself intrigued. I traced them to a small village by the borders and there was Anna with a deck of tarot cards, telling silly fortunes to people. I could feel the power inside her, but she'd never been taught to use it. I saw the potential and I couldn't ignore it."

"He made a proposition that I couldn't refuse. He would find someone to teach me more about the magic I had and how to control it, and I would serve him. I'd never met a vampire before, though I knew of their existence. Living the life of a gyspy wasn't enough for me, I wanted adventure, so I couldn't refuse him. Why he's decided to keep me around for so long is still a mystery to me." She joked, sending me a wink that had me blushing again.

"My friend has always collected things that caught his interest." Atanas chuckled, dropping his own hand of cards.

Hiding the way that made me shudder, I dropped my gaze. Anna was a person, not something to collect. It was too much like the way Airell had seemed to collect new vampires and keep them for his own pleasure.

"What can I say?" Padraig grinned, "I have a love of the unique. You're quite unique yourself, Shylah, could I persuade you to stay here with us?"

Atanas growled before I could defend myself, glaring at his friend, "Do we have to have a discussion on boundaries again, Padraig?"

"Of course not, I'm teasing." Padraig sighed, waving a hand, "Really, you've been so touchy today. Is it because you're nervous about asking Shylah to share her blood with you?"

I choked on my wine, my hand flying to my chest.

"Padraig!" Atanas hissed, his fangs descending with his anger.

"What is he talking about?" I gaped, turning to glare at Atanas who raised a calming hand.

"It's not how it sounds. With so many due to arrive, I'm worried about your safety. Your origins will not be able to be kept from them, which will have a few quite distrustful of you. While they may be our friends, they're still dangerous. I need you to be safe-" He tried to explain.

"That doesn't explain why you want my blood." I interrupted.

The look he gave me was heated and had an odd feeling filling me.

"They won't hurt you if I've put a claim on you." He said slowly, his eyes flicking over me, waiting for my reaction.

I jumped to my feet, glaring, and Padraig whistled, pouring himself another drink.

"You're not putting a claim on me." I snapped, "I can take care of myself. I don't need you."

Atanas stood too, reaching out for me but I stumbled back. Anger rushed through me, bubbling up like lava, threatening to explode in violence.

"Not a full claim. We won't be mated. It will be just like the mark you left on me, enough that people will smell my scent on you. They wouldn't dare hurt someone I've claimed as mine."

Shaking my head, it was fear that erupted through the anger. Only a few vampires had ever tasted my blood, and it had been against my will every painful time. I understood what he was saying, why he was making the suggestion; I would feel safer knowing that I had his protection even when he wasn't next to me...

"I hate to agree with him, but it might be best. It would ward off more than just those here, anyone who knew his scent wouldn't dare lift a hand against you with his mark on your skin. Not if they fear his wrath, and many do." Padraig added.

Anna tipped her head, her dark eyes studying me in a way that told me she was using her power, "She's scared. Surely you know the pleasure of a bite, Shylah. Atanas wouldn't allow it to be painful."

I stared at her. Of course I had seen the pleasure a bite gave to others when they gave in, but I had only ever felt the fiery touch of pain. When one fights against the bite, the drawing of blood, the pain is excruciating. I didn't know if I'd be able to give into Atanas...or perhaps I was worried about how easily I could, and what that would mean.

"I...I don't know." I stuttered, frowning, unable to sort through my thoughts quick enough.

Padraig opened his mouth but Atanas grabbed my hand before I could recoil and cut in, "Let's go for that walk by the sea and talk."

Before I could even answer he was leading me out into the dark and through tall dry grass that became soft sand. Roaring waves crashed against the shore, bringing with it the smell of salty air. Under the light of the moon, the water shimmered like liquid mercury and I couldn't help the smile that lit up my face.

"It's beautiful." I whispered breathlessly, releasing Atanas' hand to step closer.

An orange glow lit up the sky on the far side of the bay, the village I guessed. Crouching down, I sunk my fingers into wet sand, memorising the rough texture and the way granules stuck to my hand. Waves crept slowly closer, soaking the toes of my boots but I didn't care. I had missed out having never seen this sight before and I found that the beach was now one of my favourite places I had ever been.

"I just want to protect you, Shylah. You believe me, don't you?" Atanas murmured from behind me.

His heat beat against my back as he came closer before crouching next to me. My face lifted so I could look at him and his sudden smile had me blinking in confusion.

"What?" I asked, blushing at the way he refused to look away from me.

"Even your hair looks silver in this light. You're nothing like her at all..." He trailed off to himself, lifting his hand to touch a strand of my hair.

