| Fantasy Fiction posted July 10, 2017 | Chapters: |
...13 14 -15- 16... 
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Unleashed Chaos/A Novel of the Breedline series
A chapter in the book Unleashed Chaos
Beloved
by scongrove
Previously...
When Eve went into labor, she was rushed to the Breedline exam room where Dr. Helen Carrington and Cassie Chamberlain delivered her twin boys. While Eve awaits her trial for the past crimes against the Breedline, Mia and Jem agreed to take them in. Although almost everyone in the Covenant accepted Eve’s twins living amongst them, they still had to convince Jace. His hatred for Eve and Sebastian raged deep into his very soul for what they’d done in the past to his beloved Tessa.
Now that Jace finally comes to terms with Eve and Sebastian's twins living in the Breedline Covenant, Tessa tells him the exciting news of Dr. Helen Carrington locating her biological father.
Meanwhile, after Sebastian Crow meets his twin brother, Thomas—who he thought died at childbirth—he gives Sebastian an offer he can’t refuse. If Sebastian agrees to join forces with Lilith, Thomas promises to help him locate where the Breedline is keeping Eve—who is pregnant with Sebastian’s twins.
Continued...
Staring at the ceiling above the bed, Eve’s feeling of exuberance after the birth of her two beautiful boys was turning into dread. Now, she would have to face her punishment for her past crimes, and this meant she would become separated from her twins.
Sitting up, she hung her legs over the side of the bed and got to her feet. Without moving, she blinked and just existed in the position she stood. Time seeped through reality’s filter as she saw her future pass before her.
Abruptly, a familiar scent coming from downstairs broke through her dark thoughts. Her brain soon came alive when she recognized the distinctive intoxicating fragrance. With a tingle of instinct, she turned toward the bedroom door and stiffened. Eve sucked in a deep breath, overcome with anticipation. But how can it possibly be?
Still healing from surgery, she slowly moved to the door and reached out. With a trembling hand, she turned the knob and opened—
“Hello, my darling.”
Eve gasped and stumbled back. With a quick reflex, Sebastian grabbed her arm and steadied her before she fell. Her eyes widened just as he pulled her close and pressed his lips against hers. For several long seconds, Sebastian plundered her mouth, tasting, savoring the moment. When he pulled away, her eyes were glistened with tears, making the crimson specks vibrant and electric in the light.
“Sebastian, is it really you?”
Reaching out, he stroked her hair, smoothing the long tendrils from her face. Cupping her chin, he tilted it until their eyes met. “Yes, my beloved.”
Eve could no longer hold back tears. They sloshed over the rims of her eyes and slid soundlessly down her cheeks, colliding with Sebastian’s fingers as he stroked her face.
“I want to believe you,” her voice trembled. “But I’m afraid. I fear that it will all disappear. I am so scared to be happy because I couldn’t bear it if it was all taken away. I don’t want to lose you again.”
Sebastian leaned down and kissed her tears away, gently removing all traces of the dampness on her cheeks. “It’s all real, my darling,” he said in a soothing voice. “I’ll always be at your side. I’m here to take you back with me.”
As he pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her, Eve snuggled into Sebastian’s embrace and released a contented sigh. The contact made her heart ache for all that it could be. For all she wanted. Never would she have imagined Sebastian coming back for her, and now she had everything her heart desired… a family.
Fear had loomed over Eve for so long she forgot what it felt like to be free again. Now that the demon was gone, no longer possessing Sebastian, it all seemed too good to be true, and she found herself anticipating the other shoe to drop. As Sebastian held her in his arms, Eve was just waiting for the bottom to fall out and for it all to be taken away in the blink of an eye.
Sebastian’s arms tightened around her, and he kissed the top of her head. “Come back with me, Eve.”
Warmth seeped into her heart, assuaging the ache that had settled in at the thought of losing her beloved again. That is was all too good to be true. But in spite of the way her heart was pounding, ready to disappear with Sebastian, her babies came to mind. Eve tipped her head up to him, finding his gaze and said, “What about—“
“Our children?” he interjected.
She shook her head. “How did you know?”
Sebastian smiled tenderly at her and then captured her lips in a soft kiss. “I’ll explain later. We need to hurry. I promise… I’ll come back for them.”
Her eyes lit up with joy. Just a few minutes ago, her life was turning into a tragedy, and now she felt alive again.
Lacing his hand in hers, he squeezed gently. Using his powers, Sebastian quickly conjured a portal. As he stepped through with Eve, they disappeared without a trace.
****
Jace had always thought that the game room at the Covenant’s estate had it all. Giant-screen TV’s with surround sound, leather couches soft enough to qualify as beds, a bar with every conceivable drink, pool tables, and an area for his band to practice before each gig.
