Lana's Calling: A Golden Hills Legacy Novel Read online

  “Calm down, dear man. I’ve just seen her with lovers of her past. She’s practically celibate now, but oh, how…”

  “That’s enough!”

  “How chivalrous of you. I can see how she wants you, with those killer blue eyes you flash at her and make her have wonderful dreams at night. If you don’t stop visiting her in her sleep, she’ll never want the real thing, my man. I do wish you’d remove that pendent, though. I’m sure the thoughts in your head would bring even me to my knees. I love dirty thoughts. They keep me alive. I especially love inserting them in unaware minds.”

  “I said that’s enough. Get out, Jack, unless you have something productive to contribute to your visit,” he said through clenched teeth, his heart racing, trying to clear his mind and only think good thoughts.

  Jack’s voice turned hypnotic. “Don’t you love how Lana’s body curves in all the right places? Those full breasts, those rounded hips that extend into a perfectly heart-shaped ass, those pale thighs you just want to sink your teeth in, those pools of green eyes you want to drown in, that unique silver-golden hair you just want to pull from behind…”

  Hunter stood, pushing the desk away, his pupils dilating, his fists clenched at his sides, his breathing heavy, fighting the invasive thoughts. “Why are you doing this? Do you want me to go to her?” His voice sounded tortured even to himself.

  “In a way, yes. I want you to show her what a beast you really are, your genuine self, so she’ll know what she’s up against. I want her to see your true colors, and tear you up but then spit you out. Because after that, she’ll come to me since she’ll realize there’s no decent man out there, no real man. Of course, I’ll console her and take her in my arms. I’ll have you to thank.” Jack stood and walked to the door, laughing to himself before turning around.

  “I’ve never detested anyone as I do you.”

  “Good, keep me alive! Keep hate in your heart and I’ll be your best friend, even if you don’t think you want my friendship. Keep up the good work, and let me know about that train station project. It’ll be a nice outlet for people to get to the city. I hear you have good men on it and the design is magnificent, as usual. Your father would be proud,” he added, grinning, and then stepped out.

  He sagged back in his seat and flung his pen at the wall, fighting the urge to call Lana. He didn’t trust himself at this point. He wouldn’t let Jack win this one.

  ***

  The breakfast aroma dragged Lana out of bed and down to the kitchen. It was Friday, and she hadn’t heard a word from Hunter. She tried calling him, but only got his voicemail. She even tried speaking to his secretary, but she said he was busy in meetings or drafting some blueprint for the latest project. She’d love to see his work and was sure he was a master at it.

  Eric had only been home for a short while before going to see Diana or to do something for the wedding. When she went down to the kitchen, she was surprised to see him at the table.

  “Good morning, Lana. Sleep well?” he asked, looking up from his tablet.

  Pulling a chair out and sitting, she nodded. “Actually, I did. Maybe the best sleep I’ve had since being here.” It was partially true, save for the brief midnight vision she had of her wolf pouncing on her, his yellow eyes piercing down into hers, his teeth snarling. She took it as a warning of something bad and mentally said that prayer from her grandfather.

  Now sitting at the table with the man who had let her parents die, regurgitated anything she tried to eat or drink that Lucy had brought her. She finally gave up, pushing her plate away. As she watched him peruse the latest news on his device, anger obliterated her. When he’d look up at her with a puzzled look, she’d feign a wide grin.

  “You sure you’re okay? You’re acting stranger than normal.”

  “Yep, couldn’t be better. How’s Diana?”

  “She’s great. I think she has every bridal magazine there is in her house. Every time I go there, she’s showing me something new. Whatever makes her happy, I guess.”

  “She on that wish list of yours?”

  He glanced at her, a devious grin playing on his lips. “Of course. Why so interested?”

  “Just wondering. What else do you have on there?” She tried sipping her coffee again, and this time it went down without a problem.

  “Oh, this and that.” Lucinda handed him another hot cup of coffee, taking his old one away. The cup turned and spilled on his arm, burning him. “What the…” He stood, trying to wipe his arm off.

