Bitten

By K. Drollinger

Annette has unfinished business. She has to stop the werewolf leader from executing her friend, deal with an uncooperative clan of vampires, and most importantly, hunt down the man that slaughtered her friends. To do that, she may have to call on help from an unlikely source.

Bitten is a continuation of the Annette Brown series. The first book in the series is titled Enthralled.

• Language: English
• Publisher: K. Drollinger
• Release date: Jan 18, 2012
• ISBN: 9781466190801

Book preview

Bitten

Published by K. Drollinger at Smashwords

Copyright 2012 K. Drollinger

Cover illustration by Phatpuppy Art

This is a work of fiction

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book is dedicated to my Dad. He teases me constantly for my love of the supernatural, but he honestly try’s to take an interest in my work.

Chapter 1

Annette shrieked for Conrad to stop, but the words exploded from her mouth a fraction of a second too late. His needle like teeth slashed clean through Blaine’s throat, dissecting both of his carotids. The crimson spray flashed over the walls and the man went down with Conrad glued to his chest.

The color ran from Annette’s already pale face. She had caught the look of aggression in Conrad’s stance moments before he attacked. She thought he could contain himself, but she had been wrong.

Now in mere seconds the life would bleed away from the slender young man Annette had come to know as the Lycaon’s third in command. The Lycaon was not someone that Conrad could afford to anger; especially not now, when he was so close to being released from the Guild’s care.

Annette cursed and latched onto Blaine’s neck with both hands. She had seen a werewolf heal from injuries that would have killed a human. However, Annette doubted that even a wolf could survive this much blood loss.

Conrad lowered his hackles and stepped off of Blaine’s chest. Shock was evident in the man’s hazel eyes. He mustn’t have seen this coming. Or at least, he must not have expected Conrad to go through with the attack.

Flynn! Annette called out as rivers streamed between her fingers.

Blaine’s lips stuttered and the hole in his throat foamed pink. Annette couldn’t tell if he was trying to talk or breathe. Both options were unlikely to happen now.

Thundering footsteps rolled through the house. Flynn leaped over the banister from the stairs and landed with all the grace of an elephant. He trotted towards them and stared at the body in Annette’s hands.

Shit. Now they are never going to let us leave. He said.

"Can’t you do something? Annette squeaked.

Flynn shook his head and ran his fingers through his wooden hair. You can let go now.

Annette looked back to her shaking hands. The blood was no longer gushing from his throat. Blaine didn’t look to be breathing. She swore again and looked at Conrad furiously.

The black wolf lay calmly at her side licking the blood off of his muzzle.

Why Conrad? She whispered. What were you thinking?

Conrad’s grey eyes stared back at her. His tongue flicked over his nose.

Annette began to use her jeans to wipe the blood off of her hands. I know Blaine was the one pushing for you to be put down, but killing him isn’t how you prove you aren’t too feral to be released from the Guild’s care!

Conrad turned away from her and lay his head down on his paws.

Flynn stomped over, grabbed Conrad by the scruff, and jerked him up until they were face to face. Dang it Conrad, enough already! You have been giving us the silent treatment for months now. I know you aren’t ready to shift back but don’t ignore us.

Conrad stared back at Flynn briefly then averted his gaze.

We don’t have time for pack politics right now. What are we going to do with him? Annette gestured towards Blaine.

She turned to where she was pointing. Annette winced at Blaine’s hollow face. She hadn’t liked him because he had been trying to kill Conrad, but it was hard to hate him because he was only thinking of the Guild’s well being. He didn’t deserve this.

After all, Conrad had gone feral before. Flynn had helped Conrad come back to his human side then.

Now he was on the edge again. The Guild of Lycaon, the ruling werewolf party of the west coast, had kept Conrad from dying after his fight with Gavin. However, it was now December, and although Conrad had recovered physically, it was in question weather he had ever recovered mentally.

