The Lillian Rayne Trilogy: Book 2: The Lillian Rayne Trilogy, #2

By Ella Price

Lillian struggles with becoming a vampire. Her relationship with Aubrey and Cornelius continues to become more complicated. Drake and his werewolf pack offer Lillian a purpose. Lillian discovers she is not who she thinks she is. This new information has made her many enemies. She learns her enemies have cursed someone close to her in an attempt to get her to surrender. Lillian takes a risk to save the one she loves. Her only hope is to get to her enemies before they get to her first. On top of everything else, Lillian's newly discovered magical abilities are growing. Her determination to find herself could lead to more trouble for her, and the people she loves

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ella Price
• Release date: Jan 25, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393922100

Ella Price

I have been writing since I was eight. I started out with poetry. Eventually, I moved on to short fantasy stories, then eventually books. I have always loved books, whether I was reading them or writing them. Books have always been a perfect escape from reality. When I was growing up, I admired authors and I always imagined I would eventually be one. The primary genre I write is fantasy romance. I love creating tough heroines and sexy vampires, werewolves, Fae, and every other supernatural creature I can come up with. I also write new adult romance when I am in the right mood. I want my readers to get the same joy from reading my stories that I do when I read some of my favorite authors.

Book preview

Chapter 1

I sat, trying to gather the courage to push the stake through my chest. I knew that once I did, it would all be over. Every bit of pain would be gone. I took a breath as I closed my eyes.

I was suddenly knocked backward. The stake was ripped from my grasp. I cussed as I was pinned to ground. Aubrey glared down at me.

I glared right back at him. What the hell are you doing?

I won’t let you do this, he said firmly.

I tried to squirm out of his grasp, but his grip on my wrists was too tight. I was weak from hunger. I quickly realized fighting was useless. You said you would help me.

I changed my mind. I realized how stupid and pointless it was for you to kill yourself, he countered.

Get off of me! I snapped as I attempted to struggle again.

He reluctantly moved off me. I got to my feet and glared at him. I had gathered my courage and was about to end it all, and he had to ruin it. My gaze shifted to the stake lying on the ground not far from me.

He raised his eyebrows, almost like he was daring me to go for it. He was about as far from it as I was. I lunged for it. I grabbed it and rolled away from Aubrey. I was surprised he wasn’t on me by the time I got to my feet. My body suddenly froze ... I couldn’t move. I knew immediately Cornelius was taking control of me.

Seriously? I was irritated that Cornelius had control over me like this. I couldn’t move, so I couldn’t even turn to look at him. Not only that, but Aubrey was standing in front of me doing nothing. Obviously, they were working together.

Cornelius reached around me and took the stake out of my hand. As soon as he had the stake, he released his hold on me. This is not the answer, Lillian.

I don’t want to live like this! I shouted angrily as I moved, so I could see both of them. Suddenly, they were friends ... now that they wanted me to do what they wanted. Cornelius and Aubrey obviously didn’t understand. They were used to being vampires. They didn’t mind being killers ... I did.

You will get past this. You can’t just give up ... we won’t let you, Aubrey said softly.

I scoffed. Now you two are friends? I don’t want either of you to help me. I want to die. You can’t make me live like this!

Cornelius’s expression darkened. From now on, you will do as I say. If I have to constantly control you until you can control yourself, I will.

I scowled as I turned to face him. I was sure he gave up and let me go when he didn’t come after me. I even broke the bond between us, and he didn’t show up to stop me. Why are you stopping me now?

He scowled. I don’t have to explain myself. Now, come ... we are going home. You need to feed. He held his hand out to me.

I looked at his hand for a minute, then met his gaze. He wasn’t currently controlling me, so I had a choice. I looked at Aubrey, trying to determine my odds of escaping them both. I knew my chances were basically zero, but I didn’t want to just surrender. I don’t want to. I turned back toward Aubrey and looked up at him.

Lillian, please don’t make this a fight, Aubrey pleaded. I was angrier at him than I was at Cornelius. He agreed to let me die, and he went back on his word. He even went and teamed up with Cornelius. Aubrey, I could fight ... Cornelius I didn’t stand a chance against because of the control he had over me.

