| Fantasy Fiction posted May 30, 2017 | Chapters: |
...7 8 -9- 10... 
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Unleashed Chaos/A Novel of the Breedline series
A chapter in the book Unleashed Chaos
Flashbacks
by scongrove
Previously...
Before Tessa destroyed the Kataka—a creature with human-like-dragon features created by Taliah Baldolf and the Chiang-shih demon—it severely injured Celina’s spinal cord when he abducted her. Now back safe in the Breedline Covenant, Celina refuses medical attention in hopes her healing powers will soon kick in.
Chester Ewan— a Guardian, created during the Middle Ages by the Angel of Mercy, with the purpose of protecting all creatures, especially the Breedline from the destruction of any creation made by a dark Wicca—realized Jem Chamberlain, also known as the Chosen Son, had the power to heal Celina. After Chester revealed to Jem of his ability, he agrees to help. When they share the news with Tim Ross—the head of the Breedline council—he is hesitant at first due to the fact if Jem’s powers get out of control, his gift could also be deadly. And then he decides to inform Tessa—their Queen—before they discuss this with Celina.
After discussing all Celina’s options, her aunt Helen persuades her to have surgery instead of taking the risk of Jem’s powers.
Continued...
The first thing Celina saw when she came awake was a blurry image of someone sitting in a chair beside her bed. She must have been in a back brace because she felt confined like being stuffed into a turtle’s shell.
As her consciousness came clear, she became aware of the beeping next to her bed and the stiffness in her back. Glancing down, she saw an IV that was attached to her arm that ran up a metal rod with a bag filled with clear liquid.
Unable to speak, she looked around the room and realized she was not in the one she’d been in previously. Inhaling through her nose, she smelt a familiar scent that reminded her of Kyle’s cologne.
“Kyle…” her voice sounded ragged.
Suddenly, she heard movement and then felt a warm hand. “Shhh,” Kyle soothed. “I’m here, baby,” he reassured, grasping her palm. “You’re okay.”
“How did it go?”
“Your surgery went fine.” He gently squeezed her hand. “I’ll go get the doctor and tell him you’re awake.”
After Kyle left, it wasn’t five minutes later, and he came back in with Dr. Kenneth Craven.
“Hello, Celina,” Kenneth said with a handsome smile. “You did well. I reset the vertebrae, and the spinal cord hadn’t got compromised entirely.”
Celina lifted her shoulders and tried to re-adjust her body, but the contraption she was in kept her from moving. “Will I walk again?”
Kenneth didn’t immediately reply. He just kept his stare, and his expression told Celina it was not good news.
“Tell me,” she urged. “I want to know the truth.”
“The surgery was not a failure, but I don’t know if you will walk just yet. Time is going to tell us more than anything else.”
Celina closed her eyes, and her heart grew heavy until the ache crawled up her throat and into her jaw. Lifting her lids, she blinked several tears. “I see,” her voice trembled.
The door to the room cracked open, and Helen peered inside wearing green scrubs. “Good, you’re awake,” she said moving inside, shutting the door behind her.
Celina tried to smile, but her lips formed a tight line. The silence that stretched out in the room seemed to last forever.
Immediately, Helen moved next to the hospital bed and reached out to caress her cheek. “It’s going to be okay, honey. You’re going to heal from this.”
“Am I?”
Helen nodded. “You have to stay positive. Your state of mind will reflect your healing.”
“Are you in any pain?” Dr. Craven asked.
Before she could respond, the pain spread through her body. She inhaled sharply as more tears trickled down her cheeks.
Celina’s visible agony splintered Kyle’s heart. He grabbed a tissue and wiped away her tears as Dr. Craven administered something for her pain.
After her tears had been dried, and her pain eased, Celina glanced over at Dr. Craven. “Do you think there’s a chance I could walk again?”
“I honestly can’t be sure. The rules are obviously different for you since you’re a Wicca… so anything is possible.”
She nodded. “Thank you, Dr. Craven.”
“When will she be released from the hospital?” Kyle queried, trying to change the subject.
“In two weeks.”
Celina’s mouth dropped open as she grappled with what Dr. Craven said. “Oh no, I’ll miss Mia and Jem’s wedding.”
Kyle grasped her hand and squeezed. “I’m sure they’ll understand.”
Letting out a long sigh, she said, “What about the back brace? How long do I have to wear it?”
“You’ll need to wear it for at least three months. After that, you should be good without it, but I wouldn’t do anything strenuous for another six months,” Dr. Craven pointed out.
“I’ll make sure she has everything she needs at the Covenant during her recovery,” Helen declared.
“Good,” Dr. Craven’s said approvingly. “She’ll need therapy when she gets out of the hospital.” He patted Celina’s arm. “I’ll be back in an hour to check on you. If you need anything, just press the call button by the bed. A nurse will be on duty at all hours to assist you.”
When Dr. Kenneth Craven stepped out of the room, he saw a female with long, brown hair moving in his direction. Something was off. She looked very familiar to him. She was holding hands with a tall male that had long, blond hair. As the couple came up to him, the woman said, “Excuse me, are you Celina’s surgeon?”
Suddenly, pain plowed into Kenneth’s temples—all but knocked him to his knees as he braced himself against the wall to keep from hitting the floor face first. Her voice sounded identical to someone he once knew long ago. Kenneth let all cognitive processes go lax as he breathed slowly and evenly.
Tessa scrambled over, her face next to Kenneth’s. “Are you okay?”
He froze and just stared at her. None of this made sense. For some reason, she looked exactly like his beloved, Lisa. They’d fell in love when they were just sixteen years old. A year later, she suddenly disappeared. After years of searching, he’d been unsuccessful and never saw her again.
As Kenneth kept his stare, he felt like he was going crazy. Helplessness and frustration swamped him. His mouth opened but when he tried to speak, the words wouldn’t come.
When there was no reply, Jace grasped his arm steadying him and looked back at Tessa. “Do I need to get help?”
Kenneth staggered to his feet, wobbling like he’d been on a bender from hell. The walls kept moving around him, dipping and swaying until nausea rose sharply in his stomach and into his throat, clenching and squeezing until he couldn’t breathe.
Finally, he managed to get his mouth to work. “Just let me get my feet under me.”
Tessa looked at Jace. “Something’s wrong with him,” she said with urgency. “Go find a nurse.”
Kenneth stumbled back into the wall as Jace kept a tight grip on his arm. When he eased down to the floor, he pulled his knees to his chest. Beside him, Jace released his hand and went for help.
Kneeling next to Kenneth, Tessa placed her hand on his shoulder. “Hold on,” she reassured, “we’re getting you help.”
After Lisa had vanished years ago, Kenneth had suffered from severe headaches on and off ever since. The pain was astounding like someone had nailed him on top of his skull with a steel bat.
He balled his fist in agony and pressed it to his forehead. Maybe I’m losing my mind, he thought.
It seemed forever he’d just sat there with his head hung like it weighed more than his body. Tessa stayed by his side and watched him, waiting for help to arrive.
Finally, a nurse came over with Jace close behind. She knelt down in front of Kenneth and said, “Can you hear me, Dr. Craven?”
Breathing shallowly, he croaked out a weak reply. “Yes.”
“Good,” the nurse responded, reaching for the stethoscope. “Are you in any pain?”
“My head…” he gasped squeezing his eyes tight.
Glancing over her shoulder, the nurse called out to another nurse nearby. “Page Dr. Carrington. We’re going to need to get him down to x-ray.”
Just as soon as the nurse paged Helen, she walked out of Celina’s hospital room and saw Kenneth on the floor.
Rushing over, Helen knelt down beside the other nurse. “What happened?”
“We’re not sure,” the nurse replied. “He fell to the floor, and he’s complaining of pain in his head. I don’t know if he hit it when he fell.”
“Jace and I were here when it happened,” Tessa said. “As far as I’m aware, he didn’t hit his head.”
“Kenneth,” Helen said firmly, and pulled out an instrument with a small light on the end, “can you look up at me?”
When the intense pounding had mostly passed, he lifted his chin with his lids closed just in case another pounder was brought on.
“You’re going to be all right, Kenneth,” Helen reassured. “Open your eyes for me.”