Not once had he changed back to human form. Not even on the days that Annette and Flynn could come to visit. Annette had learned from Flynn that it’s not normal for a werewolf to stay in one form for such an extended period.

What was worse was Conrad’s constant moping. From what Annette had seen he spent most of his time sleeping. When she would visit he would lope around the garden once or twice, sigh, and lay back down.

Before today Annette was worried that if he didn’t snap out of it soon the Guild would deem him unfit. Unfit wolves are not allowed to live.

Flynn used to comfort her by saying As long as we aren’t a threat to the secrecy of the supernatural community we’ll be fine. If Lycoris thought Conrad was a danger to himself or others he would put Conrad down himself.

Now Conrad had killed Lycoris’s third in command.

Flynn slumped against the wall by Conrad and patted his friend’s head.

Annette’s eyes welled up. She wasn’t sure what was bothering her more, the loss of life, or the thought of Conrad being put down. Any moment now Lycoris would be walking through the front door, yards away from where Annette sat. She could bet that he wouldn’t like what he’d see.

She used the back of her hand to wipe away the tears. When Annette opened her eyes again she saw that Blaine was looking at her. He hadn’t been before.

Annette screeched and fell away from him.

Blaine’s hands moved falteringly towards his neck. The flesh was already sealing over his wounds. His nose flared as he bolted upright wide-eyed.

You killed me? I can’t believe you killed me! Blaine spat.

It’s about time you came back. Annette thought you were the permanent kind of dead. Flynn said.

Annette scrabbled backwards with her mouth gaping open. Y-you died.

Flynn cocked his head to the side. Didn’t I ever tell you about this place? I must have. I mean, we have been coming here for months.

Tell me what?

People can’t die here. That’s why the Guild uses it. Alana giggled and peeped her head around the corner from the stairwell.

It still hurts though! Blaine growled. He jumped to his feet and inspected his neck in the hall mirror.

His grey silk shirt had definitely met its end. Blaine ripped it off in a fit and tossed it aside. His chest had a rouge tint where the blood had soaked through.

You can bet Lycoris will hear about this. Blaine said. Then he spun on his heel and headed towards the bathroom.

I’ll go try and talk to him. You two stay here. Flynn said as he followed after.

Annette rubbed her forehead. Even if people can’t die here you can’t go around mauling them.

Conrad wriggled over until his head was in her lap. He thumped his tail on the ground and looked up at her.

Annette patted his head. I think you’ve blown it. If you can’t die inside the house then I guess they will have to take you out back when they…you know.

Alana slipped around the corner. She smiled as she walked up to Annette. The hem of her pink summer dress fluttered about her knees.

You have become much more accustomed to the quirks of the world. Alana said airily.

Annette did not respond.

Alana bent sideways until her head was nearly upside-down. Her hair cascaded down her face in flaxen wavelets. From here it’s almost like your smiling.

What a strange girl. Is she trying to cheer me up? Annette thought. It’s hard to believe that this is the witch of the Western Guild of Lycoris.

It’s a curse you know. Alana said.

A curse is making you wear a sun dress in winter?

Alana giggled. She placed the back of her fingers over her mouth as she did. It was as though she didn’t want people to see her open mouth because that would be un-lady-like.

The curse is what keeps people from dying as long as they are within this house. Alana replied. It’s called Kalyndari’s curse, after the witch that was foolish enough to create it. She used to live in this house.

Alana sighed. She looked at the blood splattered walls of her home.

The spell was intended for good. A spell that heals even mortal wounds, it sounds promising doesn’t it?

Annette nodded. So it’s kind of like dynamite? It was made to do good, but could be used in the worst way.

Yes. Can you imagine if it fell into the wrong hands? The most terrible forms of torture could be done here. You could bash in someone’s skull a dozen times and they wouldn’t die from it.

Annette swallowed. How do you know all this?

