Fangs & Freaks (Shifters of Myths and Legends #1)

Chapter 17

Chapter Seventeen

Varys

The air wherever this place is feels heavy, tension crackling like an electric storm. Warrick and Blackwell flank me, their presence grounding even as my own nerves feel frayed. Bellonna—Bloody Mary, or whatever she wants to call herself—stands in the center of the room, her dark black lips curved in a smile that’s as dangerous as it is alluring.

Her eyes glint like glistening onyx, and with a single wave of her hand, the aura around her shifts. The dark, ghostly form she carried only moments ago transforms into something achingly human. She stands before us now as a woman—human, soft curves replacing the sharp edges of her supernatural visage. Her long, raven-black hair falls in waves over her shoulders, framing a face that is devastatingly beautiful. Intricate tattoos cover her neck, hands, and arms. She has a nose ring, hoop earrings, and layered silver chains around her neck, including one with a heart pendant encrusted with what looks like diamonds. Her long, sharp nails are painted bright red.

But there’s something haunting in her gaze, something that tugs at my chest in ways I don’t entirely understand.

I can’t stop myself. I step forward, drawn to her despite every warning that flashes through my mind. I reach out, cupping her face gently between my hands. Her skin is warm, softer than I expect, and for a moment, she doesn’t pull away.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper. “I’m sorry you had to endure all of that.”

Her expression hardens immediately, and she swats my hand away with a force that leaves my fingers tingling.

“Don’t,” she snaps, her voice like ice. “Don’t you dare feel bad for me, unicorn.” She steps back, her heels clicking against the floor, but her gaze never wavers from mine. “My life was boring, and clearly, my friends were fake. If I hadn’t died, I’d have been some dull little housewife in some forgotten village.”

Her laughter is sharp and bitter, cutting through the room like a blade. “But now? Now I’m stronger, wiser, and powerful. And most importantly?” She tilts her head, a smirk pulling at her lips. “Sexier. I take what I want now, forget the asking and playing nice.”

Her words sting in a way I don’t expect. I glance at Warrick and Blackwell, their expressions unreadable, but I press on. “But you’re alone,” I say quietly, my voice trembling just slightly.

Bellonna’s smirk falters for the briefest of moments, but she recovers quickly. “Well, I won’t be anymore,” she says, her tone turning sweet and mocking. “Because you’re mine now, Varys.”

My stomach tightens at her words. “What?”

“I’m done playing cat and mouse with this band of fanged bikers,” she says, casting a glance toward Warrick and Blackwell. “You called me and asked for help. I answered. And then you backstabbed me.”

“That’s not true!” Warrick shouts, his voice a growl that echoes off the walls. Blackwell joins him, his tone equally irate. “He never backstabbed you, Bellonna! If anything, you’re the one?—”

Bellonna raises a hand, cutting them off with a single motion. “I don’t care,” she says coolly. “You betrayed me in your own way, and now?” She smirks. “Now, I’m taking what’s mine.”

The world tilts suddenly, my stomach dropping as if I’ve been yanked from the ground. The room spins, colors bleeding together in a nauseating swirl before everything goes black.

When the sensation stops, I land on something soft, though the impact still knocks the breath from my lungs. I sit up quickly, heart racing, and find myself in a bedroom. The bed I’m on is massive, covered in silk sheets and an intricate lace canopy.

It’s luxurious, the kind of room you’d expect to see in a gothic romance novel. Dark wood furniture looms around me, the bed beneath me massive and draped in black sheets. Heavy curtains cover the windows, blocking out any hint of light, and the air smells faintly of roses and something metallic—like blood.

“What the hell?” I mutter, my voice barely more than a whisper.

Bellonna appears before me, stepping out from the shadows like a predator stalking its prey. She looks different here—more relaxed, almost playful—but the intensity in her eyes hasn’t diminished.

She laughs, a soft, melodic sound that sends a shiver down my spine. “Oh, Varys,” she says, stepping closer. “You’re so delicious when you’re scared. But don’t worry, I don’t bite... much.”

I scoot back, my pulse pounding in my ears. “What do you want from me?”

She tilts her head, studying me like I’m a puzzle she’s trying to solve. “I already told you,” she says. “You’re mine now.”

“I don’t belong to anyone,” I reply firmly, though my voice wavers.

Her smile widens, and she steps even closer, her presence overwhelming. “Oh, Varys.” Her fingers brush against my cheek, cupping my jaw. “You’ll change your mind soon enough.”

Her touch burns like fire and ice all at once, and I can’t stop the shudder that runs through me. I try to pull away, but her grip tightens, her nails digging into my skin.

“Let me go,” I demand, though the words come out weak.

“Why would I do that?” she purrs, her lips brushing against my ear. “You called me, remember? You wanted my help. And now, you’ll get it—on my terms.”

I struggle against her, but it’s no use. Her strength is inhuman, and I’m no match for her. “Bellonna, please?—”

“Shh,” she whispers, pressing a finger to my lips. “You’ll thank me later.”

Her eyes glow brighter, and for a moment, I feel like I’m drowning in their depths. My body feels heavy, my mind clouded. And then I hear her voice, soft and teasing, echoing in my mind. You’re mine now, Varys.

My breaths become shallow as I take in more of the room. The walls are draped in crimson velvet, the floor is hardwood. I scramble off the bed, my heart pounding as I glance around.

“Bellonna,” I say, my voice steady despite the knot forming in my throat. “Where are we?”