Previously . . .

Now that Abbey finally put an end to the ruthless scientist who killed her father, and kept her prisoner for years, torturing her with endless lab experiments, she had to warn her beloved Steven that he was in danger.

Before Dr. Autenburg had met his end, he was hired by Valkin Steele—a billionaire client that funded his research—to locate an Adalwolf with the power to heal his dying mistress, Natasha. And Steven was the target.

During her escape, Abbey was caught off guard and tranquilized by Valkin Steele’s body guard, Roman Kincaid. Just as she thought all hope was lost, her luck finally turned around. Roman, who was also an Adalwolf, promised Abbey he would keep her safe, and help her reunite with Steven. Left with no other choice, Abbey could only pray Roman was a man of his word. 

Now that Abbey is in good hands—protected by Roman and a team of Special Ops—the next step is reuniting her with her beloved, Steven.

As Steven and Abbey finally reunite, she is introduced to the others in the Covenant as they meet Roman and his team of Special Ops—Lena, Justice, and Bull—to prepare for more allies to show. 

Later the night, Roman and his team member, Lawrence Colbert, were ambushed by Gordan Bates and his brother Joey—trackers hired by Valkin Steele—to gain information to the whereabouts of the Breedline Covenant in order to capture Steven for his abilities to heal a fatal wound. During their altercation, Roman and Lawrence were left with no other choice but to shift into their supernatural state and take them out. But before they shifted, Gordan Bates spilled the news about Valkin hiring Cole Decker—a hired tracker that dealt in under-aged sex trafficking in Europe—to help locate Steven. 
       
After they contacted the Breedline Covenant, Tim Ross—the Covenant’s head council—prepared for Roman and Lawrence to arrive so they could gather everyone for a meeting and plan their next move. Just as they arrived, Tessa—the Breedline queen—had asked her husband Jace to take their twin boys upstairs to bed. Unbeknown to what was transpiring in the room down the hall, Jace had no idea what was about to happen. Abbey had just awoke from a horrific nightmare from her past, triggering the she-wolf within her. When the battle between Jace’s Beast and Abbey’s she-wolf almost led to her death, she decided to secretly sneak out of the Covenant in fear of shifting again and harming Steven, or an innocent bystander. Before Abbey left, she wrote a good-bye letter to Steven. But to Abbey’s surprise, she was kidnapped by Valkin Steele’s hired trackers to use her as a pawn to get to Steven.
   
Left with no other choice, Steven and the rest of the Covenant made a deal to trade Steven for Abbey once he healed Valkin Steele’s beloved Natasha who is dying of cancer. Before they made the trade, Drakon wired Steven with a tracking device in order to find Valkin Steele’s location and finally put an end to his and Cole Decker’s business in young girls sex trafficking.    
      
Continued . . .

Steven let out a deep breath as he was escorted down a long corridor, leaving Abbey behind. It felt like he was saying goodbye and he couldn’t stand it. His mind was filled with so much grief and rage that he could barely think straight.   

As the two armed guards and Valkin Steele took him through a series of hallways, they finally stopped outside a door.

“We don’t have any time to waste,” Steele said to Steven as he opened the door.

Though Steven knew the answer to his question, he asked it anyway to buy time.

“What kind of cancer does Natasha have?”

“Lung cancer,” Steele bit out. “Before she could be treated, it had already spread to her kidneys and into her bones. At times she has to be put on a respirator so she can survive. The doctors told us there was nothing more they could do.” 
   
Steele advanced on Steven, his face rigid. “The welfare of Ms. Winthrop depends entirely on you, Mr. Craven.”

Steven swallowed. “Don’t threaten me, Steele,” he said coolly. “I hold all the cards.”

He yanked Steven toward him, his hands wrapped in his shirt until their faces were inches apart. “You hold nothing!” Spittle flew out of his mouth from the outburst and landed on Steven’s face. “You’ll cure my Natasha, or I’ll hand over your precious Abbey to Cole Decker.” 
      
Steven reached for his wrists and yanked them downward, separating himself from Steele’s hold. “Let’s just get this over with,” he said calmly. He had to remain placid. He couldn’t allow his own rage to get out of hand. Abbey’s life depended on him.

Before they stepped into Natasha’s room, Steele met Steven’s gaze unflinching. “There is nothing ... nothing more important to me than Natasha,” he said, keeping his voice low. “I know you think I’m an evil man, Mr. Craven. And you’re right. I’ll do anything to save her, even if it means taking the lives of innocent people. I’m sure you can understand what love can do to a man. It can make even the strongest man vulnerable. It opens him up to unimaginable things. The love of your life is the most precious gift . . . and yet the most painful.” 
  
Steven took a step back, eyes narrowed with anger and surprise. He seemed at a loss for words. “Then take me to her,” he said quietly.  

Steele nodded and walked ahead. When Steven followed behind, his entire body was tense.

From the bedside of a fragile woman with blonde hair and pale skin, a nurse looked up with a stethoscope in her ears. “Hello, Mr. Steele.”

“Leave us,” Steele said in a demanding voice, motioning for her to leave.

After the nurse hurriedly left the room, Steele immediately went to Natasha’s bedside and stood over her. He reached out and gently stroked her cheek with the back of his hand.

“Natasha, honey, I have someone here to heal you, just like I promised.”  
   
She struggled to open her eyes, and then slowly she focused them on Steele. “Valkin,” she said hoarsely. “Is that you?”

“I’m right here, honey,” he replied in a choked voice.

Steven moved forward, not waiting for permission and stood from the opposite side of the bed. “Hello, Natasha,” he said in a soothing voice. “My name is Steven. I’m here to help you.”

Natasha turned slowly, focusing her weak eyes on Steven. “Are you the Adalwolf?” 

Steven nodded solemnly and slipped his hand into Natasha’s. “I’m different than the others,” he said, struggling to smile through his obvious distress. “I have the gift to heal your cancer.”

Natasha’s heart clutched. It went against everything she was and who she was to let someone give their life over for hers. “I won’t let you do this,” she said, clenching her brows. And then she turned in Steele’s direction. “I don’t want anyone else to die because of me.”

“It’s okay, Natasha,” Steven interjected, lightly squeezing her hand.

She slowly turned and looked up at Steven, suddenly nervous and unsure.

He pushed as much hope and warmth through their entwined hands, hoping to remove all her doubt and fear. Trust me, he whispered, merging with her inner thoughts. I’m not going to die.

Natasha’s eyes widened. And then she smiled. If there was any doubt before, it was gone in an instant.

“H-how did you do that?” she stammered. “I felt you. I mean . . . I could hear your voice inside my head.”

Steven pulled his hand from hers and placed it over her heart. “It’s a gift, Natasha. Do you trust me?”

Before she could respond, warmth spread through him to her. She couldn’t even describe the sensation of comfort and healing filtering inside her body and mind. Steven was healing her.

Sweat beaded Steven’s forehead. His breathing went shallow, and he teetered precariously against Natasha’s bed. As he willed her disease into his body, tears ran freely down his cheeks. It was almost more than he could bear.

Natasha felt him flinch, and it took her a moment to realize that Steven was in agony. She placed her pale hand over his. Her heart splintered, knowing he was suffering in her stead. 

It will be all over soon, Natasha. It’s only temporary for me. Trust me.

It nearly broke her when Steven raised his hand to softly touch her cheek in a simple gesture of comfort. He was comforting her when he was taking the brunt of her pain.

After a few moments had passed, he finally said aloud, “Natasha, are you feeling better yet?”

She smiled and put her small hand on his chest. “Yes,” she said, her voice seemingly sounding stronger. “It doesn’t hurt anymore.”

“You should rest,” Steven said. “Whether you feel pain or not, your body needs time to adjust. In a few hours, you’ll start feeling like your old self again.”

Natasha sensed the truth in his words. “I’ll never be able to repay you for what you’ve done.” Her voice trembled. “Thank you, Steven.”

“You’re welcome,” he said, and then turned his head to Steele. Steven didn’t believe for a minute that he was going to let him and Abbey walk away once he healed Natasha. The dumbass must think he was a complete moron to swallow that line of bullshit. “Okay, Steele. I’ve done my part. It’s time you return what belongs to me.”

As Steven waited in tense silence for Valkin Steele’s response, he’d wondered when Tim and the others would arrive, hoping that they’d been able to pick up the signal on the tracking device.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Craven,” Steele said regretfully. “I can’t thank you enough for all that you’ve done, but you see . . . it’s not that easy. It’s nothing personal.” He shook his head. “But I had to make a deal to get you here.”

“You son of a bitch,” Steven said through gritted teeth even though he’d known that was precisely what Steele planned to do. “I knew you’d screw me over.”

Suddenly, Steven felt the barrel of a gun pressed into his back. “If you do anything stupid, I’ll give the order to have the she-wolf put out of her misery.”

The accented voice coming from behind was an assault to his ears. Steven wanted nothing more than to shift into his Adalwolf and tear the bastard’s throat out, but he controlled his rage and stood perfectly still.

“Valkin,” Natasha spoke out, her eyes squinted, “what have you done?” 

“I’m sorry, darling,” he said tersely. “Sacrifices had to be made.”   

“Let’s go, Mr. Craven,” the man standing behind Steven said in a dark and sinister voice.

Steven controlled his rage and did as he was instructed, walking meekly toward the door. He waited for the man to tell him what to do next. Steven didn’t want to risk pissing him off this early in the game, risking Abbey’s life. He had to stay calm and do whatever it took to stall. Steven had no idea what he was facing, and his first priority was keeping Abbey safe no matter how he had to do it. But he couldn’t do this alone. If it were just him in danger, he’d shift into his Adalwolf and kick some ass. But they had Abbey, using her as leverage. Hopefully, Colonel Deshazo and the rest of the team would arrive soon.

He cast a quick glance over his shoulder, trying to get a look at the man behind him.

“Keep your eyes forward,” the man ground out, shoving Steven.

Steven bit back the retort that burned his lips and kept moving.

“Where are you taking me?”

“Back to where you came from,” Steele told him as he came around and faced Steven. “It appears that you have a hefty price on your head.”

Steele reached into his coat pocket, and before Steven realized what he was doing, he plunged a needle into his arm.

“Sorry, Mr. Craven,” Steele said. “It had to be done. I can’t have you shifting into your Adalwolf.”

Suddenly Steven was disoriented. His surroundings blurred and spun. Fear and panic exploded through his body. Steven’s eyes rolled back into his head, and still, he fought to remain conscious.

Oh shit, he was going to pass out. Steven swayed on his feet, and a strong arm snaked around him, preventing his fall.

“Make sure he’s not harmed,” Steele barked. “Dr. Kruger and his men will arrive within the hour. Their flight from Munich, Germany, just landed. His orders were that under no circumstances was he to be injured,” he continued, his tone as cold as ice. “Mr. Craven is worth millions.”   

The burly man holding on to Steven nodded. “What about the girl?” he asked. 

“Marcus is delivering her to Cole Decker as we speak,” Steele replied. “The rest of his girls should arrive shortly.”

“What do you want me to do with him until the physician arrives?”

“Lock him in the wine cellar,” Steele ordered and motioned to another one of his men to assist. “Mr. Craven shouldn’t give us any problems. I gave him a heavy dose of etorphine. It’s strong enough to immobilize an elephant.” 
    
“Won’t that kill him?”

“He’s not human, you idiot,” Steele said with a slight smirk in his voice.

****   
 
With a tight grip on her arm, Marcus quickly escorted Abbey downstairs.

“Who are you, and where’s Steven?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.

“Keep your mouth shut,” Marcus barked. 

When they finally reached the bottom, he directed her down a hallway to a door at the end. Once there, he knocked sharply and waited.

Abbey held her breath when the door opened, afraid of what was on the other side. Marcus shoved her inside, and she lost her balance, sprawling onto the floor. When she looked up, a tall man with blond hair was standing across the room, a satisfied smirk on his face.

“At last, we meet again, Ms. Abigail.”

She instantly recognized his voice. “Who are you?”

He cast a glance in Marcus’s direction and motioned for him to leave. When the door closed, Abbey held her breath, every sense on high alert.
Oh God, please let Steven be close.

And then Cole turned his attention back to Abbey, his eyes gleaming with lust. “My name is Cole Decker,” he said softly, moving closer. “And you belong to me now.” He knelt down, his gaze wandering down her body. There was a sick satisfaction in his stare. “My little pet,” he murmured. 

****

When Colonel Deshazo and the rest of the group parked down a narrow road, not far from Steele’s estate, tension vibrated through the Hummer that held Tim, Alexander, Kyle, Casey, Jace, and his twin brother, Jem.

Two other all-terrain vehicles pulled up on either side of them. One carried Roman Kincaid and his crew. The other transported Colonel Deshazo and his team, along with Drakon.

“Well ladies, what the hell are we waiting for?” Gunny mumbled from the back seat with a cigar between his lips. He didn’t light it, probably because Colonel D was looking at him from the rear-view mirror, giving him an “I dare you” look.

Tim came instantly to attention when he felt his phone buzz inside his pocket. When he dug it out and looked at the caller ID, he said, “It’s Tessa.”

Jace leaned forward, his expression concerned as Tim engaged in conversation. “What’s going on?”

Tim’s brow furrowed as he held up his hand to silence him.

Jace ran his hand through his long hair and let out a ragged sigh.

When Tim ended the call, he shot Jace a quelling look. 

“What did she say?” Jace croaked out, “Is everything all right?”

“Calm down, Jace,” Tim said in a low voice. “Tessa’s fine. She wanted to let us know about Zeke Rizzo.”

Impatience flashed across his face. “And?”

“The suspect in all those homeless murders paid Zeke a visit,” he explained. “Apparently, those human detectives arrived to witness Zeke healing from a cut-throat.”

“Shit!” Jem cursed from the backseat. “What did he tell them?”

“Nothing,” Tim replied and added, “but there’s more. They saw the guy vanish into thin air with one of Zeke’s employees.”

Jem shook his head, his lips twisted into a grimace. “Great,” he grumbled. “So what the hell are we going to do?”

“Right now, we’ve got to focus on getting Steven and Abbey back. We’ll deal with the rest later.” 
        
They got out and, after conducting a weapons check, gathered at the front of the vehicles with the others.

Drakon laid a map over the hood and pointed to a specific area. “This is where we’re at. The dirt road goes on for another half mile before you turn off onto blacktop that leads to Steele’s estate. I’m sure he’s got the place beefed up with security and video surveillance.”

“We’re going to have to go in with a bang,” Major Wyckoff said.

“Yeah,” Kid chimed in, holding up a grenade. “This oughta draw their attention.”

Colonel D stepped forward, and Wyckoff and Kid went silent. It always awed Drakon how much respect the colonel commanded.

“Here’s what we’re going to do,” Colonel Deshazo said, taking charge. “It’s obvious that the place will have two entrances. Wyckoff, I want you to get in position at the front with Kid and Gunny. I want Roman’s team positioned in the back, except Lena and Lawrence.” He looked pointedly at them. “You two will hang back and wait for my signal.”

Lena stepped forward and didn’t look at all happy. “With all due respect, sir,” she said, a hint of impatience in her tone, “where exactly do we fit into this plan of yours?”

The colonel’s eyes narrowed. “I want you and Lawrence to make sure no one comes in or goes out of this place except us. And be our backup if things go bad inside.”

Her lips tightened, but she obeyed orders without question. Lena gave a quick nod and took a step back.

“Once we’re inside, I’ll give the signal for everyone else,” the colonel said, turning toward Jem. “I’m depending on you to use a portal to get Abbey and Steven out of there. Any questions?” he asked. “If so, speak up now.”

When everyone stood in silence, Colonel Deshazo continued, laying out the rest of the details. In a moment’s time, they headed out on foot and took coverage among the trees surrounding Steele’s estate. Lena slung a rifle over her shoulder and climbed up a steep hill that overlooked the front with Lawrence by her side.

“Are you in position, Wyckoff?” Colonel Deshazo asked into the radio.

After he responded in the affirmative, the colonel ordered everyone to check in and confirm their positions.

Then the colonel turned to Kid and Gunny. “Okay, you know what to do.”

To be continued . . .
 
 
 
 
 

Author Notes

NOTE: This is not part of the chapter. A reference for terms and cast of 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 among humans, 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 is 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 one 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 QUEEN'S 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 into human form 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 into human form 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. 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 ultimately 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 cannot 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 can do white magic (good) or dark (evil). 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 can 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 cannot 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 bright 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, twice 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. An Adalwolf is immune to silver. They can bond with any species. LUPA - The ancestors descended from the old legend of the lycanthrope, except the moon has no power over them and it cannot be passed on to others like a virus. It is passed on through genetics to the female offspring, known as a she-wolf. This type of creature shape-shifts into a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, and is considered dangerous... cursed. Zeke Rizzo - He is a Breedline, born with a curse of a sin-eater, and the owner of the Cat Club. When coming in physical contact with another person, he has the power to see inside their past, experiencing their worst memory. A simple handshake seems like nothing to an ordinary person, but to Zeke, it is unbearable. Without the ability to stop it, he is also the worst case of karma. If anyone angers him, an unfortunate accident can fall upon them. Yelena Smirnov - A full-blooded succubus from Russia. She is in charge of security at the Cat Club. She is bonded to Apollyon, who was taken by the battle angels along with his fraternal twin sisters, Callisto, and Electra. 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 became the new Breedline queen. She is an inspiring artist. 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. The Fury - Three fraternal twins created by an evil German scientist named Dr. Hans Autenburg. Using his own DNA, he mixed it with three other species: A Breedline, an Adalwolf, and a powerful Wiccan. He placed three embryos inside the womb of a full-blooded succubus, named Sonya Hothburn. Taken against her will, Sonya was forced by the mad physician into surrogacy. After their birth, she was forbidden to see her children. All three were created to destroy the Breedline species and dominate the human world. The first born was called Apollyon, meaning 'destroyer' in Greek. It was also the name of the angel-prince of the infernal regions, the minister of death and author of havoc on earth. He has the strength of ten men, and the power to dematerialize, taking others with him, from one place to another. He can transform into a creature that resembles an Adalwolf, and a vampire-like hybrid. The second born was called Callisto, meaning 'most beautiful.' She has the power of a shield, protecting herself and others from harm. The last child was named Electra, meaning 'the shining one.' She has the power to conduct electricity from her body, using it as a weapon. Inheriting their species instinct and extraordinary power, their thirst to kill became uncontrollable. As they grew up, the Fury became more and more unstable and unruly. With an insatiable hunger for human flesh and unmanageable powers, they became a hindrance to the physician. He had no other choice but to drug and imprison them for all time, each one placed inside a sarcophagus in a state of deep slumber to be forgotten forever until they were set free by their mother. Jace Chamberlain (a.k.a. the Beast) - He is a Breedline species and 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. He's an IT engineer and the drummer in the band Chaos. 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. 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 was born a Theriomorph. He is a clothing model and plays backup bass and keyboards in the band Chaos. 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. Steven Pasquale (a.k.a. Steven Craven) - 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 two German physicians, Dr. Hans Autenburg and Dr. Hubert Crane. Without the knowledge of his real family, Steven finally manages to escape his captors, locating his biological parents and his fraternal twin, Tessa Fairchild. Abbey (a.k.a. Abigail Winthrop) - She inherited the genetics of a Lupa from her mother, who died giving birth. Captured by Dr. Hans Autenburg - a German physician - she spent most of her life forced to endure experiments until she finally managed to escape. With no place to go, Abbey is determined to finally reunite with her beloved Steven after they were separated years ago. Roman Kincaid - He is an Adalwolf trained in military tactics, hired as a special breed of warriors from Brazil. Hired as a bodyguard for Valkin Steele- a billionaire funding a group of unethical scientists research - he later learns of Steele's underground sex-trafficking and illegal drug and weapons trade, and informs the Breedline Covenant. He also forms a team of Breedline soldiers who work for a private Special Ops group contracted by the military for missions that no one else can or will do to help put an end to Valkin Steele's corrupt organization. Lawrence Colbert - A Breedline council member of the New Jersey Covenant, trained in military tactics and as a medic who worked alongside Roman Kincaid, the Special Ops Team, and the Breedline Covenant to help take down Valkin Steele. Lena - She is a Breedline, highly trained in survival skills, martial arts, and anything dealing with weapons, hand-to-hand combat, and hired by Roman Kincaid to help take down Valkin Steele. She oddly resembles the character Xena the Warrior Princess from the 80's television series. She is also Bull's little sister and is bonded to Justice. Bull (a.k.a. Benjamin Allen Calvero ) - He is a Breedline, highly trained and an expert in a variety of military tactics who is part of Roman Kincaid's team. Justice - He is a Breedline, highly trained in military tactics, an expert with explosives, hand-to-hand combat, sniper training, and a pilot, who is part of Roman Kincaid's team. Lieutenant Colonel Brian Deshazo (a.k.a. Colonel D) - He is a Breedline, and the team leader of a special group of highly trained elite forces in the United States military, officially known as first Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta. They perform various clandestine and highly classified missions around the world. Their primary mission is counterterrorism, and also known as quiet professionals. They are notorious for their secrecy and take an oath of allegiance to ensure the different species confidentiality. Colonel Deshazo oddly resembles the WWE professional wrestler, John Cena. He served in combat years ago with Drakon Hexus. Major Paul Wyckoff (a.k.a. Dark Wratih) - He is a Theriomorph and part of Colonel Deshazo's team. He's part of the counter-terrorist unit, specifically directed to kill or capture high-value or dismantle terrorist cells. They rely on Wyckoff for hostage rescues. He resembles the character played by Dwayne Johnson in the movie 'Scorpion King.' Master Sergeant Stephen Virgin (a.k.a. Gunny) - He is a Breedline and part of Colonel Deshazo's team. He is a hard-nosed, hard-living soldier of war. He is skilled as a sharp-shooter and is the oldest of the group, resembling Clint Eastwood's character in the movie 'Heartbreak Ridge.' Major Joshua Lawson (a.k.a. Kidd) - He is a Breedline and part of Colonel Deshazo's team. He is an operator of AC-130 gunships and specialized planes and helicopters. He is the youngest of the group, born and raised in Texas. Kidd had the worn cowboy look down without actually looking like he stepped right off the farm, except for his southern drawl. Valkin Steele - He is a wealthy business man who deals with drugs, weapons trade, and underage sex trafficking. He also funded a group of unethical scientists that kidnapped people with special gifts and rarities for research. He is searching for an Adalwolf with the ability to heal his beloved Natasha who is dying of cancer. Cole Decker - He is known as the best tracker money could buy, hired by Valkin Steele to kidnap Steven Craven for his healing powers. He is also wanted by the FBI for his crimes as a well-known sex offender and sex trafficking young girls from all over the world. Marcus Delvecchio - He is a Breedline traitor, hired by Valkin Steele as a bodyguard.

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.

Previously . . .

 After Sebastian refuses to hand over his son to Lucifer, he becomes trapped in a state of unconsciousness and forced to face the forgotten trauma of his childhood. But before Lucifer unleashes his wraith, he rips into Sebastian’s throat as Eve watches helplessly.

Meanwhile, the guard calls for help and Sebastian is taken from the mental institute and transferred to a nearby hospital where Dr. Helen Carrington cares for his injuries. While Helen is successful at stabilizing Sebastian, for some unexplainable reason, even after he’s administered Breedline blood, he remains unconscious. As Helen informs the institute’s guards of Sebastian condition and that he will be moved to the intensive care unit where he will be monitored twenty-four seven, she is confronted by a young woman named Anna, claiming to be Sebastian’s long lost sister.

While engaging in conversation, Anna explains to Helen Sebastian is not actually blood related, only that her mother raised Sebastian, but she considers him to be her brother nonetheless.

As Sebastian continues to suffer Lucifer’s torture, Helen explains to Anna the reason why Sebastian was placed into the mental institute, and of his crimes against the Breedline.

Now that Anna has been introduced to the Breedline Covenant, they welcome her to stay and arrange for her to meet Eve, Sebastian’s beloved. 

Continued . . .

As Anna entered the double doors to the Bates Hospital, she took a deep shuddering breath. Though she tried to look calm and poised, it was obvious that she was nervous about meeting Eve.

Anna was overwhelmed by the unwavering support of Dr. Helen Carrington. She’d been instrumental in Sebastian’s care and for taking the time out of her busy schedule to introduce her to her brother’s mate. Helen was someone she trusted and a damn good doctor.

“Hello, Anna,” Helen said. 

Anna slowly turned around. When she saw Helen, some of the tension that had knitted her brow eased and relief was stark in her eyes.

She smiled at Helen. Before Anna opened her mouth to greet her, she was interrupted by a nurse with a clipboard in her hand. She handed it to Helen and pointed to the places she wanted her to have Anna sign.  

Helen looked up at Anna. “It’s just a routine waiver,” she said and strode over to where Anna stood. “Everyone has to sign one to visit Sebastian.”
 
“Oh, of course,” Anna replied and signed by the lines marked with an X. “Any word on my brother?”

Helen sighed, “There’s still no change, Anna.”

Anna briefly closed her eyes.

“I’m hoping your presence will make a difference,” Helen said.

She hoped Helen was right. What Sebastian was going through was unimaginable. It hurt her to know just how much pain he’d suffered. She missed Sebastian, and worry for her brother weighed heavily on her.

With a sigh, she said, “Thank you, Helen. I appreciate everything you’ve done for my brother, and for helping me.”

Helen placed her hand on Anna’s shoulder. “Anna, would you care to join me and some of my friends this evening? We’re having a bachelorette party for nurse Jacky. It’s not going to be anything wild, just a group of us girls enjoying a few drinks and music.”

Anna looked surprised. “I would love to, Helen. Thanks for inviting me.”

Helen smiled. “I think you’re overdue for some fun. I’ll give you all the details later.”

“I agree,” Anna said as her eyes began to tear up. 

“Come on, let’s go,” Helen said, lightly patting her shoulder. “Eve is excited to meet you.”

As they came up to Sebastian’s door, Helen slightly opened it and stuck her head inside. “Can we come in?” she asked Eve.

A moment later, a soft voice came from inside the room. “Yes, please come in.”

Helen pushed the door open further and held it for Anna. “Eve, this is Sebastian’s sister, Anna Saeni.”

Eve looked up and met Anna’s gaze, her eyes glossed over with tears. She rose from the chair next to Sebastian’s bedside and silently shook her head. “Oh, Anna,” she said in a trembling voice. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

Helen’s heart was about to split wide open as Eve went forward and reached out to Anna.

Anna seemed to relax as Eve embraced her.  

“I’ll give you two some privacy,” Helen said as she quietly stepped out of the room.

When Anna pulled back, she stared at Eve, her green eyes steely with resolve. “Thank you for agreeing to see me. I’m so happy to meet you, Eve.”

Eve’s lips trembled. “Sebastian thought you were dead. He was devastated after his step-father lied to him about your death. Anna, you meant the world to him.”

“I’m so sorry he had to go through that. Sebastian was everything to me,” Anna said as a glimmer of a smile lit her face. “Even though we’re not blood, he is my brother all the same.” Her eyes shifted past Eve and focused on Sebastian. “Is he doing any better?”

Eve reached for Anna’s hand and guided her to Sebastian. As they stood over him, Eve glanced down at Sebastian’s eyelashes resting on his cheeks, and she shook her head. “I’m afraid there’s no change.”

“I’ve spoken to Helen,” Anna said. “She told me you saw someone hurt Sebastian.” She shifted her eyes from Sebastian and looked at Eve. “And she said something about Lucifer wanting Arius for his powers. Is this true?”

Eve kept her eyes on Sebastian and nodded. “Before Sebastian slipped into a coma, he begged me to never give in to Lucifer and to keep Arius safe. I know he’s torturing Sebastian. I can see the pain on his face as he sleeps.” She shifted her eyes to Anna. “I feel so helpless. I just don’t know how to help him.”  
  
Anna put a gentle hand on Eve’s arm and squeezed. “We’ll figure a way to bring him back,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “When I first came to visit him, Sebastian recognized my voice. I just know it. I could see it in his expression. And I felt a single tear on his cheek.”

“Helen said he can hear us,” Eve murmured. “She told me it’s important that we talk to him.”

Anna’s eyes darkened with sympathy, and she took Eve’s hand in hers. “With your permission, I’d like to try something.”

Eve’s brow furrowed, and she looked questioningly at her.

“I think you should bring the twins here,” Anna continued, and added, “It might make a big difference if he hears their voices, especially Arius.”   
    
Eve shook her head. “I don’t know, Anna. I’ve already discussed this with Helen. She disagreed. She said it could be harmful to the boys to see their father this way.”

