Tormented (A Secret Salem Novel 4)

  Tormented

  A Secret Salem Novel 4

  Written by J.N. COLON

  Kindle Edition December 2015

  Copyright © J.N. Colon 2015

  All rights reserved

  www.jncolonbooks.com

  This eBook is for your personal enjoyment only. It may not be re-sold or reproduced in any manner.

  This eBook is a work of fiction. The names, places, characters, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to persons living or dead, actual events or locations are entirely coincidental.

  Other books by this author

  Secret Salem series

  Stalked

  Hunted

  Haunted

  Divine Darkness series

  Dark Souls

  Dark Sins

  Dark Prophecy

  Dark Goddess

  The Iron Series

  Blood In Iron (The Iron Series Book 1)

  Badly In Blood (The Iron Series Book 2)

  Conspiracy, murder, love, and war. It’s the final battle in the dark paranormal romance with the royal vampire couple. Can their love really survive the ultimate test?

  Rubi and Mac have faced their share of enemies and they’ve always managed to come out winners. Until now.

  The hunters have the supernatural world in terror now that their poison has been completed and when tragedy shakes Whitmore’s kingdom Rubi is left with all eyes on her and her royal title. Just when she thinks things couldn’t get worse, three vengeful ghosts begin to haunt her. But they aren’t the only ones putting her through hell. Those closest to her deliver Rubi the worst kind of torment—a torture she may never recover from.

  When the hunters zero in on the royal family an all-out battle ensues on the grounds of Highland Academy—where it all began. Enemies become allies and those who were trusted show their true colors.

  Will Rubi be able to regain the life she once had before the hunters kill her? Or will she lose the most important fight of her life, forfeiting not only the crown but also Mac in the process?

  Table of Contents

  Table of Contents

  Part 1

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  PART 2

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Tormented’s Playlist

  Part 1

  Chapter 1

  Strong, familiar hands slipped around my waist, pulling me into the planes of a hard chest made only for me. “You didn’t peek, did you?” Lips tickled my ear while warm breath blew down the back of my neck, spawning a shiver across my spine.

  “How can I peek with a blind fold squished against my face Mac?” I asked, trying not to giggle from his fingers moving in tiny circles at my hips, which was exactly what he wanted.

  “You have your ways.” His deep, husky voice vibrated around me, turning my skin hot. “There’s no little ghost whispering my surprise in your ear?”

  “No. I told them to leave us alone tonight.”

  The tip of Mac’s wet tongue flicked my earlobe before giving it a little nibble. “Yeah ‘cause that worked out so well last night.”

  I grimaced, remembering the intimate moment Mac and I were having in our room when a ghost popped in to say hello. “I can’t help it if your parents picked a haunted island to visit.”

  “It didn’t used to be.” Mac chuckled. “He followed you here.”

  “Possibly,” I admitted.

  The moment winter break began the Davenports whisked us away to a small private island in the Caribbean to spend Christmas. My parents and the Dragonivs arrived the following day. That poor cook had his hands full, trying to feed vampires, shifters, and vegans. He might quit tomorrow after Christmas dinner. He’s never even worked with tofurky before.

  Royal guards and shifters were in abundance on the small tropical island, even stationed on boats off the shore. After Hudson’s murder, the vampires were on high alert. The hunters had a poison that could easily kill us. Only a small dose was needed to enter the bloodstream and bam! vampire dead.

  That was probably why Whitmore decided to buy a private island. We could enjoy our holiday while being surrounded by guards. And by surrounded sometimes I meant suffocated. I loved Daedalus and Rufus, but they had been stuck to mine—and now Mac’s—side for months now.

  I had a feeling that was why Mac dragged me out of bed in the middle of the night—to get some real privacy.

  We were deeper into the vegetation instead of on the sandy shore, waxy leaves heavy with dew brushing across my arms as Mac led me through. Humidity thickened the air and the smell of sea mixed with sweet, pungent flowers lit my nose. I also smelled fire and candle wax.

  “Well…?” I prodded. “Can I look now?”

  Fingers slowly slid up my sides, teasing before slipping the blindfold off. My eyes blinked to adjust, slowly taking in the scene laid out before me. Jungle foliage cocooned us, thick leaves arching around to form a jungle universe all our own. A campfire illuminated a hand woven bamboo mat covered in vibrant red rose petals, more spilling over on the damp bracken.

  My heart lodged in my throat and my eyes blurred with unshed tears. Ugh. Yes. I was doing that girly thing.

  “Mac.” My voice was barely a whisper as I glanced over my shoulder to meet his stunning jade eyes flecked with silver. “What is all this?”

  His lips curled into a devilish smile, a secret hidden within those green irises. “I just wanted to do something special for my baby.” He grabbed my hands and pulled me onto the mat, settling us down.

  A new scent hit my nose, making my mouth water. I absentmindedly licked my lips. “I smell meat.”

  A chuckle vibrated in his chest as he pulled the leaves of a small plant away, revealing a silver domed platter. “Steak and lobster.”

