Vindication (Hybrids Liberation Book 1) Read online

  Of course, I disregarded the information as obvious lies and continued on my way. Ever since leaving my pack, I have been in search of my father. My hope is that if there is any truth to these tales, she can help me find him.

  The wind shifts and I immediately smell the older wolf. She smells like Maplewood and springtime, making me feel perfectly safe. I move towards the smell, taking a left into the park as I find her sitting on a bench. The older woman's kind eyes find mine, as I take a seat next to her.

  "Are you sure you wish to go down this path, child?" The old woman asks. My proverbial hackles raise in my human skin. The question was not expected and has me less confident than I was when I first came.

  Instead of fleeing like every bone in my body begged me too, I nodded my head to the old woman. Her hand moved quickly, grasping my palm as she closes her eyes. I hear myself growl but then I'm thrown into a series of visions that make no sense.

  Orgies.

  Rave lights of every color.

  And the final one, the one that almost stops my heart. A male, hanging over a woman's body as his fingers push in and out of her body. The woman's head thrown back in unimaginable pleasure and then blood, so much blood. I feel a snap in my mind as the old woman releases my hand.

  "I hope this gave you the answers that you seek. Though, a word to the young from an old woman," my wolf perks up, wanting any bit of information she can get from someone with a pack. "Not everything that we wish to know, should we seek." The woman doesn't say anything else as she gets up and walks away from me. I lean back on the bench, my thoughts running rampant.

  Once the words sunk in, I felt angrier than I had a right too. What did the old woman really know? How could anyone understand the pain and heartache I went through? Packless without a choice, mateless without a choice, even different than everyone else without a fucking choice! Why did the goddess believe that she could rip everything from me so cruelly?

  I finally got up from the bench, refusing to stay in one spot for too long. I knew that was how you got into a fight, and while I could take one on without issue, I didn't want to run into a group of wolves.

  I venture off, and already know where I need to go. It would take me a few days to travel, but I would make this work. I begin heading west, moving towards the woods as I ready my body for the shift.

  When I make it deep enough into the woods that no human should spot me, I find my hidden pack from my earlier travels and place my clothes inside. I wrap the saddlebag around my body and then allow the shift to take over. This is what my life had been like for years, always traveling, never staying in one place too long. While my wolf and I had never been as close, I felt lonely.

  I would hear the howls of other wolves, and the ache inside my soul grew. I ran, and ran, and ran until there was nothing left of me. It took three days, but I finally made it to my destination.

  I shifted quickly, knowing that Los Angeles wouldn't have enough woodlands to explain a wolf running around. I needed to find shelter, and then tonight I would go in search of the place from my vision. It would be hard though; the old woman didn't stick around to tell me what she had seen.

  My clothes replace my naked skin, and I leave the hidden alleyway. My blue hair a bit longer than it was three days ago, leaving my roots showing slightly. I didn't care though, because I knew my hair was only a distraction from the thing that made me stand out. My hair may be blue, but my eyes were anything but normal.

  "Momma, look at her eyes!" A small child screamed as her and her mother walked past. I flinch away, and the woman begins scolding her child, dragging her away quickly. I feel myself shrink deeper into my body and walk quickly to get out of the streets. Thankfully, I knew someone who would allow me to stay with him for a short amount of time. It was a favor owed to me and whether I liked it or not, it was time to cash it in.

  ∆∆∆

  It only took me another hour of walking, the familiar scent leading me directly to a small house. I knock once, then twice, and finally, the door was open. Mika stands in front of me, his shirtless body hiding nothing as he smirks at my appearance. I raise my eyebrow in a silent question, but my old friend moves out of the way before anything else can be said.

  "Well, if it isn't Ralee Danvers. Oh girl, do I have some news for you!" Mika says, and just like that, I was already regretting my decision to come here.

  5.

