| Fantasy Fiction posted November 13, 2017 | Chapters: |
...31 32 -33- 34... 
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Unleashed Chaos/A Novel of the Breedline series
A chapter in the book Unleashed Chaos
Hidden Away
by scongrove
Previously...
As the Breedline Covenant sleeps peacefully, they are unaware of evil that lurks inside. With Lilith’s powerful relic medallion, Sebastian and Thomas are able to break through the spell placed on the Covenant, giving them the ability to use a portal.
After Casey Barton witnesses Sebastian and Thomas kidnapping Tessa, Arius, and Tidus, he alerts Jace. As anger consumes every neuron in Jace’s body, he fights the Beast within him before it becomes unleashed and attacks everyone in the Covenant. When Jace’s family does everything in their power to calm him, something strange happens. A bright light surrounds him like a cocoon, shielding Jace from his Beast. And then the light suddenly disappears taking Jace with it.
Continued...
Tessa allowed one slit in her left eye, and when she didn’t see anyone else in the room, she opened both lids and quickly scanned over her surroundings. She was in an unfamiliar room, lying on a bed, her heart pounding like a jackhammer in her chest.
When she didn't see anyone, she slowly sat upright and shifted her legs off the bed. Planting her feet on the floor, she stood and nearly went down face-first. As she sank back down on the edge of the bed, she shook her head, trying to clear the dizziness that surrounded her like a fog. Whatever Sebastian had given her, it must have been strong enough to take down an elephant.
With her hand covering her belly, she smoothed over the roundness as if she was trying to soothe her babies. When she felt movement, her mind eased. Keeping her palm on her stomach, she focused her mind on Jace and tried to reach out to him.
Oh God, Jace. Can you hear me?
Abruptly, pain speared through her skull and down her spine. Overwhelmed, she leaned forward and vomited. Something was wrong. Instinctively, she knew something had happened to Jace.
The pain was too much. Tessa grabbed her head as tears streamed down her cheeks. It took her several moments to regain her composure and for the pounding in her head to dissipate. She was worried for her unborn babies. Even if she managed to escape this situation with her life, would the stress cause her to lose them?
When she felt a warm hand on her shoulder, she reacted on instinct. Tessa turned and lashed out, landing the heel of her palm on the bridge of Thomas’s nose.
Stumbling back with his hand covering his face, Thomas looked at her with murderous intent. Instantly, he realized she was going to put up a fight. On impulse, he grabbed her by her hair and yanked her head up.
Tessa saw his fist coming and tried to dodge it, but he was too fast. When his knuckles made contact with her face, darkness replaced her vision.
****
When Jem opened the door to the bedroom, he saw Mia staring across the room with a blank stare. And then she dropped her head in her hands as tears spilled down her face.
He moved closer with his arms extended and pulled her into an embrace. Mia started to murmur, her words mixed with incomprehensible sobs until they finally coalesced into some meaning. “What are we going to do? How are we going to get them back? Oh, God, Tessa’s pregnant … she’s due in a few months. And where’s Jace?”
Jem was still holding tightly onto Mia, knowing if he let her go, she would crumble to the floor.
“Shhh... I promise I’ll do everything I can to get them back.”
Mia rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes, so many emotions bombarding her until she was utterly exhausted. She clung to his words knowing he would do everything in his power to bring their family back.
He slipped his fingers under her chin and gently nudged it upward until she met his gaze.
“Trust me, honey,” Jem murmured. “I’m going to find them.”
She leaned her forehead against his chest. “I know you will. I love you, Jem.”
He put his lips to the top of her head, and she could feel the warmth of his breath. “I love you, too,” he said fiercely. He stroked her hair, sprinkling little kisses over her brow.
Moments after a long embrace, she raised her head so she could look him in the eyes, so she could see the light of good shining through them. “Please find them,” she said, her voice pleading.
****
In the bay area of California, deep in an underground bunker, was Jace who had completely disappeared seven days ago. After days of total darkness, he couldn’t understand why the sun was suddenly shining on him, unless he’d died, and was crossing over to the other side.
With his hand shielding his face, his eyes squinted, trying to focus on the bright image moving closer. As he slowly sat upright, the agony in his body and the screaming in his head were too painful for him to be dead. No, he thought. He was definitely still alive.
“Here,” the bright image said, holding something close to Jace’s mouth, “drink this.”
Jace lifted his head and parted his lips. When the cold water poured down his throat, his instincts went on autopilot, drinking it down fast.
“Slow down, Jace,” the bright image urged.
Jace drank it all and was desperate for more.
“Hold on,” the friendly voice whispered. “I’ve got another bottle.”
As Jace drank down the last sip, he realized he wasn’t in the same place as before. Inhaling through his nose, it smelled like fresh air. When he surveyed his surroundings, he realized he was lying on his back in a field outside.
“I’m taking you back home,” the voice said. “Your family needs you.”
Jace frowned, dragged in a breath, and mumbled, “Tessa... she’s gone. I couldn’t save her.”
“You can get her back, Jace.” The voice seemed to be nodding his head, because the blurry image was coming clear, shifting into an unfamiliar face.
When Jace found the strength to sit up, he rubbed his eyes, and he could have sworn it was an Angel standing above him. He had long, dark hair and neon green eyes, slit-pupiled like a cat’s. “Who are you?”
As the image smiled, his canines were sharp, pointed like feline teeth. “I am the Archangel, Raphael,” he said as black wings unsheathed from his back.
“I don’t understand,” Jace gasped, and put a hand through his long tangled hair, pushing it away from his face. “Why are you here?”
