Bloodbourne

By Sasha Pruett

Being at the top of the food chain doesn't cross your mind... until you're on the menu.
Calynn Moore was going about her life, minding her own business when a stranger came knocking. She thought she was doing a good thing; a kindness by returning a lost pet to a tearful little girl, but she couldn't have been more wrong. Now she's a hostage to a family of other-worldly, homicidal, monsters that are fattening her up for their own version of a Thanksgiving dinner.
With no hope of rescue or escape she's determined to go down fighting, but a single act of defiance opens a door to freedom. The catch? She has to trust one of the creatures holding her prisoner with her life. As time goes by and secret plans are put into play Calynn gets more than she bargained for as secrets are revealed and her life becomes more and more tied to the very monsters she's desperate to escape from. Now she's playing a deadly game of manipulation with the enemy waiting for the moment when one of them calls her bluff and catches her in the act, but will she lose her self in the process? Or will the one person she trusts to save her be her own destruction? Will she actually escape or be trapped in a world she never knew existed for the rest of her life? Is this the bad-luck of the draw or was it fate that brought her onto the doorstep of her doom?

• Language: English
• Publisher: BeLe Publishing
• Release date: Oct 17, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370362837

Sasha Pruett

Author Sasha Pruett has been writing for more than two decades in various genres from horror to sci-fi, fantasy and adventure. She resides in the south with her husband of more than twenty years where she enjoys taking care of her home and pets. She is an avid reader and gamer and has many hobbies including music, painting, crafting, knitting and more.When asked about what started her desire to become a writer she states, "It wasn't really something I decided like some people do, it wasn't one of those, 'When I grow up I want to be a writer,' or 'I'm going to write a book one day.' It was just something that was a part of who I was; who I am, something that was natural from the time I could remember, something I did that flowed from me. When I was nine I had an idea that I told my father I was going to write a book from, but that was more for myself and for him since he was always interested in my writing. The thought of being a writer was nowhere in my mind since I had so many other interests until years later when I decided to write down a list of all the different story ideas I had. To my surprise there were nearly two dozen ideas on that list and it quickly grew. That was when it hit me, when I realized I had always been a writer and all those short stories I had enjoyed writing over the years were just practice."With a binder filled with over one-hundred storylines and rough drafts she has no shortage of material to keep novels coming for years.

Book preview

Though this book does not contain offensive language or descriptive, explicit sexual situations it does contain some violent scenes and is not intended for young or sensitive readers.

This book is a work of fiction. All persons and events are a figment of my imagination and are not intended to portray or resemble anyone. Any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental. If it does resemble you, you really do have problems don’t you?

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

I give complete credit to the Lord God Almighty of whom I am a humble servant. Without His guidance, love, and grace this book (and all others) would not have been written. On the other hand; all errors, uh-oh's, oopses, and boo-boo's I gladly take credit for.

Acknowledgements

A big thank you to Calibre and its creators. Your program has been invaluable during the editing process.

Dedication

To my Husband, my Knight, my Rock, my Love

Other works by Sasha Pruett

The Costly Obsession Trilogy

Costly Obsession: Animalize

Costly Obsession: Decay

Costly Obsession: Unleashed

From Darkness

Afterthoughts

Kids Zone Children’s Books

Lullies

Sleep Sweet

Mommy’s Lullaby

Daddy’s Lullaby

Bunny Feet

Table of Contents

Disclaimer

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty-One

Chapter Forty-Two

Chapter Forty-Three

Chapter Forty-Four

Two Months Later

Sneak Peek- Bloodbourne II: Uprising

Sneak Peek- Costly Obsession: Animalize

Bloodbourne

Bourne- A small stream or brook, especially one that flows intermittently or seasonally

- a boundary; limit

- destination; goal

- realm; domain

Bloodborne- Carried by the blood, (Typically of a disease or pathogen)

