Blackwood: The Crossover Series, #3

By Shaunna Rodriguez

It starts with a growl; the next thing you feel is life leaving your body as their teeth sink into your flesh...... 

 

"Werewolves, vampires, the combination of the two and outlaws live underground. Things that go bump in the night that wish to avoid prison or death by Cody's hand, dwell below there. Things are stirring below as we all prepare for war." Everly

 

News of Cammy & Loureli's escape from the tower prison, once deemed impossible, now echoes off the Palace walls. 

 

Since betraying Cody Ainsworth and his family, Lord Blackwood has been living underground. With his sights set on Cammy and Leigha and them left unguarded in a tower prison facing charges for crimes against the Crown, there is no better time than now to emerge from the ashes and make his move. 

 

Will King Cody, Vanessa, and the Ainsworth's get to Cammy and Leigha or will they be another pawn in a game of wits against Cody? 

 

The war isn't coming.... it's already here. The Underground & Underworld are about to collide with London's High Society.... 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shaunna Rodriguez
• Release date: Apr 20, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393970323

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Cammy didn’t go to London to meet her death. But here she was sitting or standing rather, on death row in an old English prison. In a drafty tower. Just call her Rapunzel. Now if only this were a fairytale. A prince would come sweeping in and rescue her just in time.

Moonlight overcast by grey clouds casting eerie shadows throughout the dense forest. That’s what stood out the most in Cammy’s mind.

Of course, the sound of pounding hooves coupled with being handed over into the clutches of the cloaked man from the alley, haunted every corner of her jumbled mind.

Cammy and Leigha failed. They failed to deliver the Queen of England to the cloaked man. They failed to deliver the President’s daughter to the same man.

They failed to produce the items of value Kate Reid was said to be in possession of. Instead, they were ambushed in the Village Square after Loureli McCray showed where her true loyalties lay.

After which, Cammy and Leigha were taken into custody by the Royal Guard. After which, they were escorted back to the Palace where they were shackled and chained to the old, dingy, grey rock wall. To drive home the point, King Cody locked their cell doors.

Neither Cammy nor Leigha had been locked up for long before thoughts of despair crept into their minds.

They were facing life in prison or the death penalty for treason and plotting against the Crown. Reality was setting in for the troublesome pair. Their lives were forfeit.

If the FBI didn’t get them for their sorority murderous crimes and conspiracies or the Crown didn’t take their heads for treason and plotting against the Queen; the cloaked man from the alley would take their lives for failing him. At least, that’s what he said would happen to them should they fail.

That’s when their guardian angels appeared, or so they thought. There, in the tower's doorway, stood Everly and Nikki Belle.

Cammy and Leigha should have asked more questions. But seeing them holding the keys to their escape, literally, made every other thought obsolete.

Just when Cammy and Leigha thought they were home free, Everly led them through sliding walls and hidden passages right into the forest where the cloaked man who’d sought them out was waiting for them.

CHAPTER ONE

Cammy wasn’t fond of strangers putting their hands on her. She was even less crazy about a wild ride on horseback clutched tightly against a random man’s chest. Cammy felt the cool wind on her face and heard the slap of limbs as her rider navigated the old, antiquated forest.

Fortunately for her, it wasn’t the cloaked man who’d sworn to kill her should she fail, holding her. He was leading the hurried ride through the darkness.

Leigha leaned over her broad-shouldered, searching the vast cloaked black riders behind her for Cammy. They had a jagged past, but they were all one another had at present and likely, the future. The rider made a sharp turn, throwing Leigha’s delicate body against his hard body.

She elicited a scoff of disapproval, then scowled at the foul taste filling her mouth. It tasted like sulfur burning the back of her throat. Leigha had the sudden urge to rake her fingernails down her tongue.

Cammy and Leigha spotted one another just as a haze of fog lifted from the ground and swirled around them as a cloud of white hovered above their heads.

Faster. The pair heard the cloaked man’s familiar voice hiss. In response, their captors leaned forward and urged their horses to run harder into the darkness in a language neither girl recognized nor understood.

Cammy sat up in time to be slapped in the face by a limb. She gasped and gagged at the musty wetness sickening her tastebuds.

Keep your head down. It’s not safe. Cammy looked up startled at the cloaked figure clutching her tighter as he tugged the reigns making a hard left.

He circled an odd white tree before changing directions, then broke off from the tight group. In that moment, as they galloped into the unknown, Cammy felt herself wishing and hoping for Cody. Something she never in a million years thought she’d do.

Not only can Cody not help you, but he won’t. Save it Cammy. Your best and only hope for survival and a life lies at Blackwood Castle. There, you will be safe, find refuge, and a future. The man spoke again.

He’s going to kill us. We failed. Cammy’s voice trembled.