I will make you do as I say. It is your choice, Cornelius said smoothly. I knew there would be no arguing with him. He was going to get his way, even if he had to make me do what he wanted.

It’s not my choice, I snapped, relenting. I took his hand, and he pulled me against his chest. I glared at Aubrey one last time. He looked both relieved and a little saddened. It was his fault I was back in Cornelius’s arms. Obviously, Aubrey thought I belonged with Cornelius. If he didn’t, Aubrey wouldn’t keep letting Cornelius make me do everything.

You will thank me one day, Cornelius said gently. Before I could reply, there was a rush of air, and the world around me went out of focus. 

The room came into focus again. We were back in my bedroom in Cornelius’s house. I pulled away from him and sat down on the bed. Go away, I muttered.

He sighed impatiently. I will get you a bag of blood, he said dryly, then he disappeared.

I wondered how he just disappeared like he did. I would have to ask him when I wasn’t angry with him. He reappeared before I had much time to think about it. I scowled at him and turned away. I felt him climb on the bed behind me.

We can do this the hard way or the easy way. It is up to you, love. His lips brushed my ear, and my body started to tingle. He offered me the bag. I felt the hunger hit me full force. I was stifling it with anger, but now that there was blood in front of me the hunger came back with a vengeance.

I don’t want it. I knew I didn’t sound convincing. My eyes were locked on the bag he held. I didn’t understand why it had such a hold over me.

He laughed. We both know that is a lie, love. He uncapped the bag, then pressed it to my lips. Cool blood filled my mouth. I wanted to pull away, but I couldn’t make myself. I was too hungry.

I was a little disappointed when the blood was gone. I was more relaxed. Depriving myself of blood for days made me weak. Even the smallest amount made me feel sluggish. I closed my eyes as I relaxed against Cornelius.

Would you like more, love? he asked as he played with my hair.

I did, but I didn’t all at the same time. I don’t know.

You would feel so much better if you didn’t deprive yourself for so long, he whispered as he ran his hands down my sides.

I sighed. Why won’t you let me go? I don’t want to be a vampire.

He was silent for a moment as he continued to play with my hair. We don’t always get to choose our paths. Sometimes, they are chosen for us, and all we can do is use what we are given to our advantage.

What if there is nothing I can use to my advantage? I can’t even control myself long enough to keep from killing innocent people. I angrily pulled away from him.

You deprive yourself, so when you go to feed you are hungrier, which means you are more likely to kill. If you would just stop fighting so hard, you could train yourself. If you would just let me help you... he started.

I stood and glared at him. You didn’t help me! You left me when you got mad at me, and I killed someone! I don’t trust myself, and I can’t trust you. How am I supposed to do anything?

He looked away, then stood. I apologize for not being there. I can assure you ... I won’t let it happen again.

I scowled and turned away from him. Just leave me alone, I muttered.

He didn’t say anything. I knew he was gone. I paced, trying to decide what to do. I couldn’t fight back, and it made me angrier. I flopped down on the bed and closed my eyes. Everything was getting more and more complicated. I was ready to die, and Aubrey and Cornelius had to ruin it.

There was a light knock on the door. I didn’t respond. I doubted it was Cornelius ... he would’ve just walked in. The person knocked again, and I rolled my eyes and stood. I yanked the door open.

You look happy, Colin said amused as he walked in.

I closed the door and looked at him. I’m thrilled.

He took a seat in the chair near my bed. I heard you were attempting to end it all.

I scowled. Is there something funny about that?

He laughed. I think it’s funny that you thought Aubrey or Cornelius would allow you to go through with it.

I sighed as I sat down on the bed. Aubrey said he would let me if it was what I wanted, and I really didn’t care what Cornelius thought.

He watched me carefully. Now that isn’t true. If you didn’t care about Cornelius, you wouldn’t have cared about the spell binding you to him. Why didn’t you just end it then and take him with you?

I tried to decide what to say. I didn’t blame Cornelius like I had before. I kind of understood his anger toward my family. He only went after my father because my father killed his girlfriend.

And now you are here, being forced to live a life you don’t want to live because he wants it. He is not as innocent as he makes himself seem. He was starting to sound annoyed, and it was irritating me.