Bloodbourne- All of the above

Chapter One

Friday! The end of another week, thankfully, and Calynn was more than ready for the freedom the weekend had to offer her. Don’t get her wrong, she loved her job working with animals, but six panicky felines and three angry dogs in one afternoon gave her cause to want to put on her workout clothes and take a nice long run through the trails by her home. Alone; with nothing but the pounding of her footfalls, the steady breaths filling her lungs with fresh air, and her thoughts. It was her way to relax, some people had a few drinks, some vegged out in front of the television, Calynn Moore ran. Her apartment was only a few blocks from the animal clinic she worked at and since it was still summer she preferred to walk when the weather cooperated and today was a beauty. It may have been August, but the heat wave had been temporarily broken and every fiber of her being itched to be out in the sun breathing something other than recycled air.

She should have been paying attention, but her mind was already tracing her path through the forest trails when she nearly ran into him. There, in front of the door to her third-floor apartment he waited, the largest dog she’d ever seen firsthand in her life. Even sitting down it nearly came up to her chin.

Well hello there. Where’d you come from? She’d always had a way with animals and years of working with the furry race had given her an instant ‘in’ with most critters. It cocked its head intently, popping its pink tongue out of its mouth in a friendly gesture.

It was a massive canine, some kind of wolf hound by the look of it, all scruffy and absolutely adorable. It whimpered at the sound of her voice thudding its huge grey tail on the concrete, while looking up at her with the saddest look in its eyes. Poor thing. It licked her hand and nudged her for a scratch behind its ears. She was such a sucker for animals and this friendly furry beast had her hook, line, and sinker.

Okay come on, let’s get you inside and see if we can find out who you belong to. She said with a sigh of defeat.

The minute she opened the door the beast sauntered in like he owned the place making himself at home; bounding onto the couch like it was made for him.

You know this is only temporary big guy. That’s still my couch.

He sneezed and shook his head making her laugh.

Alright we’ll argue about that later. Let’s take a look at that collar of yours and see if we can find out who you belong to okay. She found a number and address, but no name; strange. He was well taken care of that was obvious and he couldn’t have been on his own for too long. He was still well groomed and smelled more like he’d just been to the doggie spa than an animal wondering around the streets.

Well I don’t know what to call you, but at least I can contact your family. What do you say? Get you back home tonight? Calynn picked up her phone and dialed the number when a small voice answered.

Hello?

Hi, yeah, my name is Calynn Moore and I think I found your dog on my doorstep today.

Really, you found him!? You found my Boo?

Boo? Is that his name? The dog cocked his head to the side.

Yeah, yeah, he’s big and grey and shaggy and… The little girl was growing more and more excited by the second.

Yes, I found Boo.

Is he okay? He’s not hurt, is he?

No, no don’t worry Boo is fine. He’s making himself comfortable on my sofa right now.

Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you. She could practically hear the tears of joy in her small voice.

No problem. Do you want your parents to come get him?

I can’t. It’s my fault he got out. I left the gate open and I’m supposed to check it, but I forgot and my parents aren’t home yet. Could… could you bring him? The address is on his tags. I’d come get him, but I’m not supposed to leave the house and if my mom and dad find out that I’d left… She sounded like she was going to start bawling all over again and Calynn’s heart sank. She checked the address on the tags again and found it was only a couple of miles out of town. It wouldn’t be that far out of her way.

No, no it’s okay. I was going to go for a run anyway and there’s plenty of daylight left. I can’t promise I can get there before your parents get home though.

That’s okay, I’ll explain it to them.

Okay, just give me a few minutes and I’ll head out.

Thank you so much Calynn. You have no idea how much this means to me.

No problem. Just sit tight and I’ll bring Boo back. She hung up and turned to the dog taking up the entire couch.

Well Boo, looks like we’re going for a nice long walk.

She grabbed a leash she kept around for when she’d bring one of the stray dogs home from the clinic until it found its forever family. Then headed for the walking trails that wound around the town and would cut off a full mile and a half from their trek. Boo was a perfect gentleman and obviously had gone through training. Not once did he pull on the leash or try to chase one of the many squirrels that dashed around the trees and he seemed to know exactly where he was going. They cut through the woods to reach the side road that led out of town and down to the nearly missable paved drive that wound back into the forest.

