Blood Red

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Blood Red: Midnight Fables Book One Copyright  2004 Vivi Anna ISBN: 1-55410-090-9 Cover art and design by Bobbie Sweet All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books, a division of Zumaya Publications, 2004 Look for us online at: www.zumayapublications.com www.Extasybooks.com

Also By Vivi Anna Goddess of the Dead

Blood Red

Chapter One

C

igarette smoke hung in the air like a cancerous fog. The stink of old sweat and stale ale thickened the already stagnant air. The old pub was scattered with its usual mix of degenerates and lowlifes. Farmers, blacksmiths, and masons with a penchant for too much drink mingled with thieves, bandits, and bounty hunters with a predilection for mayhem, each drowning in alcohol to forget the fact that their country was on the brink of war. With whom, no one knew, and their people starved from too few harvests. The fact that the nobles did nothing but satisfy their own desires while their people died also added to the forlorn and empty looks on their weathered faces. Red sat in the darkened corner and breathed it all in. The rotting country was not of her concern. She loved nothing more than the stench of Harry’s Pub. This was her home. She traveled more than not, never sleeping in the same place for long. But when she was in the wooded village, she always came back here. Mary, the portly waitress, set another glass of vodka on Red’s table. She cleared away the empties 1

Vivi Anna and collected her money without a word. She carried on without a glance at Red, knowing the girl’s drinking habits well enough to leave her alone. Red picked up the short glass and slammed back the drink, setting the empty back on the table. “Another," her voice low and gravelly, barely audible above the murmur of the other patrons. This time, Mary did look down. Red’s eyes were half closed and she leaned slightly to the left. Her short-cropped scarlet hair stuck up in places where she had been running her hands absently through it. “I think you’ve had enough.” Red raised her head and stared back at the woman, her sea-green eyes penetrating deep into her soul, and someplace even more private. “I didn’t ask for your opinion. I told you to bring me another fucking drink.” She tore her gaze away from Red’s unwavering stare. The girl never backed down. Mary should have learned that by now. She set the other empty on her tray and waddled back to the bar to fill it without another word. *** Red slid a cigarette into her mouth and lit it. Stupid cow, she thought. The old broad should learn to mind her business. She definitely did not need a caretaker. Not now, after surviving on her own for the last seven years. She didn’t need anybody. She glanced back to the bar. She really needed that drink. She noticed a young man with light, tussled 2

Blood Red hair sitting on a stool at the bar. He was staring at her, and lifted his glass in salute. Red looked away. She’d seen him around before. He was always looking at her, watching her. His name was Jack. That was all she knew, or cared to know. She was not looking for companions or friends. A shadow passed over her. A short glass of vodka was set by her hand. She looked up and found Jack staring down at her, a smile spreading across his boyish face. “You looked thirsty.” Without acknowledgment, Red picked up the glass and took a sip. She looked away from his eager face. “Can I join you?” Red blew smoke in his direction. Coughing, he sat down across from her. “My name’s Jack.” He stuck out his hand. Red looked at it like it was encrusted with shit. He dropped his hand and laughed nervously. “I guess you’re not much of a talker. I heard that about you.” Red pounded back the rest of her drink. She slid her hand across the table and took Jack’s glass. She pounded that back too. She set the empty down sharply beside his hand staring blankly into his soft blue eyes. He laughed again. “I could get us more drinks.” “What do you want?” “I just wanted to meet you.” “Why?” “Because you’re famous.” “Infamous, you mean.” She rubbed her thumb 3

Vivi Anna absently over the thin pink scar that marred half her face. It ran from her left eyebrow down over her cheek to her chin. A souvenir from the past. It was a painful reminder of her failure. “Same thing. You’re a legend.” “Look, boy, are you here to blow smoke up my ass, or are you asking me something?” “What do you mean?” “Well, you seem to know something about me, so you obviously know what I do for money.” She slid a long knife out of the sheath strapped to her leg. She set it on the table. It glinted menacingly in the soft light. “Do you want me to kill someone for you?” “Goodness, no.” Jack sat back in his chair; his eyes round with shock. “Then fuck off. I’m in no mood to pussyfoot around with some snot-nosed brat looking for a thrill.” “You have me all wrong.” He put his hand up in defense. “Do I?” She leaned forward, grinning. The pub door slammed open. A cold wind blew across the room. Three large men stumbled in disheveled and dirty. Red grabbed her knife and sat back in her chair bringing the knife down under the table. She looked over at the men as they lumbered up to the bar. She had better be prepared. The Pig brothers were always looking for trouble. “Barkeep. Three pints.” Joe Pig slammed his beefy hand down on the counter. His brothers John and Jimmy took up stools next to him. 4

Blood Red Red turned herself in her chair so she was facing the bar. She learned a long time ago never to leave her back open. Lessons learned the hard way. Jack glanced over at the boys. “Who are they?” “The Pig brothers.” “Why do they look like that?” “They’re albinos. Triplets.” Joe glanced around the bar. His small pink eyes rested on Red. He smiled, his pointy little teeth brown from rot. “Well, looky here, boys. It’s Red, the fearless bounty hunter.” They all turned to face her, smiling the same hungry grin. Other patrons moved to the far corners with their drinks. They could sense trouble, but didn’t want to leave just yet. They didn’t want to miss the action. A good pub brawl was just the form of entertainment they were all hoping for, and the reason they came out night after night after night. Red slid another cigarette out of her pack and put it in her mouth, struck a match and lit it. She blew the smoke up lazily, never taking her eyes off the brothers. The barkeep set their beer in front of them, then retreated into a corner. Joe picked up his glass and chugged half it back. Beer dribbled down his dimpled double chin and stained his already grimy shirt. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Why, we were just thinking about you, Red, weren’t we, boys?” “Oh, yeah,” John said, his eyes alight with lust. He rubbed a chubby hand over his crotch. 5

Vivi Anna Joe picked up his beer and wandered closer to where Red sat. “We were thinking, what will Red do when The Wolf comes back to town?” Red flinched and clenched her jaw. She flicked her cigarette butt toward Joe. It bounced off his chest and landed at his feet. He grinned evilly as he crushed it under his filth-encrusted boot. “Ah, I see that the cold-hearted bitch does have some feelings after all.” Jack jumped up from his chair, pointing his finger at Joe. “Watch what you say about her!” Joe laughed. “I’d put a leash on your boy-toy, Red. He’s bound to get hurt.” “Do not threaten me, sir. I will have you arrested,” Jack said, his voice cracking. Everyone in the bar burst out laughing. “Sit down,” Red demanded through clenched teeth. Jack looked around at the laughing crowd. He huffed, then sat down obediently in his chair. Joe chugged back the rest of his beer. He tossed the glass to Jack, who caught it clumsily fumbled it and dropped it. It shattered into pieces on the floor. “That’s quite the watchdog you got there, girl. I wonder if he’ll protect you when The Wolf comes ahunting. I hear he’s coming back to tie up some loose ends. And you, my dear, are a very loose end.” John and Jimmy got off their stools and stood on either side of Joe. They were all smiling maliciously. “So what, the three little Pigs are his warm up act? You come to deliver a stern warning? Surely I’m more of a threat than that.” 6

Blood Red Joe clenched his fists. “You talk tough, bitch. But you won’t be talking shit when we hand-deliver you to the big bad Wolf.” “I hear he’s got something special for you. Maybe he’ll finish where he left off with that ugly mug of yours,” John said, eagerly bouncing from foot to foot. “Tell you what,” she said sniffing the air, “Why don’t you crawl back into the shit pile you crawled out of, and I might let you live.” “I don’t think so.” Joe spat mucus onto the floor. “Your funeral.” “We’ll see,” Joe stammered as he rushed forward. Red pushed back in her chair. She slid backwards and kicked the table forward. The table flew ahead and hit Joe in the stomach. She twirled her knife around in her hand and flung it through the air. It landed squarely into John’s forehead, killing him instantly. He fell backward, eyes still wide in shock, and landed with a thud onto the floor. Joe and Jimmy looked back briefly to see their brother dead. “I’ll kill you, bitch!” Joe grunted as he launched toward Red. Jimmy was right behind him. Red sprung up from the chair. She jumped high into the air and spun her leg around. She caught Joe sharply in the jaw. He stumbled back from the blow. Jimmy dodged out of the way from his stumbling brother. He swung his arm, and landed a wild punch into Red’s face. Her lips split open. Ducking his next punch, she came up and landed her own blow to his soft belly. Jimmy grunted and doubled over. She grabbed the back of his head and pushed him down as her knee 7

Vivi Anna came up right into his face. She heard his nose break. It had a distinctive crunching sound. He fell over, clutching his crushed nose, blood seeping through his chunky fingers. Joe grabbed her around the neck. His beefy hand squeezed hard on her throat. He quickly backed her up into the wall. She punched at his thick head. But every blow seemed weak against the strength of his brutal hand at her throat. He slammed her against the wall and raised her up. He was strong. Stronger than any man she had yet been up against. “Let her go!” Jack launched at Joe, fists raised. Joe backhanded him across the face and sent him reeling to the floor. He laughed and leaned in close to Red’s face. “I think I broke your little toy.” His breath smelt like rotting meat. Red cringed, but couldn’t pull back. “Ever heard of dental hygiene? You can buy a toothbrush now, you know,” she managed to squeak. His smile faded. “You have a wicked tongue, girl. But after tonight I’ll show you what your tongue is for.” He smashed his mouth to hers. His tongue snaked through her swollen lips. He invaded her mouth with it. Red nearly gagged from the taste of him. She could feel his slimy tongue probing inside her mouth. He tasted of stale beer, sour milk, and something foul she could not name. She flailed her legs and arms, but to no avail. Her limbs were weakening due to the lack of air. Black 8

Blood Red spots clouded her eyes. She would soon pass out. In a last-ditch effort, she brought her hands up to his face. Her thumbs pressed into his eyes. Joe started to squeal. He let her go and grabbed her arms, but it was too late. Red had already dug her thumbs deep into the soft gel of his eyes. Red fell to the floor. She rubbed at her bruised neck as Joe stumbled around the bar his hands over his gouged eyes. “Oh, my God! Someone help me! She blinded me! I can’t see. Please someone help me!” Red stood up on shaky legs. She gripped the wall to steady herself. She walked over to where Joe stood babbling. “Need some help?” She growled. He put a bloody hand up in defense. “Stay away from me! You took my eyes! You took my eyes, you bitch!” “You won’t need them where you’re going.” Red reached around her sides and with uncanny speed unsheathed two long blades from her back leather straps. She crossed her arms in front of her swiftly and gracefully. Joe gurgled and grabbed his throat. He fell to his knees. He reached up for an imaginary helping hand, then fell forward onto the scarred wooden floor. Silence reverberated throughout the room. None of the patrons dared move. They stared wide-eyed at the carnage laid before them. Red sheathed her knives. She sauntered over to where Jimmy still lay, hands cradling his nose. She stood over him menacingly. 9

Vivi Anna He started to whimper. “Have mercy.” “I’m not going to kill you, Jimmy. I want you alive so you can take back a message to The Wolf. Tell him he may think he’s hunting me, but I am nobody’s prey.” Without a single glance at his fallen brothers, Jimmy scrambled to his feet and ran out of the pub. Red leaned over where John lay, and pulled her knife out of his head. She wiped the blood on his shirt and sheathed it back on her leg. She felt a presence behind her. She swung around, hands up, ready to strike. Jack stood behind her, his cheek red and already swelling. “Are you all right?” Red turned from his caring blue eyes and went to the bar. “Nothing that won’t heal.” She picked up a neglected drink and pounded it back. She winced as the alcohol stung her open cuts. The burning felt good. Made her feel still alive. She reached down to her belt and untied a little leather pouch. She set it on the bar counter. “Give me a bottle of vodka. The rest’s for the garbage disposal.” The barkeep set an unopened bottle of vodka in front of her. He took the pouch and upended it into his hand. Gold coins spilled out onto his palm. He held onto four coins and handed the pouch back to her. With bottle in hand, Red walked to the exit. Jack followed silently behind her. She pushed opened the door and walked out into the brisk night. A rainstorm was brewing. Dark, threatening clouds amassed in 10

Blood Red the night sky. She could smell it in the damp air. She walked slowly down the cobbled street feeling the effects of the evening's altercation. She could feel Jack behind her. She stopped and turned toward him. He looked like a lost little puppy. Red was not good with pets. She hated the responsibility for another’s care. That was why she had no friends, either. Too many obligations, too many friends lost. “Go home.” “No. I want to go with you.” “Why?” Jack reached out tentatively, hand shaking, and slid his thumb over her swollen lips. She didn’t pull away. “Does it matter?” Red turned and continued walking down the street. Jack followed. She reached the end of the street to a rundown boarding house. She opened the door and turned back to Jack. “I won’t be gentle.” “I know.”

11

Vivi Anna

Chapter Two

H

er room was cramped and musty. Just enough room for a single bed and a small chest of drawers. She didn’t use the chest. She had everything she owned and needed tucked safely away in her leather bag stored under the bed’s wooden frame. Jack glanced around the dark and dismal room. He sat timidly on the edge of the bed. The mattress sagged with age and use. Red uncorked the vodka. She took a swig from the bottle, then handed it to Jack. He took it gingerly, putting it to his mouth and took a small sip. He handed it back to her. She took another big pull on it before setting it on top of the dresser drawers. “Take off your clothes.” Jack flinched. “What?” “You heard me. I don’t like to repeat myself.” Red stepped in front of him. She pulled her shirt up over her head, and tossed it to the floor. Her small, firm breasts were free. She wore no undergarments. Her peaked nipples were flushed bright red. Jack watched her in fascination. He couldn’t tear 12

Blood Red his eyes away from her pert bosom. He ached to touch it. Red reached down and tore at his flimsy linen shirt. She ripped it open. She couldn’t feel his warm flesh fast enough. There was nothing more lifeaffirming than sex. She wanted it, needed it. She needed it to make her feel something, anything. She had gone too many days feeling empty and soulless. Jack gasped at her aggression. Moaned as she touched his skin. Her hands were everywhere. They raced down to his breeches, and popped open the buttons. She reached in and gripped his already throbbing cock. Jack popped the buttons on her dungarees and they dropped down her legs. She was soon completely naked. He drank in the scent of her, devoured her lean, muscular frame with his eyes. He pressed his mouth to her breasts, sucking a nipple into his mouth, hands stroking her firm buttocks. Red could not wait. She didn’t want gentle. She didn’t want soft. She wanted fierce and frantic, like her inner soul. She straddled Jack. She held his cock while she impaled herself on him. Jack cried out as she enveloped him. She was so hot and wet, he nearly came in one stroke. He gripped her ass cheeks tightly as she rode him hard. He pressed his mouth against her breasts, barely able to do anything else. Red wrapped her hands in his hair, ground herself hard against him. She needed to be filled up; she felt so empty inside. She stroked up and down quickly, searching for her release. She could hear Jack’s 13

Vivi Anna labored breath and low groans. She knew he was close. She didn’t care. He was just a tool to her, a tool to satisfy her own pleasure. She reached between them and found her clit. It ached painfully. She rubbed her fingers over it firmly, back and forth. She quickly pushed herself over the edge. Her climax ripped through her violently. She cried out as she grabbed Jack’s head and crushed him to her. She felt him come soon after. Hours passed. They had sex twice more before Jack fell asleep, spent and satisfied. Red sat up on the bed and listened to the storm, not in the least bit content. The storm thundered. Lightning ripped through the sky as rain pelted the windowpanes. Jack was sleeping soundly. Red looked down at him. He slept like a child, full of innocence and purity. She wondered how long it would take for that to be torn from him. She had been only twelve when she lost hers. Red hunkered down into the bedding, tucking a pillow behind her head. She needed to get some sleep. If the Pig brothers could be believed, she would need all her strength and wits to outmaneuver The Wolf. Then she could finally exact her revenge on him. She closed her eyes and slept. Running through the woods. So quiet. Even the birds don’t chirp. There’s a small cottage up ahead. The lights are on. Smoke billows from the chimney. So welcoming. The door opens. “Granny? It’s me. I brought you some muffins.” No answer. Something’s wrong. The bedroom door is ajar. Muffled sounds come from within. Pushing the door 14

Blood Red open... A man looms over Granny’s bed. A large man with long, black hair. Granny’s eyes are wide. Blood blossoms across her chest. Screaming. The man turns. His eyes are so blue they’re translucent. They seem to glow in the dimly-lit room like an animal. He pulls the knife from Granny’s chest and marches toward the cowering child. He stops inches away and looks down at her. She jumps up and attacks him. Screaming. Screaming. He’s caught by surprise. He flinches. His arm jerks out. The knife catches her in the face. It cuts her, deep. She screams, hands covering her face. She falls to the floor. He runs out of the house. The girl lies on the floor, sobbing. Red bolted up from the bed. Sweat poured off her face and soaked the sheets beneath her. She rubbed her hands over her face as she swung her legs over the bed and stood. She went to the dresser and picked up the bottle and took a long pull. She got dressed, strapped on a wrist sheath and tucked her small dagger into it. Wrapping up in her hooded black cloak, she left the room. Jack opened his eyes and watched the door close. Red stood behind the boarding house in the rain. There were just open fields, then tall trees behind the house. That was one of the reasons she picked the place. A cheap place to rent and a place for a quick escape. She raised her head to the cool rain. She opened her mouth and let the chilled liquid pour in. She swallowed it down and opened for more, thirsting for 15

Vivi Anna the pure water. She drank it in greedily, hoping to be cleansed, but knowing that no amount of water could wash away her sins. She had been too long alone, with only black-hearted vengeance and cold steel for companions. Red cocked her head to the side. Did she hear something? The rain fell hard on the tin roof of the house. It was difficult to hear anything over the roar. She slowly turned to her right. She stared hard into the shadows, narrowing her eyes. She saw a flash of something. Glowing eyes, like an animal. Red ran. She turned to the open field and sprinted. If she could make it to the trees, she would lose him. She’d had many years of training in the forest. As she ran, she felt for the weapon at her wrist. It was there, secured tightly to her arm. She never went anywhere without at least one weapon. She glanced back over her shoulder as she made it to the trees. She saw no movement behind her. The Wolf was quick, she knew, so he may have entered the woods further down. She’d have to be sharp. Use all her years of training to survive. This was the one night she had planned for, lived for, and she was not going to fail. She moved into the foliage, hunkering down onto one knee and putting her hood up to cover her bright hair. She scanned the surrounding trees, letting her eyes adjust to the extreme dark. There was no moonlight to guide her way, and she saw no immediate movement. Looking down at the forest floor, she searched for another weapon. One was never enough. 16

Blood Red Lightning lit the sky, and she was able to spy a small broken branch. It was jagged at one edge. It would be perfect for close encounters. She picked it up and held it firmly. If she could get close enough to him, she could stab the wood into the soft part just under his chin on the side of his neck. He would bleed to death. A branch snapped. Red stayed still and surveyed the woods. Could be just an animal, searching for food. Another branch snapped. This time it was closer. Red held her breath and narrowed her eyes. She could see a shape moving toward her. Red looked down and picked up a small stone. If she could get a good aim, she could hit him in the head to stun him, affording her time to come up on him. If she missed, then he would know her location. Either way was a risk. She stood up and pulled her arm back. “Red? It’s Jack.” His voice was soft and low. Red hesitated. She lowered her arm. “What are you doing?” “I followed you outside. I saw you run into the trees. I was worried. Are you all right?” Red sighed and moved closer to him. He was endangering her. Surely, The Wolf knew her location. Or had she imagined him? Maybe she had only been running from Jack. “You’re an idiot. I could have killed you.” He laughed, low. “Not without your knives.” Red paused. Her heart began to race. Her adrenaline pumping through her body. “What?” “You’re unarmed, aren’t you?” “Jack?” She saw the movement too late. “Watch 17

Vivi Anna out!” Before the words were out of her mouth, The Wolf was on Jack. He came up from behind. He grabbed his chin, lifting his head and sliced the knife across his throat in one swift stroke. Red charged at him, even before Jack’s body hit the ground. “You bastard!” She unsheathed her dagger and slashed out at him. He dodged it and grabbed her arm. He swung her around so she collided into him. He brought his arm around her. He had her in a tight hold, his arm around her neck, his knife pointing into the soft spot under her ear. She struggled against him. “Keep moving and I will slide this point in.” His voice was deep and husky. “You’d better do it, then, because once I’m loose I will hunt you down and kill you. Not even death could stop me.” Her voice was calm and cold. “Good thing I came to your rescue, then.” “What? What nonsense are you sprouting?” “This boy. He was going to kill you.” Red struggled against him. She stomped on his foot, trying to break his hold on her. He didn’t budge. “You’re a bloody liar!” “Am I? Look.” He moved her so she could look down at Jack’s body. “He has something of yours.” Lightening cracked the sky, illuminated the forest. She looked down at Jack’s hands. He held two of her longest and deadliest knives. She stopped struggling under The Wolf’s hold. She took deep breaths and calmed herself. She had been a stupid fool, thinking only with her loins. 18

Blood Red “He was an assassin sent to kill you.” “So what, you saved me so you could kill me yourself?” “No.” He released his hold, and pushed her forward out of arms reach. She turned and looked at him. “What do you mean, no?” “I’m not here to kill you.” He sheathed his knife into his leg holder. “Somehow I don’t believe you, you filthy, lying, murderous bastard.” “Believe what you want, Red, but I’m here to protect you.” Red sucked in a breath. “Don’t use my name. Don’t ever say it again. You have no right to utter it.” “Suit yourself. But right now we don’t have time for your petty grievances.” “Petty grievances? My grandma’s murder is not a petty grievance!” She launched at him, arms flying. She landed two solid blows to his face before he had a chance to deflect her next flurry of moves. She was quick. She had lightning-fast reflexes. She threw punch after punch at him, backing him up. He knew of her skills, had watched her over the years develop her ability. She was strong, fast, and mean. He had seen the carnage she left over the last seven years. Red threw a kick. It just missed his groin. He grabbed her leg and pulled her up. She landed hard on her back. Before he could advance, she had sprung back up again, throwing another kick. She missed again. The Wolf deflected her blows. This time, he 19

Vivi Anna landed one of his own. Square on the jaw. Red saw white spots in her eyes. She felt herself go down. Her legs gave out and she fell to the ground. She blinked fiercely, trying not to close her eyes. The last thing she saw before she passed out was The Wolf’s translucent blue eyes staring down at her.