“We’ve got to try everything, Eve.” Anna squeezed her hand. “The boys are young, and in time they’ll forget Sebastian. I think it’s important for them to see their father.” 
     
Eve nodded. “Okay,” she said, letting out a sigh. “I’m willing to give it a try.”   

As Anna and Eve continued their conversation, Sebastian was soothed by their voices. He felt comforted by their presence, but that only lasted for a short while. The sound of their voices was drowned by a bone-chilling noise, like fingernails clawing across a chalkboard. 
  
Suddenly, Sebastian found himself standing in the middle of an empty classroom. As he scanned his surroundings, he realized he was at the private academy his step-father shipped him off to after his mother killed Eliza. He’d only been five years old. The boarding school housed troubled children that were discarded by their wealthy parents.  
    
“Doesn’t the place bring back your favorite childhood memories?”

Sebastian shot a look over his shoulder and glared at Lucifer. “Go to hell.”

Lucifer let out a chuckle and sauntered over to Sebastian. “Come on, Sebastian. You have to admit, this school taught you how to be a man. Remember all the beat-downs you endured here over the years? It had to be tough being the only half-breed,” he said mockingly. “Your step-father was a cruel bastard sticking you in an all-Breedline boarding school. He knew you’d be an outcast. Knowing you’d be tortured for the rest of your childhood gave William Montgomery a sense of pleasure. He even went as far as paying the school’s staff to keep your species’ knowledge from you. Your step-father never told you that you need blood from a Breedline to survive. He kept you starved and weak. I’m sure you’ve already figured out what they called your”—Lucifer did air quotations— “‘medicine’ was actually blood. It was barely enough to keep your heart beating. And the reason for your childhood sickness,” he said, faking a sympathetic expression. “So sad . . . if only you’d known.”
        
Sebastian gritted his teeth. “Just get on with it,” he said, getting face-to-face with Lucifer. “I’m through listening to you.”

Lucifer smiled and pointed toward an open window that overlooked the grounds of the academy. “Have it your way.” 
       
As Sebastian turned toward the window, he noticed a small boy, all alone, leaning against a tree. And then he looked over his shoulder, and Lucifer was gone. Sebastian closed his eyes briefly and refocused them on the boy. To get a better look at the scrawny kid, he moved closer to the window and realized he was staring at the past. There was no doubt in his mind. The boy was indeed himself at the age of nine or ten.   

When a strip of lightning snaked down out of the dark sky, the young boy looked up. The thunder that followed was not far off in the distance, and Sebastian had a feeling the kid was about to get drenched. It wasn’t long after the rain started that a car pulled up. The headlights flashed in his face, blinding his vision. The boy held his up hand, shielding his eyes with his forearm.

He lowered his arm as the beam of light suddenly faded, easing the strain in his eyes. The sound of car doors opening and closing caught his attention. As another bolt of lightning shot through the sky, four boys dressed in black with hoods covering their features came into sight. 

The sick kid didn’t run as they moved closer and surrounded him with metal bats in their hands. He circled in place, waiting for what he knew was about to happen. These were older kids, bigger than the boy, and their purpose was to do him harm.

With his hands clenched into fists, Sebastian watched from the window as the memories of this day came crashing down on him. Oh . . . god . . . he thought. Please, I can’t bear this again. 
  
The first strike came from the back of the knee, knocking him off balance. As he landed on his hands and knees, they crowded around the boy and pummeled his shoulders and back.

Sebastian closed his eyes and squeezed them tight. He remembered the pain he’d felt during that attack. He’d thought he was going to die. 

When Sebastian opened his eyes, the boy was curled onto his side and cramped into a ball with his arms over his head to protect himself as best he could while they pounded him over and over.

Everything suddenly came to a halt when a voice called out, “That’s enough! We’re not supposed to kill him!”

And then he heard his half-brother’s voice, “The mutant half-breed deserves to die.”

It was Edward’s voice. He’d been sent by his father, William Montgomery.
 
“We’re getting paid to beat him,” the first voice said. “Your father didn’t say anything about taking his life.”

The tallest of the four stepped forward and said, “Let’s get out of here before someone catches us!”

One of them kicked the boy in the side, nailing him directly in the ribs. His breath shot out of him, and he curled into a fetal position, gasping for air.

The boy’s eyesight went blurry, and he couldn’t feel his hands and feet.

A dark shadow grew near as someone leaned down to him. “We’re not done with you, half-breed,” Edward said roughly. “We’ll see you again.”

There was a scramble of feet, and the sound of doors opening and closing, and then the screech of tires as the car drove off.

“If you think this is bad, just wait,” Lucifer said as he appeared before Sebastian. “I’m just getting warmed up. The worst is yet to come.” 
      
Sebastian went devastation-still, wondering what other horrific memory Lucifer was going to conjure up next.

“Some people just don’t ever fit in and never will.” Lucifer pouted his bottom lip. “Your own mother treated you like the plague. And when you found your real father, you were never good enough for him. He only kept you around to do his dirty work. Now that he’s free of the Chiang Shih demon’s possession, his loyalty is with the Breedline and his firstborn sons, Jace and Jem. You were never special to anyone,” Lucifer said, mocking a sad voice. “I’m sure that has to be so sad for you.” 
    
“That’s not true,” Sebastian snapped. “Eliza and my sister Anna loved me. And Eve . . .”

Lucifer started to laugh, softly at first, then louder. “Eve betrayed you.”

Sebastian lowered his head. “I don’t blame her. She did what she thought was best for our sons. They deserve better.” He looked back up, and Lucifer was gone. And then Sebastian found himself standing next to the boy’s shower stalls, the locker room thick with steam. The sound of a door closing caught his attention. As he turned around, Sebastian froze in his tracks, his eyes wide with terror. Oh, god . . . no.

To be continued . . .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Author Notes

NOTE: This is not part of the chapter. A reference for terms and cast of 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 among humans, 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 is 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 one 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 QUEEN'S 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 into human form 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 into human form 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. 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 ultimately 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 cannot 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 can do white magic (good) or dark (evil). 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 can 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 cannot 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 bright 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, twice 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. An Adalwolf is immune to silver. They can bond with any species. LUPA - The ancestors descended from the old legend of the lycanthrope, except the moon has no power over them and it cannot be passed on to others like a virus. It is passed on through genetics to the female offspring, known as a she-wolf. This type of creature shape-shifts into a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, and is considered dangerous... cursed. 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. Anna Saeni - She was born with the genetics of a Breedline from her father's side - who died when Anna was a baby - but she does not shift into a wolf. Her human mother, Eliza, raised Sebastian Crow as her own after his biological mother, Sybil and his step-father, William Montgomery, detested him due to Sybil's infidelity. William sent Sebastian's twin brother Thomas to be raised in England with Sybil's sister, and forced his maid Eliza to raise Sebastian. While Anna grew up, she helped her mother raise Sebastian, loving him as a brother. At age fourteen, William molested Anna. After her mother found out, she confronted William and Sybil, but so afraid to lose her family, and her wealthy status, Sybil killed Eliza in cold blood. William sent Anna to live in a women's convent, and forced Sebastian to live in a boarding school for troubled boys for all Breedline. 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 being 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 among 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.

Chapter 27
The Dark Stranger

By scongrove

Previously . . .

Now that the Breedline and their joined forces of Special Ops had finally located Valkin Steele’s secret hideaway, they took cover in the acres of land surrounding Steele’s estate and planned their next move. Their mission was to go in and take down Steele and his underground operation of drug, weapons, and sex trafficking. But their number one priority was to rescue Abbey and Steven.

Meanwhile, before Dr. Helen Carrington introduces Eve—Sebastian’s bonded mate—to Anna, she invites her to attend one of her nurse’s bachelorette party later that night. After Anna agrees to go, she finally meets Eve and is greeted with open arms.

Continued . . .   

“Move in,” Colonel Deshazo ordered, sending his team in first.

Wyckoff, Kid, and Gunny were just about to approach the front entrance when Lena’s voice came over the radio.

“Wait! Everyone, hold your position,” she barked. “I repeat, hold your position. We’ve got company.”

“Roger that,” Colonel Deshazo said, and added, “What do we have?”

“Two SUV’s,” Lena reported. “They’re heading in your direction.”

“Fall back, then,” Deshazo directed. “Rendezvous with Lena and Lawrence.

“We’re coming your way, Lena,” Kid said into his radio.

“Affirmative,” Wyckoff said. 

Finally, they burst through the trees and climbed up the hill where Lena and Lawrence waited.

“Take a look,” Lena said to Colonel Deshazo, handing him a pair of binoculars.  

Deshazo watched as the SUVs came to a stop and several men piled out. They looked like security judging by the pistols and the two-way radio headsets they wore. When the passenger door to one of the four-wheel drives opened, a tall, lanky man dressed in a black suit got out. He had dark shades covering his eyes and a brimmed hat on top of his head, so it was difficult to make out his features. Three of the guards escorted him to the front entrance as the remaining four waited outside. 

He lowered the binoculars and bared his teeth in a snarl. Before he could open his mouth to curse, a black van came down the drive.

“What the hell now?” Roman bit out as he caught sight of the van heading toward Steele’s estate.

Colonel Deshazo placed the binoculars back to his eyes. As he kept them there, his lips formed into a thin line and his jaw was so tight that it bulged. He looked furious, and he shook his head emphatically. Damn it.

“We’ve got a game changer,” he gritted out, lowering the binoculars. “Looks like Abbey and Steven won’t be the only two we’re rescuing. I counted twenty girls, evidently underage, step out of that van.”

“Sex trafficking, no less,” Tim pointed out.

“Shit,” Jace blurted. “This has Cole Decker written all over it.”

“Are we going to be able to pull this off?” Drakon asked Colonel Deshazo.

“We don’t have a choice. Chances are Decker will have them taken out of the country if we don’t act now. This is our only shot at rescuing them.”

“So what’s the plan now?” Wyckoff asked.

Colonel Deshazo turned, his gaze set on Drakon. “Remember the mission we did in Afghanistan?”

Drakon slightly nodded his head. “How could I forget? That was the day you saved my ass . . . literally.”

“Colonel D,” Wyckoff spoke out. “You’re not thinking what I think you are.” He furrowed his brows. “Are you?”    
  
Kid shrugged his shoulders. “What the hell are you guys talking about?”

Gunny stepped forward and clapped his hand over Kid’s shoulder. “We’re talking about Dark Thunder,” he said in a raspy voice. “Way before your time, Kid. You were still pissing in your diapers.”

“It was a four-man mission,” Colonel Deshazo explained. “Including myself, Gunny, Drakon, and Wyckoff, we rescued thirty-six prisoners of war, and took out more than fifty terrorists in less than an hour.” 

Tim crossed his arms. “Will someone clue the rest of us in on what that has to do with our situation?”  
  
“We used our gifts,” Wyckoff said.

“You mean you all shifted?” Tim queried.

“Yes,” Deshazo confirmed. “We were outnumbered. It was the only way to save all those people.”

“But we’re dealing with humans,” Kyle chimed in. “Aren’t we supposed to stay incognito?”

“It’s obvious that Valkin Steele, and Cole Decker are aware of our species,” Alexander said. “I agree with the colonel. We’ve got to do whatever we must to save those girls.”

Tim shook his head. “I don’t know. It sounds too risky.”

“What if one of those young girls was Natalie,” Jem said, focusing his eyes on Tim. “Wouldn’t you take the risk for your daughter?”

Tim held up his hand. “Okay, okay,” he grumbled. “You’ve made your point. We’ll do whatever it takes.”

“That gets a hooah from me,” Kid piped in.

“Hooah?” Jace smirked, shrugging one shoulder.

“Yeah,” Kid replied. “Haven’t you ever heard that term?”

Jace shook his head, his expression perplexed.

Kid chuckled. “It’s a battle cry. The US Army commonly uses it to respond to a verbal greeting of enthusiasm. It means anything and everything except no.”

“Well, in that case . . . hooah,” Jace called out, trying to keep his voice down. “Let’s go kick some ass.” 

Colonel Deshazo checked his watch. “At 1800, we’ll go in. The night will give us better coverage. In the meantime, we hunker down and keep watch.”

****

An hour before nightfall, Apollyon dematerialized from the apartment building that he and his sisters shared and into the back alley of a popular nightclub located in the San Francisco Bay area called the Alibi. The place had a dance floor downstairs, and one located on the top level called the Pussycat Lounge. People could play their own music and get weird among shag carpeting and stripper poles. Downstairs, a secret private room behind a door marked PRIVATE was for VIPs only. Big names and up-and-comers alike played live music in the massive main room in the back that seated two hundred or more.

As he rounded the corner that led to the main entrance, there was a line to get in that was a mile long. Just like the master magicians, Siegfried and Roy, Apollyon vanished into thin air and reappeared inside the club.

He looked around, taking in the colossal art deco inspired space, and his attention shifted toward the dance floor. It was packed full of half-naked bodies gyrating to the sound of hard-core heavy metal. Apollyon was six feet five inches of pure terror dressed in leather. His black hair hung past his broad shoulders in long, thick waves. With a face that was both beautiful and brutal, he looked like he could take out every single person in the bar with his bare hands.

On the hunt for his next meal, Apollyon waded through the sea of humans and sneered as the crowd tripped over itself to get out of his way. Inhaling through his nostrils, he breathed in the intoxicating smell of human flesh.

A woman wearing a tight leather skirt, matching black thigh-high boots, and a bustier barely covering her oversized breasts, sauntered in his direction. Her eyes glittered from behind heavy gold mascara, and she licked her red-coated lips as she stared Apollyon up and down. When he caught a whiff of female pheromones, he strode past her. Sex was not on his mind tonight. 

Apollyon lowered himself onto a stool at the bar and watched the crowd gradually swallow up the path he’d made. 
     
“You need a drink, sweetheart?” a female bartender asked as she approached him.

Apollyon turned around and gave her a cold stare. He was tempted to grab her by the throat and go to work on her carotid, but instead, he said, “Bring me a shot of Spirytus.”

The bartender’s brows lifted. “Do you have a death wish or something? Sorry, honey. We don’t serve that kind of Polish vodka here. In short, that shit can literally make you meet God.”

He waved his hand in dismissal. “Just bring me something strong.”
  
As she nodded and moved away, Apollyon was drawn to the human female sitting next to him. He took her scent into his lungs, the fragrance of the ocean, and slowly turned his head. Apollyon ran his eyes over her, starting with her long, exquisite neck and the vein pulsing with the beat of her heart. He dragged more air into his lungs, and his body reacted, feeling a hunger stirring in his gut.

The woman swiveled in her chair, her long, curly blond hair a halo in the darkness around her delicate features. When she caught sight of Apollyon, her wide green eyes met his. She panicked but found that she couldn’t move. All she could do was stare at him. God, he was gorgeous. Although she’d been traumatized as a child and forced to live in a female monastic community for years, she felt an odd needy sensation. For the first time in her life, she wanted to feel the warmth of a man’s touch. 

Apollyon put his face so close to hers, they could have kissed. With her eyes focused on his plump lips, she felt a blast of heated lust. Good heavens, he smells fantastic, she thought.

“Do you have a name?” he asked with arrogance in his deep tone.

Her neck jacked back up as she met his steady, feral gaze. “My name . . . my name is Anna,” she stuttered.

“Are you alone tonight?”

She shook her head. “I’m here with a friend.”

“Where’s your friend now?”

“Uh, she went to check on a table,” Anna said nervously, swallowing the knot in her throat. “We’re supposed to meet a group of women for a bachelorette party.”

“Would you like a drink while you wait for your friend?”

She quickly nodded.

When the bartender came back with Apollyon’s drink, he said, “I’d like another—”

“Gin and tonic, please,” Anna spoke out.

Apollyon glanced over his shoulder at Anna with a cocked brow.

“Coming right up,” the bartender said. 

“W-what’s your name?”

Before he could answer, the bartender returned with Anna’s drink. “Can I get you anything else?”

Apollyon shifted impatiently. “We’re good,” he muttered, laying a fifty-dollar bill on the bar.

The bartender nodded but didn’t go away. She kept staring at Apollyon as if she was spellbound, which annoyed him.

He glared at her. “That’s all.”  
 
Her eyes never left his face, getting lost in his hypnotic gaze. Finally, she slowly reached for the cash and walked away. 

With shaking hands, Anna reached for the small glass and brought it to her lips. She took a little sip and immediately coughed.   
         
Apollyon rolled his eyes. Why had he picked out a female like her? So weak . . . and fragile. Then again, it made things easier in the end.   
   
His eyes followed her as she put the drink back down. “I’m sorry,” Anna said, clearing her throat. “I’m not used to drinking alcohol.” She turned and faced him. “What did you say your name was?”

“I didn’t,” he replied. His voice was low, a deep rumble in his solid chest. He had a slight accent, but Anna couldn’t place it.

“Oh,” she said softly. “So, are you going to tell me?”

In the silence that followed, he sensed her desire. Anna wanted him, but he blocked her emotions out of his head. Apollyon was damned hungry, but he had one nonnegotiable tonight. There was no way he was going to have sex with her. Not after finding his Yelena. But he needed to feed. His lust for human blood was something he could not control. Apollyon relished the taste. The smooth, warm flow down his throat gave him the strength he needed to survive. With no other choice, he had to quench that which was thirsty. 

Apollyon lumbered out of his chair and extended his hand out to her. “Skip the party and leave with me.”  

To be continued . . . 
 
 

Author Notes

NOTE: This is not part of the chapter. A reference for terms and cast of 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 among humans, 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 is 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 one 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 QUEEN'S 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 into human form 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 into human form 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. 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 ultimately 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 cannot 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 can do white magic (good) or dark (evil). 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 can 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 cannot 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 bright 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, twice 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. An Adalwolf is immune to silver. They can bond with any species. LUPA - The ancestors descended from the old legend of the lycanthrope, except the moon has no power over them and it cannot be passed on to others like a virus. It is passed on through genetics to the female offspring, known as a she-wolf. This type of creature shape-shifts into a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, and is considered dangerous... cursed. 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. Anna Saeni - She was born with the genetics of a Breedline from her father's side - who died when Anna was a baby - but she does not shift into a wolf. Her human mother, Eliza, raised Sebastian Crow as her own after his biological mother, Sybil and his step-father, William Montgomery, detested him due to Sybil's infidelity. William sent Sebastian's twin brother Thomas to be raised in England with Sybil's sister, and forced his maid Eliza to raise Sebastian. While Anna grew up, she helped her mother raise Sebastian, loving him as a brother. At age fourteen, William molested Anna. After her mother found out, she confronted William and Sybil, but so afraid to lose her family, and her wealthy status, Sybil killed Eliza in cold blood. William sent Anna to live in a women's convent, and forced Sebastian to live in a boarding school for troubled boys for all Breedline. 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 being 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 among 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. 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. The Fury - Three fraternal twins created by an evil German scientist named Dr. Hans Autenburg. Using his own DNA, he mixed it with three other species: A Breedline, an Adalwolf, and a powerful Wiccan. He placed three embryos inside the womb of a full-blooded succubus, named Sonya Hothburn. Taken against her will, Sonya was forced by the mad physician into surrogacy. After their birth, she was forbidden to see her children. All three were created to destroy the Breedline species and dominate the human world. The first born was called Apollyon, meaning 'destroyer' in Greek. It was also the name of the angel-prince of the infernal regions, the minister of death and author of havoc on earth. He has the strength of ten men, and the power to dematerialize, taking others with him, from one place to another. He can transform into a creature that resembles an Adalwolf, and a vampire-like hybrid. The second born was called Callisto, meaning 'most beautiful.' She has the power of a shield, protecting herself and others from harm. The last child was named Electra, meaning 'the shining one.' She has the power to conduct electricity from her body, using it as a weapon. Inheriting their species instinct and extraordinary power, their thirst to kill became uncontrollable. As they grew up, the Fury became more and more unstable and unruly. With an insatiable hunger for human flesh and unmanageable powers, they became a hindrance to the physician. He had no other choice but to drug and imprison them for all time, each one placed inside a sarcophagus in a state of deep slumber to be forgotten forever until they were set free by their mother. Yelena Smirnov - A full-blooded succubus from Russia. She is in charge of security at the Cat Club. She is bonded to Apollyon, who was taken by the battle angels along with his fraternal twin sisters, Callisto, and Electra. Jace Chamberlain (a.k.a. the Beast) - He is a Breedline species and 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. He's an IT engineer and the drummer in the band Chaos. 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. 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 was born a Theriomorph. He is a clothing model and plays backup bass and keyboards in the band Chaos. 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. Steven Pasquale (a.k.a. Steven Craven) - 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 two German physicians, Dr. Hans Autenburg and Dr. Hubert Crane. Without the knowledge of his real family, Steven finally manages to escape his captors, locating his biological parents and his fraternal twin, Tessa Fairchild. Abbey (a.k.a. Abigail Winthrop) - She inherited the genetics of a Lupa from her mother, who died giving birth. Captured by Dr. Hans Autenburg - a German physician - she spent most of her life forced to endure experiments until she finally managed to escape. With no place to go, Abbey is determined to finally reunite with her beloved Steven after they were separated years ago. Roman Kincaid - He is an Adalwolf trained in military tactics, hired as a special breed of warriors from Brazil. Hired as a bodyguard for Valkin Steele - a billionaire funding a group of unethical scientists research - he later learns of Steele's underground sex-trafficking and illegal drug and weapons trade, and informs the Breedline Covenant. He also forms a team of Breedline soldiers who work for a private Special Ops group contracted by the military for missions that no one else can or will do to help put an end to Valkin Steele's corrupt organization. Lawrence Colbert - A Breedline council member of the New Jersey Covenant, trained in military tactics and as a medic who worked alongside Roman Kincaid, the Special Ops Team, and the Breedline Covenant to help take down Valkin Steele. Lena - She is a Breedline, highly trained in survival skills, martial arts, and anything dealing with weapons, hand-to-hand combat, and hired by Roman Kincaid to help take down Valkin Steele. She oddly resembles the character Xena the Warrior Princess from the 80's television series. She is also Bull's little sister and is bonded to Justice. Bull (a.k.a. Benjamin Allen Calvero ) - He is a Breedline, highly trained and an expert in a variety of military tactics who is part of Roman Kincaid's team. Justice - He is a Breedline, highly trained in military tactics, an expert with explosives, hand-to-hand combat, sniper training, and a pilot, who is part of Roman Kincaid's team. Lieutenant Colonel Brian Deshazo (a.k.a. Colonel D) - He is a Breedline, and the team leader of a special group of highly trained elite forces in the United States military, officially known as first Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta. They perform various clandestine and highly classified missions around the world. Their primary mission is counter-terrorism, and also known as quiet professionals. They are notorious for their secrecy and take an oath of allegiance to ensure the different species confidentiality. Colonel Deshazo oddly resembles the WWE professional wrestler, John Cena. He served in combat years ago with Drakon Hexus. Major Paul Wyckoff (a.k.a. Dark Wratih) - He is a Theriomorph and part of Colonel Deshazo's team. He's part of the counter-terrorist unit, specifically directed to kill or capture high-value or dismantle terrorist cells. They rely on Wyckoff for hostage rescues. He resembles the character played by Dwayne Johnson in the movie 'Scorpion King.' Master Sergeant Stephen Virgin (a.k.a. Gunny) - He is a Breedline and part of Colonel Deshazo's team. He is a hard-nosed, hard-living soldier of war. He is skilled as a sharp-shooter and is the oldest of the group, resembling Clint Eastwood's character in the movie 'Heartbreak Ridge.' Major Joshua Lawson (a.k.a. Kidd) - He is a Breedline and part of Colonel Deshazo's team. He is an operator of AC-130 gunships and specialized planes and helicopters. He is the youngest of the group, born and raised in Texas. Kidd had the worn cowboy look down without actually looking like he stepped right off the farm, except for his southern drawl. Valkin Steele - He is a wealthy business man who deals with drugs, weapons trade, and underage sex trafficking. He also funded a group of unethical scientists that kidnapped people with special gifts and rarities for research. He is searching for an Adalwolf with the ability to heal his beloved Natasha who is dying of cancer. Cole Decker - He is known as the best tracker money could buy, hired by Valkin Steele to kidnap Steven Craven for his healing powers. He is also wanted by the FBI for his crimes as a well-known sex offender and sex trafficking young girls from all over the world.

Chapter 28
The Darkness Unleashed

By scongrove

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.

Note from the author:  For those following my Breedline adventures, it was important for me to bring in Sebastian's childhood past and let you know why he turned to the dark side. He was born with innocence, but shuned by his biological mother, hated and tortured by his step-father and half-siblings. When he finally found his real father, he used Sebastian. And the only family he'd known was taken away. 

Sebastian is one of my dearest characters. I guess you could say . . . he is my alter-ego. Like myself, his childhood was not exactly the best. It was filled with many tragedys. I believe we are a product of our environment, but our past does not define who we are today. We all have free will . . . the will to change. And I truly have faith that God gives second chances, even to the biggest sinners. Remember, my stories always have a light at the end.
Thank you for reading.   
      
Previously . . .

After Sebastian refused to hand over his son to Lucifer, he becomes trapped in a state of unconsciousness and forced to face the forgotten trauma of his childhood. As the dreadful memories continue to taunt his sanity, Sebastian is faced with something he tried desperately to erase forever from his memory . . . the horrible truth of his dark side.

Continued . . .

The click of a lock coming from the boy’s locker room door alerted Sebastian. When he spun around, three tall figures instantly appeared from around the corner, dressed in black, with hoods covering most of their facial features. Sebastian’s quick moment of conscious awareness hit him hard as he remembered this particular nightmare of his childhood past.

These were big guys, and they were gunning for a weak target. The day Sebastian turned sixteen his step-father had sent his son, Edward, and two of his thuggish friends for another routine visit of relentless torture. Their purpose was to compel physical harm upon him when he was alone and defenseless.

“This is where it all happened,” Lucifer said as he suddenly appeared, standing in front of Sebastian. “I remember it just like it was yesterday.” A cold smile twisted his ruthless lips. “Your transition was a beautiful thing to witness. It was like watching a caterpillar transform into a butterfly. You became my perfect disciple.”

Sebastian got in his face and snarled. “You’ll never break me.”

Lucifer put his finger on Sebastian’s chest, his nail digging into his skin. “The day your transition began, you handed your soul over to me on a silver platter. You had a choice. You threw away the light inside your heart and replaced it with darkness.” 
      
Meanwhile, Edward and the other two followed the steam that led them to the far end of the locker room, where they heard the hush of a running shower.

Sebastian ran after them to stop his half-brother. As he reached out to grab him, his hand passed through Edward’s arm. Sebastian was like a ghost in the room, invisible to everyone around him.  
 
“Nothing you do will change the past,” Lucifer said. “But I can. Give me what I want, and I’ll change your destiny.”

“Go to hell,” Sebastian spat.  

“Where’s that little bitch?” Edward called out, his voice echoing, drowning out Sebastian’s outburst.

Edward looked over his shoulder when he heard the faucet squeak and the sound of water cut off.

As they crowded outside the shower stall, Edward grabbed the curtain and ripped it off the pole.

“Hello, asshole,” he bit out, glaring inside the shower with hatred and disgust. “It’s time to pay up, bitch.”

As Sebastian stood back in the shadows, he watched in horror as a dark-haired, pale-skinned naked boy stumbled back into the wet tile. He was a teenager trapped inside a child’s body, surrounded, with no place to hide.

God, he was so thin, he looked emaciated, Sebastian thought. It was like looking into a crystal ball of his past and watching his younger self. Except now, he knew the truth. Sebastian couldn’t mature because his step-father kept his need for Breedline blood a secret. He’d paid the school to turn a blinds eye, and to keep Sebastian starved. William Montgomery feared Sebastian’s true nature of his half-breed species. 
   
As they surged forward, Edward was the first one to nail him square in the face. The boy’s head swung to the side, and the force threw him off balance. When he landed on his hands and knees, clubs pummeled his shoulders and back. He lunged and caught one of them by both ankles. The guy tried to step forward, but the boy kept a tight grip, creating a shift in his gravity. Fortunately, when the guy went down, he fell into his buddy and took him with him.

Edward kicked the boy in the side, nailing him directly in the kidneys. As he arched in pain, the second kick landed to the underside of his chin, rattling his teeth. Another hit landed on the left side of his temple, and suddenly lights flashed inside his head like the Fourth of July. Before he could clear his vision, he was slammed against the tile wall and held in place.

“I’m going to teach you a lesson you’ll never forget,” Edward rasped as he unfastened his jeans.