He doesn’t blame you. He knows what happened. He suspected it might and had precautions in place.

You mean, sending Everly to rescue us? Cammy almost laughed. It was absurd Everly of all people was betraying the Crown.

In a sense. Blackwood and Everly have had loyalties with one another for a while now. After she discovered neither she nor Chloe were the heirs but there was, in fact, another, she went to Lord Blackwood.

Why Blackwood? Why would he stand against Cody? Cammy frowned.

You would have to ask Lord Blackwood that question, or Cody. But I recommend, if you wish to live to get that answer, you ask Blackwood.

From what I understand, Blackwood, sort of like you, was betrayed. It was during a war when he was supposed to be an ally to the Ainsworth’s. Blackwood lost his family at the hands of a disreputable chap, or king rather.

Then, Blackwood lost what was left to Cody when he was found to have committed treason. He escaped the prison and went underground until recently when he saw an opportunity to rise from the ashes, so to speak.

And you serve Blackwood, not Cody?

I serve myself. I have interests tied to Blackwood, but in retrospect, as a king of old, I outrank the man. He chuckled.

I see. I’ve never heard of so many kings before.

Well, if we were human, we’d have been in the ground long ago. When we lost or descended the throne, we kept the title. Cody rarely strips someone of theirs unless he feels it necessary.

And yet, you go head to head with him now? Befriending a man in Cody’s black book?

There comes a time, Cammy, when one has to stand for something, or they will stand for nothing at all. War is upon us. Everly knows the Kings. She’s gotten closer to them than any of us. I mean as far as someone who has changed her loyalties.

And you’re trusting her? Cammy asked, puzzled.

Blackwood trusts her. Everly has shown she’s quite capable of doing what is necessary.

Meaning?

She got you out, didn’t she? Cammy watched the dark, hollowed inside of the cloak tip towards her.

I suppose she did.

And she did it unseen. She knows her way around the Palace, Cammy. She is determined to take back what she feels is hers.

Only she’s not the heir. Vanessa is. She’s got all those kings as fathers. Not Everly.

Chloe isn’t willing to cross Cody. Everly is.

That means what to me?

Everly and Chloe share a strain of DNA from the same king fathers. At least three, I believe. I’m not sure how the Ainsworth’s make the serum, but they take a genetic code from each donor.

They were basically developed in a lab then? Cammy clarified.

All of them except Vanessa were, yes. Well, Loureli wasn’t. Loureli, Hope, Rylee, and Sabrina were conceived naturally but have the Ainsworth’s serum in them. It basically guarantees they’ll be faster, stronger, bigger, meaner,

Warriors. Cammy interjected.

Basically, yes.

Interesting. All this time and I had no idea. Cammy sighed.

You are unique as well, Cammy, but you do not have the Ainsworth serum. Neither does Leigha. They were quite choosy about what family got it. Cody is friends with your father, yes as well as Leigha’s but he was not friends with their fathers or the line before. So,

We drew the short straw. Outcasts. Cammy deduced.

At least you’re where you belong now or you will be as soon as we get you, The rider didn’t finish his sentence.

Cammy felt something slam into her, separating her from the man’s tight grip. Her back hit a large tree trunk, knocking the air from her.

She pressed her fingertips into the muddy ground and watched the black wetness swallow her fingers up to her wrist.

Something grabbed her roughly around her midsection and pitched her over its shoulder. Cammy realized as she sucked in a breath of air that tasted like the scent of dog, whatever had her was not human.

Um, Cammy wiggled in its grasp and wished she hadn’t. She felt its sharp claws that were more like talons, close around her petite body.

Okay, okay, you win. You win. I surrender. Cammy put her hands up and felt the grip loosen some.

Where are we going? Cammy frowned, wondering what in the hell she was thinking talking to a dog.

She heard a low growl and wondered if she’d offended it. She stared down its wide, furry silver back to its odd legs and huge, black feet. She sat up and peered over its shoulder at the gigantic, silver head turning to look at her.

Stop moving. He barked. Cammy scoffed and opened her mouth when something crashed into the wolf that had her.

Once again, her body was propelled through the air. Instead of hitting a tree, this time she fell into the arms of something warm and furry waiting for her. It shot straight into the air, then moved like lightening through the trees. Below her she could hear roaring, snarling, snapping teeth, and howling.

Relax Cammy, I’ve got you. She knew the voice. It was the man who’d had her earlier.

She relaxed in his arms, even sliding hers the best she could around his large neck. She noticed he was uniquely colored between a blue and silver that transitioned to white depending on what they were close to.

What was that? Cammy tipped her head back.

We were ambushed by werewolves. They patrol this area and converged. Especially with yours and Leigha’s scent drawing them in.

Yikes. Cammy whispered.