“Come with me,” Raphael said, extending his hand. “Let’s get you back to the Covenant.”
“Wait,” Jace pleaded. “Please, tell me she’s alive.”
As everything went black, Jace felt his body lifted with an unknown force. It was if he was drifting into space, floating peacefully under the stars.
****
Some days lasted forever, Jem thought as he headed to the library to meet with the others. It had been seven days since Jace had vanished into thin air, and the Covenant seemed empty now. Even the cat Buddy suddenly went missing. Not only was everyone devastated over Jace, Tessa, and the twin’s absence, Natalie was also heart-broken over the cat’s mysterious disappearance.
Time was of the essence. After Jace went incognito, their Breedline telepathic connection went completely blank, and he was clueless where to search for him.
As Jem walked into the room, he took a seat next to Drakon. Everyone sitting at the table was just as speechless as he was.
Sweat beaded Jem’s forehead, and his heart pounded in his chest as they waited for John and Sarah to arrive. It had taken every bit of courage Jem possessed to explain to his adopted parents what had happened to Tessa… and Jace. He’d hoped he made the right decision telling them. Perhaps it had been better if he’d just kept them out of this, but they deserved the truth.
Jem looked up at the sound of the door opening. John and Sarah walked in, and pain sliced through Jem’s chest when he saw the expression on their face. They looked utterly devastated.
He stood and motioned them over. As Jem pulled a chair out for Sarah, she took a seat before her legs gave away by shaking uncontrollably. John sat in the chair beside her, wrapped his arm around her and mustered a rueful smile. Jem sat back down beside Sarah and gripped her hand, squeezing lightly.
“I know you're worried, Mom, but please have faith,” Jem said softly. “Everything will be all right. Trust me. This family has faced the worst situations, and we always come out on top.”
Sarah’s lips quivered as tears slid down her cheeks. John reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, wiping them away. “Jem’s right, sweetheart,” he whispered. “We’ll get through this.”
From across the table, Alexander looked at them with concern. He nodded at John and Sarah, his eyes full of despair.
The others nodded, and it was all Sarah could do not to break down completely. Her family was everything to her, and now it extended to the fullest with everyone at this table she’d come to adore. Sarah was silent and directed a forced smile in their direction.
John looked at Jem. “Where’s your sister?”
“She called an hour ago. She had an emergency at the hospital. I told her I would fill her in when she gets back.”
“Okay,” John replied, his heart breaking with every breath.
With that, Tim stood. “I’ve contacted Tessa’s father. I promised Kenneth I would keep him updated.” Tim’s eyes locked on Celina as he looked at the far end of the table. When he nodded in her direction, he sat back down, and Celina began to tell them the only explanation she had.
When she told them only a powerful Wicca could have broken the spell she had placed on the Covenant, which kept anyone from using a portal, Jem shook his head in frustration. First, there had been Tessa, Arius, and Tidus, and now his brother was missing. They also had other problems. Not only did they have to deal with another dark Wicca, but Sebastian had a twin.
“Jesus…” Jem muttered, rubbing his temples. “Does it ever end?”
“We’ll get through this,” Drakon spoke out, his gaze focused on Jem. “We’ve all got to remain strong.”
Celina braced herself for Tim’s reaction, as did the others in the room. They were all exhausted, but they did their best to stay focused and ready to do whatever it took to bring Tessa, Arius, and Tidus back. And Jace’s disappearance was like death, too. He’d disappeared, leaving no clues behind to his whereabouts.
“What about the Guardians?” Kyle queried. “Maybe there’s something they can do to help.”
Tim rubbed his jaw. He felt like he’d aged in the last few days, he really did, but he was also wired and twitchy… ready to finally put an end to Sebastian Crow. He leaned back in his chair, his weight making a creak in protest. Everyone in the room looked at him, anxiously waiting for a response.
Just as Tim was about to open his mouth to speak, the doors to the library sprang open, and Mia came bursting in. “It’s Jace! Chester found Jace!”
In reaction, Sarah placed her hand over her mouth and gasped, “Oh my God!”
Jem’s eyes popped wide, and the expression on his face was shell-shocked. When he shot to his feet, the chair he was sitting in flew backward and crashed to the floor. “Where is he?”
“Outside!” she said, motioning them to follow.
As Mia rushed out of the room, Jem was right on her heels. Everyone else in the room fell in close behind, and together, they followed Mia outside.
Someone tall was coming from the distance, moving through a mass of pine trees. At first, they weren’t sure who it was, and then they recognized Chester as he moved closer.
Standing next to Mia, Jem put his arm up to shield his eyes from the sun and looked over at Mia. “How did you find out?”
When Mia turned to him, her eyes softened. “Amelia came to me. She told me Chester found him outside, lying on the ground, inside the gate.”
Shifting their focus forward, Jem’s whole body began to shake when he saw Jace draped over Chester’s shoulder.
As Jem took off, he ran as fast as his legs would carry him. “Jace!” he yelled. “Jace!”
He came to a halt with his jaw gapped. It was Jace, but it was a weakened version of his brother as if brought back from the dead. His face was gaunt, the skin gray and pasty. His eyes sunk deep into the sockets, surrounded by dark circles, and his hair was nothing but a long, tangled mess. He was wearing the same jeans he had on the night he’d vanished, except they were all torn and filthy.
With all the big bodies crowded in a tight circle, it was hard for Sarah to see. Afraid to look, needing to know, she moved past them, and a blond head of hair caught the light. “Dear God.” She swayed, and Jem grabbed her. She looked at him, choked back her sobs, and said, “Is he alive?”
