Chapter Thirty-Six: Hope Shines in the Stars

Hudson:

Tears welled up in my eyes, her blood soaked body laying still on the floor. Her matted fur barely moved, Grappy scooping her up. Dodging her attack, she was near her boots. Pressing his palms together, he gingerly placed the knife into her paw. Surprise rounded my eyes, my blade sliding into my clammy palms. A roar of thunderous pain exploded from my lips, my tattoo burning a hole through my jacket. Lightning crackled around my arms, Grappy standing back to back with me. A migraine throbbed, blood pouring from my nose. Was this the pain she experienced each time? No wonder it drained her so easily, my muscles screaming in protest. Ruby eyes glistened in our direction, her body jerking erratically. Her black lace dress ripped to shreds, her porcelain skin cracking to reveal dull gray skin. Ivory skeletal wings burst from her back, black veins lining her skin. Evie stirred awake, her snout searching for her reaper's blade. Finding it, a groan of disgust escaped her lips as she swallowed it whole. A deep red glow cleaned off all of the blood of her fur, her red eye still pouring out blood. Don't push yourself, I begged through our mental connection. Ignoring me, her attention turned to the monster in front of us.

"I am going to eat the mutt first." A shrill voice threatened bitterly, licking her lips. "The reaper's curse always makes them richer." Evie rolled her eyes, the vampire charging towards her. Turning her gorgeous head back towards us, her voice left her snout. Too stunned to speak, my heart fluttered at the sound of it. Never before had she spoken, more blood pooling underneath her.

"I will distract her while you two take the final blow. My powers would be useless against her since she reeks of dark vampire magic." She ordered sharply, clawing at the snarling beasts. "I can't hold her off forever." Narrowly missing, a crippling shock brought me to my knees. Panic haunted my face, both of Grappy's eyes going black. Bouncing off the chairs, black ribbons of sludge cut up her skin. Struggling to my feet, the energy shifted in the air.

"Don't you dare go dark angel on me, big brother!" She called out, her eyes rounding out with horror. The black claws stuck out of her throat, her own blood painting her fur scarlet. Choking on her blood, rage seethed in my eyes. Grappy settled back down, his body collapsing into a heap. It had seemed like his battery had run out, mine nearly at its end. Midnight darkened my eyes, the lightning thickening. Immense power coursed through my body, my hair flying wildly around my face. Ignoring the electrical jolts of pain, no one harmed my mate. My speed had tripled, the floor cracking the moment I leapt into the air. Flipping in the air, my blade smashed against her other claw. A snarl curled on my lips, my kidney seconds from bursting. Raising my blade into the air, my heel knocked her other hand out of the way. An unnatural howl exploded from her lips, black sludge coating my face the moment my blade struggled to get through her rock solid arms. Half of it still remained, dread bumbling in my gut. Why wasn't it working, I cursed at myself.

"Lord of the Sword, grant me the ability to cook my enemy from the inside." I chanted confidently, coughing up an unnatural amount of blood. "I want to smell cooking flesh!" Coughing another batch of blood, nothing happened. A lump formed in my throat, my body dangling from my blade. A thunderous growl rumbled in my throat, my magic shorting out. Evie's white wolf shrank back down to her human form, her eyes opening with a defiant attitude. Peeling herself off of her claws, her bloody fingers wrapping around her neck. Mouthing a silent spell, her wounds sealed shut. Dry heaving, her knife flew up her throat. Landing into her palm, she spun it around in her palms. Cracking her neck, all of her bones snapped back into place. Putting her finger up, her filthy hand stole Grappy's blood soaked jacket. Angrier than I had ever seen her, she struggled to gather her wits.

"How about you cut the shit?''She teased cruelly, her bare feet smashing towards us. "You did enough, Hudson. Stop it before all of your organs rupture." My lips parted in protest, her heel slamming into my chest. The wall crumbled over me, the sheer strength of her kick shattering my ribs. A howl of agony flowed from my lips, the pain worse than when I used my magic. My sword faded away, all of my muscles locking in place. Fantastic, my body seemed useless. Gritting my teeth, nothing was helping me at all. Snapping her fingers, the arm disintegrated to an acidic pile of green mush. Her power had increased tenfold, her chest huffing up and down. A snarl curled on her lips, a constant agony dimming her eyes. Clutching her side, her energy seemed to burning out a little too fast.

"You little shit!" The demented vampire cursed venomously, lunging for her womb. "You can't kill me. You're magic is useless against me." Raising her brow in suspicion, the unimpressed expression on her face frightened me. Standing still in one spot, her fingers wrapped around the creature's ankle. Squeezing harder, the crack of her ankle shattered the still air. Blowing on her nails, she smashed the vampire into the floor repeatedly. Nothing remained of the worn wooden floor, her cocky grin bringing life back to her face. Seeing this side of her broke me, her dark side seconds from rearing its ugly face.