  Ralee

  I am well and truly fucked. I knew that, hell even Mika knew it. The fact that my old friend was even harboring me with the knowledge of Halfcrest pack searching for me, shocked me. I couldn't figure out why my old pack wanted me now, it had been two years since I left. Malin should be married by now, and at least one pup on the way.

  "Thank you," I murmur to Mika. The moment he told me I was being hunted I knew staying here would risk his hide. I also knew that my place to stay for the night was just blown up because I would not allow myself to place Mika in danger. I sigh, moving slightly towards my friend. The wolf smelled like willows and peace, but he was not meant for me.

  "You don't have to go anywhere, Ralee. I am not afraid of your mate." I grin at Mika. The crazy wolf would always be an Alpha at heart, but even he wouldn't be able to stand against an entire pack.

  No, I needed to refresh myself and leave my friend before I got him killed. I step back and smile sadly at him. He watches me carefully before nodding.

  "The bathroom is upstairs. You are welcomed to do whatever you need to do before heading out again.” I nod my head in thanks before moving slightly and heading towards the stairs. It was bittersweet really, knowing that I would have to leave when every part of my wolf wanted to stay. I felt the need to protect Mika swell deep inside myself and I had to push back the sudden awareness of my wolf growling to fight.

  This is not what I need.

  I need to go to these clubs and find the man from the old woman's vision. I need to figure out what I am. I can't move forward without answers and I have a feeling the answers I need are in this town.

  ∆∆∆

  It takes longer than I mean to, but I finally walk out of the bathroom ready for tonight. Mika's eyes slowly take me in, as his arousal hits my nose. I feel my cheeks redden but force myself to pretend I don't notice my friends' blatant desire.

  My hand comes up and messes with the chain connected to my nipples. I knew that these clubs would be for the supernatural, which led me to dress as indecent as I dared. I was comfortable with nudity; my body was nothing to be ashamed of. I made sure my outfit covered only my nipples, the small material leaving practically everything else open for view, connected to the cover was a chain to each that flowed down my stomach and stopped at my hips. Where the chain ended, another strip of material began to cover my most intimate spot.

  I knew I wasn't leaving anything to the imagination, I was fine with that. I only had one chance, and this was it. I looked down at my four-inch cat heels and felt my hair fall free down my back. It was time to go looking for vampires, and from the look and smell of Mika, I was passing inspection with flying colors.

  "It was good to see you, my friend," I tell Mika, as I lean in and hug him goodbye. I kiss his cheek and even as I see his eyes change to his wolves, I move away from him and go towards the door.

  The sun has fallen, and the moon has come to play. I inhale the salty air and begin on my way. I know the first place I am going to tonight, and with any luck, it will be the last place.

  ∆∆∆

  It doesn't take long to get there. The club, Sin, because of course it would be named that, isn't far from Mika's residences. The humans all whisper when they see me, the girls gasp, and the males stare. I bite my lip before winking at each of them. I don't waste time in a line, I know the moment my smell hits the vampire bodyguards. I watch as their eyes widen, and they remove the rope blocking the entrance.

  I thank them but don't stop as I enter the infamous vampire territory.

  My eyes take in my surroundings, everyth
ing is fucking red. The same crimson as my wolf's coat. It makes the big club look so much smaller. The atmosphere is electric though, my blood beats at the same time as the bass. I make my way through all the bodies, pushing through the dance floor as I head to the bar. My wolf appears for only a second, she wants to take control. I hear her huff in my mind when I remind her, we are here for answers.

  "Jack and Coke," I tell the bartender. The vampire smirks, showing off his fangs. I take him in, shirtless and a body of perfection. He slides the drink to me, and I turn my back to him as I take in the club once more. I watch the people dancing, and I watch the couples sneak off to have some fun. I can feel my own arousal begin to hit, my thighs clench together as I picture myself between the men on the other side of the club. One woman between three of them, and it's so intense that I am held captivated by it.

  "A woman like you shouldn't be sitting here alone," I suck in a breath when the smell of a fresh storm hits my nose.