A snack bar with a soda fountain and a popcorn machine was a recent addition. Tessa loved to snuggle up on the couch watching her favorite chick flicks with hot, buttered popcorn. Being pregnant with twins had its benefits.
After Tessa had introduced her father to Jace, he invited him to a game of pool. Graciously excepting, Kenneth loved the game but hadn’t played in years.
“Be easy on me, Jace,” Kenneth said. “It’s been awhile since I laid eyes on a billiards table.”
Jace grinned. “Ah, don’t sweat it. It’s like riding a bike. Once you get started, it’ll come back to you.”
“Yah, well,” Kenneth chuckled, “I haven’t ridden a bike in ages either.”
As Tessa watched her father and fiancé pick out their pool sticks, she suddenly gasped when she felt her belly move. It was if the babies inside were having a wrestling match.
Noticing Tessa’s sudden expression, Jace said, “Is something wrong, Tessa?”
“It’s just the twins,” she said with her hand over her belly. “I think they’re fighting for room.”
Jace walked over and sat down next to her. His eyes widened when he placed his hand on her stomach. “Man, they are active in there.” He glanced over at Kenneth and motioned him over. “Come feel this.”
With hesitation, Kenneth looked over at Tessa, waiting for her approval.
She nodded. “It’s okay.”
Grinning ear to ear, Kenneth moved closer and sat on the other side of Tessa. Placing his palm on her rounded belly, he said, “Oh, wow. They’re really active.” He turned to Tessa. “That means they’re healthy and happy.”
Placing her hand over his, she smiled. “So is their mommy.”
“All right,” Jace said. “That’s enough baby talk. Let’s play some pool.”
As Kenneth waited to take his next shot, he took a square of blue chalk and polished the tip of his cue. Across the green felt, Jace bent over and lined up his angles. “Nine in the corner,” he called out.
“You’re going to make that shot, aren’t you?” Kenneth smirked, placing the chalk on the side of the pool table.
Jace glanced up for a moment and grinned. Next, there was a smack, a roll, and a clunk. “Yep, I guess I am.”
Kenneth raised a brow, forming a partial smile. Positioning himself on the other side of the table, he sized up the balls.
After Kenneth accidently shot the eight ball in, Jace clapped his hands together. “And that’s the game.”
“Damn,” Kenneth cursed. “You beat me.”
“Yup,” Jace chuckled and raised his beer. “How about another round?”
Just as Kenneth was about to answer, Bruce Carmichael shot through the door like a lit firecracker and shouted, “Eve’s gone!”
****
Seconds later, Sebastian brought Eve through the portal, back to their old room they shared at the club NightShade.
When she drew breaths in, pulling at the threads of her memory, she brought forth images from the times they’d spent here. She remembered the way he touched her, cared for her and made love to her. And other memories came crashing in. The one’s she tried to forget. That part of her was gone now. After being tormented by the demon, she came to realize the horrible things she’d done to others. All her life she’d punished others in resentment from her tortured childhood. Now, she’d changed.
Lifting her head, she stared into Sebastian’s eyes. Then her expression grew serious. “I missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too, my darling,” he said, grasping her hand. “Come lie down, and rest. You need to heal.”
Leading her to the bed, he pulled back the comforter and helped her in. As she eased back against the pillow, she said, “I didn’t think you would want me back.”
Sebastian’s eyes softened as he crawled in the bed next to her. When her words registered, the confusion on his face was the very definition of pain, and his hand shook as he lifted it up to her face. Gently, he stroked the side of her cheek. “Why would you ever think that?”
At this point, Eve lost all control and broke down in tears. The sadness that she’d carried all throughout her life finally broke.
“Shhh,” he soothed, kissing her temple. “I could never stop loving you.”
When she finally relaxed, she said, “I thought you wouldn’t want me when you found out about the twins.”
Between one heartbeat and the next, he just stared at her for the longest time. “You are my beloved, and they are my blood,” he proclaimed.
“How could I not want you?”
As she searched his face, she sensed the compassion and honesty in his expression. And the strangest thing happened. She believed him. Blinking slowly, she fought back more tears. “I love you, Sebastian.”
“I look into the future and see… you,” he murmured. “I promise I’m not going anywhere and neither are you. We’ll always be together.”
No matter Sebastian’s assurances that he would take care of her and their children, she still had committed a crime against the Breedline, and crime didn’t go unpunished. Even though she saved Jace and Jem’s adopted mother from the demon, she had done horrible things in her past that would not be forgotten. And if the Breedline found her, she would face punishment. A cold chill overtook her just thinking about being taken away.
“Eve?”
Sebastian’s concerned voice broke through her troubled thoughts, and she turned to see him looking at her intently, worry reflected in his gold eyes.
“Is something wrong, darling?”
She shook her head. “I was just thinking… of what I’ve done. I’m a criminal in the eyes of the Breedline. I could go to jail.”
