Saving sophia, p.1
Saving Sophia, page 1
Hidden Park
Saving Sofia
By
R. A. Baca
Saving Sophia
The Hidden Park Series Book 3
R. A. Baca
Copyright 2020 R. A. Baca
All Rights Reserved
This book is a work of fiction. Any references to real events, real people, and real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, organizations or places is entirely coincidental.
All rights are reserved. This book is intended for the purchaser of this e-book ONLY. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage retrieval system, without the express written permission of the author. All songs, song titles, and lyrics contained in this book are the property of the respective songwriters and copyright holders.
Disclaimer: The material in this book contains graphic language and sexual content and is intended for mature audiences, ages 18 and older.
Re-Edited by Booktique Editing
Cover design by PosterMyWall
Cover Image Copyright 2020
Second Edition 2020
All Rights Reserved
Table of Contents
Chapter 1……………………………………….5
Chapter 2……………………………………….8
Chapter 3……………………………………….12
Chapter 4……………………………………….17
Chapter 5……………………………………….20
Chapter 6……………………………………….23
Chapter 7……………………………………….26
Chapter 8……………………………………….29
Chapter 9……………………………………….33
Chapter 10……………………………………….36
Chapter 11……………………………………….39
Chapter 12……………………………………….42
Chapter 13……………………………………….45
Chapter 14……………………………………….47
Chapter 15……………………………………….50
Chapter 16……………………………………….52
Epilogue……………………………………….56
Prologue
Finn
I’m young for a vampire, barely half a century. I look closer to twenty-five. As a born vampire, I still age, just much slower. Drake O’Reilly, my father, is nearing his hundred and fiftieth year but looks like he is in his late fifties. He’s been on me about finding someone to mate with, to continue our line, as if we’re some fucked-up royalty. I travel from country to country when I can, but enjoy living in Ireland the most—my homeland.
Dear old Father needs me in the United States, and I ignore him as much as possible. That is, until he forced his damn sire bond on me, compelling me to fulfill his wishes. As his blood child, I’m bound to him as is my little sister. Her name is the only Irish thing about her—Saoirse, pronounced Sur-sha. She’s barely eighteen, and grew up in New York in a boarding school away from Drake, thankfully. She and I are the last known born vamps, our bloodline will die with us unless we chose to have children. Knowing Drake, he will force her into an ‘arranged’ bonding to someone he wants an alliance with. Saoirse is the only reason I’m even going to his damn mating ball next week.
As born vampires, we don’t have to hide, we can eat normal food, go in the sun, drink holy water, and consume as much garlic as we dare. Being decapitated and staked in the heart are the only real surefire ways to end us, but who wouldn’t that kill? Saoirse is being brought to Drake for this ball, and I have a feeling our time away from his clutches is ending. He’s a power-drunk asshole who needs to die. Being bound to him, neither Saoirse nor I can kill him, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t both trying to figure out how to end him.
I don’t know who he convinced to be his mate this time. My mother, another vampire, he killed when I was in my teens when she found her true mate and tried to leave us. I never blamed her, I wanted to run too, but I couldn’t. Saoirse’s mother, also a vampire, he killed after Saoirse was born because he just wanted a daughter to use and control. Nannies, tutors, and teachers raised Saoirse, and I’m grateful she wasn’t close to Drake. She’s a good lass—sweet, kind, and loyal—well, loyal to her friends and me with a forced loyalty to Drake, as do I.
We have our own minds, but if Drake commands us to do something, we have no choice, it’s the ultimate compulsion. We can compel other non-vampires, but it’s more of a ‘strong suggestion’ that they usually follow. The stronger-minded individuals can fight it if they don’t want to do what they are told. However, that rarely happens.
True mates can’t compel each other at all. That’s how Drake killed Saoirse’s mother. He compelled her to kill herself, and since she wasn’t a true mate, she followed through with his suggestion. That could’ve only happened if part of her wanted to die already. And being with Drake, I imagine death would be preferable to being with him. Sick bastard loves to torture people, finding their weaknesses, and exploiting them.
The compulsion he can do with Saoirse and me as he wants is the reason I tried to stay as far from him as possible. I’m all for hurting those who deserve it, and have no problem being a bastard if needed. Being sweet and kind is my sister’s thing. I can tolerate and be semi-polite if need be, but only Saoirse gets my kindness and love. She’s the only person I genuinely care for. I’m a prick to women, but they seem to love it since I’m never without company when I need a release.
Life has recently become mundane, constantly moving and hiding from Drake. It’s pathetic. I know from certain contacts in my travels he’s up to something big. He has been working on controlling all the supernaturals in the US, getting other supernaturals to follow him. The last I heard, he has a few witches and shifters on his side. If those rumors are true, then I suspect Drake’s soon-to-be mate is part of this plan. I can’t let that happen. If taking out his new mate foils his plans, then I need to make that happen. His rule and life need to end, and I’m going to make sure that happens.