20

Blood Red

Chapter Three

R

ed slowly opened her eyes, then clamped them closed when the room began to swim. Her head pounded like a hammer on a nail. Her jaw throbbed painfully. She tried to open her mouth. Pain sliced through her. She opened her eyes again, blinking back the tears welling from the pain. Finally, she was able to focus. She was on a bed. Her arms were aching. She tried to move them, but couldn’t. She was tied securely by the wrists to the brass headboard. Wriggling her hands, she tested the knot. It was a good one. Her wrists were crossed and tied together, then strung up to the rail. She wasn’t going anywhere. Red looked down at herself. Thank God, she was still dressed. At least he hadn’t taken that liberty. Not yet, anyway. She surveyed her surroundings. She was in a small, rustic cabin. The bed was in one corner. The stove, sink, and small table were in the opposite. On the far wall was the fireplace, a small fire burned. A worn sofa lay in front of it. On the other side was the door. 21

Vivi Anna The walls were adorned with mounted animal heads, and animal skins. This was a hunter’s cabin. She was definitely in The Wolf’s den. The door opened. He filled the doorway, shoulders touching the sides, and his head nearly touching the top. His long, black hair hung around his powerful shoulders. He had a face chiseled from stone, all hard, sharp angles. Dark thick sideburns curved under his cheeks and ended near his full mouth. His eyes, framed by thick dark eyebrows, glowed even in the daylight. He came in, dropping logs of wood by the fireplace. He looked over at her. She stared back at him. He went to the sink and grabbed a water jug, bringing it to her. She kicked out her legs as he neared her. He sidestepped them with ease. “I will tie your legs.” Red stopped the feeble attempt. She lay still as he neared. “I brought water.” He poured some in a small cup. “You’ll have to raise your head.” He stood next to her head, but not too close. He lowered the cup to her mouth. She raised her head and took a sip. It felt glorious. She opened her mouth carefully for more. She swallowed it down, opened for more, but lowered her head. He leaned down to pour more in. She closed her mouth, then raised her head suddenly and spat the water into his face. Wolf wiped it from his face with the back of his hand. He smiled down at Red. She stared angrily at him, hatred radiating from her emerald eyes. 22

Blood Red He lifted the pitcher over her head and tilted it forward. Water spilled out. It splashed onto her face. “Drink up, girl, this is the only water you’re getting today.” Red thrashed from side to side, but she couldn’t escape the waterfall. It got up her nose, soaked her hair, and ran down her throat to her shirt. When the jug was empty her shirt was wet, and the bed beneath her was soaked. The last drop landed on her nose. He set the jug on the floor beside the bed. “You fucking bastard,” she managed to mutter between clenched teeth. The small movement caused her severe pain. Wolf must have noticed her cringe from the pain from her jaw. “Save your words. Talking will only hurt. Just be lucky I didn’t break your pretty mouth.” He wandered back to the fireplace. He stoked it and set two more logs on, then stretched out on the sofa; his feet hung over the edge. He put a hand behind his head and shut his eyes. Red couldn’t believe it. He was going to sleep. After nearly drowning her, he could sleep. She knew about his viciousness, his disregard for anything human. She supposed she’d gotten away lucky so far. She was still alive. But damn him! Damn him to hell! She would not go peacefully! Red started to thrash about on the bed, kicking her legs. She opened her mouth and screamed. *** Wolf sat up on the sofa, bolted from his slumber. He 23

Vivi Anna watched her pull against the ropes. He could see them cutting into her flesh. Blood soon spotted the bed. She kicked and screamed like hell’s fury. He had his work cut out for him. She would not be easily convinced. She had seven long years to grow strong, to brew her hatred for him. After the murder, he knew that Red’s mother did not fare well. She was a single caregiver, as her husband died in an accident the year before. It wasn’t long before the Church took over the care for the girl. She was declared an orphan and was housed with the other abandoned children. It was here that Red learned the discipline of the mind and the body. Wolf had a spy inside the orphanage, and knew that within a few months, Red had isolated herself from the others and performed her duties and laborious tasks with an unnatural single-mindedness. Two years later, Red escaped the institute with the skill and precision of a professional thief, stealing into the night and disappearing. The magistrate did not look long for her. There was no one of influence begging her whereabouts, so she was soon forgotten. Wolf had only fragments of information about her after that, but he knew that she was training her mind and her body for one thing; to face her enemy and slay him. *** Red screamed until she passed out from the pain. When she woke again, a glorious scent wafted up 24

Blood Red her nose causing her stomach to growl. Something was cooking. She had not eaten for at least twentyfour hours. She raised her head to see. Wolf was at the stove, stirring something in a big black pot. He must have sensed her the moment she woke. He turned to look. She twisted on the bed, straining to see him. He took a bowl and spooned stew into it. He ripped off a piece of fresh-baked bread and set it on top. She could feel the saliva dribbling out her mouth from the smell and sight of food. She was ravenous. “If I untie you, you’ll behave?” She nodded eagerly. Wolf set the food down on the floor. He untied one wrist, and left the other tethered to the rail. Red was able to sit up. She rubbed her sore, bloody wrist on her leg. It helped ease the throb. She twisted her neck back and forth to ease the stiffness. Wolf handed her the bowl. She set it down between her crossed legs, taking the bread and tearing at it. She couldn’t shove it in her mouth fast enough. Still chewing the bread, she shoveled the stew in. It dripped out her mouth and down her chin. Her jaw still pained, but she was so hungry it did not stop her. She ate like a starved animal. *** He sat on the edge of the sofa and ate his own supper. He watched her as he chewed. Her face was the same. Her cheeks had sharpened and her lips filled, but her eyes remained. He could always remember her eyes. 25

Vivi Anna They haunted his dreams. She had chopped off her hair. But it was still the same vibrant red. She had sprouted, too. She was taller than most women, and some men. She had developed into a vibrant woman. He gazed down at her body. Her shirt was still damp. He could clearly see her nipples through the white fabric. They were erect from the chill in the cabin. He tore his gaze away and back on his supper. It would do no good to think about her like that. But he could still not quiet the lust for her. His cock had twitched the moment he set eyes on her outside the boarding house. She was a stunning creature. A sensual mixture of beauty and strength, like a tiger. A caged tiger. *** Red finished the stew, licking the bowl clean. She needed all the energy she could get. She had no intentions on remaining a prisoner for long. She looked up from her bowl and stared at Wolf. He was spooning his food in, keeping his eyes trained on her. She wondered about him. Why was he keeping her prisoner? Surely, it would be wiser to just kill her. She was a liability while alive. He obviously had some sort of game planned for her. A deadly game of cat and mouse, possibly. She would be no mouse. *** 26

Blood Red “Why are you keeping me?” Wolf finished his stew and took the bowl to the sink. He came back to the sofa and sat back down on the edge. “I’ll tell you when you are willing to listen.” “I am listening.” He smiled. It was slow and easy and softened his hard face. “No, you’re not. You will only hear what you want. I can see it in your eyes. Your hatred blinds and deafens you. Your only thought is of escape and…revenge.” “You presume to know me so well.” “I do know you. I’ve been watching you. Studying you. I know everything about you.” Red smiled and cocked her head flirtatiously. “You don’t know everything.” Wolf swallowed hard. He knew what she was doing. Knew her methods, but still it was difficult to resist her. She could charm the fur off a bear. He stood. “Give me your bowl.” She picked it up and stretched her hand out toward him. He reached toward her, careful not to get too close. He gripped the bowl’s edge. Red tugged roughly. He was pulled forward. Red swung her leg out and struck him in the side. Wolf dropped the bowl and stumbled sideways. Red quickly reached over and untied the knot binding her hand to the headboard. She pulled her hand free. She jumped off the bed and sprinted for the door. Wolf recovered and reached for her. He grabbed her leg and pulled. Red fell forward onto the floor. Wolf came up behind her. She flipped over and kicked him 27

Vivi Anna in the thighs. He kept coming. She kicked him again, until he grabbed both her legs and stilled them. Red rolled around on the floor to rip away from his hold. He was too strong. He pulled her up and off the floor. He had her suspended off the floor, hanging by her ankles. Red reached around behind her and groped for him. She found what she was looking for. She grabbed hold of his balls tightly and squeezed. Wolf let out a yelp and let her go. She fell on her head. She rolled away and sprung up back on her feet. She charged toward the door. Wolf sucked in the pain and charged toward her. He jumped and wrapped his arms around her. They tumbled to the floor. Red landed first, Wolf hard on top of her. He had her pinned face first on the floor, her arms under her. He molded to her back. Red struggled. His weight was pressing down on her. Wolf had to bite down on his lip. He wanted to groan. Her struggling was making him throb. He could feel his cock grow with her violent movements under him. He could smell her. Her scent intoxicated him. She smelled like sweat and lust. Her struggling stilled. “Get off me.” “I can not.” “I will not escape. I think my leg’s broken, anyway.” Wolf moved his hand down her body. He moved it over her hip and down to her leg. He squeezed her thigh. “It does not feel broken.” 28

Blood Red “Quit touching me, and get off.” Her voice shook. Wolf could feel her start to quake underneath him. “You like it when I touch you.” “I don’t think so.” Wolf moved his hand up. It rested underneath her arm at her side, just below her breast. “I can feel your body vibrate. I can feel your heart race. ‘Tis not because you are scared.” “I’ll scream.” “Please do.” He couldn’t resist her any longer. He pressed his lips to the back of her neck. Her skin was slick with sweat. He snaked his tongue out and licked it off. *** Jolts of electricity zigzagged down her spine. They gathered deep inside her, and intensified. She felt like she could burn up from the inside out. If only she could. She felt mortified at her lustful feelings. She was repulsed by him, and painfully attracted at the same time. She was conflicted, but all she wanted to do was turn around and kiss him full on his wide sensuous mouth. She wanted to dart her tongue between those lips and taste the animal inside him. Wolf moved his hand down over her. He cupped her firm breast. Her nipple pressed hard against the cotton. She could feel it peak under his touch. He felt better than she’d ever imagined. He bit down on her shoulder. “Oh, Lord, woman, you feel incredible.” Red shuddered and moaned lightly as his teeth 29

Vivi Anna sank into her. She swore at her body’s betrayal. This was the man she'd made an oath to kill. The man that had haunted her dreams for far too long. And now that he was near, close enough to kill, she lusted for him. He was a powerful man, both physically and mentally. No man before him had been able to best her. No man before him had been able to pin her to the ground and subdue her. She was always in control, always the dominant. Being trapped under him, unable to move or fight, not only fueled her rage but ignited a lust so powerful she could do nothing but succumb to it. “If you want me, take me. I can not resist.” Wolf pressed up with his hands. He raised himself slightly off her. “Turn over.” Red rolled over under him. She looked up at his face. His brow was furrowed and his eyes deepened to cobalt. He looked intense and dangerous, two things she always found attractive in men. She was helpless against him. Her body’s betrayal was complete. She could not fight anymore. “I will not take what you won’t give. I have more respect for you than that.” Red reached up and wrapped her hands into his long, silky hair, pulling his face down to hers. She stared at him, deep in the eyes as their lips hovered inches apart. “I will always hate you.” With that, she pulled his mouth to hers. Their lips met. It was hard and fast, their tongues darting feverishly against each other. His hands found their way under her shirt. They 30

Blood Red molded her breasts possessively. He flicked and pinched her nipples. Red groaned loudly into his mouth. She moved her hands down. She pulled at his shirt. He sat up a little so she could pull it off him. His powerful chest was covered with soft, black hair. She ran her hands through it, rubbing her thumbs over his nipples. Wolf pulled her shirt up to expose her aching breasts. He bent down and slid his tongue over the flesh. He played the tip over one nipple, then the other. Red groaned and writhed under him as he tortured her slowly with his tongue. It was hot on her skin, her nipples throbbing painfully for his mouth. He sucked one into his eager mouth, teasing them both with his teeth and tongue, pulling and nipping just hard enough to please. Red pulled at his hair. She wanted to beg him to hurry. This slow pace was torture on her body and her mind. She had only one real lover before. All the others had been quick fucks. Quick fixes. Nothing too personal. This was extremely personal. Wolf seemed to sense her need. He moved his hand down to her pants. He unbuttoned them with a flick of his fingers. Red lifted her pelvis to encourage him.He pulled the fabric apart. Her pale flesh and a sprinkling of dark red hair lay before him. He groaned at the sight of her. Pressing his mouth to her belly, he nipped at her playfully as he made his way down. Red moaned as he neared her sex. Each press of his 31

Vivi Anna hot mouth drove her higher. She lifted her pelvis and spread her legs even before he reached her zenith. She wanted him there, needed his tongue to soothe the flames licking at her insides. Wolf slid his tongue over her coarse hair on her mound. He dipped it lower and parted her with his slick clever tongue. “Oh, fuck,” she whimpered as his tongue probed her. She could feel him flicking at her clit. Pleasure surged over her, like waves licking the beach. His tongue paused. Red looked down at Wolf. His eyes were wide and he was listening intently to something. “What?” Wolf sat up. He looked left, than right, like he was tuning in his ears to some silent broadcast. He paused to the right and narrowed his eyes. “Move!” Wolf was up on his feet in seconds, pulling Red with him. The door burst open. A short stocky man with short white-blond hair rushed in. He swung his arm, bringing down a large, heavy, spiked ball of steal. A mace. It stuck in the wooden floor where they had been seconds before. Wolf and Red stood back by the bed. Red quickly did up her pants as Wolf bent down under the bed and came away with Red’s knife holsters. He tossed one to her. She strapped it around her leg and unsheathed the knife. She twirled it around in her hand. “Okay, big boy, let’s play.” The man smiled, revealing two missing front teeth. 32

Blood Red “Ya, let’s play.” His voice was heavily accented. Wolf unsheathed her other knife. He held it, blade sideways. He stepped toward the man. Red stepped forward too. Each was going to the side. The man hefted up the mace. He spun it around in the air. “I see what it is you do. Very tricky.” Wolf and Red neared him, just out of his range. They flanked him on either side. The man stepped back. “I think I will kill you first, Herr Wolf. Then I can have my way with the fraulein. She is very tasty, ya?” He wriggled his tongue at her. Red lunged at him. “Not in this lifetime, shithead.” He swung his mace at her. She ducked and came up, sticking him low in the thigh. He screamed. Wolf lunged forward. “Go! Get out!” Red glanced at him briefly. She caught his eyes. They glowed like raging fires. She left her knife and sprinted out the door. Wolf swiped his arm at the man. He sliced him deep across his soft belly. The man brought the mace around. It caught Wolf in the side. He was catapulted across the room landing in a heap on the floor. The man grabbed his wounded stomach. He dropped the mace. “Gretel! I’m dead!” He yelled out as he fell to his knees. As Red came through the door, and moved off the verandah, she was kicked hard in the head. She fell to the ground. She put her hands out to steady herself, shaking her head to clear it. She looked up. A short but sturdy woman dressed in black stood before her. She had long white blond hair in a ponytail, and an evil smile on her round, pale face. 33

Vivi Anna “Going somewhere, Fraulein?” Red stood, her legs shook slightly. “No, just getting some air.” The woman laughed. “I thought maybe you were running away.” “I never run.” Red took up a fighting stance, her hands poised to strike. The woman nodded as she also took up a fighting stance. They stood toe to toe, fist to fist, and gauged each other. Who would strike first? Red grunted and threw a punch. She was never one for patience. The woman dodged and threw a hook. It caught Red in the ear. The pain vibrated in her head. She stepped back to reassess the situation. This woman was strong. She had skill and technique. It would not be an easy victory. “You can not win, kleines madchen,” little girl, “I am stronger and have studied longer.” Red spat on the ground. “That just makes you older.” The woman smiled and nodded. “So be it.” She launched at Red. Fists flew. She connected one to her sternum. Red stumbled back. The woman kept coming. She threw kick after kick. Red blocked them all. She countered with her own flurry of kicks. She connected solidly to the woman’s right leg. The woman stumbled back, favoring her leg. “Not bad. What else do you have?” the woman goaded. Red screamed like a banshee and charged at the woman. She jumped up and threw a kick at her head. The woman ducked, and came back with a solid kick 34

Blood Red to Red’s stomach. Red lost her air. She fell to a knee to catch her breath. The woman kicked her in the face. Red fell onto her back, her nose bleeding, her lips split again. The woman stood over her triumphantly. “You are weak. I told them you would be. Vengeance is a valiant motivation, but greed is so much more powerful.” The man crawled out of the house and onto the verandah. “Gretel! Help me!” Gretel turned, a look of horror on her face. “Hansel!” Red kicked out with her leg. She connected with Gretel’s right knee. She could hear the joint snap. Her leg bowed backwards. Gretel howled as she went down, gripping her damaged leg. Red kicked her again. This time in the face. She heard bones crack. She kicked again until Gretel was unconscious. Red got up and stood over the motionless body. She itched for a knife to finish the job, but had to be content with unconsciousness. Red ran back toward the cabin. “Wolf?” No answer. She sidestepped Hansel’s lifeless form after pulling her knife out of his leg, and entered the house. She spotted Wolf lying on the floor near the bed, blood pooled around his form. She bent down to him, checking his pulse. It was still strong. She looked him over and debated. She could escape now if she wanted. He wouldn’t be coming after her any time soon. Or she could finish him off, 35

Vivi Anna and never have to look over her shoulder again. “Red?” His voice was cracked and coarse. She looked down at him. His eyes were open and looking at her. His mouth was caked with blood. He tried to smile. “Don’t move, asshole. You’re in the process of dying.” He coughed. “I can’t die, I haven’t fucked you yet.” She frowned down at him. “Oh, you’ve fucked me more than you know.” She looked down at his wounds. There were three holes in his side. She couldn’t be sure if he was punctured inside. “Do you have bandages?” He nodded. “Kitchen cupboard.” Red moved to the kitchen. She found gauze and tape. She came back with it. She looked around the room again. She went back to the kitchen, and came back with a bottle of alcohol. She poured the alcohol over the wounds. Wolf cringed and yelped like a hurt puppy. “Don’t be such a cub.” He laughed and coughed as she dressed his wounds and taped him up tightly. She got under his arm, and helped him stand. He wobbled at first and leaned heavily on Red. “What do we do?” Red asked. “Get out of here. There’ll be more.” Wolf sat down on the edge of the bed. He took some deep breaths. “Get my pack. We’ll need some provisions.” Red grabbed the pack from under the bed. She packed it with food and a canteen of water. She got her knife straps and rigged herself up. Another on her 36

Blood Red leg, one on each of her sides and two tucked at the small of her back. She grabbed Wolf’s arsenal of knives and ax and packed them in the bag. She found a shirt and helped tug it over Wolf’s large frame. He winced when she lifted his arm. She looked down at him. Sweat beaded on his forehead and dripped down his face. He was hurt badly. She couldn’t be sure he would make the trip. But she wasn’t quite sure she could leave him. Something had changed between them, and she wasn’t sure what it was. Two attempts had been made on her life. Wolf was somehow involved. He was either her savior or her damnation. She needed to find out which before she finally passed her judgment on him. “Where are we going?” Wolf stood up. He reached out and grabbed Red’s shoulder. He steadied himself. “Into the forest. There are plenty of places to hide.” “Then what?” “Then I will tell you everything.” Red found her cloak and wrapped it around her. She spotted another and wrapped it around Wolf. She hefted the pack onto her back, and trudged out the door. Wolf slowly followed her out. He winced as the pain seared through him. He was sure something was punctured within. He could feel it burn with each labored breath. He would do his best to get Red somewhere safe. He needed to tell her the truth before he died. She deserved to know, even if it destroyed everything she ever believed. 37

Vivi Anna

Chapter Four

H

ours later as the sun set, they came across an abandoned bear cave. It was a perfect spot to set up camp for the night. By his gray complexion and dull eyes, it was obvious Wolf could not continue. Red helped him sit against the stone wall. She took off her cloak and wrapped it around him. He watched her intently as she tucked the material around his neck. She glanced briefly into his eyes, then quickly turned away, not willing to see the truth in them quite yet. “I’ll get firewood.” Wolf grabbed her arm tightly. “Red, you must listen to me.” “No. Let go.” She tried to pull from his grip. “I am not who you think I am.” “You are not a murderer?” She said with venom. “Oh, I am that, but I only kill those that threaten our existence.” Red glared at him. “My grandma was not a threat to anyone.” “Yes, she was, Red. She worked for them. She was 38

Blood Red a high operative and a trained assassin. She killed your father, and was planning on giving you away to be trained as she was.” Red struggled against his hold. She could not look at him. “You’re a fucking liar!” “I wish I was. You are in danger because unknown to you, you carry the secret. Trapped deep inside that head of yours is the location of their lair.” Red pried his hand off her arm. “You’re fucking crazy. Their lair. Them. Who the fuck are you talking about?” “The Brothers Grimm.” “Now, I know you’re delirious. The Brothers Grimm are a myth. They’re not real. It’s a fairytale told to children to frighten them.” “They are real, Red. And you have seen them.” Red glared down at him. His eyes were heavy, and blood dribbled out from between his lips. He was dying, and talking nonsense. “I’m getting some firewood. I suggest you shut up, or you’ll be dead by morn’.” Wolf regretfully watched her go as she stomped out of the cave. “I’m dead already.” Red collected some kindling and larger sticks. She should leave him here, she thought. She could easily find another place before it became too dark. She didn’t need him. She had to remember that he was a murderer and a vicious liar. The lies he was sprouting. She couldn’t believe him. Even now, on his deathbed, he could lie. Thank God, they had been interrupted earlier. She was not sure she would be able to live with herself if she had slept with him. 39

Vivi Anna Especially now, after the ridiculous story he was fabricating about her Grandma. He would say anything to absolve himself from her brutal murder. Red bent down and retrieved a large tree branch. She quickly raised her head and searched the surrounding trees. It had gotten quiet. Too quiet. The birds had stopped chirping, and the wind had ceased to blow. She dropped the wood she was carrying and slowly stood. Her hand was on her knife, slowly sliding it out from its sheath. “I can help you.” Red turned around. Behind her stood a woman in a long, slim white dress. She had long wild black hair and big black eyes. Her skin was so pale, she almost glowed. “Who are you?” Red’s voiced quaked. She had not heard the woman approach. It was as if she had floated in on the wind. “My name is Morgana. And you are the little Red Riding-Hood. Except you are not so little, now.” Red raised her knife. “What do you want?” “I want to help. The Wolf dies even as we speak. His life force seeps out of him. He will not be alive when you return.” “What do I care? He is a murderer and a liar. I have no use for him.” Morgana smiled. She stepped closer to Red. “Oh, but I think you do.” “Don’t come any closer.” Red’s hand shook. She felt strange. She felt fear for the first time in seven years. It gripped her tightly around her body 40

Blood Red constricting all her movements. Morgana stopped right before Red. She reached out and took Red’s knife. She sheathed it back into Red’s leg holder. Her hand lightly brushed Red’s hip as she pulled back. She put a hand gently on Red’s cheek, rubbing her thumb over her lips. “Please…” Red whimpered. A deep, swelling heat traveled from her lips where Morgana had touched her to the center of her body. Morgana leaned forward and covered Red’s mouth with her own. She pushed her tongue between her lips. Red moaned lightly as Morgana kissed her. She could feel an intimate throb in her belly. It radiated out to her thighs and caused her legs to quiver. Morgana pulled back and smiled. “Take me to The Wolf.” When they entered the cave, Wolf was lying on his side. His breathing was labored. Red dumped the firewood on the ground as Morgana leaned down next to Wolf. She felt his forehead and ran her hands down over his face to his throat. She felt for his pulse. “He is stepping into the underworld. Hurry, make a fire.” Red built a fire. She quickly lit the kindling and blew on it for life. It burned brightly. Warmth spread through the dreary cave. “Help me remove his clothing.” Morgana stripped him of Red’s cloak. Red looked down at him concerned. “Is that really necessary?” “Yes. If you do not do as I say, he will die. It is 41

Vivi Anna your choice.” Red hesitated then helped her remove Wolf’s shirt and trousers. They lay him flat on his back. His massive body twitched and quivered. Morgana stood over him. She took the leather pouch from her belt and opened it. She reached in with her fingers; she came away with a pinch of black powder. She sprinkled it over Wolf’s naked form and muttered unintelligible words. Red strained to hear them, but she could not understand. The words were in an ancient tongue she had never heard before. Morgana raised her arms in the air and swayed back and forth. She looked like a radiant flower blowing in a nonexistent wind. Red’s stare was transfixed on the woman. She was mesmerized by her. Morgana moved around his body. She paused at his feet and spat onto him. She moved to his left side and spat again. She moved to his head and spat, then to his right side where she spat once more. Wolf started to twitch and shudder. His body bolted off the ground like he had been struck by lightning, or burned by acid. Morgana untied her belt. Her white dress slid off her body. She was naked underneath. Red gazed at her beauty. She was perfect. Her breasts were full round globes, her waist trim, and her hips flared ever so slightly. The hair at the juncture of her legs was a black as that on her head. Her skin was flawless, pale and unmarked by any blemish. Not so much as a freckle. 42

Blood Red Morgana knelt down at Wolf’s hip. She reached over and gripped his cock in her long hand. She muttered under her breath as she stroked him. Red watched in fascination as Wolf’s cock grew in Morgana’s hand. It was big, like the rest of him. Her hand could hardly contain him. When he was completely stiff, Morgana straddled him. She held him still while she impaled herself. As Morgana rode him, Wolf began to mutter. His head lolled from side to side. It was as if he was trying to wake from his deadly slumber. Their union hypnotized Red. She watched intently as Morgana slid up and down on his cock, her arms raised to the sky. She babbled the same verse repeatedly. Red’s gaze traveled over Wolf. His muscles bulged. Sweat poured off his skin. His eyes were open. They were as black as Morgana’s. They stared right into Red. “Wolf?” “Kill her.” His voice was barely audible over Morgana’s fervent chanting. Red knelt down beside his head. “Kill her. She will imprison us both,” he said desperately. Red gently caressed his cheek. “It’s okay. She’s helping you.” Wolf reached up and grabbed Red’s arm. He squeezed her tightly. “Kill her! She’s a witch. The price for my life will be our damnation!” Red looked over at Morgana. She was watching them, smiling. Her eyes were black, and thick black tears like ink for a quill pen ran from them. She 43

Vivi Anna continued to rock on top of Wolf, faster now. Red glanced back at Wolf. His eyes were closed and he had released her arm. Did she imagine it? Was she going mad? Or could she take his warning as the truth? She could not risk it if it was the truth. Red jumped up and unsheathed her knives from behind her back. She charged toward Morgana, hands raised to attack. Morgana waved a hand toward Red. She felt a tremendous force pushing back on her. Red tried to fight, but it was useless. She could not get near. She couldn’t even move. She was suspended in mid air, her arms raised up and to the sides. She watched in horror, as Morgana reached her plateau. She screamed out. It was a shrill sound, and made Red’s ears ache. She glanced down at Wolf. His face was grimacing as if in pain. His pelvis pushed up. He had also reached release. Morgana leaned forward over Wolf. She covered his body with her own. She pressed her lips to his. He was comatose. “My little wolf. Finally I have you.” Red struggled against her invisible captor. It was futile. She was held firmly by an unseen force. Morgana raised herself off of Wolf’s body. She slunk to where Red stood immobile. She smiled. “Thank you for helping me trap The Wolf. I have been hunting him for some time. Three moon-turns ago, he thwarted my attempt to sacrifice three children to my Dark Lord. Triplets they were, a rare thing these days. So beautiful, so innocent. Of course, he could not protect them forever.” 44

Blood Red “You filthy deceiver! You lying witch!” Morgana laughed. She trailed a finger over Red’s mouth. “You allowed yourself to be deceived, little one. The little Red Riding-Hood I heard of would never have dropped her guard. Not for the life of a man. And especially not this one.” She gestured absently to Wolf’s lifeless form. She continued her path down Red’s neck over her shoulders and down to her breasts. She circled the material of her shirt slowly, teasingly over Red’s nipples. They hardened, responding to the intimate touch. Red shuddered. “I think maybe he touched you somewhere inside. Got into you somehow. Softened your resolve.” Her hand continued down. She rubbed it over the crotch of Red’s pants. “Did he enter you here, little one? Pierced your heart from the inside out.” “No matter how long it takes or what I must do, I’m going to kill you.” Red’s voice was calm and even. She stared straight into Morgana’s dark empty eyes. Morgana’s smile faded. She lifted her hand to Red’s throat and closed it tightly. “I don’t think so.” She squeezed. Red could feel the air leave her lungs. Her head started to spin. Her eyes grew heavy. “Sleep, little one. When you wake, you will discover the true meaning of death. You will struggle in its painful grip, and learn to love it.” Red’s sight faded. She felt like she was floating in a sea of black. She tried to claw through it, but found nothing to hold on to. Vast emptiness surrounded her. She was completely alone. She called out. Her voice sounded flat and lifeless. There was no echo. 45

Vivi Anna She closed her eyes and tears silently streamed down her face. She could feel the warm liquid on her skin. It brought her some comfort. She had not cried in a long time, it was a weakness she could ill afford. She wondered if she would see her Grandma when death finally took her. A voice sounded in her head. “Do not be afraid. We will go together into the underworld. I will never leave you.” Red shuddered as Wolf’s voice enveloped her. Surprisingly, it soothed her. And she finally let the black, murky depths pull her under.