At the sound of her voice, Jace jerked and threw a limp hand out to her. She reached out and took his slack hand. “Thank the lord,” she said, squeezing lightly, “you’re alive.”
Jace took a deep breath, his dull eyes focusing on her. “I love you... Ma,” he said hoarsely, his throat raw. Another breath was followed by a groan as his stare fuzzed out completely, his hand falling from hers.
“Jace…,” her voice cracked. Sarah felt the years peel away as she watched her son close his eyes. Jace wasn’t the only one suffering. His family and friends had been suffering since he’d disappeared, having no idea if he was alive or dead.
“Have faith, Mom,” Jem said, placing his hand on her shoulder. “Jace is a fighter.”
Sarah flinched at the light contact and looked up at Jem. Tears clouded her eyes, but she didn’t allow them to fall, trying to keep from falling apart. She had to be strong for him and Jace.
Alexander moved beside Jem and cleared his throat. “Let’s get him inside,” he said, reaching out to take Jace from Chester.
Jem wanted to be the person to take his brother back into the Covenant, but his legs were shaking so badly he probably needed to be carried too.
As Chester handed Jace’s body over to Alexander, he said, “Apparently, he hasn’t had anything to eat or drink in days. With rest, he’ll heal on the outside. Healing on the inside is up to him.”
Jem could barely comprehend what Chester had told them; he was too busy staring into his twin’s face. There were dark shadows under his eyes. As Chester spoke, Jem concentrated on communicating with Jace telepathically. We’ll get Tessa back, brother. I swear it.
Jace’s lids barely cracked, and tears trickled from the corners. He could feel the lingering pain coming from the base of his skull. He’d already endured so much suffering, and not knowing what was happening to Tessa was sending him right over the edge. She tried to contact him telepathically, but something was keeping them from communicating. Yeah, he was starting to lose his mind. Jace was clinging by a thread, and right now it seemed a lot easier to just let go and check out.
With all his strength, Jace’s mouth opened. “Tessa,” he said, his voice was garbled.
“He’ll be all right, honey,” John said in a soothing voice. With his arm wrapped around Sarah, they followed behind everyone as Alexander carried Jace inside the Covenant.
To be continued...
Previously...
As the Breedline Covenant sleeps peacefully, they are unaware of evil that lurks inside. With Lilith’s powerful relic medallion, Sebastian and Thomas are able to break through the spell placed on the Covenant, giving them the ability to use a portal.
After Casey Barton witnesses Sebastian and Thomas kidnapping Tessa, Arius, and Tidus, he alerts Jace. As anger consumes every neuron in Jace’s body, he fights the Beast within him before it becomes unleashed and attacks everyone in the Covenant. When Jace’s family does everything in their power to calm him, something strange happens. A bright light surrounds him like a cocoon, shielding Jace from his Beast. And then the light suddenly disappears taking Jace with it.
Continued...
Tessa allowed one slit in her left eye, and when she didn’t see anyone else in the room, she opened both lids and quickly scanned over her surroundings. She was in an unfamiliar room, lying on a bed, her heart pounding like a jackhammer in her chest.
When she didn't see anyone, she slowly sat upright and shifted her legs off the bed. Planting her feet on the floor, she stood and nearly went down face-first. As she sank back down on the edge of the bed, she shook her head, trying to clear the dizziness that surrounded her like a fog. Whatever Sebastian had given her, it must have been strong enough to take down an elephant.
With her hand covering her belly, she smoothed over the roundness as if she was trying to soothe her babies. When she felt movement, her mind eased. Keeping her palm on her stomach, she focused her mind on Jace and tried to reach out to him.
Oh God, Jace. Can you hear me?
Abruptly, pain speared through her skull and down her spine. Overwhelmed, she leaned forward and vomited. Something was wrong. Instinctively, she knew something had happened to Jace.
The pain was too much. Tessa grabbed her head as tears streamed down her cheeks. It took her several moments to regain her composure and for the pounding in her head to dissipate. She was worried for her unborn babies. Even if she managed to escape this situation with her life, would the stress cause her to lose them?
When she felt a warm hand on her shoulder, she reacted on instinct. Tessa turned and lashed out, landing the heel of her palm on the bridge of Thomas’s nose.
Stumbling back with his hand covering his face, Thomas looked at her with murderous intent. Instantly, he realized she was going to put up a fight. On impulse, he grabbed her by her hair and yanked her head up.
Tessa saw his fist coming and tried to dodge it, but he was too fast. When his knuckles made contact with her face, darkness replaced her vision.
****
When Jem opened the door to the bedroom, he saw Mia staring across the room with a blank stare. And then she dropped her head in her hands as tears spilled down her face.
He moved closer with his arms extended and pulled her into an embrace. Mia started to murmur, her words mixed with incomprehensible sobs until they finally coalesced into some meaning. “What are we going to do? How are we going to get them back? Oh, God, Tessa’s pregnant … she’s due in a few months. And where’s Jace?”
Jem was still holding tightly onto Mia, knowing if he let her go, she would crumble to the floor.
“Shhh... I promise I’ll do everything I can to get them back.”
Mia rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes, so many emotions bombarding her until she was utterly exhausted. She clung to his words knowing he would do everything in his power to bring their family back.
He slipped his fingers under her chin and gently nudged it upward until she met his gaze.
“Trust me, honey,” Jem murmured. “I’m going to find them.”
She leaned her forehead against his chest. “I know you will. I love you, Jem.”