Chapter 1
Sophia
A ball! Drake’s having a damn ball to celebrate our upcoming mating ceremony. I was fine with having to meet his clan vamps and pretend I’m here willingly, but a ball, really? Does he not know this isn’t the 1800s, and I need not be presented to society at a coming-out party? I’m a doctor and shifter, not some socialite princess. The closest I have come to ballroom dancing was at a human friend’s wedding. I somehow don’t think they will consider the chicken dance or electric slide ball worthy.
Drake’s son and daughter are coming, and I’m sure they are just balls of sunshine if they are anything like their father. On top of the ball tomorrow, I have the wicked witch of Montana bothering me daily—Katrina Everly. Katrina is the bitch princess who’s just loving that she gets to go to the ball tomorrow and meet Finn, Drake’s son. She has blatantly begged. I swear she whined to Drake that he just had to have Finn choose her for his mate. I believe Drake is considering the alliance, so it will tie her witch family to his. Katrina is desperate to align herself with anyone with some semblance of power. Pathetic.
Regina and Coleen Anderson were here for a short time, but after confronting Katrina about why she killed their sister, they’ve had second thoughts on being ‘friends’ with her. From my understanding, they are still close by somewhere. They were never nice to Riley from what I have heard, so I’m unsure why they are bothered by her death, but maybe they developed a conscience. That would be nice. More likely, they realized that they were expendable, not only to Drake but to Katrina. I swear this girl is just as evil as he is.
These are my thoughts as I’m enduring the last fitting for my, ahem, ball gown. I’ll admit it’s pretty. It’s emerald green with a square neckline and black corseted waist that pushes up my pretend boobs and falls to the ground in a silk waterfall. I like that it’s not a princess girly-type of gown, but it has a little sexy edge to it.
It has been so long since I felt pretty or sexy. I’m confident enough in my appearance, but I’ve always been too busy to date seriously or get dressed up often. My birthday is in a few weeks, December 27, then my twin brothers’ birthday is mid-January. Hopefully, I can see them for the holiday and their birthday. Drake has scheduled our mating ceremony to happen in late January, and I doubt Drake cares about holidays or family.
Aria and I have had a few dream ‘chats,’ so at least I’m kept in the loop. Tristan and Londyn’s wedding plans are on hold, even against my wishes. Aria and her trio of mates are all super in love, and she’s the envy of every girl in town. She tells me the twins have almost come to blows with a couple of tourists and non-pack males who were looking at Aria way too long. They are the overprotective ones of her little harem, while Jonah is laid-back and easygoing. His tactic recently has been to grab and kiss the daylights out of Aria, to show others she’s taken. The twins later said they should’ve thought of that, but, of course, they act first and think later. That poor girl has her hands full with them, but they are all so in love with her, it makes me so happy for them. I hope to find that too, even if it’s with a vampire.
I have yet to meet anyone I feel anything other than disgust for. All the people here, both vamps and shifters, are all assholes. As much as my wolf and I want to rip everyone’s throat out, we’re biding our time, learning everything we can about the compound. The only problem I have is going outside. I’m not permitted to shift. Katrina’s damn parents put a block on me before they took off, leaving their evil spawn behind. I can’t contact anyone with the pack link, and I can’t shift. At least, they don’t know about Aria’s and my dream talks.
“You’re done,” the crisp voice of the vampire doing my final adjustments tells me. Evil bitch.
“Thank you. I’ll take it off and hang it up,” I tell her politely. She doesn’t reply, just grabs her things and leaves in a hurry. Fuck you too, then.
I hang the dress up and put my more comfortable clothes on. Drake has purchased an entire wardrobe for me. Lots of women would be enthusiastic about getting all new clothes, but not me. I want yoga pants and T-shirts. Shit, give me at least jeans, but no, Drake has fitted dresses and stuffy pantsuits. Who the fuck dresses like this? Lawyers? He told me I need to be equal to his status, and it will show my sophistication. It’s all utter bullshit.
My parents had money, Tristan raised us with money, and I made my money as the town doctor. I never had to dress like a Stepford wife to show my wealth. Comfort over quality, not whatever this is. Maybe Drake will decide he wants someone else, and I can go home. Right, like he’d just let me go!
There’s a knock on my door a moment before it’s opened because who would wait for an answer before storming in? That’s right, a person with manners of which Katrina has none.
“Sophia, Master Drake wants you in the dining room immediately,” she says with her holier-than-thou tone. Master Drake. Please, I’d not call him that no matter what he did to me.
“Of course,” I respond with all the control I can muster as if I don’t want to bash her face into the stone wall. Stars above, give me patience.
“Master Finn is coming tomorrow, and he’s going to be my mate.” Katrina keeps on talking. Why she thinks I want to have a conversation with her, I have no idea. Poor guy, he’s the spawn of Drake, and he is getting a bitch for a mate. He must have drowned puppies in a previous life to deserve that combination.
“Well, isn’t that just delightful, you’ll be my daughter-in-law!” I love pretending to give a fuck, and she knows it too.