46

Blood Red

Chapter Five

R

ed walked in a gorgeous green meadow. Wild flowers grew in abundance. The breeze softly blew her hair. It was long, like it had been when she was a child. Suddenly it became very cold. The grass turned brown and the flowers wilted. The air grew cold. Red shivered from the surrounding frost. She came upon a tall old willow tree. It was gnarled and rotten from age. It turned to her and smiled. A long branch came down to her. On it was a shiny red apple. “Hush, darling, eat this and you will feel better.” Red took the apple and bit into it. Maggots spewed forth from it, and it withered in her hand. She screamed. Red bolted from her sleep and sat up. She put a shaky hand to her pounding head. Rubbing it over her face, she tried to erase the residual memory of her dream. It still lingered. There was a vile taste in her mouth. She could feel something stuck in her back tooth. Putting her fingers in her mouth, she pulled out the foreign substance. She looked down at her hand. A small white maggot wriggled between her fingers. Red gagged. She jumped off her bed and retched in 47

Vivi Anna the corner of the room. She vomited violently. She leaned heavily against the cold stone wall, wiped her mouth and looked around at her surroundings. She had been lying on a mattress on the cold rock floor. She was in a windowless room, seemingly carved out of stone. A makeshift toilet sat in the corner, a washbasin beside it, and metal bars, preventing any escape, lined up vertically at the room’s entrance. She was in a dungeon, a prison. She stood and stumbled back to the mattress. She lay down on her side and curled her legs up to her stomach. It still cramped from her violent heaving. She wondered where she was. Morgana was her captor, she was sure. This was exactly what Wolf had warned her about. Wolf. Damn it! She cursed herself. This was what happened when feelings clouded the mind. She should have left him to die. Now her own life was forfeit because she had tried to save his. Not once in the last seven years had she put another’s life ahead of her own. She had watched people she knew die in front of her eyes. She had seen women and children slaughtered pointlessly, but she still failed to act. That was how she survived. Training and warring for only one purpose: To stay alive long enough to kill The Wolf. But she had failed, and would probably never get another opportunity to exact her revenge. She was not sure if she wanted it. For the first time in seven years, she had felt something for someone else, and it had cost her…everything. Red jumped off the bed and charged at the metal bars. She grabbed one in each hand and shook them, 48

Blood Red screaming out in frustration, “Aaaargh! You lying, deceiving bitch, where are you! I know you’re there. I can smell your rancid stench.” A mist gathered on the floor outside Red’s cell. It swirled around lazily. Red watched it as it moved. It became a circle and swirled up like a tornado. Morgana materialized from inside it. The mist dissipated. Morgana smiled sweetly. “You’re awake. How glorious.” Red reached out from the bars, trying to grab Morgana. She stepped just out of reach. “Temper, temper, little girl. That’s going to get you into trouble.” Red seethed with anger. It foamed at her mouth, like that of a rabid dog. “When I get free, I’m going to kill you nice and slow. I’m going to lick the blood from my blade like it was sugar.” “I’m sure you will try. But before you do, I’m going to enjoy breaking you into a thousand weak, quivering pieces. When I am done, you will beg me for more. You will kneel at my feet and plead for my attentions. You will be my plaything, my slave, for all of eternity.” “I am no one’s slave.” Red reached out with both hands and frantically tried to grab Morgana. She pushed with her feet, trying to squeeze herself between the bars. Morgana laughed. The sound vibrated off the rock filling the entire chamber with the mocking sound. “Guards.” Two large beefy men dressed in chain mail tunics 49

Vivi Anna rushed to Morgana’s side. Dangling from their hands were long chains with metal cuffs. “Bind her.” Red backed up from the bars. She looked around her cell for a weapon, anything she could use to inflict pain. She saw nothing. She was defenseless, save for her own fists. The guards opened the cell door. They entered cautiously. They knew a wild animal when they saw one. And this girl was as wild as they came. They flanked her on each side. Red knew she could not escape. But she would be damned if she went down quietly. She looked at each of the men. One of them would have to pay. Pay with pain. Red leapt up and wrapped herself around the guard on her right. She wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed. She locked her legs around his midsection and crushed him in her powerful vice. He cried out as she bent her head down and bit into his fleshy cheek. The other guard hit her in the back with his fists, trying to beat her off his partner. He struck her viciously on her back and sides. She remained on the guard like a leech. He struck her in the side of the head. Her grip loosened. She was finally dragged off the guard, still kicking and gnashing her teeth, and was pinned onto the ground. She snarled and growled as the guard encased her wrists and ankles in shackles. The other guard touched his face where he had been bitten. His fingers came away smeared with 50

Blood Red blood. “You filthy whore!” He looked down at Red who still struggled inside the shackles. He raised his foot, and kicked her in the stomach. “Enough!” Morgana stepped into the cell, her hand raised. “How dare you damage my prize?” The guard looked at her sheepishly. “She attacked me, my lady.” “It was your own stupidity to allow her to get that close. Go clean yourself up, but I do not want to see you again.” The guard was about to protest, but he caught the cold look in Morgana’s black eyes. He decided against it, and ran off to get medical attention. Morgana gazed down at Red, and grinned. “I love it that you fight even still. It will make it so much more enjoyable for me to break you.” “I will never break.” “We shall see.” Morgana handed a thick black leather strap to the guard. “And now, the finishing touch.” The guard reached down and pulled Red up by the chains. She stood, but awkwardly. Her wrists were shackled together and linked to a chain that went to her feet, where her ankles were also shackled. He pushed her forward toward the bed. She fell onto it. He put a knee into her back to keep her pinned. She was helpless. He reached around her neck and wrapped the leather strap around it. He buckled it on and attached a leather rope to it. He got off Red and pulled her up again. He handed the rope to Morgana. She pulled on it, 51

Vivi Anna gently, so as not to choke, but hard enough to make it known who was in charge. Red was collared and leashed, and Morgana held the chain. “Come along, my pet. Time to meet your other owners.” Red was led down a long dimly lit passage. They passed other cells. All were empty. They came to a steep set of stairs. They ascended them to a thick wooden door. It opened as they neared, and they passed through it. It closed behind them. Every once in a while, Morgana would yank Red’s leash. It caught her off guard, and would cause her to stumble. She fell once. Morgana pulled her up by her collar. The collar chafed at her skin, but was not too tight. She didn’t choke on it. It did not feel all that unpleasant around her neck. It was the thought of Morgana holding her leash that repulsed Red. Soon they were walking down an elegant hallway. The walls were adorned with gold trinkets and colorful paintings. The floor was lined with rich carpet, weaved with the finest materials. Red looked around in admiration, and dread. Somehow, it all looked sickeningly familiar. Morgana led her into a grand ballroom. It had long windows draped with the finest silks. The floor was polished like glass. The furnishings carved from mahogany and cherry woods. Everything was richly colored and decorated. Red had never seen such wealth and prestige before. A quartet of musicians huddled in the corner playing soft stringed music. Red knew she was in a great castle, but who’s, she could never fathom. 52

Blood Red Other people milled about. Each dressed in the clothes of the wealthy and powerful. Some looked like royalty. Women were dressed in embroidered silk gowns and bejeweled chaplets on their heads. Men were in brocade tunics and suede trousers. A pretty woman in a long, golden gown passed by them. She had impossibly long flaxen hair tied in a braid down her back. She smiled coyly and dragged her hand teasingly over Red’s back. “She looks like a boy.” Her voice was sweet and cheery. “Strong as a man, she is. But underneath this, she is a woman. I assure you.” Morgana reached out and grabbed Red’s breast. Red snapped at her with her teeth, a growl deep in her throat. Everyone in the room laughed. “She is spirited, isn’t she? I like that.” The woman’s eyes glinted with lust as she peered over Red’s body. “She is not for you, Rapunzel.” “I know, but could I not have just a little taste?” “No, you may not.” The voice boomed throughout the room. All heads turned toward it. The crowd parted. Red swallowed deeply as the man neared her. He was tall and widely built. He wore only black, and his cape dragged on the floor behind him. His hair flowed over his shoulders and down his back. It was the color of moonlight. His eyes were as red as blood. He was as ethereally beautiful as he was demonic. She knew his name. He was The Taker, and he was the master of the underworld. 53

Vivi Anna A single tear fell from Red’s eye. She knew where she was. She was dead, and was damned to be punished in the underworld for eternity. Her hope for escape dimmed in her heart. Her sins had finally doomed her. The Taker stepped close to her. She could smell his breath. It was sweet and pleasant, like freshly baked cinnamon rolls. He reached out and touched her face, brushing the tear away with his thumb. “Now, now, my dear, no need for tears. You have nothing to fear from me.” He put his thumb in his mouth and sucked the moisture off. Red watched his full lips. They looked soft and subtle. She wondered how they would feel on her flesh. Her face blushed at the thought. She could not stop her betraying emotions. He smiled, as if privy to her thoughts. He leaned down toward her ear. “You will have that pleasure,” he whispered. A shudder enveloped her body. A great pool of molten lust boiled deep in her belly. Her sex began to throb with want. She could feel it moisten just from his simple words. He took the leash from Morgana. “Thank you, Sister, I will take her from here.” “Be careful. She would sooner rip your head off then do as you say.” He smirked. “I don’t foresee a problem, but thank you nonetheless for the warning.” He patted Morgana on the cheek like a child. He waved his hand toward the corner of the room. “You may have your other one back. He was of no use to me.” 54

Blood Red Red gasped as she looked into the corner. Wolf was shackled and collared as she was, but he was chained to the wall like a dog being punished for some wrongdoing. He was shirtless. His muscles bulged and strained as he paced back and forth on his tether. Red saw long red welts across his chest. He had been whipped recently. She met his eyes. They still glowed brightly. The fire still raged inside. She thanked the heavens for that. *** It took everything Wolf had to stop from yelling out. He had not expected to see Red. He was sure she was somewhere else. Was hoping for that. Seeing her chained nearly did him in. He could tell by her stance that she was nearly done. The wild animal inside her would soon be tamed. The Taker was very powerful. Very seductive. He was not sure Red could resist him. “You damaged him, Drake.” Morgana pouted. “His important parts still work, Sister. But if you address me like that again, it will be you that is damaged.” Drake looked at her, his red eyes flashing. Morgana shrank from the stare. He walked out of the ballroom, pulling Red behind him. Rapunzel giggled at their rapport. Morgana swiped her hand in front of the girl’s face. Her long sharp talon sliced her cheek. Rapunzel gasped and put a quivering hand up to the cut. “Don’t ever mock me, girl. I will send you back to 55

Vivi Anna where you came from, locked in a tower.” Rapunzel turned swiftly and stormed out of the ballroom. Other patrons watched her leave, glee on their faces. Morgana gestured to her guard. “Fetch me my puppy.”

56

Blood Red

Chapter Six

R

ed walked obediently behind Drake. She would bide her time, save her strength. Seeing Wolf had sparked something inside. Maybe there was still some hope. Maybe she could still escape with her life intact, maybe even her soul. He led them to his private chambers. His rooms were ornate and baroque. Colored in deep greens and burgundy. A fire raged in the massive stone fireplace. The room was rich and emanated great warmth. Red still shuddered as she glanced around. Drake gestured to a high-backed ornate chair, covered in velvet. “Please sit.” Red stood stubbornly beside it. She glared at him. Drake sat down elegantly in the opposing chair. “Sitting will cost you nothing, Red. You should choose your fights more wisely.” Red sat down. In felt incredible to sit in the plush chair. It was soft and cushioned. Very different from what she was used to. The bones in her back and legs sighed from the comfort. Drake leaned forward and reached for her nose. She backed away from his touch. 57

Vivi Anna “You are hurt.” “No.” “But you have blood on your nose and upper lip.” “I know.” Drake sat back in his chair and grinned. “Ah. Mind over matter. If I do not feel it, it is not painful. Very disciplined. I like that.” He clapped his hands together. The door to his chamber opened. Servants brought in trays of food. They set them on the table in front of Drake and Red. They quickly scurried from the room. Glorious scents wafted up to Red’s nose. Saliva pooled in her mouth. Her stomach growled “I see that you are hungry. If I unlock your shackles, you will behave?” Red nodded as her eyes remained hungrily on the steaming hot food. With a flick of his wrist, the shackles on Red’s arms fell open. Red looked down at them in amazement. She looked back up at Drake, as she rubbed at her wrists. He was staring at her with a wry grin on his pale angular face. “Please enjoy.” He gestured to the food. Red needed no more encouragement. She pulled the plate of roasted duck toward her. She ripped at it with her hands, tearing off a leg and shoving it in her mouth. She reached for the bowl of mashed yams, grabbing the serving spoon and shoveling the orange substance into her mouth. While she ate, Drake poured wine into two jeweled goblets. He slid one toward her. She eyed it suspiciously. 58

Blood Red Drake picked up his and took a sip. He sighed as the liquid dribbled down his throat. Red picked up her glass. She gulped down the entire contents. It dribbled out her mouth and down her chin. Drake laughed. “I love a woman that enjoys her food and drink.” Red just grunted her acknowledgment as she dug back into the duck, ripping savagely at its succulent meat. “I admire you, Red. You are a woman of substance. I’ve been watching you over the years. You have never let anything stand in your way. If something did, you would just cut it down. I like that.” Red eyed him as he spoke. “I never killed anyone that did not deserve it.” “Oh, quite right. Just as I never take anyone that is not fitting.” Red paused in her eating. She licked her fingers clean. “You and I are not the same.” “You do not think so? I have to disagree. You know what the common people called you behind your back, whispered about you in the dark. They called you Blood Red.” “I know.” “They whispered about me too, in the dark. They were just as afraid of you as they were of me. How does that make you feel, Red?” “How does it make you feel?” “Powerful.” He took another sip of his wine. “I don’t feel. ‘Tis of no concern to me. I’m not out there trying to make friends.” 59

Vivi Anna “Very true. Look what happened to little Mary. She was your childhood friend, was she not?” Red stared vehemently at Drake. Her hands shook with rage. Adrenaline started to pump through her body. “That was an accident.” Drake leaned forward on the table. He smiled into her eyes. “And your mother? That was an accident, too?” Red pushed the food back from her. She looked deep into his eyes. “I’d advise you, Taker, to talk about something else.” He sat back and pursed his lips. “Certainly. Let’s talk about The Wolf.” “No.” “No? He’s been the bane of your existence for the past seven years, surely you have something to say about him.” He speared a piece of asparagus with his fork. “Unless all that has changed?” “Nothing’s changed.” “Are you certain? You could have left him for dead, but you didn’t. You risked your own life for his.” “I didn’t risk my life.” He laughed. “Of course you did. You are here, are you not?” Red looked away from his intense gaze. She stared at the strange painting on the wall. It looked as if the colors swirled. “I wonder, what is The Wolf protecting you from?” “I do not know.” “He told you something. What was it?” “Nothing.” 60

Blood Red “You’re remembering, aren’t you?” Red quickly turned her head toward him. “I remember nothing.” Drake reached across the table and grabbed her arm. He yanked her toward him. He leaned his face close to hers. His eyes flashed siren red. “You will tell me, or I will get angry.” “Fuck you. There’s nothing you can do to me that hasn’t been done before. You can not hurt me, Taker.” She smiled at him. Then she slammed her head forward into his, head-butting him hard in the face. Drake pulled back, surprised by the attack. Blood seeped slowly from his nose. He touched it reverently. He looked down at the crimson smear on his fingertips. Red jumped up and tried to dash for the door. She stumbled and fell to the floor. The chain between her ankle shackles was short. She couldn’t move her legs quickly. Drake started to laugh. It was low at first, then turned into a full guffaw. He stood and walked over to where Red lay on the floor. He loomed over her. “Oh, you are a wild one. I shall enjoy damaging you.” “Take your best shot, asshole.” Drake waved his hand over her. He stopped it mid air. He pulled his hand back and Red lifted off the floor. She was on her feet in seconds. It was like raising a wooden board with an invisible rope. She couldn’t move. He had her in an unseen grip. He smiled as he circled her. He looked her up and down, drinking in his fill of her body. He stood in 61

Vivi Anna front of her raising his hand up above his head. Red’s arms lifted straight above her head, like she was being hung from them. Drake pointed his finger at her chest. A long sharp talon sprung out from his fingertip. He poked her in the hollow of her neck. He dragged his nail down her shirt. It split in half like a razor through paper. He pushed back each piece of cotton, exposing her breasts. Red held her breath as her shirt was sliced. She was certain that he was going to cut her. She let out a ragged sigh when he finished. As the cool air hit her flesh, she sucked in another breath. Her nipples hardened instantly. She quivered as he stared at her. It was almost like his eyes were caressing her skin. Softly, gently. Red felt shivers go down her spine. A deep throb erupted in her groin. His talon retracted into his flesh like a cat’s. He touched her with just his fingertip. He trailed it down her chest to her nipple. He circled each nipple lazily, teasingly. “You are a very erotic woman. Everything about you emanates sex. Especially your hard, tight body.” He moved his finger up and down her sternum, between her breasts. “Your muscles tighten and bulge with each light touch of my finger. You quiver at even a whisper.” He leaned forward and blew across her nipples. Red tried to shrink away, but she was immobile. She could feel her body shake, her muscles twitch. Her sex ached. His light feathery touches were driving her over the edge. 62

Blood Red Drake trailed his finger down over her belly. He circled her navel, then continued down. He reached the band of her trousers. “You see, Red, I know what hurts you. Pain only makes you stronger. But pleasure…pleasure makes you weak.” His talon pushed out. He trailed it down over the front of her pants to the middle of her crotch. Then he moved behind her and trailed his finger from her waistband over her buttocks down to the same spot. Red could feel the fabric open. Instantly the air hit her sex. She felt it moisten with want. Drake stood back and looked at his handiwork. He grinned. He waved his hand down. The shackles at her ankles fell open. He waved his hand again. Red’s legs spread apart. The halves of her trousers unraveled down her legs. Her sex was laid bare. “Exquisite.” Drake stepped back and leered down at her openness. Red could feel her face flush from the lust pumping through her veins. She had never felt so wanton, so vapid. She wanted to feel repulsed, wanted to feel revolted by this baneful creature of the underworld touching her, lusting for her. She wanted to feel shame for the wetness of her sex, but instead she reveled in her lechery. Drake smiled as her face flushed and sweat trickled down from her forehead. He watched the liquid trail as it ended at the tip of her rosy peaked nipple. He bent down and licked it from the tip. Red gasped from the touch. Gasped from the sensations jolting through her body. 63

Vivi Anna “I imagine from one deep thrust into your sex, you would come. Do you crave release, Red? Do you want it above all else?” He knelt down in front of her. His face was level with her belly. She could feel his hot breath brush against her skin. Her breathing labored and she closed her eyes. The exquisite torture was driving her mad. She could no longer watch as he did—or did not do —what she so desperately desired. With one finger, Drake parted her. She was slick with lust. He rubbed his finger back and forth across her cleft. Red groaned at the subtle movements. She wanted to grind her pelvis onto his hand to ease her pain. But she could still not move. She was frozen in place. Unable to stop him from touching or not touching her. She was open and vulnerable. Dripping wet with lust. She had never been so blatantly exposed to anyone before. It was a feeling she tried desperately not to crave. But did anyway. Drake continued to manipulate her. He rubbed harder and faster. He stopped briefly at her most sensitive spot and pinched it between his fingers. Red gasped again. He continued to rub, then slid his long finger deep inside her. He pushed up, digging deeper. He slid another finger inside. He swirled them around, feeling every inch of her velvety flesh. She could feel her flesh contracting around his hand. He pulled his fingers out. He sat back on his haunches, looking up at Red, and brought his fingers to his mouth. He inserted 64

Blood Red them and licked them clean with slow and deliberate movements. Red watched him. She wanted to beg him to use that tongue on her. To lick her clean. To burrow into her. To nip and tug at her clit. To violently rip her release from her. He stood up, leaned close to her face and covered her mouth with his own. She tasted her lust on his lips and tongue. He pulled back and looked deep into her eyes, cradling her cheek in his hand. “Guards!” Red’s eyes went wide with shock. “Sorry, my dear. You shall not have your climax. That is your punishment. To be driven to the edge, but never to go over. Eventually you will beg me to end your suffering, but you will have to tell me what I want to know.” Two beefy guards burst into the room. They both sneered when they saw Red’s state. “Give her a shower, she stinks of her sex. Then hang her out to dry.” The guards picked up her shackles and bound her wrists and ankles again. They leered at her nakedness openly. “She’s got a nice round ass,” one of them commented. Drake grinned. “She certainly does.” Red gathered the saliva in her mouth and spat at Drake, hitting him on the chin. “I will never beg.” He wiped the spittle away. “We shall see. Take her away.” He waved his hand in front of her. Red’s arms dropped. She collapsed as her knees 65

Vivi Anna gave out. The guards caught her as she went down. They righted her, groping her as they did. She glared at Drake. “Sleep with one eye open, Taker. Because I will come for you.” He clapped his hands together in enjoyment. “Oh my dear, how delightful. Don’t you know I never sleep?” He waved her away. The guards pulled her from the room. As the door shut behind them, Red heard Drake laugh. It was deep, and full of joy. She would always remember that sound, especially when she ripped out his throat.

66

Blood Red

Chapter Seven

T

he shower was not a pleasant experience. The guards took her into a grubby, cold room somewhere at the back of the castle, where it stunk of animal manure, and worse things. They hung her chain up on an iron peg sticking out of the wall. Her arms were raised slightly, keeping her in place. They each took turns throwing buckets of cold water on her. They would deliberately aim at her breasts and sex. By the time they were done, she was shivering violently and her skin was goose-bumped from her head to her toes. They had offered to towel her dry, but Red gnashed and spat at them when they tried to get near. She would not allow any more hands on her, especially not belonging to Neanderthal guards. They pulled her, dripping wet and seething with rage, back down to her cell. As they walked down the dim passage, Red peered into the other cells. They were all still empty but one. Wolf stood in the center of one, his eyes closed, his body relaxed. He looked like he was in a trance. 67

Vivi Anna “Wolf!” Red yelled as they passed. Wolf’s eyes sprang open. They glinted in the dim light. He rushed to the bars reaching out with his hand. Red struggled in her restraints. She pulled back on her leash, tried to reach his outstretched hand. The guards were on her. They pushed her back, but she kept coming. She dug in her heels and pushed back. One guard stumbled back and ran into the cell bars. Wolf grabbed him around the neck, squeezing him tight. “Let her go, or I’ll kill him.” The other guard looked at his comrade. His eyes were bulging with strain. He released his hold on Red. She stumbled forward and grabbed Wolf’s other hand. “I’m sorry.” *** Wolf met her eyes. They sparkled like emeralds as they welled with tears. He leaned forward to find her mouth. Her eyes bulged, then closed. She lurched forward and dropped to the ground. “No!” The wooden club was brought down on Wolf’s wrist. The guard managed to hit his comrade in the process, but the damage was done nonetheless. Wolf let go of his neck. The guard scrambled away. Wolf looked down at Red’s crumpled form. The guards picked up Red’s motionless form and dragged her down the passage. “We’ll deal with you 68

Blood Red later,” one guard said to Wolf as they rounded the corner. Wolf rubbed at his wrist. He wasn’t sure if it was broken, but it definitely throbbed as such. He paced back and forth in his cell. His thoughts were on Red. She'd looked so frail as they dragged her away. Seeing her naked was a shock. He could only imagine the unspeakable things they had done to her. Her body looked untouched. He imagined that they would beat at her soul and not her body. She was too tough, otherwise. The Taker would know this. He was as intelligent as he was devious. He knew what lurked inside people. He knew their fears and their desires. Sometimes one was the same as the other. Wolf feared it wouldn’t be long before Red told The Taker what he wanted to know. Her life would be in danger. Hell, it was already in danger. He needed to get them both out before then. How, was another matter. He heard the shuffling of feet down the passageway. The two guards returned. Both of them had their clubs out in anticipation. One of them smiled. “Hello, boy. Did you think we forgot about you?” “No. I knew you’d be back. Beating me is the only thing that gets your dicks hard.” Smiley opened the cell door. “You’re right about that, boy. And after we’re done with you, we’re going to go fuck that girl of yours.” “I’m going to bugger her something fierce,” the other guard said, his neck starting to bruise. They cautiously entered the cell. Wolf backed up a 69

Vivi Anna little to allow them in. They raised their clubs. “Use them well, fellas, because I will not stop until you are both dead.” The guards glanced at one another. Doubt and fear furrowing their brows. They launched at Wolf, bringing their clubs down hard on his body. Wolf felt the first blow on his shoulder, the second on his neck. They should have aimed them better, Wolf thought as he punched one in the stomach. He saw that guard double over. He brought up his knee into his face. The other guard brought his club down again. This time it struck its mark. Wolf felt the sharp sting of the club on the top of his head. His eyes clouded over. His legs gave out on him. He went down to his knees. The guard brought the club down again. It struck Wolf in the temple. Everything went black. Then came a ringing in his ears. He flailed out his arms, trying to find anything to grasp before he fell into the abyss. He connected solidly to one of the guard’s midsection before collapsing onto his side and into the dark. *** Pain shot through him. Even in the dark, his eyes pained. His head throbbed unmercilessly. Wolf did not think he would wake from his black slumber. He felt a cold but pleasant caress on his forehead. It lasted only seconds. It eased his pain. Wolf struggled to open his eyes. He opened one to a slit. He saw a wet cloth coming to him. It rested on his head. The cold water felt incredible on his skin. 70