  "What should a woman like me be doing then?" I ask the question so softly; I am almost positive he didn't hear me. I would have been wrong though, as the male moves closer to my side. I feel his mouth slide slowly down my throat, and I close my eyes enjoying the feeling. When he pulls away I almost whimper.

  "You should be in the VIP with me of course." I allow the male to grab my hand and move me towards another set of stairs. As we move up, I notice the light gets better and curse myself for not being more careful. We pass two guards who don't even attempt to stop our entrance.

  My eyes move through the vampires standing on the edge watching the people downstairs dance and have fun. The bass still controlling my blood as it booms in sequence.

  It doesn't take long for us to meet with the other vampires that are obviously friends of the male. I watch them bring their heads up and each of them stares at me in interest. I knew the moment that the light allowed them to see my curse. I straighten my spine and meet their stare head-on.

  I no longer bow to those weaker than me.

  "Impossible," A woman growls, moving to me. I don't let her get close enough before I have her neck in my hands and lean my head down to sniff her.

  "You are not strong enough to kill me," I mutter to her and release her neck from my grip. The male that brought me up here smirks and moves closer to me. I thought it was cute until I noticed another male coming towards us. My attention no longer on the male that smelled of a fresh storm. Instead, the male from my vision came forward. Dark hair, he was tall standing at maybe six-five, he sported a beard which was the only difference between my vision and the man before me.

  "Seems like your girl has a thing for your master," I hear someone mutter. I released a growl but otherwise didn't turn around. When the male from my vision looked up, I noticed it instantly, his eyes were red. This man, this vampire, the man from the vision had some sort of significance to me and it was my job to find out what.

  6.

  Aiden

  The master walked with a presence; I knew this. I had never expected a pang of jealously to hit me because of the man that made me everything that I am. I knew the first moment I smelled her blend of scent that she was it for me.

  Blood bonded.

  This girl, the one with the strange eyes is meant to be mine. It is rather peculiar as she is a wolf instead of a vampire, and that is why I wanted her to meet my master. Josiah always has the answers and if anyone were to know why this happened it was him.

  I watch her body, and while she stares at my master her body language isn't one of lust. That makes this so much easier, I don't know if I could have been okay with her wanting the man who basically raised me.

  Josiah's eyes finally find ours and he pales. His eyes take the girl in from toe to head, and recognition flares before his eyes find mine. His stare is angry, as he nods to me to bring the girl with me and follow him. I sigh, nothing can ever be easy.

  I move towards the female, my blood bonded, and push her towards where Josiah was headed. She doesn't even flinch when I touch her which brings me great pride. The blood in her body still beats with the music and begs me to take the beautiful young wolf.

  "It seems you are going to cause me a great deal of heartache," I chuckle in her ear. I love the way I feel her body shiver, only causing my cock to twitch. We finally move towards the end of the hall where Josiah's office is. I move us inside before closing the door and watching my master sit at his desk. I go to my knees and give him the respect he has deserved. My head bowed, and on my knees in front of my mate.

  "Why are you here, Makenzie?" My master asks, his tone is low almost dangerous. I hear the female suck in a breath, as I take in her name. Makenzie, it doesn’t fit her, but the recognition on the females face is unmistakable.

  "It would seem I am at a disadvantage; you know who my mother is, but I don't know a single thing about you," My blood bonded replies. I visibly gulp, my head lifting to look at my master.

  "Your….mother? Interesting, how did you find me?"

  "A wolf that can help me see answers to questions. I needed to know why I am so much more different than other wolves. The images lead me here, to you." I stand, moving towards my master to stand at his side.

  The girl is my blood bonded.

  I use my connection to the master to speak to his mind. Josiah tenses, looking at me in shock before he conceals it. He then pinches the bridge of his nose before pointing to the seats.