When he slowly opened them, he caught a glimpse of Tessa out of the corner of his eye. Abruptly, another new flare of pain burst into his brain, causing him to brace every muscle in his body and fight for control. Scrunching his eyes tight, he cupped his hand over his face and held his breath.
“You’re going to be fine, Kenneth,” Helen said calmly. “I need you to open your eyes.”
Focusing on Helen’s voice, he blew out a deep breath and blinked several times before he completely opened them.
Ten minutes later, Kenneth pushed to his knees and then stood with Jace gripping his hands as he pulled upward. He looked up at Jace and breathed out again as his shoulders sagged.
“Thank you.”
Jace nodded. “No problem.”
When a nurse came over with a wheelchair, they helped Kenneth sit down. Wheeling him through a hallway, he looked back at Tessa as if grappling with whether or not he saw a ghost from his past.
Helen and a nurse took him into the elevator, down to the third floor, where the medical imaging was. Members of the hospital’s staff were doing their thing, dealing with patient setup, or transport. Kenneth smiled and nodded in silence as they stared at him, their expression confused after seeing him in a wheelchair.
“Dr. Craven?”
At the sound of the MRI technician’s voice, the pain at Kenneth’s temples faded a little, as if his brain was feeling sorry for his head.
“Hey,” Kenneth said in a hoarse voice.
With a pair of reading glasses on the tip of his nose, the technician looked down at him and muttered, “What’s going on with you, Kenneth?”
He shrugged. “It’s just a migraine.”
“I think it would be best to do an MRI,” Helen suggested.
The imaging tech nodded. “There’s also something going around. I’ve had four nurses and some other staff that has been suffering from nausea and headaches lately.”
Fortunately, Helen didn’t ask him any other questions. Then again, he didn’t know there needed to be anything to share. Nobody had a clue about Kenneth’s past, or what he did outside the hospital, mostly because he’d never shared his personal life with anyone. He’d kept his private life to himself.
“Can you stand?” the tech asked, pushing the wheelchair over toward an exam table.
“Uh …” Kenneth mumbled staring at him confused. What was the question? He thought. Oh, yeah. “Yes, I’m sure I can manage on my own.”
Helen stood by his side with her hands on her hips. “We’ll help you on the table,” she insisted. “The last thing we need is for you to take a tumble.”
After the MRI, he was feeling better and standing on his own two feet. Looking over his results with Helen close by, the tech clapped his hand over Kenneth’s shoulder. “Everything looks normal. Go home and get some rest,” he told him. “Looks like it may just be a virus that’s going around.”
On the way out, Helen cleared her throat. “You’re not thinking of driving yourself home, are you?”
Helen’s question didn’t register. Even though Kenneth’s headache backed off completely, his mind was miles away, still thinking of the young woman that looked just like his Lisa. He couldn’t forget her. His life would be easier if he could. If only he’d been able to move on, work out his issues, try to meet someone else and maybe fall in love again. Enjoy life and living. But he couldn’t forget Lisa or move on without her even after all these years.
The tech frowned and leaned closer. “Doc, are you okay?”
Glancing up, Kenneth wondered what exactly they’d said. His marbles seemed completely fried. “I’m sorry.” He shook his head. “What did you ask?”
“I’m driving you home,” Helen said.
Nodding, he agreed. “Yeah, I think that’s a good idea. Thank you, Helen.”
Halfway to the exit, in the row where physicians and hospital staff parked, there was a gray Honda Accord close to the security office. A quick beep blurted out when Helen unlocked the full-size sedan. She got behind the wheel and Kenneth slid into the passenger seat. Starting the engine, she put the car in reverse and said, “Buckle up.” As Helen drove over to the garage’s exit, she took out her pass card and used it without a problem to open up the gate. Then onto Main Street, she headed downtown to his building complex.
Staring out the window as they drove along, Kenneth was sure about one thing. The woman that looked almost identical to his beloved wasn’t just a coincidence. Either she was a close relative of Lisa’s, or he was losing his ever-loving mind.
To be continued...
Previously...
Before Tessa destroyed the Kataka—a creature with human-like-dragon features created by Taliah Baldolf and the Chiang-shih demon—it severely injured Celina’s spinal cord when he abducted her. Now back safe in the Breedline Covenant, Celina refuses medical attention in hopes her healing powers will soon kick in.
Chester Ewan— a Guardian, created during the Middle Ages by the Angel of Mercy, with the purpose of protecting all creatures, especially the Breedline from the destruction of any creation made by a dark Wicca—realized Jem Chamberlain, also known as the Chosen Son, had the power to heal Celina. After Chester revealed to Jem of his ability, he agrees to help. When they share the news with Tim Ross—the head of the Breedline council—he is hesitant at first due to the fact if Jem’s powers get out of control, his gift could also be deadly. And then he decides to inform Tessa—their Queen—before they discuss this with Celina.
After discussing all Celina’s options, her aunt Helen persuades her to have surgery instead of taking the risk of Jem’s powers.
Continued...
The first thing Celina saw when she came awake was a blurry image of someone sitting in a chair beside her bed. She must have been in a back brace because she felt confined like being stuffed into a turtle’s shell.
As her consciousness came clear, she became aware of the beeping next to her bed and the stiffness in her back. Glancing down, she saw an IV that was attached to her arm that ran up a metal rod with a bag filled with clear liquid.
Unable to speak, she looked around the room and realized she was not in the one she’d been in previously. Inhaling through her nose, she smelt a familiar scent that reminded her of Kyle’s cologne.
“Kyle…” her voice sounded ragged.
Suddenly, she heard movement and then felt a warm hand. “Shhh,” Kyle soothed. “I’m here, baby,” he reassured, grasping her palm. “You’re okay.”
“How did it go?”
“Your surgery went fine.” He gently squeezed her hand. “I’ll go get the doctor and tell him you’re awake.”
After Kyle left, it wasn’t five minutes later, and he came back in with Dr. Kenneth Craven.
“Hello, Celina,” Kenneth said with a handsome smile. “You did well. I reset the vertebrae, and the spinal cord hadn’t got compromised entirely.”
Celina lifted her shoulders and tried to re-adjust her body, but the contraption she was in kept her from moving. “Will I walk again?”
Kenneth didn’t immediately reply. He just kept his stare, and his expression told Celina it was not good news.
“Tell me,” she urged. “I want to know the truth.”
“The surgery was not a failure, but I don’t know if you will walk just yet. Time is going to tell us more than anything else.”
Celina closed her eyes, and her heart grew heavy until the ache crawled up her throat and into her jaw. Lifting her lids, she blinked several tears. “I see,” her voice trembled.
The door to the room cracked open, and Helen peered inside wearing green scrubs. “Good, you’re awake,” she said moving inside, shutting the door behind her.
Celina tried to smile, but her lips formed a tight line. The silence that stretched out in the room seemed to last forever.
Immediately, Helen moved next to the hospital bed and reached out to caress her cheek. “It’s going to be okay, honey. You’re going to heal from this.”
“Am I?”
Helen nodded. “You have to stay positive. Your state of mind will reflect your healing.”
“Are you in any pain?” Dr. Craven asked.
Before she could respond, the pain spread through her body. She inhaled sharply as more tears trickled down her cheeks.
Celina’s visible agony splintered Kyle’s heart. He grabbed a tissue and wiped away her tears as Dr. Craven administered something for her pain.
After her tears had been dried, and her pain eased, Celina glanced over at Dr. Craven. “Do you think there’s a chance I could walk again?”
“I honestly can’t be sure. The rules are obviously different for you since you’re a Wicca… so anything is possible.”
She nodded. “Thank you, Dr. Craven.”
“When will she be released from the hospital?” Kyle queried, trying to change the subject.
“In two weeks.”
Celina’s mouth dropped open as she grappled with what Dr. Craven said. “Oh no, I’ll miss Mia and Jem’s wedding.”
Kyle grasped her hand and squeezed. “I’m sure they’ll understand.”
Letting out a long sigh, she said, “What about the back brace? How long do I have to wear it?”
“You’ll need to wear it for at least three months. After that, you should be good without it, but I wouldn’t do anything strenuous for another six months,” Dr. Craven pointed out.