  Laughter hinted in her eyes. “That’s gonna leave a mark,” she noted. “Better have Lucinda put some of her special ointment on it.”

  He glared at her, throwing the napkin down and dashing to the kitchen.

  Feeling satisfied, she opened her phone to see if any missed calls or texts came from Hunter. Where was he? Was he really that busy? Or was he avoiding her?

  She sent him another text, asking if he was okay and not to work too hard. This time he responded, saying sorry for not being at her disposal and that he’d see her around. Her heart lurched at the acid words in black and white.

  Collecting herself, she texted Diana and asked what could she do to help. She had already gone with her to look at dresses yesterday, finding the most beautiful gown in a mermaid style. Diana’s body was perfect for it, tall and shapely. Pushing the texted words out of her mind, she’d try to have a good day.

  After putting her dishes in the dishwasher and giving Lucy a peck on the cheek of thanks, she ran up the stairs and discovered Eric had left already. His door was ajar, beckoning her to come in. She opened his nightstand drawers to search for the list, but only found that Lolita book.

  She sat on his bed and looked around, wondering where it could be. Would he have it on him? If that were the case, she’d have to wait for him to be here at night and sneak in. Could she add that date to it without him knowing? What did it even matter anyway? With or without that list, she had sold her soul. Just like her mother.

  Hunter was better off without her. He deserved a good woman with a pure heart. Someone who could give him the love he needed to fill that hole. She’d find a way to run this town without a man by her side. Maybe she deserved someone more like Jack. He knew exactly who she was and still wanted her, even with who he was.

  The first meeting had been set up for today at noon with the twelve men and women at Jack’s Den, a team that would partner with her in making decisions, a team that used to be all men in her grandfather’s day. They were handpicked from the elite families of the prestigious generations before them, who knew what really controlled this town. The children of the undead.

  A group of people just like her, only believing in something so dark that she’d have to eventually give in and believe whether she wanted to or not, or at least play along until changes were made. And she planned to make these changes soon. These were immortal souls straight from Jack’s top entrepreneurs of the country. Their portraits were displayed on the walls along with hers, but they would be bowing to her.

  A black metallic suit dress seemed perfect for the occasion, hair in a chignon at the nape of her neck, set off by pearls Marissa had given to her on one of their visits. She missed the wise woman, and wanted to find some time to see her again before she joined her parents. The woman was ninety-five, but still had the spirit of a thirty-year-old. She wanted to be just like her, the gypsy princess, and rule her kingdom.

  ***

  As she walked in the dark restaurant, the staff scurried to greet her with a bow. Lana took off her sunglasses and smiled, nodding in return. They guided her to the back and showed her into the waiting coven.

  The room looked different in that the table and chairs were gone and a pentagram drawn in the middle of the floor. The twelve men and women wore black robes with hoods over their heads. They turned in unison toward her and bowed. “Take off your dress and put this robe on,” one of the women ordered.

  Shocked, Lana stared for a moment and realized they were dead serio
us. “Here? Now?” she stuttered.

  “Now.”

  Jack appeared out of nowhere then. “Lana, this is your ceremony to induct you as the high priestess. This is what you want, correct?”

  “Yes, but…”

  “Then disrobe.

  She glanced around the room of solemn faces, barely able to see their expressions, but their yellow eyes shone brightly. They began to chant and circle around the pentagram after Jack gave them a stern look. Lana slowly took her shoes off, then went to unzip her dress.

  “I’ll help with that.” Jack walked around her and tugged the zipper down.

  “You never told me about this, Jack,” she whispered toward him.

  “Sorry, love. It’s really not a big deal. They’ve seen it all before. I’ll forgo the complete Great Rite and allow just another symbolic substitute instead.” He released her hair from the bun, letting it flow down her back and shoulders.

  “Great Rite?” She turned around to face him.

  “An initiation of sex with the high priest, although Drake is a bit disappointed in that.” A grunt came from the circle in response. “Now the dress,” he ordered, his eyes flickering down.