At that moment, Sebastian’s younger-self knew what was about to go down. He just shook his head as tears filled his eyes. No, not this . . . Please help me, God.  

When Edward moved closer, the terrified frail boy in Sebastian suddenly left his body and was replaced by a caged animal. Something evil crept inside Sebastian and entered his body as if a ghost had stepped into his skin. He felt his gums stretch and throb as sharp fangs protruded inside his mouth. From out of nowhere, he let out a hiss that sounded like a cobra and found the strength to break loose. Like a rabid dog, he sprang forward and bit Edward in the throat. As he pulled away, flesh tore free and blood spurted like a geyser.

Edward dropped to his knees and clutched his hand to his throat, gasping for air, desperate to stop the flow. But it did no good. The blood continued to pour in an endless river, coating the floor red.

The two other guys froze in their tracks, their legs paralyzed in place.

The young version of Sebastian stood above Edward, panting. At first, he savored the blood on his lips, then down in his gut, an all-powerful wave filling him up from the inside, giving him strength he’d never known before. A hunger swirled in his belly, and he knew what he needed. As he caught the sweet scent of Edward’s Breedline blood, instinct rose like a beast. Sebastian bared his fangs and roared.

Edward’s buddies didn’t move an inch; their eyes popped wide with panic.

With the cunning skills of a natural killer, he grabbed Edward by the neck and dragged him to his tingling canines. He bit hard and sucked deep, the fountain of his half- brother’s life giving him the strength that his body needed. Sebastian started transforming as the blood flowed down his throat. His body stretched and grew from the frail shape of a small boy to the height of six four. 
  
As Sebastian dropped Edward’s lifeless body onto the blood-soaked floor, he raised his head and looked down his body or . . . someone’s body. Bracing himself against the wall with his hand, he brought the other one close to his face. His wrist was thick as his calf once had been, and his palm was as big as his head. When he stood straight, his vantage point was different, and everything seemed smaller. Even the ceiling was shorter. When he looked down, he stared at a pair of size-fourteen feet. His transition came from out of nowhere and changed everything in a heartbeat. It was fate’s version of revenge.  

For some reason, the images of his half-brother unfastening his pants flashed inside his head. Bastard! No matter what happened as a result of what he’d done to Edward, he wouldn’t change a thing. Edward had always been a bastard and tormented Sebastian for years. But this? No, he wouldn’t change a thing about what he’d done. He was glad Edward was dead.

“You’re going down for this, freak.”

The slick tile squeaked as Sebastian pivoted around when the sound of an irritating voice brought him back to focus.

The other guy pointed at Sebastian. “Do you realize what you’ve done? Mr. Montgomery will have your head on a pole.”

Sebastian’s upper lip curled into a snarl as he glared at them with hatred burning in his eyes. As he moved in closer, he sized up both guys and realized that he was bigger than both of them by a good four inches.

“Shit,” the first guy whispered as he looked up at Sebastian.

Shit was right.  

Sebastian stepped in front of the guy, going face-to-face and bared his fangs. He said nothing, just looked down at him. When a low growl came from the other guy, Sebastian’s yellow eyes focused in his direction. 

As he stared into Sebastian’s eyes, his face started to change. His skin darkened, turning a mottled shade of gray. A mane of coarse fur sprouted from his head and neck, then spread across his body and limbs, which themselves lengthened and grew larger in a matter of seconds. His hooded sweatshirt and jeans came apart at the seams as he shifted into his Breedline wolf. Clawed feet shredded his leather shoes, and his fists curled into paws.

Sebastian couldn’t believe his eyes. He’d never seen a Breedline turn.

“You’re no match for a Breedline,” the first guy said. “My buddy here is full-blooded. He’s going to rip you into tiny pieces.” 

A canine muzzle protruded from the guy’s face, and a mouth full of jagged incisors came into view as he threw back his head to release a roar.

With a fury, Sebastian reached up and grabbed the metal curtain rod from the concrete wall. Realizing that he had not a second to spare, he sprung forward and shoved it deep into the opening of the bastard’s gullet. Instead of a howl, a gurgling sound came from its throat.

Sebastian’s face froze into an icy mask, rage burning in his blood. He was no longer the terrified small boy that once shared this body.  
 
The other guy cowered on the floor and pissed himself. He looked up at Sebastian and blinked in surprise. What? How? Although he was born with the genetics of a Breedline—similar to his buddy Edward—he did not have the power to shift into a wolf. The gift was only passed down to a Breedline that was born with an identical twin. And he too was born a fraternal twin.

Sebastian hesitated for only an instant before he grabbed the guy—who reeked of urine—by the throat with one hand and squeezed. His neck snapped, nearly severing his head from his shoulders. When he released his grip, the guy’s lifeless body crumpled to the ground.  
    
After Sebastian had taken a shower to wash off all the blood, he rummaged through the lockers for clothes that would fit his new body. He’d searched for what seemed like hours, and finally, he found a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. Unfortunately, he wasn’t lucky enough to find a pair of shoes. He’d just have to go barefoot. But it didn’t matter; he wasn’t leaving on foot. He had his half-brother’s car keys to the brand-new BMW parked outside. It wasn’t like Edward was going to be driving it anytime soon, considering his circumstances of being dead and all. Besides, he’d need a ride to his step-father’s estate. Sebastian had loose ends. Taking out the rest of his rotten family was his way of tying up those loose ends. 

When night fell hours later, Sebastian—who was still invisible to everyone around him—suddenly found himself standing outside the iron gates that led up to his step-father and mother’s estate. As he stood there, he wondered why he was brought here. Did Lucifer bring him here to witness another horrible memory from his past? Maybe the reason was to watch the younger version of himself seek revenge against his family.   
 
As he worried about what he was about to face, the past came back to haunt him. This was where Eliza—the only person that came close to being a mother to him—had been murdered in cold blood at the hands of his biological mother. And his step-father had sent his sister Anna away to live in a women’s monastery. Sebastian wondered if Anna had suffered the way he had all these years.   

“You better hurry,” said a seething voice. “You don’t want to miss the best part.”

Sebastian turned and looked behind him. It was Lucifer, still taking the form of his dead twin brother, Thomas.

“Why did you bring me back here?” Sebastian queried as he looked back up at the house he despised. Lights glowed in the windows made of stained glass, and inside, he could see people moving around.

“Let’s just say it’s a little gift from me to you,” Lucifer drawled. “This is one memory I promise you won’t regret reliving.”  

Before Sebastian could utter a word, his body magically moved to a different place. He was now standing outside the mansion’s front door. Oddly, it was wide open. When he stepped into the foyer, drops of blood stained the polished white marble and made a trail that led to the formal dining room. Sebastian froze when he heard a woman scream. He recognized the voice. It was Sibyl, his biological mother.

“Hurry,” Lucifer urged, nudging Sebastian’s shoulder. “You’re going to miss it.”

Sebastian almost tripped over his own feet as he stumbled onward. When he rounded the corner, his knees nearly buckled as he faced the dining room. His mouth opened, but he couldn’t find the words. Limp and shaky, he could barely stand. Oh, god . . . so much blood.

His slaughtered family sat around the dining table with their throats cut. It looked as if they were about to eat dinner. Smack-dab in the middle of the table, Edward’s head was lying on a serving platter, staring out of glassy dead eyes.

Lucifer shook his head and exhaled. “What a masterpiece.”

Sebastian pounded his fist into the wall. “Shut the hell up . . . or I swear I’ll cut your damn tongue out!”

Lucifer rolled his eyes. “Geez, I was trying to give you a compliment.” 
  
“I remember,” Sebastian said hoarsely. “I did all this. I killed them.”

“You should have seen your step-father’s face when you came in with Edward’s head. It was priceless. And your mother,” Lucifer chuckled. “She cried out when you killed your step-sister, Camille. But she screamed the loudest when she watched you cut your step-father’s throat.”

Sebastian tried to stop the memory from replaying in his head. Before he threw up on the table, he shoved Lucifer to the side, bent over, and heaved on the floor.

“I feel like . . . dying.”

Lucifer waved his hand. “Oh, don’t worry. You’re not going to die. Death would be too easy.”  

“Just get me the hell out of here,” Sebastian mumbled, wiping his mouth.

A split second later, Sebastian was surrounded in total darkness. It was so pitch-black that he couldn’t even see his hand as he brought it to his face. For a moment, he panicked as he sought to gain his bearings. From out of nowhere, lights suddenly flooded all around him. He closed his eyes, shielding them from the brightness. He was disoriented and couldn’t immediately place his surroundings. Then, as his eyes fluttered open, he saw a young girl not much older than fourteen, on the street huddled in a corner. Even though it was warm outside, she wore more than one layer of clothing. Her long black hair was a tousled mess, and the jacket she had on was worn and tattered.  

She looked up and stared wordlessly at him. It was at that moment that Sebastian recognized her. It was . . . Eve.  
     
To be continued . . .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Author Notes

NOTE: This is not part of the chapter. A reference for terms and cast of 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 among humans, 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 is 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 one 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 QUEEN'S 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 into human form 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 into human form 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. 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 ultimately 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 cannot 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 can do white magic (good) or dark (evil). 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 can 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 cannot 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 bright 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, twice 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. An Adalwolf is immune to silver. They can bond with any species. LUPA - The ancestors descended from the old legend of the lycanthrope, except the moon has no power over them and it cannot be passed on to others like a virus. It is passed on through genetics to the female offspring, known as a she-wolf. This type of creature shape-shifts into a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, and is considered dangerous... cursed. 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 being 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 among 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. Arius and Tidus - Sebastian and Eve's twin boys. Both have inherited their parent's genetics of a half-breed. Arius carries the mark of the Chiang-Shih demon with the power to create a portal and the ability to heal others. Anna Saeni - She was born with the genetics of a Breedline from her father's side - who died when Anna was a baby - but she does not shift into a wolf. Her human mother, Eliza, raised Sebastian Crow as her own after his biological mother, Sybil and his step-father, William Montgomery, detested him due to Sybil's infidelity. William sent Sebastian's twin brother Thomas to be raised in England with Sybil's sister, and forced his maid Eliza to raise Sebastian. While Anna grew up, she helped her mother raise Sebastian, loving him as a brother. At age fourteen, William molested Anna. After her mother found out, she confronted William and Sybil, but so afraid to lose her family, and her wealthy status, Sybil killed Eliza in cold blood. William sent Anna to live in a women's convent, and forced Sebastian to live in a boarding school for troubled boys for all Breedline.

Chapter 29
Double Crossed/Part Two

By scongrove

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.

Previously . . .

Now that Abbey finally put an end to the ruthless scientist who killed her father, and kept her prisoner for years, torturing her with endless lab experiments, she had to warn her beloved Steven that he was in danger.

Before Dr. Autenburg had met his end, he was hired by Valkin Steele—a billionaire client that funded his research—to locate an Adalwolf with the power to heal his dying mistress, Natasha. And Steven was the target.

During her escape, Abbey was caught off guard and tranquilized by Valkin Steele’s body guard, Roman Kincaid. Just as she thought all hope was lost, her luck finally turned around. Roman, who was also an Adalwolf, promised Abbey he would keep her safe, and help her reunite with Steven. Left with no other choice, Abbey could only pray Roman was a man of his word.
 
Now that Abbey is in good hands—protected by Roman and a team of Special Ops—the next step is reuniting her with her beloved, Steven.

As Steven and Abbey finally reunite, she is introduced to the others in the Covenant as they meet Roman and his team of Special Ops—Lena, Justice, and Bull—to prepare for more allies to show. 

Later the night, Roman and his team member, Lawrence Colbert, were ambushed by Gordan Bates and his brother Joey—trackers hired by Valkin Steele—to gain information to the whereabouts of the Breedline Covenant in order to capture Steven for his abilities to heal a fatal wound. During their altercation, Roman and Lawrence were left with no other choice but to shift into their supernatural state and take them out. But before they shifted, Gordan Bates spilled the news about Valkin hiring Cole Decker—a hired tracker that dealt in under-aged sex trafficking in Europe—to help locate Steven.  
      
After they contacted the Breedline Covenant, Tim Ross—the Covenant’s head council—prepared for Roman and Lawrence to arrive so they could gather everyone for a meeting and plan their next move. Just as they arrived, Tessa—the Breedline queen—had asked her husband Jace to take their twin boys upstairs to bed. Unbeknown to what was transpiring in the room down the hall, Jace had no idea what was about to happen. Abbey had just awoke from a horrific nightmare from her past, triggering the she-wolf within her. When the battle between Jace’s Beast and Abbey’s she-wolf almost led to her death, she decided to secretly sneak out of the Covenant in fear of shifting again and harming Steven, or an innocent bystander. Before Abbey left, she wrote a good-bye letter to Steven. But to Abbey’s surprise, she was kidnapped by Valkin Steele’s hired trackers to use her as a pawn to get to Steven.  
        
When the Breedline arrive with Steven—who is wired with a tracking device—in exchange for Abbey, Valkin Steele’s hired trackers turn on them with gunfire, wounding Gunny in the crossfire. While they make a deal with the trackers to return Abbey when Steven heals Valkin Steele’s beloved Abbey—who is dying of cancer—they take Steven into custody. 

Now that Steven has healed Valkin Steele’s beloved Natasha, of her cancer, in exchange for Abbey, Valkin betrays him and sells her to Cole Decker—a tracker that deals in sex trafficking—while the highest bidder flies in from Germany to purchase Steven for his special gifts.

Continued . . .
       
Abbey’s pulse, already elevated, spiked when Cole Decker referred to her as his pet. What exactly did that mean? And then fear boiled in her stomach as acid traced its way up her throat. There was an unmistakable bulge in Cole’s expensive slacks that clearly outlined his erection.

“What do you want with me?” she demanded with far more bravery than she felt.  
  
His eyes went cold, studying her for a brief moment, purposely drawing out her terror.

“I’m the man that owns you,” he said in a silky purr. “You belong to me.”

A prickled unease chased up her spine. Cole Decker was a monster, like the same monsters that haunted her from the past. He fed off the fear of others. It was a heady aphrodisiac that fed Cole’s sadistic fantasies of young girls. Only he made them a reality. He had a lust for underage girls, even though he evidently went for legal-aged women as well. He was a twisted son of a bitch, and every one of Abbey’s instincts told her that Cole planned to live out every one of those sick fantasies with her. But she had other plans. If he thought she was just another helpless victim, boy did he have a surprise in store. She knew that her uncontrollable rage simmered just below the surface, and it wouldn’t take much for it to erupt into something dangerous. As soon as the drug that was given to her wore off, her she-wolf was going to tear his eyes out and then go for his balls. His death would be slow. He deserved to die a long, painful death for every sin he’d ever committed. Abbey intended to make Cole Decker pay for every girl he put his hands on.

“I think you must have me mistaken for someone else,” she said coldly. “I’m not anyone’s property.”

Cole threw back his head and laughed. “You seem awfully sure of yourself, Ms. Winthrop. I like a challenge.” Glee entered his eyes. “It will be entertaining to teach you discipline and obedience.”

“Go screw yourself,” she gritted out.

A satisfied expression gripped him as he grabbed her by the hair and yanked her face close to his. With his hand wound tightly in her hair, he crushed his lips against hers.

Abbey struggled wildly, but Cole was stronger, forcing her mouth open, kissing her brutally.  
   
Bile rose in her throat. She closed her eyes and felt sick to her very soul.

“You taste sweet,” he murmured, his breath stroking over her trembling lips. “I can’t wait to taste the rest of you.”

Tears burned her eyelids as they opened, but she refused to cry. She refused to allow him the satisfaction of seeing her tears of pain.   

Cole saw something savage in her deep blue glare for one brief moment before he reached out to her. Abbey jerked back as he slid his hand up to her shoulder, hating the revolting shudder that rolled through her body the moment he made contact. 

He dropped his hand and clenched it into a tight ball as he shook with rage.

Oh god, where was Steven? Abbey thought. Had he been drugged to make sure he wasn’t a threat?

Cole uncurled his fist and tore her shirt, rending it in two, exposing her breasts. His hand mauled her, groping over her body, pulling impatiently at her pants.

Abbey went wild, bucking, kicking, and fighting with every bit of strength she could muster. She’d die before being raped by this asshole.

“You’re a heartless bastard,” she said, choking back tears. “You make me sick.”

Cole backed off, his jaw twitching at Abbey’s outward show of strength. “Tell me, Abigail, did Valkin Steele promise to see your beloved Adalwolf safely back to the Covenant after he healed Natasha?” He kept his eyes locked on hers. “Think carefully. I also know Steele to be a liar,” he added, the sound of his voice coming as a hiss. “And yet he made you believe something he never intended to do in the first place. How easily you are persuaded.”

Abbey spat in Cole’s face and yelled, “Go to hell!”

The black orbs of his eyes went flat, and he was on her in an instant with a sharp slap to her face.

The blow stunned Abbey speechless. She instantly brought her hand up to her mouth, her eyes widening in quick alarm.

“Tell me you want me,” he raised his voice, blasting the demand into her face.

Anger lit off a firestorm inside her chest. She would never say that to him. Never.

“I. Despise. You.”

As Cole lifted his hand and made a fist, Abbey glared at him, steady, calm, ready to take the hit. They stayed silent for a long time, bound by the strings of violence that ran between them. 

Finally, he lowered his hand and said, “Your precious Adalwolf was sold to the highest bidder.” He raked his dark gaze over her shaking body. “I was paid to deliver you to Steele. You were just a bargaining tool that served my purpose. He got the Adalwolf, and I got what I wanted.”  

Abbey pulled at her shirt to cover herself. “No, it’s not true.” She shook her head in denial. “You’re lying.”

Cole lifted one eyebrow, ignoring the pain in her eyes and placed a pair of handcuffs around her wrists. To her surprise, his hand clamped on the back of her neck, and he kissed her, licking her with his tongue. It took everything she had to keep her gag reflex down until he lifted his head. And then he looked at her and smiled.

In the blink of an eye, the light had gone out of Abbey. She went silent, fixing her stony gaze away, refusing to look at Cole. What a stupid, naïve fool she’d been. If only she’d listened to Steven and stayed at the Breedline Covenant. Her poor decision echoed in her mind until she wanted to scream in frustration. But she refused to give up because she still had a fight left in her. Abbey closed her eyes, a sense of peace enveloping her. The innocent life growing inside her was worth everything that had come before and all that would come after. And hopefully, help was on the way. With or without the Covenant’s support, she would find her way back to Steven. She had managed to elude an organized group of scientists that far outnumbered Cole Decker and Valkin Steele. Abbey had no doubt she’d find a way to escape once again. 

Cole rose to his feet and moved to the door. “I’ll be leaving you here for a while,” he said in a stern voice. “As soon as I get back, you’ll be going with me on a long trip.”

Abbey turned to face him. “Where are you taking me?”

He shot her a look. “We’re flying to Europe,” he said, and added, “along with the rest of my shipment.” 

Her eyes rounded in fear. Oh, god . . .

Without uttering another word, he simply turned on his heel and stalked from the room. When the door closed and locked, Abbey sucked in her breath. Furious at how helpless she was, she prayed for the one thing she had always wanted to get rid of . . . her Lupa.    
 
****

Valkin Steele stood in silence, patiently waiting as Dr. Kruger and three of his men were escorted inside. Behind him, Marcus, Corbin, and Fredrick were just as silent, though Steele could feel the tension radiating from them all.

Dr. Kruger strode in the spacious foyer of Steele’s estate—he was tight-lipped—and impatience emanated from him in tangible waves. He looked pointedly at Steele and said, “Where’s my Adalwolf?”

“Mr. Craven is heavily sedated,” Steele told him. “For reasons, I’m sure you get. We’ve got him locked in the wine cellar. My men will escort you to him.”

The physician narrowed his eyes. “Very well,” he said in a cold tone. “As long as the Adalwolf hasn’t been harmed, the exchange will be made.”  

“I gave you my word,” Steele said coolly.

“You’ll get half of your money now,” Kruger said. “The other half after I see the Adalwolf for myself.”

Steele merely nodded and took the thick envelope from Kruger’s outstretched hand.

As Marcus, Corbin, and Fredrick led the physician and his men to the wine cellar, Steele cast a quick glance over his shoulder at the sound of Cole’s voice.

“Where’s the rest of my shipment?”

Steele turned to Cole. “Your girls just arrived. I’m sure you’ll be very pleased,” he said arrogantly. “They’re all young and innocent.”

Cole’s eyes gleamed, and he gave Steele a short nod of approval. “My private jet will be ready for pickup in the next hour or so. My men will take care of transporting the girls. Until then, I’m going to need more drugs for Ms. Winthrop.”

“Relax. I’ve got enough to get you through a few days.”

Cole went silent for a moment. “A few days?” He shrugged.

Steele raised an eyebrow. “I thought you knew.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

Steele stared at Cole for a brief moment, obviously studying him with avid curiosity. “You weren’t planning on keeping Ms. Winthrop alive were you?”

Cole looked puzzled and vaguely annoyed. “Why the hell would I kill Abigail? In exchange for her, I’m of short ten girls,” he said, his agitation obvious. “Are you screwing me over, Steele?”  
  
“There’s been a misunderstanding.” Steele narrowed his eyes. “I only have enough of the drug to last a few days, three tops. You’ll have to get rid of her before she turns into,” he swallowed and then took a deep breath, “that thing.”  
     
Cole shuddered at the images Steele invoked. “Have you seen it? I mean . . . her she-wolf.”

Steele looked at him in surprise and then shook his head. “No. I’ve only heard stories.”

“Tell me,” Cole demanded. “What have you heard?”

“Ms. Winthrop’s Lupa . . . is a monstrosity,” he said bitterly. “Her kind should be wiped from the face of the earth. Have your fun, and be done with her before it’s too late. She’ll kill you the first chance she gets.”
                           
He was not surprised by Steele’s virulent words. Cole knew all too well how intensely he loathed anything other than the human species. And even then, Steele showed very little compassion and empathy for his own kind.  
 
“What the hell will kill her?” Cole queried. “Silver bullets?”

Steele nodded. “I was told silver to the heart was the only way to destroy a Lupa.” 

“Just give me what drugs you have,” Cole said impatiently. “I’ll take care of her when it’s time.”

Steele reached into his jacket to retrieve the drug that kept Abbey’s she-wolf at bay. “She’ll need an injection every twenty-four hours,” he said, checking his watch. “I wouldn’t wait too long. It’s time for another dosage.”

Before Cole took the liquid vial from him, a blood-chilling howl shattered the stillness in the estate, followed by the sounds of death screams and gunfire.
   
To be continued . . .         
 

Author Notes

NOTE: This is not part of the chapter. A reference for terms and cast of 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 among humans, 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 is 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 one 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 QUEEN'S 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 into human form 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 into human form 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. 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 ultimately 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 cannot 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 can 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 can 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 cannot 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 bright 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, twice 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. An Adalwolf is immune to silver. They can bond with any species. LUPA - The ancestors descended from the old legend of the lycanthrope, except the moon has no power over them and it cannot be passed on to others like a virus. It is passed on through genetics to the female offspring, known as a she-wolf. This type of creature shape-shifts into a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, and is considered dangerous... cursed. Steven Pasquale (a.k.a. Steven Craven) - 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 two German physicians, Dr. Hans Autenburg and Dr. Hubert Crane. Without the knowledge of his real family, Steven finally manages to escape his captors, locating his biological parents and his fraternal twin, Tessa Fairchild. Abbey (a.k.a. Abigail Winthrop) - She inherited the genetics of a Lupa from her mother, who died giving birth. Captured by Dr. Hans Autenburg - a German physician - she spent most of her life forced to endure experiments until she finally managed to escape. With no place to go, Abbey is determined to finally reunite with her beloved Steven after they were separated years ago. Valkin Steele - He is a wealthy business man who deals with drugs, weapons trade, and underage sex trafficking. He also funded a group of unethical scientists that kidnapped people with special gifts and rarities for research. He is searching for an Adalwolf with the ability to heal his beloved Natasha who is dying of cancer. Cole Decker - He is known as the best tracker money could buy, hired by Valkin Steele to kidnap Steven Craven for his healing powers. He is also wanted by the FBI for his crimes as a well-known sex offender and sex trafficking young girls from all over the world. Marcus Delvecchio - He is a Breedline traitor, hired by Valkin Steele as a bodyguard. 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.

Chapter 30
War Rages

By scongrove

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.

Previously . . .

Now that Steven has healed Valkin Steele’s beloved Natasha, of her cancer, in exchange for Abbey, Valkin betrays him and sells her to Cole Decker—a hired tracker that deals in sex trafficking—while Dr. Kruger arrives from Germany to purchase Steven for his special gifts.

When Valkin Steele makes the deal with Dr. Kruger, the corrupt physician and his hired men prepare to retrieve Steven, who is momentarily unconscious, and stashed inside Steele’s wine cellar.

Meanwhile, outside Steele’s estate, a team of Breedline crusaders and a crew of Special Ops prepare to take down Valkin Steele and everyone involved with his evil corruption. But their main focus is rescuing Steven and Abbey, along with twenty under-aged girls that were sold to Cole Decker.

Continued . . .  
        
The members of Colonel Deshazo’s team and the others crept silently through the thickly wooded area, preparing to attack Valkin Steele’s estate. His men were honorable men who’d risked their lives for others. And that included humans, even the very people who sought their death. Their mission was to protect the innocent and hunt the evil, regardless of their species.

They’d spent the last three hours planning for the worst-case scenario and the easiest. The colonel had kept it brief, giving them the rundown on what their plan of action would be. Choosing to reveal their supernatural identity to humans went against the Breedline laws, but in this case, they were left with no choice.

When this was all over, Tim Ross—the head of the Breedline council—knew Tessa would have a serious come-to-Jesus meeting about their decision to go against the Covenant’s True Law. But that was the risk they had to take. After she knew the truth, minus the gory details, she’d understand why they’d chosen this. 

A shift in the air brought awareness in Deshazo’s gut as he gripped his pistol. The others shared a similar feeling of unease as they stopped and sniffed the air like predators on the hunt, stalking their prey. They were halfway to the estate when Deshazo’s blood froze in his veins.

From a short distance away, a thunderous roar shattered the eerie silence of their surroundings followed by sounds of guns firing.

“Get down!” Lena shouted. “Sniper at six o’clock!”

The firefight came out of nowhere. It was fierce and unrelenting. And then Lena shouted, “Bull!”

Bull’s hand went to his thigh and came away wet and sticky. The wound burned like fire. Maintaining a stoic expression, Bull tried to dismiss the gaping hole in his flesh, but his legs buckled beneath him and he crumpled to the ground.

Lena dropped to Bull’s side, visibly distressed by his collapse. Blood coursed from his leg, pooling beneath him. Darkness encroached on his vision, and it was all he could do to keep from passing out from the blood loss.  

Justice closed his eyes. Damn it, no! By the panicked tone of Lena’s voice, her brother had taken a hit.

He scrambled over and dragged Bull behind a thick tree. “Hold on, buddy,” Justice said, scanning over his body until he found blood coming from Bull’s left thigh. “You’re going to be fine. It’s just a flesh wound. It’ll heal in no time.”

Then he smiled, to the shock of Justice and Lena. Bull rarely smiled. “Leave me here,” he said with an edge to his voice. “Go help the others. I’ll be fine.”

“Benjamin Allen Calvero,” Lena snapped, her dark eyes flashing. “I don’t care what you say, I’m not leaving you.”

Justice and Bull came to attention. Only on rare occasions did Lena address her brother by his full name, and this was one of those situations.

Her response was greeted by a couple of hooahs as Kid and Wyckoff came over.

“You tell ‘em, Lena,” Kid piped in. 

“What the hell, Bull?” Jace asked in a low voice as he crouched down beside Lena. “You’re not staying here alone.”

Kyle, Casey, Alexander, and Jem stepped up on either side of Bull, not even voicing what their action implied. The look on their face did all the talking for them.

Bull sighed. “Do you honestly think I’m letting any of you babysit my ass? Screw that. Leave me here. I can take care of myself.”

A round of flipping the bird erupted, breaking some of the tension within the group. Then Drakon chimed in, his voice a deep, demanding tone. “Damn it, Bull. You’re in no condition to fight on your own if we leave you. You’re bleeding like a stuck pig.”

“The bullet went clean through,” Lawrence said as he examined Bull’s leg. “Keep pressure on it and it ought to close in fifteen minutes. Thirty tops.”

“Shit!” Justice ducked as another round of shots fired in close proximity. “Everyone, stay down!”

In response, everyone hovered low to the ground.