“I’ll make sure she has everything she needs at the Covenant during her recovery,” Helen declared.
“Good,” Dr. Craven’s said approvingly. “She’ll need therapy when she gets out of the hospital.” He patted Celina’s arm. “I’ll be back in an hour to check on you. If you need anything, just press the call button by the bed. A nurse will be on duty at all hours to assist you.”
When Dr. Kenneth Craven stepped out of the room, he saw a female with long, brown hair moving in his direction. Something was off. She looked very familiar to him. She was holding hands with a tall male that had long, blond hair. As the couple came up to him, the woman said, “Excuse me, are you Celina’s surgeon?”
Suddenly, pain plowed into Kenneth’s temples—all but knocked him to his knees as he braced himself against the wall to keep from hitting the floor face first. Her voice sounded identical to someone he once knew long ago. Kenneth let all cognitive processes go lax as he breathed slowly and evenly.
Tessa scrambled over, her face next to Kenneth’s. “Are you okay?”
He froze and just stared at her. None of this made sense. For some reason, she looked exactly like his beloved, Lisa. They’d fell in love when they were just sixteen years old. A year later, she suddenly disappeared. After years of searching, he’d been unsuccessful and never saw her again.
As Kenneth kept his stare, he felt like he was going crazy. Helplessness and frustration swamped him. His mouth opened but when he tried to speak, the words wouldn’t come.
When there was no reply, Jace grasped his arm steadying him and looked back at Tessa. “Do I need to get help?”
Kenneth staggered to his feet, wobbling like he’d been on a bender from hell. The walls kept moving around him, dipping and swaying until nausea rose sharply in his stomach and into his throat, clenching and squeezing until he couldn’t breathe.
Finally, he managed to get his mouth to work. “Just let me get my feet under me.”
Tessa looked at Jace. “Something’s wrong with him,” she said with urgency. “Go find a nurse.”
Kenneth stumbled back into the wall as Jace kept a tight grip on his arm. When he eased down to the floor, he pulled his knees to his chest. Beside him, Jace released his hand and went for help.
Kneeling next to Kenneth, Tessa placed her hand on his shoulder. “Hold on,” she reassured, “we’re getting you help.”
After Lisa had vanished years ago, Kenneth had suffered from severe headaches on and off ever since. The pain was astounding like someone had nailed him on top of his skull with a steel bat.
He balled his fist in agony and pressed it to his forehead. Maybe I’m losing my mind, he thought.
It seemed forever he’d just sat there with his head hung like it weighed more than his body. Tessa stayed by his side and watched him, waiting for help to arrive.
Finally, a nurse came over with Jace close behind. She knelt down in front of Kenneth and said, “Can you hear me, Dr. Craven?”
Breathing shallowly, he croaked out a weak reply. “Yes.”
“Good,” the nurse responded, reaching for the stethoscope. “Are you in any pain?”
“My head…” he gasped squeezing his eyes tight.
Glancing over her shoulder, the nurse called out to another nurse nearby. “Page Dr. Carrington. We’re going to need to get him down to x-ray.”
Just as soon as the nurse paged Helen, she walked out of Celina’s hospital room and saw Kenneth on the floor.
Rushing over, Helen knelt down beside the other nurse. “What happened?”
“We’re not sure,” the nurse replied. “He fell to the floor, and he’s complaining of pain in his head. I don’t know if he hit it when he fell.”
“Jace and I were here when it happened,” Tessa said. “As far as I’m aware, he didn’t hit his head.”
“Kenneth,” Helen said firmly, and pulled out an instrument with a small light on the end, “can you look up at me?”
When the intense pounding had mostly passed, he lifted his chin with his lids closed just in case another pounder was brought on.
“You’re going to be all right, Kenneth,” Helen reassured. “Open your eyes for me.”
When he slowly opened them, he caught a glimpse of Tessa out of the corner of his eye. Abruptly, another new flare of pain burst into his brain, causing him to brace every muscle in his body and fight for control. Scrunching his eyes tight, he cupped his hand over his face and held his breath.
“You’re going to be fine, Kenneth,” Helen said calmly. “I need you to open your eyes.”
Focusing on Helen’s voice, he blew out a deep breath and blinked several times before he completely opened them.
Ten minutes later, Kenneth pushed to his knees and then stood with Jace gripping his hands as he pulled upward. He looked up at Jace and breathed out again as his shoulders sagged.
“Thank you.”
Jace nodded. “No problem.”
When a nurse came over with a wheelchair, they helped Kenneth sit down. Wheeling him through a hallway, he looked back at Tessa as if grappling with whether or not he saw a ghost from his past.
Helen and a nurse took him into the elevator, down to the third floor, where the medical imaging was. Members of the hospital’s staff were doing their thing, dealing with patient setup, or transport. Kenneth smiled and nodded in silence as they stared at him, their expression confused after seeing him in a wheelchair.
“Dr. Craven?”
At the sound of the MRI technician’s voice, the pain at Kenneth’s temples faded a little, as if his brain was feeling sorry for his head.
“Hey,” Kenneth said in a hoarse voice.
With a pair of reading glasses on the tip of his nose, the technician looked down at him and muttered, “What’s going on with you, Kenneth?”
He shrugged. “It’s just a migraine.”
“I think it would be best to do an MRI,” Helen suggested.
The imaging tech nodded. “There’s also something going around. I’ve had four nurses and some other staff that has been suffering from nausea and headaches lately.”
Fortunately, Helen didn’t ask him any other questions. Then again, he didn’t know there needed to be anything to share. Nobody had a clue about Kenneth’s past, or what he did outside the hospital, mostly because he’d never shared his personal life with anyone. He’d kept his private life to himself.
“Can you stand?” the tech asked, pushing the wheelchair over toward an exam table.
“Uh …” Kenneth mumbled staring at him confused. What was the question? He thought. Oh, yeah. “Yes, I’m sure I can manage on my own.”
Helen stood by his side with her hands on her hips. “We’ll help you on the table,” she insisted. “The last thing we need is for you to take a tumble.”
After the MRI, he was feeling better and standing on his own two feet. Looking over his results with Helen close by, the tech clapped his hand over Kenneth’s shoulder. “Everything looks normal. Go home and get some rest,” he told him. “Looks like it may just be a virus that’s going around.”
On the way out, Helen cleared her throat. “You’re not thinking of driving yourself home, are you?”
Helen’s question didn’t register. Even though Kenneth’s headache backed off completely, his mind was miles away, still thinking of the young woman that looked just like his Lisa. He couldn’t forget her. His life would be easier if he could. If only he’d been able to move on, work out his issues, try to meet someone else and maybe fall in love again. Enjoy life and living. But he couldn’t forget Lisa or move on without her even after all these years.
The tech frowned and leaned closer. “Doc, are you okay?”
Glancing up, Kenneth wondered what exactly they’d said. His marbles seemed completely fried. “I’m sorry.” He shook his head. “What did you ask?”
“I’m driving you home,” Helen said.
Nodding, he agreed. “Yeah, I think that’s a good idea. Thank you, Helen.”
Halfway to the exit, in the row where physicians and hospital staff parked, there was a gray Honda Accord close to the security office. A quick beep blurted out when Helen unlocked the full-size sedan. She got behind the wheel and Kenneth slid into the passenger seat. Starting the engine, she put the car in reverse and said, “Buckle up.” As Helen drove over to the garage’s exit, she took out her pass card and used it without a problem to open up the gate. Then onto Main Street, she headed downtown to his building complex.
Staring out the window as they drove along, Kenneth was sure about one thing. The woman that looked almost identical to his beloved wasn’t just a coincidence. Either she was a close relative of Lisa’s, or he was losing his ever-loving mind.
To be continued...
Before Tessa destroyed the Kataka—a creature with human-like-dragon features created by Taliah Baldolf and the Chiang-shih demon—it severely injured Celina’s spinal cord when he abducted her. Now back safe in the Breedline Covenant, Celina refuses medical attention in hopes her healing powers will soon kick in.