“Come here,” Sebastian said in a tender voice, pulling her closer, so she felt comforted by his touch. “I won’t let that happen. The only thing I want you thinking about is us and our life together. Leave everything else up to me.”
“I want you to promise,” she said, looking earnestly up at him, “if something happens to me—“
Sebastian immediately began to protest as he brought his finger up to place over her lips, instilling firmness in his gaze. “Shhh… I’m not going to let that happen.”
She briefly closed her eyes and laid her head on his shoulder. God, she wanted to believe him. Wanted it with everything she had.
“Drink, and heal my darling,” he said, offering her his wrist.
****
Tessa panicked, her heart nearly stopping after the news of Eve’s disappearance. “Oh my God,” she cried out. “How could she have escaped? Has anyone seen the twins?”
Jace knelt in front of her and said, “Don’t worry, honey. I’m sure they’re all right.”
Abruptly, the door burst open and Tim came in with Drakon and Jem following behind.
“Sebastian came through the portal and took Eve,” Drakon said. “We got it all on the surveillance cameras.”
Jace’s eyes widened. “No damn way!”
Kenneth cocked a brow. “Who’s Sebastian?”
Jace rubbed his forehead wearily. “Long story,” he grumbled. “Short version… he’s the father of Eve’s twins. And I swear the bastard has nine lives.”
Jem glanced in his brother’s direction, and then shifted his eyes toward Tessa. “The twins are fine, Tessa,” he said in a reassuring tone. “They’re with Mia.”
“Thank God,” Tessa said relieved and blew out a deep breath, some of the anxiety easing.
Impatient with the chitchat, Jace said, “How long has it been?”
“An hour ago,” Tim replied.
“Christ, we’re already an hour behind. We’re wasting valuable time just sitting around with our thumbs up our asses,” Jace blurted. “Why aren’t we searching for the bastard now?”
Tim shot him a look. “I want everyone here to keep a clear, level head. We need a plan before we go off half-cocked, and get someone killed.”
Grinding his teeth, Jace nodded in silence. Then he wrapped his arm around Tessa, wishing he could take away her pain from the past. He gathered her close in his arms and pressed his lips to her forehead. When Jace looked up at Jem, a shadow passed through his eyes, and Jem knew Jace was remembering how close they came to losing Tessa at the hands of Sebastian.
Love had many twists and turns. It was painful, joyful, fulfilling and frightening as hell, Jem thought. It made a man vulnerable. It opened him up to unimaginable hurts and agony. But it also gifted him with something stronger than anything else in the world. The love of your bonded mate was the most precious gift a man would ever receive.
Jem flinched when he heard Tim’s stern voice, snapping him back to reality.
“We need to notify everyone in the Covenant,” Tim said firmly, running a hand over his short-trimmed hair. “I’ll see if Celina can put a spell on the estate to block Sebastian or anyone else from using the portal to get in. And no one leaves, am I clear?”
Every single person was instantly on alert. They recognized this important step in their progression to locate Sebastian. And Tim trusted them to keep it together. He could see their determination as he looked around the room.
When everyone agreed, Tim shifted his focus on Bruce. “I want the guest house guarded even though Eve’s gone. Every hour I want you to do a walk through. I want eyes on this place twenty-four-seven.”
Brue nodded in agreement. “Aye, sairr.”
To be continued...
Book of the Month contest entry
Previously...
When Eve went into labor, she was rushed to the Breedline exam room where Dr. Helen Carrington and Cassie Chamberlain delivered her twin boys. While Eve awaits her trial for the past crimes against the Breedline, Mia and Jem agreed to take them in. Although almost everyone in the Covenant accepted Eve’s twins living amongst them, they still had to convince Jace. His hatred for Eve and Sebastian raged deep into his very soul for what they’d done in the past to his beloved Tessa.
Now that Jace finally comes to terms with Eve and Sebastian's twins living in the Breedline Covenant, Tessa tells him the exciting news of Dr. Helen Carrington locating her biological father.
Meanwhile, after Sebastian Crow meets his twin brother, Thomas—who he thought died at childbirth—he gives Sebastian an offer he can’t refuse. If Sebastian agrees to join forces with Lilith, Thomas promises to help him locate where the Breedline is keeping Eve—who is pregnant with Sebastian’s twins.
Continued...
Staring at the ceiling above the bed, Eve’s feeling of exuberance after the birth of her two beautiful boys was turning into dread. Now, she would have to face her punishment for her past crimes, and this meant she would become separated from her twins.
Sitting up, she hung her legs over the side of the bed and got to her feet. Without moving, she blinked and just existed in the position she stood. Time seeped through reality’s filter as she saw her future pass before her.
Abruptly, a familiar scent coming from downstairs broke through her dark thoughts. Her brain soon came alive when she recognized the distinctive intoxicating fragrance. With a tingle of instinct, she turned toward the bedroom door and stiffened. Eve sucked in a deep breath, overcome with anticipation. But how can it possibly be?
