Drowning Blood: Leecher Chronicles 4

By D. M. Barton

Bethany finds herself in a unique position. She seems to be on top of things. Getting her parents back. Choosing to go through training to become an agent for the Leecher unit. Trying to find a way to get the soul inside her head back inside his body.

 

           Starting u

• Language: English
• Publisher: Words Matter Publishing
• Release date: Oct 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9781953912275

D. M. Barton

I work in a warehouse which allows my mind to wander about plot holes, puzzles pieces and those little epiphanies I get. Most of my spare time is spent with my other half and my son. The rare time to myself is spent working on my books or playing video games. Unfortunately, the latter often wins.I live in a lovely little village that is so quiet that it's idyllic for when I sit outside and chill with my laptop. I see my family often and they are always supportive of my dream to be a full-time writer. I've finished my first series and now onto the next. I want to keep going, never stop. Idea after idea and just keep throwing out brilliant reads.Recently got some amazing feedback from a fan and it's so addictive. So, I will use that to keep moving forward. To keep perfecting my craft and to make it a career.

Book preview

Chapter 1

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The city was alive with noise all around me. Sounds of traffic, footsteps falling on the wet ground. Chatter riding the soft wind like a song of conversation. Angry drivers honking their horns at each other. All that noise but none of it could penetrate into my little world.

All I could feel were my boyfriend’s lips. Gently massaging against mine as I lifted my arms up to hang around Kellen’s neck. Pressing my body to his and feeling his hands pulling me even closer.

I could feel the lust building between us since that first date a few days ago. Since then we had seen each other three more times. But this was our first kiss. Something that had been gently building from eye contact and little touches. His hand on my hip or when I gently brushed past him. Everything had made this kiss even hotter. Like we were on fire and the only way to stop the burn was to share how we felt. And it all had my hormones doing back flips.

It had been a few weeks since I last kissed someone. That someone was my ex-boyfriend. The werewolf who was my first love. Until he abruptly left me and went back to his pack. So I cut him out of my life. Being a leecher helped with controlling my emotions better than a human.

And so did Kellen’s presence in my life. He made a lot of bad thoughts and problems seem so small. Just hearing his voice down the phone would light my life on fire.

Enjoying this little bubble we stood in. A hand rising up and running fingers through his short blonde hair. Clutching as I felt his teeth lightly nip at my bottom lip. A playful touch that had my knees almost buckling.

A part of me was annoyed at how easily my body surrendered to his touch. A bigger part of me was wanting that touch to explore further. Just to see how it felt. Only I had told myself not to take it any further than a kiss whilst I had a passenger in my head.

Then that voice came to me like a lightning bolt destroying my heated world. You two need to calm down or you’ll be getting undressed in that fountain over there. It was Logan’s voice. He had been the man who taught me all about my leeching abilities. He had always been there for me and was like the father I never had the chance to have.

That was until he gave his life for mine. Swapping places with my soul down in limbo. He hadn’t given me much of a choice in the matter and it crushed me. Until his bold voice boomed inside my head. We didn’t know how it was possible but we both didn’t care. Two souls inside one body.

Now we just had to get him back into his own and out of my head. Logan heard my thoughts like he always did. And until then, no more than kissing. Kellen is a hunk but I don’t particularly want to witness you two at it.

Can’t keep quiet for a little bit longer?

I can feel how your body is getting. I’m in here as well, remember. I blew out a mental sigh that I knew he would feel. Hey, this isn’t my rule. You brought it up.

I know. Doesn’t mean I can’t hate myself for it right now. I felt the warmth of his laughter in my head. Nodding with my thoughts at his point.

So I pulled back from Kellen’s lips. Already feeling the absence of them which made me grumble a little. My lips feeling colder than they should. Peering off to my left I spotted the fountain Logan had mentioned.

This had me suddenly giggling at the thought of dragging this vampire over there. Looking up into his bright green eyes. Kellen smiled down at me and blew out his own breath. More to slow his breathing than anything else as I felt his chest rising and falling against me.

Logan?

Yeah. Sometimes he manages to seep through when I’m…...distracted.

A grin shot across his face suddenly. I’ll take that as a compliment.

You really should, old man.