  Cue the drool now.

  “Yummy.” I reached for it until Mac moved his body, putting his thick muscles between me and my food. “Hey! What gives?”

  “That’s not the only reason I brought you out here.” He tapped my head. “Focus for two minutes and then we can eat.”

  I bit my bottom lip, hiding the put trying to break through. “Okay.” Mac knew better than to tease me with food.

  Mac shook his head, throwing his wild, midnight locks in his face. “Anyways…” He grabbed my left hand and twirled the silver and garnet royal ring around my left finger, his also glinting in the firelight. “My birthday is coming up soon then graduation and then summer and then your birthday.”

  “Our eighteenth birthdays,” I pointed out, a grin stretching from ear to ear. At Mossgrove Academy we’d decided once we were both legally adults we would tie the knot.

  He kissed my palm before continuing. “You’re already Princess Rubi Davenport to the supernatural society, but I want the entire world t
o know we’re married.” He grimaced. “Maybe then your dad can stop giving me the evil eye thinking I’m defiling his only daughter.” He leaned forward and crushed his lips against mine in a hot, devouring kiss. “I’ll be your husband and I’ll have every right to defile you as much as I want.”

  I tried to push him away in mock protest, but let’s face it—I wanted him to defile me all night and all day long. “Don’t think you’ll get by unscathed. You know my appetite.”

  “I’m counting on it.” His deep voice sent heat through my belly.

  I reached for his shirt but he pushed me away. “Oh, come on! If we’re not eating then what else are we doing out here all alone!”

  His head tilted back, deep rumbles of laughter pealing out, shaking his entire body. “Oh god, I love you Rubi.”

  I rolled my eyes.

  “Okay, okay. No more stalling.” Mac reached in his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box. “I just wanted to make it formal, a real engagement from now on and announce it to the world.”

  My heart fluttered uncontrollably as he flipped the box open to reveal a stunning platinum band with a princess cut diamond and two small garnet stones flanking it. My hand went to my mouth, eyes watering again and blurring the glistening ring. Don’t make fun. There isn’t girl in this world who wouldn’t shed a few tears at the sight of an engagement ring. And if there is they’re big fat liars. “Mac. It’s beautiful.” My voice cracked with emotion.

  “Awe, baby.” Mac crushed me against his chest with his free arm, filling my nostrils with his warm, wild forest scent. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.” His lips pressed against my forehead.

  “I’m not,” I lied, forcing a snort from him. “Oh, whatever. Are you going to put it on my finger already?”

  With a laugh Mac released me. He pulled off the royal band then slipped the diamond on before sliding the band back into the place. It was a perfect match. “I love you Rubiks Moon-gem McHale Davenport.”

  I wouldn’t even let him speaking my full name annoy me. My insides were bursting with happiness—even more happiness than that surf and turf was going to give me. “I love you McCollum Cambridge Davenport.”

  Mac twisted me around so I was pressed against his chest, his arm wrapping around my torso. His lips trailed kisses down my jaw before he rested his head on my shoulder. “It looks perfect on you baby.”

  I held my hand out, moving it so the stones glistened in the flickering firelight. “I love it Mac. I can’t wait to show everyone.”

  “I just hope your dad doesn’t try to behead me with one of his swords.”

  I patted his thigh with my other hand. “It’ll be okay baby. Besides, he didn’t bring any with him.”

  He snorted on a laugh—a habit he picked up from me clearly. “He’ll probably make one out of coconuts, bamboo, and sharks teeth.”

  “It’s possible. Stranger things have happened.” Another point for sarcasm.

  “Oh well, dodging him will be good practice for when I inform him we’ll be moving in together right after graduation… before you turn eighteen.”

  I sucked my teeth. “I hope I’m not there for that conversation.” His laughter tickled my neck. “Of course we could always run away and live in the woods like…” My voice was cut off as Mac stiffened. “What…?”

  Before I realized what was happening a whoosh hit the air and I was forced to the ground by Mac’s unrelenting arm. A grunt echoed followed by heavy silence.

  My breathing was so loud as I shifted, looking up and coming face to face with the shaft of an arrow… sticking out of Mac’s chest.

  Air caught in my throat as I bolted up, wide-eyed and trembling. “Mac!” I could already hear the rumbling of feet as guards were alerted to the intruders.

  It didn’t pierce his heart. It didn’t pierce his heart.

  Panic drove my motions and I reached for the arrow to yank it out.

  “No Rubi.” Mac blocked my hand. “Don’t touch it.”

  My heart violently slammed against my ribcage and blood thundered in my ears, creating a brutal staccato that throbbed through my entire body. I knew the meaning of his words, I knew what they meant. Yet it couldn’t be true. Not him.

  But his lips were already turning pale.

  “Mac no!” I choked out.

  He grabbed my hand, his still warm. “I love you Rubi. Always.” He fell back.

  “No.” I scrambled up to his side and put his head in my lap, tears falling down my cheeks. I was aware vampires and shifters were around us, but I paid them no mind. “Mac don’t leave me.”