"Cool story, bro!" She teased playfully, spinning the vampire over her head. "You guys get really ugly when you get a hit of dead man's blood. Now!" Tossing her up in the air, Grappy popped up behind her, slicing her into minced meat. Changing to black ash, the ash drifted like snow. Rolling up her sleeve, she fist bumped Grappy. Catching some of the ash, the tiny particles slipped between her fingers. Seeing her true smile, my heart beat slowed down to a normal pace. The serene relief bathed me in false hope, another problem waiting to drop. Shit! Why wouldn't this feeling go away?

"You took your sweet time waking up, Mr. Groom." She mused exhaustively, tossing him an empty needle. "I jammed her with this motherfucker when she was dangling me like a rag doll. I don't want to get played with like that again. Let's get you healed for the reception. Peony is going to kill me." Grappy embraced her desperately, fresh tears flooding from her eyes. Guilt dimmed her eyes, his tears soaking the top of her head. Wheezing, more blood burst from my lips. Gabrielle stirred awake, flying over to me. Hovering his hands over me, a bright light blinded me. Concern flickered in his calm eyes, my teeth gritting in agony as my ribs became once more. A wave of relief crashed over me, Bloodsworth wandering into the room. Peony and him released a steady stream of curse words, both of them screaming at us. Evie pressed her palms to the floor, a golden light blinding me. The sound of wood forming over the old floor shut them up, the cracks in the room sealed shut. Going behind the altar, her boots dangled in her hands. Tucking a piece of hair behind her ear, her limit had been met. The black bags under her eyes hollowed them out, her patience fading away. Turning back towards me, her worn face wore the effects of the last battle.

"Thank you." Peony stammered awkwardly, chewing on her fingernails. "Thank you for cleaning up the mess." Bowing in her direction, Evie leapt into my arms. A strangled groan escaped my lips, her legs wrapped around my waist. Kissing my lips feverishly, the pain faded away for a second. Resting on my left hand, my right arm clutched her close to my chest. Judging by her behavior, she was both happy to be alive but exhausted to the bone. Gentle snores told me that she slumbered in my arms, her eyes snapping open at one of my muscles twitching. Smiling warmly to herself, she fought off the urge to sleep.

"Can I go get cleaned up? I am afraid that I am a mess. I do want to look my best for you two. Congratulations on your marriage, I am so glad it all worked out." She chirped cheerfully, helping me up. "I will be back down in half an hour. See you soon." Helping me to our room, the sound of running water captured my attention. Limping over to the door, her head was bent over a mortar and pestle.

"How did you get that much strength after she stabbed your throat with those fucking claws?" I demand hotly, her eyes narrowing in my direction. "I need to know because I pushed myself to far. How the fuck did you break my ribs?" Waiting impatiently for her answer, my trembling fingers peeled off my pants. This was no fair, a deep growl rumbling in my throat. How could I protect her if I was a weak useless mate! Damn it! I was a fucking failure.

"I got quadruple the strength the moment I made a contract with this blade." She uttered simply, my ribs still aching. "This should help with the pain." Dumping up the crushed herbs into the steaming tub of water, she offered me her hand. Accepting it bitterly, her slender hands guided me into the tub. A goofy smile curled on my lips, the herbs relieving my aches in just a moment. Sinking under the water, all of the blood floated to the top. Water flowed over the edge the moment she climbed in. Meeting me under the surface, her flawless face inches from mine. Her hair flowed in the water, the blood turning into white rose petals. Pulling me to the surface, her lips pressed against mine hungrily. Stroking my thick girth, my breath hitched. Her touch felt so good, short gasps escaping my lips.

"Sttttop it." I stuttered gruffly, her hand other hand guiding me to her clit. "We have to get back to the wedding." Biting her lips, she sank down on top of me. Riding me wildly, a dazed look came over my face. My inner wolf yipped with joy, her claws scratching at my chest. Why did she have to be so good at this, my sense of control slipping away. Only my inner wolf's desires remained, my hands resting on her bump. Lustful moans flowed from her lips, her tiredness warming up to another bout of fresh energy.

"Pull on my tail, bad boy." She whispered sensually, her ears flattening. "I need you to play with it. Please." Disappointment dimmed her face, her lips forming a pout. Scooping her up in a fluffy towel, she cried out my name as I flipped her over the bed. Jamming myself in, a scream exploded from her lips. Stroking her tail, her gasps grew shorter. Glancing back at me, her wild smile sending my nerves into a frenzy. Grinding her hips against mine, her fingers gripped the blankets on the bed. Claws grew from her fingernails, the mattress tearing with each thrust. Flipping me onto the bed, she crawled on top of me. A knock on the door interrupted us, Evie pulling on a black silk robe. Opening the door just a tad, Peony danced in. Hiding her annoyance with a polite smile, two more garment bags hung off of her arm.