Hey! Kellen picked me up in his strong arms and spun me around. No doubt getting odd looks from the rest of the people walking across the square. Only I didn’t care. Kellen had pulled me back into our bubble.

Happy when he stopped turning. He placed me down onto my feet and I pretended to be dizzy and held onto his arms. Fingertips running over those muscles under his shirt. You know I want to go further.

I know. You don’t have to keep explaining. I understand and like I’ve mentioned before. When we finally do take this further. I don’t want Logan watching us from inside your head. It’ll weird me out and I want to give you my full attention. He nodded with his words.

And as I listened my body did as well. Hormones taking note of his speech and standing to attention. Vibrating inside my body like the tone of his voice alone shook them. I look forward to it.

Now, we should take our minds off of…...that. I nodded as he turned around and hooked his arm in mine. We had been walking around the square for what seemed like minutes. But when I peered up at the massive clock sat in it’s tower it was more like a hour.

I couldn’t even remember which side of the shape we entered through. All I knew is that we had a gorgeous meal at a fancy restaurant. Kellen had been the perfect date and I didn’t want to go home.

Most nights I didn’t fancy going home because it all just reminded me of my boyfriend. He hadn’t even come back for his stuff. The only thing missing was a bags worth of clothes he took when he left to rejoin his pack. Leaving the watch that he always wore to stop his werewolf side coming out on the full moon.

Things that held heaps of sentimental value were still dotted around. They held too many memories so I had been staying at my best friend’s place, Cassie. She was a vampire like Kellen but not as old. Which made her slower and weaker but not compared to most vampires out there.

But the main reason I didn’t want to go home was because Kellen wouldn’t be there. I was enjoying his company far too much to part ways now. So I moved in step with him and we continued our walk around the square.

Looking up to him I smiled as he peered at me from the corner of his eye. Then his voice came with authority, Stop thinking about kissing me.

How did you know? My eyes dropped to his lips and he was right. All I could think about was kissing him again. I bit my bottom lip to try and stop those thoughts. Actually I was thinking about your new job.

Which one?

You only have one job.

Technically….

I took a quick whiff of his ashy scent with my leeching abilities. Taking just enough to get his strength and I cut him off with a quick jab to his ribs. Just hard enough to flair up a little pain. Giggling to myself I let his power slip from my body as I breathed out. Going out at night and beating people up isn’t a job. Don’t get me wrong, I admire you for defending people who can’t defend themselves. Someone sure needs to.

Kellen was going out and protecting people from unsavoury characters. It was something he used to do before supernatural creatures changed from myth to reality. I was all for helping innocent people out. Only I had found him badly injured last night from a couple of knife wounds. One had punctured his heart.

He healed because of his ability to repair anything his body goes through. Only this time the handle of the knife had been wooden and a slither had splintered into the cut. Vampire blood reacts badly with wood and it took longer than I liked until he was back to normal. Not to mention it was me who had to dig the tiny piece out of his chest.

I’m talking about the one with the leecher unit. Kellen was asked to become an advocate between the leecher unit and the vampire council. It was a very important job and one he seemed to enjoy.

Do we have to keep calling it that? There are more supernaturals working there than leechers at this point surely.

Until they change it, you have to call your employer by their name. I grinned up at him and got a funny look in return.

It’s like any job, ups and downs. But I like being close to both sides of the fence. Makes it easier for me to see if something is about to go sideways.

You’ll be there to stop it. I grinned up at him, giving him a wink.

You looking forward to putting all your training into action when you become a field agent?

He knew I loved being called that. At first I didn’t want to be working for the leecher unit. Joining was a means to an end, to get something that resembled a normal life. To get rid of the followers who were threatening my life.

However, I was really enjoying the training. Logan had trained me in hand-to-hand combat and how to use my leeching abilities. Only, now I was being trained to use all kinds of weapons. Interrogation techniques, using gadgets. So many hidden talents.

I’ve got my final test tomorrow. It’s an in-field exam.

That’s great. I’m sure you’ll ace it.

Just hope the examiner doesn’t expect me to kill someone. I don’t want to take a life, even one that’s evil.

Yet another thing I like about you.

I looked up at his smile and rolled my eyes. Stop being so sweet. I’m trying not to kiss you, remember.