“I’ve pinpointed the location of the gunfire,” Gunny called out loud enough for the colonel to hear. “There are four guards a few feet away. I’ve got them in range,” his voice rose in agitation. “I’m just waiting for your command, Colonel D.”

Colonel Deshazo looked over at Tim and shook his head. “We don’t have a choice.”

“It’s your call,” Tim said gruffly.

“Take the shot, Master Sergeant Virgin,” Deshazo ordered.

“Clear,” Gunny affirmed after firing four single shots, hitting each target.

“Everyone needs to be on guard,” Deshazo said, sweeping his gaze toward the others. “It won’t be long before we run into more of Steele’s men.” 
        
“Stay with Bull, Lena,” Roman said in a crisp, take-charge tone, and added, “you too, Justice. Radio in as soon as he heals.” He turned from Justice and pointedly focused on Bull. “And that’s final.”

Bull scowled at the thought of staying behind while the rest of his team roars to the forefront. He looked ready to take on an entire army and take apart the asshole that put a bullet in his leg.

“Fine,” Bull grumbled, throwing up his hands in defeat, muttering a few F-bombs. “We’ll meet up with you later. I’ll be good to go in no time.”

Colonel Deshazo exchanged glances with Tim, and then looked at everyone else. “You know the drill,” he said, giving the motion to move forward. “It’s now or never.”

****

When Marcus escorted Dr. Kruger and his men into the wine cellar, Corbin and Fredrick waited outside the door. As they made it down the last step, something dashed in front of them.

“What the hell?” Marcus blurted. He had only glimpsed the figure for a second, but it had looked like a man . . . sort of. It had slick, shimmery skin and bright, glowing eyes.

Awakening from the drug, Steven acted on instinct and morphed into his Adalwolf the instant he heard the door open. Beneath his shirt, his chest had expanded, the muscles bulging twice the size. Steven’s skin had taken on a shimmery, grayish hue. A mane of dark hair framed his hybrid features, which were more human than wolf, but still savage. Sharp claws jutted from his hands, and large pointed canines protruded from his gums.

“Oh shit,” Marcus growled.

Steven dived toward Marcus and slammed him into the wall with a bone-jarring force. The sudden impact caught him off guard, leaving him dazed and confused.

“Tranquilize him!” Dr. Kruger yelled. 

Before the guards could react, Steven’s supernatural speed outweighed their human pace. He pounced on one, knocking him off balance. As the other two lunged for Steven, he hurled around and hit one with a backhanded blow. Momentum hammered him into the other guard and sent them tumbling across the floor.

The crashing sounds coming from the wine cellar alerted Corbin and Fredrick. With his hand locked around the grip of a Beretta, Corbin rushed down the stairs as Fredrick followed close behind. They looked about anxiously for Marcus and the others, bewildered to find them scattered on the floor.

A sharp voice, laced with a German accent alerted their attention. “What the hell are you waiting for?” Kruger shouted, “Stop him!”

Corbin raised his weapon and fired off three shots. Steven dodged the bullets and Corbin squeezed off another round, hitting Steven in the chest. As blood sprayed from his flesh, Fredrick cowered behind Corbin. He hoped the injury would be enough to discourage Steven permanently, but Fredrick underestimated his species.

A snarl stretched over Steven’s lips as he started to move toward them. With his gun aimed at Steven, Corbin squeezed the trigger again. The weapon made a doleful clicking noise. Shit! Corbin thought, gritting his teeth. I’m out of ammo!     
          
Steven’s claws reached out for Corbin . . .

A loud pop came from behind, stopping Steven in his tracks. A weary groan issued from him as he turned angrily toward the source of the bullet and glared murderously at Dr. Kruger. He opened fire as a hail of bullets slammed into Steven’s body, which thrashed wildly, but he still remained on his feet. Blood streamed from the bullet holes of his torso. His chest and back felt as if they had been stabbed over and over with a red-hot fire poker. He winced at the searing pain.

With his eyes locked on Kruger’s throbbing jugular, Steven peeled back his lips and let out a feral growl. Ignoring his gaping wounds, Steven exploded into motion and lunged at the physician with bared fangs. He threw back his head, ready to tear out his throat as an explosion of glass and gunfire came from above. The commotion momentarily distracted him, and Steven let go of Kruger. For a second, it sounded like an earthquake had rocked the estate, but, to Steven’s relief, he realized it was his comrades at arm.

Acting in tandem, Corbin and Fredrick ducked down, and Dr. Kruger staggered back. Startled gasps and exclamations burst from the men.

“Holy Mother—!”Corbin shouted. He called out to Marcus and said, “What the hell was that?”

Through clenched teeth, Marcus managed to pull himself up. “Hell if I know,” he grunted. 

“We need to get back upstairs,” Corbin said. “Marcus . . .” Before he could get another word out, a sudden blast blew the open door against the wall. Everyone looked in bewilderment at the doorway.

An amplified voice addressed them from the top of the stairs. “Drop your weapons and stand down. Repeat, drop your weapons.”

Puzzled, Corbin looked at Marcus for guidance. He shrugged his stocky shoulders and said, “What the hell?”

Dr. Kruger turned his weapon toward the stairway. Before he fired his gun, shots came from above, sending several rounds in his direction. The physician dropped to his knees and clamped his hand over his throat as blood seeped through his fingers. His eyes frantically searched for help but saw none forthcoming. And then he crumpled to the floor to his death.   

The look on Marcus’s face was of shock and disbelief. As he reached for his weapon, powerful fingers closed around his throat quicker than the eye could see. Choking, Marcus dropped his gun. “P-please . . .” Desperation tinged his voice. It was an effort just to speak. 

The sounds of footsteps drew near, and a firm voice called out, “Let him go, Steven.”

With his hand wrapped around Marcus’s throat, Steven turned and glanced up at three familiar faces. It was Drakon, Alexander, and Tim.

“Tim?” Steven’s own voice sounded alien to him, deeper and more guttural.

“He’s surrendering, Steven,” Tim said calmly. “It’s okay. We can take it from here.”

Steven looked back at Marcus. His face was white with fear, and Steven realized that he had been only seconds away from killing him. He clenched his sharp canines together, fighting the urge to savage Marcus with his bare hands. Steven let go of him and stepped back, feeling thoroughly drained. He turned around, his eyes searching the faces of Tim and Drakon, desperately seeking for answers. Steven wondered if he would ever see Abbey again.

“Abbey,” he gasped out. “Did you find her?”

And then a deep voice warned him, “Behind you!”

Drakon’s tone sent a jolt of adrenaline through Steven’s body at the same time pain exploded from his side. The burning sensation of a blade staggered him, throwing him off balance and onto his knees as he grasped for the object embedded into his flesh.

The sound of a roar and a black wolf—the size of a horse—came soaring from the top of the stairs as Steven winced in pain, freeing the dagger from his ribcage.

With only seconds to spare, Marcus shifted into his Breedline wolf . . . just as Drakon’s rogue wolf came lunging from above, slamming into Marcus with so much force that it sent him crashing onto the floor. Drakon’s wolf was covered in thick black fur, except for his nose, which ended in leathery nostrils. As Drakon stared down at Marcus, his lips almost formed a smile on his wolfish face, displaying a mouth full of white daggers.
  
Marcus’s wolf fought back with lightning reflexes, swiping his massive paw against Drakon’s head, hurling him backward. He crashed into the wall, knocking a hole into it before hitting the ground hard. Drakon quickly recovered, shaking off the blow as Marcus pounced on top of him. But his Breedline wolf was no match for Drakon’s powerful rogue. He was twice the size, outweighing Marcus by a hundred pounds of strapping muscle and shear strength.

Seizing the opportunity, Drakon opened his jaws and closed in on Marcus’s neck. Meat and gristle pulled apart loudly as, ripping with all his force, Drakon tore his throat out. Blood gushed from Marcus’s jugular, coating Drakon’s bristling black fur.

As Marcus toppled to the floor, violent convulsions rocked his shaggy body. Then, a loud pop came from above, instantly stopping Marcus’s movement.

With a pistol in his hand, Tim turned around and glared at Corbin and Fredrick. “I’ve got two more silver bullets,” he said, pointing it in their direction. “How do you want this to go down?”

Fredrick held his hands high in the air. “D-don’t shoot,” he stuttered. “I surrender.”

Corbin snarled and tossed his weapon on the ground. He looked down at Marcus’s corpse in disbelief. Dark fur retracted into the Breedline wolf as it transformed into Marcus’s dead naked human body. 

“Take us to where Ms. Abigail Winthrop is being held,” Tim demanded with the gun still aimed at their head.

Corbin looked up from Marcus’s body and focused on Tim. “You’re too late,” he gritted out. “Cole Decker has her.” 

To be continued . . .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Author Notes

NOTE: This is not part of the chapter. A reference for terms and cast of 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 among humans, 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 is 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 one 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 QUEEN'S 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 into human form 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 into human form 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. 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 ultimately 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 cannot 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 can 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 can 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 cannot 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 bright 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, twice 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. An Adalwolf is immune to silver. They can bond with any species. LUPA - The ancestors descended from the old legend of the lycanthrope, except the moon has no power over them and it cannot be passed on to others like a virus. It is passed on through genetics to the female offspring, known as a she-wolf. This type of creature shape-shifts into a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, and is considered dangerous... cursed. Steven Pasquale (a.k.a. Steven Craven) - 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 two German physicians, Dr. Hans Autenburg and Dr. Hubert Crane. Without the knowledge of his real family, Steven finally manages to escape his captors, locating his biological parents and his fraternal twin, Tessa Fairchild. Abbey (a.k.a. Abigail Winthrop) - She inherited the genetics of a Lupa from her mother, who died giving birth. Captured by Dr. Hans Autenburg - a German physician - she spent most of her life forced to endure experiments until she finally managed to escape. With no place to go, Abbey is determined to finally reunite with her beloved Steven after they were separated years ago. Valkin Steele - He is a wealthy business man who deals with drugs, weapons trade, and underage sex trafficking. He also funded a group of unethical scientists that kidnapped people with special gifts and rarities for research. He is searching for an Adalwolf with the ability to heal his beloved Natasha who is dying of cancer. Cole Decker - He is known as the best tracker money could buy, hired by Valkin Steele to kidnap Steven Craven for his healing powers. He is also wanted by the FBI for his crimes as a well-known sex offender and sex trafficking young girls from all over the world. Marcus Delvecchio - He is a Breedline traitor, hired by Valkin Steele as a bodyguard. 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. Jace Chamberlain (a.k.a. the Beast) - He is a Breedline species and 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. 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 became the new Breedline queen. She is an inspiring artist. 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. 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. 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 was born a Theriomorph. He is a clothing model and plays backup bass and keyboards in the band Chaos. Roman Kincaid - He is an Adalwolf trained in military tactics, hired as a special breed of warriors from Brazil. Hired as a bodyguard for Valkin Steele - a billionaire funding a group of unethical scientists research - he later learns of Steele's underground sex-trafficking and illegal drug and weapons trade, and informs the Breedline Covenant. He also forms a team of Breedline soldiers who work for a private Special Ops group contracted by the military for missions that no one else can or will do to help put an end to Valkin Steele's corrupt organization. Lawrence Colbert - A Breedline council member of the New Jersey Covenant, trained in military tactics and as a medic who worked alongside Roman Kincaid, the Special Ops Team, and the Breedline Covenant to help take down Valkin Steele. Lena - She is a Breedline, highly trained in survival skills, martial arts, and anything dealing with weapons, hand-to-hand combat, and hired by Roman Kincaid to help take down Valkin Steele. She oddly resembles the character Xena the Warrior Princess from the 80's television series. She is also Bull's little sister and is bonded to Justice. Bull (a.k.a. Benjamin Allen Calvero ) - He is a Breedline, highly trained and an expert in a variety of military tactics who is part of Roman Kincaid's team. He gets his nickname because of his size. Justice - He is a Breedline, highly trained in military tactics, an expert with explosives, hand-to-hand combat, sniper training, and a pilot, who is part of Roman Kincaid's team.

Chapter 31
Savage

By scongrove

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.

Previously . . .

When widespread reports of gruesome attacks on homeless victims, and local residents sweep across Berkeley California and the San Francisco Bay area, two local human detectives are desperate to catch whoever is responsible for the disturbing and heinous crimes. But . . . they are not prepared for what they discovered at Zeke Rizzo’s bar, and find themselves powerless when they encounter the suspect who doesn’t appear to be human, including Mr. Rizzo.     

Meanwhile, Anna is looking forward to a fun night out after Helen invited her to a bachelorette party at a popular club. As she waits for Helen to find a table, Anna takes a seat at the crowded bar next to a gorgeous man that she is mysteriously drawn to.      

Continued . . .  

After Detectives Manuel Sanchez and Frank Perkins left the crime scene on Fillmore Street, they drove to the Alibi in silence. The emotions in the car between the detectives lingered, like mold left after fetid water.

Earlier, when the detectives arrived at the crime scene, they were not prepared for what they saw. Sure, their captain had told them the victim had the same MO as all the other bodies, so they prepared themselves to witness a gruesome scene. But this? It was a whole new level of unspeakable acts.

The victim, Paul Taylor—or what was left of him—was a single male in his forties. He owned a chain of antique stores and managed the one on Geary Boulevard. The poor bastard was intelligent enough to make a good living for himself, but when it came to women, he had the worst luck. Although Mr. Taylor was a confirmed bachelor, he’d developed a bad habit over the years. He paid escorts to replace the need for a companion. This time he’d paid for it with his life.

As they entered the room at the White Swan Inn Mr. Taylor had checked into, the walls were painted with his blood. Whoever had killed him had done so maliciously. He was literally in small pieces; his head, placed on top of the bedside nightstand, was by far the biggest chunk. Mr. Taylor had been ripped up with an unnatural force that suggested only something with a lot of strength could be responsible for such a heinous crime.

Since the body had been in the room for hours, the foul odor had made Detective Perkins dart for the doorway to gasp for a breath of clean air. He could deal with the sight of blood and flesh, but the rotten smell nearly overwhelmed him. After composing himself, Perkins helped his partner and the coroner transfer the remains into garbage bags and into a cooler.  
                
“You okay?” Perkins asked, glancing toward the passenger seat at Sanchez.

When there was no answer, Perkins looked away from the wheel and glanced at his partner again. “Listen, you want to take a minute? Stop at a cafe and have some coffee?”

Sanchez rubbed his eyes. “Nah, I’m all right,” he said, exhaling a deep breath. “It’s just been a long day. I’m ready to catch the bastards responsible, and finally put an end to all this.”

Perkins nodded. “Yeah, I hear you, buddy. I’m ready to nail their asses to the wall.” 
 
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Detective Sanchez said, “not even the worst car accidents I’ve had to deal with.”

Perkins shook his head. “In all my years with the force . . . never have I seen or heard of anyone capable of inflicting such a total disaster on a body. Jeffrey Dahmer has nothing on this guy.”

“You mean woman,” Sanchez said. 

“Yeah,” Perkins grimaced. “I still can’t believe the woman we caught on the hotel’s surveillance footage leaving the crime scene managed to do all that to Mr. Taylor. She couldn’t have weighed more than a hundred and fifteen pounds. Do you think she’s part of the vampire guy and the WWE woman wrestler look-a-like we’re after?”

Sanchez faced him. “She has to be.” He shrugged his shoulders. “There’s no other explanation. There’s no way a human could possibly do this alone, especially our female suspect who was caught on video.” 

“Too bad Zeke Rizzo won’t come clean,” Perkins said as he pulled into the bar’s parking lot. “He knows more than he’s letting on.”

Sanchez cocked a brow. “Oh, I’m not done with Mr. Rizzo,” he said coolly. “I plan on revisiting him real soon.”

“Do you really think it will do any good? He’s not going to tell us anything.”

“He might after he finds out I have some information concerning Ms. Smirnov’s legal residency.”

Perkins parked the car and faced Sanchez. “Are you saying she’s an illegal immigrant?”

Sanchez nodded. “I did some digging on her citizenship. Yelena’s not a naturalized citizen. She’s originally from Russia, and her work visa is outdated.”

“You’re not going to threaten Zeke are you?”

“No,” Sanchez said earnestly. “But I can clear all her paperwork up with a few phone calls in return for his help. It was blatant that Ms. Smirnov is more than just an employee to him.”

Perkins nodded. “I guess it’s worth a shot. We got nothing to lose.” He shut off the engine and reached for the door. “Come on, Detective. Let’s go talk to your nephew. If we’re lucky, he might be able to recognize one of our suspects we got on video.”

“Yeah,” Sanchez smirked. “Keep your fingers crossed.” 
   
As the detectives entered the club, they scanned the people in the Alibi’s VIP section looking for anyone resembling the three suspects involving the city’s recent brutal mass killings. They recognized the faces of meaningless strangers, but unfortunately, no one caught their attention. And then their eyes shifted toward the commotion heading in their direction. A thin looking guy with a nervous expression on his face was being escorted past them by two enormous bouncers, each with a hand on his upper arm. The guy’s feet barely touched the ground as they practically carried him while he mouthed off something, although the detectives couldn’t hear what he was saying over the loud music.

The trio went into the back, where Detective Sanchez’s nephew had a private office.

Abruptly, a hush dimmed all the chatter in the VIP section as the owner of the club walked in through a side door. With his wavy hair pulled back into a ponytail, he looked like a billion bucks dressed in an Italian pinstriped suit. His entrance was quiet but as obvious as a grenade going off. He shrank the size of all the other people, not because he was a huge man, but because his presence was enough to make him appear seven foot tall.

Nathan Gage—or Nate, as everyone called him—was the owner of at least a dozen upscale bars in the largest metropolitan areas of Northern California. Which meant he was capable of, and had more than enough money, to do anything the hell he wanted, especially to types like the guy selling drugs in his bar who had just been taken to his office. Poor sucker. The night was going to end badly for that asshole.

As Nate passed by, he caught sight of his uncle and Detective Perkins. He glanced over his shoulder and said, “Give me a few minutes, guys. I’ll be right with you.”

Detective Sanchez nodded as he waved his hand, signaling a silent understanding.

Nate shut the door to his office and glared at the guy as he sat down behind his desk. The look on his face was evident, and the guy standing between the two bouncers knew he was in deep shit.  
    
“I have a right to know what this is all about, Nate,” the guy muttered in a shaky voice. “Why did you have your thugs bring me in here like this?”

Nate snapped his fingers and said, “Sit.”

As he sat down, Nate stared at him stone-faced. “My bouncer here, Tony D, said you’ve been selling in my bar. Is that true?”

The guy’s face dropped. “I haven’t sold—”

Tony smacked the guy over the head. “Yeah, you have. We got you on video surveillance, dumbass.”

Nate smirked and nodded a quick thanks to Tony. And then he leaned forward, staring right at the guy. “You know what happens to people who lie to me, right?”

The guy started in immediately. “Please, Nate . . . please, I promise I’ll never do it again. I was desperate,” he pleaded. “My boss told me he would take my hands if I didn’t sell my shit in the next two days. I’ll make it up to you, I swear.”

“Yeah, you are going to make it up to me. I don’t like drugs in my establishment,” Nate said firmly. “And if you think what your drug dealer boss was going to do to you is bad, I will promise you that I am capable of far worse.” He snarled and released a deep growl. “Now . . . I don’t want to see your sorry ass here again. Do you get me?”

Tony placed his hand on the guy’s shoulder and clamped down hard. The guy yelped, his eyes begging for mercy.

“Y-yes,” he said, stumbling over his words. “You won’t see me . . . ever again.”

“Get him out of here,” Nate said, nodding at Tony to ease up on the guy.

When Tony loosened his grip, he escorted the guy through the back, which led to an alley. 

As they left, Nate motioned to the other bouncer and said, “Bring in the detectives that are waiting outside my office. One of them is my uncle, so be polite.”

“Sure thing, boss.”

After he brought in the detectives, Nate got to his feet and said, “Give us some privacy.”

The bouncer nodded in his direction and shut the door from behind.

****

Meanwhile, inside the crowded bar, Apollyon patiently waited for Anna to accept his invitation.

The club was dark inside with heavy metal music blaring. Humans packed the dance floor, sweating while they moved under the pulsing colored lights. All around, half-naked bodies were paired up or in groups, writhing and touching to the tempo of the music.  

“Maybe another time,” Anna said, raising her voice over the music. “I should go find my—”

A leering whistle caught Anna’s attention. When she looked away from Apollyon and turned around, obnoxious catcalls came next. To her surprise, two guys strode in her direction and crowded in close. One of them was big and had some kind of tattoo on his neck. The other guy had spiked hair and eyebrow piercings. 

“I like your curly hair,” the big one said as he leaned in closer and inhaled her scent. “What’s your name, beautiful?”

Apollyon gritted his teeth and snarled at the guy.

“Um . . . Anna,” she stumbled over her words, glancing between Apollyon and the two men gawking at her. “I-I was just leaving to go to a bachelorette party.”
   
The guy ignored Apollyon and said, “Seriously, how about you come with us?” He looked away from Anna and peered up at Apollyon with a smug look on his face. “We’re definitely more fun than Andre’ the Giant standing next to you.” He focused his stare back on Anna and smiled at her. “And we’ll take you somewhere far more exciting.”
   
Anna’s heart started pounding in her chest when the other guy with spiked hair placed his hand on her shoulder and bent over. “Come on, baby,” he said close to her face, his breath filling her nose. She cringed at the smell of alcohol and his strong cologne. “I promise we’ll take good care of you.”

“Anna,” a familiar voice called out.

As Anna shifted in her chair and looked over her shoulder, Helen was motioning her over. “Let’s go, Anna. Our table is ready.”

Just as Anna started to get out of her chair, the guy put pressure on her shoulder, preventing her from leaving. “You’re not going anywhere, sweetheart,” he said, eyeing her with a narrowed stare.

She winced and didn’t fight back. Instead, she reached into her purse and dug around for her pepper spray. Damn it, where is that spray?

Apollyon’s jaw tightened, and at the same time his hand balled up into a fist.

The guy grinned and winked at Apollyon. “Sorry, man,” he said, gripping his hand around Anna’s arm. “She’s not interested in you.” 
   
Before the guy could register movement, a left hook came through the air fast as a baseball. Apollyon’s meaty fist caught the side of the guy’s jaw and knocked his head back, nearly ripping it completely off.

Screams erupted from the bar as the guy dropped to the floor, his head spraying like a red geyser.

Anna froze and stared up into Apollyon’s face. Fear thickened the air around her, turning it into a blanket that covered her from head to toe.  
            
****

Nate extended his hand to Detective Perkins first. “Hey, Frank. It’s been a while. How’s the family?”

Perkins shook his hand. “Good to see you, Nate,” he said cheerfully. “Oh, you know. Everything’s the same. My wife still manages to keep me in line.”

“Yeah, he’s a lucky SOB,” Sanchez chimed in. “If everyone had a wife that baked like Missy, a home would be like a little slice of heaven.”

Nate released Perkin’s hand and reached out to Sanchez. “I definitely agree,” he chuckled. “How the hell are yah, Uncle Sanchez?”

Sanchez took his hand and tugged Nate into a hug. “I’m doing fine, son.” He patted him on the back, and then pulled away. “How’s the entertainment business going? I hear you’re booking big names nowadays.”

Between alcohol, admission, and ticket sales, gross receipts were over a half a million for the Alibi alone. Thirty people worked at the club on salary, including bouncers, bartenders, and wait staff. Also, three days a week, he hired dancers for private entertainment for VIPs only.  

“Yeah, we get a few here,” Nate replied. “Believe it or not, most of our local bands draw in the biggest crowds. Chaos is one of them. You’ve heard of them, haven’t you, Uncle?”

Sanchez laughed. “Nate, you know I don’t listen to all that headbanger stuff. I’m more of the Frank Sinatra type myself.”

Nate shook his head and chortled. “So tell me. When you called earlier, you said you were working on a big case.” His expression grew serious, and he added, “The one dealing with all the recent murders in the city. You mentioned something about a video?” 
   
Sanchez reached into his pocket. When he pulled his hand out, he held out a thumb drive and said, “Nate, I need you to take a look at the video footage on this.”

“What is it?” Nate queried.

“It’s the surveillance footage of three suspects,” Perkins piped in. “We’re positive that they’re linked to some of the murders.”

“I don’t understand.” Nate cocked a brow. “What does this have to do with me?”  
    
“Some of the footage is from Zeke Rizzo’s bar,” Sanchez said. “We’ve got a visual on two females and a male.” He held up the thumb drive. “And they’re not exactly what you’d call . . . human.” 

Shit, Nate thought. “Come on, guys,” he said jokingly. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

After Sanchez explained what all they’d witnessed in the last couple of days, Nate leaned back against his desk and crossed his arms. Nate was born a Breedline, but he knew his uncle had no knowledge of the species, nor did Frank Perkins. There were rumors, of course, about their kind. Some humans knew, but everything was kept secret. It was imperative to remain on the down-low, and it was the Breedline law. He was also aware of his uncle’s bloodline. Manuel Sanchez’s mother was human, but his father—who’d abandoned him before he was born—was a Breedline. This had all been kept secret from him. And now Nate wondered if this predicament put his uncle in danger. Maybe it was best if he just told him the truth.

“Will you take a look at the video?” Sanchez asked Nate. “It’s likely they’ve been in your bar. Maybe you or your staff will recognize one of them.”

Snapping back to focus, Nate reached for the thumb drive. Before he took it from Sanchez, a loud knock momentarily distracted him. Then, the door sprung open, and the sound of screams filtered inside.

“Sorry to interrupt, boss,” said a wide-eyed bouncer, his voice sounding out of breath. “But we’ve got a serious problem.”

To be continued . . .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Author Notes

NOTE: This is not part of the chapter. A reference for terms and cast of 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 among humans, 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 is 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 one 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 QUEEN'S 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 into human form 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 into human form 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. 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 ultimately 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 cannot 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 can 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 can 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 cannot 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 bright 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, twice 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. An Adalwolf is immune to silver. They can bond with any species. LUPA - The ancestors descended from the old legend of the lycanthrope, except the moon has no power over them and it cannot be passed on to others like a virus. It is passed on through genetics to the female offspring, known as a she-wolf. This type of creature shape-shifts into a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, and is considered dangerous... cursed. 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. Nathan Gage (a.k.a. Nate) - He is a Breedline and the owner of several upscale night clubs in the largest metropolitan areas of Northern California. Zeke Rizzo - He is a Breedline, born with a curse of a sin-eater, and the owner of the Cat Club. When coming in physical contact with another person, he has the power to see inside their past, experiencing their worst memory. A simple handshake seems like nothing to an ordinary person, but to Zeke, it is unbearable. Without the ability to stop it, he is also the worst case of karma. If anyone angers him, an unfortunate accident can fall upon them. Yelena Smirnov - A full-blooded succubus from Russia. She is in charge of security at the Cat Club. She is bonded to Apollyon, who was taken by the battle angels along with his fraternal twin sisters, Callisto, and Electra. Anna Saeni - She was born with the genetics of a Breedline from her father's side - who died when Anna was a baby - but she does not shift into a wolf. Her human mother, Eliza, raised Sebastian Crow as her own after his biological mother, Sybil and his step-father, William Montgomery, detested him due to Sybil's infidelity. William sent Sebastian's twin brother Thomas to be raised in England with Sybil's sister, and forced his maid Eliza to raise Sebastian. While Anna grew up, she helped her mother raise Sebastian, loving him as a brother. At age fourteen, William molested Anna. After her mother found out, she confronted William and Sybil, but so afraid to lose her family, and her wealthy status, Sybil killed Eliza in cold blood. William sent Anna to live in a women's convent, and forced Sebastian to live in a boarding school for troubled boys for all Breedline. The Fury - Three fraternal twins created by an evil German scientist named Dr. Hans Autenburg. Using his own DNA, he mixed it with three other species: A Breedline, an Adalwolf, and a powerful Wiccan. He placed three embryos inside the womb of a full-blooded succubus, named Sonya Hothburn. Taken against her will, Sonya was forced by the mad physician into surrogacy. After their birth, she was forbidden to see her children. All three were created to destroy the Breedline species and dominate the human world. The first born was called Apollyon, meaning 'destroyer' in Greek. It was also the name of the angel-prince of the infernal regions, the minister of death and author of havoc on earth. He has the strength of ten men, and the power to dematerialize, taking others with him, from one place to another. He can transform into a creature that resembles an Adalwolf, and a vampire-like hybrid. The second born was called Callisto, meaning 'most beautiful.' She has the power of a shield, protecting herself and others from harm. The last child was named Electra, meaning 'the shining one.' She has the power to conduct electricity from her body, using it as a weapon. Inheriting their species instinct and extraordinary power, their thirst to kill became uncontrollable. As they grew up, the Fury became more and more unstable and unruly. With an insatiable hunger for human flesh and unmanageable powers, they became a hindrance to the physician. He had no other choice but to drug and imprison them for all time, each one placed inside a sarcophagus in a state of deep slumber to be forgotten forever until they were set free by their mother.