Alana’s eyes dimmed. Kalyndari was my ancestor. As her scion I am responsible for removing this curse from the world. I would give my life to keep others from learning the art for casting that spell.

Annette felt sorry for asking. Alana’s family had left her quite the responsibility.

When did the Guild start using this house? Annette asked.

Alana looked cheered by the change of subject.

Only in the last fifty years or so. My family couldn’t afford the rising land taxes on the house so we started letting the wolves come here in exchange for money. It works to both of our advantage. Now the wolves can test their metal with deadly intent without the Guild actually loosing any wolves. It’s a safe way to establish dominance. Of course, it isn’t used for such fights very often now that the important Guild positions are elected through votes instead of blood.

Do you think that’s why Conrad attacked Blaine? He was establishing his dominance over him? Annette asked.

Oh my yes, but the Guild leader won’t approve of it. Lycoris knows that Conrad is stronger than even he. But Conrad is not fit to lead. The wolves had to adopt this humanistic system over their wild brethrens to keep a stable society.

I think Conrad mentioned once how much he hates this system. Annette said.

Alana nodded. It doesn’t sit well with many wolves, especially the old ones. But it has kept relative peace between the wolf territories as well as between the wolves and other members of the supernatural community.

Hear that Conrad? You may not like the system but it works.

Conrad snorted.

True it works in some ways. But it is forcing the wolves to go against their nature. So it has caused conflict. As Alana finished speaking a chime sounded in the house. That must be the others. Perhaps you and Conrad should go out to the gardens while you wait for the meeting to convene. Alana made her way towards the front door. She stopped in front of it and waved Annette away.

***

The garden air was crisp. The hedges leapt toward the sky like a palisade, blocking the neighboring houses from view. Annette sat on a bench in the foliage enclosed patio.

Little was left of the plants that had thrived here on Annette’s first visit. Bulbs lay dormant in the dirt while the skeletal stems of shrubs dotted the expanse.

Sleek clouds slipped by silently over head. As Annette looked up the sky shimmered. An artifact of the spell Alana’s family used to shroud their house.

Annette rubbed her hands together for warmth. It was freezing outside. The evergreens bore a slight frost from the early morning.

Conrad clambered up beside her. He managed to get the first half of his body in her lap, but not without nearly knocking both of them off of the bench. Annette laughed and hugged him to her.

Thanks. I needed a smelly lap warmer.

Her smile ebbed as she heard the footsteps of a large group approaching.

Lycoris appeared first in the doorway. He was followed closely by his wife, Jennifer, and the rest of the high ranking guild members.

Annette averted her eyes after she saw him, just as Flynn had taught her to do in the presence of those in a higher position than her. The leader of the Guild, the Lycaon, was as high as it got in the werewolf society.

Annette ran her fingers through Conrad’s fur and stifled the low rumbling growl that had started in his throat. Conrad would not look away from Lycoris.

Annette’s heart thumped in her chest. This was not the sort of behavior for Conrad to display on the day that his fate was to be decided.

Why wont Conrad be good? Annette began to panic.

There is no need for you to tremble in my presence. Lycoris said.

Annette flicked her eyes upward. Lycoris had covered the distance between them. He was looking directly at her.

The cold wind brushed through his grey streaked, and receding hair. He was one of the few wolves that looked his age. Annette assumed that the many hard years of responsibility and duty had done that to him.

His wife Jennifer was studying the runes carved in the stones of the patio. Her bright blue eyes flicked up from time to time and watched her husband. She tucked a strand of golden hair behind her ear and pretended not to notice him talking to Annette. The woman’s youthful appearance almost made the Lycaon look like a cradle robber.

The rest of the guild members had fallen to the seats about the garden at their leisure.

The Lycaon did not look perturbed when she met his gaze. The dominance game was over.

I can’t help but be nervous. Conrad and I have gone through a lot together. He and I have become like family. If he could die today then I don’t know how you could expect me to be calm. He hasn’t been helping his case lately. Annette muttered.