Well, I guess this is it boy. Anything look familiar to you?

He wagged his tail and gave a doggie nod, looking longingly up the drive.

Okay then. Lead the way.

The path soon led to a beautiful rock wall and gate that needed a buzz to enter. The girl must have been waiting for her, because the gate immediately unlocked when she pressed the button.

Looks like we’re expected huh? I bet that little girl is on pins and needles waiting for you. She gave the furry animal another scratch and continued on.

This was a nice place and she wondered how the dog had found its way off the property to begin with. The girl had said she left the gate open, but Calynn couldn’t imagine she meant the big one she’d just come through. Maybe there’s a back entrance or something somewhere else. She followed the winding white stone path over lush manicured grounds like those she saw in the magazines they kept in the lobby and past a pond with a waterfall and a spouting fountain in the center. Further in she saw an oasis fit for a paradise retreat. An Olympic size swimming pool resembling a tropical lagoon, surrounded by plants and fed by a waterfall, was nestled on the grounds. With a hot tub, colored lights, infinity spa and all the modern bells and whistles; no doubt it was also heated in the winter and cooled in the summer. ‘Must be nice’, she sighed to herself and continued along the path.

The house was a massive multi-level mansion of glass, metal, concrete and stone that sprawled over more acres than she could see. Yet somehow it managed to blend perfectly into the landscape as if it was always meant to be there. Strange she never knew this place existed. Then again, many wealthy families tended to hide away in their own little corner of the world. Only coming out for social events and business; especially those that think their lives are no one else’s affair. She had to go along with them on that one, she was big on privacy herself.

As her eyes took in the sprawling manor and grounds she couldn’t help but notice a slender woman dressed in a simple, yet elegant, flowing white dress; perfect for a summers day. Her long, jet black hair gently danced in the breeze as it spilled like ink down the back of the chaise lounge she stretched out on. What looked to be a Bloody Mary dangled in her hand while, what Calynn could only guess to be a couple of servants, stood near-by. The girl’s mother must have made it home already. Hopefully she wasn’t too angry over the whole missing dog situation. People like this usually had purebreds they’d spent a lot of money on and didn’t take kindly to losing such an investment.

The woman lifted her gaze to take in the stranger walking so freely up to their home with their family pet. She had a welcoming smile on her face as if she had been expected. No doubt her daughter had told her about Boo, but the closer Calynn got to the house, and the woman, the more her skin began to crawl. The hairs all over her body stood on end as her skin prickled with bumps and her heart began to beat hard and loud, thundering in her chest. It was completely irrational, but every fiber in her told her to RUN, and this time she listened; this time she ran.

The dog took off for its master, trailing the dropped leash behind it, but Calynn wasn’t stopping to watch. Something about this whole situation was wrong. The feeling was so overpowering she couldn’t deny it and at the moment she didn’t care if she looked like a lunatic to some southern socialite. She didn’t understand it, but she wasn’t about to question it and out of the corner of her eye, she could have sworn that it didn’t even look like the same dog anymore. Calynn shook her head and focused, leaving that thought to figure out later as she dashed across the lawn for the tree line in the distance. Ignoring the winding path through the grounds to the gate, she made for the road she knew was beyond those trees. There was something about being out of the line of sight of that place that seemed like a good idea and at this point she was going by pure instinct. She heard a female voice yelling in the background and realized she wasn’t alone on that lawn anymore. The trees were still too far away and she was fully exposed on the plush greenery of the manicured lawn. She swerved to the right, to a field of tall grass and wild flowers hoping it would help hide her, but whoever, whatever was chasing her was fast, very fast.