I froze, unsure of how to react nor who he was comparing me to. His hand cupped my chin, lifting my face so that the moonlight lit up the rest of my features.

"I do believe you, Atanas." I managed to reply, my breath catching in my throat as his thumb rubbed over my jaw, "I trust you."

Atanas stood, taking my hand again to tug me with him. He lead me over to a large piece of driftwood and sat down next to me. Electricity fizzled between us again, drawing us closer together until I wasn't sure where I was now that I was lost to the electric blue of his eyes.

"We're going to do it here?" I asked, looking around as if searching for prying eyes.

"You like it here, you seem calmer. We're doing it here, where I think you feel safe."

I rolled my eyes. Despite what he thought, it didn't matter where it happened, I wouldn't feel safe, not really. Staying where I was, not making a move to get closer, Atanas chuckled.

"Come closer." He ordered, patting the space between us.

I bristled, refusing to move from my spot. Even I knew I was playing with fire as the glint of Atanas' fangs peeked from behind his lips, but I wanted to test him, I wanted to see what he would do when I refused to play by his rules.

"Shylah." He growled out, blue eyes darkening.

I swallowed, trying to push away the only memories I had of being fed on. The ghost of the agony it caused could have been real for all the fear it caused me. Atanas watched me fight with myself, waiting like the predator he was for his prey to come close enough to strike.

Seemingly having enough of my inner turmoil, he took the initiative and dragged me onto his lap. I pushed against his chest, glaring at him. His arms kept their vice like grip around me, leaving me unable to escape and while part of me screamed in fear, the other buzzed with excitement.

"Let me go. Now." I hissed, attempting to push away again, even as the feel of his muscled chest had me wishing to do the opposite.

"Calm down, I promised I wouldn't hurt you." He replied, smirking, "Not in a way that you won't like."

Aghast, I whacked his chest, "You're insufferable!"

He laughed, tightening his arms around me, pulling me closer until I was forced to straddle his lap to be comfortable. My hands fell to his shoulders, ready to shove him away again but just like the night before, I found myself unable to. Electricity sparked between us again, wild and dangerous. The mark I'd left on his neck seemed to glare at me, reminding me of how I'd enjoyed the fierce way I'd fed from him, part of me did want to see if I could feel that rush when he fed from me. I tore my eyes away, ignoring the press of my own fangs against my lip. Atanas was unaware, his eyes glued to my neck and before I could worry anymore, he struck.

I gasped, his bite burning like fire that spread over my shoulder. Curling my fingers in his hair, I prepared to yank him away, whimpering at the pain that began to seep through my veins as I fought him. Panic flared, instincts kicked in but as I squirmed, Atanas only held me tighter. He groaned, low and hungrily, and the sound vibrated right through me. Stilling, trying to force myself to relax, I took a deep breath.

Suddenly the heat of pain faded and my head tilted further to the side, baring my neck more for him. Fingers that curled like claws in his hair lost their fierce grip and I found myself pulling him closer. Desire flooded through me, raw and powerful, settling as an ache between my thighs. My other hand fisted his shirt as if to tear it from him and a moan left my lips. Something hard pressed against my core and my hips moved to grind myself firmly against it, needing to ease the throbbing.

Another rumbling growl left Atanas and his fangs sank deeper into my neck, eliciting a gasp from me. I both craved more and wanted to bolt at the same time, unsure of the feelings that were suddenly rolling through me.

Desperate for something I didn't understand, my nails dug into his shoulder. Just as I was about to fall completely, he pulled back. My blood stained his lip and fangs in dark red, the scent of us wrapping around me.

I leaned in with every intention of sating my own hunger but I caught myself. My senses returned to me and I stumbled to my feet, tripping in the sand that gave way beneath me. Atanas was still watching me with his hypnotising gaze, a small smirk twitching at his lips. He was baiting me, daring me to give in.

My fingers grazed over the mark he'd left on my skin and a shudder washed over me. He was tempting me, everything from the way he quirked his head to bare his neck to the way his scent invaded my every breath.

I wanted to taste his blood again, and I hated him for it.

I was glad that the rumbling of an engine gained both of our attention. Atanas was suddenly by my side, his hand gripping my arm.

"Sounds like the first of our guests have arrived. Stay by my side, stay quiet, and try not to draw too much attention to yourself." He ordered, looking down at me with a stern gaze.

Clenching my jaw, wishing I could slap him, I said nothing that showed I would do as I was told. He huffed and began to lead me back towards the house. Butterflies reappeared, my flight instincts kicked in, and I found myself glad I had Atanas' hulking figure to hide behind. Hopefully with his scent now mingled with mine, I would find it easier to blend into his shadow. I had no intention of drawing any attention to myself.