Chester Ewan— a Guardian, created during the Middle Ages by the Angel of Mercy, with the purpose of protecting all creatures, especially the Breedline from the destruction of any creation made by a dark Wicca—realized Jem Chamberlain, also known as the Chosen Son, had the power to heal Celina. After Chester revealed to Jem of his ability, he agrees to help. When they share the news with Tim Ross—the head of the Breedline council—he is hesitant at first due to the fact if Jem’s powers get out of control, his gift could also be deadly. And then he decides to inform Tessa—their Queen—before they discuss this with Celina.
After discussing all Celina’s options, her aunt Helen persuades her to have surgery instead of taking the risk of Jem’s powers.
Continued...
The first thing Celina saw when she came awake was a blurry image of someone sitting in a chair beside her bed. She must have been in a back brace because she felt confined like being stuffed into a turtle’s shell.
As her consciousness came clear, she became aware of the beeping next to her bed and the stiffness in her back. Glancing down, she saw an IV that was attached to her arm that ran up a metal rod with a bag filled with clear liquid.
Unable to speak, she looked around the room and realized she was not in the one she’d been in previously. Inhaling through her nose, she smelt a familiar scent that reminded her of Kyle’s cologne.
“Kyle…” her voice sounded ragged.
Suddenly, she heard movement and then felt a warm hand. “Shhh,” Kyle soothed. “I’m here, baby,” he reassured, grasping her palm. “You’re okay.”
“How did it go?”
“Your surgery went fine.” He gently squeezed her hand. “I’ll go get the doctor and tell him you’re awake.”
After Kyle left, it wasn’t five minutes later, and he came back in with Dr. Kenneth Craven.
“Hello, Celina,” Kenneth said with a handsome smile. “You did well. I reset the vertebrae, and the spinal cord hadn’t got compromised entirely.”
Celina lifted her shoulders and tried to re-adjust her body, but the contraption she was in kept her from moving. “Will I walk again?”
Kenneth didn’t immediately reply. He just kept his stare, and his expression told Celina it was not good news.
“Tell me,” she urged. “I want to know the truth.”
“The surgery was not a failure, but I don’t know if you will walk just yet. Time is going to tell us more than anything else.”
Celina closed her eyes, and her heart grew heavy until the ache crawled up her throat and into her jaw. Lifting her lids, she blinked several tears. “I see,” her voice trembled.
The door to the room cracked open, and Helen peered inside wearing green scrubs. “Good, you’re awake,” she said moving inside, shutting the door behind her.
Celina tried to smile, but her lips formed a tight line. The silence that stretched out in the room seemed to last forever.
Immediately, Helen moved next to the hospital bed and reached out to caress her cheek. “It’s going to be okay, honey. You’re going to heal from this.”
“Am I?”
Helen nodded. “You have to stay positive. Your state of mind will reflect your healing.”
“Are you in any pain?” Dr. Craven asked.
Before she could respond, the pain spread through her body. She inhaled sharply as more tears trickled down her cheeks.
Celina’s visible agony splintered Kyle’s heart. He grabbed a tissue and wiped away her tears as Dr. Craven administered something for her pain.
After her tears had been dried, and her pain eased, Celina glanced over at Dr. Craven. “Do you think there’s a chance I could walk again?”
“I honestly can’t be sure. The rules are obviously different for you since you’re a Wicca… so anything is possible.”
She nodded. “Thank you, Dr. Craven.”
“When will she be released from the hospital?” Kyle queried, trying to change the subject.
“In two weeks.”
Celina’s mouth dropped open as she grappled with what Dr. Craven said. “Oh no, I’ll miss Mia and Jem’s wedding.”
Kyle grasped her hand and squeezed. “I’m sure they’ll understand.”
Letting out a long sigh, she said, “What about the back brace? How long do I have to wear it?”
“You’ll need to wear it for at least three months. After that, you should be good without it, but I wouldn’t do anything strenuous for another six months,” Dr. Craven pointed out.
“I’ll make sure she has everything she needs at the Covenant during her recovery,” Helen declared.
“Good,” Dr. Craven’s said approvingly. “She’ll need therapy when she gets out of the hospital.” He patted Celina’s arm. “I’ll be back in an hour to check on you. If you need anything, just press the call button by the bed. A nurse will be on duty at all hours to assist you.”
When Dr. Kenneth Craven stepped out of the room, he saw a female with long, brown hair moving in his direction. Something was off. She looked very familiar to him. She was holding hands with a tall male that had long, blond hair. As the couple came up to him, the woman said, “Excuse me, are you Celina’s surgeon?”
Suddenly, pain plowed into Kenneth’s temples—all but knocked him to his knees as he braced himself against the wall to keep from hitting the floor face first. Her voice sounded identical to someone he once knew long ago. Kenneth let all cognitive processes go lax as he breathed slowly and evenly.
Tessa scrambled over, her face next to Kenneth’s. “Are you okay?”
He froze and just stared at her. None of this made sense. For some reason, she looked exactly like his beloved, Lisa. They’d fell in love when they were just sixteen years old. A year later, she suddenly disappeared. After years of searching, he’d been unsuccessful and never saw her again.
As Kenneth kept his stare, he felt like he was going crazy. Helplessness and frustration swamped him. His mouth opened but when he tried to speak, the words wouldn’t come.
When there was no reply, Jace grasped his arm steadying him and looked back at Tessa. “Do I need to get help?”
Kenneth staggered to his feet, wobbling like he’d been on a bender from hell. The walls kept moving around him, dipping and swaying until nausea rose sharply in his stomach and into his throat, clenching and squeezing until he couldn’t breathe.
Finally, he managed to get his mouth to work. “Just let me get my feet under me.”
Tessa looked at Jace. “Something’s wrong with him,” she said with urgency. “Go find a nurse.”
Kenneth stumbled back into the wall as Jace kept a tight grip on his arm. When he eased down to the floor, he pulled his knees to his chest. Beside him, Jace released his hand and went for help.
Kneeling next to Kenneth, Tessa placed her hand on his shoulder. “Hold on,” she reassured, “we’re getting you help.”
After Lisa had vanished years ago, Kenneth had suffered from severe headaches on and off ever since. The pain was astounding like someone had nailed him on top of his skull with a steel bat.
He balled his fist in agony and pressed it to his forehead. Maybe I’m losing my mind, he thought.
It seemed forever he’d just sat there with his head hung like it weighed more than his body. Tessa stayed by his side and watched him, waiting for help to arrive.
Finally, a nurse came over with Jace close behind. She knelt down in front of Kenneth and said, “Can you hear me, Dr. Craven?”
Breathing shallowly, he croaked out a weak reply. “Yes.”
“Good,” the nurse responded, reaching for the stethoscope. “Are you in any pain?”
“My head…” he gasped squeezing his eyes tight.
Glancing over her shoulder, the nurse called out to another nurse nearby. “Page Dr. Carrington. We’re going to need to get him down to x-ray.”
Just as soon as the nurse paged Helen, she walked out of Celina’s hospital room and saw Kenneth on the floor.
Rushing over, Helen knelt down beside the other nurse. “What happened?”
“We’re not sure,” the nurse replied. “He fell to the floor, and he’s complaining of pain in his head. I don’t know if he hit it when he fell.”
“Jace and I were here when it happened,” Tessa said. “As far as I’m aware, he didn’t hit his head.”
“Kenneth,” Helen said firmly, and pulled out an instrument with a small light on the end, “can you look up at me?”
When the intense pounding had mostly passed, he lifted his chin with his lids closed just in case another pounder was brought on.
“You’re going to be all right, Kenneth,” Helen reassured. “Open your eyes for me.”
When he slowly opened them, he caught a glimpse of Tessa out of the corner of his eye. Abruptly, another new flare of pain burst into his brain, causing him to brace every muscle in his body and fight for control. Scrunching his eyes tight, he cupped his hand over his face and held his breath.
“You’re going to be fine, Kenneth,” Helen said calmly. “I need you to open your eyes.”
Focusing on Helen’s voice, he blew out a deep breath and blinked several times before he completely opened them.
Ten minutes later, Kenneth pushed to his knees and then stood with Jace gripping his hands as he pulled upward. He looked up at Jace and breathed out again as his shoulders sagged.
“Thank you.”
Jace nodded. “No problem.”
When a nurse came over with a wheelchair, they helped Kenneth sit down. Wheeling him through a hallway, he looked back at Tessa as if grappling with whether or not he saw a ghost from his past.
