Red Moon Secrets (Deadly Beauties 3)

Mom flinches upon hearing a night stalker voice the fact that he's starving while holding her witch daughter in his arms. I'd gladly let him feed on me if I wasn't so pissed about what assholes they're all being.

"I meant actual food," Kane says, amused when he notices my mother's discomfort.

Her lips thin, and again, she holds back her spiteful remark that is probably stinging her tongue.

"Alyssa, you should stay here with us," she says, her wary eyes not leaving Kane.

"No," I say, refusing to loosen my grip. "And stop looking at him like that. You of all people have no right to judge."

A roar of chilling laughter floats through the house, letting us know Drackus is home. I can't believe he lost his fucking mind and tried to take me out.

He strolls through, chuckling at Mom's expense, prompting her to roll her eyes in response.

"She does have a point, dear," he murmurs while giving her a wink.

My jaw drops. What the hell?

"You're still high on the power," she grumbles. "Go drink that potion and try to sober up."

He's covered in the same ashy residue as Gage was as he stalks toward her, seeming indifferent to all of us. Her cheeks flush as he nears with an animalistic prowess, his eyes dark and jaded with too much of the high.

He's stuck in the in-between right now. I get high and come straight down. Drackus sometimes does the same thing, but he struggles on occasion. I'd hate to be in that in-between phase, but I almost wonder if that's where I was when I went to Kane's last night. If I was then that means I hit the ultimate high—like Drackus.

We all keep quiet, trying not to spook the predator he is right now. Without warning, he throws his hand toward us, lashing out at Kane and knocking both of us back with a gust of power. We're suddenly sprawled out against the wall.

"Night stalker, night stalker," he taunts, his eyes burning with menace.

"Drackus!" Mom gasps. "Stop!"

My body is pinned against Kane's as Drackus continues toward us. Defense mechanisms kick in, darkness stirs, and suddenly I feel almost as high as him.

"Fucking shit. I'll get it," Gage growls, close to vaporizing himself and Drackus again.

"Actually, I think it's my turn," I murmur, the taste of power burning through my veins.

"Alyssa," Kane whispers, trying to break the spell I'm under.

An invisible string snaps, and Drackus's hold on me vanishes. Kane thuds to the ground, refusing to use his own power. Foolish night stalker. He's too soft. I'm not though. I want to play.

Drackus's intrigue stirs as he circles me—his worthy opponent.

"Shall we dance, daughter?" he asks, mockery in his tone.

A sinister grin quirks up on my lips, and I give a small wink that blasts out enough power to blow him through the side of the house. The sound pummels the ears of all as the roar of my power buzzes, creating a thunderous drumming. It feels so good.

My hair falls darker under the trance, making me feel complete and whole. An intoxicating rush flows through me, leaving me determined to never let it go this time.

"I'll lead," I murmur, taunting the man splayed on the ground.

Before I can do any further damage, I feel the tingling sensation of a vaporizing. No! No!

I swat at the arms around me, but it's too late. I'm spiraling through the planes, cursing the interfering dark user for meddling in my fight. I had him. I could have taken him, damn it!

I stumble to the ground in a dark playground for twisted minds. I'll rip him to pieces for this.

"What the fuck?" I blare, searching aimlessly for Gage, but I can't find him.

"You need to cool down. This helps," he says, his voice nearly an echo from what sounds like miles away.