Cammy, you left home and came to a place where things are not always as they seem. People are not always as they seem.

Meaning?

People are most likely not human. I can resemble a man should I choose. I can also shift to be a werewolf.

Seriously? She asked in disbelief.

Cammy, that wasn’t someone dressed in a costume that had you. That was a werewolf. You’re not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy. This is the real world. It’s filled with things legends and folklore are made of.

You might not have brought your red cape and basket, but you’re going to have to face the facts. If you don’t accept what is, you will fall into the wrong hands every time. Next time, you will not be so lucky. You will be dead.

Cammy swallowed hard at his words. She didn’t have time to contemplate or even ask anymore questions. She smelled the change in the air, felt a drop in temperatures and heard the flapping of wings overhead.

A massive castle loomed ahead of them against the backdrop of darkness, giving whole new meaning to eerie. Would they be greeted by the Addams’s Family?

CHAPTER TWO

Vanessa wandered through the ballroom tapping her lip. She stopped in the center of the room and admired the gold seal beneath her small feet.

She looked up, envisioning the expansive marble room filled with music, laughter, and dancing. At the moment, she and Loureli were planning a wedding.

Not just any wedding, but a royal wedding. The guest list had to be compiled, save the date cards and invitations sent out within weeks of each other.

Then there was the cake to design, flavors to sample, colors to debate on, icing to deliberate over coffee. Thoughts of flowers, floral arrangements, placement cards, bouquets, bridesmaids, maid of honor, gowns, catering, and the rehearsal dinner echoed in every corner of her mind.

Hey there, stranger. Vanessa turned around, startled, almost tripping over her own feet at the sound of Everly’s voice behind her.

She’d rather have that girl in her sights then let her have her back. She was certain she’d be pulling a dagger out of it and there was nothing metaphorical about the notion.

Honestly, Vanessa didn’t trust the former Mrs. Ainsworth and decoy heir with a bag of cookies, much less her life. Vanessa smiled as any proper lady or royal would and nodded politely.

I know, I know. Everly put her hands up and stepped into the ballroom. Vanessa felt the white light being sucked in by the darkness that shrouded Everly.

You know? Vanessa cocked her head to the side.

I am not your favorite person in the world. Everly kept her hands up and took another step towards her.

You don’t say?

I know, I know. Everly sighed. She wondered if she was a robot since she kept repeating the same thing.

And this time you know what? She decided she’d bite. She really wished she could. She’d like to bite Everly’s head right off her shoulders.

She, as usual, was unaware that she was anything but alone and was entertaining all the onlookers, Cody and the rest of her boys included. Taylor and his set weren’t to be left out and were on her every step more and more now.

That I was out of line to seek you out in the library and try to instigate an issue with you and Dean. Everly admitted, though if it was an apology, it was lacking everything from warmth to sincerity and believability.

I won’t deny what you say is true. It was uncalled for. Vanessa kept her eyes on Everly as she walked the perimeter of the circle she stood on.

Well, love can make someone do crazy things. Don’t you think? Everly paused.

I think jealousy can make someone do questionable things. Which was it for you, Everly? Was it love or was it jealousy? Vanessa challenged.

Ooh, and she has claws. Down kitty. Everly meowed.

Yeah, okay. If I were a stripper, then we could call me Kitty. I’m not a stripper, nor am I a cat. I don’t claw or scratch, Everly. I bite. Hard.

Vanessa narrowed her gaze on her as arms went up all around the ballroom and Palace. It was accompanied by laughter and clapping.

Mmm, so I see. Well, you are still standing. Though, you tried to run out on the Kings after promising to stay and never leave them.

Everly, there is such a thing as bowing out gracefully. You should try it some time. Bow out gracefully. Vanessa broke the last part of her sentence down.

I’m not a threat to you, am I? Everly pouted, then smiled.

Not hardly. Vanessa scoffed and rolled her eyes.

Vanessa, I’m teasing. Everly giggled.

And yet, you’re the only one having a good time. I might add that it is at your expense. So, go ahead and make a fool of yourself. I’m not amused. I get enough comedy hour with the Kings who laugh about everything.

Yes, I went through that too. Everything is always funny. We’re very amusing to them. I often felt like a rat in a maze. Everly admitted.

Interesting choice of words you used. Rat, I mean. The maze is of your own making. Vanessa pointed out.

And burn baby burn. Josh whispered to a grinning Cody.

She is so out of her league with Vanessa. She might as well quit now. Corey shook his head and glanced at Cody.

She’s threatened by Vanessa. She’s trying to exude dominance but is failing because like you said, she’s out of her league. Cody murmured to Corey. He nodded in agreement.

You think me a rat. That’s fine. What I did on our first meeting wasn’t socially acceptable. I admit that.