Chapter 32
War Rages/Part Two

By scongrove

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.

Previously . . .

Now that Steven has healed Valkin Steele’s beloved Natasha, of her cancer, in exchange for Abbey, Valkin betrays him and sells her to Cole Decker—a hired tracker that deals in sex trafficking—while the Dr. Kruger arrives from Germany to purchase Steven for his special gifts.

When Valkin Steele makes the deal with Dr. Kruger, the corrupt physician and his hired men prepare to retrieve Steven, who is momentarily unconscious, and stashed inside Steele’s wine cellar. But when Steven awakes, he shifts into his Adalwolf. Before he kills them all, Tim, Alexander, and Drakon bursts in and takes control of the situation. As Dr. Kruger attempts to kill Steven, Tim takes him out while Drakon shifts into his rogue wolf and takes down Marcus in battle.  

Meanwhile, a team of Breedline crusaders and a crew of Special Ops prepare to take down Valkin Steele and everyone involved with his evil corruption. But their main focus is rescuing Steven and Abbey, along with twenty under-aged girls that were sold to Cole Decker.

Now that Cole plans to keep Abbey as his personal pet and take her to Europe with the girls he bought from Valkin Steele, she is desperate to find a way to escape. 
     
Continued . . .

Abbey didn’t hesitate when Cole Decker left her alone, locked inside the small room. She moved to her feet and went to work on the handcuffs that were bound to her wrists. Her hands bled after several attempts to wiggle out of them. In frustration, she finally gave up and sank to her knees.

Oh god . . . Please . . .

Panic, an emotion she was all too familiar with, surged through her body. She knew Cole wasn’t ever going to let her go. As fear closed in on Abbey, an image of Steven came to mind. She tried to bridle the thoughts inside her head by telling herself that he was still alive and soon the Covenant would come to their rescue.  
  
Suddenly, sounds of gunfire and voices shouting outside roused her attention. And then she heard something odd. The sound resembled the high-pitched roar of a black panther, followed by men screaming as if they were being torn apart.

In response, Abbey’s heart pounded in her chest and focus came to her in a rush. The first thing that came to mind was the Theriomorph named Casey who lived among the Breedline.   
  
Just as she got back to her feet, the door sprung open. Abbey cringed when she saw Cole standing in the open doorway. She struggled, straining against the cuffs. With a gun in his grip, he pointed it in her direction. One look into his dark eyes and she knew that now was not the time to push her luck. He was furious, his mouth pressed into a tight line.   

Abbey stiffened as he rushed over and grabbed her arm. “We’re getting the hell out of here,” he said, yanking her forward.

With his hand gripped around Abbey’s arm, Cole forced her to the corner of the room. Before he released her, he glared at her and said in a deep, vicious voice, “If you try anything stupid, I’ll fill your chest full of silver. Do you understand me?”

When she nodded, he dropped his hand and reached into his coat pocket for his cell phone. As Cole initiated a call, Abbey kept her eyes alert, body calm. Ready for the first chance she had to escape.

He ended the call and reached for a small rug on the floor. Abbey watched as he pulled it back and underneath it was some kind of hinged door. It was a secret trap door that led to an exit.   

After he opened the hatch, he flashed the gun in her face and said, “Get moving.”

Before Abbey climbed inside the trap door, a thought came to mind. She had to leave something behind, but the only thing she had was the blood on her wrists. As she stepped down into the dark hole, she smeared it on the edge of the entrance.

“Move faster,” Cole urged.

Abbey glanced over her shoulder at him, and sped up her pace, praying that he was oblivious to what she’d just done. He gave her a look of pure distaste but didn’t say another word. 

****   

Tim looked back at Steven, witnessing the pain on his face after Corbin Azzo had told them Cole Decker had Abbey. 

Oh . . . god. Random thoughts fired through his brain. Cole Decker was a pathetic excuse for a human being. He’d been wanted for years by the FBI for sex trafficking under-aged girls to Europe. Steven panicked. What did he want with Abbey? 

Steven’s mouth thinned into a slash. His impulse was to lash out, and the urge grew stronger as he focused on Corbin and Fredrick. Traitors! He was so enraged over their involvement with Valkin Steel and Cole Decker that he wanted to rip out both their throats, but he kept his hands wound into tight fists.

“Steven, you’ve got to stay focused,” Tim said. “I promise we’ll find her.”

Before he could collect himself and trust himself not to kill Corbin and Fredrick, he ignored Tim and rushed forward, practically mowing him and Alexander down.

As they hung back, like they knew better than to get in his way, Steven stormed out of the cellar in the blink of an eye.

“Shit,” Alexander blurted, turning to go after Steven.

Tim’s eyebrows went up, and he quickly shot his hand out, halting Alexander. “Let him go. There’s nothing we can do to stop him.” Then he waved the weapon he had pointed in Corbin and Fredrick’s direction and said, “Let’s see your hands.”

When they didn’t move fast enough, Drakon’s wolf snapped at them from behind.

Fredrick yelped and shot forward, extending his hands.

Tim reached into the duffle bag he had strapped over his shoulder and retrieved a couple of handcuffs and some rope. He tossed them to Alexander. “Cuff them to the stair railing, and tie up the rest,” Tim said as he looked between Corbin, Fredrick, and then to the three men lying unconscious below the stairs. “We don’t have time to mess with them now. We’ll have to lock them down here and come back later.”

Alexander nodded and handcuffed Corbin and Fredrick. Then, he secured the others with rope as they started to come around.

“If you even think of shifting,” Tim said pointedly, fixing his stare directly toward Corbin, “I’ll make sure it’ll be your last time.”  

Gunshots erupted in the distance, and screaming and the sounds of physical fighting could be heard.

“Kyle . . . Casey,” Tim barked into his radio. “Decker has Abbey. I need you two to check the outside perimeter. Make sure no one leaves this property.”

Only the sounds of static came over the radio as Tim waited for Kyle and Casey to communicate. “Do you read me, over?” Tim raised his voice.

Then suddenly Kyle came over the radio. “Copy that. We’re on it.”

“Roman, do you copy?” Tim continued.

“This is Roman. What’s your status?”

“We found Steven,” Tim told him. “He’s gone after Cole Decker. Do you have Decker’s girls in a secure location?”

But their communication was interrupted by gunfire. Tim went pale as he waited for Roman to comply. And then Lena’s voice came through. “Justice and I have the girls locked down in a safe place. Bull’s going to backup Roman and Lawrence.”

“Get down, Tim!” Alexander yelled, flattening him with a tackle.

Bullets peppered the wall just where Tim’s head had been seconds earlier. Just as Tim looked up, Drakon’s wolf leaped over him and Alexander like he’d been launched from a catapult.

When Drakon landed, a series of bloodcurdling screams roared as he tore into the gunman until the only sounds that could be heard were weapons being fired from the near distance. And then a shadow appeared on the wall ahead, just beyond the open doorway. It was the shadow of an enormous wolf.

Oh hell, Drakon thought. Abandoning the dead human, he reared back on his haunches and peeled back his lips, releasing a feral growl as he waited for his enemy to attack.  
 
As it came into view, Drakon sniffed the air, catching a familiar scent. He eased back in relief when he recognized the creature. It was Colonel Deshazo in his magnificent Breedline form. His thick bristling pelt was the color of a silver gray, and his eyes were as red as a blood moon. Gore dripped from his mammoth jaws like he’d just recently ripped someone apart.

“Well, hello, ladies,” Kid said, making light of the situation as he stood next to the colonel. “I hope we’re not interrupting anything.”

Tim rolled his eyes. Major Lawson was sharp as a tack, extremely intelligent, but he was also a sarcastic asshole who delighted in tormenting his comrades.

Drakon looked away from Kid and focused on the tall shadow moving in close. And then he smelled an overpowering aroma of Turkish tobacco that filled the air.

With a cigar tucked between his lips, Gunny moved forward and flanked Kid and the Colonel. He crossed his arms over his chest. He looked almost bored, except for his eyes. They flickered alertly over the assembled group in silence. Master Sergeant Virgin wasn’t a man of many words, but he always managed to cut to the heart of the matter.

“Jace . . . or should I say ‘the Beast,’ has Steele pinned in the foyer,” Gunny finally said. And then he looked pointedly at Tim and removed the stogie from his mouth, exhaling a plume of smoke. “Jace caught Steele trying to escape. If you want ‘em alive, I suggest you move fast. It doesn’t look good for the bastard.”

“Shit,” Tim rumbled. “Where’s Wyckoff?”

Just as he muttered Major Wyckoff’s name, a bone-chilling shriek of a black panther roared, alerting their attention.

“That would be him,” Gunny pointed out.

“Has anyone seen Jem?” Alexander asked as he came up the stairs. “He’s the only one that can communicate with Jace’s Beast.”

“Yeah,” Kid chimed in with a clear smirk in his voice. “After a little persuading, Jem and his brother had Valkin Steele squealing like a pig. When he finally told them that Decker had taken Abbey, Jem took off to find her.”

As Tim moved to the top of the stairs and stood next to Alexander, he could hear Jace’s Beast. And he didn’t sound happy.

“What the hell caused Jace to turn?” Tim asked Kid.

Kid arched a brow. “Steele shot him in the chest.”

“Damn it!” Alexander bit out. “He’ll tear Steele into pieces.”

“Let ‘em,” Gunny blurted. “Justice will be served.”

Colonel Deshazo focused on Gunny and growled in warning.

Gunny looked down, his stare meeting his colonel’s wolfish scowl. “His pathetic life isn’t worth saving, Colonel D.” His raspy voice dripped with hatred. “And you damn well know it.”

“You’re right, Sergeant Stephen Virgin,” Tim said, using Gunny’s full name. “The son of a bitch isn’t worth pissing on, but we need him alive. Steele has information we need.”

Kid shrugged his shoulders. “What information?”

“Steele was one of Dr. Hans Autenburg’s backers,” Tim said. “He funded his research for years. He could be the only person alive that has knowledge of how to destroy who or what is responsible for all the mass killings in the city.” 

Gunny grumbled under his breath. “So who’s got the balls to go save his ass?”

“I will,” Alexander said as he moved past Tim.

The sound of gunfire and the Beast’s mighty roar, coming from the next room, electrified Alexander and the others.   

Tim opened his mouth to call out to Alexander but was interrupted by a loud crash. Alexander jumped backward as a body, wearing a white suit came smashing through the wall, and flying across the room.

Alexander saw at once that it was Valkin Steele. His face was bloody, and his clothes had been ripped to shreds. A pistol clutched in the palm of his hand had apparently done the poor bastard no good, except piss Jace off. He looked to Alexander, his eyes full of terror, pleading for help. But before Alexander could react, the door to the room exploded inward. Sharp claws tore through the thick wood as if it were tissue paper, then clamped onto Steele’s shoulders. He screamed in agony as he was abruptly hoisted off his feet and slammed against the wall. With murder in his eyes, Jace, in his monstrous Beast form, opened his jaws and roared in Steele’s face. 

Everyone froze in horror, transfixed by the awful display, realizing it was just a matter of time before the Beast ripped out Steele’s throat.

Shit, Alexander cursed silently. Where the hell was Jem?

“Jace!” he called out.

Suddenly, the white Beast dropped Steele from his grasp and spun around on the balls of his feet. And then a sadistic grin twisted his gaping maw as his shimmering eyes caught sight of Alexander.

Listen to me, Jace, Alexander said, desperately trying to use the telepathic link they’d once shared long ago. Please, we need Valkin Steele alive. He may be the only connection we have in destroying the ones responsible for all the human deaths.   
     
A sudden look of confusion crossed the Beast’s malevolent face as Alexander spoke to him telepathically. And then a deep growl rumbled from his chest, whether from acknowledgement or annoyance, Alexander couldn’t tell.

Before the Beast’s anger grew beyond all control, Alexander spoke to him again, pleading with his son that was inside the Beast. Jace, I know you’re in there somewhere. I know you can hear me. Please . . . Alexander continued to try and reason with the Beast. Come back to us, son.   

And then a blast came from ahead, sending a bullet whizzing past the Beast. As it sunk into Alexander’s upper torso, he immediately threw a hand over his chest and dropped to his knees. Blood, bright red and warm, seeped between his fingers. With all his strength, Alexander tried to push himself back to his feet. He collapsed to the floor, too weak to do much more than lie there, staring up at the anger reflected in the Beast’s eyes.

The Beast’s gaze flickered as he watched Tim and the others rush to Alexander, their faces contorted in dismay.

Alexander raised his hand, staring in alarm at the sticky red stain on his palm.

Kid peeled off his shirt and hurriedly placed it over Alexander’s wound.

“Keep pressure on the wound,” Tim directed, looking down at Alexander. “You should heal in no time.”

The Beast continued to stare as emotions stirred within him. Suddenly, he realized someone he cared about had been hurt. Before he turned around, a loud pop blasted again, and the Beast felt something burning his flesh. He didn’t think twice as he wheeled around to the gunman who was about to plow another slug into him.

As the guy shifted into firing position, the Beast hit him like a pile driver, ramming him into the back wall.

A mighty roar split the silence, and Alexander slowly turned toward the noise. The Beast let loose another howl and went after the guy’s throat like a wild animal going after a piece of raw meat.  Good lord, he thought. There wasn’t going to be anything left of the guy. Not even bones.     
 
Something bounced just a few feet and landed in front of Alexander’s feet with a thud. Shit, was that a head?

With another deafening roar, the Beast whirled around as if looking for someone else to tear apart. Finding no other threats, its eyes focused on Valkin Steele who was huddled in a corner, his eyes wide with terror. 
       
“Tim, do you read me?” Justice’s voice came over the radio. He sounded out of breath.

Tim quickly grabbed his radio and cursed under his breath. “This is Tim,” he said in a low voice, keeping his eyes trained on the Beast. “We’re in a bit of a situation, Justice.”

The conversation coming from the radio caught the Beast’s attention. Taking his eyes off Steele, he focused on Tim and tilted his head in confusion.

“It’s Lena,” Justice said grimly. “I’ve lost communication with her. Is she with you?”

Ah hell, Tim said to himself. “No, Justice.” He exhaled slowly. “She’s not with us.”

“Damn it,” Justice cursed. “I’m worried . . .” His voice was cut off. Only the sounds of static came through the radio.

Shit! “Justice, do you copy?” 
    
There was a heartbeat of frozen silence. Then Tim raised his voice, “Justice . . . do you copy?”
         
Tim shook his head, clearly frustrated with the set of circumstances they were facing. Time slowed to a crawl as he battled with a solution. As he took a deep breath, he shifted his eyes toward Gunny and said, “I need you and Kid to go out the back way and locate Justice. Something isn’t right.”

Gunny nodded, and Kid said, “We’re on it.”

When Gunny and Kid slipped out, Tim focused his eyes back on Jace’s Beast.

He was standing over Alexander, and his eyes were glowing white.   
    
 Oh . . . shit. 

“Alexander,” Tim called out in almost a whisper. “Don’t move a muscle.”

The Beast looked up at the sound of Tim’s voice. He turned to Drakon and Colonel Deshazo—both still in wolf form—and positioned itself in an attack stance.

“Don’t bother with them, Jace,” Alexander said calmly. “They’re not a threat to either of us.” 

Everyone stayed back and patiently waited. Hell, if you got too close, you were liable to lose a body part. Jace was in there somewhere, but until he came out again, you couldn’t take the risk that the Beast would remember who you were.

Then the white shaggy creature knelt down next to Alexander. His glowing eyes glimmered and narrowed as Alexander reached out to him. The Beast’s eyes caught sight of the blood running down Alexander’s chest.

“It’s okay, son,” he murmured. “You’re safe now.”

The creature leaned its big head into his hand and heaved a great breath, nostrils quivering as it sniffed. And suddenly, there was a brilliant flash of light, and then Jace miraculously shifted back to his human form. In a weakened state, he swayed side to side until he collapsed forward next to Alexander. He felt like hell every time the Beast came out of him. His arms and legs hung off his torso like heavyweights, not exactly useless, but damn close.

Tim shrugged out of his jacket and draped it over Jace.

“I’m sorry,” Jace croaked.

“It’s okay, son,” Alexander said. “Everything is just fine.”

“Thank you, Alexander.” Jace groaned as he pushed to his feet. He rolled his shoulders back, feeling better already. He felt Tim’s gaze slide over him with an arched brow.

“We need to get you some clothes.”

Jace bared his teeth in a semblance of a smile and shrugged. “I’ll figure something out.”

As Jace left the room, Tim turned away, searching for Valkin Steele and found he hadn’t moved an inch. Steele was huddled in the far corner, with his legs tucked against his body in a fetal position.

“Please, I beg you,” Steele cried out like a coward as Tim moved in his direction. “Do whatever you want to me, but please spare my Natasha. I swear to you, she’s innocent. She’s not involved in any of this.”

Tim looked down at him with a narrowed stare. “I know you took part in funding Dr. Autenburg’s research. We want all the information that has to do with any supernatural creatures he has created. If you agree to help us, I’ll make sure Natasha is kept out of this and taken to a safe place.”

Steele quickly nodded. “I give you my word.” 

To be continued . . .
 

Author Notes

NOTE: This is not part of the chapter. A reference for terms and cast of 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 among humans, 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 is 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 one 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 QUEEN'S 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 into human form 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 into human form 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. 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 ultimately 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 cannot 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 can 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 can 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 cannot 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 bright 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, twice 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. An Adalwolf is immune to silver. They can bond with any species. LUPA - The ancestors descended from the old legend of the lycanthrope, except the moon has no power over them and it cannot be passed on to others like a virus. It is passed on through genetics to the female offspring, known as a she-wolf. This type of creature shape-shifts into a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, and is considered dangerous... cursed. Jace Chamberlain (a.k.a. the Beast) - He is a Breedline species and 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. He's an IT engineer and the drummer in the band Chaos. 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. 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 was born a Theriomorph. He is a clothing model and plays backup bass and keyboards in the band Chaos. 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. 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 (a.k.a. Steven Craven) - 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 two German physicians, Dr. Hans Autenburg and Dr. Hubert Crane. Without the knowledge of his real family, Steven finally manages to escape his captors, locating his biological parents and his fraternal twin, Tessa Fairchild. Abbey (a.k.a. Abigail Winthrop) - She inherited the genetics of a Lupa from her mother, who died giving birth. Captured by Dr. Hans Autenburg - a German physician - she spent most of her life forced to endure experiments until she finally managed to escape. With no place to go, Abbey is determined to finally reunite with her beloved Steven after they were separated years ago. Roman Kincaid - He is an Adalwolf trained in military tactics, hired as a special breed of warriors from Brazil. Hired as a bodyguard for Valkin Steele - a billionaire funding a group of unethical scientists research - he later learns of Steele's underground sex-trafficking and illegal drug and weapons trade, and informs the Breedline Covenant. He also forms a team of Breedline soldiers who work for a private Special Ops group contracted by the military for missions that no one else can or will do to help put an end to Valkin Steele's corrupt organization. Lawrence Colbert - A Breedline council member of the New Jersey Covenant, trained in military tactics and as a medic who worked alongside Roman Kincaid, the Special Ops Team, and the Breedline Covenant to help take down Valkin Steele. Lena - She is a Breedline, highly trained in survival skills, martial arts, and anything dealing with weapons, hand-to-hand combat, and hired by Roman Kincaid to help take down Valkin Steele. She oddly resembles the character Xena the Warrior Princess from the 80's television series. She is also Bull's little sister and is bonded to Justice. Bull (a.k.a. Benjamin Allen Calvero ) - He is a Breedline, highly trained and an expert in a variety of military tactics who is part of Roman Kincaid's team. He gets his nickname because of his size. Justice - He is a Breedline, highly trained in military tactics, an expert with explosives, hand-to-hand combat, sniper training, and a pilot, who is part of Roman Kincaid's team. Breedline Special Ops Team - Colonel Brian Deshazo (a.k.a. Colonel D), Major Paul Wyckoff, (a.k.a. Dark Wraith), Major Joshua Lawson (a.k.a. Kid), Master Sergeant Stephen Virgin (a.k.a. Gunny). They are hired by the Breedline Covenant to help put a stop to Valkin Steele and his corrupt organization.

Chapter 33
Escape Plan

By scongrove

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.

Previously . . .

When widespread reports of gruesome attacks on homeless victims, and local residents sweep across Berkeley California and the San Francisco Bay area, two local human detectives are desperate to catch whoever is responsible for the disturbing and heinous crimes. But . . . they are not prepared for what they discovered at Zeke Rizzo’s bar, and find themselves powerless when they encounter the suspect who doesn’t appear to be human, including Mr. Rizzo. 

As the detectives report to another crime scene, they discover another suspect after reviewing the surveillance video. Their next step was to visit the owner of several popular bars in the area who happened to be Detectives Manuel Sanchez’s nephew, Nathan Gage, hoping he could help identify the suspects. When they arrive at the bar, and explain to the owner what they have discovered, asking him if he’d take a look at the video they retrieved from the crime scene, Nathan becomes worried. He knew something his Uncle Sanchez wasn’t aware of. Not only was Nathan a Breedline, he knew his uncle was born with the same genetics but it was kept a secret. Now, he was faced with a difficult decision. In order to keep his uncle safe, he would have to go against the Breedline law and tell him everything.   
            
Meanwhile, Anna is looking forward to a fun night out after Helen invited her to a bachelorette party at a popular club which happens to be the same bar the detectives are at. As she waits for Helen to find a table, Anna takes a seat at the crowded bar next to a gorgeous man named Apollyon. When they carry on a conversation, she becomes mysteriously drawn to him. When he asks her to skip the party and leave with him, they are approached by two strange men. When they push themselves on Anna, she tells them she’s not interested. But they are not the type to take no for an answer, and become threatening to her. As they forcefully grab her arm, Apollyon’s anger boils out of control. In a heated fury, he punches the guy, nearly knocking his head completely off his body. Witnessing the horrific incident, the crowded bar erupts into chaos, and Apollyon vanishes into thin air.   
          
Continued . . .

When the screams coming from the bar filtered into Nate’s office, he looked at the bouncer wide-eyed and said, “What the hell is going on?”   

“A fight broke out,” said the bouncer, trying to catch his breath. “I’m pretty sure we got a dead body. There’s blood everywhere. Tony D called 911. An ambulance is on its way.”

“Shit!” Nate cursed and then turned to his uncle and Detective Perkins. “Looks like you guys came at the right time.”

Detective Sanchez turned from Nate and focused on his partner. “Call for backup.”

“I’m on it,” Perkins replied.

“Is the suspect still in the bar?” Sanchez asked the bouncer.

“H-he just . . .” the bouncer stuttered his words, “disappeared.”

Sanchez looked at Perkins. “That’s our guy!”

“I’ll let you two do your job,” Nate said to the detectives. “I’ll gather all my staff. We’ll get everyone out of here so I can shut down the bar.”

Sanchez nodded. “We’ll need to question anyone that is a possible witness before you clear the place.” He motioned toward the bouncer and said, “Lead the way.”

As they followed the bouncer through the crowded bar, he led them to the far end, close to the VIP section. Maneuvering through the audience that formed a circle around the body, they saw a woman standing next to the victim, her hands covered in blood. And then their focus was drawn to a younger woman with long, curly blond hair standing nearby. Her eyes were wide with terror and her face splattered with blood. 

Sanchez stepped forward. “Ladies, I’m Detective Sanchez. Please, I need you to move away from the body. My partner and I will take over. We’re from homicide.”

“I’m a physician at the Bates Hospital,” Helen spoke out. “I witnessed the attack.”

Sanchez narrowed his stare. For some reason, the physician looked oddly familiar as though he’d seen her before. He just couldn’t place where. “I will need you to stick around for questioning, Doctor?”

“Dr. Helen Carrington,” Helen said. “And this is my friend Anna Saeni.” Helen looked at Anna and then back to Detective Sanchez. “She was also present when this happened.”

“Did you get a good look at the attacker?” Sanchez asked as he shifted his eyes from Helen to the victim lying on the floor in a pool of blood, naturally without a pulse.

“Yes,” Helen replied. “From the size of him, he was definitely hard to miss.”

“The bouncer said the attacker got away,” Sanchez questioned, wondering if the physician had seen the attacker disappear. “You didn’t happen to see anything unusual other than what happened to the victim?”

Helen got to her feet and looked at Anna with a concerned expression. She didn’t want to disclose the part about the attacker vanishing into thin air. Apparently, they were dealing with something supernatural, and this was way over the human police. Only the Breedline Covenant was capable of handling the situation. Focusing her attention back to the detective’s question, Helen turned to Sanchez with a quick shake of her head. “I’m sorry,” she said. “My eyes were focused on the victim.”

“What about you, Ms. Saeni?” Sanchez said, staring at Anna. “Did you witness anything out of the ordinary?”

Anna slowly shook her head, distraught by the whole incident. “N-no.” Her voice trembled. “I was distracted . . . after what happened.”  
 
Sanchez let out a deep breath. “I can understand.” His voice expressed a sympathetic tone. “I’m sorry you had to witness such a horrific act. I’d appreciate it if you would stick around. I’ll need you to come down to the station for a statement and a description of the attacker. Anything you can think of will be helpful.”

Anna nodded, and Helen said, “Of course.”

A demanding voice called out from behind and caught their attention.  
  
“I need everyone to back up,” Detective Perkins said, taking control of the crowd. “Let us do our job. At this time, we ask everyone to stay put. We’ll need your cooperation with anything you witnessed that will help us with our investigation.”

A big guy with a tattoo on his neck shot through the crowd and yelled, “That son of a bitch killed my brother!”

Perkins stepped in front of the guy and held out his hand. “Hold up,” he said firmly. “We need you to stand back, sir. It’s crucial that everyone stays out of our way. If you want us to find your brother’s killer, let us do our job.”

The guy looked at Perkins with a hateful glare. “Are you freakin’ kidding me? Just look at my brother,” he continued to rant, pointing at his dead brother. “The guy nearly knocked his head completely off. And then he just up and disappeared like some kind of magician. What the hell is going on?”
           
“Calm down, sir,” Detective Sanchez said as he came over. “I’m sorry about your brother. And I give you my word . . . we’ll do all we can to catch the SOB. But we’re going to need you to cooperate with us. Please stand back and wait until our back up arrives. We’re going to need to ask you some questions.”

The guy let out a disgusted sigh. “Fine,” he grumbled, throwing his hands up in defeat. “Whatever.” 

As the detectives questioned Helen and the young woman standing next to her, Nate shot the bouncer a look and motioned him over.

“What’s up, boss?” he said to Nate in a low voice.

“I need you to do something for me.”

“Sure thing, Nate.”

“Contact Zeke Rizzo and give him a heads-up while I make a call to the Covenant,” Nate whispered. “The Breedline queen needs to be informed of what just went down.”

The bouncer nodded. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.”

****

Cole roughly nudged Abbey forward. “Keep walking and don’t do anything stupid.”

As soon as the drugs wore off, she wanted nothing more than to shift into her Lupa and rip his throat out. Focusing on the images in her head, she continued to walk meekly in the direction he pointed her. Without Cole noticing, Abbey reached into her pants pocket and quickly dug for a handkerchief she had inside. When she brought her hand out, she let it fall to the ground. In the corner of her eye, she watched as the piece of white cloth drifted to the ground, praying that Steven would somehow find it.

They walked at least a half mile in a wooded field until they came upon a waiting SUV. Abbey was shoved into the back seat and ordered to stay down.

After she did as she was instructed, Cole raised his voice at the driver. “Get us the hell out of here.”

The dark sedan accelerated and exited through the hidden path that led farther into the wooded field. The car slowed as they drove through rough terrain. It seemed like forever to Abbey before they made it to their destination. When the vehicle came to a stop, she waited for Cole to tell her what to do next. Patience was something she’d have to do at the moment.

“Get out,” Cole barked at her when the driver opened the door.

She rose slowly and got out. As soon as she was on her feet, Cole manhandled her until they came to an entrance of what looked to be a fortress.

Abbey cast a quick glance behind her, taking in the high-security fence, and the armed guards that patrolled the outside perimeter. 
       
When they finally reached the front entrance, the door opened from the inside. Abbey held her breath not knowing what to expect on the other side.

“Move,” Cole demanded, shoving her forward.