Helen and a nurse took him into the elevator, down to the third floor, where the medical imaging was. Members of the hospital’s staff were doing their thing, dealing with patient setup, or transport. Kenneth smiled and nodded in silence as they stared at him, their expression confused after seeing him in a wheelchair.
“Dr. Craven?”
At the sound of the MRI technician’s voice, the pain at Kenneth’s temples faded a little, as if his brain was feeling sorry for his head.
“Hey,” Kenneth said in a hoarse voice.
With a pair of reading glasses on the tip of his nose, the technician looked down at him and muttered, “What’s going on with you, Kenneth?”
He shrugged. “It’s just a migraine.”
“I think it would be best to do an MRI,” Helen suggested.
The imaging tech nodded. “There’s also something going around. I’ve had four nurses and some other staff that has been suffering from nausea and headaches lately.”
Fortunately, Helen didn’t ask him any other questions. Then again, he didn’t know there needed to be anything to share. Nobody had a clue about Kenneth’s past, or what he did outside the hospital, mostly because he’d never shared his personal life with anyone. He’d kept his private life to himself.
“Can you stand?” the tech asked, pushing the wheelchair over toward an exam table.
“Uh …” Kenneth mumbled staring at him confused. What was the question? He thought. Oh, yeah. “Yes, I’m sure I can manage on my own.”
Helen stood by his side with her hands on her hips. “We’ll help you on the table,” she insisted. “The last thing we need is for you to take a tumble.”
After the MRI, he was feeling better and standing on his own two feet. Looking over his results with Helen close by, the tech clapped his hand over Kenneth’s shoulder. “Everything looks normal. Go home and get some rest,” he told him. “Looks like it may just be a virus that’s going around.”
On the way out, Helen cleared her throat. “You’re not thinking of driving yourself home, are you?”
Helen’s question didn’t register. Even though Kenneth’s headache backed off completely, his mind was miles away, still thinking of the young woman that looked just like his Lisa. He couldn’t forget her. His life would be easier if he could. If only he’d been able to move on, work out his issues, try to meet someone else and maybe fall in love again. Enjoy life and living. But he couldn’t forget Lisa or move on without her even after all these years.
The tech frowned and leaned closer. “Doc, are you okay?”
Glancing up, Kenneth wondered what exactly they’d said. His marbles seemed completely fried. “I’m sorry.” He shook his head. “What did you ask?”
“I’m driving you home,” Helen said.
Nodding, he agreed. “Yeah, I think that’s a good idea. Thank you, Helen.”
Halfway to the exit, in the row where physicians and hospital staff parked, there was a gray Honda Accord close to the security office. A quick beep blurted out when Helen unlocked the full-size sedan. She got behind the wheel and Kenneth slid into the passenger seat. Starting the engine, she put the car in reverse and said, “Buckle up.” As Helen drove over to the garage’s exit, she took out her pass card and used it without a problem to open up the gate. Then onto Main Street, she headed downtown to his building complex.
Staring out the window as they drove along, Kenneth was sure about one thing. The woman that looked almost identical to his beloved wasn’t just a coincidence. Either she was a close relative of Lisa’s, or he was losing his ever-loving mind.
To be continued...
NOTE: This is not part of the chapter. A reference for terms and characters, especially for new readers:
BREEDLINE - A species of humans that have the ability to change from human form into a wolf. They are not like the old legend of the Lycanthropy myth. Breedline species can shift into their wolf at will. The moon has no power over them. They do not pass their ability to other humans with a bite or scratch like the Lycanthropy myth.
The Breedline gene is passed down to offspring that are born identical twins. Although they live amongst human, their species must be kept secret.
In wolf form, they have super strength, speed, and heightened senses. Their lifespan is the same as a normal human, but they are immune to illness and disease. Only a silver bullet to the brain will kill them. All males change into their wolf at the age of eighteen. Females do not go through the change until they make love to their Breedline bonded mate.
BREEDLINE TWINS - Identical twins that are born from either one or both parents of the Breedline species. They have a strong, unbreakable bond from birth, are born with telepathic abilities, and have the power to sense the other's emotions or injuries. In some cases, the bond between twins are so strong, if one dies, the other twin may pass on, especially if they don't have a mate.
BREEDLINE BONDING - The male Breedline spends their life in search of their bonded mate. When the male comes in contact with her, he instantly feels a simultaneous, desirable attraction and she becomes the most important thing in his life. He is there to love, protect, and cherish her until death. Once they are mated, they bond for life. It is possible for them to have more than one mate in their lifespan.
BELOVED - A word used by a Breedline to express the bond to their mate.
DOUBLE BONDED - In some cases, male Breedline twins bond with the same female; but one will carry a stronger bond. Usually one of them must sacrifice for the other twin.
BREEDLINE COVENANT - The Breedline species must live within the boundaries of a Covenant, which is only formed with their species. The Covenant is governed and ruled by a head council. The council keeps their laws in order and oversees the species population.
THE BREEDLINE QUEEN - Over centuries the Breedline Covenant is ruled by a true Queen. If there is no Queen living, the Covenants are governed by an appointed head council until another Queen is born. A Breedline Queen is born once every one hundred years. Her massive stature, black fur, and red eyes are the Queen's trademarks. Her alpha wolf has twice the strength, speed, and size of any Breedline. The Queen is expected to rule over all the Breedline Covenants where she will be respected and obeyed by all Breedline. This is their absolute True Law.
THE QUEENS RING - This ring has been passed down to all Breedline Queens for generations. When the new Queen places the ring on, it instantly shifts in size to fit her finger.
TRUE LAW - All Breedline Covenants have an ancient book of laws. If either sex disobeys the Breedline laws, they can be shunned, or no longer protected by their Covenant. If a Breedline takes another life out of revenge, or evil - other than protecting their life, and the life of another - they will never have the ability to shift back human and cast out as a rogue wolf.
ROGUE WOLF - A Breedline shunned by their Covenant for taking another life out of revenge or evil and forced to live as a wolf until death without the ability to change human again. Some rogue wolves form into packs, which can be dangerous for other Breedline species.
RED (BLOOD) MOON - When the full moon passes through the amber shadow of the earth, producing a midnight eclipse visible across North America. So begins a lunar eclipse tetrad, a series of four consecutive total eclipses occurring at approximately six-month intervals. This incredible light beams into the heart of earth's shadow, filling it with a coppery glow and transforming the moon into a great red orb. During this time, all Breedline species that are mated have a strong desire to create offspring. This is also a time when Breedline females are more fertile for the conception of twins.
CHIANG-SHIH DEMON (Kiang shi, a.k.a Ramael Arminius) - An ancient demon that inhabits the body of a Breedline fetus before it's born, or during a Breedline's death. It continues to take the soul over the natural lifespan of the child, or the deceased Breedline. When the demon possesses a fetus, it breaks the bonding and telepathic abilities of their twin when they are born. If the demon possesses a deceased Breedline's body, it must do so before the soul passes on. If the soul is not intact, the body will soon die.
In most cases, the Chiang-shih demon will take the life of the other twin, even before their birth. The twin that is born with the demon will bring only evil to whomever they encounter. Their sole purpose is to gain full control of another soul and seek world domination.
There are two ways the demon is cast from the soul it possesses: By its firstborn son, and the Angel of Mercy, Zadkiel. The Beast is the only one who can kill a Chiang-shih demon.
THE BEAST - He is the second born son of the Chiang-shih demon. When provoked into a rage, he will shift into his Beast instead of his Breedline wolf. The Beast is an enormous, dangerous two-footed creature that has wolf-like features. One bite has enough venom to kill the Chiang-shih demon and leave the soul of the person the demon possessed unharmed.
SHADOW WALKER (a.k.a Shadow Figure, or Black Mass) - The perception of a patch of shadow as a living, humanoid figure, particularly interpreted by the Breedline as the presence of a malevolent entity. When a Breedline species dies and does not pass on to the other side, they are left to roam the earth as a shadow of themselves - a ghost. They will not pass on until they have settled unfinished business before their death.