My apologies, sweetie. Kellen smiled wide and I had to put my hand over it to stop my hormones from noticing. Pulling it away quickly when he started kissing my fingertips.

That’s cheating. We both giggled and kept walking around the square. How’s the trilock hunting?

It’s going well. There have been less and less sightings which means less work. Picking up trails easier, they’re getting desperate.

That’s great. Being so busy how do you find time to wine and dine me?

I heartlessly say no to work when it comes to you.

There you go, being sweet again.

I’ll have to learn to switch it off. Kellen stopped and turned to me. I couldn’t help but turn to face him. Pressing our lips together, making sure it stayed as a simple peck. Smiling as we parted.

Running through my head to try and think of anything to say to stop myself from claiming those lips again. Have there been any signs of Luana coming back?

You ripped her soul apart. She isn’t coming back. Luana was an evil witch from centuries ago. Able to use destruction spells instead of illusions and healing. She tried to get more power, to be able to learn all three.

Only it went wrong and that’s why we have supernatural creatures roaming the planet. She was the cause of all the mayhem that rampaged behind the curtain of the human world. Most humans were clueless of the dangers that lurked around every corner.

Kellen said she wasn’t coming back because I ripped her soul apart with my powers. Only there was a little nagging feeling in my gut that was telling me otherwise. But I forgot about it for now and looked back into Kellen’s eyes.

Then my nose caught a whiff of strong coffee from the nearby cafe. As I looked I caught the sight of my favourite dessert being carried by. That faint hint of banana riding the air had my mouth watering. I looked up at Kellen with my sweetest look. Do you think you could fit some dessert in your belly?

My vampire laughed and looked down at me, If you want some banoffee pie all you have to do is ask.

Could I? He nodded and led me over to an empty table.

Kellen grabbed the attention of the waitress as she headed back into the cafe. One piece of banoffee pie and a black coffee, please.

Sure thing. She pulled a nice smile at us both and disappeared.

The vampire leant his elbows on the table and leaned forwards. His eyes caught mine and I found my lips curling into a smile. What?

You know, I’ve been thinking about this predicament you have. With Logan being inside your head. There might be something I could get. To help out.

To get his soul back into his own body? I leant forwards with anticipation.

No, no, no. I didn’t mean that. He noticed the slump my body had. Fingers entwined with mine over the metal table. It’ll happen. Frank’s friend will find it. Don’t worry.

I know. Letting out a long sigh before bringing back my smile. So what are you talking about?

I know of a herb. You burn it, breath in the smoke it lets off. When you do it with someone you connect minds. Leave the physical side behind. It’s completely mental. Mind to mind.

Right? Am I missing something here?

A laugh floated from his lips. We do it together. We connect our minds. Only ours. No Logan. And then, in our heads we can share a…..moment together.

Oh you mean…. The waitress decided then to come over as I was about to blurt out exactly what I wanted to do with him. My cheeks flaring red with embarrassment. Giving her a sheepish smile as she placed the pie down in the middle. Two spoons and a napkin was positioned next to it. The black coffee sitting on Kellen’s side of the table.

Enjoy. A sweet smile and then she was off to cater to her other customers.

Looks like you’re joining me. Picking up one of the spoons I held it out for him. At first he started to shake his head but then quickly nabbed the cutlery out of my fingers. I giggled at the look he gave me. Plucking up my own spoon to dive into the gorgeous taste of the banoffee pie.

So what do you think of the idea?

If it works then it will be great.

He clinked his spoon to mine to get my attention. His eyes darkened with a look of pure hotness. Kellen’s voice came out deep and smooth. It’ll be beyond great, Bethany.

My whole body almost melted at that point. Happy when his eyes went back to the dessert so I could stop holding my breath. Best get the herb then.

Trust me, it’s high up on my to-do list. As are you. I giggled at his comment before grabbing a big chunk of pie and shoving it into my mouth very unladylike. This made Kellen suddenly cough in laughter as he tried to breath around the mouthful of pie he had.

Getting himself composed he swallowed and asked, How’s it going living with Cassie and Kat?

I took a moment so I didn’t spit crumbs all over the table before answering back. It’s going okay. She’s been a bit off with me lately. Not sure why. Kat is out most nights. So is Cassie but they never return together. I have no idea what either of them are up to.