Still healing from surgery, she slowly moved to the door and reached out. With a trembling hand, she turned the knob and opened—
“Hello, my darling.”
Eve gasped and stumbled back. With a quick reflex, Sebastian grabbed her arm and steadied her before she fell. Her eyes widened just as he pulled her close and pressed his lips against hers. For several long seconds, Sebastian plundered her mouth, tasting, savoring the moment. When he pulled away, her eyes were glistened with tears, making the crimson specks vibrant and electric in the light.
“Sebastian, is it really you?”
Reaching out, he stroked her hair, smoothing the long tendrils from her face. Cupping her chin, he tilted it until their eyes met. “Yes, my beloved.”
Eve could no longer hold back tears. They sloshed over the rims of her eyes and slid soundlessly down her cheeks, colliding with Sebastian’s fingers as he stroked her face.
“I want to believe you,” her voice trembled. “But I’m afraid. I fear that it will all disappear. I am so scared to be happy because I couldn’t bear it if it was all taken away. I don’t want to lose you again.”
Sebastian leaned down and kissed her tears away, gently removing all traces of the dampness on her cheeks. “It’s all real, my darling,” he said in a soothing voice. “I’ll always be at your side. I’m here to take you back with me.”
As he pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her, Eve snuggled into Sebastian’s embrace and released a contented sigh. The contact made her heart ache for all that it could be. For all she wanted. Never would she have imagined Sebastian coming back for her, and now she had everything her heart desired… a family.
Fear had loomed over Eve for so long she forgot what it felt like to be free again. Now that the demon was gone, no longer possessing Sebastian, it all seemed too good to be true, and she found herself anticipating the other shoe to drop. As Sebastian held her in his arms, Eve was just waiting for the bottom to fall out and for it all to be taken away in the blink of an eye.
Sebastian’s arms tightened around her, and he kissed the top of her head. “Come back with me, Eve.”
Warmth seeped into her heart, assuaging the ache that had settled in at the thought of losing her beloved again. That is was all too good to be true. But in spite of the way her heart was pounding, ready to disappear with Sebastian, her babies came to mind. Eve tipped her head up to him, finding his gaze and said, “What about—“
“Our children?” he interjected.
She shook her head. “How did you know?”
Sebastian smiled tenderly at her and then captured her lips in a soft kiss. “I’ll explain later. We need to hurry. I promise… I’ll come back for them.”
Her eyes lit up with joy. Just a few minutes ago, her life was turning into a tragedy, and now she felt alive again.
Lacing his hand in hers, he squeezed gently. Using his powers, Sebastian quickly conjured a portal. As he stepped through with Eve, they disappeared without a trace.
****
Jace had always thought that the game room at the Covenant’s estate had it all. Giant-screen TV’s with surround sound, leather couches soft enough to qualify as beds, a bar with every conceivable drink, pool tables, and an area for his band to practice before each gig.
A snack bar with a soda fountain and a popcorn machine was a recent addition. Tessa loved to snuggle up on the couch watching her favorite chick flicks with hot, buttered popcorn. Being pregnant with twins had its benefits.
After Tessa had introduced her father to Jace, he invited him to a game of pool. Graciously excepting, Kenneth loved the game but hadn’t played in years.
“Be easy on me, Jace,” Kenneth said. “It’s been awhile since I laid eyes on a billiards table.”
Jace grinned. “Ah, don’t sweat it. It’s like riding a bike. Once you get started, it’ll come back to you.”
“Yah, well,” Kenneth chuckled, “I haven’t ridden a bike in ages either.”
As Tessa watched her father and fiancé pick out their pool sticks, she suddenly gasped when she felt her belly move. It was if the babies inside were having a wrestling match.
Noticing Tessa’s sudden expression, Jace said, “Is something wrong, Tessa?”
“It’s just the twins,” she said with her hand over her belly. “I think they’re fighting for room.”
Jace walked over and sat down next to her. His eyes widened when he placed his hand on her stomach. “Man, they are active in there.” He glanced over at Kenneth and motioned him over. “Come feel this.”
With hesitation, Kenneth looked over at Tessa, waiting for her approval.
She nodded. “It’s okay.”
Grinning ear to ear, Kenneth moved closer and sat on the other side of Tessa. Placing his palm on her rounded belly, he said, “Oh, wow. They’re really active.” He turned to Tessa. “That means they’re healthy and happy.”
Placing her hand over his, she smiled. “So is their mommy.”
“All right,” Jace said. “That’s enough baby talk. Let’s play some pool.”
As Kenneth waited to take his next shot, he took a square of blue chalk and polished the tip of his cue. Across the green felt, Jace bent over and lined up his angles. “Nine in the corner,” he called out.