He put his lips to the top of her head, and she could feel the warmth of his breath. “I love you, too,” he said fiercely. He stroked her hair, sprinkling little kisses over her brow.
Moments after a long embrace, she raised her head so she could look him in the eyes, so she could see the light of good shining through them. “Please find them,” she said, her voice pleading.
****
In the bay area of California, deep in an underground bunker, was Jace who had completely disappeared seven days ago. After days of total darkness, he couldn’t understand why the sun was suddenly shining on him, unless he’d died, and was crossing over to the other side.
With his hand shielding his face, his eyes squinted, trying to focus on the bright image moving closer. As he slowly sat upright, the agony in his body and the screaming in his head were too painful for him to be dead. No, he thought. He was definitely still alive.
“Here,” the bright image said, holding something close to Jace’s mouth, “drink this.”
Jace lifted his head and parted his lips. When the cold water poured down his throat, his instincts went on autopilot, drinking it down fast.
“Slow down, Jace,” the bright image urged.
Jace drank it all and was desperate for more.
“Hold on,” the friendly voice whispered. “I’ve got another bottle.”
As Jace drank down the last sip, he realized he wasn’t in the same place as before. Inhaling through his nose, it smelled like fresh air. When he surveyed his surroundings, he realized he was lying on his back in a field outside.
“I’m taking you back home,” the voice said. “Your family needs you.”
Jace frowned, dragged in a breath, and mumbled, “Tessa... she’s gone. I couldn’t save her.”
“You can get her back, Jace.” The voice seemed to be nodding his head, because the blurry image was coming clear, shifting into an unfamiliar face.
When Jace found the strength to sit up, he rubbed his eyes, and he could have sworn it was an Angel standing above him. He had long, dark hair and neon green eyes, slit-pupiled like a cat’s. “Who are you?”
As the image smiled, his canines were sharp, pointed like feline teeth. “I am the Archangel, Raphael,” he said as black wings unsheathed from his back.
“I don’t understand,” Jace gasped, and put a hand through his long tangled hair, pushing it away from his face. “Why are you here?”
“Come with me,” Raphael said, extending his hand. “Let’s get you back to the Covenant.”
“Wait,” Jace pleaded. “Please, tell me she’s alive.”
As everything went black, Jace felt his body lifted with an unknown force. It was if he was drifting into space, floating peacefully under the stars.
****
Some days lasted forever, Jem thought as he headed to the library to meet with the others. It had been seven days since Jace had vanished into thin air, and the Covenant seemed empty now. Even the cat Buddy suddenly went missing. Not only was everyone devastated over Jace, Tessa, and the twin’s absence, Natalie was also heart-broken over the cat’s mysterious disappearance.
Time was of the essence. After Jace went incognito, their Breedline telepathic connection went completely blank, and he was clueless where to search for him.
As Jem walked into the room, he took a seat next to Drakon. Everyone sitting at the table was just as speechless as he was.
Sweat beaded Jem’s forehead, and his heart pounded in his chest as they waited for John and Sarah to arrive. It had taken every bit of courage Jem possessed to explain to his adopted parents what had happened to Tessa… and Jace. He’d hoped he made the right decision telling them. Perhaps it had been better if he’d just kept them out of this, but they deserved the truth.
Jem looked up at the sound of the door opening. John and Sarah walked in, and pain sliced through Jem’s chest when he saw the expression on their face. They looked utterly devastated.
He stood and motioned them over. As Jem pulled a chair out for Sarah, she took a seat before her legs gave away by shaking uncontrollably. John sat in the chair beside her, wrapped his arm around her and mustered a rueful smile. Jem sat back down beside Sarah and gripped her hand, squeezing lightly.
“I know you're worried, Mom, but please have faith,” Jem said softly. “Everything will be all right. Trust me. This family has faced the worst situations, and we always come out on top.”
Sarah’s lips quivered as tears slid down her cheeks. John reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, wiping them away. “Jem’s right, sweetheart,” he whispered. “We’ll get through this.”
From across the table, Alexander looked at them with concern. He nodded at John and Sarah, his eyes full of despair.
The others nodded, and it was all Sarah could do not to break down completely. Her family was everything to her, and now it extended to the fullest with everyone at this table she’d come to adore. Sarah was silent and directed a forced smile in their direction.
John looked at Jem. “Where’s your sister?”
“She called an hour ago. She had an emergency at the hospital. I told her I would fill her in when she gets back.”
“Okay,” John replied, his heart breaking with every breath.
With that, Tim stood. “I’ve contacted Tessa’s father. I promised Kenneth I would keep him updated.” Tim’s eyes locked on Celina as he looked at the far end of the table. When he nodded in her direction, he sat back down, and Celina began to tell them the only explanation she had.
When she told them only a powerful Wicca could have broken the spell she had placed on the Covenant, which kept anyone from using a portal, Jem shook his head in frustration. First, there had been Tessa, Arius, and Tidus, and now his brother was missing. They also had other problems. Not only did they have to deal with another dark Wicca, but Sebastian had a twin.
“Jesus…” Jem muttered, rubbing his temples. “Does it ever end?”
“We’ll get through this,” Drakon spoke out, his gaze focused on Jem. “We’ve all got to remain strong.”
Celina braced herself for Tim’s reaction, as did the others in the room. They were all exhausted, but they did their best to stay focused and ready to do whatever it took to bring Tessa, Arius, and Tidus back. And Jace’s disappearance was like death, too. He’d disappeared, leaving no clues behind to his whereabouts.