There was a time when the hunter’s views, Colin’s views, made sense. Now, nothing did. All I could do was make decisions as I went and hope they were the right ones. So far, I wasn’t doing so well.

I shook my head and looked out the window. I didn’t know what to say. Everything changed so fast. I used to be the girl that knew what she wanted, now I didn’t know anything.

Are you just going to stand by and let him control you? He pressed when I didn’t respond.

I glared at him. I can’t do much about it, can I?

He stood abruptly. You can fight. You can’t give in to him. That is why he has so much power. Everyone gives into him ... even Aubrey.

I don’t want to fight anymore. I can’t even figure out who I’m fighting, I countered.

Lillian... he started, but I cut him off.

Just leave. This isn’t a good time.

He looked like he wanted to protest, but he didn’t. He pressed his lips together and turned away. He walked out, and I was back to being alone with my thoughts.

Chapter 2

I opened my eyes when I felt someone climb on the bed next to me. I could smell Aubrey before he even touched me. How are you?

I fought the urge to pull away. I didn’t want to be hugged or touched. I’m fine.

After a few minutes, he broke the silence. I couldn’t let you kill yourself.

I scowled. You agreed to help me, then you went to him.

I didn’t go to him. He came to me and made me realize what a terrible mistake I was making. He made me realize how many terrible mistakes I have already made with you. I never should’ve let you go. He pulled me closer as he spoke.

His touch just made me angry. I didn’t know if he was telling the truth. He was always so hot and cold. Well, you did, and things have changed. I sat up, pulling away from him. I swung my feet over the bed. He was behind me, so I couldn’t see his face. I didn’t really want to see his face. If I did, I would probably do exactly as he wanted.

He sighed. Then I will spend every day trying to make it up to you.

I scoffed as I stood. Don’t you get it? I don’t want you to make it up to me! I want to be left alone! I want you both to leave me alone! I shouted, then stormed out of the room. I was actually surprised I could leave. I figured Cornelius would make sure I was imprisoned in some way.

I walked to the small hallway that had the window I normally escaped from. I stopped in front of it and looked out.

I may not have you confined to your room, but you are confined to the house, Cornelius said from behind me.

I jumped as I spun around and glared at him. Obviously, he read my mind. He knew exactly what I was thinking. I hated how he could appear out of nowhere. That figures, I snapped, then I turned away from him.

I take it even Aubrey couldn’t console you. Are you that angry, or are you just being difficult? he asked patronizingly.

I’m sure Aubrey has someone waiting for him. I don’t even see why he bothers coming to see me. He loved Lillian Rayne the hunter, not Lillian Rayne the vampire, I said in a mocking tone.

Ah ... I see. Cornelius’s tone was mildly amused.

What is it you see? I asked testily without turning around.

You’re angry because he doesn’t want you anymore. Well, I should say he does want you because he has had a change of heart, but the damage is already done. He placed his hands on my shoulders. I didn’t even realize he had gotten so close to me. Did you ever consider there is another who wants you just as you are? His voice was a low whisper. His lips brushed my ear, making my skin tingle.

I wasn’t sure what to say. I briefly considered how I felt about Cornelius, but I never thought about it for long. He seemed like the enemy for a while ... now, I was just confused. I didn’t know what he was.

I turned and looked up at him. He was standing close to me. Only one small step, and he would’ve been pressing against me. Why do you want me?

Does it really matter why? You are always so worried about the why. He brushed my hair behind my ear. You get to a certain age and it no longer matters. All that matters, is you know what you want. Who cares why? He smiled slightly as he continued to play with my hair.

I looked at him for a moment longer, then looked away. I guess I’m not to that point yet. I slipped by him and continued down the hall. I wasn’t sure where I was going ... I just wanted to be alone. I couldn’t think about being with Cornelius right now. I couldn’t think about being with anyone. I couldn’t even figure out what I wanted.

I walked outside into the garden. It was beautiful. Even though I had been here quite a bit, It was my first time seeing the garden.

You look better than the last time I saw you, Drake said from behind me

I looked over at him, then looked back out across the small pond in front of me. I’m not really that much better. I really wasn’t in the mood to talk, but he took a seat next to me anyway. I could smell him and hear the blood pumping through his veins. I felt the hunger start to rise at the memory of how he tasted. I pushed the feeling away. I didn’t want to feed. I didn’t want to feel this way about every living thing that came near me. It made me feel like more of a monster.