  His jade eyes shimmering with regret and guilt met mine. “I’m so sorry baby. I can’t stay.” He reached up and brushed the tears from my cheek, his fingers quickly turning cold to the touch. “There’s not… much time…” Mac took a shuddering breath. “Let Demy take care of you. He promised… me…”

  I grabbed his hand as it fell away. “No, you take care of me Mac. You!”

  “Rubi…” Blood seeped out his mouth moments before his back arched up and face twisted in a painful expression.

  Someone grabbed my shoulder, but I shook them off, watching Mac fight off the poison. Because that was what he was doing. He was fighting. Not dying. He was Prince McCollum Davenport. He could beat anything.

  Finally after several painstaking moments, his body relaxed and green eyes met mine. “Love… you…” His chest sank down as his breath left him in those two words. His last breath.

  Dread, panic, and blinding pain punched a hole in my chest as I clung to Mac, shaking him. “No Mac!” I cried. “No. Come back.” I kissed him, not caring about the blood, thinking it would be like a fairytale.

  It wasn’t.

  “NO!!!” My agonizing scream tore holes through the atmosphere and ripped apart the world. My world.

  ***

  I gasped awake in bed, sweat beading my hairline and dripping down my neck. My breathing was ragged and my tank top and shorts stuck to my body along with the Egyptian cotton sheets. My hand swiped the moisture from my forehead, the diamond ring and band catching in the silvery moonlight drifting in through the windows.

  I turned on my back, staring up at the canopied roof of the bed I slept in. Gossamer curtains of pale purple and silver were tied back to the sturdy oak posters with tasseled silver string. The rest of the room was just as impressive as the bed, spanning a long distance on either side. The dark wood floor was broken up by beautiful Persian rugs. A plush couch in black sat in front of a fireplace with two matching winged backed chairs. Doors flanked the intricately carved mantle, leading out to a private balcony. A round table with two chairs sat in a corner. A grandiose bathroom was several feet away from the bed and a walk in closet the size of my old room in Shelby was adjacent. A massive sparkling chandelier hung from the cavernous tray ceiling.

  The same nightmare plagued my dreams countless nights for months. Only it wasn’t a nightmare. It was a memory. My new reality. Mac died that night in my arms.

  My mate was gone, ripped away by hunters only moments after he proposed. I was eighteen now, but there was no wedding. Simply endless nights and days where my heart shattered every time I awoke and faced my Mac-less world.

  I twirled the rings on my finger, knowing I could never bear to remove either of them. My other hand reached up and pressed Mac’s ring that hung from a necklace into my chest so hard it left an indent. Maybe even a bruise. Of course it would heal in minutes.

  I wanted him to keep his ring when we buried him, but Whit said otherwise. These were royal rings and they weren’t made to take in the afterlife. He bought me a necklace and slipped it on for me, fastening it around my neck without another word. Really I think it was because Mac’s ring would eventually need to go to someone else. Whitmore didn’t need to say it. I could read him well enough to know. I was now the last Davenport heir to the vampire throne. This family’s future was in my hands.

  I wasn’t born a Davenport, but being turned by one and mated—not to
mention having Whitmore’s blood when I was a kid—was just as good. I was a Davenport by blood.

  This was the reason I got up every day. This was the reason I wasn’t wasting away, letting myself starve until death no longer separated us. I couldn’t let Whitmore and Miranda down. I couldn’t be the reason the vampire throne went to another family because eventually Whitmore would have to step down as king and Miranda as his queen. And when he did I’d be the lead monarch.

  I wasn’t planning on taking a mate any time soon. The thought of someone else wearing Mac’s ring did one of two thing—sent my stomach curdling or my blood boiling. Neither things were any good for me.

  I didn’t finish my senior year last semester. I was in no shape to even sit in front of a computer for online classes. The new school year had begun weeks ago and I still hadn’t made plans to return. I wasn’t ready.

  I was living at the Davenport house in Salem. Since the assassination of the prince, vampires were scared shitless and they were all terrified I’d be next. Salem was crawling with vampires, royal guards, and shifters. Cameras were hidden all over town and Highland Academy. The perimeter was watched 24-7 above ground, underground, and even in the sky. Nothing was getting in or out without the royal vampire or shifter guards knowing. They weren’t taking any chances with the poison dipped weapons hunters were now wielding.

  The hidden surveillance made things a little easier on me. Rufus and Daedalus didn’t have to be stuck up my ass every waking hour of the day, watching me. Oh they were still there, just not hovering or breathing down my neck.

  Most of my friends had went off to college at the beginning of the fall. It was a good thing too. I was tired of them all watching, waiting for me to break. Truth was, I was already broken. I shattered the night Mac died.

  Demy had been with me since then, by my side day in, day out. While I appreciated it, I needed space. He was too close and would see the truth behind the façade. He would know I was barely surviving, dying inside with every breath I took. Demy would want to revive me, make me live again. I just couldn’t do that. I didn’t want to be alive. I didn’t want to feel happiness or anything that would make the pain go away.