She wondered if it was that dog. If the owner had mistaken her for a prowler or trespasser and had given the attack command, but no that wasn’t it. There was something about that woman, about those servants that was off. It was crazy she knew, but every instinct in her screamed danger and she wasn’t about to ignore it. The sun was setting fast and she knew she needed to get out of there before it was gone completely. They may not be able to see her as well in the dark, but she had no idea where she was either and the dark was her enemy. No, it was more than that, for some reason she felt as though she were racing against the sunset, racing against time. Suddenly she noticed four figures had caught up to her in the grassy field and she put on extra speed, ignoring the burn in her legs and lungs. She was the fastest runner in her school, way back when, and it had even opened a door for a small track and field scholarship, but the four figures kept pace effortlessly. Sometimes running almost beside her, and other times running past her then off to the side laughing with glee. They were playing with her, whatever these people were, they were hunting her and by the looks of them, their speed, their ability she didn’t stand a chance and they knew it.

The sun had disappeared behind the tree line leaving her in shadow when she felt a breeze brush past her followed by a sharp sting. A cut had appeared on her arm, trickling fresh blood sliding down her skin, then another, and another. Each preceded by a gust of wind and sadistic laughter. It was over, she had lost. She could continue to run; to try to make it to the safety of the woods beyond, but she doubted there was truly any safety there anyway. This was their land and their territory. No, it was done, she was done. No point giving them any more of a chase. If she was going down anyway she wasn’t going to make it any more fun for them. So she stopped, dead in her tracks, breathing heavily and looking straight ahead. In an instant she was surrounded and she saw for the first time what, whom she had been running from. Four guys ranging in age from mid-twenties to sixteen had boxed her in. All perfectly normal looking, none breathing hard like her, and most with a look of a pack of hungry wolves eager to pounce on dinner. The oldest, at least she thought it was the oldest, appeared to be the alpha of the pack. He stood in front of her and she met his menacing gaze, refusing to back down. They had her, everyone knew it, but she wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of cowering, crying, or even of asking a simple question. She had a feeling that they’ve done this before; many times. They obviously had the power to make her suffer, but she would defy them in whatever way she could and at the moment, that meant standing tall. Then the world went dark.

*****

They had their sacrifice, though this one was not like the others. Devilicus usually brought them less lively prey. Oh well, she was being prepped and purified and by the equinox would make an interesting feast.

Chapter Two

Time passed, but Calynn barely noticed, she was a prisoner. She wasn’t chained up or even locked in her room, but that meant nothing. She was missing long gaps in her memory. The moon had been full the night she had been captured, and though it only felt like twenty-four hours since then it was only a sliver now. There was evidence of wounds that were nearly healed and traces of ones that had already healed over. She could wonder around the house as she pleased, no one bothered her and outside of a couple of servants standing guard she saw virtually no one. Sometimes she’d glimpse a form through the massive glass windows that were more like glass walls, out in the shrubbery or the woods in the distance, but before she could blink they’d be gone. She was dressed in a simple, short, ivory satin spaghetti strap night gown with a matching robe. Nothing more, not even socks or slippers for her feet.

At first, she stayed within the house itself not daring to open a door to the outside world. Positive that in an instant one of servants that was always watching her would alert someone or try to stop her themselves. Plus, there were those dog things that prowled the grounds, they looked nothing like that sweet shaggy beast that had lured her there. They had more skin than fur with an oversized rib cage, sharp protruding spine and eyes that were black as coal. She stared through the window at the one only feet from her and wondered if that was the very one that had brought her here in the first place. Every time she looked out the door or windows it was there watching her, waiting for her to what; try to run? Fat chance on that.

She felt fine. They were feeding her, evidently, but that only made her feel like a Thanksgiving turkey and maybe that’s what she was. Maybe that’s why they didn’t just kill her that first night. After a while she got up the nerve to open the sliding glass doors that led to a massive balcony overlooking the pool area. No one stopped her and by this time the moon was full again. ‘So, it’s been a month’, she thought as she drew in a deep breath of air. She considered trying to walk around the grounds, but maybe that would be going too far especially with that demon dog still watching her from below. It looked like the same one. Don’t worry I’m not going to try to run for it, I’m not that stupid. Or is that what you’re hoping for? Well you can forget it, I have no urge to end up as kibble. Fool me once shame on you fool me twice shame on me. That’s from my grandmother. It’s all your fault I’m here in the first place. You are the one that tricked me into coming here aren’t you? She called down over the balcony railing.