Blood Red He opened his other eye. Through the slits, he could see a woman with golden hair leaning down to him. She smiled when she saw his open eyes. “I did not think you’d wake.” Her voice was soft and lilting. “They beat upon your head like a blacksmith forging a horse’s shoe.” “Who….” She set a slender finger to his lips. “Don’t speak. I will tell you what you wish to know.” She took the cloth and dipped it the bowl of water on the bedside table. She wrung it out and dabbed at his head again. “My name’s Rapunzel. I am a lady here at the castle, and I paid to have you brought to my bedchamber. Obviously, I did not expect you to be so damaged.” He narrowed his eyes at her. “Paid?” “Yes, seems foolish, doesn’t it? But you are an exquisite male specimen, and Morgana is so selfish with you. So I paid her a handsome sum for the pleasure of …you.” She dabbed at his swollen cheek. “Imagine my surprise when I come to fetch you. Here you are laying on the ground, beat within an inch of your life. I tried to get my money back, but Morgana refused. Delightfully, I assure you. So I had you brought anyway. Might as well try and get my money’s worth out of you.” Wolf watched her as she tended him. She was beautiful as a princess. Her long golden hair hung down her back and across the bed. She wore a regal gown with gold threads and jeweled trim. She was definitely a woman of wealth and power. She had a 71

Vivi Anna thin shallow cut across her sculpted cheek. A wound inflicted recently. She obviously had an enemy at the court. Rapunzel set the cloth into the bowl of water. She gazed down at Wolf, her sky-blue eyes assessing him. She grabbed the edge of the blanket covering him. “Well, let’s get a look at the rest of you.” She stared to pull it down. Wolf’s hands came up and stilled hers. “One so beautiful as you should not have to pay for anything.” She smiled. “That’s half the fun. Now, let go so I can check the goods. I hope I was not overcharged.” Wolf let go. He was too weak to fuss. She pulled the blanket down, uncovering his naked body. She gazed down at him, her eyes twinkling. She grinned as she took in his size. “Lord have mercy. I would have paid twice the price.” Wolf almost smiled at her whimsy. She seemed taken with him, but not possessively so. She obviously had some power over him, but he doubted she would use it forcefully. Wolf could think of worse fates then being used carnally by a beautiful woman. Rapunzel rubbed her dainty hands over Wolf’s chest. She played and pulled at his hair. She flicked his nipples playfully with her thumbs. She lowered her hands. She rubbed them over his tight stomach, enjoying the way his muscles bunched and quivered under her soft touch. Her hands lowered, gently caressing his cock. Wolf let the physical sensations wash over his emotional turmoil. It would do no harm to have sex 72

Blood Red with this woman. It had been too long since he felt pleasure. He thought back to when he had Red on the floor of his cabin. It seemed so long ago. His heart ached when he thought of it. He closed his eyes and imagined it was Red stroking him. Red murmuring endearments. His cock hardened instantly. Rapunzel wrapped her hand around him. He was hard as an iron club. She licked her lips at the thought of him inside her, but not yet. She was not quite ready. She released his cock, and turned her back to him. “Undo my dress.” Wolf pulled at the strings of her bodice. He loosened them until the bodice opened. Rapunzel stood up and pushed the dress off her form. She turned back to Wolf. She was wearing only a black corset and stockings. The corset pushed her breasts up to an impossible level. Her ample bosom nearly spilled over the top. Wolf looked her over. She had a full, curvy body. Her legs were long and shapely. No fabric covered her sex. The sprinkling of hair was as golden as that on her head. She kneeled back onto the bed. She straddled him. She rubbed her sex against his cock. She was slick and hot. Wolf groaned at the silken caress. Rapunzel smiled down at him as she moved up his body. She was soon straddling his face. “Your tongue was not injured, was it Wolf?” “No, my lady, it was not.” Wolf gazed up into her sex. It was flushed bright red with lust. He separated her lips with his fingers. 73

Vivi Anna She was wet and hot. He rubbed his fingers up and down her slit. He licked her with his tongue, finding her clit with the tip. He wriggled it back and forth. She lowered herself down on his face. She ground her sex onto his mouth. His tongue probed her. He stuck it inside her, wriggled it around and sucked on her juices. “Stop,” she panted. Wolf paused; his tongue still imbedded deep inside her. She moved off his face and back down his body. She stopped when she reached his quivering cock. She held him still while she impaled herself. She went slowly, to accommodate his wide girth, and nestled onto him snugly. She smiled down at him. “Oh, you are well worth the price.” She started to move up and down, grinding her hips. Wolf watched her as she rocked on him. He raised his hands to her and filled them with her generous bosom. He pulled at the corset to feel her flesh. Her large nipples were peaked and rosy. He pinched them between his fingers. *** Along the side wall, beside a watercolor painting of the countryside, there was a small hole. One would see it only if looking for it. An eye blinked. Behind the wall was a small room. A place convenient for spying. Morgana watched as Rapunzel slid up and down on Wolf’s enormous cock. She smiled to herself, appreciative of the girl’s stamina. She paid a hefty sum for Wolf’s favors. Morgana could not blame her. 74

Blood Red Wolf was a remarkable sight. He would bring great pleasure to her, and great wealth. She watched as Rapunzel moaned loudly and fell forward onto his chest. *** Rapunzel nuzzled into his neck. He could smell her sweet breath and hear her low whimpers. Wolf grasped her round buttocks. He helped her move her hips up and down. She was close to coming; he could feel it as she contracted tightly around him. She pressed kisses to his throat. She kissed his chin and made her way to his ear. She licked his lobe. She murmured into his ear. “You can escape. You are not in the underworld. You are in Grimm Castle. There is a small passageway in the dungeon. It leads to an aqueduct. There you can swim underneath the castle. You will emerge on the other side.” Wolf gripped her fiercely. He could not believe what he was hearing. There was a way out. He had so many questions. “How do you..?” “Do not ask. There are eyes all around us. We are being watched right now. This is all I can do for you.” Rapunzel sat back up. She placed her hands on his chest and rode him hard. Wolf gripped her around the waist and gazed up into her grimaced face. She was flushed; her eyes were dilated with lust. He pulled her down to him, and rolled them over. He rammed into her hard and fast. He pumped until sweat poured off his forehead. She screamed out 75

Vivi Anna as she came violently. She dug her nails into his shoulders. Wolf continued to slam into her, forcing her to endure her climax, until he also came. He rested on her. His hands still wrapped in her hair. “Thank you,” he whispered into her ear. She wrapped her arms around him and held him until they both quieted and were able to move again.

76

Blood Red

Chapter Eight

W

olf stood in a great green field. The wind blew his long black hair around him. His eyes flashed in the bright sunlight. He was

smiling. Red walked toward him. She was smiling. Her arms were outstretched toward him, beckoning him to her. They met. They touched. Wolf enveloped her in his strong arms. She nestled into the crook of his arm, feeling safe and secure…and loved. She sighed into him. “I’ve been searching for you, Red. I’ve been looking for you my whole life.” His voice was high and hollow. Red flinched under his hold. She raised her head and looked up at his face. He was grinning. But his face was changing. It filled out, and wrinkled. His blue eyes darkened to hazel. His hair turned gray and shortened. Red was looking into her Granny’s face. “Now, my darling, I can finally kill you.” She lifted her hand. A knife glinted in the sun. She drove it down into Red’s chest. Red jolted awake, a scream stuck in her dry throat, and her heart pounding loudly in her head. She looked about her. Everything was upside down. She tried to lift her head, but it was heavy, and her neck 77

Vivi Anna was sore. Her arms pulled at her shoulders, and her legs screamed with pain. She took in a ragged breath and raised her head. She was hanging by her chains on a steel rod sticking out of the stone wall. And she was still naked. Her buttocks swayed only inches above the ground. She hung in a V shape. Her feet and hands pointed up, nearly touching each other. She felt like a side of beef on a hook preparing to be sliced into choice cut steaks. The cool air circled over her skin. She quivered. She felt it most at the intersection of her legs. Her sex was exposed to the elements and prying eyes. She wondered how long she’d been hanging here. From the pain radiating throughout her muscles, she thought hours, for sure. She thought about Wolf. She hoped he was still alive, that they didn’t beat him to death. Her head ached violently from the rap she had gotten. She had been foolish rushing to him like that. They would certainly use those feelings against her. Feelings she was just starting to realize were there. She heard movement at the door of her cell. She glanced over. The guards stood leering at her. One opened the door. “Hello, love, finally dry?” “Fuck you,” Red murmured. “Sorry, love, we already played that game, remember?” Red knew he was lying. She would have felt it if she had been violated. The guards stepped back and a petite dark-haired 78

Blood Red woman entered the cell. She was wearing a plain cotton dress and her hair was up in a bun. She carried a bowl of water and a cloth. She was obviously a servant. She set the bowl on the floor, averting her eyes from Red. “Could you please set her down so I can have a look at her?” The guards grabbed her and slid her off the rod. They carried her over to the mattress and dumped her. “Be careful with her. She bites.” The petite woman looked up at the guard, venom in her eyes. “I do not blame her.” “I’d watch what you say, girl.” “No, it’s you who had better mind his tongue. The Master favors me. You are expendable.” The guard sneered at her. He grabbed her dress and pulled it down off her shoulder. A black winged dragon was burned into her flesh like a cattle brand. “Just because you are branded his whore does not mean he will favor you.” She swatted his hand away and pulled up her dress. “Do you want to wager?” The guard sniffed and backed off. “Unchain her, and bring me her clothes.” The guard unlocked Red’s shackles. “She is to remain naked as per The Taker.” “Fine, then fetch me a blanket.” The guards retreated from the cell. Red watched them go. She rubbed at her wrists as she stared at the little woman soaking a cloth in the bowl of water. “Who are you, to command the guard?” 79

Vivi Anna The woman looked up at Red. She smiled demurely. “No one, really. Just a servant girl.” “What is your name?” “Rose.” She wrung out the cloth and brought it to Red’s face. She dabbed at the encrusted blood around her nose. Red leaned back against the mattress and let the girl do her work. “If you are to clean me up so he may have another go at me, you might as well leave it. I will not stop fighting.” Rose peered deep into Red’s face. She continued to wipe away the blood. “Fighting will only leave you in shackles and eventually on the chopping block.” “Off with my head, then, for I will never surrender.” Rose stilled her hand and smiled. “Sometimes surrender can be quite…pleasant.” Red grabbed Rose’s hand. She sat up and pulled the girl to her. “Is his hold on you so strong that you are blind to reason? To sanity?” Rose averted her eyes from Red’s bold stare. She looked down at the floor. “Help me. Help me, Rose. I will die in this captivity. I am not a woman that can be chained.” “Please do not ask me that. I am bound to The Taker. He is my master,” she whimpered. “Break free of him, Rose. You do not deserve his punishments.” Tears fell from her eyes. “But I like them. His punishments are my rewards.” Red grabbed Rose’s face in her hands. She turned her so they were eye to eye. “I can be your Mistress. 80

Blood Red You can come with me. Live with me. Serve me. I promise you that my punishments would be sweeter.” Red didn’t want to deceive the girl, but she would do anything to escape this prison. If Rose helped her escape, she would indeed take Rose with her. That was not a lie. She could follow Red to the ends of the earth, if that was her wish. Red watched as hope flashed across Rose’s face. Her brown eyes searched Red’s. Red leaned forward and pressed her mouth to Rose’s. She kissed her hard, invading her mouth with her tongue. Rose moaned into her, probing with her own tongue. She grasped Red on the shoulders and dug her nails in. Red pulled back from the kiss. She stared beseechingly at Rose. “You are very pretty,” Rose said shyly. Red noticed Rose’s eyes left her face and traveled over her body. Rose blushed when she realized she was caught looking. “You may touch me if you’d like.” “Would it please you?” Rose asked. “Yes, very much. It has been far too long since I’ve been properly touched.” Rose moved her hands over Red. She gently caressed her breasts. She circled her thumbs over Red’s nipples. They hardened into rosy peaks. Rose pinched and twisted them between her fingers. “Do you like that?” “Yes,” Red sighed. The girl had strong hands. They reminded her of another pair of hands. Wolf’s. Red 81

Vivi Anna closed her eyes and imagined Wolf was touching her. Wolf who was pleasuring her. Rose trailed her hands lower. She rubbed them over Red’s skin. Caressing her. Red opened her eyes and looked at the girl. She had to convince her to help. She had to show her that she would be better off with Red, away from this godforsaken prison. Free to do what she wished. Red raised her hands to Rose’s face. She cradled the girl’s cheek. “Help me,” she pleaded. Rose didn’t look up. She kept her eyes on Red’s flesh as she continued to stroke her. “I can not.” Red twisted Rose’s face toward her. “Yes, you can. It is your choice to make. You have power. I can see it in your eyes.” Rose’s eyes welled with tears. Red was slowly chiseling away at her, she could tell. But she was unsure how much it would take to break her and the hold The Taker had on her. Rose had obviously been here a long time, and the guards would be back any moment. Red leaned forward and kissed her again. This time with force and passion. She wrapped a hand in Rose’s hair. She trailed her other hand down to Rose’s breasts. She cupped one and squeezed it hard, rubbing her thumb over the peak. Rose moaned. Red pressed kisses over her chin and down her neck. She murmured into her ear. “Release me. Escape with me. Come with me.” Red moved her hand down lower. She moved it around and squeezed Rose’s buttocks. She moved it forward, searching for an entrance under her skirt. 82

Blood Red Rose reached down and hiked up her dress. She bunched the fabric at her waist. Red moved her hand over her leg and to her sex. She gently slid her fingers into her cleft. She rubbed them back and forth over her wet slit. Rose groaned with each stroke. She moved her hips with the rhythm of Red’s hand. Red found her clit. She rubbed it hard and fast. “You are so hot and wet for me, Rose. I will make you come if you will help me.” Rose closed her eyes and ground her teeth as Red continued to manipulate her clit. “Yes. Yes, anything.” Red pushed her fingers back and found her opening. She slid two fingers in easily. She pumped them in and out. She brought them out and diddled her clit, then back to her opening. She did this repeatedly. Red could hear Rose’s pants as she neared orgasm. Her breath labored and she grabbed onto Red’s shoulders hard, pinching with her nails. “You will help me escape? You will do as I ask?” “Yes. Yes,” Rose groaned loudly. Red rubbed her clit quickly and hard. She felt Rose tense. She was going to come. Red rammed three fingers into her hard. She was so slick she nearly swallowed her whole hand. Red could feel Rose contract around her, slurping at her digits. Rose flung her head forward, grasping Red tightly. She bit down on Red’s shoulder to stop from screaming. Red didn’t even flinch. She continued to pump her fingers into Rose. She wanted to prolong her climax. She wanted Rose to know that she would be a great 83

Vivi Anna lover. Someone Rose could depend on. Even love. She didn’t want to deceive the girl, but she would do anything to escape. “Bravo. Nicely done.” Red and Rose looked up quickly toward the cell bars. Drake stood smiling; his eyes alight with glee. The guards flanked him on either side. Rose pushed away from Red. She pushed down her dress and dropped to her knees. She bent her head down demurely. “I’m sorry, Master. She seduced me.” Red looked down at Rose. She shook her head. She misjudged the hold he had on her. Drake opened the cell door and entered. “It’s all right, Rose. I know you are weak.” “You were right, my Master. She would say and do anything to escape.” Red gasped. She considered the possibility that the girl would not help her, but she never imagined that she would confess all. “She asked me to help her. She—she thought she could take your place.” Drake smiled at Red’s shock. “Foolish, isn’t she, Rose?” “Yes, my master. Very foolish.” “You may go.” He waved his hand at Rose. “You did your job.” Rose got to her feet. She didn’t look at Red, just kept her head down and left the cell. The guards snickered as she passed. Drake smiled down at Red. “She’s very well 84

Blood Red behaved, is she not?” Red seethed with anger. She snatched up the chains left by the mattress and swung them at Drake. She was quick. Quick enough to get by his sixth sense. A shackle struck him fiercely across the face. She pulled her arm back. She swung them again. But she would not make a second impact. Drake grabbed her around the throat and lifted her off the ground. He squeezed tightly until she dropped the chains. Red stared him in the eyes. They were aflame with anger. His skin was split open above his eyebrow and across his bony cheek. Blood dribbled from the cuts. A droplet ran to his mouth. Drake licked it away. Red grinned triumphantly. “I have had enough of you. The Brothers be damned. I will not waste any more of my time on you.” Red tried to shake her head. Her ears were ringing and her sight was fading. The Brothers? Could it be? Maybe Wolf was telling her the truth. Or maybe the lack of air to her brain was making her confused. Drake pulled her toward his face so they were only a breath apart. “You have just confirmed your death sentence, my dear. To be carried out immediately.” He threw her back onto the mattress. She landed awkwardly. Her leg twisted under her. She cried out as the pain seared her. Drake left the cell. The guards locked it behind him. He paused at the cell bars. “Maybe now The Wolf will talk. Watching you die just might break him. Love can have that effect.” 85

Vivi Anna He laughed heartily as he walked away. Red could hear his laughter all the way down the passageway. It echoed throughout the stone prison cells. Red sat up against the wall and rubbed her leg. It was not broken but badly sprained. She thought that maybe a ligament or two had torn. She rubbed at it and closed her eyes. Love? What did The Taker know about love? He only knew of manipulation, violence, and hatred. Not unlike her. Love was as foreign to her as another land. She could not even remember how it could feel. Wolf did not love her. He was as incapable of love as she was. They had feelings certainly. But love? Nonsense! Red hunkered down onto the mattress and shut her eyes. She would need her strength. She would not die easily. *** Wolf watched wearily as The Taker passed his cell. He was still laughing. He had noticed the cut on his face. Red had obviously not been cooperative. Wolf smiled at that. The guards passed, too. One paused at the cell bars. He smiled. The bruises on his neck were black and blue. “Just thought you’d like to know, your girlfriend is going to the chopping block. I wonder if Master Drake will let me have a go at her while she’s bent over the block. I bet she’d like it from behind.” Wolf was on his feet and to the bars in seconds. 86

Blood Red The guard jumped back as Wolf’s hand jammed out between the bars. He just missed grabbing him around the throat. The guard swallowed then gained his composure. “Don’t worry, big guy, we’ll save you the head. That way you can kiss her any time you’d like.” The guard puckered his lips and made a kissing sound. He pulled up his trousers and rambled down the passageway. Wolf watched him go. His fingers flexed. He had just missed him. He pulled his hand back and sat back down on the mattress. He rubbed his face and sighed. Red. They were going to kill her. She had pushed them too far. He smiled wistfully. He should have had more faith in her. No one could break her. She was a tough and as stubborn as an old redwood tree. Chopping at her would only make her angrier. But now she would pay the ultimate price for her rigor, and Wolf would be forced to watch. He would not be able to bear it. They would have to make their move. Immediately.

87

Vivi Anna

Chapter Nine

T

he castle was very lavish. So lavish it was almost oppressing. Red crept along the quiet gold trimmed hall. She felt fabrics hanging as she passed them. The materials felt soft in her hands. She kept on, stopping now and then to pick up a lavish trinket and marvel at it. She stopped in front of a floor length mirror. She twirled around. Her new fancy dress billowed around her. She was a twelve-year-old girl again, with rosy cheeks, long radiant red hair, and a sparkle in her green eyes. She perked up when she heard voices down the hall. She walked cautiously toward them. Her Grandma had told her to stay in the library, but she had soon gotten bored and ventured out into the halls. She was sure her Granny would not be mad. She crept up to a set of large wooden doors. There was a crack of an opening. She slid along the smooth wood and peered through the slit. She saw her Grandma sitting in a high-backed ornate chair. Red thought she looked pretty in her new dress and hat. She was speaking to someone else in the room. “I told you she won’t be trouble. She’s an obedient little girl. She’ll listen to me.” 88

Blood Red “But what of her mother? Surely, she will interfere.” The voice was high-pitched and squeaky. Red instantly thought of a mouse. “Her mother will be of no consequence. I will take care of her, as did I her father.” Red’s throat closed up. Her heart raced. She felt her stomach turn over like she’d eaten too much candy. She fell against the door. It slowly creaked open. Grandma rose to her feet as Red stumbled into the room. “I told you to stay in the library. You are very naughty.” “She’s very naughty, indeed.” Red looked over at the two men in the room. They were both tall and spindly. They reminded Red of animated willow trees in the winter. They smiled at her, teeth stained yellow with age. She shuddered. Red ran to her Grandma. Before she could embrace her, one of the men grabbed her arm. Red tried to pull away. “She’s strong.” “Of course she’s strong, she came from me, didn’t she?” Red looked over at her Granny. She saw more in the aged face then she wanted to. “We should take her now. She knows too much,” the other man said, his voice also cracked and high like a girls’. Her Grandma tore Red from the spindly man’s grip. She hugged her to her chest. “You can not have her until you give me your word.” The two men looked at each other. They nodded. “You will have your wish. To be Queen of all the lands. Now give her to us.” Spindly Man held out his long hand. “You can have her in five days time. It will give me time to prepare her, and her mother.” “Very well.” Red struggled in her Grandma’s arms. She looked up 89

Vivi Anna pleadingly into her face. Her Grandma smiled. She brushed her hair from her face. “Hush now, darling. It will be all right.” She plucked a shiny red apple from her pocket. She handed it to Red. “Eat this, child, and you will feel better.” Red took a small bite of the apple and fell into a deep sleep. “Mistress? Mistress?” Red struggled from her sleep. She felt a hand on her shoulder. She bolted up and grabbed the intruder by the neck. She opened her eyes. Rose stared wide-eyed at her. Her face grimaced in terror. “I could kill you for what you’ve done,” Red growled. “I’m sorry, Mistress. It was the only way. The only way he’d believe me.” Red glanced around the cell. No one else was present. “Why are you here?” “To help you.” Red furrowed her brow. Why should she believe this lying whore? “Where are the guards?” “Dead. I’ve poisoned them.” “How?” “A little hemlock in the tea I always bring them in the night.” Red searched Rose’s face. She looked deep into her eyes. She saw hope and fear in them. She let go of her neck. Rose rubbed at it. “Thank you, Mistress. We must hurry.” Red jumped off the bed. Rose handed her some clothes. “I brought you these.” 90

Blood Red Red nodded and dressed quickly. They left the cell. Red glanced down the passageway. The two guards lay on their sides, eyes bulging, tongues hanging out blackened by death. “Do you know a way out?” Rose bowed her head. “I’m sorry, Mistress. I do not. I thought you’d have a plan.” Red shook her head. “Damn it!” “I know the way.” Red turned. Wolf was stalking toward her. She smiled. She could not stop it. He raised his hand and touched her gently on the cheek. “How did you…?” “I had a little help.” He stepped to the side. Rapunzel stepped around him. She nodded to Red and Rose. Red spurted. “But she’s one of them.” “She knows a way out,” Wolf protested. “It’s a trap. She’ll get us all killed.” Rapunzel smiled. “You were going to die anyway. What do you have to lose?” Red looked up at Wolf. His eyes glowed brightly. She would trust him. She could see the truth in him. “Fine. But I need something first.” Red neared the fallen guards. She grabbed their crossbow and tossed it to Wolf. He caught it on the fly. She relinquished their clubs and their knives. She tucked a club into her pants, and gripped a knife in her hand. She handed the others to Wolf. He tucked them into his trousers. Rapunzel led them the opposite way down the narrow passage. There were no more cells down the 91

Vivi Anna way. No more lit torches. Just rock and dirt. They soon came to a dead end. Red advanced on Rapunzel. “I knew it. It’s a trap.” “If you’d just wait. I’ll show you.” “Show me what? The knife you’re holding so you can stab me in the back.” Rapunzel stomped on the ground. She kicked at the dirt. They watched her in disbelief. Red grabbed her arm. “What are you doing? Alerting the others of our whereabouts?” Voices wafted from down the corridor. Someone was approaching them. “You see? A trap, just like I said.” Rapunzel continued to stomp hard on the packed earth. Wolf finally understood what she was doing. He stomped on the ground too. Red looked at him. “What are you doing?” “Helping get us out of here. Maybe you should shut up and do the same.” The rock caved in where Rapunzel was stomping. It crumbled away to reveal a quick moving stream of water beneath them. Red looked down in amazement. “The stream runs under the castle and comes out into a lake on the other side. I’m not sure how long it is. So we could all still die in the process.” “It’s better than the alternative.” Red kicked away the earth. More dirt fell away, producing a hole big enough for a man to fit through. The voices neared. “In,” Red said to Rapunzel. “Why do I have to go 92

Blood Red first?” “Because it’s your escape route. If it was mine, I’d go first.” Rapunzel put her hand on her hip. “You’re a bitch.” “Yeah, and?” “Fine.” Rapunzel sat down on the dirt and dangled her legs into the water. “Good Lord, it’s cold!” “Go!” Red commanded. Rapunzel slid into the water. She took a deep breath and went under. “Now Rose.” Rose stepped up to the hole and looked down. She looked back to Red. Her eyes were pleading. “I can’t do it.” “You have to.” “Watch out!” Wolf grabbed Red and pulled her forward. An arrow hit the rock wall inches away from her head. Another arrow came. And another. Wolf aimed the crossbow. He rapid fired three arrows down the passageway. They heard a scream echo off the walls. “It’s now or never, Rose, come on.” Red turned back to the girl. Rose leaned back against the rock face. Her eyes bulged. A little smile played at her lips. Red looked down. Rose clutched at her stomach. An arrow stuck out grotesquely. Red grabbed her. She brought her hand down to the arrow to yank it out. Rose stilled her hand. She shook her head. “I’m sorry.” Red looked up into her face. 93

Vivi Anna “Don’t be. I am finally free.” Her eyes rolled back in her head and she gasped one last breath. “Go, Red. We have to go.” Wolf shot another arrow down the passage. An arrow came back in defense. It nearly hit Wolf in the leg. Red looked down at Rose once more. She looked over at Wolf and jumped into the hole. She gulped in air and went under. Wolf tossed the crossbow down and jumped in after her. *** The guards rushed to the hole. They looked down into the rushing water. Drake came up behind them. He pushed them away. He stood at the hole and peered down into the cold water. “Where does this water lead?” The guards all looked at each other. They shook their heads. One guard spoke up. “Don’t know, my Lord, we didn’t even know that it was there.” Drake took in a deep breath. “Well, someone knows. Search the castle and find me someone that I can torture.” “Yes, my Lord.” They turned around and marched back down the passageway. Drake continued to stare deep into the icy water. Soon steam rose from the hole. He raised his hand over the hole. A talon popped out from his other finger. He slowly cut his palm. Droplets of blood dripped into the water. The red pool swirled around like a living entity, defying the laws of physics by 94

Blood Red staying in one place. Drake reached into his robe and took out a small red velvet pouch. He opened it. He tilted it over the hole and sprinkled the black powder into the bloody water. “Relente de morte. Relente de Drago.” The red and black water swirled violently. It swirled into a long funnel underneath the earth. The funnel took on shape. A loud roar rang from the water. Drake smiled.