ZADKIEL (Tzadqiel, a.k.a "Righteousness of God") - The Archangel of freedom, benevolence, and mercy, and the Patron Angel of all who forgives. Breedline species tradition considers him to be the Angel of Mercy.
SUCCUBUS (a.k.a CREEPERS) - Creatures that search for, and feeds off the blood of the Breedline species. Creepers are skilled at extreme sexual pleasure, and the ecstasy they create is exceedingly intense and highly addictive. They cast off a scent that hypnotizes Breedlines into overwhelming sexual urges. They use their human-like bodies and beautiful features to control and influence their thoughts.
They have the ability to reach into the Breedline's mind during sleep, casting a spell of dreams about sexual contact, or intercourse. And one much less obvious manifestation of Creepers is nightmares - realistic, graphic, terrifying nightmares that rob the Breedline of sleep. Over a period, it can lead to severe fatigue and depression, leaving them emotionally and spiritually drained. Death can occur if they completely take over the Breedline's body.
HALF-BREED - This species is born with the genes from both Breedline and succubus. They can bond with either a full-blood Breedline or another half-breed. They do not have the ability to change into the Breedline wolf, but they do need blood from them to survive. With the power to hypnotize, most Breedlines have minimal respect and credence toward the half-breed species.
WICCA (or Wise One) - According to the Breedline species, a Wicca is the goddess of magic, witchcraft, the night, moon, ghosts, and necromancy. A Wicca is also considered to be a demonic spirit. It is unclear to the Breedline if they act under the orders of the devil, or they are simply not understood and treated as outcasts. They have the ability to do white magic (good) or dark (evil).
KATAKO (a.k.a Lucas, or Dark Shadow) - He is the Chiang-shih demon's offspring that is born both Breedline and Wiccan. After one year, the Katako develops into an adult with the mind of a child, without reaching full maturity. It has the power to appear translucent, or become completely invisible. Being born half Breedline, it can shift into a wolf and transform, or mimic another creature with the power to instantly travel from one place to another. Their true purpose of creation is to bring forth the souls stuck in purgatory by using one drop of its blood. The Breedline Queen's bite is the only way to destroy it.
GOLEMS (a.k.a The Death Army) - Evil creatures created by dark Wiccans with the power of necromancy. By releasing the souls of demons stuck in purgatory, the Wicca can give them the ability to shape into a creature that is made from earth. These creatures have various qualities, such as mass strength, enormous stature, and the power to consume their victims by saturating them with mud.
GUARDIANS (a.k.a Spirits of the Forest) - They originated during the Middle Ages with the purpose of protecting all creatures, especially the Breedline from the destruction of any creation made by a dark Wicca. They have the ability to stay invisible with the power to move through any barrier and over any distance instantly.
THERIOMORPH - This species is born with the genes of a Breedline, but do not have the ability to change into a Breedline wolf. They shape shift into an enormous black panther. They possess powers of mind manipulation and random visions of the future. They must use the drug dopamine to suppress their urges. Their eye color shifts into a glowing lavender when their Theriomorph nature takes over. The Breedline see them as a threat to their species.
Jace Chamberlain (a.k.a The Beast) - He is a Breedline species which later discovers his birth father - who is possessed by the Chiang-shih demon - murdered his mother when he and his twin brother were four years old. Raised by their new foster family and their uncle Jacks, he later discovers he was born with a curse of the Beast. With the help of his twin brother Jem, and his bonded mate Tessa, they help him cope with his rage to keep the Beast at bay. He's an IT engineer and is the lead singer and plays acoustic guitar in the band Chaos.
Jem Chamberlain (a.k.a The Chosen Son) - He is a Breedline species and Jace's twin brother. He carries the gene of the Chiang-shih demon that gives him the power to create a portal, and a force of electric energy used as a weapon, and other powers he discovers later. His bonded mate is Mia Blackwood, and he's an IT engineer and the drummer in the band Chaos.
Tessa Fairchild - She was born into the human world and later discovers she's a Breedline. Abandoned by her parents, she was raised by her Aunt and Uncle without the knowledge of being born a twin. After she meets Jace, they become bonded mates. During her first change into her Breedline wolf, she is the new Breedline Queen. She is an inspiring artist.
Dr. John and Sarah Chamberlain - They are Jace, Jem and Cassie's adopted human parents. They are physicians in a children's unit, and also donates their time to the emergency center.
Chester and Amelia Ewan - They are called Guardians - a species originated during the Middle Ages with the purpose of protecting all creatures, especially the Breedline from the destruction of any creation made by a dark Wiccan.
Jackson Gray - He is Jace and Jem's biological uncle - Katlyn Gray's older brother. Although he carries the gene of the Breedline, he does not shift into a wolf. Only Breedlines born with an identical twin have the ability to change into their wolf. He's a medical supply pilot.
Mia Blackwood - She is a half-breed and Jem's bonded mate. Abandoned at birth and raised in human foster care, she later finds her twin sister, Eve.
EVE - She is a half-breed and Sebastian's bonded mate. Growing up in human foster care, she spent her entire childhood abused until Sebastian saves her. Scorned from her past, she lashes out in anger, living a life of crime later to discover her twin sister, Mia Blackwood. After realizing the Chiang-shih demon possesses Sebastian, Eve clings to the past in hopes of reuniting with her beloved. Now that Sebastian is finally free of the demon, she has trust issues, worried he has an alternative plan for their sons.
Sebastian Crow - He is a half-breed, and Eve's bonded mate. After he had been killed by Jace in self- defense, he was possessed by the Chiang-shih demon after the Angel of Mercy cast him out of Alexander's body. As he tried to portray Sebastian's life, Eve finally figured out his secret. Keeping her captive only to survive on her blood, he later develops feelings for her. The demon creates a death army, determined to dominate the world and unleash his wrath amongst humans and the Breedline. Now free from the demon, he is determined to reunite with his beloved Eve who is kept prisoner by the Breedline Covenant awaiting trial for her past crimes against them.
Alexander Crest - He is a Breedline who was possessed by the Chiang-shih demon before birth. Murdering his family, Alexander kidnapped his twin's bonded mate, Katlyn Gray. Keeping her prisoner against her will, she becomes pregnant with his twins. As she managed to escape before she gave birth, Alexander eventually kills her in a fit of rage. Returning for his chosen son twenty-two years later, he is determined to convince him to join his army. After the battle between the Breedline, the demon is finally cast out of Alexander setting his soul free. For the demon's past crimes, Alexander is pardoned and must reside in the Breedline Covenant. Praying for forgiveness, he reunites with his twin sons, Jace and Jem. As he fights to keep his new family safe, romance blossoms with Dr. Helen Carrington.
Tim Ross - He is a Breedline species and head council of the California Covenant. Angel, his bonded mate - who is a half-breed - has Tim's daughter they named Natalie, after her sister.
Angel - She is a half-breed and Tim's bonded mate.
Natalie - She is a half-breed and Tim and Angel's daughter.
Kyle Jones - He is a Breedline species that resides in the California Covenant. Having lost his family to a house fire at childhood, his uncle Tim Ross has raised him since. Celina Baldolf is his bonded mate. He's a mechanic and also Jace and Jem's close friend, and plays bass in the rock band Chaos.
Casey Barton - He was born of the Breedline species, and lives in the California Covenant. He was adopted by Tim Ross's brother and carries a deep dark secret, afraid to reveal to the Breedline. He is a clothing model and plays backup bass and keyboards in the band Chaos.
Dr. Helen Carrington - She is a Breedline species and a physician at the California Bates hospital for both Breedlines and humans. Later, she discovers Jace and Jem carry a gene, possibly used for a cure to stop the aging process in her species. After Alexander's demon is banished, he is pardoned for all past crimes and welcomed into the Breedline Covenant. When he meets Helen, they become bonded mates.
Drakon Hexus - He is a Breedline species. At a young age, his first bonded mate was killed by her father. In a rage, he hunts and kills her murderer, breaking the Breedline's True Law. Shunned by his Covenant and forced to live as a rogue wolf, he's promised his humanity back if he joins the Chiang-shih demon's army. After Drakon discovers the demon's plans to destroy all humans and half-breeds, he betrays him and joins forces with the Breedline. As time passes, he bonds with another mate, Cassie Chamberlain.
