KING OF THE UNDERWORLD (Earthbound Book 1)

I know what I’m about to do will likely shock Alex to his core, especially if he’s never seen a witch before.

I sit deadly still, letting my entire body relax and my eyes drift close. It feels as though my very soul has drifted away from my body and is floating around on a fluffy white cloud. I feel the warmth within my body grow, the intensity building and causing my skin to radiate heat. Although I can’t see it, I know my hair is flickering like the flames of a burning sun. My mind clears of everything that has happened the last few days and I open the mental link I share with my sisters.

Link open, I can sense each of my sisters right at the edge of my mind. I search until I find the one I need to contact. Relief flows through the line when she senses me, and I breathe out a sigh as it rushes through me too.

“Scarlett!!” Pamela’s built-up fear bombards me through the link. “Where the hell have you been!?” Even in my head, her words are loud and I’m glad to be having this conversation mentally rather than in person. She would likely blow out an eardrum with her volume otherwise. “We’ve been trying for days to contact you.” Her concern takes over and I feel as though I’m being pulled into her warm embrace.

“I’m sorry it’s taken so long to contact you.” I decide right then not to get into the agreement I made with Lucien or tell her any of what went down between us. It’s best if I tell her just enough to give her hope and to satisfy my family’s worries. The last thing any of us need is for them to panic and demand that I return home immediately… and that would be the best-case scenario. Worst case, they show up here and make things worse. Megan’s life is on the line, and I will do whatever is necessary to find her. “I’ve been talking to Lucien, trying to come to an agreement. A soul keeper took Megan from the club and Lucien has agreed to help us find her.”

“A soul keeper?” Pamela’s distress is palpable, and it mirrors my own reaction when I found out. “How the hell will we be able to find her? If he’s removed her soul….”

“Lucien has assured me that her soul is intact for the time being. The soul keeper who took her is a bounty hunter and was likely given instructions not to harm her.”

“So Lucien found the soul keeper?”

“No, he’s disappeared. Lucien and I agree that he’s probably not the only person on the payroll of whoever wanted her taken.”

“Do you trust him, Scarlett? Should we trust him?”

“What other options do we have, Pamela? This is the first and only firm lead we’ve found regarding what happened to Megan. Others have been disappearing, also.”

“What do you mean, others?”

“I mean, there have been humans and Naturals going missing. It’s as if they’ve vanished; there one minute and gone the next.”

“Bloody hell. What the fuck is happening?” Pamela asks, her frustration flowing through me. “When will you be coming home?”

I knew I wouldn’t be able to avoid that question for long and I know she really isn’t going to like my answer.

“I’m not. I’ve agreed to stay here until we find Megan.” I tense, waiting for her response and feel relieved once more that this conversation isn’t happening face-to-face. Pamela can be downright terrifying when she’s scared and angry.

I start to wonder if we’ve lost the connection. She’s completely silent and I can’t feel any emotions coming over the line. Suddenly, I’m hit with her white-hot rage, strong enough to rocket pain through my skull.

“Are. You. Fucking. Kidding. Me!? You will not stay there. You will come home this instant; do you hear me?”

“Pamela. Stop. I’m not a little girl anymore. I’ve made my decision and I’m staying. I promise that if I sense that I’m in any danger, I will come straight home.” I reassure her.

I wait, but all I’m met with is silence. “Pamela,” I call across the link. “Pamela, talk to me.”

I feel more than hear her sigh. I know she’s worried about me, hell, I’m worried about me. But we really don’t have any better options at this point.

“I don’t like this, but I do see the logic in you staying. If you’re adamant about this, then we are going to come and make sure you’re not in any danger.”

“You don’t need to do that,” I protest. I don’t want them here. I love them and don’t want them in any more danger than they’re already in. “I’m fine, I promise. And I will contact you every day. Twice a day, even.”

“NO,” She shouts down the line. “If you insist on staying there, fine. But we will be coming to see you, whether you like it or not. Lucien Sinclair is going to have to put up with a family of witches on his property.”

I groan. This is not what I wanted to happen at all, but I know there’s no sense arguing the point further. We’re all the same when it comes to our stubbornness; nothing can change our minds once we’ve decided on a course of action. I’m just going to have to resign myself to them coming here and find a way to keep them safe.

“Fine. When will you arrive?”

“I will inform the others about what’s going on and plan to arrive late afternoon on Saturday. If something happens before then and you need us, let me know. If you think it’s best that you get out of there, don’t hesitate. Just come home.”