“You’re going to make that shot, aren’t you?” Kenneth smirked, placing the chalk on the side of the pool table.
Jace glanced up for a moment and grinned. Next, there was a smack, a roll, and a clunk. “Yep, I guess I am.”
Kenneth raised a brow, forming a partial smile. Positioning himself on the other side of the table, he sized up the balls.
After Kenneth accidently shot the eight ball in, Jace clapped his hands together. “And that’s the game.”
“Damn,” Kenneth cursed. “You beat me.”
“Yup,” Jace chuckled and raised his beer. “How about another round?”
Just as Kenneth was about to answer, Bruce Carmichael shot through the door like a lit firecracker and shouted, “Eve’s gone!”
****
Seconds later, Sebastian brought Eve through the portal, back to their old room they shared at the club NightShade.
When she drew breaths in, pulling at the threads of her memory, she brought forth images from the times they’d spent here. She remembered the way he touched her, cared for her and made love to her. And other memories came crashing in. The one’s she tried to forget. That part of her was gone now. After being tormented by the demon, she came to realize the horrible things she’d done to others. All her life she’d punished others in resentment from her tortured childhood. Now, she’d changed.
Lifting her head, she stared into Sebastian’s eyes. Then her expression grew serious. “I missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too, my darling,” he said, grasping her hand. “Come lie down, and rest. You need to heal.”
Leading her to the bed, he pulled back the comforter and helped her in. As she eased back against the pillow, she said, “I didn’t think you would want me back.”
Sebastian’s eyes softened as he crawled in the bed next to her. When her words registered, the confusion on his face was the very definition of pain, and his hand shook as he lifted it up to her face. Gently, he stroked the side of her cheek. “Why would you ever think that?”
At this point, Eve lost all control and broke down in tears. The sadness that she’d carried all throughout her life finally broke.
“Shhh,” he soothed, kissing her temple. “I could never stop loving you.”
When she finally relaxed, she said, “I thought you wouldn’t want me when you found out about the twins.”
Between one heartbeat and the next, he just stared at her for the longest time. “You are my beloved, and they are my blood,” he proclaimed.
“How could I not want you?”
As she searched his face, she sensed the compassion and honesty in his expression. And the strangest thing happened. She believed him. Blinking slowly, she fought back more tears. “I love you, Sebastian.”
“I look into the future and see… you,” he murmured. “I promise I’m not going anywhere and neither are you. We’ll always be together.”
No matter Sebastian’s assurances that he would take care of her and their children, she still had committed a crime against the Breedline, and crime didn’t go unpunished. Even though she saved Jace and Jem’s adopted mother from the demon, she had done horrible things in her past that would not be forgotten. And if the Breedline found her, she would face punishment. A cold chill overtook her just thinking about being taken away.
“Eve?”
Sebastian’s concerned voice broke through her troubled thoughts, and she turned to see him looking at her intently, worry reflected in his gold eyes.
“Is something wrong, darling?”
She shook her head. “I was just thinking… of what I’ve done. I’m a criminal in the eyes of the Breedline. I could go to jail.”
“Come here,” Sebastian said in a tender voice, pulling her closer, so she felt comforted by his touch. “I won’t let that happen. The only thing I want you thinking about is us and our life together. Leave everything else up to me.”
“I want you to promise,” she said, looking earnestly up at him, “if something happens to me—“
Sebastian immediately began to protest as he brought his finger up to place over her lips, instilling firmness in his gaze. “Shhh… I’m not going to let that happen.”
She briefly closed her eyes and laid her head on his shoulder. God, she wanted to believe him. Wanted it with everything she had.
“Drink, and heal my darling,” he said, offering her his wrist.
****
Tessa panicked, her heart nearly stopping after the news of Eve’s disappearance. “Oh my God,” she cried out. “How could she have escaped? Has anyone seen the twins?”
Jace knelt in front of her and said, “Don’t worry, honey. I’m sure they’re all right.”
Abruptly, the door burst open and Tim came in with Drakon and Jem following behind.
“Sebastian came through the portal and took Eve,” Drakon said. “We got it all on the surveillance cameras.”
Jace’s eyes widened. “No damn way!”
Kenneth cocked a brow. “Who’s Sebastian?”
Jace rubbed his forehead wearily. “Long story,” he grumbled. “Short version… he’s the father of Eve’s twins. And I swear the bastard has nine lives.”
Jem glanced in his brother’s direction, and then shifted his eyes toward Tessa. “The twins are fine, Tessa,” he said in a reassuring tone. “They’re with Mia.”
“Thank God,” Tessa said relieved and blew out a deep breath, some of the anxiety easing.
Impatient with the chitchat, Jace said, “How long has it been?”
“An hour ago,” Tim replied.
“Christ, we’re already an hour behind. We’re wasting valuable time just sitting around with our thumbs up our asses,” Jace blurted. “Why aren’t we searching for the bastard now?”