“What about the Guardians?” Kyle queried. “Maybe there’s something they can do to help.”
Tim rubbed his jaw. He felt like he’d aged in the last few days, he really did, but he was also wired and twitchy… ready to finally put an end to Sebastian Crow. He leaned back in his chair, his weight making a creak in protest. Everyone in the room looked at him, anxiously waiting for a response.
Just as Tim was about to open his mouth to speak, the doors to the library sprang open, and Mia came bursting in. “It’s Jace! Chester found Jace!”
In reaction, Sarah placed her hand over her mouth and gasped, “Oh my God!”
Jem’s eyes popped wide, and the expression on his face was shell-shocked. When he shot to his feet, the chair he was sitting in flew backward and crashed to the floor. “Where is he?”
“Outside!” she said, motioning them to follow.
As Mia rushed out of the room, Jem was right on her heels. Everyone else in the room fell in close behind, and together, they followed Mia outside.
Someone tall was coming from the distance, moving through a mass of pine trees. At first, they weren’t sure who it was, and then they recognized Chester as he moved closer.
Standing next to Mia, Jem put his arm up to shield his eyes from the sun and looked over at Mia. “How did you find out?”
When Mia turned to him, her eyes softened. “Amelia came to me. She told me Chester found him outside, lying on the ground, inside the gate.”
Shifting their focus forward, Jem’s whole body began to shake when he saw Jace draped over Chester’s shoulder.
As Jem took off, he ran as fast as his legs would carry him. “Jace!” he yelled. “Jace!”
He came to a halt with his jaw gapped. It was Jace, but it was a weakened version of his brother as if brought back from the dead. His face was gaunt, the skin gray and pasty. His eyes sunk deep into the sockets, surrounded by dark circles, and his hair was nothing but a long, tangled mess. He was wearing the same jeans he had on the night he’d vanished, except they were all torn and filthy.
With all the big bodies crowded in a tight circle, it was hard for Sarah to see. Afraid to look, needing to know, she moved past them, and a blond head of hair caught the light. “Dear God.” She swayed, and Jem grabbed her. She looked at him, choked back her sobs, and said, “Is he alive?”
At the sound of her voice, Jace jerked and threw a limp hand out to her. She reached out and took his slack hand. “Thank the lord,” she said, squeezing lightly, “you’re alive.”
Jace took a deep breath, his dull eyes focusing on her. “I love you... Ma,” he said hoarsely, his throat raw. Another breath was followed by a groan as his stare fuzzed out completely, his hand falling from hers.
“Jace…,” her voice cracked. Sarah felt the years peel away as she watched her son close his eyes. Jace wasn’t the only one suffering. His family and friends had been suffering since he’d disappeared, having no idea if he was alive or dead.
“Have faith, Mom,” Jem said, placing his hand on her shoulder. “Jace is a fighter.”
Sarah flinched at the light contact and looked up at Jem. Tears clouded her eyes, but she didn’t allow them to fall, trying to keep from falling apart. She had to be strong for him and Jace.
Alexander moved beside Jem and cleared his throat. “Let’s get him inside,” he said, reaching out to take Jace from Chester.
Jem wanted to be the person to take his brother back into the Covenant, but his legs were shaking so badly he probably needed to be carried too.
As Chester handed Jace’s body over to Alexander, he said, “Apparently, he hasn’t had anything to eat or drink in days. With rest, he’ll heal on the outside. Healing on the inside is up to him.”
Jem could barely comprehend what Chester had told them; he was too busy staring into his twin’s face. There were dark shadows under his eyes. As Chester spoke, Jem concentrated on communicating with Jace telepathically. We’ll get Tessa back, brother. I swear it.
Jace’s lids barely cracked, and tears trickled from the corners. He could feel the lingering pain coming from the base of his skull. He’d already endured so much suffering, and not knowing what was happening to Tessa was sending him right over the edge. She tried to contact him telepathically, but something was keeping them from communicating. Yeah, he was starting to lose his mind. Jace was clinging by a thread, and right now it seemed a lot easier to just let go and check out.
With all his strength, Jace’s mouth opened. “Tessa,” he said, his voice was garbled.
“He’ll be all right, honey,” John said in a soothing voice. With his arm wrapped around Sarah, they followed behind everyone as Alexander carried Jace inside the Covenant.
To be continued...
As the Breedline Covenant sleeps peacefully, they are unaware of evil that lurks inside. With Lilith’s powerful relic medallion, Sebastian and Thomas are able to break through the spell placed on the Covenant, giving them the ability to use a portal.
After Casey Barton witnesses Sebastian and Thomas kidnapping Tessa, Arius, and Tidus, he alerts Jace. As anger consumes every neuron in Jace’s body, he fights the Beast within him before it becomes unleashed and attacks everyone in the Covenant. When Jace’s family does everything in their power to calm him, something strange happens. A bright light surrounds him like a cocoon, shielding Jace from his Beast. And then the light suddenly disappears taking Jace with it.
Continued...
Tessa allowed one slit in her left eye, and when she didn’t see anyone else in the room, she opened both lids and quickly scanned over her surroundings. She was in an unfamiliar room, lying on a bed, her heart pounding like a jackhammer in her chest.
When she didn't see anyone, she slowly sat upright and shifted her legs off the bed. Planting her feet on the floor, she stood and nearly went down face-first. As she sank back down on the edge of the bed, she shook her head, trying to clear the dizziness that surrounded her like a fog. Whatever Sebastian had given her, it must have been strong enough to take down an elephant.