Lycoris went and picked up a seat nearby. He brought it over to where Annette was and set it down gently as if it were plastic instead of cement.

I did see the blood in the hallway. Blaine was none to happy about what happened. I know Conrad has not told me his side yet, but it may not matter. The damage has been done.

Annette sniffled.

Lycoris went on to say, It would help if he had a pack to look after him. Then we could expect Conrad’s pack to keep him in check. Unfortunately, Flynn alone does not a pack make. It would be better if you and he were mated, then if you were less submissive…

What? Annette asked aghast.

You have the makings of a dominant, but you don’t act it. You coddle him too much so he doesn’t obey you like he should.

Annette shook her head. No. What you said before. ‘If Flynn and I were mated’, what does that mean?

Some wolves will couple with different mates over the years. Others make a long lasting bond. For most werewolves the tie between a mated pair is similar to marriage. If separated they would long for each others company.

But Flynn and I have been dating for months now. Why shouldn’t that qualify?

You and Flynn don’t function as a pack. A pack should have a mated dominant couple. Usually the rest of the pack is made up of their offspring, but it can be made up of submissive wolves. What Conrad needs is a dominant pair to look after him. He himself is a dominant. That’s why he has chosen to be alone rather than to stay in a pack before.

If we don’t qualify, then isn’t there another pack that can look after him?

I have not heard of a pack taking in a lone wolf out of the kindness in their hearts.

Annette wanted to scream. She clenched her fists around clumps of Conrad’s fur. Conrad mouthed her knee, warning her to stop.

How could Flynn and I prove ourselves worthy of taking Conrad in?

There are lone werewolves that prefer to stay alone even after mating. So coupling isn’t enough. You would have to prove that you can change enough to accept a pack.

Me? Are you saying that I’m the problem? It would have hurt less if he had slapped her in the face.

Hasn’t Flynn asked you to move in with him? And you have been resisting?

That’s not fair! We haven’t known each other for more than four months. I’m too young to be settling down anyway. I have just started my career. There are so many reasons!

So you admit that you are the one resisting?

Cut me some slack. I have had a lot to take in lately. Just last summer I would have laughed at you if you had said that werewolves were real. Now I not only have had to come to terms with your existence, but learn your politics.

Lycoris glanced at the people in the courtyard with them. Then he leaned in closer.

I have given you what time I can. Now the three of you need to make some decisions. He said. Then Lycoris stood and jammed his hands into his pockets. The convocation will begin once all of the officers are present. My steward is running late. He grumbled. May the fates smile on you this day.

Annette watched the Lycaon return to his wife’s side. It was difficult for her to think of Lycoris as the werewolf equivalent of a politician. He was too nice.

Flynn and Alana emerged from the house. Alana nodded to Flynn and began to greet the guild members present. Once she was gone, Flynn motioned for Annette to follow.

Conrad slid off the bench and followed Flynn. Annette was close behind. The three of them walked to the far end of the courtyard, away from

Reviews for Bitten

[allcrazyhere · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I couldn't finish it. I tried, really I tried, but the editing was, well, there was no editing. The story seemed generic, and there was no real connection to the characters. The whole premise on how Ally gets bitten is absurd in the extreme- what kind of vampire bites another person just because they're in a vampire costume on halloween? come on now. Unfortunately, about a quarter of the way through, I had to delete it off my Kindle.

[pamkaye · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Alice Korman is one of the stupidest women in literary history. Who see a man at a club (doesn't even meet him), follows him out at 2 am and down dark alleys at that, then goes to his home with barely an introduction. I get love at first sight, but this was just dumb.I do not recommend this book to anyone. It found it very immature and poorly written. The phrasing, punctuation, grammar, and repetition made me feel like a 12 year old wrote this book.I downloaded book 1 and 2 for free at the same time. But I don't think I want to bother with book 2.