So it’s going well, then. He smiled and I flicked a small chunk of banana at him. Don’t waste it, young lady.

My mouth grew into a grin. Sitting there with our spoons. Chatting about anything that came tumbling out of our mouths. Giggling as he finished off his coffee. Kellen offered to walk me home, promising to behave when it came to the goodnight kiss.

I agreed, leaving payment for the pie and coffee with a little tip. Our fingers entwined together and we started walking. We hadn’t even made it out of the square before my phone started ringing. Playing the theme music from the film we went and watched the other day at the cinema. It always made me smile whenever I heard it now.

Bringing up my phone I saw the picture of Cassie I took whilst she was sleeping. Mouth open wide with a line of drool over her cheek. Kellen caught a glimpse and burst out laughing. Does she know you have that picture?

Of course not. And it’s going to stay that way. I thumped him in the gut with my human strength. Hurting my hand more than his muscles. Answering the phone and turning my back to the giggling vampire. Hey, Cassie.

Hey, Beth. How far away from Halloway Park are you? I had known Cassie since finding out about supernatural creatures. In all that time I had never heard so much worry in her voice.

The park? I turned around, getting my bearings of which direction it would be. Probably about twenty minutes.

Can’t you get here faster?

Not with my short legs.

Leech from someone.

You know I don’t like doing that too much.

Frank put a protection spell….

I know. But still. Since finding out I was pregnant I didn’t like to use my leeching ability for too long. Frank had put some kind of protection spell on my belly. It meant nothing would harm the baby when I used my abilities. Even if I shifted into an animal form. I still worried about it though.

Okay. I’ll see you in twenty minutes then. The line went dead suddenly not giving me a chance to ask what was going on.

Is she okay? Kellen enquired.

I don’t know. She wants me to meet her at Halloway Park.

Want me to accompany you?

That’s sweet. But I think I should go alone. She seemed upset about something.

Okay. He leant forwards. My heart skipped when I thought he was going to kiss my lips. Only that pursed touch hit my forehead. I was a little disappointed but understood it was better this way. Text me when you get home. So I know you’re safe.

Will do. I grinned up at him as he walked backwards. Waving bye to him before he turned and disappeared through one of the massive archways that sat on the nearest side of the square. Walking off in my new direction I thought about what Cassie had said. About leeching from someone for added speed.

My hand rubbed over my flat belly where my baby was growing. I wasn’t very far along at all. But I was still scared about effecting him or her. However my mother who is also a leecher, told me about her own experience when she was pregnant. Telling me that no matter how many times she leeched. There was never anything wrong. I came out healthy without a sign of damage in anyway.

Blowing out a breath I reached out with my leeching radar. Finding the usual creatures around me in the square. Able to pick out each specie. How strong they were. Tossing aside shifters since changing my form would either lose me my clothes or ruin them.

I found a werewolf, sucking that minty scent into my nose. Momentarily getting reminded of Drew but quickly pushing the memories of my ex-boyfriend deep down. Breathing in enough to gain the speed of the wolf.

Not using that heightened speed until I was hidden away down an alleyway. Happy that it was dark enough to hide my immense movements. Changing speed from werewolf to human whenever I emerged into foot traffic. Getting to the park in half the time.

Moving through the open black gates and following the winding path. The park was so big and she hadn’t mentioned where to meet her. Looking around I didn’t recognise anyone. So I leant my back up against a large tree and pulled out my phone to ring her.

A voice over my shoulder almost had me dropping it out of shock. Bethany.

I turned and saw Cassie. The cold wouldn’t bother her since she was a vampire and there was quite a chill in the air tonight. However, she had her arms pulled around her body, her shoulders hunched up. I had never seen her like this. Usually she was full of confidence and you couldn’t shut her up.

Cassie. Is everything okay?

I’m not sure, exactly.

Come on. You asked me here for a reason. Skip all the hesitation.

I hate how well you know me.

No you don’t.

She let out a little giggle before sniffing softly. I saw the specks of ash on her cheeks from tears. As she built up the courage to tell me what was going on I pulled back into my mind and called to Logan. This is likely to be very personal. Mind keeping out of it as much as possible.

If I can ignore how your hormones are still thinking about Kellen, I think I can keep out of this for the moment. Just remember your memories are mine at the moment.