Cassie Chamberlain - Adopted at age two by Jace and Jem's adopted parents after her mother abandons her. Later, she discovers she is a Breedline species and bonds with the handsome Drakon Hexus. She is a nurse practitioner, specializing in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Malachi O'Conner - He was born a Breedline species, and shunned by the Breedline Covenant after breaking their True Law. Alexander Crest's demon later forced him into joining his army of rogue wolves. After he had tried to escape, he endured cruel torture from the Alexander's Chiang-shih demon. He was later rescued by the Breedline and pardoned for his past crimes.
Celina Baldolf - She is a Breedline species with the power of a Wiccan, but only practices white witchcraft. Her twin sister Taliah - a dark Wicca - murdered their parents when they were twelve years old. Dr. Helen Carrington is their aunt, and Kyle Jones is Celina's Breedline bonded mate. She is an editor for a local publishing company.
Taliah Baldolf - She is a Breedline species and the mother of the Katako. Using her powers as a dark Wiccan, she joins forces with the Chiang-shih demon to create his death army. Spoiler Alert! After she threatens to kill the Breedline Queen, the Beast overpowers her and sends her to her death.
Samuel Mercier - He is a Breedline and a council member from France that has secretly turned against his own Covenant to help the Chiang-shih demon. He and his other Breedline traitors go into hiding after the Breedline destroy the demon, desperate to seek revenge against the Covenant.
Fredrick Mercier - He is a Breedline and Samuel Mercier's identical twin. Also, he's a council member from France that has secretly turned against the Covenant to help the Chiang-shih demon.
Corbin Azzo - He is a Breedline and a council member that has turned against the Covenant to help the Chiang-shih demon.
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. BREEDLINE - A species of humans that have the ability to change from human form into a wolf. They are not like the old legend of the Lycanthropy myth. Breedline species can shift into their wolf at will. The moon has no power over them. They do not pass their ability to other humans with a bite or scratch like the Lycanthropy myth.
The Breedline gene is passed down to offspring that are born identical twins. Although they live amongst human, their species must be kept secret.
In wolf form, they have super strength, speed, and heightened senses. Their lifespan is the same as a normal human, but they are immune to illness and disease. Only a silver bullet to the brain will kill them. All males change into their wolf at the age of eighteen. Females do not go through the change until they make love to their Breedline bonded mate.
BREEDLINE TWINS - Identical twins that are born from either one or both parents of the Breedline species. They have a strong, unbreakable bond from birth, are born with telepathic abilities, and have the power to sense the other's emotions or injuries. In some cases, the bond between twins are so strong, if one dies, the other twin may pass on, especially if they don't have a mate.
BREEDLINE BONDING - The male Breedline spends their life in search of their bonded mate. When the male comes in contact with her, he instantly feels a simultaneous, desirable attraction and she becomes the most important thing in his life. He is there to love, protect, and cherish her until death. Once they are mated, they bond for life. It is possible for them to have more than one mate in their lifespan.
BELOVED - A word used by a Breedline to express the bond to their mate.
DOUBLE BONDED - In some cases, male Breedline twins bond with the same female; but one will carry a stronger bond. Usually one of them must sacrifice for the other twin.
BREEDLINE COVENANT - The Breedline species must live within the boundaries of a Covenant, which is only formed with their species. The Covenant is governed and ruled by a head council. The council keeps their laws in order and oversees the species population.
THE BREEDLINE QUEEN - Over centuries the Breedline Covenant is ruled by a true Queen. If there is no Queen living, the Covenants are governed by an appointed head council until another Queen is born. A Breedline Queen is born once every one hundred years. Her massive stature, black fur, and red eyes are the Queen's trademarks. Her alpha wolf has twice the strength, speed, and size of any Breedline. The Queen is expected to rule over all the Breedline Covenants where she will be respected and obeyed by all Breedline. This is their absolute True Law.
THE QUEENS RING - This ring has been passed down to all Breedline Queens for generations. When the new Queen places the ring on, it instantly shifts in size to fit her finger.
TRUE LAW - All Breedline Covenants have an ancient book of laws. If either sex disobeys the Breedline laws, they can be shunned, or no longer protected by their Covenant. If a Breedline takes another life out of revenge, or evil - other than protecting their life, and the life of another - they will never have the ability to shift back human and cast out as a rogue wolf.
ROGUE WOLF - A Breedline shunned by their Covenant for taking another life out of revenge or evil and forced to live as a wolf until death without the ability to change human again. Some rogue wolves form into packs, which can be dangerous for other Breedline species.
RED (BLOOD) MOON - When the full moon passes through the amber shadow of the earth, producing a midnight eclipse visible across North America. So begins a lunar eclipse tetrad, a series of four consecutive total eclipses occurring at approximately six-month intervals. This incredible light beams into the heart of earth's shadow, filling it with a coppery glow and transforming the moon into a great red orb. During this time, all Breedline species that are mated have a strong desire to create offspring. This is also a time when Breedline females are more fertile for the conception of twins.
CHIANG-SHIH DEMON (Kiang shi, a.k.a Ramael Arminius) - An ancient demon that inhabits the body of a Breedline fetus before it's born, or during a Breedline's death. It continues to take the soul over the natural lifespan of the child, or the deceased Breedline. When the demon possesses a fetus, it breaks the bonding and telepathic abilities of their twin when they are born. If the demon possesses a deceased Breedline's body, it must do so before the soul passes on. If the soul is not intact, the body will soon die.
In most cases, the Chiang-shih demon will take the life of the other twin, even before their birth. The twin that is born with the demon will bring only evil to whomever they encounter. Their sole purpose is to gain full control of another soul and seek world domination.
There are two ways the demon is cast from the soul it possesses: By its firstborn son, and the Angel of Mercy, Zadkiel. The Beast is the only one who can kill a Chiang-shih demon.
THE BEAST - He is the second born son of the Chiang-shih demon. When provoked into a rage, he will shift into his Beast instead of his Breedline wolf. The Beast is an enormous, dangerous two-footed creature that has wolf-like features. One bite has enough venom to kill the Chiang-shih demon and leave the soul of the person the demon possessed unharmed.
SHADOW WALKER (a.k.a Shadow Figure, or Black Mass) - The perception of a patch of shadow as a living, humanoid figure, particularly interpreted by the Breedline as the presence of a malevolent entity. When a Breedline species dies and does not pass on to the other side, they are left to roam the earth as a shadow of themselves - a ghost. They will not pass on until they have settled unfinished business before their death.
ZADKIEL (Tzadqiel, a.k.a "Righteousness of God") - The Archangel of freedom, benevolence, and mercy, and the Patron Angel of all who forgives. Breedline species tradition considers him to be the Angel of Mercy.
SUCCUBUS (a.k.a CREEPERS) - Creatures that search for, and feeds off the blood of the Breedline species. Creepers are skilled at extreme sexual pleasure, and the ecstasy they create is exceedingly intense and highly addictive. They cast off a scent that hypnotizes Breedlines into overwhelming sexual urges. They use their human-like bodies and beautiful features to control and influence their thoughts.
They have the ability to reach into the Breedline's mind during sleep, casting a spell of dreams about sexual contact, or intercourse. And one much less obvious manifestation of Creepers is nightmares - realistic, graphic, terrifying nightmares that rob the Breedline of sleep. Over a period, it can lead to severe fatigue and depression, leaving them emotionally and spiritually drained. Death can occur if they completely take over the Breedline's body.
HALF-BREED - This species is born with the genes from both Breedline and succubus. They can bond with either a full-blood Breedline or another half-breed. They do not have the ability to change into the Breedline wolf, but they do need blood from them to survive. With the power to hypnotize, most Breedlines have minimal respect and credence toward the half-breed species.
WICCA (or Wise One) - According to the Breedline species, a Wicca is the goddess of magic, witchcraft, the night, moon, ghosts, and necromancy. A Wicca is also considered to be a demonic spirit. It is unclear to the Breedline if they act under the orders of the devil, or they are simply not understood and treated as outcasts. They have the ability to do white magic (good) or dark (evil).