The animal must have heard her because it tilted its head to the side.

Yeah, you heard me. You just knew I was a sucker for animals, didn’t you?

The thing shook its leathery head.

Don’t give me that; it’s no accident that I’m here. You chose me. The creature just stared at her with those bulging black eyes as she turned and went back in the house that was her prison.

Chapter Three

The master of the house, Sir Drake, sat behind his antique Carpathian Elm desk with his trusted major domo and officer standing dutifully and silently in the corner behind him. The only witness to a very interesting discussion with his wife; the mysterious dark-haired woman that Calynn had seen the first day she arrived.

Someone has been wiping her memory. Any idea which one of them it could be? Sir Drake asked arching one thick dark eyebrow.

How unusual, but why do you ask me such things my love? The boys are your department not mine.

I was wondering if one of the girls may be behind this. You know how lively Erzsébet is and irritating her brothers isn’t beneath her. It would be quite the game don’t you think?

True, but I don’t believe any of the girls have been in to visit our new pet for any reason. I can inquire of Lana if you’d like?

No, not yet. Let’s see what happens and let this play out on its own. It could be quite amusing; for all of us.

She seems to be of good stock. I wonder why Devilicus chose this one? It’s not like him. Lana tells me there’s no sign of any of the normal impurities we usually see. No need to wait the full purification time even.

True, but I wouldn’t want to interrupt the boys’ enjoyment. They’re always so much sweeter when they’ve endured a little fun. No point picking a fruit before it’s ripened.

Agreed, husband, but how will the mind altering affect her flavor? There won’t be the normal influences on the spirit if she’s too at ease.

I’ve considered that. Perhaps it will work out in the end. The mind has many ways of producing the same effects and if it fails to bring about a pleasing result then we’ll know to prevent it in the future should one of them decide to try it again. Would you like to join me for the sacrifice, my dear? We could find out together. It wouldn’t be the first time we’ve shared.

I may, after you’ve had some time to enjoy yourself, but they’d better not try it next season. I don’t care to have the recipe messed with.

Of course, my dear. I shall speak to them. If they want to corrupt each other’s stock that is between them, but ours should be off limits. What you say is right, even if it is some kind of mischief they should know better than to attempt anything with our feast.

Do you have any ideas which one could be responsible husband?

He steepled his fingers as if in thought, If it’s none of the girls than yes I have a few guesses.

Have all the boys been enjoying their new toy?

The usual, Rais and Ivan mostly. I have reports that Maximilien has given her a try, though he didn’t seem too impressed. Seems he went right back to his machines.

I do worry about that boy. I hope we’re not raising another Drakon. Has he been in to see the girl? The woman asked hopefully.

No, but that’s not unusual. He does so despise them. I think, had it been his sacrifice, he would have bled her right then and there in that field. He didn’t know whether to smile or frown at that thought.

I guess I can handle that as long as you’re not shamed, she picked at an imaginary piece of lint on her skirt, clearly agitated, but Maximilien seems too caught up in his other activities. It’s like a bad habit. I know the other children have their hobbies, but at least they enjoy the hunt even out of season. He doesn’t even seem interested in that. Sometimes I think he actually likes them and this idea of wanting to be called ‘Max’ is appalling. If he is becoming one of those… temperates I expect you to handle it. I will not have a son or daughter of ours shame the house of Drake. Her back went rigid as she sat up straighter to stare at her husband.

Relax my dear, he is young and you forget he is being brought up in an age of progress. He doesn’t know the old ways like the others he’s only sixty-two.

Sixty-three. She corrected.

Sixty-three. Don’t forget that many of our race had the same passions at the beginning of the age of iron and machinery. It’s a fad. He’ll soon grow tired of these excursions and things and settle into a Drake just fine. I have no worries my dear, at present he’s bombarded with something new almost daily. If you remember our youth something new only came along every century.

She relaxed slightly and gave him a slight nod. If you believe that to be the case than I believe it too. I trust your judgement. Until tonight?