I know. Just do your best, please. For Cassie.

Bethany, I care about her as much as you do. However, I shall keep my ears to myself. And my thoughts.

Thank you. I felt the sudden absence of him in my mind. Shutting the door between us and locking it for now. It had been two weeks since we started sharing my mind and we were both getting much better at keeping that door locked. Only when it opened my thoughts and memories were automatically shared.

Cassie’s voice brought my attention back to her. It’s Kat.

What about her? Is she okay? Kat was her youngling. Seemed like she had been turned for forever at this point. She had become part of our group. Not only that but her and Cassie had began a relationship almost a month ago.

Clearly things weren’t as great as they had been. I’m pretty sure she isn’t hurt.

Pretty sure?

My friend swallowed back a couple of tears before nodding off to my left. Peering over my eyes scanned the people in that direction. Ignoring the humans and finally spotting a gang of at least fifteen people. Sniffing the air told me they were all vampires of various ages.

I was surprised at how easily I spotted Kat since she was much shorter than everyone else. Luckily her long, blonde hair was bright in contrast to her surroudnings. "Are you stalking her?

No, of course not. I’ve just been following her lately. I turned back to her and pulled a face. It’s not stalking. I’ve been worried. The kind of people she’s been hanging around with. Her behaviour. The way she acts with me sometimes is so, off.

And because of that, you’re following her?

Cassie nodded in response. I wanted to know what was going on.

Have you tried just asking her? Cassie swatted my arm gently. Okay, dumb question.

I want to know what they’re doing here. I don’t like the look of those vampires she’s with.

I’m not sure this is related but there have been reports of vampires feeding on humans. My mother is looking into it before the council gets involved.

Are you serious? She rushed forwards but I quickly shot an arm across her chest. Let me go. I need to get her away from those feeders.

Look, if she isn’t up to anything. And her friends are innocent vampires out having fun. I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to be going over there and creating a scene.

And if they’re not innocent vampires? She struggled against my arm and I found myself leeching from her ashy scent to keep my dominant position.

I’ll go over. Just pretend I’m passing through. I spot Kat and walk over to say hello. See what kind of reaction I get from them since they’ll know I’m a leecher.

Maybe. Her eyes never left her youngling. I could see the need in her expression to protect her.

At least let me try. If it doesn’t work you can go over there and drag her home like a rebelling teenager.

Finally she looked at me and her whole body relaxed. Fine.

In fact. You should head home. Just in case she spots you or smells you.

I don’t like that idea at all.

Just listen to me. I’ll find out what’s going on and send you a message. Plus I’m not budging from this spot until you’re out of here. Cassie went to argue but I crossed my arms over my chest and stared at her blankly. Not letting any leak of emotion through. I know this always worked for Logan with you.

It’s uncanny how you can act just like him sometimes.

Does that mean it’s worked? I smiled as she rolled her eyes. It’s worked hasn’t it?

I’ll wait a few streets over until I hear from you.

Good enough. We shared a hug before Cassie begrudgingly left the park. My feet didn’t move from that spot until I watched her leave through the gates and out of sight. I doubt she would move as far away as a few streets but at least she was out of sight.

Spinning on my shoe I started walking through the park. Heading in Kat’s general direction but making sure it seemed I was simply passing by. Coming up to the group I found my hearing picking up their words thanks to Cassie’s essence still in my body. A spread of happiness moved through my thoughts as their conversations were comprised up of normal chit chat between friends.

The guys were pointing out who they thought was the hottest in the park. Surprised to hear a couple of them pointing me out. The women were concentrating more on themselves. Asking advice on what they should do with their boyfriends and how they would react if their favourite celebrity would ask them out. Typical teenage things that I thought about when I was their age. That part of my life seemed like centuries ago.

Just as I was about to turn and call her name I heard footsteps. Moving my body in enough time to catch Kat as she jumped at me. Hugging her as she tightly squeezed my body. She pulled back and I placed her down onto her feet. What are you doing here?

Just taking a walk in the park. I find it’s really peaceful at night. Helps with sorting through my thoughts.

Understandable.

How about you? I took a hold of her elbow and started walking her back to her friends. Who are your friends?

As we grew closer I took a sniff of the air. All their scents came to me and verified