  "Sit. It would seem we have a lot to get to the bottom of, you claim your mother is Makenzie?” Josiah snorts and then mumbles under his breath. "Fucking fitting, I suppose." My heart races at the mention of the woman from my childhood.

  "Well, I'm not really good at bullshitting. What does Makenzie need, why would she send her child to get it?”

  “My mother didn’t send me, I told you already, a vision lead me to you. How do you know my mother?” The female growls. The red eye causes my attention to falter.

  “Master, look at her eyes.” I whisper. Josiah raises an eyebrow, but he moves his attention to the female.

  “That’s impossible,” Josiah clears his throat. “She can’t be mine!” He hisses. “Even thoughts of that is blasphemy.” Josiah says more to himself than us as he takes her in once more.

  “What is your name, and how old are you?”

  “Ralee, and twenty. Almost twenty-one.”

  “What did you do Makenzie?” Josiah questions out loud once more, pinching the bridge of his nose. My head snaps to my master. It doesn't stay there long as Ralee's laughter forces my brows to scrunch together in confusion. “Your eyes confirm my fear, you are my daughter. Which would make you something we’ve never seen before.” I take in my masters emotions, and find him more confused and hurt than angry.

  Laughter fills the room, I look towards her, Ralee is grabbing her stomach as she seats in a bigger chair. I can't help but take in the creamy skin she is showing off. Nothing is left to the imagination and yet my mouth still waters as I think about what is under the material.

  "No, seriously," Ralee says when she has calmed her fit of laughter. Josiah's face tightens as he leans forward.

  "I am deadly serious," Josiah tells her. I watch as the color drains from her face and she moves to stand but promptly passes out. Josiah sighs as I use my vampire speed to catch her before she drops and hits her head.

  I look to my master, wanting to know our next step. He stands, grabs a cigar, and begins to walk to the door.

  "Bring her with us, Aiden. It would seem our night of fun just got canceled. Let's go home," I grab Ralee's body hauling her close to my chest as I cradle her and follow my master out of the office.

  7.

  Ralee

  Why does my head feel like someone hit it with a dildo? I groan as my hands reach up to my head. The pounding headache mixed with the roaring of the blood in my ears almost causing me to fall prey to the blackness once again.

  “I think you’d get more accomplished if you sat up. Right now, your mere inability
to wake up is quite sad.” I recognize the voice instantly, and my body goes on alert. The murkiness that was surrounding my vision is now receding as the vibrant crimson of my wolves’ coat covers the walls.

  I take it all in, and a knee jerk reaction to the color causes my breath to sill.

  “Where am I?” I whisper, yet even I can hear that I didn’t push any heat behind it. Somehow, in some way these people almost felt like home. It was uncanny how a group of near fucking strangers made me calm and peaceful, and that had me on edge.

  I turn around and see the same male from before, the beautiful one from the bar. I was painfully aware of his frame now, and even though I just woke up I could feel a undeniable connection to him. There was something else there though, more than just the draw and yet I couldn’t place what it felt like before another person was clearing their throat.

  “You’ll be fine once your body is acclimated to the change,” Once more I turn my head, my eyes searching for the voice.

  “Change?” A humming sound greets my ears before a sting of pressure begins to burn behind my eyes.

  “Yes, Ralee. Your undergoing a drastic change, and your wolf is unsure of how to accept something that’s laid dormant for years.” I gasp at the voice inside my head.

  “What is happening to me?” I almost cry out as the pressure builds higher and higher. My hands wrap around my head, and before my head explodes, I feel a body wrap itself around me. Almost as if it was magic, the pressure disappears and in its place is a thriving connection. The vibration of another person’s lifeline forces me to sigh in appreciation.

  “You will need to stick close to Aiden for a few days. I fear he may be the only person who can assist you right now,” My vision is no longer blurry, and my eyes connect with the same male from my vision. The discussion flutters in my mind as the memory of this man claiming to be my father pushes forward. Instantly my skin prickles at his closeness.