Abbey stumbled but caught her footing before she fell to the floor. As she looked up, her gaze locked on a horrible image before her.

Lena was bound to a chair, gagged, and her face was a mess. Bruises darkened her face, and dried blood crusted her nose and mouth. Three men with smug looks on their faces stood next to her.  
 
A sudden rage consumed Abbey, roaring through her veins, forging the drive to unleash the she-wolf within her and destroy them all. She could sense the Lupa inside her rising, snarling to be set free. The edgy, sharp sensation prickled along her skin, raising her hairs. The signal of an impending shift was coming soon. She’d never fought so hard in her life to bring on the change, and never before had she been so unsuccessful.  
       
She cut her eyes toward Cole, her lips curled into a snarl. Abbey was seething with fury. Every muscle in her body was tensed, including her hands. They were wound into tight fists.

“You sick son of a bitch,” she bit out. “I’m going to rip you to shreds.”

As Cole advanced on her, she didn’t flinch. She stood her ground, staring at him with hatred. He wrapped his fist in her long hair and pulled her up close. Without warning, he backhanded her but held her, so she didn’t fall.

“I’m going to make you regret those words. I have a cage waiting just for you, my little pet.” He stroked his hand over her cheek. “After I’m done with you, I’ll have you broken in no time.”

She gritted her teeth. “You bastard! You’ll have to kill me first.”

Cole arched a brow and shoved her to the floor. “Watch your tone, Ms. Winthrop, or I’ll kill your friend right here in front of you,” he said, pulling out a gun and aiming it at Lena’s head.

Abbey blew out her breath. “Fine.” She moved to her feet. “You win. What do you want?”

“Strip,” he ordered.

Her eyes widened. “What?”

Lena went crazy hearing Decker’s demand. She struggled against her restraints and mumbled against the gag in her mouth.

Abbey glanced in Lena’s direction, telling her silently not to react.

“You heard what I said,” Cole continued. “I said take off your clothes. Now.”  

“You’re insane,” Abbey snapped.

Cole motioned to one of his guards. “Get her undressed, and make it quick.”

Abbey held her breath as the man closest to Cole went forward eagerly.

“Lift your hands over your head and don’t make a move,” the guard said to Abbey in a threatening tone.

She complied and raised her arms while he started to unbutton her shirt. She cringed when the man charged with undressing her got to her jeans. As he yanked them down, a sick feeling assailed her when she was left standing in just her bra and panties.

Please, please, God. Give me strength.  
  
Lena kept a close watch on the guards—whose attention was focused on the man undressing Abbey—while she worked at the ropes around her wrists. She’d managed to wiggle them loose enough to slip free undetected. Now, she needed a weapon. Her eyes caught sight of the guard standing beside her. His gun was so close, almost within reach. Lena held her breath, praying he’d turn just a bit more. 

As the man stepped away from Abbey, she stood in the center of a room with eyes feasting greedily on her. The anticipation on their faces told her it was very likely that Cole didn’t mind sharing his merchandise. 

His gaze wandered down her body as he moved closer. “Just think—after I’m done playing with you—all my men are going to have you next.”

And then she felt the presence of someone behind her. Was Cole planning to have one of his men hold her down while he raped her? Whatever the case, she had to concentrate on bringing forth her Lupa. Otherwise, there was no way she was going to get out of this in her human form. 
      
Then, Lena made her move.

She grabbed the gun, dropped to the floor and rolled, firing off a series of rounds at the guard she’d taken the weapon from. As he fell to the floor, the other guard dived behind a desk while Cole reached for his gun. Shit! 

Lena rolled until she got a clear shot of underneath the desk and took out his kneecaps, making him howl in agony.

As the man standing on the opposite side of the chair came charging forward, Lena got to her feet and connected with a solid right hook to his face. Then she kicked his gun from his hand, sending it clattering to the floor. Before he could recover, Lena spun and landed a round kick to his jaw, rendering him unconscious.  

Another shot fired, and for a moment Lena thought she’d been hit, but she felt no pain.

Oh god no! No! No!

She rushed over to Abbey, who was on the floor, blood streaming down the side of her face. Then blinding pain overwhelmed Lena as Cole hit her in the head with the butt of his gun.

To be continued . . .
 
 
 
 

Author Notes

NOTE: This is not part of the chapter. A reference for terms and cast of 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 among humans, 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 is 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 one 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 QUEEN'S 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 into human form 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 into human form 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. 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 ultimately 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 cannot 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 can 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 can 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 cannot 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 bright 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, twice 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. An Adalwolf is immune to silver. They can bond with any species. LUPA - The ancestors descended from the old legend of the lycanthrope, except the moon has no power over them and it cannot be passed on to others like a virus. It is passed on through genetics to the female offspring, known as a she-wolf. This type of creature shape-shifts into a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, and is considered dangerous... cursed. Steven Pasquale (a.k.a. Steven Craven) - 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 two German physicians, Dr. Hans Autenburg and Dr. Hubert Crane. Without the knowledge of his real family, Steven finally manages to escape his captors, locating his biological parents and his fraternal twin, Tessa Fairchild. Abbey (a.k.a. Abigail Winthrop) - She inherited the genetics of a Lupa from her mother, who died giving birth. Captured by Dr. Hans Autenburg - a German physician - she spent most of her life forced to endure experiments until she finally managed to escape. With no place to go, Abbey is determined to finally reunite with her beloved Steven after they were separated years ago. Lena - She is a Breedline, highly trained in survival skills, martial arts, and anything dealing with weapons, hand-to-hand combat, and hired by Roman Kincaid to help take down Valkin Steele. She oddly resembles the character Xena the Warrior Princess from the 80's television series. She is also Bull's little sister and is bonded to Justice. 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. Nathan Gage (a.k.a. Nate) - He is a Breedline and the owner of several upscale night clubs in the largest metropolitan areas of Northern California. Anna Saeni - She was born with the genetics of a Breedline from her father's side - who died when Anna was a baby - but she does not shift into a wolf. Her human mother, Eliza, raised Sebastian Crow as her own after his biological mother, Sybil and his step-father, William Montgomery, detested him due to Sybil's infidelity. William sent Sebastian's twin brother Thomas to be raised in England with Sybil's sister, and forced his maid Eliza to raise Sebastian. While Anna grew up, she helped her mother raise Sebastian, loving him as a brother. At age fourteen, William molested Anna. After her mother found out, she confronted William and Sybil, but so afraid to lose her family, and her wealthy status, Sybil killed Eliza in cold blood. William sent Anna to live in a women's convent, and forced Sebastian to live in a boarding school for troubled boys for all Breedline. The Fury - Three fraternal twins created by an evil German scientist named Dr. Hans Autenburg. Using his own DNA, he mixed it with three other species: A Breedline, an Adalwolf, and a powerful Wiccan. He placed three embryos inside the womb of a full-blooded succubus, named Sonya Hothburn. Taken against her will, Sonya was forced by the mad physician into surrogacy. After their birth, she was forbidden to see her children. All three were created to destroy the Breedline species and dominate the human world. The first born was called Apollyon, meaning 'destroyer' in Greek. It was also the name of the angel-prince of the infernal regions, the minister of death and author of havoc on earth. He has the strength of ten men, and the power to dematerialize, taking others with him, from one place to another. He can transform into a creature that resembles an Adalwolf, and a vampire-like hybrid. The second born was called Callisto, meaning 'most beautiful.' She has the power of a shield, protecting herself and others from harm. The last child was named Electra, meaning 'the shining one.' She has the power to conduct electricity from her body, using it as a weapon. Inheriting their species instinct and extraordinary power, their thirst to kill became uncontrollable. As they grew up, the Fury became more and more unstable and unruly. With an insatiable hunger for human flesh and unmanageable powers, they became a hindrance to the physician. He had no other choice but to drug and imprison them for all time, each one placed inside a sarcophagus in a state of deep slumber to be forgotten forever until they were set free by their mother. Valkin Steele - He is a wealthy business man who deals with drugs, weapons trade, and underage sex trafficking. He also funded a group of unethical scientists that kidnapped people with special gifts and rarities for research. He is searching for an Adalwolf with the ability to heal his beloved Natasha who is dying of cancer. Cole Decker - He is known as the best tracker money could buy, hired by Valkin Steele to kidnap Steven Craven for his healing powers. He is also wanted by the FBI for his crimes as a well-known sex offender and sex trafficking young girls from all over the world.

Chapter 34
Escape Plan/Part Two

By scongrove

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.

Previously . . .

Now that Steven has healed Valkin Steele’s beloved Natasha, of her cancer, in exchange for Abbey, Valkin betrays him and sells her to Cole Decker—a hired tracker that deals in sex trafficking—while the Dr. Kruger arrives from Germany to purchase Steven for his special gifts.

When Valkin Steele makes the deal with Dr. Kruger, the corrupt physician and his hired men prepare to retrieve Steven, who is momentarily unconscious, and stashed inside Steele’s wine cellar.

Meanwhile, outside Steele’s estate, a team of Breedline crusaders and a crew of Special Ops prepare to take down Valkin Steele and everyone involved with his evil corruption. But their main focus is rescuing Steven and Abbey, along with twenty under-aged girls that were sold to Cole Decker.

As the Breedline overtake Valkin Steele and his men, they are faced with the fact that not only has Cole Decker kidnapped Abbey, Lena was missing.

While the Breedline search for them, including Steven, Lena—who is beaten and tied up—manage to free herself before Steele and his men rape Abbey. Using her training, she goes into war mode and takes out Steele’s men. Before she can put an end to Valkin Steele, he shots Abbey. Enraged, Lena attacks Steele, and fights for her and Abbey’s life.

Continued . . .    
       
As Steven stormed past Tim and Alexander, he charged down a narrow hallway that led to a set of double doors. Ready to blast through, he caught a number of scents all of a sudden and glanced behind him. Jem, Roman, and Lawrence were standing there. And Major Wyckoff’s panther was pacing alongside them, anxious to take down anything that came in its path. They had all come to help him get Abbey back and ready to go to war, if that’s what it took.

Steven nodded in ready silence. A moment later, he kicked in the door, and wood splintered into pieces. Wyckoff’s panther let out a high-pitched scream and rushed forward, practically mowing Steven down. 

With his heart pounding in his chest, sweat blooming all over him, Steven looked for Abbey and saw nothing. The room was empty, but when he inhaled, his nose detected Abbey’s scent.

“She’s been here,” Steven said in a deep distorted voice. His eyes penetrated the dim corner of the room and noticed a rug out of place. Moving closer, he looked down and saw a trap door hidden in the floor . . . and blood smudged on the smooth wooden surface.

More random thoughts fired through his head. Was Abbey hurt?

As the others hung back, like they knew better than to get in his way, Steven reached for the small hatch in the floor. With his Adalwolf strength still flowing through his veins, he grabbed onto the metal handle and wrenched the trap door, completely ripping it off the hinges.

He dropped to his knees and looked into the dark entrance. Steven reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a small flashlight. As he aimed it inside the hole, his eyes caught sight of several steps that led underneath the floor.

Jem stepped forward. “What is it?”

“It’s a secret passage leading underneath the estate,” Steven said. “This is where Decker took Abbey.” He was on his feet immediately, his expression hard. “It’s the only way he could have got out without being seen.”

“Steven, I thought you’d want to know we captured Steele and some of his men,” Jem told him.

Steven’s eyes narrowed. “Is he still alive?”

Jem hesitated and arched a brow. “He was when I last saw him. But then I left him with Jace, so there’s no telling.” He shrugged. “If Steele pisses him off—” 

Wyckoff’s panther padded to where Steven stood. After making a few circles around the hole in the floor, he came to a halt, lowered his big head inside, and sniffed cautiously. After a moment, the cat glanced back at Steven and growled menacingly.

Steven stared into his lavender eyes and understood the cat’s helpless rage. 

The others surged closer to Steven, concern etched on every single person’s face, most especially Roman. He’d made a promise to Abbey to keep her out of harm’s way. And now . . . Cole Decker had taken her and done god-knows-what to her.

“Now, we’ve wasted enough time while Abbey desperately needs our help,” Roman spoke out harshly. “Until we know what we’re up against, I need every available man at the ready. Jem will go with Steven and me,” he ordered, pointing toward the open trap-door. “Lawrence, I want you and Wyckoff to wait here to organize communications with the others and act as backup.” He looked at Steven pointedly. “Are you ready?”

Before Steven got a word out, shots were fired in their direction. Roman’s arm absorbed the gun’s load, and the impact twisted his torso. He immediately clutched his shoulder. Damn it!

Lawrence squeezed off a series of shots before Roman fell to the floor.

A high-pitched scream cracked through the room, and then Wyckoff’s huge black cat flew over to the open doorway, taking down the man who had fired his weapon. A scream split the air. The gunman tried to push himself away, but the raged animal rose with a low snarl. His scream of fear came to an end as the panther closed his jaws around his throat.

Jem dropped to the floor next to Roman. “How bad is it?”

“It’s not bad.” Roman grunted as he sat upright. “It hurts like a son of a bitch, but believe me . . . I’ve had worse.” Slowly, he stood, using Jem for leverage.

“It’s best you stay behind and let Lawrence patch you up,” Jem said to Roman. 

Roman shook his head. “That’s not an option. I made a vow to protect Abbey, and I plan on keeping it,” he said, his face tight with anger. And then he turned toward Steven with an expression of regret framing his face. He looked almost . . . sorry. Refocusing back to Jem he added, “Besides, I’ll heal in no time. The bullet went clean through.”

“Okay, enough with the chitchat,” Steven said. “We’re wasting precious time. Let’s do this.”
 
Lawrence held up his radio to Jem. “Keep us informed, and let us know if you need backup. I’ll let the others know what’s going on.”

Jem nodded in agreement and then made fast tracks through the opening in the floor, with Steven leading the way. 
 
As they came to an opening at the end of the underground tunnel, it led them to a hidden entrance of a field.

Roman pointed to something lying on the ground and said, “Wait.” He picked up the handkerchief Abbey had left behind, and looked at Steven. “Do you recognize this?”

Steven reached for the delicate cloth in Roman’s grasp and brought it to his nose. “It’s Abbey’s,” he said, inhaling her scent. “She left it for us to find.”  
    
“Smart girl,” Roman said with a smile on his face. “Decker must have taken her through here.” He looked to the wooded area, and then back to Steven and Jem. “We’re going to need a vehicle.”

Jem reached for the radio and said, “I’ll call for backup. It’s better to be prepared. When it comes to Cole Decker, there’s no telling what we’ll be facing.”  

****

By sheer determination, Lena remained conscious and pushed aside the pain even though it felt like Cole had caved in her damn skull.

As he loomed over her with a gun to her head, she reacted quickly and lashed out with her leg, knocking the weapon from his grasp. 

She struggled up, but he was on her, pinning her down with his weight.

“I like a woman that fights back,” he said, staring at her with satisfaction in his gaze. “It turns me on. When I get done having my fun with you, I’m going to cut you into little pieces and send them to the Breedline. They’ll think twice the next time they screw with me.”

Oh hell, no, Lena cursed to herself. She wasn’t going down like this. She would wait for the right moment to make her move. If her plan worked, she’d make damn sure Cole Decker never hurt another woman or child again.

As he leaned down to force his lips to hers, she used all her strength and head-butted him right in the face. He let out a cry of pain and crumpled to the floor. Lena pushed herself up and landed a kick that connected with his balls. If she had it her way, he wouldn’t have any left when it was all over.

While he howled in pain, she searched for the gun. She spotted it under a chair. As Lena scrambled over to it and bent down to grab for it, Cole was on her in a split second, attacking her from behind.

Abbey’s eyes slowly opened at the sounds of struggling nearby as she lay motionless on the floor. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. Through blurred vision, she caught sight of Lena wrestling on the floor with Cole Decker. He outweighed her by at least a hundred pounds. As anger surged through her body, Abbey felt the change within her. And it was instantaneous.

Her fair skin darkened, turning a mottled shade of dark brown. A mane of coarse black fur sprouted from her scalp and spread to her shoulders, then across her body and limbs, which themselves lengthened and grew larger within seconds. Her undergarments split at the seams as she assumed the proportions of a giant. Abbey’s fists curled into enormous wolfish paws with nails that jutted from the tips the size of daggers.

The blood of Abbey’s ancestors pulsed through her veins as her flesh and bone underwent a grotesque transformation. A canine muzzle protruded from her face, and tufted ears tapered atop her head to a point. Her black leathery nostrils flared above a jaw full of sharp incisors.

Abbey stretched her shaggy limbs, feeling the inhuman strength and power in them. She never felt so free . . . and so deadly. 
 
Unbeknown of what was transpiring nearby, Lena and Cole rolled on the floor, but he used his strength as an advantage and elbowed her already injured jaw. After she’d been surrounded at Steele’s estate and forced here, Cole’s men had beat her nearly unconscious. There wasn’t a single part of Lena’s body that didn’t hurt.

Cole made a dive for the gun and Lena leaped after him, rolling over his body and kicking the gun away from his grasp. Then he grabbed her by the ponytail and slammed her face down onto the floor, and then again and again, until Lena stopped struggling and fell still.

Complete silence followed by an unearthly sound of a predator’s growl, which made the back of Cole’s nape rise. He held his breath as he looked over his shoulder. What he saw made him fall back on his ass, cringing in fear. Cole couldn’t believe his eyes. 

Abbey’s she-wolf bared her fangs and crouched defensively in front of Cole. 

“P-please . . . don’t kill me,” he babbled, begging for his pathetic life.

The she-wolf narrowed her coal black eyes, staring at him with a murderous glare. Then the creature leaned in, getting face-to-face with Cole, and smiled. Her wolfish mouth was full of razor-sharp teeth.

Before he could blink an eye, the deadly creature tore at his throat. He was in a state of shock, and his terror numbed the pain as he watched his life’s blood spurt in jets. Cole’s last pleas for mercy turned into a gurgling hiss of air.

As Abbey’s Lupa surveyed her surroundings, her attention focused on a woman nearby. On the floor beneath a pool of blood, Lena’s body lay still. She looked from Lena to Cole’s dead body, and then back to Lena. The she-wolf looked puzzled for a moment, then her eyes softened.

The sound of a low whimper broke the stillness of the room. Moving next to Lena, the two-footed creature peered helplessly down at her. She dropped to her hands and knees and gently grasped ahold of Lena’s arm. A tear struck Lena’s cheek as she rolled her over.

Lena moaned and slowly opened her eyes. When she looked up, she saw the creature’s luminous eyes glistening. Its tears glowed as they rolled down the thickness of its hairy face. And then, Lena started to cry, for she felt the she-wolf’s grief in her heart and added it to her own.

Lena formed a half-smile over her bloody and bruised face. She paused only for a moment before she reached up to touch the she-wolf’s muzzle. Lena’s hand caressed its dark bristled cheek and whispered, “Thank you, Abbey.”  
   
Abbey’s she-wolf kept at her side, unable to take her worried eyes from Lena. As she looked at Lena, so much at peace, her thick, furry hide began to shrink and disappear as if her skin was miraculously willing it back inside her body. Lena blinked through tears that made her vision all shimmery, and watched the creature’s slow transformation right before her eyes until Abbey’s human features came into focus.

With her eyes trained on Lena, Abbey inhaled a deep breath as if she’d been holding it for an extended time.  

“Lena,” she gasped. “Are you okay?”

Before she could get any words out, a loud crack like the sound of lightning came from outside. Abbey looked over her shoulder just as the door burst open and several heavy footsteps pounded across the floor. Shit! In an effort to cover her naked body, Abbey crossed her arms over her chest.

“Abbey! Abbey! Where are you?” Steven roared.

She sagged in relief, her strength gone. It was Steven. He was here. They were safe, and she knew nothing else could hurt her.

Suddenly, Justice was over Lena, his eyes so intense and full of panic when he saw her lying in her own pool of blood. And her face was—

He fell to his knees. “Oh my god, baby.” His voice trembled. It seemed that’s all he could say as he gently gathered her in his arms, his heart beating like a drum against her broken body.

“I’m okay. Abbey saved me,” she managed to whisper. “You’re getting blood . . . all over you.”

“I don’t give a damn,” he said fiercely as he buried his face in the crevice of her neck. “You’re alive, and that’s all that matters.” He looked at her, puzzled. “Honey, why didn’t you shift? You could have taken out Decker and all his men with your Breedline wolf.”

“They threatened me,” she rasped out. “Their weapons were loaded with silver.” 
 
A second later, Steven came into view and saw Abbey. She was on the floor next to Lena, and she was . . . naked.

“Abbey!” he called out. Steven rushed over with Roman on his heels, and immediately dropped to the floor next to her. Roman shrugged out of his shirt and handed it to Steven. After he slipped it over Abbey’s head, she found herself carefully enfolded in a strong pair of arms.

She buried her face in Steven’s chest as he rocked her back and forth. “I’ve got you,” he whispered close to her ear. His voice sounded like he had tears. “It’s over, sweetheart.”

“Our baby,” she whispered, unable to hold it in any longer. “We’re going to have a baby.”

Slowly, he pulled back with a look of awe on his face. For a moment, he went completely silent. There was a wealth of emotion burning in those green eyes. “Did you say . . . baby?”

Abbey grinned and nodded.

Steven embraced her again and held on so tightly that she couldn’t breathe. His entire body trembled against hers, and his breaths tore raggedly from his chest.

“I love you, Abigail,” he choked out. “God, I love you so much.”

Tears slid down her cheeks, love welling from deep within her as she took in the sincerity of his words. “I love you too.”

He straightened and looked her in the eyes. There was concern as well as elation in his stare. He smoothed a strand of hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear. “You’re going to have to take it easy,” Steven said. “I don’t want anything to happen to you or our baby.”

She reached up and caressed his cheek with her hand. “I’m scared out of my mind, but I’m also so happy.”

He leaned forward and kissed her softly. “I’m scared too. But we’ll be just fine, sweetheart. I promise.” 

Lawrence and Jem came over and stood above them, both worried if Abbey and Lena were all right. 
   
Roman cleared his throat. “I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop on your conversation, but did I hear you two just say you’re . . . pregnant?” he asked hesitantly.

Abbey sighed. “Yes, we are.”

Both Lawrence and Jem’s expressions eased, and they lit up with smiles.

“Congratulations,” Roman finally said. His smile was gentle, and there was a wealth of emotion in his eyes. “You’re a brave young lady, Abbey. I’m proud of you.”

“Damn straight,” Justice said in a gruff voice as he turned toward Abbey. “Thanks for saving my girl. And congratulations, little mama,” he tacked on.

“Thank you,” Abbey said with a light giggle. 

Lawrence smiled so broadly, his white teeth flashed against his dark skin. “That’s wonderful news. Congratulations to the both of you.”

“Congratulations, you two.” Jem chuckled a little. “It’s about time we had some good news.” 

Steven nodded, beaming the entire time. “Thanks, guys.”

Lena reached over to squeeze Abbey’s hand. “Oh Abbey,” she said in a weak voice. “I’m so happy for you. And I have to say . . . for five-foot-two, you’ve got lady balls of steel.”

“So says the woman who takes on opponents the size of a double-decker bus,” Abbey replied. 

“Yeah, you both kicked ass,” Jace chimed in as he joined the group by Steven’s side. Wearing a white suit, he extended his fist to Steven and cocked a brow. “Way to go, buddy.”

Steven grinned and bumped knuckles with Jace.

Jem shot him a look. “What in the hell are you wearing?”

“I helped myself to Steele’s closet,” Jace said with a cocky grin.

“Why?”

“When you left, that asshole shot me in the chest,” Jace grumbled. “To make a long story short . . . I turned. Alexander calmed the Beast. And then I shifted back.” He shrugged his shoulders. “So I couldn’t just walk around naked.”

“Wait.” Jem’s eyes widened. “Did you say Alexander calmed your Beast?”

Jace nodded. “Steele is one lucky bastard. If it weren’t for Alexander, he would have been its next meal.”
  
Jem shook his head and rolled his eyes.

Lawrence knelt down beside Lena and cut in the conversation. “We need to get you and Abbey back to the Covenant and checked out. I know you’ll heal, but I’m not going to let up until you’re both given a clean bill of health.”

“Tim and the others have Steele in their custody,” Jace said to Steven. “He made a deal to give us details on Dr. Autenburg’s research and anyone who’s still involved in an arrangement for a safe haven for Natasha.”

“She’s innocent in all this,” Steven prompted. “I’ll vouch for her. Natasha doesn’t have anything to do with Valkin Steele’s corrupt behavior.”
 
“Let’s get them out of here,” Jem stressed. “I just sent Tim a text letting him know that everyone’s all right. He wants us to meet at Steele’s estate so we can get back to the Covenant. He said he got a message from Tessa. Apparently, there’s been another attack, and this time Helen and Anna were there to witness it.”

“Are they all right?’ Steven said. His voice was edged with concern. 

“They’re fine. And that’s not all,” Jem continued. “We’ve got to deal with those two human detectives who are investigating all the murders in the city. Tessa said she got a call from Nathan Gage. The attack happened at one of his bars. He also said Detective Sanchez is his uncle . . . and he’s half-Breedline, but doesn’t have a clue.”

“So what is Tim going to do?” Roman asked.

“He’s going to bring the detectives into the Covenant.”

“Are you serious?” Jace interjected. “So he’s just going to let them know about us?”

“Jace, we don’t have a choice,” Jem said. “They’ve already seen too much. They witnessed Yelena’s abduction. Maybe they can help us locate her. Besides, Tim is going to turn Steele and whatever is left of his human guards into their custody. They’re helping the feds investigate all the human sex trafficking, so it’s best to let them deal with it.”

“What does Tessa say about all this?” Jace asked.

“She’s going to have Zeke Rizzo bring the detectives to the Covenant since he’s already dealt with them.” Jem let out a deep breath. “It looks like we’ve got our hands full this time.”  

Shit, Jace thought. His brow creased with worry and his mind went straight to Tessa and the boys. And then he said, “So why the hell are we just standing around? Let’s get our asses moving.” 

To be continued . . .   
 
 

Author Notes

NOTE: This is not part of the chapter. A reference for terms and cast of 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 among humans, 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 is 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 one 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 QUEEN'S 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 into human form 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 into human form 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. 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 ultimately 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 cannot 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 can 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 can 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 cannot 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 bright 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, twice 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. An Adalwolf is immune to silver. They can bond with any species. LUPA - The ancestors descended from the old legend of the lycanthrope, except the moon has no power over them and it cannot be passed on to others like a virus. It is passed on through genetics to the female offspring, known as a she-wolf. This type of creature shape-shifts into a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, and is considered dangerous... cursed. Steven Pasquale (a.k.a. Steven Craven) - 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 two German physicians, Dr. Hans Autenburg and Dr. Hubert Crane. Without the knowledge of his real family, Steven finally manages to escape his captors, locating his biological parents and his fraternal twin, Tessa Fairchild. Abbey (a.k.a. Abigail Winthrop) - She inherited the genetics of a Lupa from her mother, who died giving birth. Captured by Dr. Hans Autenburg - a German physician - she spent most of her life forced to endure experiments until she finally managed to escape. With no place to go, Abbey is determined to finally reunite with her beloved Steven after they were separated years ago. Valkin Steele - He is a wealthy business man who deals with drugs, weapons trade, and underage sex trafficking. He also funded a group of unethical scientists that kidnapped people with special gifts and rarities for research. He is searching for an Adalwolf with the ability to heal his beloved Natasha who is dying of cancer. Cole Decker - He is known as the best tracker money could buy, hired by Valkin Steele to kidnap Steven Craven for his healing powers. He is also wanted by the FBI for his crimes as a well-known sex offender and sex trafficking young girls from all over the world. Jace Chamberlain (a.k.a. the Beast) - He is a Breedline species and 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. 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 became the new Breedline queen. She is an inspiring artist. 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. 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. 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 was born a Theriomorph. He is a clothing model and plays backup bass and keyboards in the band Chaos. Roman Kincaid - He is an Adalwolf trained in military tactics, hired as a special breed of warriors from Brazil. Hired as a bodyguard for Valkin Steele - a billionaire funding a group of unethical scientists research - he later learns of Steele's underground sex-trafficking and illegal drug and weapons trade, and informs the Breedline Covenant. He also forms a team of Breedline soldiers who work for a private Special Ops group contracted by the military for missions that no one else can or will do to help put an end to Valkin Steele's corrupt organization. Lawrence Colbert - A Breedline council member of the New Jersey Covenant, trained in military tactics and as a medic who worked alongside Roman Kincaid, the Special Ops Team, and the Breedline Covenant to help take down Valkin Steele. Lena - She is a Breedline, highly trained in survival skills, martial arts, and anything dealing with weapons, hand-to-hand combat, and hired by Roman Kincaid to help take down Valkin Steele. She oddly resembles the character Xena the Warrior Princess from the 80's television series. She is also Bull's little sister and is bonded to Justice. Bull (a.k.a. Benjamin Allen Calvero ) - He is a Breedline, highly trained and an expert in a variety of military tactics who is part of Roman Kincaid's team. He gets his nickname because of his size. Justice - He is a Breedline, highly trained in military tactics, an expert with explosives, hand-to-hand combat, sniper training, and a pilot, who is part of Roman Kincaid's team. 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. Nathan Gage (a.k.a. Nate) - He is a Breedline and the owner of several upscale night clubs in the largest metropolitan areas of Northern California. Anna Saeni - She was born with the genetics of a Breedline from her father's side - who died when Anna was a baby - but she does not shift into a wolf. Her human mother, Eliza, raised Sebastian Crow as her own after his biological mother, Sybil and his step-father, William Montgomery, detested him due to Sybil's infidelity. William sent Sebastian's twin brother Thomas to be raised in England with Sybil's sister, and forced his maid Eliza to raise Sebastian. While Anna grew up, she helped her mother raise Sebastian, loving him as a brother. At age fourteen, William molested Anna. After her mother found out, she confronted William and Sybil, but so afraid to lose her family, and her wealthy status, Sybil killed Eliza in cold blood. William sent Anna to live in a women's convent, and forced Sebastian to live in a boarding school for troubled boys for all Breedline. Zeke Rizzo - He is a Breedline, born with a curse of a sin-eater, and the owner of the Cat Club. When coming in physical contact with another person, he has the power to see inside their past, experiencing their worst memory. A simple handshake seems like nothing to an ordinary person, but to Zeke, it is unbearable. Without the ability to stop it, he is also the worst case of karma. If anyone angers him, an unfortunate accident would fall upon them. Yelena Smirnov - A full-blooded succubus from Russia. She is in charge of security at the Cat Club. She is bonded to Apollyon, who was taken by the battle angels along with his fraternal twin sisters, Callisto, and Electra. Breedline Special Ops Team - Colonel Brian Deshazo (a.k.a. Colonel D), Major Paul Wyckoff, (a.k.a. Dark Wraith), Major Joshua Lawson (a.k.a. Kid), Master Sergeant Stephen Virgin (a.k.a. Gunny). They are hired by the Breedline Covenant to help put a stop to Valkin Steele and his corrupt organization.