KATAKO (a.k.a Lucas, or Dark Shadow) - He is the Chiang-shih demon's offspring that is born both Breedline and Wiccan. After one year, the Katako develops into an adult with the mind of a child, without reaching full maturity. It has the power to appear translucent, or become completely invisible. Being born half Breedline, it can shift into a wolf and transform, or mimic another creature with the power to instantly travel from one place to another. Their true purpose of creation is to bring forth the souls stuck in purgatory by using one drop of its blood. The Breedline Queen's bite is the only way to destroy it.
GOLEMS (a.k.a The Death Army) - Evil creatures created by dark Wiccans with the power of necromancy. By releasing the souls of demons stuck in purgatory, the Wicca can give them the ability to shape into a creature that is made from earth. These creatures have various qualities, such as mass strength, enormous stature, and the power to consume their victims by saturating them with mud.
GUARDIANS (a.k.a Spirits of the Forest) - They originated during the Middle Ages with the purpose of protecting all creatures, especially the Breedline from the destruction of any creation made by a dark Wicca. They have the ability to stay invisible with the power to move through any barrier and over any distance instantly.
THERIOMORPH - This species is born with the genes of a Breedline, but do not have the ability to change into a Breedline wolf. They shape shift into an enormous black panther. They possess powers of mind manipulation and random visions of the future. They must use the drug dopamine to suppress their urges. Their eye color shifts into a glowing lavender when their Theriomorph nature takes over. The Breedline see them as a threat to their species.
Jace Chamberlain (a.k.a The Beast) - He is a Breedline species which later discovers his birth father - who is possessed by the Chiang-shih demon - murdered his mother when he and his twin brother were four years old. Raised by their new foster family and their uncle Jacks, he later discovers he was born with a curse of the Beast. With the help of his twin brother Jem, and his bonded mate Tessa, they help him cope with his rage to keep the Beast at bay. He's an IT engineer and is the lead singer and plays acoustic guitar in the band Chaos.
Jem Chamberlain (a.k.a The Chosen Son) - He is a Breedline species and Jace's twin brother. He carries the gene of the Chiang-shih demon that gives him the power to create a portal, and a force of electric energy used as a weapon, and other powers he discovers later. His bonded mate is Mia Blackwood, and he's an IT engineer and the drummer in the band Chaos.
Tessa Fairchild - She was born into the human world and later discovers she's a Breedline. Abandoned by her parents, she was raised by her Aunt and Uncle without the knowledge of being born a twin. After she meets Jace, they become bonded mates. During her first change into her Breedline wolf, she is the new Breedline Queen. She is an inspiring artist.
Dr. John and Sarah Chamberlain - They are Jace, Jem and Cassie's adopted human parents. They are physicians in a children's unit, and also donates their time to the emergency center.
Chester and Amelia Ewan - They are called Guardians - a species originated during the Middle Ages with the purpose of protecting all creatures, especially the Breedline from the destruction of any creation made by a dark Wiccan.
Jackson Gray - He is Jace and Jem's biological uncle - Katlyn Gray's older brother. Although he carries the gene of the Breedline, he does not shift into a wolf. Only Breedlines born with an identical twin have the ability to change into their wolf. He's a medical supply pilot.
Mia Blackwood - She is a half-breed and Jem's bonded mate. Abandoned at birth and raised in human foster care, she later finds her twin sister, Eve.
EVE - She is a half-breed and Sebastian's bonded mate. Growing up in human foster care, she spent her entire childhood abused until Sebastian saves her. Scorned from her past, she lashes out in anger, living a life of crime later to discover her twin sister, Mia Blackwood. After realizing the Chiang-shih demon possesses Sebastian, Eve clings to the past in hopes of reuniting with her beloved. Now that Sebastian is finally free of the demon, she has trust issues, worried he has an alternative plan for their sons.
Sebastian Crow - He is a half-breed, and Eve's bonded mate. After he had been killed by Jace in self- defense, he was possessed by the Chiang-shih demon after the Angel of Mercy cast him out of Alexander's body. As he tried to portray Sebastian's life, Eve finally figured out his secret. Keeping her captive only to survive on her blood, he later develops feelings for her. The demon creates a death army, determined to dominate the world and unleash his wrath amongst humans and the Breedline. Now free from the demon, he is determined to reunite with his beloved Eve who is kept prisoner by the Breedline Covenant awaiting trial for her past crimes against them.
Alexander Crest - He is a Breedline who was possessed by the Chiang-shih demon before birth. Murdering his family, Alexander kidnapped his twin's bonded mate, Katlyn Gray. Keeping her prisoner against her will, she becomes pregnant with his twins. As she managed to escape before she gave birth, Alexander eventually kills her in a fit of rage. Returning for his chosen son twenty-two years later, he is determined to convince him to join his army. After the battle between the Breedline, the demon is finally cast out of Alexander setting his soul free. For the demon's past crimes, Alexander is pardoned and must reside in the Breedline Covenant. Praying for forgiveness, he reunites with his twin sons, Jace and Jem. As he fights to keep his new family safe, romance blossoms with Dr. Helen Carrington.
Tim Ross - He is a Breedline species and head council of the California Covenant. Angel, his bonded mate - who is a half-breed - has Tim's daughter they named Natalie, after her sister.
Angel - She is a half-breed and Tim's bonded mate.
Natalie - She is a half-breed and Tim and Angel's daughter.
Kyle Jones - He is a Breedline species that resides in the California Covenant. Having lost his family to a house fire at childhood, his uncle Tim Ross has raised him since. Celina Baldolf is his bonded mate. He's a mechanic and also Jace and Jem's close friend, and plays bass in the rock band Chaos.
Casey Barton - He was born of the Breedline species, and lives in the California Covenant. He was adopted by Tim Ross's brother and carries a deep dark secret, afraid to reveal to the Breedline. He is a clothing model and plays backup bass and keyboards in the band Chaos.
Dr. Helen Carrington - She is a Breedline species and a physician at the California Bates hospital for both Breedlines and humans. Later, she discovers Jace and Jem carry a gene, possibly used for a cure to stop the aging process in her species. After Alexander's demon is banished, he is pardoned for all past crimes and welcomed into the Breedline Covenant. When he meets Helen, they become bonded mates.
Drakon Hexus - He is a Breedline species. At a young age, his first bonded mate was killed by her father. In a rage, he hunts and kills her murderer, breaking the Breedline's True Law. Shunned by his Covenant and forced to live as a rogue wolf, he's promised his humanity back if he joins the Chiang-shih demon's army. After Drakon discovers the demon's plans to destroy all humans and half-breeds, he betrays him and joins forces with the Breedline. As time passes, he bonds with another mate, Cassie Chamberlain.
Cassie Chamberlain - Adopted at age two by Jace and Jem's adopted parents after her mother abandons her. Later, she discovers she is a Breedline species and bonds with the handsome Drakon Hexus. She is a nurse practitioner, specializing in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Malachi O'Conner - He was born a Breedline species, and shunned by the Breedline Covenant after breaking their True Law. Alexander Crest's demon later forced him into joining his army of rogue wolves. After he had tried to escape, he endured cruel torture from the Alexander's Chiang-shih demon. He was later rescued by the Breedline and pardoned for his past crimes.
Celina Baldolf - She is a Breedline species with the power of a Wiccan, but only practices white witchcraft. Her twin sister Taliah - a dark Wicca - murdered their parents when they were twelve years old. Dr. Helen Carrington is their aunt, and Kyle Jones is Celina's Breedline bonded mate. She is an editor for a local publishing company.
Taliah Baldolf - She is a Breedline species and the mother of the Katako. Using her powers as a dark Wiccan, she joins forces with the Chiang-shih demon to create his death army. Spoiler Alert! After she threatens to kill the Breedline Queen, the Beast overpowers her and sends her to her death.
Samuel Mercier - He is a Breedline and a council member from France that has secretly turned against his own Covenant to help the Chiang-shih demon. He and his other Breedline traitors go into hiding after the Breedline destroy the demon, desperate to seek revenge against the Covenant.
Fredrick Mercier - He is a Breedline and Samuel Mercier's identical twin. Also, he's a council member from France that has secretly turned against the Covenant to help the Chiang-shih demon.
Corbin Azzo - He is a Breedline and a council member that has turned against the Covenant to help the Chiang-shih demon.
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