With her hand covering her belly, she smoothed over the roundness as if she was trying to soothe her babies. When she felt movement, her mind eased. Keeping her palm on her stomach, she focused her mind on Jace and tried to reach out to him.
Oh God, Jace. Can you hear me?
Abruptly, pain speared through her skull and down her spine. Overwhelmed, she leaned forward and vomited. Something was wrong. Instinctively, she knew something had happened to Jace.
The pain was too much. Tessa grabbed her head as tears streamed down her cheeks. It took her several moments to regain her composure and for the pounding in her head to dissipate. She was worried for her unborn babies. Even if she managed to escape this situation with her life, would the stress cause her to lose them?
When she felt a warm hand on her shoulder, she reacted on instinct. Tessa turned and lashed out, landing the heel of her palm on the bridge of Thomas’s nose.
Stumbling back with his hand covering his face, Thomas looked at her with murderous intent. Instantly, he realized she was going to put up a fight. On impulse, he grabbed her by her hair and yanked her head up.
Tessa saw his fist coming and tried to dodge it, but he was too fast. When his knuckles made contact with her face, darkness replaced her vision.
****
When Jem opened the door to the bedroom, he saw Mia staring across the room with a blank stare. And then she dropped her head in her hands as tears spilled down her face.
He moved closer with his arms extended and pulled her into an embrace. Mia started to murmur, her words mixed with incomprehensible sobs until they finally coalesced into some meaning. “What are we going to do? How are we going to get them back? Oh, God, Tessa’s pregnant … she’s due in a few months. And where’s Jace?”
Jem was still holding tightly onto Mia, knowing if he let her go, she would crumble to the floor.
“Shhh... I promise I’ll do everything I can to get them back.”
Mia rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes, so many emotions bombarding her until she was utterly exhausted. She clung to his words knowing he would do everything in his power to bring their family back.
He slipped his fingers under her chin and gently nudged it upward until she met his gaze.
“Trust me, honey,” Jem murmured. “I’m going to find them.”
She leaned her forehead against his chest. “I know you will. I love you, Jem.”
He put his lips to the top of her head, and she could feel the warmth of his breath. “I love you, too,” he said fiercely. He stroked her hair, sprinkling little kisses over her brow.
Moments after a long embrace, she raised her head so she could look him in the eyes, so she could see the light of good shining through them. “Please find them,” she said, her voice pleading.
****
In the bay area of California, deep in an underground bunker, was Jace who had completely disappeared seven days ago. After days of total darkness, he couldn’t understand why the sun was suddenly shining on him, unless he’d died, and was crossing over to the other side.
With his hand shielding his face, his eyes squinted, trying to focus on the bright image moving closer. As he slowly sat upright, the agony in his body and the screaming in his head were too painful for him to be dead. No, he thought. He was definitely still alive.
“Here,” the bright image said, holding something close to Jace’s mouth, “drink this.”
Jace lifted his head and parted his lips. When the cold water poured down his throat, his instincts went on autopilot, drinking it down fast.
“Slow down, Jace,” the bright image urged.
Jace drank it all and was desperate for more.
“Hold on,” the friendly voice whispered. “I’ve got another bottle.”
As Jace drank down the last sip, he realized he wasn’t in the same place as before. Inhaling through his nose, it smelled like fresh air. When he surveyed his surroundings, he realized he was lying on his back in a field outside.
“I’m taking you back home,” the voice said. “Your family needs you.”
Jace frowned, dragged in a breath, and mumbled, “Tessa... she’s gone. I couldn’t save her.”
“You can get her back, Jace.” The voice seemed to be nodding his head, because the blurry image was coming clear, shifting into an unfamiliar face.
When Jace found the strength to sit up, he rubbed his eyes, and he could have sworn it was an Angel standing above him. He had long, dark hair and neon green eyes, slit-pupiled like a cat’s. “Who are you?”
As the image smiled, his canines were sharp, pointed like feline teeth. “I am the Archangel, Raphael,” he said as black wings unsheathed from his back.
“I don’t understand,” Jace gasped, and put a hand through his long tangled hair, pushing it away from his face. “Why are you here?”
“Come with me,” Raphael said, extending his hand. “Let’s get you back to the Covenant.”
“Wait,” Jace pleaded. “Please, tell me she’s alive.”
As everything went black, Jace felt his body lifted with an unknown force. It was if he was drifting into space, floating peacefully under the stars.
****
Some days lasted forever, Jem thought as he headed to the library to meet with the others. It had been seven days since Jace had vanished into thin air, and the Covenant seemed empty now. Even the cat Buddy suddenly went missing. Not only was everyone devastated over Jace, Tessa, and the twin’s absence, Natalie was also heart-broken over the cat’s mysterious disappearance.
Time was of the essence. After Jace went incognito, their Breedline telepathic connection went completely blank, and he was clueless where to search for him.
As Jem walked into the room, he took a seat next to Drakon. Everyone sitting at the table was just as speechless as he was.
Sweat beaded Jem’s forehead, and his heart pounded in his chest as they waited for John and Sarah to arrive. It had taken every bit of courage Jem possessed to explain to his adopted parents what had happened to Tessa… and Jace. He’d hoped he made the right decision telling them. Perhaps it had been better if he’d just kept them out of this, but they deserved the truth.
Jem looked up at the sound of the door opening. John and Sarah walked in, and pain sliced through Jem’s chest when he saw the expression on their face. They looked utterly devastated.