Chapter 35
Savage/Part Two

By scongrove

Previously . . .

When widespread reports of gruesome attacks on homeless victims, and local residents sweep across Berkeley California and the San Francisco Bay area, two local human detectives are desperate to catch whoever is responsible for the disturbing and heinous crimes.

When they question Zeke Rizzo—who is a Breedline, born with the curse of a sin-eater, and owner of the Cat Club—about a woman they’d found brutally murdered near his bar, one of Zeke’s bouncers recognizes the victim after Detective Perkins shares her photo from social media. He also confirms the victim left the bar around midnight with a guy that oddly resembled the famous actor, Jason Momoa. 

Before the detectives leave, Zeke gives them a copy of the bar’s video surveillance, hoping it would help with their investigation.

As the detectives exit the club, Zeke found himself confronted by a beautiful woman he’d saw earlier hanging out in the VIP section with an older gentleman. After introducing herself as Callisto and that she was every man’s dream, she asked him to spend the night with her. Zeke refused her proposition, but she was not the type to take no for an answer, and grabbed his arm. At the same time he realized she was not human and craved human blood, he got a glimpse into her past, using his sin-eater skills. What he saw nearly brought him to his knees. She’d been trapped alive for years in some kind of sarcophagus. At the same time Zeke questioned her about his vision, Callisto’s brother, Apollyon, interrupted their conversation and warned Zeke to keep his sister’s past to himself.

When the detectives find another body with the same MO, they contact Zeke before they head back to his bar for more questions. As they arrive, Zeke found himself caught off guard by Apollyon, who was furious after he found out Zeke spoke to the detectives and cut his throat just as his head of security, Yelena, and the detectives walked in, witnessing everything. Before Apollyon used his powers and disappeared, he took Yelena with him.
 
While they question Zeke after he mysteriously heals, he refuses to answer their questions and leaves them clueless to what they’d just encountered.

As the detectives report to another crime scene, they discover another suspect after reviewing the surveillance video. Their next step was to visit the owner of several popular bars in the area who happened to be Detectives Manuel Sanchez’s nephew, Nathan Gage, hoping he could help identify the suspects. When they arrive at the bar, and explain to the owner what they have discovered, asking him if he’d take a look at the video they retrieved from the crime scene, Nathan becomes worried. He knew something his Uncle Sanchez wasn’t aware of. Not only was Nathan a Breedline, he knew his uncle was born with the same genetics but it was kept a secret. Now, he was faced with a difficult decision. In order to keep his uncle safe, he would have to go against the Breedline law and tell him everything.   
            
Meanwhile, Anna is looking forward to a fun night out after Helen invited her to a bachelorette party at a popular club which happens to be the same bar the detectives are at. As she waits for Helen to find a table, Anna takes a seat at the crowded bar next to a gorgeous man named Apollyon. When they carry on a conversation, she becomes mysteriously drawn to him. When he asks her to skip the party and leave with him, they are approached by two strange men. When they push themselves on Anna, she tells them she’s not interested. But they are not the type to take no for an answer, and become threatening to her. As they forcefully grab her arm, Apollyon’s anger boils out of control. In a heated fury, he punches the guy, nearly knocking his head completely off his body. Witnessing the horrific incident, the crowded bar erupts into chaos, and Apollyon vanishes into thin air.  
           
As Detective Sanchez and his partner take over the crime scene, they discover two witnesses by the victim, Dr. Helen Carrington and her friend Anna. While the detectives wait for backup, they ask Helen and Anna to stop by the police station to give a statement.   

Continued . . .

After the unfortunate incident with the human at bar earlier, Apollyon materialized back at the lavish mansion he shared with his sisters. Typical of Electra and Callisto, everything was the best of the best here. Nothing was cheap. The walls were a burnt red that set off a spectacular rare collection of Rembrandt placed in gilt frames. The floors were covered with red and gold Oriental rugs, and plush velvet drapes hung over the windows, which weren’t covered in stained glass. They’d started life of privileged living with their father—before he locked them in separate sarcophaguses to live in an eternal sedated limbo—and fine living was still of value to them. Since their mother had set them free, they now resided in her nineteenth-century estate, filled with antiques and priceless works of art. Their mother’s family was loaded. Really loaded.

Apollyon caught Yelena’s scent as he stood outside the bedroom he kept her locked in. The erotic aroma of jasmine captured his senses and created a heady emotion he was not used to. She was like a drug, and he felt himself becoming more and more addicted. If she could affect him like this without being in the same room, she might just be the death of him. And the million-dollar question was: How would he persuade Yelena to stay here on her own free will? As far as he knew, her heart belonged to the sin-eater. Damn him. Nervously, he dragged a shaky hand over his face and forced himself to get in control.

His stomach growled, shifting his thoughts to the human female he’d encountered tonight, and the soft skin of her neck. As the image of his tongue stroking over the vein that ran up from her heart came to mind, his fangs elongated as if she were before him. He needed to eat. Apollyon hadn’t fed in days, and hunger was making him vulnerable to Yelena and making it too easy to forget what he was.

Swallowing the knot in his dry throat, he closed his eyes as his weakened body began to shake. Dark hunger curled in his gut and churned like a bottomless achy pit. As the gnawing sensation grew stronger, his body demanded to feed, craving human blood.

A feeling of deep uneasiness, like someone had reached into his chest and squeezed his heart dead, suddenly assailed him. Sweat broke out across Apollyon’s forehead. His feelings for Yelena made him feel trapped. As did the fact that he was supposed to be feeding to gain strength, but instead was busy falling in love with a woman who didn’t return his affections. He was changing himself for a female. Abruptly, he felt like a fool. God, why did he feel like he’d been shot through the chest?

“Apollyon,” a female’s soft voice came from behind.

The sound of his mother’s voice was a relief, bringing him back to focus. Apollyon whirled around with his brows furrowed. His mother was standing before him with a concerned expression on her face. At six feet tall, and with a mane of dark waves that fell to her hips, Sonya stood before him like a beautiful angel. Born a full-blooded succubus, she looked as if she was still in her early twenties like her age had been frozen in time.

“Mother,” he said in a deep baritone. “What are you doing up at this hour?”

“I was waiting for you,” she said. “I knew you’d come to the girl.”

There was a long silence.

Years ago, Sonya had managed to escape when the underground research facility of Dr. Hans Autenburg had been mysteriously attacked and destroyed. Desperate to free her children from their imprisoned state of slumber to which they were condemned by their own father, Sonya had unlocked their tombs of hell and released them from their claustrophobic dimensions and sadistic bonds that kept them prisoner.   
    
And then she said softly, “Have patience, son. The girl will learn to love you back. How could she not?”

Anguish came out of Apollyon like blood from a chest wound, and his agony thickened the air. He drew in the scent, taking the burn of misery down deep into his lungs, into his very soul. The knowledge that Yelena was in love with Zeke Rizzo filled him with both physical and mental torment.

“Her name is Yelena, and she will never love me,” Apollyon painfully declared. “She loves another.”

“Trust in my words.” Sonya’s face softened. “Yelena will forget in time, and yes her heart will be broken, but your love will fill her needs,” she said, and then added, “This I promise.” 

He looked at her for a minute. And then his face changed, the pain seeming to bleed out of him. Sonya felt a cold draft as Apollyon’s mood changed and the tension in his body suddenly eased.

He bowed his head. “Thank you, Mother.”

With a gentle smile, she reached out and offered her hand to him.

Apollyon gathered her palm in his and brought it to his lips.

When he released her hand, she turned and walked away, giving him some privacy.

As Apollyon reached for Yelena’s bedroom door, he closed his eyes and reached out to her thoughts, only to see she was thinking of the sin-eater. He dropped the image that was in her mind as if it were broken glass. It was then that he realized the truth. Yelena would never be his.  
           
He stepped into her room, and Yelena stirred, burrowing deeper into the pillow.

She opened her eyes just as a deep male voice broke the silence. “Yelena?”

She bolted upright and looked frantically to the sound.

Apollyon stood towering over her with a look of lust in his cat-like eyes. And they were fixated on her as if he were undressing her with his golden gaze. The menacing glint in his piercing stare spoke of hidden power and predatory danger, and for some reason, that made him . . . exciting.

His face was stern, and with his long hair pulled back, the aggressive thrust of his jaw made him appear tense with a shadow of dark stubble, like he hadn’t shaved in days. There was something compellingly beautiful about his sheer maleness, and when he looked at her . . . well, it created an odd sensation in Yelena’s chest. Apollyon was dark, broody, and delectable.

He wore dark slacks and a matching black open-collar shirt that showed off his throat, the color making his skin look tanned. Yelena breathed in through her nose. Apollyon smelled like some kind of heady spice.

He stepped back as her emotions hit him. She was wary, scared. He could sense her mistrust with clarity.

“You look . . . different,” she said, her voice laced with a Russian accent. “In zose clothes.”

Apollyon cocked an eyebrow at her and approached the bed cautiously. As he sat down, the mattress dipped, and she could have sworn he leaned in and inhaled her hair. One side of his mouth lifted into a half smile.

“Are you hungry?” he asked.

She shook her head.

“Are you still afraid of me?” Apollyon’s voice was sincere as if he were concerned by her fear.  

She kept her eyes on him and nodded in silence.

“I want to know why?”    
          
“Maybe it’s because you tried to kill a friend of mine.”

“Damn it.” His tone was low and intimate, belying the frustration that thinned his sexy mouth.

“You asked,” she shot back. “Don’t be angry if you don’t like my answer.”

He cursed again. “I didn’t kill him. Besides, he’s a Breedline. He’ll heal.”

Yelena was desperate for answers. She wanted to know what he wanted with her. Using her succubus side, she tried to get into his head and read his thoughts, but he shut her out completely.

“What do you vant with me?” she wondered aloud.

The look he gave her was indecisive. Underneath his thick masculinity, she sensed a hint of something else. Insecurity? No, that wasn’t it, she thought. It was self-hatred. He hated what he was.

Apollyon reached out and brushed the bangs back from Yelena’s forehead with a gentle, slightly trembling hand. He hadn’t felt this drawn to a woman before. She made him forget the dark violence of his existence and made everything seem . . . different.

A hint of insecurity entered his features. “Don’t fear me, Yelena. I have bonded with you,” he finally said.

Yelena sank back against the pillows. Cringed at him, was more like it. “Please.” Her voice was pleading. “Let me go.”

His jaw clenched. “I’m sorry. I cannot do that,” he muttered and leaned forward. “Ever.”

Yelena looked down into her lap and swallowed the lump in her throat. The pressure in her chest made her feel as if her lungs were clogged. Her heart was breaking into a million pieces. She warred with the horrible realization that she would never see Zeke again.  

A deep growl made her look up. Apollyon’s gaze was leveled on her as if she were his next meal. He’d read her thoughts, she realized. He knew she was in love with Zeke. And that angered him. Although his rage was a tangible force, battering her senses along with his desire, his beautiful golden eyes were shadowed with pain.

She braced herself for him to lash out, ready to feel the brunt of his punishment. But to her surprise, he dipped his head and touched his lips with hers in a gentle caress.

Her pulse jumped as if lightning had struck.

Both their hearts began to beat faster.

Yelena could feel the suffering in the way he kissed her. And then horrible and vivid images of his memories came to her. They were full of agony and betrayal. She saw what appeared to be three separate coffins. My god! Apollyon’s own father had locked him and his sisters inside a restricted space in a state of unconsciousness. She couldn’t explain why, but she wanted to offer him compassion, and for some godforsaken reason, she felt something stirring inside her.

When he pulled back, his body responded to the remembered horror of being confined, his breath growing ragged, his skin breaking out in a cold sweat. His eyes searched her face as if waiting for her to protest. Instead, she leaned in and kissed him.

Apollyon’s eyebrows flew up.

With her lips pressed against his, he felt something hit his face. It was a tear. Yelena’s.
    
****

Detective Manuel Sanchez and his partner, Frank Perkins exited the Alibi an hour after the coroner had left, and though their car was parked in front, Manuel headed in the opposite direction. He needed air. Shit . . . he needed more than just fresh air. His gut was in knots, and the heat sucked the energy right out of him. As images of all the dead bodies flashed inside his head, Manuel pressed his fingers to his temples as a wave of nausea brought bile into his throat.

“Give me a few minutes,” Sanchez said to Perkins as he glanced over his shoulder.

Frank nodded and waved in his direction. “Take as long as you need, buddy. I’ll be waiting in the car.”

As Manuel walked along, muffled music thumped in the background, though his nephew’s club was cleared and soon to be closed down. When he got to the back of the building, he paused and looked down the alley that ran the length of the place. Not too far away was Zeke’s bar where it all started; he and his partner’s weird trip into another realm that wasn’t supposed to exist in real life, and where they found Sylvia’s body in the dumpster a few blocks away. Man, he’d never have guessed vampires actually existed. Much less have the power to do such savagery to all the bodies they’d left behind. And that’s when he decided to call Zeke Rizzo. Damn it! He was tired of getting the runaround. He wanted answers, and he wanted them now. 
        
He reached for his phone and dialed Zeke’s number.

Zeke was clearly using caller ID and avoiding his ass when his call went straight to voicemail.

Just as he was about to tuck his phone back inside his jacket, it went off.

Surprise, surprise. It was Zeke returning his call. 

“Mr. Rizzo,” he answered. “It’s time we talk.”

There was a moment of silence on the other end, followed by a long sigh. “When can you meet me?”

For a moment, Manuel was utterly speechless, caught off guard by Zeke’s question. “I’m standing outside the Alibi as we speak.”

“Meet me at my bar in ten,” Zeke said hesitantly. “And bring your partner. We’re going to need the both of you.”

“We’re?” Manuel queried. “Who else are we talking about?”

“I’ll explain everything when you get here,” Zeke said and ended the call.

“Mr. Rizzo . . .” Manuel’s voice trailed off. “Are you still there?”

When there was no answer, he cursed to himself. Shit!

Detective Sanchez hurried back around the building and shot across the parking lot, where his partner was waiting.

He sprung open the car door and plopped down in the passenger seat. “I just got a call from Zeke Rizzo,” he told Perkins, sounding out of breath. “We’re supposed to meet him and someone else at the Cat Club.”

“Did he say who?”

Sanchez shook his head. “No, but hopefully whoever it is, they’ll have answers to all the missing pieces we’ve been searching for.”

“What about the physician and the pretty blond?” Perkins queried. “We’re supposed to meet them at the station in an hour for questioning.”

“I’ll call the station,” Sanchez replied. “If we’re not back in time, Detective Monroe can take over.” 

Perkins fired up the engine. “Okay, let’s do this.” 
 
To be continued . . .  
 
 
 
 
 

Author Notes

NOTE: This is not part of the chapter. A reference for terms and cast of 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 among humans, 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 is 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 one 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 QUEEN'S 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 into human form 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 into human form 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. 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 ultimately 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 cannot 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 can 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 can 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 cannot 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 bright 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, twice 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. An Adalwolf is immune to silver. They can bond with any species. LUPA - The ancestors descended from the old legend of the lycanthrope, except the moon has no power over them and it cannot be passed on to others like a virus. It is passed on through genetics to the female offspring, known as a she-wolf. This type of creature shape-shifts into a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, and is considered dangerous... cursed. 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. Nathan Gage (a.k.a. Nate) - He is a Breedline and the owner of several upscale night clubs in the largest metropolitan areas of Northern California. Anna Saeni - She was born with the genetics of a Breedline from her father's side - who died when Anna was a baby - but she does not shift into a wolf. Her human mother, Eliza, raised Sebastian Crow as her own after his biological mother, Sybil and his step-father, William Montgomery, detested him due to Sybil's infidelity. William sent Sebastian's twin brother Thomas to be raised in England with Sybil's sister, and forced his maid Eliza to raise Sebastian. While Anna grew up, she helped her mother raise Sebastian, loving him as a brother. At age fourteen, William molested Anna. After her mother found out, she confronted William and Sybil, but so afraid to lose her family, and her wealthy status, Sybil killed Eliza in cold blood. William sent Anna to live in a women's convent, and forced Sebastian to live in a boarding school for troubled boys for all Breedline. The Fury - Three fraternal twins created by an evil German scientist named Dr. Hans Autenburg. Using his own DNA, he mixed it with three other species: A Breedline, an Adalwolf, and a powerful Wiccan. He placed three embryos inside the womb of a full-blooded succubus, named Sonya Hothburn. Taken against her will, Sonya was forced by the mad physician into surrogacy. After their birth, she was forbidden to see her children. All three were created to destroy the Breedline species and dominate the human world. The first born was called Apollyon, meaning 'destroyer' in Greek. It was also the name of the angel-prince of the infernal regions, the minister of death and author of havoc on earth. He has the strength of ten men, and the power to materialize, taking others with him, from one place to another. He can transform into a creature that resembles an Adalwolf, and a vampire-like hybrid. The second born was called Callisto, meaning 'most beautiful.' She has the power of a shield, protecting herself and others from harm. The last child was named Electra, meaning 'the shining one.' She has the power to conduct electricity from her body, using it as a weapon. Inheriting their species instinct and extraordinary power, their thirst to kill became uncontrollable. As they grew up, the Fury became more and more unstable and unruly. With an insatiable hunger for human flesh and unmanageable powers, they became a hindrance to the physician. He had no other choice but to drug and imprison them for all time, each one placed inside a sarcophagus in a state of deep slumber to be forgotten forever until they were set free by their mother. Zeke Rizzo - He is a Breedline, born with a curse of a sin-eater, and the owner of the Cat Club. When coming in physical contact with another person, he has the power to see inside their past, experiencing their worst memory. A simple handshake seems like nothing to an ordinary person, but to Zeke, it is unbearable. Without the ability to stop it, he is also the worst case of karma. If anyone angers him, an unfortunate accident can fall upon them. Yelena Smirnov - A full-blooded succubus from Russia. She is in charge of security at the Cat Club. She is bonded to Apollyon, who was taken by the battle angels along with his fraternal twin sisters, Callisto, and Electra.

Chapter 36
Savage/Part Three

By scongrove

Previously . . .

After Sebastian refuses to hand over his son to Lucifer, he becomes trapped in a state of unconsciousness and forced to face the forgotten trauma of his childhood. But before Lucifer unleashes his wraith, he rips into Sebastian’s throat as Eve watches helplessly.

Meanwhile, the guard calls for help and Sebastian is taken from the mental institute and transferred to a nearby hospital where Dr. Helen Carrington cares for his injuries.
 

As Lucifer continues to torture Sebastian, he remains in a coma while Eve is desperate to find a way to bring her beloved back.
 
****

 Now that Apollyon has fallen for Yelena after he kidnaps her, she begins to have feelings for him as well. But, his uncontrollable lust for human blood and savage behavior he was born with could be too much for her to bear.

Continued . . .   
  
As Eve stepped from the shower, shivering, she heard a knock coming from outside her room, followed by the sound of her sister’s voice.

“Eve? May I come in?” 
 
“Yes,” she called out. “Please, come on in. I’ll be out in just a minute.”

Eve hurriedly dried off and got dressed. She wasn’t even going to bother with her hair, so she quickly scrubbed a towel over the wet strands to keep it from dripping on her clothes. God, she was a mess. Asking Mia’s permission to take Arius and Tidus to see Sebastian at the hospital weighed heavily on her mind. Was she making a mistake? And would seeing their father in his condition affect them at their young age?   
 
After combing her hair, she took a deep breath and opened the door that led into the bedroom. As her eyes met Mia’s, a wave of uneasiness hit her like a ton of bricks.

Mia studied her for a moment, noticing the intense look on her sister’s face and the weariness in her eyes. 
 
“Eve, is something wrong?”

She sat down on the bed next to Mia and sighed. Life was like a struggle between shades of gray. Even though Eve tended to view the world in black and white, here and now she understood the pull between right and wrong. Between what she had to do and what was the best decision.

“I need to ask you something important,” Eve said with a nervous pitch to her voice. “And I need you to keep an open mind.”

She nodded and watched Eve battle the tears, but she blinked them back and swallowed. “I want to take the boys to see Sebastian.”

Mia’s eyes widened, and her lips parted in a gasp of surprise. “But . . . why?”  

“His sister Anna believes their presence could have a positive effect on him,” Eve explained. “And I think she’s right. It could bring him out of his coma.”

After a moment of silence, Mia seemed lost for words. She had to bite her tongue to keep from telling Eve just what a bastard she thought Sebastian was. For what he had done to her and her family, wasting away in a state of unconsciousness seemed to fit his crimes. Death would be too merciful. But for some reason, Eve believed that Sebastian’s dark heart had somehow miraculously changed. And it was important for Mia to support her twin sister even if she disagreed with her decision.

Eve braced herself for Mia’s rejection, but instead, she eased forward and placed her hand over hers. “I trust you, Eve,” she said earnestly. “If you think it’s the right thing to do, you have my blessing.”  
     
Some of the tension fled Eve’s expression. She leaned in and wrapped her arms around her sister in a tight hug. “Thank you, Mia.”  

Mia squeezed her back. “You’re welcome, Eve. Just promise me one thing,” she said as she pulled back. “Don’t let your past discourage you from being the person you want to be. What I see now is a strong, resilient woman who strives to see the best in people despite being shown the worst. I have faith in you, sister.”

Eve closed her eyes against the tears as Mia’s impassioned words hit the very soul of her. She’d always tried to imagine what it would be like to hear those words, to know she was loved by a family. Tears spilled down her cheeks as Eve opened her lids. “I love you, Mia.” Her voice was shaky with emotion. “I do. You make me believe in myself.”

Mia tugged her back into her arms and hugged her so tight that she could barely breathe. “I love you too, Eve.”    

“I have some good news,” Mia said as she pulled from Eve’s embrace. “It’s the reason I came to see you. The Breedline council has granted you a pardon. They have only one condition. You must reside in this Covenant.”

When she finished, Eve stared at her. Her heart was beating so hard, that she could feel her blood pulsing, and hear the roaring in her ears. She wanted to cry. She wanted to laugh. Wanted to close her eyes and savor this moment forever. This was the most wonderful feeling in the world. She was free. Finally free. Free to live her life the way she wanted and watch her boys grow up.

Eve smiled, and her crimson eyes gleamed with gratitude. “I don’t know what to say.” Her bottom lip quivered. “I’m so happy.” She reached for Mia’s hand and lightly squeezed. “Thank you, sister.”

“I want us to be a family,” Mia said softly. “You’ll always have me. Always.”

“I don’t know how to live a normal life,” Eve admitted. “I’m afraid.” Then she frowned. “What if I screw up?”

“I’ll help you. We’ll take one day at a time. Trust me, Eve.”

“One day at a time,” Eve whispered. “I think I can safely make that promise.”

“I have some more good news.” Mia smiled as she spoke, and then a giddy rush came over her. “Yesterday, I took a pregnancy test.” She let out a deep breath. “I’m pregnant, Eve.”

Eve stared at her in stunned disbelief and then her face split into a wide grin. She wanted to do something ridiculous like squeal and jump up and down.

“Oh my god, Mia,” Eve said, expelling her breath in a long sigh. She grabbed Mia’s hands, and they both leaped off the bed and jumped up and down like two little girls excited on Christmas morning. “Congratulations. I’m so happy for you.”

“Thank you,” Mia said. She dissolved into laughter and Eve joined her.

They were interrupted by the sound of Mia’s phone going off. She reached into her purse and saw that it was Jem calling.

“Oh crap, it’s Jem!”

Before she answered, Mia clamped her lips shut and made a show of zipping them and then winked at Eve. She smiled and winked back in silent agreement. It was apparent that Mia hadn’t said anything to Jem about her pregnancy.

“Thank you,” Mia whispered.  

“You’re welcome,” Eve mouthed silently as Mia took Jem’s call.

****

Yelena slowly lifted her lips from Apollyon’s and looked up at him. His eyes glowed in brilliant amber. “Y-your eyes are glowing.”

He turned his head and looked away to avoid her gaze.

She reached out with both hands, cupped his face, and studied him with such painful intensity that he forgot to breathe. “I think they’re beautiful.” And then, using one finger, she traced over the scar on his left brow. 

The contact hit Apollyon like an electrical shock. His dark heart skipped a beat, and a lump rose in his throat. He couldn’t remember the last time a woman had touched his face so tenderly. And his mother didn’t count.

He blinked and cursed low in his throat. “Damn it, woman . . . you’re killing me.”
 
Yelena’s heart began to pound at the sound of his thick, silky voice. “So . . . what are you? I mean, I can sense your succubus side, but . . .” She let the sentence drift.

He arched a brow. “You don’t have any idea what to make of me, do you?”

Her forehead creased with concern, worried that she’d insulted him.

“It’s okay, Yelena,” he said, reaching out and giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

“You’re right about the succubus side. I inherited that from my mother. But . . .” he hesitated and then said, “my biological father genetically engineered my sisters and me for his own personal science project. He kidnapped my mother and forced her to be the surrogate mother of his children. He created us using his DNA, and the genetics of a powerful Wicca, a Breedline, and an Adalwolf. The man wanted a creature with enough power—stronger than any other species—to destroy the Breedline.”

He dropped his head, and for the first time, he desperately wished he was someone else. As Apollyon lifted his chin, he looked at Yelena with weary eyes. “I don’t want you to think that I’m a freak, but I won’t blame you if you do.”

Yelena’s expression softened. “I don’t know what to say,” she said earnestly. “I’m so sorry, Apollyon. I’m sorry for what you had to go through. I’ve seen the pain you and your sisters suffered.” She shook her head. “And I don’t think you’re a freak. I think you’re . . .” She tried to choose the right words. “You’re just fine the way you are. I wouldn’t change anything about you, and I’m not frightened of you, either. The only thing I wish were different . . . is that you could find a way to control your lust for human blood.”

There was a long stretch of silence. “No one has ever said that to me before.” He smiled a little. “Thank you.” 

At that moment, staring up at her, he focused on her mouth and had a quick urge to lick her lips. Man, it was hot in the room all of a sudden, he thought.

“I want to make love to you, Yelena. Right here, right now. Since the first time I saw you, I have never wanted anything as much as I want you.”