“Whatever,” she says and stomps ahead of me. I smirk, holding in my laugh, barely. I’ll never trust her, and she doesn’t trust me, which is good. Just because I can’t kill her right now doesn’t mean we aren’t BFFs. I know she tells Drake all sorts of shit about me behind my back as if I care. Keeping my spot here is up to him, and no matter what she says, she’s just as disposable as I am. Drake has a plan for her and me. Katrina is catty, only out for herself, and she will use anyone she feels can get her ahead, including Drake. He knows this, but apparently, he approves of this quality. He should mate with her, but even I know he couldn’t stand her for that long.
I walk into the room with Drake sitting at the head of his elegant table. “Hello, my love, thank you for joining me,” he proclaims happily. I walk over to him and kiss him on his cheek without vomiting. Go me!
“Hello, dear, how was your day?” I ask him sweetly, not in the sarcastic way I talk to Katrina but in a fake and sincere way if that makes any sense. I’m just trying not to get killed until I can find my mate and get out of here.
“It was dreary, but now that I’m with you, it’s definitely looking up,” he says wickedly, and I refrain once again from vomiting in my mouth.
“Master Drake, when will Master Finn be here?” Katrina interrupts as usual. I forgot she was here for a second. I sit next to Drake as he looks over at her and says, “Katrina, stop being so exasperating. You’ll not win Finn’s affections by being so bothersome.”
Holding back my laugh, I say, “Don’t worry, Katrina, Finn will adore you just as you are.” Bitch knows I’m fucking with her but won’t say anything in front of Drake.
“Would you excuse us, Katrina? I’d like to enjoy a quiet dinner with my mate-to-be,” Drake says, effectively dismissing her. She turns with a huff and leaves. Fucking toddler.
“You shouldn’t rile her up, my dear. She may attempt to poison you,” Drake says with a smirk. Yeah, he knows I was pissing her off on purpose. Oops.
“You wouldn’t let that happen, would you?” I almost bat my eyelashes, but that would’ve been pushing it too far.
Drake laughs, “Of course not, love, and I know you can take care of yourself. That girl just has it out for you.”
“Well, she has it out for anyone in her way of getting more power, even you,” I say, being honest for once.
“Very true. You think her calling me Master is too much?” he asks with a smile. Prick.
“Just a touch. I hope you don’t expect me ever to call you Master, dear,” I say, smiling and wanting so badly to stab him in the eyeball.
“Only in the bedroom, but then you’ll be screaming it,” he purrs, and I just swallow my own puke. I can’t and won’t imagine him touching me like that.
“We shall see. We’re waiting until after our ceremony, correct? You know, I’ve never been with anyone?” I ask demurely. It’s a fucking lie, but I’m hoping to use it to my advantage in holding him off. I’ve been with a couple of guys—one in high school and one in college—both fumbling idiots. They have kept their mouths shut, and no one in our pack knows about those indiscretions, thankfully. My brothers would probably murder them.
“Yes, love, I promise I’ll be gentle, at least on our first night,” he tells me sweetly. Gag. If I must go to bed with this guy, I will hide razor blades in my vagina.
“Thank you for being so understanding,” I say, hoping we can get this dinner over with soon.
Our meal is brought in and placed before us from his bevy of servants. “Enjoy, my sweet.” I eat with gusto. I haven’t been able to shift, and my poor wolf is hungry to hunt, and I’ve neglected her while I’m here, not eating as much as I should.
“I’m so glad you’re eating more today. Do you need more meat?” He seems genuinely curious, so I decide to push a bit.
“My wolf is getting anxious and wants out, so it makes me hungrier. Do you think I could go outside and run with one of your guards or even you?” I need to ask, so he can feel that he can trust me.
“That’s an excellent idea, I’d love to see your wolf. She’s a part of you, and I need to get to know her as well I get to know you!” Well, he’s a little more enthusiastic than I expected. Even if I must shift for him, I can still get a sense of the outside layout and get more intel.
“Really? You want to see her? When can we go?” I hope I’m not putting too much enthusiasm in my voice. I don’t want him to pick up on my dread, but I need to get outside.
“How about the day after tomorrow, after the ball? There will be more guards around, and I can ensure your safety better,” he tells me. My safety, yeah, right, more like keeping me from running.
“Wonderful!” I’m genuinely excited, not to show him my wolf but to get outside. Even if I don’t get a lot of information, I’ll get to run, and I need that desperately. Even if it’s only an imitation of freedom, it’s all I have right now.
I’m bummed that I have to wait until after the ball, but at least I have something to look forward to. The ball is what I’m most anxious about being in a room with who knows how many vamps and possibly shifters who are plotting to take out my pack. All the while, I must restrain myself from killing anyone and protect myself from anyone wanting to kill me. I will have no backup, no one on my side, but I have to do this. Alone.
Chapter 2
Finn
I arrive at Drake’s castle in the middle of Montana. Who the hell has a castle in a farm state? Only the biggest asshole of the vampire world. It’s still early, and I want to check in with Saoirse before I have to see the fucker who is my father. The second I step into the castle, I feel a strange tug like a warming throb in my chest. Rubbing the area, I’m hoping it fades soon as I don’t need to appear weak in front of Drake.