Tim shot him a look. “I want everyone here to keep a clear, level head. We need a plan before we go off half-cocked, and get someone killed.”
Grinding his teeth, Jace nodded in silence. Then he wrapped his arm around Tessa, wishing he could take away her pain from the past. He gathered her close in his arms and pressed his lips to her forehead. When Jace looked up at Jem, a shadow passed through his eyes, and Jem knew Jace was remembering how close they came to losing Tessa at the hands of Sebastian.
Love had many twists and turns. It was painful, joyful, fulfilling and frightening as hell, Jem thought. It made a man vulnerable. It opened him up to unimaginable hurts and agony. But it also gifted him with something stronger than anything else in the world. The love of your bonded mate was the most precious gift a man would ever receive.
Jem flinched when he heard Tim’s stern voice, snapping him back to reality.
“We need to notify everyone in the Covenant,” Tim said firmly, running a hand over his short-trimmed hair. “I’ll see if Celina can put a spell on the estate to block Sebastian or anyone else from using the portal to get in. And no one leaves, am I clear?”
Every single person was instantly on alert. They recognized this important step in their progression to locate Sebastian. And Tim trusted them to keep it together. He could see their determination as he looked around the room.
When everyone agreed, Tim shifted his focus on Bruce. “I want the guest house guarded even though Eve’s gone. Every hour I want you to do a walk through. I want eyes on this place twenty-four-seven.”
Brue nodded in agreement. “Aye, sairr.”
To be continued...
When Eve went into labor, she was rushed to the Breedline exam room where Dr. Helen Carrington and Cassie Chamberlain delivered her twin boys. While Eve awaits her trial for the past crimes against the Breedline, Mia and Jem agreed to take them in. Although almost everyone in the Covenant accepted Eve’s twins living amongst them, they still had to convince Jace. His hatred for Eve and Sebastian raged deep into his very soul for what they’d done in the past to his beloved Tessa.
Now that Jace finally comes to terms with Eve and Sebastian's twins living in the Breedline Covenant, Tessa tells him the exciting news of Dr. Helen Carrington locating her biological father.
Meanwhile, after Sebastian Crow meets his twin brother, Thomas—who he thought died at childbirth—he gives Sebastian an offer he can’t refuse. If Sebastian agrees to join forces with Lilith, Thomas promises to help him locate where the Breedline is keeping Eve—who is pregnant with Sebastian’s twins.
Continued...
Staring at the ceiling above the bed, Eve’s feeling of exuberance after the birth of her two beautiful boys was turning into dread. Now, she would have to face her punishment for her past crimes, and this meant she would become separated from her twins.
Sitting up, she hung her legs over the side of the bed and got to her feet. Without moving, she blinked and just existed in the position she stood. Time seeped through reality’s filter as she saw her future pass before her.
Abruptly, a familiar scent coming from downstairs broke through her dark thoughts. Her brain soon came alive when she recognized the distinctive intoxicating fragrance. With a tingle of instinct, she turned toward the bedroom door and stiffened. Eve sucked in a deep breath, overcome with anticipation. But how can it possibly be?
Still healing from surgery, she slowly moved to the door and reached out. With a trembling hand, she turned the knob and opened—
“Hello, my darling.”
Eve gasped and stumbled back. With a quick reflex, Sebastian grabbed her arm and steadied her before she fell. Her eyes widened just as he pulled her close and pressed his lips against hers. For several long seconds, Sebastian plundered her mouth, tasting, savoring the moment. When he pulled away, her eyes were glistened with tears, making the crimson specks vibrant and electric in the light.
“Sebastian, is it really you?”
Reaching out, he stroked her hair, smoothing the long tendrils from her face. Cupping her chin, he tilted it until their eyes met. “Yes, my beloved.”
Eve could no longer hold back tears. They sloshed over the rims of her eyes and slid soundlessly down her cheeks, colliding with Sebastian’s fingers as he stroked her face.
“I want to believe you,” her voice trembled. “But I’m afraid. I fear that it will all disappear. I am so scared to be happy because I couldn’t bear it if it was all taken away. I don’t want to lose you again.”
Sebastian leaned down and kissed her tears away, gently removing all traces of the dampness on her cheeks. “It’s all real, my darling,” he said in a soothing voice. “I’ll always be at your side. I’m here to take you back with me.”
As he pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her, Eve snuggled into Sebastian’s embrace and released a contented sigh. The contact made her heart ache for all that it could be. For all she wanted. Never would she have imagined Sebastian coming back for her, and now she had everything her heart desired… a family.
Fear had loomed over Eve for so long she forgot what it felt like to be free again. Now that the demon was gone, no longer possessing Sebastian, it all seemed too good to be true, and she found herself anticipating the other shoe to drop. As Sebastian held her in his arms, Eve was just waiting for the bottom to fall out and for it all to be taken away in the blink of an eye.