“I will; I promise. And I will let Lucien know to expect you.” I tell her with a sigh. “I have to go now. I’ll contact you later.”

I’m distracted when we say our goodbyes, trying to figure out how to tell Lucien that my family of witches will be descending in just a few days. I don’t really blame my sisters for wanting to come check things out. If I were in their position, nothing would stop me from ensuring their safety, either.

Opening my eyes, I look around and find Alex standing in the exact same place, a look of wonder on his slim face. He appears to have been rendered speechless, his mouth hanging open slightly, and I resist the urge to get up and close it for him. I hear him mutter “Wow. This is unbelievable,” and I know what he means. Because of my mixed powers, when I make a mental link with someone, my body emits a bright glowing light. The rest of my family is the same. If he’s never seen a witch before, I can play it off like it’s normal for all witches. I just have to hope he doesn’t mention this to anyone who does know about witches and their powers.

I give him a reassuring smile and ask, “Was I glowing?” I let out a light laugh, hoping he doesn’t hear how forced it is.

He nods, his eyes lit up with the wonder of a child discovering magic for the first time as his body radiates a slight nervousness. He finally manages to speak in a reverent voice, “You’re the first witch I’ve ever seen.” His admission is accompanied by a shy smile. “I can’t believe what I just saw. Did you know your entire body was lit up? Your hair looked like the flames of a raging fire.”

I continue to smile at him, even as I mentally scramble for an explanation. My omega wakes up and chimes in. Be truthful. I know what she means. Tell him as much of the truth as I can without giving anything away. As a shifter, he can smell lies, so that is the safest route.

“I know what it looked like, but I’m not that special. I’m a witch, but I’m also human.” I leave out any reference to my omega. “I have a mental link to my family, and what you just saw is what happens when I connect with them.” I hope he buys that explanation and that he doesn’t go asking around… that could really cause problems for me. More than I’m already dealing with, that is.

I don’t want to go back inside. There’s something about this garden that has infused my body with a sense of peace, a certain tranquility I don’t remember experiencing before. Unfortunately, I know he will likely get in trouble for allowing me to stay out here any longer and he’s been nice to me. I don’t want him getting into trouble on my account. Hopefully I’ll get to come out here again. This would be the perfect place to relax and write. I make a mental note to memorize the route from here to my room so I can retrace my steps later.

“I suppose you’d better take me back to my cell,” I huff, dragging my feet as I walk over to the door leading back into the building. I pull the door open and stand to the side so I can follow Alex back to the room I only left a few hours ago, though it feels like it’s been much longer. So much has changed since then. I hope the items I requested are waiting for me in my room. At least then I’ll be able check my email.

“Are you hungry?” Alex inquires as we’re walking down the hall, stopping and looking at me.

His question seems to wake my appetite because I suddenly smell food and my stomach rumbles loudly. “Sorry,” I shrug sheepishly, embarrassment staining my cheeks. “I haven’t eaten since breakfast. I could definitely do with something to eat.”

His grin lights up his face and he says, “The kitchen is just up here. We usually eat in there during the day. Dora’s our cook and her food is fantastic.”

I walk slightly behind him as he leads me through a door into a vast kitchen. Three women are working away at a long counter, two younger and one older. Sitting at the largest dining table I’ve ever seen is another woman and two men, eating what looks to be beef stew.

“Dora,” Alex calls out in greeting, “This is Scarlett. She’s a guest of Lucien’s.”

Upon hearing his voice, the older woman turns around with a delighted expression on her plump face. Her build is stocky, and her black hair has streaks of grey running through it. I’m not getting any vibes indicating that she’s a Supernatural, so I know she must be human, which is surprising given Lucien’s distaste for humans in general.

“So, he let you out at last.” Dora states, rather than asks. “Don’t hide behind him, girly. Let me get a good look at you.” I hear a slight Irish lilt to her voice, and I follow the lead of her hand waving me forward, hoping she doesn’t try to touch me.

All eyes turn in my direction, assessing me. Bloody hell, I hate being the center of attention. I’m not here to make friends, but I can’t help the twinge of nerves that comes from wanting people to like me. I remind myself that I’m here for one reason and one reason alone; to find my sister. I shouldn’t care if people accept me or not, but the human side of me always does. I can feel my witch shrug her shoulders and hear her say, Tough shit if they don’t like us. Sometimes I wish my human side shared that attitude.