He stood and motioned them over. As Jem pulled a chair out for Sarah, she took a seat before her legs gave away by shaking uncontrollably. John sat in the chair beside her, wrapped his arm around her and mustered a rueful smile. Jem sat back down beside Sarah and gripped her hand, squeezing lightly.
“I know you're worried, Mom, but please have faith,” Jem said softly. “Everything will be all right. Trust me. This family has faced the worst situations, and we always come out on top.”
Sarah’s lips quivered as tears slid down her cheeks. John reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, wiping them away. “Jem’s right, sweetheart,” he whispered. “We’ll get through this.”
From across the table, Alexander looked at them with concern. He nodded at John and Sarah, his eyes full of despair.
The others nodded, and it was all Sarah could do not to break down completely. Her family was everything to her, and now it extended to the fullest with everyone at this table she’d come to adore. Sarah was silent and directed a forced smile in their direction.
John looked at Jem. “Where’s your sister?”
“She called an hour ago. She had an emergency at the hospital. I told her I would fill her in when she gets back.”
“Okay,” John replied, his heart breaking with every breath.
With that, Tim stood. “I’ve contacted Tessa’s father. I promised Kenneth I would keep him updated.” Tim’s eyes locked on Celina as he looked at the far end of the table. When he nodded in her direction, he sat back down, and Celina began to tell them the only explanation she had.
When she told them only a powerful Wicca could have broken the spell she had placed on the Covenant, which kept anyone from using a portal, Jem shook his head in frustration. First, there had been Tessa, Arius, and Tidus, and now his brother was missing. They also had other problems. Not only did they have to deal with another dark Wicca, but Sebastian had a twin.
“Jesus…” Jem muttered, rubbing his temples. “Does it ever end?”
“We’ll get through this,” Drakon spoke out, his gaze focused on Jem. “We’ve all got to remain strong.”
Celina braced herself for Tim’s reaction, as did the others in the room. They were all exhausted, but they did their best to stay focused and ready to do whatever it took to bring Tessa, Arius, and Tidus back. And Jace’s disappearance was like death, too. He’d disappeared, leaving no clues behind to his whereabouts.
“What about the Guardians?” Kyle queried. “Maybe there’s something they can do to help.”
Tim rubbed his jaw. He felt like he’d aged in the last few days, he really did, but he was also wired and twitchy… ready to finally put an end to Sebastian Crow. He leaned back in his chair, his weight making a creak in protest. Everyone in the room looked at him, anxiously waiting for a response.
Just as Tim was about to open his mouth to speak, the doors to the library sprang open, and Mia came bursting in. “It’s Jace! Chester found Jace!”
In reaction, Sarah placed her hand over her mouth and gasped, “Oh my God!”
Jem’s eyes popped wide, and the expression on his face was shell-shocked. When he shot to his feet, the chair he was sitting in flew backward and crashed to the floor. “Where is he?”
“Outside!” she said, motioning them to follow.
As Mia rushed out of the room, Jem was right on her heels. Everyone else in the room fell in close behind, and together, they followed Mia outside.
Someone tall was coming from the distance, moving through a mass of pine trees. At first, they weren’t sure who it was, and then they recognized Chester as he moved closer.
Standing next to Mia, Jem put his arm up to shield his eyes from the sun and looked over at Mia. “How did you find out?”
When Mia turned to him, her eyes softened. “Amelia came to me. She told me Chester found him outside, lying on the ground, inside the gate.”
Shifting their focus forward, Jem’s whole body began to shake when he saw Jace draped over Chester’s shoulder.
As Jem took off, he ran as fast as his legs would carry him. “Jace!” he yelled. “Jace!”
He came to a halt with his jaw gapped. It was Jace, but it was a weakened version of his brother as if brought back from the dead. His face was gaunt, the skin gray and pasty. His eyes sunk deep into the sockets, surrounded by dark circles, and his hair was nothing but a long, tangled mess. He was wearing the same jeans he had on the night he’d vanished, except they were all torn and filthy.
With all the big bodies crowded in a tight circle, it was hard for Sarah to see. Afraid to look, needing to know, she moved past them, and a blond head of hair caught the light. “Dear God.” She swayed, and Jem grabbed her. She looked at him, choked back her sobs, and said, “Is he alive?”
At the sound of her voice, Jace jerked and threw a limp hand out to her. She reached out and took his slack hand. “Thank the lord,” she said, squeezing lightly, “you’re alive.”
Jace took a deep breath, his dull eyes focusing on her. “I love you... Ma,” he said hoarsely, his throat raw. Another breath was followed by a groan as his stare fuzzed out completely, his hand falling from hers.
“Jace…,” her voice cracked. Sarah felt the years peel away as she watched her son close his eyes. Jace wasn’t the only one suffering. His family and friends had been suffering since he’d disappeared, having no idea if he was alive or dead.
“Have faith, Mom,” Jem said, placing his hand on her shoulder. “Jace is a fighter.”
Sarah flinched at the light contact and looked up at Jem. Tears clouded her eyes, but she didn’t allow them to fall, trying to keep from falling apart. She had to be strong for him and Jace.
Alexander moved beside Jem and cleared his throat. “Let’s get him inside,” he said, reaching out to take Jace from Chester.
Jem wanted to be the person to take his brother back into the Covenant, but his legs were shaking so badly he probably needed to be carried too.
As Chester handed Jace’s body over to Alexander, he said, “Apparently, he hasn’t had anything to eat or drink in days. With rest, he’ll heal on the outside. Healing on the inside is up to him.”
Jem could barely comprehend what Chester had told them; he was too busy staring into his twin’s face. There were dark shadows under his eyes. As Chester spoke, Jem concentrated on communicating with Jace telepathically. We’ll get Tessa back, brother. I swear it.