  The coven began to chant. One woman came over to Lana and wrapped a silky, red blindfold around her eyes. She then pressed her lips to Lana’s. “I love you,” she said, and then backed away. The chanting grew louder.

  Lana’s dress fell to the floor along with her bra and underwear, with the help of another woman. She stood naked and cold, her body quivering, her sight trying to adjust to the covered blackness. Only her pearl necklace hung on her naked body. They guided her to the center.

  “Lana Rose Stone, do you swear secrecy and take an earnest oath of never sharing whatever happens in this room with your coven at any time?” a man asked.

  “Yes…I do.”

  “Raise your right hand and swear.”

  With a raised hand, she said, “I swear secrecy.” She never knew fear could be a color, but shiny onyx is what it felt like, dead black, and it corroded her soul. Her whole body shook with an unknowing of what lie ahead. Not being able to see, she could hear and feel their breathing. She could feel Jack’s eyes raking her body, their color turning the yellow they get when aroused with anger or desire or both.

  What felt like a slithering snake coiled around her legs, making her scream.

  A woman called out, “You’re safe.”

  Heavy breathing stained her ear, snarling and grunting as if it were sniffing at her. Reptile hands came around her waist to her navel, and she turned her head to the side to move away from a tongue touching her neck. She remembered her mother going through something similar on a hayride event, and that it was all part of an initiation. Thoughts of her mother’s angelic smile rushed through her, protecting her from this…beast.

  From Jack.

  What felt like a thick lizard’s tail behind her made her sink further into a pit, falling into a black hole of no return. She could see herself scrambling to hold onto the edge, trying to keep her bearings, and then her namesake appeared, her golden hair and big brown eyes. She held her delicate hand out for her granddaughter to take, and when she did, her soul transferred back into her body with a strength she hadn’t had before.

  As her hand touched her grandmother’s, someone from the coven also took her hand and placed in it what felt like a dagger. The beast disappeared, but her heart nearly pounded out of her chest at the unknown act expected of her. The blindfold was then released and she could see, adjusting her sight to the candles and torches that lit the darkened room.

  A silver chalice carrying red liquid was held before her. “Lower the dagger all the way in,” a man instructed.

  She complied and lowered it, the chanting even louder, echoing. Someone wrapped a heavy wool robe around Lana’s shoulders from the back, pulling the hood up and tying it around her neck. It hung to the floor, still exposing the front of her body.

  “Pull it out slowly.”

  Her hands shook as she pulled the dagger back out of the chalice.

  “Now lick the side of the blade.”

  With widened eyes, she sucked in her lips before bringing them to the silver blade, rolling her tongue out and running it along the dull side to the very tip, the taste of wine astounding her. The man let his hood fall down, revealing blond hair and a handsome face with dilated eyes of black. His lips were parted and breathing fast.

  “I want her,” he demanded, hoarsely.

  “No,” Jack said.

  “This is our ritual, Jack, not yours. If I want the whole Great Rite, then I’ll have it.”

  Jack stood in front of him, a growl forming in his throat. “You dare to disobey me, Drake?”

  The man dragged his eyes away from Lana and looked at Jack. “No,” he said, tensing his jaw.

  “Good choice. Now, you may conduct the five-fold kiss, but only after you calm yourself down. This is not meant to be sexual,” Jack reminded him.

  Drake stood back and closed his eyes, his breathing slowing down to an appropriate tempo for the ritual. When he opened them, his eyes were a hazel green, blinking until he looked normal. His eyes locked with hers, an impish grin playing on his lips.