Dora nods her head in what seems like approval as she looks me up and down. She offers me a satisfied smile. “You’ll do. Take a seat,” she says, nodding towards the table. “I will get you a bowl of the beef casserole I have on the stove. I expect you’ll want some, too?” She asks Alex, laughter in her eyes.

“Of course. You know why I come to your kitchen. To see your beautiful face and eat your delicious food.” He offers a cheeky grin as he pulls out a chair for me and takes the seat to my left.

She works on spooning up two bowls of food and giggles, waving a wooden spoon at him. “That charm is going to get you in trouble one day.” I observe them in silence, listening to their banter. Alex reminds me of my male cousins and their ability to captivate any female audience.

“So… you’re the witch everyone’s been talking about?”

The room goes still and silent as seven pairs of eyes look over at me, watching for my reaction. I turn toward the voice and find it came from one of the women helping Dora in the kitchen. I meet her cold-eyed glare, undisguised hatred radiating from her expression. She’s undeniably beautiful with her willowy frame, flowing blonde hair tied back loosely, dark blue eyes, and full pink lips. I roll my eyes at her. That reaction is really growing old.

“If that’s what you’ve been told, then I suppose it must be true,” I reply with a shrug, turning my attention to Dora as she places a bowl in front of me.

I offer the kind older woman a smile. “Thank you. It looks and smells incredible,” I gush, picking up the spoon and taking a bite.

“Well,” the angry woman huffs, her animosity searing my flesh, “are you a witch?” She demands. I feel everyone’s eyes on me again.

“Julie, stop questioning the poor girl. Just leave it be,” Dora tells her, shaking her head with a slight frown on her face.

It’s plain as day that word’s gotten around about a witch staying here but nobody knows for sure that the witch is me.

“It’s fine,” I assure Dora with a smile, trying to brush over the awkwardness of the situation. I have nothing to be ashamed of and nothing to fear. None of these people would risk incurring Lucien’s wrath by laying a finger on someone he considers a guest. “Yes, I’m a witch and so are my family.” I meet Julie’s eyes as I say it and wait for her response.

“We do not welcome witches here,” she informs me with a curled lip, slamming her mug on the wooden table and causing it to spill out.

What a fucking bitch. Can I hit her? My witch perks up, hoping I’ll let her out, but I ignore her. If I let her out, it will only make matters worse.

Antagonism twisting her beautiful face, Julie continues. “We haven’t seen witches in years. Where the hell did you even come from? Why are you here?” She demands, her body shaking with anger. “I know there’s no way Lucien would invite you here as his guest,” her voice sounds like a caress on his name, but the final words are delivered with a hiss. Her teeth are grinding together, her breathing labored from her heated interrogation. I hear a low growl coming from beside me and glance over.

Shit. My eyes widen. The person sitting to my left is no longer the friendly, happy-go-lucky guy I entered the kitchen with. Alex’s affable expression has been replaced by that of a raving savage. Shit. This is bad.

I turn my attention back to Julia. I can almost swear that her words are coated in jealousy. I wonder if Lucien has fucked her. That would partially explain her ridiculous behavior. I have a feeling I’m going to face the same animosity from half the women in this building. It’s looking more and more like he shares his cock with anyone who’s half-willing.

Bloody hell. How did I end up in such a mess?

It feels like the oxygen has been sucked from the room as everyone waits with bated breath to see my reaction. I feel Alex twitching in the chair beside me, his anger rising. I can’t tell if it’s directed at Julie or at me.

“You have no business knowing anything about me, my family, or where we come from,” I tell her as I stir my food, keeping my voice and expression flat and emotionless. “I am here at Lucien’s request, and I intend to stay for as long as he wants me here, or until I choose to leave.” I turn my attention to the bowl in front of me and take a large bite of the casserole, hoping she drops it. If Lucien considered her important, he would have told her who I was and why I’m here.

“Julie, back the fuck off,” Alex growls. “Lucien ordered me to keep her safe and to ensure that she was treated like a guest. Don’t make me tell him that you couldn’t manage to follow his orders.”

From the corner of my eye, I see how close he is to losing his temper. The tension in the room goes up a few notches. “If you wish to remain in one piece, I suggest you keep your mouth shut and your thoughts to yourself,” Alex sneers, his eyes flashing an intense yellow. “That goes for anyone else who thinks they have something to say.” He looks around the room, making eye contact with each person until they drop their gaze. “Of course… If anyone agrees with Julie here, you are free to seek Lucien out and share your thoughts with him. I’m sure he’d be very interested to hear them.”