95

Vivi Anna

Chapter Ten

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he water crushed Red in its icy grip as it carried her along. Her lungs were bursting. She didn’t know how much longer she’d be able to hold her breath. She could see no light ahead. The water was as dark as her thoughts. She had not intended for the girl to be killed. She had promised herself that she would get her out. The girl had risked her life for her. And for what? For the first time in her life, guilt gripped her tightly in the chest. Red would not have done the same for her. If the roles had been reversed, she would have left Rose to die painfully on the chopping block. Red’s lungs burned. She couldn’t hold them any longer. They needed release. She opened her mouth. Water rushed in. She felt something grasp her arm. She was pulled sideways and up. Soon her head was above the water. She coughed and water spewed from her mouth. Red looked around her. Rapunzel bobbed next to her. They were in a small air pocket underneath the earth. “I thought I was done.” 96

Blood Red “I almost let you go by.” “Why didn’t you?” “Well, you’re kind of cute, in a brutal, violent, animal-like way. So I thought we could kiss and make up later.” Red narrowed her eyes at her. Then she laughed. It was something she hadn’t done in a long time. Rapunzel laughed with her. “You know, I almost don’t want to kill you,” Red said between guffaws. “Well, that’s a relief.” The water broke beside them. Wolf’s head bobbed out of the water. “I’m glad you girls are having a good time.” “How did you find us?” “I followed your scent.” “You can’t track in the water.” “The hell I can’t. I can smell you anywhere.” They stared at each other, the water around them heating rapidly. Rapunzel looked from Red to Wolf and back again. “We should move on. This trip is far from over.” Wolf paused. His ears perked. He turned his head slightly. “You hear something?” Red asked, concerned by his alert. “Maybe. We should move, and now.” They all took in deep breaths and went under the water again. This time they stayed close together. The current quickened. It tore at their bodies as it swept them forward. They were nearly out of air, their lungs imploding, when they saw the first ray of light 97

Vivi Anna piercing the murky water. They swam toward it. Wolf paused and looked behind them. He saw a swirling black mass as it gained on them. A black mass of scales and talons. A dragon surged toward them. Wolf cried out a warning to the others, the sound almost muted in the water. Rapunzel and Red both looked back. The dragon was upon them. Rapunzel opened her mouth to scream. Water rushed in. Red saw her panic. She grabbed onto her hair and pulled them up to the surface. They all broke water, as the dragon burst forth and spread its expansive wings. It opened its mouth and bared its long sharp fangs. “We’re dead. We can not fight this.” Red hugged Rapunzel’s limp form to her. Rapunzel spit up the water she'd swallowed. “It is not real. It is an enchantment.” “Magic?” “Yes, the black kind.” “Are you sure?” Wolf asked. “No, but we’re still alive.” Red nodded. She swam to shore with Rapunzel in tow. The dragon hovered above them. It opened its mouth and breathed a brutal stream of fire and brimstone. Red ducked back into the water, but the fire razed over her. She did not feel any heat. She came back out of the water and was not burnt. The fire was not real. Red continued onto shore. Rapunzel stood on the banks, her hands raised 98

Blood Red above her toward the phantom dragon, warding it away. A slight green glow emanated from her fingers. Wolf pulled Red out of the water. “Will the magic fade?” Red asked. “I hope so.” Wolf looked up at the massive dragon floating over head staring with red eyes. Crimson eyes they all knew. The dragon flew up into the air. It did a graceful turn like an elegant ballerina, then dove down toward them, mouth open wide. “I will find you wherever you go. You can not hide from me, for I am everywhere!” The dragon roared with a voice too familiar. It swooped over their heads, then vanished into a puff of black smoke. Rapunzel lowered her hands with a deep sigh. Red glanced around her. The crystal-blue lake was small. Surrounded by enormous oak trees. Wildflowers grew on the banks. She quickly glanced around again. “Where’s the castle? We couldn’t have traveled that far.” “I don’t know. Surely you must know,” he asked of Rapunzel. She looked around her, her brow furrowed. “I’m not sure. I was blindfolded each time I left there, and when I came back. But it can not be too far off.” “It’s close enough.” Wolf walked to the nearest boulder. He pulled down his trousers. Rapunzel put a hand to her throat and stared. “What on earth are you doing?” “He’s marking his territory,” Red said as she 99

Vivi Anna wrung out her shirt. “You are kidding?” “Nope.” Rapunzel watched as Wolf peed on the rock. He finished and tucked himself back into his pants. “Why?” Wolf turned, his eyes ablaze in the warm sunshine. “So I can come back.” “To what end?” “Revenge,” Wolf and Red said in unison. “I have never know two people more alike,” Rapunzel commented as she wrung the water from her skirts. Wolf smirked. Red frowned. “We need to move. We are not safe here. They will not let us go so easily.” Wolf walked to Rapunzel. He picked up her sopping skirts and ripped them away. She was left with only a bodice and a thin cotton petticoat. Rapunzel gasped in shock. “The heavy fabric will only slow you down.” He grasped her long braid that nearly brushed the ground. She pulled it away. “Not my hair.” “It will get in the way.” She took her braid and wrapped it around itself. She tied it together with the rawhide string. It was secure behind her neck. Wolf nodded his approval. He took the skirt material and wrapped it around a large rock. He tossed it into the lake. “Let’s go.” They ran into the woods. Wolf led them, his nose raised in the air, scenting for their direction. They came upon a well-used roadway, the weeds and dirt 100

Blood Red trampled on by horse and man. “We must keep off this path. We will follow its trail, but from a camouflaged distance.” They crept across the trail and into the thick woods. Wolf led them through the dense forest quickly. Rapunzel followed. Red brought up the rear. As they pushed through brush and stepped over rotting logs, Red kept glancing behind her. She had a distinct feeling of being followed. “Wolf?” She whispered, knowing he could hear her. He stopped and turned. He nodded. “I feel it, too.” “What do you feel?” Rapunzel asked glancing about her nervously. A chill had set across her body, and she was shivering. “Something approaches.” They stood still, listening. The woods quieted. Chirping birds ceased. The breeze froze in midstream. “Get down!” Wolf yelled. They dropped to the dirt floor, hiding behind thick bushes. As if created from thin air, men on horseback galloped onto the trail. They stopped on the path. There were five in total, dressed in armor and carrying swords. Upon their shields was the brand of their Lord and Master; a black dragon brandished the metal like a scar burned into flesh. They positioned themselves into a circle, protecting their flanks from all directions. Red looked to Wolf. “Where did they come from?” “I do not know. I could hear them, though.” “More magic,” Rapunzel said as she rubbed her 101

Vivi Anna goose-fleshed arms. “If we run, they will see us.” Red slid the knife out from her pants. She twirled it in her hand. “I believe they already know we’re here,” Wolf said as he did the same. The lead horseman unsheathed his weapon, a long, steel broadsword. “You can not run. You might as well give yourselves up. Lord Drake might show you mercy.” The other horsemen snickered. Wolf looked to Red. She nodded to him, a coy smile playing at her lips. Wolf smiled back. “You stay hidden away,” he said to Rapunzel. “We will lie and say you drowned. When the time is right, try to move away.” “When will I know the time is right?” He grinned. “You will know.” She placed her hand on his arm. “Do not try to save me.” Red snorted. “He’s not. He’s trying to save himself, as am I. As should you. There is no glory here.” Rapunzel turned to Red. “Oh, but there is, Red. You’re just too thick-headed to believe it.” “Believe what you wish, my Lady. But I am not risking myself for you.” Red and Wolf stood up, knives lowered to their sides. They started to walk toward the horsemen. “You already have,” Rapunzel whispered. The horses whinnied as they approached, stamping the ground nervously. “Where is the Lady Rapunzel?” “She drowned. She was not much of a swimmer,” 102

Blood Red Red answered. The lead horseman pointed his sword toward Red. “You probably killed her.” Red grinned. “You’re right. I probably did. Just like I’m probably going to kill you.” The horseman laughed. “You have balls, woman, I’ll give you that.” “Enough!” Wolf bellowed. “We all know that we will not go in quietly. So, make your move, fellas. And make it quick, for I tire of your banter.” The horseman’s grin faded. He pointed his sword at Wolf. “You, I’m going to skin and hang on my wall like a trophy.” Wolf raised his arms out to the sides. His knife glinted in the sunlight. He growled low in his throat. “Come and get me.” The horseman kicked his horse and galloped toward Wolf sword raised high in the air. Wolf waited until the horse was almost upon him before he jumped out of the way. He brought his knife around and stuck the horse in the flank. It wailed and went down. The horseman bolted forward off the saddle. Wolf was on him before he hit the ground. He slit his throat quickly. Wolf took the sword from the man’s twitching hand and tossed it to Red. “Here!” Red caught it. It was heavy but not oppressing in her hand. She swiped the air with it expertly. “Come and get me, boys!” She snarled. Two horsemen charged her. The other two charged at Wolf. 103

Vivi Anna From her spot behind the bushes, Rapunzel watched in horror. She gasped as the horses charged. She closed her eyes as the animals flanked Red. Red advanced her sword and struck one man in the leg. He screamed. She swung around and sliced the sword over the back leg of the other’s horse. The horse buckled, and reared its head. The horseman lost his grip and fell off his mount backwards. The horse tumbled sideways, its ligaments cut. Red was on the man instantly. She stabbed him in the side twice between his armor. She took his sword. She ran with it to the clear. She searched out Wolf. He rolled underneath a horse and sprang back up. He had to duck swiftly as a sword swung at his head. “Wolf!” He turned to her; an open cut on his face. She threw the sword to him. A horseman was bearing down on him quickly; his sword pointed right at his heart. Wolf caught the blade and pivoted toward the charging horse. The blades clashed against each other. The sound resonated through the trees. Birds flew up in the air as the pitch echoed through the foliage. Rapunzel could watch no more. She began to move through the woods. The other horseman advanced on Wolf. Wolf jumped up and grabbed the man around the torso. They tumbled off the horse and onto the ground. Wolf immediately slid his knife into the man’s throat. Wolf rolled off him and was on his feet before the other horseman could turn around. Red ran from her horseman. He was gaining on 104

Blood Red her. She could not escape. She ran toward the trees. She threw her dagger. It stuck solidly into the tree trunk. She ran to it and jumped, using the knife as a foothold, and bounded up the tree to the overhanging branch. She caught it and swung herself up. The horseman passed beneath her. She turned on the branch and launched herself into the air. She came down on the horseman. He was taken by surprise as they fell off the horse. He landed heavily on top of Red knocking the air from her lungs. She thought she heard a bone crack. The horseman pushed off of her. He stood up warily shaken from the attack. He glared down at his quarry and smiled. Red tried to move but found she could not. Her ribs had been busted. The man raised his sword above her, the blade pointing to her chest. “Lord Drake will reward me well for this.” Red took in a breath. This would be her last. She regretted to die like this. She looked to Wolf and regretted it all. She wouldn’t get a chance to find the man inside The Wolf. The man’s eyes bulged then closed. His knees gave and he dropped to the ground, the sword falling away from his limp hand. “You will have your reward in hell.” Rapunzel held a large tree branch in her dainty hands. Red closed her eyes and let out her breath. Rapunzel tossed her branch aside and held out a hand to Red. She helped Red to her feet. Red swayed and grabbed her side. “You are hurt.” 105

Vivi Anna “Yes, but I will live.” She glanced sideways at Rapunzel. “Thanks to you.” Rapunzel nodded. “Can you wield a sword?” Red asked as she stumbled toward where Wolf stood on defense from the last of the horsemen. “I feel like I could wield anything,” Rapunzel said as she bent down and retrieved the fallen sword. It was heavy and she could barely lift it. Wolf and the horseman were engaged in swordplay. They matched swing for swing. Wolf smiled when he saw the two women approach behind the horse. Red held her sword high as she cradled her ribs, wincing from the pain it caused her. Rapunzel dragged her sword behind her. “My saviors arrive.” The horseman paused. He turned briefly to look behind him. He started to laugh. “Two women? One weak and feeble, the other injured, are going to save you?” Wolf growled. “They already have.” He threw his sword. It whizzed through the air like an arrow. It found its mark accurately. It imbedded deep into the horseman. It pierced his heart. He gurgled wetly from his open mouth as he fell over onto the ground. Wolf rushed to Red’s aid. She leaned on him slightly, still too afraid to show any weakness. “I’m fine.” “Your ribs are broken,” he said as he put his arm around her. 106

Blood Red She shrugged him off. “I’ll heal.” “Let me help you.” “No!” She stepped away from him, turning her back. “I can not believe you still do not trust me.” Wolf stared at her, his eyes blazing. “I have risked everything for you, to help you see the way.” Red turned to him. Her eyes sad and weary. “I do trust you,” she said barely above a whisper. “But I hate every minute of it.” Wolf understood. He knew what she was risking in herself to trust him. She was going against all her instincts, all her training. She was bending her own nature to believe him. But he could see now, that she did indeed believe. He walked to her and helped her up onto a horse. “When they don’t return, he will send out more. We need to ride and fast.” “Can you ride?” He asked Rapunzel. She mounted a horse with ease. “With pleasure.” Wolf got on the same horse as Red. He nuzzled in behind her to keep her from falling. “Where do we ride?” Rapunzel asked. “To the Schwarzer Wald, the Black Forest. There we will find food and shelter. And the allies we’ll need to come back and fight.” Rapunzel kicked her horse and galloped down the trail. Wolf and Red were right behind her.

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Vivi Anna

Chapter Eleven

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hey rode hard for two days, stopping only when the sun went down and the horses whinnied their complaints. They found rocked-in areas to make camp so that their fires were not seen. Wolf hunted for their meals, usually coming back with rabbit or various rodents. He would roast them on a stick over the fire. They ate in silence, all too ravenous to make polite conversation. Red’s ribs ached with every deed. Wolf had wrapped leather strips around her torso to stop any unnecessary movements. She just hoped she did not puncture anything before they reached their destination. On the second night, as she ripped stringy flesh from the roasted rabbit on a stick, Red watched and measured Rapunzel. The woman had possibly saved her life, but she felt no real gratitude toward her. Red did not trust her. Her motives for their rescue were selfish ones. She did it for some other purpose that alluded Red. She also didn’t trust the look that Rapunzel passed to Wolf. Red handed the rabbit to Rapunzel. She took it 108

Blood Red gingerly, but tore at its flesh with little dignity. Red watched her intently. Rapunzel was acutely aware of her gaze. “Why?” Red asked simply. “Why what?” “You know what I am asking you. Do not play coy.” Wolf sat back on his haunches and poked at the fire. He was wondering when this would happen. Red had no patience. And he was innately curious of the answers himself. Rapunzel finished the rabbit. All that was left was the carcass. She tossed it carelessly into the fire. “I needed you. Both of you. To get out of the castle for one, and to fight.” “Fight what?” “The Brothers.” Wolf spoke softly. Rapunzel nodded. “Yes, the Brothers.” Red looked away from her gaze and into the fire. “Do not look away, Red. You know I speak the truth.” “Fine.” She shuffled her body looking over at Wolf. “I’ll accept that they exist, but what is this fight for, what are we fighting against?” “Against oblivion. Against the end of our world.” Red started to laugh. “Sounds menacing.” “You are wrong to mock this.” “Our world? You say it like we were the same. We are definitely not the same. What were you doing in the castle, my Lady?” “I was risking my life to learn as much as I could about them. About the people who worked for them.” 109

Vivi Anna Rapunzel’s voice shook with anger. “Enjoying the fruits of their labor, I think, nothing more.” Red’s eyes blazed with challenge. Rapunzel stood, huffing. “I will not defend myself to you. You are so stubborn. I fail to see why you are so important.” She looked over at Wolf. “You talk to her; she obviously won’t listen to me. I am done trying.” Rapunzel turned her back and stomped off into the night. Wolf watched her go, then turned his eyes onto Red. She was looking at him, daring him to challenge her. He shook his head. “Why can you not open your mind? Stop thinking with your mistrust and your hatred. Can you not let them go for one moment to listen to reason?” “Did you lay with her?” Wolf looked away from her burning stare. “That has nothing to do—." “I do not trust a woman that fucks without feelings. That uses sex to her own end.” Wolf poked at the fire. Embers flew into the sky, flashing like lightning bugs. “Sounds like another woman I know.” He looked up at her, regret furrowing his brow. She smiled thinly. “You’re right. So, I know how she thinks and how she feels. Don’t think for one moment, scoundrel, that she has any feelings for you. She is a cold and heartless bitch that has one thing on her mind. Saving her own ass. Remember that.” Red leaned back and curled over onto her good side, her back to the fire and to Wolf. She lay like that 110

Blood Red for a long time before she closed her eyes. Bitter tears streaked her face. Wolf stared at her back. He regretted his choice of words. He had not meant to insult her, but to merely point out that the two women were the same. Made from the same tough material. Maybe Rapunzel was hiding her true motives. That was fine with Wolf, as they were all operating with hidden objectives. He wanted to snuggle next to Red. Wanted to feel her warmth against him, but he knew she would push him away. She was not ready to accept him with open arms. She may open her legs soon enough, but it would be a long time before she would open her heart. And that was where he really wanted to be. That night, he did not sleep. They reached the Black Forest the next day, when the sun was at its zenith in the sky. Wolf raised his face to the hot sun. “Take one last look at it, for you will not see it again until we reach the village Freeburg.” They galloped into the dark dank woods. The forest was named rightly so. It was black as night inside the trees. The trees were so tall and packed in tight, and the foliage up top so thick, that sunlight could not reach the ground. It was like a great leafy canopy covering the entire forest. Only mosses and small shrubs were able to grow on the dirt floor without the sun’s life-giving rays. They moved quickly through the woods. Wolf knew exactly where he was going. He had spent some time in the Black Forest. Hiding out mostly. Cultivating allies and enemies. Biding his time. 111

Vivi Anna By nightfall, they had reached the village. They heard it long before they ever saw it. The sound of laughter and ruckus reached their ears before they saw the first stone dwelling. “Whom are we seeking?” Rapunzel asked. “The Bears. We will find them at the Inn.” “Who are these Bears?” “You will find out soon enough.” Red glared at Rapunzel as they trotted down the cobblestone lane. “You ask a lot of questions.” “I like to know what I’m up against.” “I thought we were all on the same side,” Red said, sarcasm dripping from her words. They made their way through the village to the Inn. Villagers in the street stopped to stare as they passed. Their looks were not friendly. They pulled short at the livery stable beside the Inn. They dismounted. Wolf helping Red down. “We’re going to need some currency.” Wolf and Red both looked at Rapunzel. “Why are you looking at me?” “A smart Lady would not escape without some sort of plan. Without some sort of insurance of her…well-being.” Rapunzel looked at them both. She huffed angrily, then reached down into her bodice. She came away with a long, jeweled necklace. She raised it up for them to see. “Satisfied?” “Very,” Red said. Wolf put his hand out. “May I see it?” Rapunzel put it in his hand reluctantly. Wolf looked down at it, eyes wide, marveling. There were 112

Blood Red rubies, emeralds, sapphires and diamonds encrusting it. “It’s beautiful.” Rapunzel smiled. “It was my moth—.” Wolf popped out one of the jewels, crushing the gold around it. Rapunzel gasped. “You did not just do that.” Red snickered. “The necklace is worthless to us. The jewels alone will get us what we need.” Wolf walked to the stable door. He knocked sharply. The door opened. A young boy with a dirty face and missing teeth peered out. “Yeah, whatcha want?” Wolf stared down at him. “We need our horses stabled and clean clothes.” The boy glared at them. “Bugger off.” He slammed the door shut. Red launched at the door, banging fiercely on it. “You little shit! Open this door, or I’ll kick it in and smash your face with my filthy boot!” “Bugger off!” Red was about to kick the door, when Wolf stayed her leg. He shook his head. She stood back. “Boy? Have you heard of the man named Wolf?” “Maybe. What’s it to you?” “Open this door, and you may see him as well.” There was silence behind the door, then the lock lifted and the boy opened the door a crack. He peered out. He looked up into Wolf’s face. The boy’s eyes widened with surprise and fear. “Do as I ask, and I will reward you well.” He put out his hand. The boy looked down at it. Wolf opened 113

Vivi Anna it slowly. A small sapphire sat on his palm. The boy gasped. He reached out to touch it. Wolf closed his fist right before he neared the gem. “It is yours, boy, but only if you favor us first.” The boy nodded eagerly. “I will do whatever yer ask.” “Good, now fetch us some clothes.” The boy opened the big barn door. He grabbed the reigns of their horses and brought them into the softly lit, warm stable. Wolf, Red and Rapunzel followed them in. Red looked suspiciously at Wolf. “The Wolf I know would have crushed the boy’s skull with one hand and taken what he needed with the other.” Wolf glanced briefly at her. “You do not know me, Red, just rumor and propaganda about the Big Bad Wolf. I designed it that way. As I started most of the rumors myself.” She watched him as he unsaddled the horses. He did it gently and with care. Unwanted feelings were clouding her judgment. She knew he had warmth in him, she had felt it first hand. But she also knew he had viciousness and hate. She remembered too well that part of him. It was difficult to overlook that moment in her life. He had taken someone dear to her away forever. She was beginning to understand that the reasons were not so black and white. Somewhere in the gray middle, was the truth. She was just not sure if she wanted to believe it. Her dreams about her Granny had been vivid. They seemed real. But maybe Wolf’s words had somehow designed them. Designed them because she 114

Blood Red truly wanted to believe in him, trust him, and possibly love him. She flinched at that last thought. Love? How on earth could she ever love a man like Wolf? And how could he ever love someone like her? The boy was good on his word. He found them all clean clothes. Stole them most likely, but that was of no concern to them. They each found a private place to change. Red struggled with her shirt. She could not lift her arm high enough to remove it. She cried out in frustration. Rapunzel peered around at her. “Need some help?” Red looked up at her, eyes flashing angrily. Rapunzel was dressed in a simple empire-waisted peasant dress; her hair was up in a roll on top of her head. She was dressed common but still looked royal. Red thought she needed a haircut. “Go away. I do not need your help.” Rapunzel shrugged. “Fine. But you will never get that off without help.” She wandered away, a coy smile on her face. Red cursed and tried to rip at her shirt. She managed to rip the shoulder seam, but that would still do her no good. “You struggle senselessly.” Wolf neared her, ignoring her sneers. He whipped out his knife. He twirled it once in his hand. He reached for her. She pulled back. “Give me the knife. I can do it.” “You will cut yourself.” “I will not. I am not clumsy like you.” She reached 115

Vivi Anna for the knife swiftly. Wolf pulled back. Red’s fingers knocked it from his hand. It landed softly into the hay. They both looked down at it. “You see, you’re clumsy like an ox.” “Clumsy, am I?” Wolf stepped closer to her. He reached out and grabbed her shirt with both hands. He tore at it, ripping it into two. “Oops, I guess I am.” He gazed down at her breasts. They hung free. Her nipples flushed crimson and hardened into twin peaks. He growled deep in his throat at the sight of her. Red felt his hungry gaze on her pebbled flesh, but made no move to cover herself. She wanted him to touch her. She thought she would die from the want of it. Wolf cupped her breasts in his large hands. He flicked his thumbs over her nipples. She quivered suddenly underneath his touch. He looked up at her face and leaned forward, seeking her full mouth. He dived into her with urgency. They kissed feverishly, violently, as their hands raced everywhere searching for flesh. Wolf pressed and squeezed her breasts. He obviously forgot about her injury, caring not. He only cared about her skin, her flesh, her heat, her sex. Nothing else mattered. Nothing but the passion that burned between them. Pain from her ribs blurred into the pleasure that surged over her. They became one thing. And that one thing was all that she cared about. She wanted him. To feel his heat next to her, to taste his lust on his skin, to touch his thick cock that throbbed enormously underneath the material of his pants. She 116

Blood Red felt him twitch as she moved her hands down. Wolf pushed her back. He reached down and ripped at the buttons on her trousers. He yanked them down her legs. She kicked out of them. He reached down and cupped her. She was hot and wet, dripping onto his palm. He slid his fingers back and forth over her slick cleft. She felt like liquid silk. Red moaned as he touched her sensitive spot. Her legs started to shake instantly. Her orgasm was going to come hard and fast. He need only thrust into her and she would come. The anticipation of it was foreplay enough. Wolf sensed her need. He unlatched his pants and pulled them down. His cock sprang free. It was thick and as hard as iron. It dripped with his raging lust. Red gripped him firmly in her hand. He was scorching hot to touch. She began to stroke him, enjoying the feel of his soft skin on her palm. Wolf groaned loudly as she touched him. He looked down at his cock in her sure hand and nearly came. He backed her up against the wooden stall. He reached around and gripped her buttocks. He lifted her up against the wall. She spread her legs, wrapped them around his waist and guided his cock into her. He was long and wide. Red could feel herself stretch to accommodate him. He went in slowly and every inch caused her to quake with pleasure. She could feel every vein. She could feel the blood pump through him. Her nerve endings were on fire. She could feel him everywhere. Even the very tips of her toes were tingling with desire. He gripped her ass in one hand and gripped the 117