  He dropped to his knees in front of her and bowed his head, appearing to worship her. He then kissed the tops of her feet, right then left, accompanied by a blessing, “Bless thy feet, that have brought thee in these ways.” He continued to the next part, kissing her knees, right then left. “Bless thy knees that shall kneel at the Sacred Altar.” He kissed her stomach, his tongue tasting her. “Stretch your arms out wide, please,” he instructed. Then continued when she did. “Bless thy womb, without which we would not be.” He then picked his blond head up a little higher and brought his lips to her breasts, right then left, his mouth wet and lingering, forcing her to close her eyes, ignoring the warmth spreading in her lower belly, the betrayal, and said, “Bless thy breasts, formed in beauty,” his voice a little ragged, and then he stood to bring his mouth to hers, a soft kiss, and said, “Blessed be thy lips, that shall utter Sacred Names. I love you, my high priestess, Lana, forever in eternity.” His eyes were black coal.

  “End it now,” Jack seethed through clenched teeth, sounding like a jealous lover.

  Drake looked into Lana’s eyes long enough to send an unspoken message, a promise of sorts. “Hail Lana,” he said, folding his hands as if in prayer, kissing her hands, and bowing once more before stepping back into the fold of the circle.

  “Hail Lana,” they all chanted.

  “Yes, hail Lana, Stone of Stone,” Jack said. “Blood of Stone.” He stood directly in front of her. “You are now one of us, Lana girl.” He pressed his lips to hers, a fast, hard kiss, and pulled back, licking his lips of the wine. His eyes lowered to her body before returning to her face. “When you get rid of Eric, that’s when you’ll earn your title. Right now, it’s just that…a title. But when you keep up your end of the deal, you’ll deserve every bow and every hail.”

  “I thought I earned it just by this ceremony alone,” she said, wanting to wipe her mouth.

  “You did, but I need more. I held up my end. Your author friend is doing much better, but I can change all that in a second. Don’t test me.”

  “I don’t plan to.”

  “Good.” He turned and clapped in three successions.

  One-by-one, each member stood in front of her, taking a drink of the wine, and then giving her a kiss; some swiped their tongues inside, some just kept it chaste. Drake finished the wine and wrapped his hand around her neck, pulling her mouth to his, swishing the sweet contents into her mouth, his tongue swirling around hers, mixed with the alcohol, forcing her to swallow the remains.

  “Now, we are one,” he said, bowing before returning to the head of the circle.

  Again, Jack clapped in three successions.

  One woman ran to get a big black book with a pentagram symbol and another guided Lana to a chair, allowing her to fold the robe over he
r front. Drake’s eyes still pierced hers, watching every move intently.

  They all let their hoods drop and she recognized a few from the local businesses. It would be strange to see them when she’d need to buy something from their store, but these were the people she’d meet with a couple of times a week so it didn’t matter.

  “Your coven will teach you some spells and black magic. They know of your own power, so it should be fairly easy to learn.”

  “When would I ever need to use a spell?” she asked, looking confused.

  “It’s just part of the ceremony. Your mother would have gone through this as well if she’d have stayed with Christian. They could be here today in charge of everything along with you. They really did blow it, didn’t they?” he asked, his eyes crinkling in mirth.

  Lana stood and spit at his feet. “Don’t you ever speak of them like that again. Do you understand me, Jack?”

  The coven gasped, watching Jack’s reaction.

  He chuckled and ground his shoe into her mucus. “Oh, Lana. You do amuse me. Continue, please,” he instructed the group, and walked to the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Wear the blue cape in your room; it belonged to your mother.” And then he was gone.

  Her eyes were drawn back to Drake who looked impressed, nodding at her with a small grin.

  “Hail Lana, our high priestess,” they all chanted before sitting around her and opening to the first page of the book.

  One of the men set a steel bowl in the center and threw in two pictures. When Lana leaned in to see what were on the pictures, she gasped. Eric and Diana stared back at her. The man set the pictures on fire, and they all stared hypnotically into the flames, chanting one of the spells.

  Chapter 12

  She didn’t know how, but she found herself at Hunter’s house, banging on his door. Lights were on, so she knew he was home. “Hunter! I know you’re in there!”

  The door swung open, and he stood there in gray sweatpants and shirtless, a cross pendent hanging from a gold chain, breathing fast from trying to get to the door. “Lana, what’s wrong?”