He nodded and smiled warmly, waiting for his wife to leave before turning back to his ledger. Lady Anula left her husband to his work and returned to hers. Sir Drake wasn’t too concerned about the mind altering of the girl, but his wife had brought up a good point. The young should know better than to alter his cuisine. No doubt it was one of them attempting to get a rise out of another by taking the fear away from their visits. Of course, it would also be a pleasurable way of experiencing that first terror over and over again. Sometimes the first is the most enjoyable. Either way he’d get to the bottom of it. If it wasn’t one of the girls having a game with their brothers than that left only Rais, Drakon, Ivan or Maximilien. No, he could exclude Drakon, he had no interest in them outside of the hunt and the purge. There was an intense sense of pride and honor in that boy. He would make a fine head of the house of Drake; less likely to let his passions and hunger rule than Rais. Too bad he was the second son. Oh well, he’d make an excellent advisor to his brother when the time came and would be able to take care of any unfortunate business that may arise. Just the task of handling Ivan would be difficult, his bloodlust and sadism knew no bounds. It was entirely possible that he was responsible for the girl’s memory loss, some kind of new experiment in torture. Maximilien was a long shot, but still. Where indulging with the girl may not be as interesting as he’d hoped, messing with his brothers may have proven more enjoyable.

Chapter Four

She knew something was different when she woke up that morning. No breakfast tray had been left on her small table like other mornings and her door had been locked for the first time she’d been captured. Even the atmosphere was different. Or maybe that was just her imagination, but she was willing to bet that her time was up and she was right. A few hours later she heard the click of the door lock and in stepped a man the size of a Mack truck and what she guessed was a servant girl. Their faces as blank and as void of emotion as robots.

Calynn’s gaze flicked between the two, wondering what her next move should be. The girl looked like she could easily be taken down, at least long enough for her to get through the doorway. The doorway that the behemoth was rooted in front of. No way she’d make it past him. She could hide in the small bathroom a few feet away; if it had a door that is. Although she doubted a wood door would be any match for the big guy, even if she had one. Scenarios began to play out in her mind when the girl stepped in front of her and held out a set of wrist restraints.

I can do this, the girls soft voice bounced around the small room, or he can. She nodded towards the man behind her. He crossed his arms and flexed his biceps and Calynn wondered if his shirt was going to rip in two.

It’s your choice.

Calynn snorted. Since when was anything since she found that stupid dog on her doorstep been her choice, she wondered. She glanced at the wall of muscles guarding the door. His jaw tensed and his eyes narrowed. There was no getting around him and she highly doubted he’d be gentle binding her hands; he’d probably break a few bones just for the fun of it. She nodded to the girl and held out her arms, hoping that maybe if she appeared to be submissive they’d lower their guard, giving her the opportunity to break free when they least expected it.

Unfortunately, neither of her escorts gave her a chance. Calynn was led from her room by the girl, trough back halls and down narrow staircases while her male escort insisted on keeping his hand clamped onto the back of her neck as he followed her trek through the halls. Sandwiched between the two, she was ushered into a massive room that was part billiard room part torture chamber. It was harvest time. She shivered as she was led past pool tables, dart boards, overstuffed leather couches and chairs to and area covered in black plastic and chained her to the solid rock wall. Her arms were bound over her head and her ankles shackled to a metal ring attached to a drainage grate in the floor. Once secure the two servants left with nothing but the sound of her own breathing and the beating of her heart to keep her company. This was it, she was going to die. It was Thanksgiving Day for these sick freaks and she was the main course.

The hours ticked by, at least it felt like hours to Calynn with her arms stretched above her head. They’d gone from aching, to tingling, to just plain numb. At first, she’d struggled against her bonds, trying whatever she could to break free, but nothing worked. The chains were solid, the mount to the wall was unbreakable and all she managed on her wrists were to bloody them with the gashes she’d created. The harder she pulled the tighter her bonds became. The only way to break free would be to remove her hands from her wrists, but she wouldn’t even make it to the door before she