Vivi Anna stall with the other as he began to thrust in and out. Red held onto his shoulders tightly and pressed her legs around his waist. She moved her hips with every thrust of his cock. She couldn’t get enough of him. He wasn’t deep enough, she thought. She pushed into him as he pushed into her. Get deeper, she thought. Get deeper and fill my soul. “Deeper! Faster!” Wolf groaned into her neck. “I do not want to hurt you.” “You won’t. I promise you, you won’t.” Wolf dug into her buttocks. He rammed himself deep inside her. She cried out and dug into his shoulders with her ragged nails. He pumped into her faster and harder. Sweat poured down his face and back as he slid into her repeatedly. He pumped and pumped and pumped until his legs shook uncontrollably. He bit down on her shoulder as he climaxed. Red wrapped her arms around him as he emptied himself into her. Tears ran down her face as her own orgasm ripped through her. It tore her inside out. They stayed there clutching at each other as their orgasms quieted. Red’s breathing slowed and she was able to take in a deep breath. She needed oxygen to clear her mind. She was in a haze and felt vulnerable. Wolf pressed his lips to her sweaty neck. He inhaled her scent. “Red, I—.” “This changes nothing.” Wolf raised his head and looked her in the eyes. “This changes everything. I will not allow you to belittle it.” 118

Blood Red “It is what it is. Sex. Pure and simple.” “There was nothing simple about it.” They stared at each other, still joined. His cock twitched inside her. Reminding her of its awesome presence. How could she forget? “Ahem.” Red and Wolf turned to the stall doorway. Rapunzel stood there with her hand on her hip indignantly. “If the two of you are through, could we get down to the business at hand?” “We’re through.” Red pushed Wolf back. He slipped out of her. She unwrapped herself and stood up straight. She bent down to grab her new breeches. She slipped them on. She looked up at Rapunzel who was gazing appreciatively at them both. “Do you mind?” “Not in the least.” Red pulled on her new shirt, cringing from the pain in her side, but stubborn enough not to show it. She walked over to Rapunzel and stood defiantly in front of her. A look of hate crossed her face. “This is not the castle, slag. You do not have the privilege of looking or touching any longer. I will give you this one for free, but next time, you will pay a hefty price.” Red pushed roughly past her. Rapunzel fumbled a bit. She looked at Wolf as he tucked himself into his trousers. “Lovely girl. I can see the attraction.” “You have no idea.” Wolf brushed past her out of the stall. Rapunzel smiled after him. “Oh, but I do, dear Wolf. I do.” 119

Vivi Anna

Chapter Twelve

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he Inn was bustling with people when they walked in. The stink of stale ale and even staler sweat permeated the air. Red smiled at the familiar smell. She took a deep breath, welcoming it back. Some curious people stopped in mid-sentence to stare at the trio. But most ignored them, preferring to mind their own business then get involved in anything more exerting than lifting their pints to their mouths. They found stools at the worn wooden bar to sit. Wolf made eye contact with the barkeep. The fat man waddled cautiously over to him. “Three pints.” He lowered his voice, “And a word with the owner.” The barkeep looked down at Wolf’s hands. He briefly glimpsed a flash of royal red. Wolf covered the ruby as quick as he had shown it. The barkeep nodded. He came back with three pints of ale. He leaned close to Wolf. “You can stay in a room, he will come to you.” The barkeep slid a key across the counter. 120

Blood Red Wolf took and pocketed it, nodding his consent. He picked up his pint and took a long swig. Red drank half her ale in one big gulp. The warm frothy liquid was like heaven going down her dry throat. She didn’t think she’d tasted anything as wonderful. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and glanced at Rapunzel. She sat looking into her cup. A look of distaste furrowing her brow. “Drink it,” Red growled. “It has things floating in it.” “Just hops. Drink it or people will begin to notice. The last thing we need is a lot of attention.” Rapunzel looked sideways at her. Red finished her ale in another long gulp. She slammed the cup down. “Barkeep, another!” Rapunzel took a deep breath and drank the thick, foamy substance. She nearly gagged, but kept drinking. She drained her cup dry. She slammed it down. “Another!” Red looked at her. “It’s not bad, once your tastebuds go numb.” She stuck out her tongue and wriggled it at Red. Red turned on her stool, turning her back on Rapunzel. She leaned close to Wolf. “Do we really need her? She got us out, provided us with currency, what use is she now?” “She has knowledge that we will need, I’m sure of that. Meeting her was no accident. There are other nobles out there like her. She will be of use in convincing them to fight with us.” “Could we not just torture the information out of 121

Vivi Anna her?” Wolf laughed. “No, I’m afraid that is not an option.” Rapunzel let out a long, loud burp. So loud, it surprised even her. “Pardon me.” Red shook her head. “Are you sure about that?” Wolf put his arm around her shoulders companionably. She did not shrug him off. He squeezed her close. “Have another ale. You will soon forget she is here.” Five pints later, Red could hardly forget that Rapunzel existed. Not when she was dancing up on a table in the middle of the pub. A crowd, mostly men, had gathered and cheered her on with whoops and cheers. Red and Wolf sat on their stools at the bar, nursing their ales. “Do you want to reconsider the torture?” Red asked as she drained the last of her drink. “Get her down.” “Why me?” “I would be too gentle.” Red slid off the barstool. She wandered to where the rowdy crowd had gathered. She looked up at Rapunzel. She was in the middle of a not-bad version of 'Danny Boy' as she slunk on her hands and knees on the table. She had her skirt hiked up, and the men had a candid view of her legs. They whistled and hollered at her. Red stepped up to the table and grabbed her arm. “Time to go.” The men at the table booed her. “Let her be, you ninny,” one ambitious man yelled. 122

Blood Red “Yeah, let her be,” the others chorused. “Oh, shut up, the lot of you.” Red pulled on Rapunzel. “Get off this table before I drag you off.” “Bugger off, will ya?” Rapunzel kicked out with her leg. She sent Red flying back into the angry crowd. One energetic youth pushed her back to the table. “Fight!” An old scraggily man yelled, his voice cracking from age. “Fight! Fight! Fight!” the others chanted, hopeful glee on their weathered faces. Red rolled her eyes. What was it with men wanting to see women fight? Did they think they would end up kissing or something? Red grabbed Rapunzel’s arm again and pulled her down so they were face level. “This is not helping. You are exposing us.” Rapunzel tried to pull away, but Red’s grip was too strong. “I do not care. I’m going on my own. I say bugger the prophecy.” “What prophecy?” “Never mind. Leave me be. I will make it on my own.” “You are drunk and being right stupid. Any man here would rip you apart. These are not gentlemen. They will not ask for your permission.” “I have seen worse things in the castle.” “But here, there is no Master to protect you. There will be no one to stop them if they go too far.” “And you will protect me, dear Red?” “Not likely. I’m just saving Wolf the trouble.” Rapunzel shook her hand off. “Piss off. I will do 123

Vivi Anna you no favors.” Red shook her head in disbelief. And they called her stubborn. Red gestured to Rapunzel one more time. “I just have one more thing to say.” Rapunzel bent down to her. “Quick, what is it? I do not want to keep my adoring fans waiting.” She grinned lopsidedly at the jeering crowd. Red threw a punch. It landed square across Rapunzel’s jaw. It was a good solid punch. Rapunzel’s eyes rolled back and her knees buckled under her. She fell. Red caught her before she could roll off the table. She heaved her over one shoulder. Rapunzel was heavy, but Red was strong, and her urge to retreat from this pub was even stronger. The crowd parted for her. They knew when to admit defeat. And this little red-haired sprite had gotten the best of them. Wolf was waiting for them at the door. He opened it for Red. “Oh, good, she went easy.” “Where were you?” Wolf raised his hands. He held a loaf of bread in one and a whole roasted chicken in the other. “Stealing us supper.” They stepped out into the cool night. They went around back to the Inn’s back stairs. The stairs led to the rooms. They climbed to the second story. Wolf unlocked one of the doors. It swung open. Red went in and tossed Rapunzel onto the bed. She did not wake. Wolf closed and locked the door. “What do we do now?” “We wait. The Bears will come to us.” 124

Blood Red “Can they be trusted?” “Of course not.” Wolf sat in the chair and ripped off a piece of sourdough bread. “They are a family of criminals. But they will be useful allies if we can convince them to fight for something other than their own profit.” Red tore off a chicken leg and paced the room. She gobbled up the meat in two bites, leaving nothing but the thin bone. She tossed it on the table and ripped off a piece of bread. “Too bad we didn’t have any—.” Wolf reached under his arm and came away with a bottle of red wine. He set it on the table. Red snatched it up. She looked lovingly at it. “’Tis not whiskey, but it will do.” She uncorked it and took a long pull. Wolf watched her with awe and amusement. Red noticed his look. It made her stomach flip. “Do not look at me that way.” “How should I look at you?” “With caution.” Wolf laughed. “If you had not killed me by now, I do not believe you will.” “I may not have exacted my revenge upon you, but that does not mean I believe all of your lies. I may still rid myself of you.” Wolf bit into the chicken. He gestured with his drumstick. “There’s the door. Use it if you wish. I am not your keeper.” She eyed him suspiciously. She took another long pull on the wine. She set the bottle down hard on the table. “I may just do that.” Red went to the bed and lay down on her back. The 125

Vivi Anna movement caused Rapunzel to roll toward her. Red pushed her back over to the side. She put her hands behind her head and closed her eyes. Wolf watched her and smiled. He took a pull on the wine. She would stay. He had never known her to run from a fight. And she would fight fiercely. She would never walk away from an opportunity to exact revenge on her captors. She would kill them for imprisoning her for a time, never knowing that they had been imprisoning her her whole life. He was unsure if he would tell her the whole truth. Maybe it was best for her to act under her own agenda, and not be burdened with the fate of the world on her shoulders. “Wolf?” Red murmured. “What is the prophecy?” He looked over at her. She was staring at him with clear green eyes. Like emeralds, he always thought. “It’s nothing. You would not believe me even if I told you.” “No, probably not.” She closed her eyes and tumbled into sleep. Wolf watched her sleep. She was as still as a board. The only indication of her slumber was the deep steady breathing, the twitching of her eyes under her lids. Her pale face was slack and she looked almost at peace. But Wolf knew she was not. Nor ever would be. He finished the last of the bread and leaned his head back against the wall. He struggled with it, but eventually succumbed to his own troubled sleep. Red ran through the castle corridor. Her sword and shield were wet with fresh blood. Her own arm ached from the wound on her shoulder. Blood dripped down her arm. 126

Blood Red She reached the ornate wooden door and pushed it open. A guard advanced on her. She slayed him with swiftness and ease. He fell dead at her feet. She continued into the room. The room she remembered from her dreams. They were there. The tall spindly men. The ones that looked like old withered willow trees. The Brothers Grimm. They were talking animatedly with another man. A man with long black hair and glowing eyes. Wolf. Wolf turned to her as she rushed into the room. The guilty look on his face screamed to her. She stopped in midstride, sword raised. The spindly man pointed at her. “Slay her! We paid you a king’s ransom to kill her. Now kill her!” Red looked at Wolf, pleading in her eyes. “Is this true? You have been hired to kill me?” “Yes, once upon a time. But I would die a thousand deaths before I would ever see you dead.” “That can be arranged.” The spindly man drove a dagger into Wolf’s chest, piercing his heart. “NO!” Red ran to them, her sword raised high overhead. Red bolted out of her sleep when a hand clamped down on her mouth. She struggled against the restraint, but to no avail. The man that held her was strong. She looked up into his wide round face. He was bigger than any man she had ever seen. He was much taller and wider than Wolf. Her thigh could easily pass as one of his biceps. Hers were probably too skinny. His ginger-colored hair was long and shaggy, and his face was covered with a scraggy beard. His brown eyes were big and round, and to 127

Vivi Anna Red’s surprise, kind. “Do not scream.” He removed his hamlike hand. She smirked. “The Bears, I presume?” He nodded. “Yup.” And with that he squeezed her at the base of the neck and she fell unconscious.

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Blood Red

Chapter Thirteen

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he cold sting of water jolted Red from her unnatural slumber. The big man had tossed a large bucket of it over her head. “Wakey, wakey, sugar pie.” His voice was low and smoky. Red spurted and spat as the water dripped from her hair. She stared wide-eyed at the man that dared to antagonize her. A grand smile spread across his expansive face. All his top front teeth were missing. “Lordy, you are one feisty gal. You managed to kick me twice even while unconscious. Didn’t she, Pop?” He looked to his left. Red turned her gaze. Standing with his hands on his hips, looking quite jolly, was an even bigger man than this one. He topped the other fellow by at least two hundred pounds and was a few inches taller. “She sure did, Junior.” She looked back at the other man. Junior? This man was a boy? “Let me guess, you’re Little Bear, that’s Papa Bear. So where’s Mama Bear?” “Dead. God rest her soul.” Papa Bear crossed himself. “And you’d be best not to talk about her.” 129

Vivi Anna Red nodded. “Sorry, no disrespect intended.” She surveyed her surroundings. She was in a small, unfurnished room. The only chair, she sat upon. The walls were rock and the floor dirt. A room made for interrogation. “Where are my… where are the others?” The two Bear men looked at each other. A smile passed between them. “They’re in a better place, don’t you worry,” Papa Bear said. “No matter what you do to me, I won’t talk. I can tolerate any amount of pain, even from the likes of you.” The Bears started laughing. Junior almost rolled over with his guffaws. Red watched them in anger. They were laughing at her bravado. But she would have the last laugh, when she escaped from their prison, after impaling them both with her sword, if she could find it. Her eyes darted around the room, searching for a weapon. Junior came close to her. He bent down so they were face to face. Tears were streaming down his face. “Easy now, sugar pie. We don’t want to torture you; we want to feed you. Clean you up. Give you a nice place to sleep.” She looked agape at him. “What?” “Wolf told us the ordeal you’ve been through. You are a tough little gal to withstand all that.” Papa Bear looked down at her, a fatherly concern furrowing his brow. “I don’t think she believes you, Junior.” “Nope, I reckon you’re right, Pop. Wolf did say she was as stubborn as a mule.” 130

Blood Red Red looked from one to the other. What was this game? Where were the threats, where was the pain? She was accustomed to that. This…this…fellowship she was not used to. “Look, I’ll show you.” Junior took her arm and stood her up. She wobbled and he held her steady. He walked to the door. Papa Bear opened it. They went through and down a dark dirt passageway, not unlike the castle’s dungeon. As they neared another door, Red could hear voices. They were loud and cheerful. Junior opened the new door. A sweep of warmth washed over her. Smells and sounds that delighted her. Junior led her through. Red blinked twice. Wolf and Rapunzel sat sprawled out on the cushioned floor with ale steins in their hands and a bountiful banquet spread out before them on the low tables. Others joined them. Wolf was busy stuffing some sort of meat in his mouth when he noticed Red at the door. He grinned, and his whole face softened. Red felt her stomach flip again. A deep aching started in her belly. He was so beautiful, like a majestic animal. She had almost panicked earlier when she thought him dead. She knew she could go on without him, but something inside her desperately didn’t want to. And she had no idea how to handle that. Junior pushed her forward. “Get some food. Or I’ll eat it all.” She glanced at him over her shoulder. He was grinning. 131

Vivi Anna Red neared the table and sat down on one of the cushions. She was beside Rapunzel and another man she did not know. She looked around at everyone warily. Wolf nodded to her from across the tables. “Eat. We will talk business later.” Red understood his meaning. The food wasn’t poisoned, but to be cautious of what she said. She nodded to him as she grabbed a rather succulent peach off the fruit basket. She bit into it. The juices ran down her chin. She had forgotten how fruit tasted. Sweet, juicy, decadent. A pleasure she didn’t indulge in often. The man beside her offered her a pint of ale. She took it and gulped it down. “The name’s Iron Hans.” The man held out a long, grubby hand. He wasn’t a big man, but tall and lean. His scruffy hair was orangey-red, as was his full beard that covered most of his angular face, and surrounded a proud, prominent nose. Red took it cautiously and shook firmly. “Red.” He narrowed his eyes at her. “Blood Red, I know who you are.” Red tensed. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Wolf tense as well. “You killed my brother-in-law.” He stared into her. Red stared back, not about to back down. She would show no weakness. A slow grin spread across Hans’ face. “That’s okay, he was a bastard, anyway. If you didn’t do it, I know I would have.” He slapped her on the back. Everyone at the table laughed heartily. She looked 132

Blood Red over at Wolf. He smiled and she could see him relax. She smiled back and took a big gulp of her drink. Rapunzel elbowed her in the side and leaned over. “I did not know you were so…known.” “Red is more than known. She’s legendary.” Red turned toward the new voice. A petite woman with blond ringlets sat at the end of the table, with a face like an angel and a smile like Satan. Red had not seen her when she first entered the room. But as she looked at her now, she knew who the woman was. “I did not realize my name had traveled so far.” “It has girl, it has. Quite like a rotten stench, I think.” Red bristled at the comment, but kept her face still. She would give this woman nothing, especially not the pleasure of her spite. “And you’d be?” The woman grinned. She speared a piece of fruit with her knife. “I’d be Goldilocks. You have heard of me, I’m sure.” Red thought for a moment. “No, sorry, can’t say I have.” She took a sip of her ale, hiding her smile. “No, wait. I have heard about an ugly woman of fair hair who runs with a band of outlaws, stealing and robbing the poor. Not much better than a whore who sells her soul for money, I would think. Would that be you, by chance?” Rapunzel sighed under her breath. “Can you not be civil for one moment of your life?” Red paid her no mind and continued to stare at Goldilocks. She had heard of her. The stealing and robbing bit was the truth. The whore part was 133

Vivi Anna completely ad-libbed. She would not let anyone get the best of her, or think themselves her superior. The others watched and waited. Wolf continued to eat but kept a diligent eye on matters. He would spring in a moment’s notice, if there were trouble. Of course, there was always trouble when Red was around. She had an uncanny ability to start it. And a ferocious tendency to finish it. A bubble of laughter erupted from Goldilocks. She grabbed her stein and raised it in salute. “Cheers! You’re my kind of lowlife, Blood Red. Enjoy our hospitality.” Red raised her cup and drank. As did everyone else. Red lowered her cup and caught Wolf’s eye. He shook his head. But she saw the small, playful grin on his face. She raised an eyebrow in answer and toasted him as well. She gulped down the rest of her drink and handed Hans her cup. “Fill me up, Hans, my friend. I’m feeling quite pert.” Hans gladly filled her cup. They drank and ate until the wee hours of the morning. This was how things got done in the back counties. Celebration first, business after. More times than not, there never came a celebration after the business at hand was finished. More times than not, people did not come back from this type of business. Goldilocks and the Bears knew this. Nine pints later, Red looked around the table at her comrades. Rapunzel was nestled snugly in Junior’s lap. Her arms were around his powerful neck and she was kissing him. Her skirt was pulled up and Red 134

Blood Red could plainly see Junior’s massive hands massaging Rapunzel’s plump buttocks. Red shrugged. Papa Bear was passed out face first on the ground, his ale stein tucked safely under his arm. He held it like a child would a stuffed toy. Hans was still talking, even though he was flat on his back and his eyes were shut. Red glanced down at him. She couldn’t make out all the words he was saying, but figured out it was some story about his first sexual encounter with a whore named Mary. Red looked away and squinted across the table. She was drunk. Her eyes had trouble focusing, and she couldn’t keep herself from swaying back and forth. The incessant ground was moving. She could see Wolf lounging back on the silk pillows. He was talking. She squinted even more to see whom he was talking to. She could clearly make out blond hair. Goldilocks glanced over at Red. She grinned and turned her attention back to Wolf. Red noticed the lust in her big blue eyes as she gazed at Wolf’s powerful form. She leaned into him, putting her hand on his thigh. “Oh Wolf, you are a wild one, aren’t you?” Wolf glanced down at her bold hand. He looked up at her face. She was grinning like a cat caught with the canary in its mouth. He smiled back, his grin lopsided. He was obviously three sheets to the wind. Drunk as a skunk. Pissed out of his ever-living mind. He raised his head and glanced across the table. His grin vanished as Red’s eyes bore him down. His hand covered Goldilocks’ and stilled it. She nuzzled his neck and ear. “If you want my 135

Vivi Anna help, you’ll give me what I want.” “I’ll not. My heart belongs to another.” She moved her hand up and spread it across his crotch. “’Tis not your heart I’m after.” She rubbed him over the fabric of his trousers. He grew hard under her touch. Red watched as Goldilocks caressed Wolf. She could see the inner conflict flicker over his face. She thanked him for that. She knew how some alliances were made. She had made a few herself in this way. Her anger rose regardless. She could not watch this woman with Wolf. It would bruise her already tender emotions. Invading emotions she never knew she possessed. Goldilocks unbuttoned the top of her dress. She wore a corset. Her ample bosom spilled overtop. She rubbed her flesh over Wolf’s face. “Move over, whore.” Red pushed Goldilocks to the side, and nuzzled in next to Wolf. Goldilocks laughed. “I was wondering how long it would take you.” “You knew I would?” She trailed a hand down Red’s arm. “I can see how you look at each other.” She moved her hand over Red’s shirt down to her breast. She cupped one, flicking her thumb over the swollen peak. “Besides, it’s the both of you I want. A hired killer, a bounty hunter, and an outlaw whore. What a threesome we would make.” She leaned over and pressed her lips to Red’s frowning mouth. She moved her lips teasing with her tongue, until Red responded in kind. They kissed 136

Blood Red violently. Tongues lashed. Teeth nipping. A battle of wills. Born from competition more than passion. Wolf watched their exchange, amusement twitching his mouth. This ought to be an interesting adventure. Eventually, Goldilocks pulled away. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth. Red had bitten her lip. Goldilocks licked the crimson trail away. She smiled. “Your point.” Red stood up. She stripped off her damp shirt and tossed it aside. She unbuttoned her breeches and let them fall. She stood proudly naked. Her skin goosefleshed and her nipples hardened when the cool air hit her damp skin. Wolf looked up at her and grinned. This was getting better and better. He snuck his hand up her leg and squeezed her ass cheek. She slapped his hand away. “Do you mind? I’m in the middle of something here.” “Sorry, love, lost my head for a moment.” He dropped his hand. He picked up his drink and took a big gulp, watching the game intensely. Goldilocks took in Red’s body. She looked her fill. “Not bad. Perky tits, firm stomach, muscular arms and legs...agile, most likely.” “Very agile,” Red said, as she spread her coltish legs apart slightly. Goldilocks stood. “But darling, you’re more man than you are woman. If not for those nubs on your chest and that slit between your legs, I’d be calling you sir.” She finished unbuttoning her dress. She let it 137

Vivi Anna slide to the floor. “I on the other hand, am all woman.” She unclasped the corset and tossed it aside. Her ample bosom bounced free. Red looked her up and down. Her breasts were generous and globular. Dark red nipples the size of bullets. Her middle soft, but flat. Her hips flared out, then came back around to shapely legs. A soft sprinkling of tightly curled blond hair collected at the V of her legs. Red glanced down briefly at Wolf. He was staring at Goldilocks, his mouth agape. She shook her head and nudged him with her foot. He didn’t move. She looked back up at Goldilocks. “Your point.” Goldilocks puckered her full lips. “Of course it is.” She trailed a hand up her leg to her sex. She rubbed it up and down over her mound, dipping her finger into the cleft between her legs. “Now for the main event.” They both knelt down on either side of Wolf. He put his arms around them both, grinning like a drunken pirate who just discovered buried treasure beneath his feet. “So, ladies, shall we negotiate the terms of our contract?” “Ah, shut up and raise your arms. ‘Tis not you who is doing the negotiating,” Red scolded as she lifted his shirt over his head. “Let us use your body good and proper, and you’ll have your alliance.” His shirt was tossed to the side. Goldilocks ran her small hand through the thick hair on his chest. He leaned back and closed his eyes, like a cat in the sun. “I’m at your disposal.” Goldilocks pressed her eager mouth to his chest. 138

Blood Red She trailed kisses over his powerful pectorals and sucked on his nipples. Red eyed her cautiously, but arousal was slowly wandering up her legs and tickling her at her most sensitive spot. Her sex dampened with lust as she watched the golden girl’s tongue snake out and lick Wolf’s flesh. She had an insatiable urge to join her. Goldilocks continued to lap at Wolf’s skin as she made her way up. She kissed his neck and licked at his ear. She pressed her mouth to his chin and moved up to his parted lips. Red nudged her head away. “No kissing. His mouth is off-limits to you.” Goldilocks smirked. “No mind. ‘Tis not a kiss I want.” She glanced down at Wolf’s trousers. The bulge was growing by the minute. Wolf leaned into Red. “Take care. We need this pact,” he whispered. “Do not worry. She will have her orgasm, if I have to shove pleasure up every orifice.” Wolf grinned. “That I would love to see.” He licked the side of her neck, in her most sensitive spot. Shivers vibrated down her spine. “Shut up, and kiss me.” Wolf grabbed a chunk of her hair and pulled her in. He covered her mouth with his. They kissed passionately, ravenous for one another. As they kissed, Goldilocks unbuttoned Wolf’s trousers. She yanked them down roughly. She sighed deep in her throat when his cock sprung free. She wrapped her petite hand around his thick shaft. “Your killing isn’t the only thing that is legendary.” 139