Jace’s lids barely cracked, and tears trickled from the corners. He could feel the lingering pain coming from the base of his skull. He’d already endured so much suffering, and not knowing what was happening to Tessa was sending him right over the edge. She tried to contact him telepathically, but something was keeping them from communicating. Yeah, he was starting to lose his mind. Jace was clinging by a thread, and right now it seemed a lot easier to just let go and check out.
With all his strength, Jace’s mouth opened. “Tessa,” he said, his voice was garbled.
“He’ll be all right, honey,” John said in a soothing voice. With his arm wrapped around Sarah, they followed behind everyone as Alexander carried Jace inside the Covenant.
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 offsprings 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. Compared to humans, Breedlines have tremendous advantages when it comes to health. Their bodies heal fast and are not subject to illnesses or diseases. The only thing that slows their healing process is silver. It is their Kryptonite. Besides old age, a silver bullet to the brain is the only thing deadly to the species.
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 that 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 an 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 first-born 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. Tessa Fairchild - the Breedline Queen - destroyed the Katako in battle using the deadly venom of her Breedline wolf.
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.
ADALWOLF - A species that has the power to shift from their human form into a beautiful creature, three times the size, resembling half man and half wolf. Born with super-strength, they can move from one place to another in supernatural speed. Their eyes take on the appearance of two-shimmering diamonds. With the power to regenerate their own cells, an Adalwolf will stop aging at thirty. The moon has no power over them. And an Adalwolf is immune to silver. They can bond with any 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. 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.
Steven Pasquale - He inherited the genes of a Breedline and an Adalwolf. He was taken from his mother and forced to endure a life of endless, painful experiments by a German physician's, Dr. Hans Autenburg and Dr. Hubert Crane. Without the knowledge of his real family, Steven finally manages to escape his captors.
Lisa Wellington (a.k.a Lilith) - She is a Breedline with the gift to heal. After she becomes pregnant with twins, she mysteriously disappears. Taken against her will by Dr. Hans Autenburg, she is forced to endure a life of torture. After years of experiments, her human form is altered into a creature that goes against the laws of nature. With her memory completely erased, Lisa is transformed into Lilith. Her bonded mate, Kenneth Craven desperately searches for Lisa for years. But when their telepathic connection is severed he losses all hope of locating her and his unborn twins.
Dr. Kenneth Craven - He is a Breedline and an orthopedic surgeon at the San Franciso General Hospital. He's also Tessa Fairchild biological father.
Lila Demont - She is a Breedline, born into a wealthy, prestigious family. She is a lab technician and assists Dr. Helen Carrington with the cure to the Breedline aging process. She later bonds with Casey Barton.
Victor Demont - He is a Breedline, and Lila's father. He is a retired council member of the Pennsylvania Breedline Covenant. After he discovers his daughter has bonded with Casey Barton, he disapproves of their relationship. But when Casey discovers Victor's dark secret of an affair with his adopted mother, Casey confronts him. Now that Victor's secret is revealed, he promises to accept Casey and Lila's relationship in return for his silence.
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 offsprings 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. Compared to humans, Breedlines have tremendous advantages when it comes to health. Their bodies heal fast and are not subject to illnesses or diseases. The only thing that slows their healing process is silver. It is their Kryptonite. Besides old age, a silver bullet to the brain is the only thing deadly to the species.
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 that 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 an 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 first-born 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. Tessa Fairchild - the Breedline Queen - destroyed the Katako in battle using the deadly venom of her Breedline wolf.
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.
ADALWOLF - A species that has the power to shift from their human form into a beautiful creature, three times the size, resembling half man and half wolf. Born with super-strength, they can move from one place to another in supernatural speed. Their eyes take on the appearance of two-shimmering diamonds. With the power to regenerate their own cells, an Adalwolf will stop aging at thirty. The moon has no power over them. And an Adalwolf is immune to silver. They can bond with any 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. 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.
Steven Pasquale - He inherited the genes of a Breedline and an Adalwolf. He was taken from his mother and forced to endure a life of endless, painful experiments by a German physician's, Dr. Hans Autenburg and Dr. Hubert Crane. Without the knowledge of his real family, Steven finally manages to escape his captors.
Lisa Wellington (a.k.a Lilith) - She is a Breedline with the gift to heal. After she becomes pregnant with twins, she mysteriously disappears. Taken against her will by Dr. Hans Autenburg, she is forced to endure a life of torture. After years of experiments, her human form is altered into a creature that goes against the laws of nature. With her memory completely erased, Lisa is transformed into Lilith. Her bonded mate, Kenneth Craven desperately searches for Lisa for years. But when their telepathic connection is severed he losses all hope of locating her and his unborn twins.
Dr. Kenneth Craven - He is a Breedline and an orthopedic surgeon at the San Franciso General Hospital. He's also Tessa Fairchild biological father.
Lila Demont - She is a Breedline, born into a wealthy, prestigious family. She is a lab technician and assists Dr. Helen Carrington with the cure to the Breedline aging process. She later bonds with Casey Barton.
Victor Demont - He is a Breedline, and Lila's father. He is a retired council member of the Pennsylvania Breedline Covenant. After he discovers his daughter has bonded with Casey Barton, he disapproves of their relationship. But when Casey discovers Victor's dark secret of an affair with his adopted mother, Casey confronts him. Now that Victor's secret is revealed, he promises to accept Casey and Lila's relationship in return for his silence.
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