Everly, is there something you need or want? I mean, what is it you’re doing in here? There’s an entire Palace for you to wander the halls of. You don’t need to share my space or air. Vanessa motioned around her, amusing the boys. Cody grinned wider and cocked his head to the side.

Well, I heard the happy news that you are in fact announcing your royal engagement. I came to offer my congratulations and,

Deepest sympathies, regrets or? Vanessa asked, making everyone laugh. Everly chuckled and nodded.

Fair enough.

My deepest apologies for the way I treated you before. I came to offer my services in wedding planning.

Oh, did you take a course, or you’ve done it so many times you’re now an expert? Vanessa queried.

Retract the claws honey.

I’m not your honey and if my claws are out Everly, you’re dead.

Vanessa moved her finger back and forth. Cody clapped and laughed, amusing his brothers and fathers. Everly arched an eyebrow.

Well, She cleared her throat, drawing laughter from the onlookers.

Mmm. Vanessa nodded and waited.

You are so much like Cody only you’re mixed with-with I can’t put my finger on who to tell you the truth. I’m more like Josh. Chloe is all Corey. You though, Everly chewed her bottom lip as she examined Vanessa even walking around her. She turned her body, not letting Everly out of her sight.

Ooh, Cody. You gonna do something? Corey laughed. Cody grinned, then chuckled and appeared.

My wife and love of my life and my ex-wife. Happy day. To what do we owe the pleasure of your darkening our doorstep with your presence, Everly?

Cody walked across the creamy marble floor that looked like it had just been waxed and came to stand next to Vanessa.

Your Majesty. Everly bowed.

I came in to apologize to the future,

Everly, she and I are already married. But go on. Did you apologize to my wife, the Queen? The real one? Cody took a dig at her.

Fair enough. I did, or I tried.

You didn’t expect her to just roll over for a belly rub, did you? I heard that so called apology and wasn’t moved in the slightest. Dean stood next to Vanessa and wrapped his arm around her back.

It takes a lot to move you, Dean.

Careful Everly or I will detach your head from your shoulders, or I will let my wife do it. Dean warned.

We’re still family here. Everly scoffed.

You’re lucky to draw breath after the things you’ve pulled, Everly. Nick put his finger in her face. Everly tipped back slightly. Vanessa shook her head. Never move.

I admit there’s been some issues. Everly sighed.

Some issues? Corey asked sounding amused.

Hey family! What did I miss? Vanessa leaned sideways and watched a beautiful, tall, dark-haired girl with bright blue eyes and porcelain skin running across the floor.

Ooh, she liked those pink and black Chuck Taylor’s. Nick grinned as Zoe slid to a stop next to Vanessa.

Zoe. Everly nodded. Vanessa turned slowly and looked at a smiling Zoe.

Hey, look at that, she remembered my name. What trouble are you causing, Everly? Zoe asked.

Hey! Did I miss the blood shed! Wait for me guys! Vanessa leaned out to the side of a laughing Corey and found a girl not much taller than herself. Her dark hair flying behind her in an invisible breeze as she ran forward. Vanessa rolled her eyes, cracking the guys up.

Yup. That would be Chloe. Now she is a threat to you. Everly winked.

Enough. Jason smacked Everly over the back of the head eliciting a startled shriek from her, a roar from Zoe, and a leap backwards from Vanessa and Chloe.

What is your problem! Everly shouted at Jason.

Hey, hey. I like this floor. Let’s not get blood on it. Everly enough already. Just enough. Vanessa closed her eyes.

I’m being honest. Everly scoffed.

That would be a first. Vanessa, Zoe, and Chloe answered.

My word, I heard the shrieking all the way to the library. What is going on in here? Vanessa leaned out to the side of Cody and waved at Loureli.

Ah, there’s my girl. Loureli pointed at her and skipped forward, holding a book to her chest.

Here I am. Vanessa put her arms up and smiled.

Well, at least you came with a friend. I had to make my own. Everly chortled.

Yes, and you screwed them over in the process. Lucky us. Zoe scoffed.

Vanessa might like her. She touched her chin and examined Zoe, then Chloe. That one she wasn’t sure about. She could be as cute as Polly Pocket all day long, but she wasn’t her cup of tea currently.

Mmm, saw that coming. Corey sang to Cody.

So did I. Cody sang back quietly.

Okay girls, let’s make love, not war. Everly extended her hand to them. Vanessa stared at it like it might turn into a snake and strike. Just like the owner.

Anyway, so what are we doing, family? Vanessa was grateful for Zoe’s redirect.

I was checking out the ballroom picturing different wedding elements. Vanessa moved her hands in front of her.

That’s exciting. What did you come up with? Chloe bounced in place.

Vanessa rolled with this. They said she was