Vivi Anna Red pulled back from Wolf’s lips and looked down. She watched as Goldilocks licked the tip of his cock. A pleasant shudder coursed through her body. She struggled with her feelings. She did not want to enjoy this. This was a business arrangement, nothing more. Goldilocks enveloped the head of his cock with her wide mouth. She slurped on him nosily. She looked up at Red. “Want a lick?” “Just impale yourself already, and get on with it.” Goldilocks laughed. “No, that wouldn’t be any fun. Too quick. Besides where’s your part in all this?” She let go of Wolf’s cock and looked at the banquet table. She swept her arm over it. Plates and bowls of food and cups of drink crashed to the ground. “I got a better idea.” She lay down on the table, on her back. She spread her legs and bent her knees, displaying her open sex. It glistened with lust. “I want you to lie on top of me and lick my pussy.” Red stared at the woman spread out on the table; her bright pink sex spread wide and weeping. Her own sex was wet and hot. She could feel beads of moisture drip down the inside of her thigh. Goldilocks could see the hesitation on her face, but she could also see the wanton desire cloud her eyes. “Straddle my face. I’ll do you and you can do me.” Red looked to Wolf. He was watching them both, as he stroked himself. He kissed her hard on the mouth. “Do what you wish. You are free from guilt.” Red crawled to where Goldilocks lay. She climbed onto the table and straddled her head. She looked 140

Blood Red down briefly and saw Goldilocks smile wickedly. She grabbed Red around the thighs and pulled her down to her waiting mouth. Red could feel her hot breath on her open sex, tickling her aching clit. Red struggled as lust twisted its way through her body. She abhorred this woman but found herself carnally attracted just the same. Her sex ached with desire. It dripped with passion. She could no longer fight it. She no longer wanted to. Goldilocks flicked her tongue over Red’s swollen clit. She jolted, but Goldilocks held her in place. She trailed the tip of her tongue back and forth in the cleft of her sex. It found its way deep into her hole, sucking out her sweet juices. Red groaned loudly and closed her eyes as swell after swell of pleasure rippled over her flesh. Her body had betrayed her. She was no longer in control. She looked up at Wolf. He was kneeling between Goldilocks’ legs, stroking his cock. He stared deep into her eyes. She could see the feelings he harbored for her in those shimmering eyes. She could deny it no more. She knew he was asking for her permission, as he was no longer in control of his body either. She thanked him for that. Red leaned forward and touched Wolf’s cock. She pulled him forward to Goldilock’s waiting sex. She touched the tip of his cock to her slick lips. She rubbed it up and down the slit. “Let’s fuck this bitch, and be done with her,” Red whispered, strain in her voice. Wolf guided his throbbing cock into Goldilock’s gaping sex. He went easily into the wetness and slid 141

Vivi Anna in and out leisurely. Red bent forward and spread the inner lips with her fingers. Goldilocks' clit stood erect and reaching for contact. Red did not disappoint as she touched it with the tip of her tongue. Red jerked violently as electricity shot through her body. Goldilocks was sucking deeply on her swollen, throbbing bud. She could feel an orgasm building deep within her belly. She clamped her eyes shut, as she felt two fingers swirl around her opening. They dipped in and out quickly, flicking in a circle. *** Wolf watched Red’s face. He could tell she was near release. Her eyes were dark like fresh summer grass. He could also see her fight with the pleasure. He knew she did not want to give over to it, fearing it would somehow dampen the feelings they shared. He had to make her see that nothing could do that. No one thing or any one person could ever defile their connection. He leaned forward and pressed his mouth to hers. She kissed him back feverishly. *** Goldilocks quickly slid her fingers in and out of Red. Her muscles were tightening, and Red knew that she would come soon. Goldilocks circled her anus with her other finger. She did it slowly and gently. She pushed ever so slightly into the opening. Red bucked when she felt the finger invade her, 142

Blood Red but she did not pull away. She pushed down, her body betraying her once more. She felt it go in slowly. It hurt for a moment, then was lovely. A surge of pleasure erupted deep inside her. Like a volcano, hot lava spilled and ran down the valley. Red clamped her eyes shut as the orgasm exploded through her. It came from all her parts, especially from deep inside her velvet walls. A wash of creamy liquid spilled over Goldilocks as Red came. It ran down her fingers and over her hand. It dripped onto her face, and she licked it. She relinquished her hold on Red’s clit and slid her fingers out of her. Red’s orgasm washed over her. She took in shallow breaths as the sensations battered her senses. Her eyes felt heavy. She could smell the strong, cloying scent of sex, her own juices. She could hear every stroke Wolf made into Goldilocks. She looked down and watched as his thick cock slid in and out of her glistening pussy. Red could feel Goldilocks writhe and undulate underneath her. She would give the woman as much pleasure as she’d shown her. ‘Tis the only fair thing to do during negotiations. She leaned forward and licked her clit. She lapped at it like a kitten would cream. She swirled her tongue around in circles. Goldilocks moaned loudly at the movement. Red moved her tongue down and licked at where Wolf rammed his cock in. She could taste both of them in her mouth, their sweat and their juices. She glanced up at Wolf, her lips shiny and swollen. 143

Vivi Anna *** Wolf stared down at Red, his eyes on fire. He wanted desperately to kiss her, to touch her, to taste her. She was a goddess to him. A warrior princess. She was his equal in every way. Love raged out of him in violent streams. He grabbed onto Goldilocks’ legs and rammed himself deep into her. She cried out and scratched her nails down Red’s backside. “Oh yeah, that’s what I want. Harder, Wolf, make me scream!” Red turned around so she was facing Goldilocks. She scooted down so her pussy was level with hers. She lifted her legs over hers and pushed on them, pinning them back as if she was the one with the cock, as if she was fucking her. Wolf smiled at Red’s position. He knew what she was doing. As he plunged into Goldilocks, he stared at Red. She was spread wide to him, her butt cheeks open and inviting. With each thrust, he could imagine it was Red he loved. He gripped Red’s hips and thrust in and out hard and fast. Sweat beaded down his back and down his chest. It dripped onto Red’s creamy flesh. Goldilocks was nearing her orgasm. He knew it would be powerful. Maybe the best she’d ever had. She smiled up at Red. The girl was inventive, to say the least. If she let herself go for one moment, she could almost see that it was Red plowing into her repeatedly, and not Wolf. She reached up and grabbed Red’s hair. She brought the girl down to her and smothered her in-between the valley of her 144

Blood Red mountainous flesh, as her climax tore its way through her body. *** Red could feel the spasms rack Goldilocks’ body. She let her hold on till they subsided. She wondered if Wolf had come, too. She got her answer soon enough, when she felt a hard pressure at her sex. She reared up on all fours and let him slide into her eager pussy. He leaned over her and wrapped his hands around her, cupping her breasts and pinching her nipples. He grunted with each quick thrust. Soon he was squeezing her tightly as his seed exploded deep inside her. He said her name softly, repeatedly, as he nuzzled her neck. Red clamped her eyes shut. She would not let the tears fall. The negotiations were done.

145

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Chapter Fourteen

R

ed woke. She turned over on her side and snuggled into warmth under the animal hide. She was alone under the fur. She glanced around, saw she was alone in the room and stretched lazily. Her muscles were sore, burning from a thorough workout. She had slept well. No dreams. She hadn’t slept like that in more days than she cared to count. She touched her side gingerly. Her ribs were healing. Goldilocks had given her some herbal cream to put on. It stunk of swamp water, but soothed her bones and muscles. She sat up. The hide fell off her, exposing her naked breasts. She shivered in the cool morning air. She rubbed her arms vigorously as she looked for her clothes. They were in a neat pile beside her. She smiled, thinking of Wolf. She dressed quickly. She wondered where the others were. She moved out of the room, snatching a piece of bread off the table as she passed. She crept down another dirt passageway. She heard muffled voices. As she neared the entrance to another part of the cave, she could 146

Blood Red hear more clearly. “I can not believe she does not know.” Rapunzel’s voice was strained with anger. “It was not my first priority to tell her,” Wolf answered his voice deep and gruff. “I bet getting in her pants was,” Goldilocks giggled. Red bristled at the sound of her laugh. It grated on her every nerve. “Shut up, Goldi.” The voice was either of the Bears’. Red could not distinguish between them yet. “It should have been the first thing you told her,” Rapunzel said. “Do you really think she would have believed me? She can barely believe that I didn’t savagely murder her Granny. I’m not absolutely sure that she still does not think me a murderer.” “She is falling in love with you, Wolf. She will believe what you tell her.” “Love does not make one stupid, Rapunzel. Red will decide what she believes.” There was a long pause. “The prophesy is real, whether Red will believe it or not. She needs to know her role in it. She needs to believe in it. Or we will all be doomed.” Red stepped through the chipped out entranceway into the large room. They were all gathered around a high wood table. Various weapons piled on top. They all stopped moving when the light flickered over Red’s taut form. She smiled wryly. “’Morning, all. Could someone please tell me what the fuck is going on?” 147

Vivi Anna Goldilocks laughed, her golden ringlets bouncing with glee. “Hang on sweetheart, and get ready to have your mind fucked.” Everyone at the table glared at her, but she continued to giggle. Rapunzel neared Red. She gestured to the empty stool at the table. “Please sit, and I will tell you a tale that should have been told to you long ago.” “I prefer to stand.” Wolf stared at her. She avoided his eyes. He could see the mistrust on her face. The bridge that he was so carefully building between them was crumbling before him. And after she was told, he feared that there would be no hope in rebuilding it. Rapunzel closed her eyes and began to talk. “They say the lands of Germania were a peaceful place. Before our wars, disease, and famine, people lived in relative harmony and brotherhood. Peoples’ lives flourished. There was no need for bounty hunters or hired killers. Brother did not go against brother. But that all changed, when the Brothers Grimm appeared in the lands. No one is sure where they came from. It was like they appeared from thin air. A sorcerer's trick. Some say that they were the true creators of Germania. They soon took control of the lands again. Kings and Queens fell under their spells. Seduced by their evil enchantments. The lands were soon plunged into chaos. The Kings and Queens plundered their own lands. Overtaxing their people, forcing them to give all their possessions to the kingdom. Soon people started to 148

Blood Red starve, disease broke out, and fighting erupted from the ruins. Brother stole from brother. We are all a product from this world.” She looked at each of them as she spoke. “Thieves, outlaws, bounty hunters, hired killers, and spies. All traitors to the ruling aristocracy. We are all exiles. Each marked in their own way as an enemy of the kingdom.” Red smirked. “You’re not telling me anything I do not already know. I was told these fairy tales when I was a child too.” Rapunzel turned her icy blue gaze onto Red. “Not fairy tales, Red. No. The prophecy says that the end of the lands of Germania will come. The Brothers Grimm will crush them in their iron fists like the crumpling of discarded paper. But from the ashes of the ruined lands will come hope. A band of seven will come together. Seven exiles, each branded with their own marks of fury. And from this seven, one will arise. The one who has the power within them to destroy the Brothers. To restore the lands to their former glory.” Red glanced around the room. “Let me guess.” She counted them around the table. “We are the seven.” Rapunzel nodded. “Yes, that is what I believe.” “Who is the one?” Wolf stood. His face set in stone, his eyes dark and unlit. “You are.” Red’s face fell. Her heart leapt into her throat. It was impossible. They were feeding her a load of shit. She started to laugh. “Yeah, right. I am the one that will lead us to battle and smote the enemy with my 149

Vivi Anna mighty sword.” She raised her arm in the air, humor in the gesture. “Then I will restore the lands to its former glory and be declared its rightful ruler.” “Yes,” Rapunzel plainly said. No humor sparkled in her eye. No laugh lifted her mouth. Red looked around at the group. They all stared at her, reverence gleaming on their faces. All except Goldilocks. She had a look of distaste, jealousy perhaps. Red looked away, and turned her eyes on Wolf. He walked toward her, his hand reaching out. “Red—.” She shook her head and backed away. “No, no, no. Impossible. I will not believe your lies.” “Why would we all lie to you, Red? What would be the purpose?” “To manipulate me. To force me to do something against my will.” Wolf stopped in his tracks. He lowered his arm. “Do you think that of me? Do you really think I would do something like that to you?” Red searched his face. She found the truth in it. Something she’d always seen. “No.” “I know this is hard to believe. But that is what you must do.” Red squeezed her eyes shut. She opened them quickly and stared at Wolf. “I think I will sit after all.” She stumbled sideways, her legs giving out. Wolf was next to her in a moment, cradling her in his arm. He helped her to the vacant stool. She sat on it, and held onto the table for support. “Anyone have a drink?” 150

Blood Red The Bears grinned. Junior handed her a bottle. She uncorked it and swigged half of it down. She set the bottle down and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “All right. Why me?” Rapunzel sat and steepled her fingers together on the table. She looked intently at Red. “Because only the heir of Germania has the power to take revenge.” “How can I be an heir? My mother and father were not of noble blood. Their parents before them, simple peasant folk. If I had been of some descent, surely my Granny would have told me.” She saw something flash across Wolf’s face. He lowered his eyes. “Wolf? You have been begging me to listen to the truth, so now I want to hear it.” “The blood of power runs through your veins. The Brothers’ blood.” Red dug her nails into the wood. She needed to hang on to something as her vision swam before her. Her head spun. She had drunk too much alcohol. That was it. She was hallucinating. The alcohol had not cleared her head, but fogged it. She could not be hearing Wolf’s words right. She started to shake her head. Wolf stood next to her and put his hand on her shoulder. He held her still. “You must hear the rest.” “No, I will not.” She shook her head harder, pain furrowing her brow. “Your mother and father were not your real parents. They raised you out of respect for your Granny. She was your true mother.” Red tried to struggle from Wolf’s grip. But he held 151

Vivi Anna her firmly. “She returned from a trip abroad with you already growing in her belly. No one knew who the father was, she would not say. It was odd for a woman of her age to conceive, but not unheard of. She thought it best you be raised as her granddaughter.” Red stopped struggling. She laid her head on the table. Her breathing was labored. She did not want to hear, but the words were sly and slipped into her ears regardless. She was powerless not to listen. “I believe your parents suspected something amiss in your tenth year. Your Granny started taking you more and more. You would travel with her to places no one knew of. I think your father found out. He was killed that year. An accident in the barn. Your Granny was there that day. ‘Twas no accident.” “I have no memory of what you say.” Red’s voice was cold and hollow. “You were a child, Red. We often block painful memories from our past,” Rapunzel explained. “They will come back.” “I’ve had dreams.” Rapunzel sat forward on her stool. “Yes, these are your memories trying to come back to you. Tell us of them.” “I will, but first I want to hear the rest.” She glanced up at Wolf, her eyes brimming with tears. “Those who knew of the Brothers return started to suspect that the prophecy was real. They suspected that you were no ordinary child. And your Granny was not who she portrayed herself to be. It was soon obvious that she had other motives. The Brothers 152

Blood Red knew this. They also knew of the prophecy.” Red sat up. She could hear the tremor in Wolf’s voice. She stared at him, knowing that his next words would devastate her. She could see the pain swimming in his glowing eyes. Like ink trailing a dark path through golden waters. “They wanted me dead.” Wolf nodded. “Yes.” “And they wanted my…my Granny dead.” She grabbed onto Wolf’s shirt. She pulled on the fabric. Not to pull him down or to raise her up, but to hold onto something, tear into something. “Didn’t they, Wolf?” Wolf looked down at her tortured face. He could see the knowledge already clouding her emerald eyes, dulling their remarkable light to him. But he had no choice. She needed to know. Even if the pain of it ripped her apart, and stole any chance of their being together. She deserved the truth. The rebellion would not survive without it. “I was hired to kill both of you.” The tears that she was holding in fell silently down her face. The others watched in silence. There was nothing they could say or do. This was Red’s agony. It was hers to endure. “The night before it was to be done, I decided I could not. Even I could not kill an innocent child. The rebellion approached me then. They told me of the prophecy and of you. The plans were changed. I was sent to kill your Granny. She had turned on the people of Germania. She was willing to sell you to the 153

Vivi Anna Brothers for the right to rule the kingdom. Of course, the Brothers would never see that happen. So I went through with the assassination.” He grabbed onto her then. He cradled her cheeks in his hands. “And when I saw you cowering in the doorway, a child of such radiance and strength, I knew that I had made the right decision.” He rubbed his thumb over her pink scar. “And the money. Did you keep your money?” Her voice shook with anger. “Some, but most I gave to the church that raised you.” “How generous of you.” Venom dripped from every word. Wolf dropped his hands and backed away from her. “I could apologize to you for what I’ve done, but I know that the words would mean nothing to you.” “You’re right, they wouldn’t.” “Red, I understand how you must be suffering, but—.” Red raised her head and stared vehemently into his eyes. “You understand nothing. Now I know why the Brothers hired you. Only a man without a heart could have done what you were hired to do.” Rapunzel stood. “You are wrong, Red. The only reason you are alive is because he has one.” “I hate all of you for doing this to me. I refuse to be the one. You can all get slaughtered without me.” *** Red turned and ran out of the cave. Wolf turned to 154

Blood Red chase her, but Rapunzel stilled him. “Let her go. She’ll be back after she has time to think.” “How do you know?” “Because if she’s not, we are all dead.” Rapunzel turned back to the table and picked up a sword. She turned it, studying its weight. Wolf stared down the cave entrance hoping to see Red’s form turning back. He saw only darkness, and heard the heavy footfalls of a galloping horse as it rode away from the hideout and into the forest. He hoped all was not lost, but feared for the worst. No one else had seen the broken look in Red’s eyes. No, that look, that look was just for him. *** Red rode until the tears on her face were dry and her body ached. She tried not to think as she rode hard through the trees. But visions came to her none the less. She stopped by a small, trickling stream. The horse bent in to drink heartily. Red also dunked her head into the cold water, but not to drink. She tried to shock the thoughts from her mind. Banish them out. Freeze them from her mind. But it was no hope. They came at her full force, pulverizing her mind to gray mush. She lay back on the lush grass and gripped her head between her shaking hands. She let out a scream like a banshee wail. The horse skittered to the side, moving down the stream to drink, away from its 155

Vivi Anna crazy rider. She opened her eyes and stared up at the brilliant blue sky. The sky suddenly turned to ash as a vision viciously slammed into her, tearing at her mind. She was back in the castle. She had just surprised her Granny, and was given the red apple to bite. She bit into it, and fell back into her Granny’s arms, eyes closed, feeling very sleepy. But she was not quite all the way asleep. She could still hear the voices in the room and see their blurry forms between the thin slit of her eyes. Their forms, their voices. “How will you dispose of the mother?” “You mean my other daughter? She will befall an accident just like her stupid meddlesome husband did.” “No one will suspect?” She laughed. “Of course not. I’m a respected member of the village community. Just a poor lonely old woman.” “What about the girl. Will she not suspect?” “Never. I’m her Granny, remember. She loves me dearly.” The Brothers laughed. It was a cold and brittle sound. “You are more ruthless than we ever hoped.” “For what you are giving me, all of the kingdom to rule and immortality, I would sacrifice it all, even my beautiful baby girl.” Her Granny laughed then, and hugged Red’s body closer. Red slipped into the darkness and spiraled down a black endless tunnel. Red opened her eyes. The sky was still the brilliant blue of summer. Fluffy white clouds floated by, while birds swooped through the air. She took in a ragged breath. 156

Blood Red Her horse stood over her. He looked down at her and nudged her with his nose. She looked up at him. She reached up and patted him on his nose. “You are right. There is no more time.” She stood and grabbed onto the horse’s mane, stepping into the stirrup, and hefted herself on top of the roan stallion. She dug her heels in and galloped back into the trees. *** Wolf sharpened the blade of his chosen sword. The Bears had a large supply of weapons. Blades of all shapes and sizes, crossbows, axes, and long valiant swords littered the top of the table. He chose the one with the green handle. He was unsure why the metal had turned such a color, but it reminded him of Red. He knew she would return. She would never walk away from an opportunity to punish those who hurt her. She would return reluctantly, and with vengeance in her heart. Somehow, that had to be enough. He doubted she would accept her fate, and maybe they did not need her to. She would slay the enemy or die trying. She did not need more than revenge to put her in danger’s way. For hadn’t it been revenge that had met her survival all these years? Hadn’t it been revenge that brought her to him? Wolf lifted the sword and turned it, admiring its craft. He looked around the room at the others. Each prepared, picking weapons, practicing with them. Rapunzel was in the corner, twirling a knife on her palm. He wondered if it was magic she was 157

Vivi Anna practicing. They would need some if they were to pass the castle gates without the notice of the sorcerer and his wicked sister. It was also the entrance to the castle that was a problem, for they did not know where it was. Rumor had it that the entrance was cloaked in magic. Few had the knowledge to enter. He was sure that Red was one of them. If she did not return, they would have to enter the way they had escaped, through the water canals. But it would be almost impossible. They would have to swim upstream, and if the hole they had escaped out of were covered, how would they know where to stop? Wolf lowered his sword and stared down at it. A shadow passed over him. He looked up at Rapunzel. “We are not defeated, Wolf.” “No, not yet.” “Do not talk as if it is already over.” “You talk as if six against a hundred is a reasonable request.” “We are more than just six. You fight as if you are ten men. The Bears as if they are twenty. Goldilocks would have to have her black heart ripped out before she would quit, and Iron Hans has nine lives, seven of which he still has left. We are more than just six.” He looked up at her, studying her. “And you?” “Me?” She flexed her hands, “I can not wield a sword like a warrior, but I seem to have some other power that just might help.” A green glow emanated from her fingers. “A power that seems to swell as time grows short.” “Without the one, we will lose.” 158

Blood Red “She will come. You know as well as I do, she would never walk away from a fight.” She smiled and touched his hands. “Your love for her is strong, but do not let it get in the way of what must be done.” Wolf pulled away from her touch and raised his sword. He swung it through the air. “I won’t.” Hans came through the dark passageway. “The message has been passed. The people are prepared for war, if it comes to that.” Rapunzel stood and straightened her skirts. “Let us not fail, then.” “We won’t.” They all turned. Red stepped out of the shadow of the dark passageway and into the dim light. Wolf looked at her, but she did not meet his gaze. “But know this. I fight for myself, not for some godforsaken bullshit prophecy. I will kill the Brothers, but not for the peoples of Germania. I’ll do it because they pissed me off.” “Sounds fair to me,” Junior said as he wrapped his knife sheath around his leg. He was strapped and ready to go. A large double shot crossbow in his powerful arms. The others outfitted themselves with their own weapons of choice. Wolf moved toward Red. “Here.” He handed her the sword. “It is sharp and ready for battle.” She took it. She swung it around, getting a feel for the weight. She nodded. “'Tis a good sword.” She lowered it and looked up into his face. She saw the hurt and the hope in his eyes. “I—.” “You do not have to say anything to me.” 159

Vivi Anna She nodded. “If we live, there might be something I want to say.” He smiled. “Then I will be ready to listen.” He turned and went back to the table. He sifted through the weapons and grabbed a mighty ax. *** She watched him, regret on her lips. She did want to say many things to him. He deserved that much from her. He may be not the man she had wanted him to be, but he was still a great man. She knew that now. He must suffer each day with the decisions he had made. She knew that he had made them with more than greed and hate in his heart. He possessed sound morals and values. Abstract things she had long ago shed in return for the black soul of vengeance and malice. She would hold her word to them, and slay the Brothers. But not because they threatened the existence of Germania or some made up prophecy, but because they deserved to die. For what they did to her and her family. These were selfish reasons, but they were the only reasons she needed to suit up and ride into battle. Red walked to the table and found her knife sheathes. She strapped one to each leg, under her arms, and on her back. She wrapped the sword girdle around her waist. She slid the sword in slowly. She moved side to side, testing the weight and comfort of her rigs. She finally looked up and glanced around the room. 160

Blood Red The others watched her, each rigged and ready. She caught Wolf’s eye, and he nodded. With lightening speed, Red grabbed the knives at her legs. She twirled them artfully in her hands. “Let’s go to war.”