“Now, now, Alex. We don’t want that. I’m sure Julie didn’t mean to offend Lucien’s guest.” Dora forces out a laugh while shooting daggers at Julie with her eyes. It’s obvious she’s more than a little irritated but wants to diffuse some of the tension in the room.

“She needs to learn to keep her mouth shut. I’m not giving her any more chances,” Alex warns Dora before turning his head and glaring at Julia. “If Lucien didn’t want Scarlett to be here, she wouldn’t be. This is your only warning. Keep your mouth shut and your opinions to yourself. If I hear you aren’t doing that, I will make sure you are out of here before you can even blink.”

I tune out of the remainder of the conversation, lost in my thoughts. It is going to be really uncomfortable staying here, knowing that Julie likely isn’t alone in her prejudice and anger. I wonder if anyone here has ever even met a witch before. I’m not used to experiencing this kind of vitriol, most people I come across have no idea that I’m a witch. We don’t exactly go around advertising our powers.

With a start, I realize Alex is talking to me. “If you’ve finished with your stew, I will walk you back to your room. Hopefully, the things you requested have been delivered.” There’s a look of apology painted across his youthful features, and I am flooded with gratitude towards him for standing up for me.

I tell everyone good-bye, noticing Julia’s lack of response. I can feel her eyes shooting daggers at my back as I follow Alex out of the kitchen. I can only imagine what the conversation will be like now that I’ve left, and I wish for a moment to be a fly in the wall to hear it. But Julia and the rest of those people are the least of my concerns. I just hope Aria doesn’t track me down.

SCARLETT

SEVERAL HOURS LATER

I’m in bed trying to fall asleep but haven’t been able to due to the tumble of thoughts running through my mind. I need to be sure to always keep my guard up, and with my family coming, I need to make sure to warn them about Aria. I’ve yet to tell Lucien about my family coming. I could be wrong, but I doubt he’ll object to their visit.

I turn my head towards the window and feel my eyes growing heavy as I yawn. I’m exhausted. As my eyes begin to drift shut, I see the lights outside flicker, seeming to bounce off the ground before going black. I fall into a deep slumber.

“I hate you,” I spit, my hands curling into fists as I fly at him.

He catches my wrists and pins me to the wall, his thigh wedged between my own. “Did you really think I would let you go?” He mocks.

Heat floods my body, my heart pounding in my chest. I can’t tell if I’m aroused or furious… probably both. I try to yank myself from his grip but no matter how much I struggle, he’s just too strong and seems determined to keep me pinned to the wall.

“Get your hands off of me,” I grind out angrily. I struggle harder, causing my clit to rub against his leg and making my core flood with need. A moan slips from my lips as I grind myself against his thigh.

“I can feel how much you want me,” he growls. “That’s right. Ride me.” He shifts his leg to create even more friction as he pushes himself closer to me. I can feel every inch of him pressed against my body. His flesh is so hot, I feel like I’m seconds away from catching fire. Yet I want more. I crave more. I can feel every ridge and contour of his throbbing cock, and I gasp at the size of it. I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to block him from every one of my senses. I cannot let this happen. I will not fall for his lies again.

An angry flush covers my body. I hate him for what he’s done, how he has broken me. Even more, I hate how he awakens every part of me, body and soul, the way I feel when I’m with him. I despise the need rushing through my veins, a need only he can fulfill. Even as I struggle to break free from his grip, I can’t stop myself from rocking back and forth, pleasuring myself against his thigh. He thrusts into me again and I let out a mewling whine. He groans, his eyes flashing red.

“Stop it. Stop touching me,” I beg, tugging my arms to free them from his grip.

“Admit you made a mistake in leaving me,” he demands.

“It wasn’t a mistake.” I spit back, turning my head away from him.

“Tell me you forgive me,” he says softly against my ear before taking the lobe into his mouth and gently biting down on it.

“You expect me to forgive you after all the lies you told me!? How could I possibly forgive you after what you’ve done?” I barely manage to choke out.

“YOU. ARE. MINE!” He roars, thrusting harder against me, panting as he bites down on my shoulder.

“I might have been yours, but you were never mine.” I whisper even as a moan slips out when his teeth sink into my skin.

I wake with a jolt, heart hammering.

What in the ever-loving hell did I just dream?