Sebastian’s arms tightened around her, and he kissed the top of her head. “Come back with me, Eve.”
Warmth seeped into her heart, assuaging the ache that had settled in at the thought of losing her beloved again. That is was all too good to be true. But in spite of the way her heart was pounding, ready to disappear with Sebastian, her babies came to mind. Eve tipped her head up to him, finding his gaze and said, “What about—“
“Our children?” he interjected.
She shook her head. “How did you know?”
Sebastian smiled tenderly at her and then captured her lips in a soft kiss. “I’ll explain later. We need to hurry. I promise… I’ll come back for them.”
Her eyes lit up with joy. Just a few minutes ago, her life was turning into a tragedy, and now she felt alive again.
Lacing his hand in hers, he squeezed gently. Using his powers, Sebastian quickly conjured a portal. As he stepped through with Eve, they disappeared without a trace.
****
Jace had always thought that the game room at the Covenant’s estate had it all. Giant-screen TV’s with surround sound, leather couches soft enough to qualify as beds, a bar with every conceivable drink, pool tables, and an area for his band to practice before each gig.
A snack bar with a soda fountain and a popcorn machine was a recent addition. Tessa loved to snuggle up on the couch watching her favorite chick flicks with hot, buttered popcorn. Being pregnant with twins had its benefits.
After Tessa had introduced her father to Jace, he invited him to a game of pool. Graciously excepting, Kenneth loved the game but hadn’t played in years.
“Be easy on me, Jace,” Kenneth said. “It’s been awhile since I laid eyes on a billiards table.”
Jace grinned. “Ah, don’t sweat it. It’s like riding a bike. Once you get started, it’ll come back to you.”
“Yah, well,” Kenneth chuckled, “I haven’t ridden a bike in ages either.”
As Tessa watched her father and fiancé pick out their pool sticks, she suddenly gasped when she felt her belly move. It was if the babies inside were having a wrestling match.
Noticing Tessa’s sudden expression, Jace said, “Is something wrong, Tessa?”
“It’s just the twins,” she said with her hand over her belly. “I think they’re fighting for room.”
Jace walked over and sat down next to her. His eyes widened when he placed his hand on her stomach. “Man, they are active in there.” He glanced over at Kenneth and motioned him over. “Come feel this.”
With hesitation, Kenneth looked over at Tessa, waiting for her approval.
She nodded. “It’s okay.”
Grinning ear to ear, Kenneth moved closer and sat on the other side of Tessa. Placing his palm on her rounded belly, he said, “Oh, wow. They’re really active.” He turned to Tessa. “That means they’re healthy and happy.”
Placing her hand over his, she smiled. “So is their mommy.”
“All right,” Jace said. “That’s enough baby talk. Let’s play some pool.”
As Kenneth waited to take his next shot, he took a square of blue chalk and polished the tip of his cue. Across the green felt, Jace bent over and lined up his angles. “Nine in the corner,” he called out.
“You’re going to make that shot, aren’t you?” Kenneth smirked, placing the chalk on the side of the pool table.
Jace glanced up for a moment and grinned. Next, there was a smack, a roll, and a clunk. “Yep, I guess I am.”
Kenneth raised a brow, forming a partial smile. Positioning himself on the other side of the table, he sized up the balls.
After Kenneth accidently shot the eight ball in, Jace clapped his hands together. “And that’s the game.”
“Damn,” Kenneth cursed. “You beat me.”
“Yup,” Jace chuckled and raised his beer. “How about another round?”
Just as Kenneth was about to answer, Bruce Carmichael shot through the door like a lit firecracker and shouted, “Eve’s gone!”
****
Seconds later, Sebastian brought Eve through the portal, back to their old room they shared at the club NightShade.
When she drew breaths in, pulling at the threads of her memory, she brought forth images from the times they’d spent here. She remembered the way he touched her, cared for her and made love to her. And other memories came crashing in. The one’s she tried to forget. That part of her was gone now. After being tormented by the demon, she came to realize the horrible things she’d done to others. All her life she’d punished others in resentment from her tortured childhood. Now, she’d changed.
Lifting her head, she stared into Sebastian’s eyes. Then her expression grew serious. “I missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too, my darling,” he said, grasping her hand. “Come lie down, and rest. You need to heal.”
Leading her to the bed, he pulled back the comforter and helped her in. As she eased back against the pillow, she said, “I didn’t think you would want me back.”
Sebastian’s eyes softened as he crawled in the bed next to her. When her words registered, the confusion on his face was the very definition of pain, and his hand shook as he lifted it up to her face. Gently, he stroked the side of her cheek. “Why would you ever think that?”
At this point, Eve lost all control and broke down in tears. The sadness that she’d carried all throughout her life finally broke.