161

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Chapter Fifteen

T

he forest was deathly quiet as the seven rode along the well-beaten path. Not even the gentlest of breezes moved through the dense foliage. The only sound was of horse hoofs on the trampled grass. But even those sounds had no substance to them, no echo. It was if they were moving through a dense fog, where the air itself felt heavy, thick, hard to move through. It was almost like wading through water. Red stopped her horse and glanced around them. The hairs on the back of her neck rose and her skin prickled. She put her hand up to stop the others. “We are close. I can feel the residue of magic.” “So can I.” Rapunzel glanced around as a shiver vibrated down her spine. The horses whinnied and stamped their feet nervously. Wolf looked down at the ground, noticed dark spots in the dirt, and stained leaves. “This is where we fought the guard.” Red nodded. “Yes, the blind gate is near.” Hans looked around him, his neck twisting back and forth. “Where? I can’t see it.” 162

Blood Red “That’s the point. You will not find it by looking.” Red clicked to her horse. They went farther up the path. She was a mere few feet from the others when she felt a cold draft. She stopped, backed up the horse, then went forward. Again, a frigid air moved around her. It seemed to swirl around her like thick gray smoke. Red peered straight ahead but saw nothing. She backed up an inch, just out of reach of the cold air. She looked again. She saw nothing. She moved to turn around when in her peripheral she saw a white pillar. She turned back, but the image vanished. The others watched her as she backed her horse up again. She stood in the middle of the path and turned her head to the side, then to the other side. “What is she doing?” Junior scratched the thick beard on his chin. “I think she found the gate.” Wolf grinned, and kicked his horse. He rode up to where she was. Red turned to him as he neared. “I found it.” “I knew you would.” “Back up and go behind me.” Wolf backed up his horse and maneuvered behind her. “Turn your head slightly to the left and look past me.” *** Wolf did as she said. He turned and tried to look past her. He saw nothing, just Red sitting regally on horse. He narrowed his eyes, willing them to see past the 163

Vivi Anna view. He was about to give up, when he saw something shimmer behind Red. At first, he thought it a beam of sunlight. Then it solidified and became a tall alabaster stone pillar. Then he moved, and saw there were two of them. They were only six feet apart. But they were there. They had found the gate to Grimm Castle. Wolf turned in his saddle. “It is here.” The others rode up beside him. They looked to where he pointed. “I don’t see a thing,” Hans complained. “Because you are looking with your eyes,” Wolf explained. “Well, that’s just stupid. What else are you supposed to look with?” Red turned in her saddle. “Does not matter. We will have to go through one at a time. The gate is narrow.” She turned her horse around and moved in behind the others. “Wolf can go first. The rest follow. I will go last.” They got in a straight line, nose to tail. Wolf at the head, Red at the rear. Wolf slid his sword out and raised it up. He glanced behind him to look at Red. They locked eyes. Red slid her sword out and raised it up. Wolf nodded. He kicked his horse hard. “Go!” Wolf rode hard straight toward the unseen gate. He turned his head and saw the pale pillars. He headed for them. He went through. *** 164

Blood Red Red saw Wolf disappear, then Papa and Junior. She concentrated on the back of Rapunzel. She would follow her through. Goldilocks went through. Then Hans vanished just as a shrill cry echoed through the woods. Both Red and Rapunzel turned toward it. A black moving cloud descended on them. Red could hear a loud thumping like someone playing a drum. She realized too late what the source of the sound was. The thick, hard wings of ravens. Rapunzel’s horse reared back as the birds attacked. Red had to steer her horse to the left so they did not collide. The birds swarmed over them. They pecked at her skin and yanked at her hair and clothing. She waved her sword around, trying to swat at them. She managed to hit a few, but they were too close for the sword to be effective. Red sheathed it and withdrew a knife from her leg. She briefly glanced at Rapunzel before the birds attacked again. She was in dire need. The birds had uncurled her hair and they were pulling on it like ropes. A couple was entangled in it, unable to move. She would soon be pulled off her horse, or worse, lifted into the air like a child’s kite. Red rode to her side. She swiped at the birds with her knife. She stabbed one and it fell to the ground. She swiped at the others, but they flew out of harm’s way, strands of Rapunzel’s golden hair in their hooked beaks. “We must cut it,” Red yelled over the shrieking of the birds. Rapunzel's eyes shimmered with tears, but she knew that Red was right. Her most prized possession 165

Vivi Anna was now her mortal liability. She nodded. Red unsheathed her other knife and handed it to Rapunzel. Red grabbed her hair and cut it close to her head. The raven flew off with its golden trophy. It squawked in triumph. Rapunzel sawed at another chunk, tears silently falling. She closed her eyes as it fell to the ground. She grabbed another handful and continued to cut. The ravens fled with their acquired treasure. Red sheathed her knife and looked at Rapunzel. She sat unmoving, the knife still clenched in her hand. Her hair was chopped to pieces. Some long strands still stayed, but most had been cropped close to her head. “It will grow.” Rapunzel handed Red’s knife back absently. “I know.” “We must hurry. A flock of ravens means evil is not far behind.” Red turned her horse and positioned back in the middle of the path. “You will have to follow me.” Rapunzel did not move. “You go.” “Don’t be a fool. Something is coming.” “It is Morgana.” “How do you know?” “She has imprisoned me long enough that I know the feel of her.” Rapunzel turned her solemn face to Red. Her eyes were bright and clear. Her mouth set in a stern frown. “I will not run from her again. I need to break the chains that bind me to her.” Red nodded. She knew of those chains. She had her own to sever. Red kicked her horse and rode to Rapunzel. She unsheathed the knife from her leg and 166

Blood Red handed it to her. “The blade is sharp. The steel is strong. Let your hand guide it swiftly.” Rapunzel took it. She touched Red’s hand briefly. “Take care, Blood Red. See that you fulfill your destiny.” Red nodded. “Destiny or not. I will have my vengeance.” She kicked her horse and rode hard toward the gate. She glanced behind her briefly as she neared the white pillars. She saw a dark form appear before Rapunzel. Morgana. Red raised her sword and vanished through the ivory gate. Rapunzel did not watch as Red disappeared. She was intent on watching the dark form amass before her. Morgana smiled up at her. “I knew you would return, my darling Rapunzel.” Red felt a cold air run through her as she passed the ivory gates. It was like an icy hand reaching into her body to caress her organs. She came through on the other side sword still raised. The others were there grouped together before the bridge to the castle, already in battle. Twenty armed guards on foot surrounding them. Red sent up a war cry as she sliced through two unsuspecting guards. They had not expected her to come through the gate. They fell to the ground, mortally wounded. The others sent up their own war cry, and charged the guards. Junior fired off his crossbow, impaling two guards. Iron Hans pushed through the crowd, his mace swinging violently. Papa sliced through three guards 167

Vivi Anna with his mighty blade. Wolf knocked a guard into the air with one swing of his powerful ax. Goldilocks was exchanging swing for swing of her sword with two guards. Metal clashed against metal. It sang through the clear cool air like a ringing of a funeral bell. One guard swung down instead of up. He sliced at her horse. The horse crashed forward and Goldilocks was thrown off. She landed in a heap on the hard ground. Two guards advanced on her. Red charged toward her flailing her sword. She reached down and unsheathed her leg knife. She flung it at one of the guards. It hit its mark. The guard fell, the knife sticking crudely from his throat. Goldilocks rose to her feet, blood trickling down her cheek. She raised her sword and stuck the other guard through the gut. Red flanked her. She leaned down and offered her hand. Goldilocks shook her head. “No. You must make it to the castle. My fight is here.” “Mine too.” Junior rode up on Red’s other side. Papa was beside him. “And mine.” “Hans will clear your way.” Goldilocks knelt down and yanked Red’s knife from the dead guard. She handed it to her. “It has been an honor to battle with you, Blood Red.” Red nodded and sheathed her knife. “And you, Golden Girl.” Goldilocks laughed. She unsheathed a blade from her leg. She rose both sword and blade up to the heavens. “C’mon, boys, let’s have us some fun.” She ran into the swarming guards, swinging her 168

Blood Red blades back and forth. Junior and Papa galloped into them, projecting their swords as they rode. Hans rode up to Red. “Follow me. I’ll get you there.” He kicked his horse and rode toward the looming castle. He swung his mace back and forth, clearing a path. Red kicked her horse and followed him. Wolf rode up next to her. She glanced over at him. He looked at her, eyes blazing. Red knew he would go the distance with her. To the death, if need be. She realized at that moment that he had always been there with her. He had always been a part of her life. He had come into her life when she was just a girl and he hadn’t left. He had watched her grow into the woman she was. And God willing, she knew he would stay with her until she faded from this life. As the castle loomed grandly in front of them, she wondered how soon that would be. Two guards with spears guarded the large ornate doors. They advanced, their spears held out as they saw the trio galloping toward them. Hans swung his mace, breaking one of the spears. The other spear pierced his leg and his horse’s flank. They fell sideways, crushing the other guard. Red and Wolf jumped over the remaining guard and burst through the doors, splintering the wood. The guard followed them in. Wolf was off his horse and swinging his ax before Red could even turn around. He quickly disposed of the guard. Red dismounted and scanned the grand entrance. No other guards approached them. “Why are there not more guards?” 169

Vivi Anna Wolf looked around, concern furrowing his brow. “I think something else approaches.” A thin layer of fog lifted from the floor. It began to swirl around their feet. As it grew and circled up their legs, Red felt it seep through the fabric of her pants. It felt cold and wet against her skin. Shivers climbed her spine and wrapped around her throat. She knew what was coming. The fog thickened like a hazy smoke from a heavy forest fire. It curled around their bodies and over their faces. They coughed. The smoke tickled their noses and clogged their throats. Red saw movement in the gray smoke. She saw the red of his eyes before she saw the rest of him emerge. Drake stepped out of the fog and stood before them. He was smiling, like a man greeting long lost friends. “Welcome back.” His voice floated over them. Red shook her head. She was feeling faint. “Step aside, sorcerer, and you may live.” Wolf raised his ax. Drake laughed. It was rich, deep, and full of humor. The sound wound its way around Red. It curled around her breasts and caressed her nipples. They grew erect and throbbed painfully, as if she had been in the cold too long. Drake turned his crimson eyes on Red. “I think not, little Wolf.” He held his hand out to her. “Come to me.” Red felt the pull. It tugged on her body. Her sex started to ache and she felt wet and hot. She wanted to move to him, to feel his hands on her. But she knew that that was wrong. Her mind told her to stop, while 170

Blood Red her body stepped forward. Wolf watched in shock as Red moved toward Drake. He grabbed her arm and tried to pull her back. She raked her nails across his hand. Blood welled to the skin. Wolf pulled back his hand. Drake smiled as Red stepped into him. He put an arm around her. “You see my friend, Red is happy to be back.” He leaned down and took her mouth with his. Red felt his lips touch hers. An electric shock was sent down her spine as they kissed. She desperately wanted to push him away, but found she could not. His lips felt too good on hers. His tongue was too wet and hot to ignore, the taste of him too wild to deny. “Red, he has bewitched you. Fight him.” Wolf obviously itched to attack, but knew he might not be able to save Red. Drake pulled back from her mouth. He pulled her over to stand in front of him. He wound his arm around her and caressed her neck with a long slender hand. He stroked up and down her skin. “She does not want to fight. Do you, my dear?” His hand traveled down her body. He molded his hand around her breast. He squeezed and pulled at her nipples through the thin cotton of her shirt. Red closed her eyes and moaned at his touch. She leaned back into him, wanting him to move his hands over her. To touch her, to pull at her. She burned inside for his touch. The ache throbbing deep inside was almost too painful to take. She whimpered as he moved his hand lower. He snaked his hand under the waistband of her 171

Vivi Anna pants. He moved his fingers over her smooth mound. She groaned loudly as he dipped his fingers into her cleft. He slid them in and out slowly, savoring the feel of her silky wetness. He brought his fingers up and licked them clean. *** Wolf watched in horror as Drake touched her intimately. He knew she was under some sort of spell. Drake must have cast it on her while she was in his capture. Her body had betrayed her. He could see the confusion and conflict twisted on her face and clouding her eyes. He would have to be strong now, if they were to get out of this. “Red, fight him. He has cast a spell on you. What you’re feeling is not real.” Red looked at Wolf. He could tell she wanted to go to him. To feel his strong arms around her, comforting her. But her body would not move. She was trapped against Drake, his hands exploring her. “Oh, but it is real, Wolf. Very real. Come and feel what I mean.” Drake held out his hand to Wolf, beckoning him. Wolf felt the pull instantly. It was like a rope was attached to his waist and he was being tugged forward. He tried to fight, but it was too strong. He stepped forward. He dropped his ax and moved closer. He was soon nestled against Red’s warm form. He gazed down at her. Her face was contorted with pleasure and her eyes clouded with pain. He concentrated on those emerald eyes. 172

Blood Red She looked up into his face and pleaded with him to stop this. She had not the power to control herself. Drake laughed and pressed himself closer into Red, his erection hard against her buttocks. “Is this not pleasant? Is this really worth fighting against?” He rubbed his hand over Red’s crotch, brushing his fingers against Wolf’s growing erection. “We could be like this forever, if you wanted.” *** Red swallowed the saliva pooling in her mouth. She could barely contain herself. She wanted to grab onto Wolf and rip his trousers apart so she could grasp his hard cock. She wanted to push back into Drake and impale herself on him. The ache deep in her sex grew, painfully so. An itch so great she had to scratch it. To not do so would be mad. She knew in her mind that it was a trick, an enchantment, but still her body responded. The fight was almost gone from her. “Touch her, Wolf. Do not be afraid. I can see in the smoldering of your eyes that you desperately want to. Give in to those feelings, Wolf. Release your animal and take her. Take us.” Wolf squeezed his eyes shut. He tensed his muscles. He tried not to move his hands, but they moved regardless. He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her to him. He ground his erection into her. She felt Drake’s hand on his crotch. Wolf shuddered. His body betrayed him and responded to the touch. His cock grew harder, like rock. 173

Vivi Anna Red moaned as Wolf ground into her. She grabbed onto him, tearing at his shirt. She needed to feel his skin, his hot flesh against her fingers. Wolf moved his hands down her arms. He moved them over her breasts. He squeezed and molded them. His hands continued down to her hips. He held her there as he bent down to her lips. Red tilted her head to meet his mouth. She closed her eyes. Wolf skimmed her chin with his lips and bent to her ear. His hot breath blew across her lobe. “I love you. Now run.” Red’s eyes went wide as she felt the knife at her leg slip out of its sheath. She felt Drake’s body stiffen as the knife was plunged into his side. The spell broke. Red ducked down and moved out from between the two men. She stepped back and watched as Wolf drove the knife further into Drake’s body. “Run Red! Fulfill the prophecy!” “No! I can not leave you. I…I love you too much.” Drake pushed back on Wolf, causing him to stumble backwards. He grabbed onto the knife’s hilt. “Go. You must follow your destiny.” Wolf glanced at her. “No, I fear I have seen the future. I do not want to lose you.” “You will not. I promise you. Now go!” Red picked up her sword from the floor and ran. She glanced back one last time before she disappeared into the hall. Drake had pulled out the knife. He held it up to his eyes. Blood dripped from it. Wolf stood before him, his ax ready in his hands. 174

Blood Red Red closed her eyes against the well of tears. She turned away and ran down the hall to her destiny, but somehow she thought she was leaving her true destiny behind.

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Vivi Anna

Chapter Sixteen

T

he hall was the same. It had the fabric hangings and wall mirror just like the one she remembered from her dreams, her memories from her childhood. As Red crept down the hall the first stirrings of fear swirled in her stomach. The large wooden doors loomed up ahead. She did not want to near them, let alone go through them. For the second time in her life, she was mortally afraid. Red stopped in front of the doors. She could feel the power through them. It was like they were a living-breathing thing. She was afraid to touch them in case they moved. What if they opened up and swallowed her whole? She shook her head to toss away the fearful thoughts. She was no longer a little girl. She was a grown woman, with a body of iron and a heart of steel. She had remade herself into a warrior, a fighting machine. Fear was not an option. She had to open the doors. She needed to see, to know if her dreams were real. She reached out and touched the brass door handle. She thought it would be hot to the touch, searing her skin. But it was cool, 176

Blood Red not a thing of flesh. She pulled the handle and pushed open the door. It swung in slowly, creaking slightly. The creaking sent shivers down her spine. She berated herself for her inaction. Only action would chase her fear. She kicked open the other door and rushed into the room, sword up and ready. The room was empty. Red swung around and surveyed behind her. She was alone. The vast room was devoid of others. She moved to the desk and touched the chair. She felt something there. A residue of some power. She glanced at the chair her Granny had sat in. She looked around the room and remembered it all clearly. Sniffing the air, she could almost smell the sweet essence of jasmine. A scent her Granny had always had. Tears welled in her eyes. She squeezed them shut, refusing to let them fall. Red fell to her knees and lifted her head to the sky. “Why! Why did you do this to me! You have forsaken my future and damned me forever!” “You are not forsaken, my child. You are blessed.” Red turned toward the cracked voice. She stared hard through the veil of tears. Two tall spindly men stood in the open doorway. They both smiled, their mouths barely twitching. The smile never reached their cold gray eyes. Their faces were wrinkled and their skin gray. They both looked to be over a hundred years old. Red stood erect, her sword and dagger displayed at her sides. 177

Vivi Anna “My, you have grown into quite a formidable woman. Stronger than we ever expected you to be,” one Brother spoke. Red stared at them both, unmoving. The other brother nodded. “Strong breeding, that.” Red flinched. “Do not delude yourselves into thinking that my strength has anything to do with you.” Her voice was hard and cold. One Brother smiled. “But it has, my dear, it has everything to do with us, and you know it.” He moved into the room, bridging the gap between them. Red tensed. She raised her sword an inch, preparing. Both Brothers moved boldly into the room, flanking her on each side. “Do you not see? You are everything we hoped you’d be.” He stepped closer to her. “Ruthless, manipulative, selfish, cold, and cruel. Everything a father could ever hope for in a daughter.” Red cringed at the words. She was nobody’s daughter. In her mind, she was an orphan. Her parents dead and forgotten. “I am not your daughter.” “Oh, but you are our daughter. We both lay with your mother twenty years ago. A wild and conniving woman, was your mother. She had ambitions, drive, and just enough ruthlessness to succeed. Sold you, she did, for her ambitions. Sold you to us for the price of ruling this kingdom, but she was not fit to rule.” Red took in deep breaths. She tried to stop the words from entering her ears. But they seeped through and into her mind. She swallowed down the 178

Blood Red bile that rose in her throat at the thought of her Granny, her mother, with these two men. “Now you, my child, are very fit to rule.” Red shook her head. “What?” “Rule with us. You would make a mighty queen. We are getting old. The world we created is too chaotic for us to control. But you. Who would know better than a woman who already controls it?” He stepped closer to her. “Wait. Stop.” She put up her hand with the dagger. “You are asking me to rule?” “Yes, of course. We had it planned all along.” The room was starting to spin. Red had to shake her head again to right herself. “But you wanted me dead. You hired Wolf to kill me.” “Nonsense. Why would we do that? You are our daughter. Our flesh and blood. Wolf was hired to kill your ambitious mother and see to it that you made your way.” “Made my way?” “Yes, to make sure you grew up safely. That you grew into a strong vibrant woman. And you did. He was somewhat obsessive I think, though. Following you around. Sending people to kill you, to test your abilities.” The room began to fade. Red’s head became heavy. She shook it again. She could not hear these words. They were lying. Wolf would never do that to her. “I suppose he had to make sure. Make sure that you had the strength to come here and face us. And he was right. You do have the strength. You are ready to fulfill your destiny.” 179

Vivi Anna Red stumbled. She dropped her sword and fell toward the desk. She gripped the wood and steadied herself. He was wrong. Fulfill your destiny, Red. Wolf’s words echoed in her ears. She shook her head. No she would not believe it. It was all lies. Spiteful lies. I’ve been watching you. I’ve seen your abilities. It could not be. She would not believe it. Wolf loved her. She knew it. She could feel it when they touched, when he looked at her. She could see it in his eyes. That did not lie. Did it? “I see our Wolf has manipulated you well. Do not fret, my dear. He could have a place here at the castle. He could still be welcome in your bedchamber.” “Do not listen to them. They are full of lies and deceit.” Red looked up. Wolf loomed in the doorway. His clothes were splattered red. She looked away and down at the floor. “Red, I love you. You know I speak the truth.” A brother snorted. “Love? Love does not always speak the truth.” “True love, fated love does. Red, look at me.” Red looked up. Her head still spinning. “We are fated. You know this. You feel it. Nothing can break our binds.” Red stared at Wolf. His eyes flashed and she saw the man she truly loved. She stood up and cleared her mind. The room stopped spinning and she breathed in a cleansing breath. She knew what she had to do. It was all very clear. She walked toward Wolf. She bent 180

Blood Red down and picked up her sword. “You are right, fathers. I will rule.” The brothers smiled, triumph flashing in their stormy eyes. “But I will rule alone.” Red raised her sword and sliced through one of the brothers. He fell to the ground, a mortal wound across his chest. She turned toward the other brother. He had a dagger in his hand. He raised it. “The bonds may not break, but they can be cut.” He released the knife. It flew through the air toward Wolf. Red ran to him. She saw the blade fly through the air like it was moving slowly through water. She jumped up in front of Wolf. “No!” Wolf cried out. Red landed on the floor. A deep sharp pain sang through her chest. She could hardly take in a breath. Wolf loomed over her. His face twisted in pain. She reached up and touched his skin. She cradled his cheek with her palm. “Are you hurt?” she asked. Tears ran down his cheeks. “No. I am not hurt.” Red smiled. She was glad. She did not want him to hurt again. She turned her head to look at the brother Grimm. He stood still on the other side of the room. He looked at them, with almost compassion on his twisted face. “How unfortunate. Not the outcome I was hoping for.” Red coughed. She brought a shaky hand to her mouth. She gazed down at the crimson on her fingers. She looked down past her hand. Blood blossomed 181

Vivi Anna across her shirt. The knife still stuck out of her chest. She moved her hand down to the hilt. She touched it reverently. *** Wolf touched her hand as she gripped the knife. Emotion poured over him like a cascading waterfall. He could hardly breathe from the power of it. He had come too far to lose her. She had jumped in front of the knife meant for him. If she had not, the knife would have imbedded into his throat, that he was sure. She had saved his life, by sacrificing her own. “Wolf?” He gazed down into her pale face. She was looking up at him, a small smile on her bloodied lips. Her eyes shone like wet gems. “I’m here.” “I know. I can feel you. I can always feel you. Even when my hate for you blinded me to all reason, I could still feel you deep down in the lightest part of my soul. I will always love you, for helping me to see. To finally see.” “What do you see?” “You.” Wolf sighed deeply. Tears fell freely from his dark eyes. He wanted to hug her to him. To press his life into hers. To give her some substance to feed her. To feed her chance of life. He howled. He howled like a wolf. A wolf that lost his life-long mate. *** 182

Blood Red

Red could feel her life slipping. Her body began to chill. She would soon feel icy and stiff, unable to move ever again. She gazed into Wolf’s darkening eyes and wished they had more time. She wanted to tell him so much. To show him how much she loved him. How much his very existence made her feel whole. Maybe they would meet again in the next life. And this time she would let nothing stand in their way. She grabbed his hand on the knife. “Guide my hand strong and true. Know that my love will help you find its mark.” Through the sheen of tears, Wolf saw her nod. He looked down at their hands joined together on the knife. “Touching, but I really must go. I have a kingdom to destroy.” The Brother stepped toward them, intending to go around and out through the door. He stopped in midstride. He rolled his eyes up and tried to see the unseen. His hand came up to his forehead. His fingers came away bloody. He fell back onto the floor, the knife sticking out of his head. “Nice shot.” Rapunzel knelt down on the other side of Red. Red chuckled and grabbed her hand. “Did not think you’d make it.” “I also, but I found my power deep inside. Morgana was not expecting it.” She smiled down at Red. Footsteps fell down the hall. Junior, Papa, Hans and Goldilocks filled the doorway. They all looked 183

Vivi Anna down quietly at Red. Hans was limping, and Goldilocks favored her arm. It hung at her side, bloody and torn. “Looks like we got here too late. You’ve killed all the bad guys.” Goldilocks smiled down at Red. Red coughed and looked around at the group. “So this is the mighty seven.” “And you, the mighty one,” Rapunzel added. “Not much of a prophecy if you ask me,” Red chuckled. She cringed as the pain shot through her. She could barely bring in a breath. “The only place I’m going to rule is the afterlife.” Goldilocks grabbed Wolf and Junior’s hands. Junior grabbed Papa’s. Around they went, gripping hands, completing the circle. Hans reached down and grabbed Rapunzel’s. A bolt of power surged through them all. It traveled from one to the other. They all felt it as it traveled the circle. It ended in Red. She felt it the moment the circle had closed. Warmth spread over her like the rising sun on a clear summer day. She closed her eyes and sucked the warmth in. Savoring it. Behind her eyes, she saw a glorious light. It was bright but not so to blind her. She felt the power of it overwhelming her, drawing her to it. Red took in one last breath, then let go. The sun felt glorious on her skin. She leaned back onto the soft grass of the meadow and closed her eyes. A soft breeze tickled her as it blew across her body. She giggled and turned on her side. She opened her eyes. Wolf lay beside her. He smiled, his eyes blazing bright. He was dressed in a thin cotton shirt untied at his neck. Dark thick hair peeked out from the collar. His dungarees 184

Blood Red were dark brown and fit tight to his muscular body. Red looked her fill, devouring him with her eyes. She’d always liked the dangerous look of him. Dreams were made of him. Wolf touched her face gently, cupping her cheek. He leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. It was a warm and passionate kiss, their tongues meshing. Wolf let his hand travel down her arm and over to her breast. He molded her with his large hand. Her nipple peaked under his touch. Red moaned as he flicked his thumb over her nipple, teasing her gently. She nipped at his lips, and pressed her mouth to his chin, traveling lower to his throat. She licked him just under his ear where he was most sensitive. Wolf growled deep in his throat. He moved his hand lower and pressed his hand to her groin. She closed her eyes on a sigh as he stroked her over the fabric of her pants. Her sex throbbed painfully for his touch. She smiled sweetly to herself. “Is this a dream?” “No. Open your eyes.” Red slowly opened her eyes. Wolf loomed over her, his face still wet with tears. He smiled when she saw him. He hugged her to him, and sobbed. “I thought I lost you,” he sighed into her neck. “You did, but I found my way back. You guided me home.” “It was our power that healed you. Our circle of power. Now the prophecy has been fulfilled.” Rapunzel squeezed Red’s hand and beamed down at her. “Lovely. Now can you release my hand? You’re 185

Vivi Anna hurting me.” Rapunzel laughed and released Red’s hand. The others all joined in. Wolf set her back on the floor and looked deep into her eyes. “Don’t ever leave me again.” “I won’t if you promise me the same.” “I promise you.” She lifted her arms and wrapped them around his neck. “Now kiss me, I want to go back to my dream.” Wolf leaned down and pressed his mouth to hers. And the world was set right in that kiss. They all lived happily ever after. Like they do in fairy tales.

THE END

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About the Author

V

ivi Anna lives in the shadows of the majestic Canadian Rockies with her gorgeous brilliant daughter. When she’s not tantalizing readers, she enjoys an intense game of crazy eights and anything chocolate covered. Vivi Anna has had several short erotic stories published in various men’s mags and in three anthologies, all penned under the name Vivian Black. She is hard at work on several other steamy novels, and hopes to one day write a self-help book for all those who ever put their nose up at her writing entitled "Why Be Good When You Can Be…Very Very Bad"