"I don't feel like partying." Evie snapped angrily, tossing the bags to the floor. Clutching her side, Peony finger's wrapped around her throat. Evie clawed at her hands, the crunching noise of her throat shattering the still air. Maniacal laughter erupted from Peony's lips, Evie dropped to the floor with a dull thud. Raising her boot, Evie caught it mid-kick. Ripping her to the ground, a broken look dulled her eyes. Sitting in the crook of her back, Peony struggled underneath her. Tossing me a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt, Evie smashing into the wall. Knocking her boot to the floor, all its contents rolled onto the floor. Getting on her hand and knees, her hands searched for god knows what. Tugging on my jeans, Peony crawling towards her. Her fangs grew over her lips, her skin turning to dark gray. Smashing into her, her claws ripped at my chest. Choking on my blood, my vision blurring at the sight of my heart beating. Fighting the vomit coming up my throat, Evie leapt over us. Pounding out to the room, Gabrielle's name exploded from her lips. Shoving me off of her, her bare feet bounded out of the room. Grappy crashed through the window, my eyes catching her dagger still on the floor. Hovering his hands over my chest, a bright light blinded me. Squinting in the other direction, my powers refused to wake up. The light died down, my chest sealed shut. Getting on my hands and knees, hot vomit flying up my throat. Fear paralyzed me, both of his eyes were black. A rush of hot air lashed at my cheeks, his wings exploding from his back, a flash of black dashed out the door. Struggling to my feet, all of my strength was gone. Leaning against the wall, my vision blurred. Evie lay in a pool of scarlet blood, Gabrielle wrestling Peony. The flash of blond and pink caught the corner of my eyes, my strong arms scooped her up . Blood poured from her eyes, ears and nose, tears of panic flooding from my eyes. Skidding into the room, a busted up Grappy tossed me her reaper's dagger. Pressing it into her palm, a sharp gasp of air burst from her lips. Jerking awake, a frustrated scream exploded from her lips.

"I just want to go home!" She shouted into the ceiling, hopping out of my arms. "I will stay for you, but I am pissed beyond belief." Pulling on a black lace bra set, her fingers snapping. The room repaired itself, my cock stiffening. Now was not the time, her annoyance burning in her eyes. Picking the garment bag selected for her, ripping out a black silk rockabilly dress. Pulling it over her head, she zipped it up. Packing up her boots, a tired sigh escaped her lips as she slid them on. An apologetic Peony limped in, cuts and bruises covering her face. Gabrielle didn't look much better. His suit had been shredded, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. Rubbing the back of his neck, his tired smile told me that everything was okay. Peony collapsed into Evie's arms. Sobbing violently, she lifted her chin up with her finger.

"You are fine." She comforted her warmly, ruffling the top of her head. "Everyone goes a little nuts sometimes. So don't worry about it. Let's get you ready for the reception." Setting her down on the bed, Gabrielle leaned on my shoulder while Grappy sat grumpily in the corner. Looking at his ring in the yellow light of the room, a satisfied sigh left his lips. Chaos always followed her, but Evie always rescued us all.

"I am a monster!" Peony blurted out, burying his face in his palms. "I almost killed Hudson. You should hate me like everyone else." Clutching her close to her chest, Gabrielle passed me a wet washcloth. Wiping the blood off of my chest, the boys left the room. Peony leapt to her feet, waving goodbye as she skipped after them. A black t-shirt landed in my hands, her nimble fingers twisting her hair into a side bun. Painting her lips scarlet, the soft cotton of my t-shirt was a welcome change from the fancy clothes. Pulling a gray blazer over my shirt, my feet slid into the dress shoes. Business casual could describe my outfit, her arm hooking around my elbow.

"I am glad everything worked out. " She sighed brokenly, flashing me a tender smile. "I am so happy for everybody. What is a girl to do? Let's go support our friends." Guiding me to the reception, scarlet burned her cheek as everyone cheered the moment we stepped in. A swing band roared to life, her slender hand pulling me onto the dance floor. Watching her spin around with me, her real smile never left her face. The freedom in her eyes made my heart flutter, her feet barely touching the floor. Grappy and Bloodsworth popped up next to us, pure joy sparkling with each spin. Trading partners, Grappy tossed her up in the air. Whistles erupted from the drunken vampires, the two of them stealing the show. Trading partners again, the song ended. Swinging her below me, my lips kissed her sensually. Time stopped, everyone else joined us on the dance floor. Snaking through the crowd, we skidded to a stop in front of the nearest balcony. Opening the door, her eyes scanned for any followers. Locking the doors behind us, she stood at the furthest edge.

"Do you trust me?" She asked sincerely, offering me her hand. "I want to show you something." Nodding silently, the chilly night air lashed at my cheeks as we landed gracefully on the roof. Laying me down, she rested her head on my chest. My breath hitched, the silvery moonlight bathed her serenely beautiful face.

"I just wanted to take a nap." She yawned groggily, sweet slumber taking her to dreamland. Gazing down at her lovingly, my lips kissed the top of her head. Thank you for letting her be my mate. The Moon Goddess really had blessed me with the greatest treasure in my life, sweet slumber claiming me next.