He cleared his throat. You once agreed to protect my pack. Are you still willing to do that?

I scoffed. I was a hunter then, not a vampire. I thought your whole reason for wanting me to protect your pack was to keep you safe from vampires.

He shrugged. Yes, that was part of the reason. It is still one of the main reasons.

And you think I can do that? I asked skeptically.

He nodded as he continued to watch me. I think you are still the same person. You are the only vampire that I have ever met that fights the hunger instead of just giving in and accepting it. You can’t change what happened to you, but you can accept it and use it. I’m willing to help you if you help me.

I watched him for a moment, trying to decide what to say. I wasn’t sure if what he had to offer was a good thing or not, or if he even had anything to offer. I shook my head and turned back toward the pond. I am completely under Cornelius’s control. I can’t do anything on my own. I will be no help to you.

You don’t have to be under his control. Drake didn’t elaborate, and I wondered if he knew how to break Cornelius’s hold on me.

I scoffed. I don’t know how to break his control. I don’t even know how to feed on my own without someone stopping me.

Do you know why vampires seek out werewolf packs?

I shook my head. I know it has something to do with power, but not much more than that.

It’s not really about the power ... it is about control. Vampires get control when they link to a werewolf pack. In turn, they gain power because other vampires, like Cornelius, can no longer control them. He watched me as he spoke, almost like he was making a suggestion.

You are saying if I link to your pack, Cornelius won’t be able to control me? I was hoping it was true. I cared about Cornelius ... at least I thought I did, but I didn’t want him controlling me.

He nodded. But it comes with responsibility. You will be responsible for protecting my pack. If you break the link, you can hurt us.

I could tell by the way he was looking at me, he was trusting me with something big. Werewolves strived to avoid vampires, yet he was handing his pack to me. He obviously thought I was something special. He thought I was strong enough to care for his pack. I don’t know if it is a good idea. While I appreciate the offer, I just don’t think I’m strong enough to take that much responsibility.

You are. I know you are. I get that you killed someone, but at least you feel bad about it. If you were a monster, you wouldn’t care ... you wouldn’t stop at one. I know we can help each other. My pack needs a guardian. I have a house you can live in. You don’t have to be a prisoner here until Cornelius and Aubrey see fit to let you out.

He was determined. Part of me wanted to be free of Cornelius and Aubrey, for that matter, but another part was afraid of what I would do if I was free. I was afraid I wouldn’t have any control without them. How would I feed without killing? How would I control myself?

You will feed from us. You can’t kill us. Feeding from us will teach you control, then, when you are ready ... you can feed on humans. The link with my pack can give you just as much control as Cornelius gives you. The difference is that you will be free to make your own choices. He said it like it would be so simple.

I wondered if it would be as simple as he made it sound. I hoped it would be, but it just didn’t seem like it. Why me? Why not an older, stronger vampire? I wasn’t even sure how I would stop a vampire like Aubrey or Cornelius. I could start training again and kill them, but that was about it. I wasn’t diplomatic like they were, and I didn’t see myself being able to kill either of them.

I told you why. You are not a normal vampire. You fight the monster. Colin used to be a hunter, just like you, yet he can’t fight the monster like you do. I trust my pack with you, and only you, he said firmly.

I thought about it for a minute as I watched the Koi fish swim around the pond. What do I have to do?

He shrugged. You have to bite me, then I will bite you. Sharing blood will link us. If you are linked to me, you will be linked to my pack.

Then what? I asked softly, hoping he had an answer.

Then we leave. You will live in a house in my territory. You will have everything you need and in return, you will keep my pack safe.

I wasn’t sure if things were that bad for him or he honestly thought I could keep his people safe. I didn’t want to be under Cornelius’s and Aubrey’s control. Linking to Drake’s pack would give me purpose. It would give me a reason to keep going. Like Drake said, if I broke the link, I would hurt them. I was the type of person that wouldn’t take that risk. I looked over at him. Okay, I’ll do it.

I saw his body sag in relief. I didn’t realize how tense he was. Maybe there was some problem he wasn’t telling me about. I was only hoping I could solve it. Good. He exposed his