“Shhh,” he soothed, kissing her temple. “I could never stop loving you.”
When she finally relaxed, she said, “I thought you wouldn’t want me when you found out about the twins.”
Between one heartbeat and the next, he just stared at her for the longest time. “You are my beloved, and they are my blood,” he proclaimed.
“How could I not want you?”
As she searched his face, she sensed the compassion and honesty in his expression. And the strangest thing happened. She believed him. Blinking slowly, she fought back more tears. “I love you, Sebastian.”
“I look into the future and see… you,” he murmured. “I promise I’m not going anywhere and neither are you. We’ll always be together.”
No matter Sebastian’s assurances that he would take care of her and their children, she still had committed a crime against the Breedline, and crime didn’t go unpunished. Even though she saved Jace and Jem’s adopted mother from the demon, she had done horrible things in her past that would not be forgotten. And if the Breedline found her, she would face punishment. A cold chill overtook her just thinking about being taken away.
“Eve?”
Sebastian’s concerned voice broke through her troubled thoughts, and she turned to see him looking at her intently, worry reflected in his gold eyes.
“Is something wrong, darling?”
She shook her head. “I was just thinking… of what I’ve done. I’m a criminal in the eyes of the Breedline. I could go to jail.”
“Come here,” Sebastian said in a tender voice, pulling her closer, so she felt comforted by his touch. “I won’t let that happen. The only thing I want you thinking about is us and our life together. Leave everything else up to me.”
“I want you to promise,” she said, looking earnestly up at him, “if something happens to me—“
Sebastian immediately began to protest as he brought his finger up to place over her lips, instilling firmness in his gaze. “Shhh… I’m not going to let that happen.”
She briefly closed her eyes and laid her head on his shoulder. God, she wanted to believe him. Wanted it with everything she had.
“Drink, and heal my darling,” he said, offering her his wrist.
****
Tessa panicked, her heart nearly stopping after the news of Eve’s disappearance. “Oh my God,” she cried out. “How could she have escaped? Has anyone seen the twins?”
Jace knelt in front of her and said, “Don’t worry, honey. I’m sure they’re all right.”
Abruptly, the door burst open and Tim came in with Drakon and Jem following behind.
“Sebastian came through the portal and took Eve,” Drakon said. “We got it all on the surveillance cameras.”
Jace’s eyes widened. “No damn way!”
Kenneth cocked a brow. “Who’s Sebastian?”
Jace rubbed his forehead wearily. “Long story,” he grumbled. “Short version… he’s the father of Eve’s twins. And I swear the bastard has nine lives.”
Jem glanced in his brother’s direction, and then shifted his eyes toward Tessa. “The twins are fine, Tessa,” he said in a reassuring tone. “They’re with Mia.”
“Thank God,” Tessa said relieved and blew out a deep breath, some of the anxiety easing.
Impatient with the chitchat, Jace said, “How long has it been?”
“An hour ago,” Tim replied.
“Christ, we’re already an hour behind. We’re wasting valuable time just sitting around with our thumbs up our asses,” Jace blurted. “Why aren’t we searching for the bastard now?”
Tim shot him a look. “I want everyone here to keep a clear, level head. We need a plan before we go off half-cocked, and get someone killed.”
Grinding his teeth, Jace nodded in silence. Then he wrapped his arm around Tessa, wishing he could take away her pain from the past. He gathered her close in his arms and pressed his lips to her forehead. When Jace looked up at Jem, a shadow passed through his eyes, and Jem knew Jace was remembering how close they came to losing Tessa at the hands of Sebastian.
Love had many twists and turns. It was painful, joyful, fulfilling and frightening as hell, Jem thought. It made a man vulnerable. It opened him up to unimaginable hurts and agony. But it also gifted him with something stronger than anything else in the world. The love of your bonded mate was the most precious gift a man would ever receive.
Jem flinched when he heard Tim’s stern voice, snapping him back to reality.
“We need to notify everyone in the Covenant,” Tim said firmly, running a hand over his short-trimmed hair. “I’ll see if Celina can put a spell on the estate to block Sebastian or anyone else from using the portal to get in. And no one leaves, am I clear?”
Every single person was instantly on alert. They recognized this important step in their progression to locate Sebastian. And Tim trusted them to keep it together. He could see their determination as he looked around the room.
When everyone agreed, Tim shifted his focus on Bruce. “I want the guest house guarded even though Eve’s gone. Every hour I want you to do a walk through. I want eyes on this place twenty-four-seven.”
Brue nodded in agreement. “Aye, sairr.”
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. Kenneth Craven - He is a Breedline and an orthopedic surgeon at the San Franciso General Hospital. He's also Tessa Fairchild's biological father.
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. 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. Kenneth Craven - He is a Breedline and an orthopedic surgeon at the San Franciso General Hospital. He's also Tessa Fairchild's biological father.
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. 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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