Every time he said her name, she felt like he was reeling her in, dragging her through emotions she didn’t understand. Yelena shook her head. 

“I don’t understand all this, but I want you too.” God, had that come out of her mouth?

She opened her mouth to speak again. Shut it. Opened it back and said, “I—”

Swooping in, he stopped whatever it was she was going to say with his mouth. At first, as the contact was made, Yelena’s lips were stiff against his, but that didn’t last. Soon enough, she was moving against him, yearning, taking. 

His kiss was explosive and intense, his velvety warm mouth sending Yelena up in flames. He slipped his tongue inside, tempting and teasing hers.

Why is this happening? Yelena thought as Apollyon wrapped his strong arms around her waist and drew her into his body, pressing his chiseled chest to her breasts. Her body weakened and turned to mush. She barely managed to reach her hand up to undo his hair so she could burrow her fingers through his long silken strands.  

When Apollyon finally ended the kiss, he pressed his forehead to hers, his breathing harsh. He closed his lids for a second as if he was digging deep for self-control. And then he blinked, suddenly feeling dizzy. He seemed to be having a hard time focusing. “Yelena?”

“Yes.”

His brows drew down in a deep V. “I’m not feeling . . .” He swayed and she could feel him trembling. The hand that held her shook violently.

She pulled back. “Apollyon, are you all right?”

He mumbled something foreign, his face stricken, and collapsed to the floor.

Yelena hurriedly sank to her knees and gave him a little shake. “Apollyon!”

He stared at her with unfocused eyes. “I need . . . to feed,” he said in a hoarse and scratchy voice.

“It’s okay,” she murmured, combing his long hair back from his face.

Apollyon shook his head as Yelena placed her wrist over his lips.

“Human”—his eyes closed—“blood . . .”

As Yelena watched in horror, Apollyon sighed. Then his chest rose no more. 

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Yelena jumped at the loud pounding on the bedroom door.    
        
“Apollyon,” a female called out in a deep, hostile voice.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

“Apollyon!” 
 
Before she could open her mouth to answer, the door sprung open.

Yelena went still. Her eyes locked on the tall, muscular woman that stood in the doorway.

“He . . . ah . . . He just passed out,” Yelena stammered.

Electra threw herself onto the floor beside her brother and said something in a foreign language Yelena didn’t understand.

Apollyon wasn’t moving and was far too still.  

“He said he needs—”

“Quiet!” Electra snapped at Yelena. She gripped Apollyon’s shoulders and shook him until his hair tangled. “Apollyon! Apollyon! Can you hear me?”

No response. He wasn’t moving.

Electra placed her fingers against his throat above his carotid artery and patiently waited.  “Damn it!” Her breath hitched. “I can’t feel a pulse!”

Sonya burst into the room. When she saw her son on the floor with her daughter Electra and Yelena surrounding him, she rushed over.

“He’s not breathing,” Yelena told her.

Sonya’s gaze found Yelena’s for just a moment, her face so white that she looked like she was in shock. And then Sonya snapped to awareness and turned to Electra.

“He needs blood,” Sonya said in a stricken voice. “I’ll find your sister. She’ll help him.”  

As Sonya went for help, Apollyon’s skin turned paler and silent prayers fell from Yelena’s lips. Her vision wavered as tears filled her eyes and spilled down her cheeks. Before, the thought of him dying didn’t matter to her, but now. . .

“Breathe, brother!” Electra said frantically. And then she put her ear to Apollyon’s mouth.

“Is he—?”

Electra shot Yelena a look. “Shhh.  I think I can hear his breath.”

Yelena’s eyes widened. “Oh, thank God!”

Electra got to her feet. “It’s weak as hell, but it’s there.”

More tears rolled down Yelena’s face.

“Why do you shed tears for my brother?” Electra frowned. “I know he’s keeping you here against your will.”

She eyed Electra with anger. “You don’t know a thing about me.”

Before she could rise to her feet, Electra caught her by the wrist. “Don’t even think about running.”

Yelena met her gaze and pursed her lips. “I wasn’t going to.”

“Stay here with him,” Electra ordered. Her tone offered no compromise. “I’ll be right back.”

Yelena nodded and was left alone with the monster she now loved. She’d fallen in love with a killing machine, one who was slowly becoming warmhearted. She reached out and rested her hand on Apollyon’s chest. It rose slightly and fell more often. Not as often as a human’s, but more than it had before. Then a faint moan came out of him.  

“Apollyon,” she whispered, her heart aching for him. “Come back to me.”

To be continued . . .


 
 
 
 
 
 

Author Notes

NOTE: This is not part of the chapter. A reference for terms and cast of 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 among humans, 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 is 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 one 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 QUEEN'S 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 into human form 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 into human form 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. 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 ultimately 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 cannot 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 can 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 can 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 cannot 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 bright 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, twice 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. An Adalwolf is immune to silver. They can bond with any species. LUPA - The ancestors descended from the old legend of the lycanthrope, except the moon has no power over them and it cannot be passed on to others like a virus. It is passed on through genetics to the female offspring, known as a she-wolf. This type of creature shape-shifts into a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, and is considered dangerous... cursed. 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 being 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 among 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. Arius and Tidus - Sebastian and Eve's twin boys. Both have inherited their parent's genetics of a half-breed. Arius carries the mark of the Chiang-Shih demon with the power to create a portal and the ability to heal others. 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. He's an IT engineer and the drummer 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. Yelena Smirnov - A full-blooded succubus from Russia. She is in charge of security at the Cat Club. She is bonded to Apollyon, who was taken by the battle angels along with his fraternal twin sisters, Callisto, and Electra. The Fury - Three fraternal twins created by an evil German scientist named Dr. Hans Autenburg. Using his own DNA, he mixed it with three other species: A Breedline, an Adalwolf, and a powerful Wiccan. He placed three embryos inside the womb of a full-blooded succubus, named Sonya Hothburn. Taken against her will, Sonya was forced by the mad physician into surrogacy. After their birth, she was forbidden to see her children. All three were created to destroy the Breedline species and dominate the human world. The first born was called Apollyon, meaning 'destroyer' in Greek. It was also the name of the angel-prince of the infernal regions, the minister of death and author of havoc on earth. He has the strength of ten men, and the power to dematerialize, taking others with him, from one place to another. He can transform into a creature that resembles an Adalwolf, and a vampire-like hybrid. The second born was called Callisto, meaning 'most beautiful.' She has the power of a shield, protecting herself and others from harm. The last child was named Electra, meaning 'the shining one.' She has the power to conduct electricity from her body, using it as a weapon. Inheriting their species instinct and extraordinary power, their thirst to kill became uncontrollable. As they grew up, the Fury became more and more unstable and unruly. With an insatiable hunger for human flesh and unmanageable powers, they became a hindrance to the physician. He had no other choice but to drug and imprison them for all time, each one placed inside a sarcophagus in a state of deep slumber to be forgotten forever until they were set free by their mother.

Chapter 37
Seeking Justice

By scongrove

Previously . . .

When widespread reports of gruesome attacks on homeless victims, and local residents sweep across Berkeley California and the San Francisco Bay area, two local human detectives are desperate to catch whoever is responsible for the disturbing and heinous crimes.

When they question Zeke Rizzo—who is a Breedline, born with the curse of a sin-eater, and owner of the Cat Club—about a woman they’d found brutally murdered near his bar, one of Zeke’s bouncers recognizes the victim after Detective Perkins shares her photo from social media. He also confirms the victim left the bar around midnight with a guy that oddly resembled the famous actor, Jason Momoa. 

Before the detectives leave, Zeke gives them a copy of the bar’s video surveillance, hoping it would help with their investigation.

As the detectives exit the club, Zeke found himself confronted by a beautiful woman he’d saw earlier hanging out in the VIP section with an older gentleman. After introducing herself as Callisto and that she was every man’s dream, she asked him to spend the night with her. Zeke refused her proposition, but she was not the type to take no for an answer, and grabbed his arm. At the same time he realized she was not human and craved human blood, he got a glimpse into her past, using his sin-eater skills. What he saw nearly brought him to his knees. She’d been trapped alive for years in some kind of sarcophagus. At the same time Zeke questioned her about his vision, Callisto’s brother, Apollyon, interrupted their conversation and warned Zeke to keep his sister’s past to himself.

When the detectives find another body with the same MO, they contact Zeke before they head back to his bar for more questions. As they arrive, Zeke found himself caught off guard by Apollyon, who was furious after he found out Zeke spoke to the detectives and cut his throat just as his head of security, Yelena, and the detectives walked in, witnessing everything. Before Apollyon used his powers and disappeared, he took Yelena with him.
 
While the detectives question Zeke after he mysteriously heals, he refuses to answer their questions and leaves them clueless to what they’d just encountered.

As they report to another crime scene, they discover another suspect after reviewing the surveillance video. Their next step was to visit the owner of several popular bars in the area who happened to be Detectives Manuel Sanchez’s nephew, Nathan Gage, hoping he could help identify the suspects. When they arrive at the bar, and explain to the owner what they have discovered, asking him if he’d take a look at the video they retrieved from the crime scene, Nathan becomes worried. He knew something his Uncle Sanchez wasn’t aware of. Not only was Nathan a Breedline, he knew his uncle was born with the same genetics but it was kept a secret. Now, he was faced with a difficult decision. In order to keep his uncle safe, he would have to go against the Breedline law and tell him everything. 
             
Meanwhile, Anna is looking forward to a fun night out after Helen invited her to a bachelorette party at a popular club which happens to be the same bar the detectives are at. As she waits for Helen to find a table, Anna takes a seat at the crowded bar next to a gorgeous man named Apollyon. When they carry on a conversation, she becomes mysteriously drawn to him. When he asks her to skip the party and leave with him, they are approached by two strange men.

When they push themselves on Anna, she tells them she’s not interested. But they are not the type to take no for an answer, and become threatening to her. As they forcefully grab her arm, Apollyon’s anger boils out of control. In a heated fury, he punches the guy, nearly knocking his head completely off his body. Witnessing the horrific incident, the crowded bar erupts into chaos, and Apollyon vanishes into thin air. 
           
As Detective Sanchez and his partner take over the crime scene, they discover two witnesses by the victim, Dr. Helen Carrington and her friend Anna. While the detectives wait for backup, they ask Helen and Anna to stop by the police station to give a statement.  

Before the detectives leave the bar, Detective Manuel Sanchez surprisingly gets a call from Zeke Rizzo asking Manuel and his partner to meet him at his bar. With the permission of the Breedline council, they agree to bring both detectives to the Covenant to explain everything they know about the supernatural trio they are looking for, including everything about the Breedline.  
       
Continued . . .

Tim crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. The others stood back in the library, waiting for him to speak.

Downstairs in the basement, Valkin Steele and his men were in lockdown and heavily guarded. Corbin Azzo and Fredrick Mercier—both Breedline traitors—were placed in separate confinement waiting to face the council for their betrayal.

“I know our laws forbid us to reveal our species to humans, but as you already know,” Tim paused and looked between Jace and Jem, acknowledging the fact that their adoptive human parents were aware of the Breedline species, “sometimes, we are left with no choice in certain cases.” He cleared his throat. “And this is one of them.”

He looked at Tessa as she stepped forward to take over.

“As your queen, I am prepared to disclose our species to the detectives that will be arriving with Zeke Rizzo. They should be here any minute. It has come to our attention that Detective Manuel Sanchez was born half Breedline, but has no knowledge of his lineage. Although Detective Frank Perkins is a human, both of them have witnessed more than any person in their right mind could possibly process.” Her tone was edged with sympathy. “After discussing this with our council and taking in account all the risks involved, we have come to an agreement that’s in our best interest. We have decided to develop a partnership with them. Does anyone here disagree with our decision?” And then she added, “Remember, your voice matters.”

Tessa searched the room in anticipation for someone to speak out in protest. When everyone remained silent, she nodded and said, “So be it. The decision has been made.”

Voices coming from downstairs caught their attention.

They left the library and went downstairs in a group. As they stepped into the foyer, Bruce Carmichael stood in front of Zeke Rizzo, and Detective Manuel Sanchez and his partner, Detective Frank Perkins. Tim could feel their astonishment by the looks on their faces.

For a moment, Detective Sanchez was utterly immobilized, caught between wanting to scream and slap himself awake. After Zeke had explained to him and his partner about the Breedline species and that his father—who’d abandoned him at birth—had passed on the same bloodline, Manuel thought the whole situation was just a damn nightmare. But at least they finally had answers to all bizarre things that had been happening in the city, especially the vampire-like creatures they were after.  
  
He jumped as the door behind him abruptly opened and closed. When Manuel looked back, he was convinced that he was hallucinating. There were nine of the meanest, biggest bastards he’d ever seen.

Their stares made Manuel feel like a bug under glass or a slab of meat about to be carved up.

A big hand landed on his shoulder the size of a catcher’s mitt and leaned in. “Welcome to our abode, Detectives. My name is Drakon Hexus.”

Manuel and Frank looked up. The guy stood at least six-feet-seven with a black Mohawk and had some kind of marking—was that a tattoo on his neck?

Both detectives took a few steps back.

Frank dragged in some air. “T-thanks,” he stuttered his words.

Manuel nodded in complete silence.

Drakon formally introduced Lieutenant Colonel Deshazo and his Special Ops team, and Roman and his crew. 

Then, stunning, electric purple eyes caught Manuel’s attention. They had to be colored contacts, he thought. No one really had that color of eyes.

Major Wyckoff extended his hand out to Manuel. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Detective,” he said in a deep baritone. 

Manuel slightly hesitated before he took his hand. “Nice to meet you too,” he said to the guy with purple eyes. “I’m Detective Manuel Sanchez, and this is my partner, Detective Frank Perkins.” 

After Wyckoff shook hands with Detective Sanchez, he offered his giant palm to Detective Perkins.

The others clustered around and took turns greeting them.   

Manuel’s mouth flapped open as Helen and Anna came forward. Frank appeared just as surprised as his partner.

When Anna caught Zeke’s attention, he found it hard to take his eyes off her. He felt an odd, but familiar feeling stirring in his chest. He closed his eyes and inhaled her scent, so clean and fresh, with a slight hint of citrus. Opening his lids, he glanced over her body and realized he would kill any member of his sex who tried to touch her, be with her, or love her. His feelings for Yelena had betrayed him. But . . . why? And then one powerful word echoed in Zeke’s head. Beloved.

Anna shifted her focus on Zeke and stared into his electric blue eyes. Suddenly, she felt breathless in his presence and found that she couldn’t think, much less speak. Feeling the raw, somewhat alluring power of his body, she tried to catch her breath as the unfamiliar emotions constricted her chest.   

As Helen stepped forward to greet the detectives, her movement brought Anna back to reality.

“It’s good to see you again, Detective Sanchez,” Helen said with her hand extended. “Of course, considering the first time, the circumstances are much better.”

He shook her hand. “Yes, I agree, Dr. Carrington.”

“Please, call me Helen.”

“I-I don’t believe it,” Frank said, sounding tongue-tied. “Y-you’re one of them?”

Helen lightly chuckled. “Don’t look so shocked, Detective Perkins. Our kind is everywhere.”

Frank blew out his breath. “Unbelievable.”  

“I guess there’s no need for you and Ms. Saeni to stop by the station for further questioning,” Manuel said, crossing his arms. “It looks like we’re about to get more than what we bargained for.”
     
Tim cleared his throat. “Detectives, I’d like to introduce our queen, Tessa Chamberlain.”

Manuel watched as a petite woman stepped forward. Her face was delicate, and her eyes were the rarest color he’d ever seen. They had the intensity of the finest green gemstones.

Tessa extended her hand to Frank. “Hello, gentlemen,” she said softly. “Thank you for accepting our invitation. I’m sure you have a lot of questions.” 
    
He didn’t move; he barely breathed. All Frank did was stare at her. This was unreal, he thought. And then his partner nudged his arm, bringing him back to focus.

Frank flinched. He let out a long breath as if all the oxygen in his body were being expelled and reached out with a trembling hand. He noticed that she wore a ruby ring on her left hand. “It’s my pleasure, Mrs. Chamberlain.”

“Please,” Tessa said, smiling at Frank. “Call me Tessa.”

As Tessa came forward with her hand outstretched to Manuel, he felt like he should bow. Instead, he offered her a lopsided grin and shook her hand. There was an awkward silence. Manuel looked away from Tessa to the two men standing next to her. They looked identical. Both had long blond hair and pale blue eyes.

One of them extended his hand. “I’m Jace,” he said in a raspy voice, “Tessa’s husband.”

Manuel looked back and forth between the two men, appearing confused like he’d just stepped into the Twilight Zone.

“Hello, Jace,” Manuel finally said, reaching for his hand. 

Jace put his hand on Jem’s shoulder and said, “This is my twin brother, Jem.”

“Gentlemen,” Jem said. He shook Manuel’s hand, and then extended it to Frank. “It’s nice to meet you both.”

Frank looked at Tessa and shrugged. “Is it true? Can you really shift into a . . . wolf?”

Tessa nodded and started talking, telling Frank and Manuel things they couldn’t believe.

When she fell silent, the detectives could only stare at her. Manuel’s instincts were telling him that she wasn’t lying. But it was all just too hard to accept.

Manuel shook his head, wishing he had a drink. “It’s so hard for me to comprehend all this.”

“I’m sure it is,” Tessa said. “Trust me, I know how you feel.” 
      
“Can you bite someone and turn them into a wolf?” Frank queried.

“It doesn’t work that way,” Jace chimed in. “You’re either born our kind, or you’re not.”

“You must be born an identical twin to be able to shift,” Jem told them. He turned to Tessa and winked. “For most of us, anyway,” he added.

Since Tessa and Steven were fraternal twins, the unexplainable reason why she could shift was still a mystery to them all. 

Manuel’s shoulders sagged. “So you’re telling me I’m not going to . . . turn?”

Tessa shook her head, and Manuel looked disappointed.

“What about the murders in the city?” Frank asked. “I mean . . . the ones responsible. What are they?” 

“They’re a combination of supernatural beings,” Tim said. “They were genetically engineered in Dr. Hans Autenburg’s lab years ago. Valkin Steele was funding the physician’s research.”

“The only thing I’m interested in,” Manuel spoke harshly, “is how we can destroy them.”  
     
Tessa sighed. “So far, we haven’t been able to solve that mystery. But we do know that we’re dealing with three creatures. Years ago, Dr. Autenburg placed three separate eggs from mixed species inside a succubus using his own DNA. They were born fraternal triplets, one male and two females and very powerful.”

“What type of species are you talking about?” Manuel asked, the cop in him coming out.

“Yeah,” Frank said. “And what’s a succubus?”

“A Breedline, an Adalwolf, a Wicca, and of course they inherited the succubus side from their mother. A succubus is like,” Tessa briefly hesitated, “a vampire, except they’re alive. They need blood from a Breedline to survive. Tim and Jem’s bonded mates are half-succubus.”

Frank’s eyes widened. Good god, he thought.

“It’s okay, Frank,” Tessa giggled. “They’re part of our family.”

He nodded and looked relieved.

“What about the other species?” Manuel questioned further. “I know what a Wicca is, but I’ve never heard of an Adalwolf.”

Tessa smiled. “An Adalwolf is a species that has the power to shift from their human form into a creature twice the size, resembling half man and half wolf. They are born with super-strength and can move from one place to another with supernatural speed. With the ability to regenerate their own cells, an Adalwolf will stop aging at thirty. My fraternal twin brother Steven is part Breedline and Adalwolf.” She turned toward Roman and said, “Mr. Roman Kincaid is also an Adalwolf.”

Manuel and Frank immediately turned to Roman, who said, “Don’t worry guys. I’m loyal to the Covenant.”

“As I was saying,” Tessa continued. “The male who Dr. Autenburg created is called Apollyon. He has the power of teleportation and the strength of ten men. The female named Electra has the power of conduction. She can transfer electrical currents from the inside of her body and use it as a weapon. The other female is called Callisto. She was born a shield with the ability to create an invisible barrier around her and other objects for protection. And According to Mr. Steele, the creatures are called the Fury.”  
 
Manuel’s brows furrowed. “Geez,” he said releasing a deep breath. Frickin’ vampires, he thought. “Why haven’t we heard from them before? If they need human blood to survive, where in the hell have they been all this time?”

“For years, they’ve been locked up in some kind of comatose,” Tessa explained. “Apparently Dr. Autenburg couldn’t control their behavior as they grew stronger. Their unruly defiance and unstoppable lust for human blood had to end, so the physician was left with no other choice.”  
  
“That explains a lot,” Frank said as he looked to Manuel. “Now we know why our guy looks like the prince of darkness. At least we know we’re not losing our minds.”

“I’m not so sure about that,” Manuel grumbled. “Before this is over, I may lose my sanity yet.”

Jace wrapped his arm around Tessa and shook his head. “I won’t lie to you, Detective. Living in our world will make you a little crazy at times.”

“How the hell did Dr. Autenburg’s creatures manage to get free?” Zeke chimed into the conversation for the first time.

Tessa shrugged. “That’s the million-dollar question.”

“We do have one thing to go on,” Tim interjected. “One crucial piece of information that Steele shared on these particular creatures was a symbol. He said it has something to do with them awakening from their deep state of unconsciousness. And the symbol represents immortality.”  
   
“Wait a minute,” Zeke blurted. “This symbol you’re talking about, is it in the shape of a trefoil knot?”

“Yes.” Tessa nodded. “Why do you ask?”

“Because I’ve seen it before,” Zeke said. “I saw a ring on Apollyon’s finger with that particular symbol on it, and his sister Callisto had a pendant around her neck of the same thing.”

“That could be the answer,” Jem pointed out. “Maybe it’s got something to do with how they woke from their slumber.”

“There’s one way to find out,” Drakon said abruptly. 

“How in the hell are we supposed to do that?” Jace snorted. “We can’t just walk up to the guy and pluck it off his finger.”

“No, but I may know a way to remove Callisto’s necklace from her throat,” Zeke declared.

Jace arched a brow. “How?”  

“A few weeks ago, she cornered me at my bar and tried to get me to take her home,” Zeke told them, rubbing his face with his hand.

Jace smirked and batted his brows.

“I’m sure it wouldn’t be difficult for me to get her alone,” Zeke continued. “But I don’t know how I’m going to lure her back to the bar. I made it clear to her and her brother not to come back. I feel like I’m the cause of Yelena’s abduction.” He put his hands on his hips and stared at the floor as if disgusted with himself.

“Stop beating yourself up, Zeke,” Manuel said. “It’s not your fault.”

Frank stepped forward and offered him a sympathetic smile. “I swear, Mr. Rizzo, we’ll do everything we can to help get her back.”

“We could put on a show at one of Nate’s clubs,” Jem suggested, changing the subject. “It would bring in a lot of people.”

Zeke’s head snapped back up.

Jace grinned. “Yeah, it would be like ringing a dinner bell to an all-you-can-eat buffet.”

Tessa shot him a look that said without words that she disapproved of his statement.

Jace shrugged his shoulders and silently mouthed, Sorry.  

“That’s not a bad idea,” Tim said, with his eyes focused on Jem. “Nate’s big on advertising his entertainment. This could be our only way to draw the Fury’s attention. Since you’re going to be the main attraction, I’ll leave it up to you two to set this up with Nate.”

Jem nodded, and Jace said, “We’re on it.” 

“I want everyone to be ready,” Tim said. “This is going to end in battle. And it will be bloody.”

“I’m good with that,” Detective Perkins said evenly like they were talking about nothing more than showing up for a concert.

“Are you sure?” Tim asked. “No offense, but since you’re human, are you prepared to fight against supernatural beings?”

“Yes.” There was a long exhale. “My job is to protect the innocent. I’m going.”

The response was immediate from the others.

“I’m in,” said Casey.

“Sign me up,” Kyle chimed in.

Drakon arched a brow. “I’m ready.”

Respect rolled through Manuel’s chest as he and everyone else nodded in agreement. And then he looked between Jace and Jem. “So you two play at my nephew’s club?”

“Yeah,” Jace said. “Nate’s a good friend of ours.”

“Is he a—”

“Breedline?” Jace finished Manuel’s sentence before he could get the word out. “Yes. He’s the one that called us. Nate wanted to tell you, but he figured hearing it from Tessa sounded less insane. Plus, he was worried about you since you and Detective Perkins were investigating all those murders.”

“He did the right thing, Manuel,” Tessa said.

Manuel nodded. “Yeah, he did. I’ll have to thank him later.” He let out a deep breath. “Tell me, what’s the name of your band?”
  
“Chaos,” Jace told him.

“I recall Nate mentioning that name,” Manuel said. “He told us you guys draw in the biggest crowds.”

Jace stepped forward and clapped Manuel on the back. “The man doesn’t lie. We definitely kick some ass. I think you’ll become a fan.”

Manuel smirked and rolled his eyes. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m more of a Frank Sinatra type of guy.  

Jace chuckled. “Hey, there’s nothing wrong with that. Gotta love ‘Ol’ Blue Eyes.’” 

To be continued . . .
 
 
 
 

Author Notes

NOTE: This is not part of the chapter. A reference for terms and cast of 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 among humans, 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 is 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 one 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 QUEEN'S 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 into human form 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 into human form 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. 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 ultimately 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 cannot 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 can 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 can 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 cannot 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 bright 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, twice 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. An Adalwolf is immune to silver. They can bond with any species. LUPA - The ancestors descended from the old legend of the lycanthrope, except the moon has no power over them and it cannot be passed on to others like a virus. It is passed on through genetics to the female offspring, known as a she-wolf. This type of creature shape-shifts into a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, and is considered dangerous... cursed. Steven Pasquale (a.k.a. Steven Craven) - 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 two German physicians, Dr. Hans Autenburg and Dr. Hubert Crane. Without the knowledge of his real family, Steven finally manages to escape his captors, locating his biological parents and his fraternal twin, Tessa Fairchild. Abbey (a.k.a. Abigail Winthrop) - She inherited the genetics of a Lupa from her mother, who died giving birth. Captured by Dr. Hans Autenburg - a German physician - she spent most of her life forced to endure experiments until she finally managed to escape. With no place to go, Abbey is determined to finally reunite with her beloved Steven after they were separated years ago. Valkin Steele - He is a wealthy business man who deals with drugs, weapons trade, and underage sex trafficking. He also funded a group of unethical scientists that kidnapped people with special gifts and rarities for research. He is searching for an Adalwolf with the ability to heal his beloved Natasha who is dying of cancer. Cole Decker - He is known as the best tracker money could buy, hired by Valkin Steele to kidnap Steven Craven for his healing powers. He is also wanted by the FBI for his crimes as a well-known sex offender and sex trafficking young girls from all over the world. 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. Jace Chamberlain (a.k.a. the Beast) - He is a Breedline species and 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. 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 became the new Breedline queen. She is an inspiring artist. 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. 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. 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 was born a Theriomorph. He is a clothing model and plays backup bass and keyboards in the band Chaos. Roman Kincaid - He is an Adalwolf trained in military tactics, hired as a special breed of warriors from Brazil. Hired as a bodyguard for Valkin Steele- a billionaire funding a group of unethical scientists research - he later learns of Steele's underground sex-trafficking and illegal drug and weapons trade, and informs the Breedline Covenant. He also forms a team of Breedline soldiers who work for a private Special Ops group contracted by the military for missions that no one else can or will do to help put an end to Valkin Steele's corrupt organization. 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. Nathan Gage (a.k.a. Nate) - He is a Breedline and the owner of several upscale night clubs in the largest metropolitan areas of Northern California. Anna Saeni - She was born with the genetics of a Breedline from her father's side - who died when Anna was a baby -but she does not shift into a wolf. Her human mother, Eliza, raised Sebastian Crow as her own after his biological mother, Sybil and his step-father, William Montgomery, detested him due to Sybil's infidelity. William sent Sebastian's twin brother Thomas to be raised in England with Sybil's sister, and forced his maid Eliza to raise Sebastian. While Anna grew up, she helped her mother raise Sebastian, loving him as a brother. At age fourteen, William molested Anna. After her mother found out, she confronted William and Sybil, but so afraid to lose her family, and her wealthy status, Sybil killed Eliza in cold blood. William sent Anna to live in a women's convent, and forced Sebastian to live in a boarding school for troubled boys for all Breedline. Zeke Rizzo - He is a Breedline, born with a curse of a sin-eater, and the owner of the Cat Club. When coming in physical contact with another person, he has the power to see inside their past, experiencing their worst memory. A simple handshake seems like nothing to an ordinary person, but to Zeke, it is unbearable. Without the ability to stop it, he is also the worst case of karma. If anyone angers him, an unfortunate accident would fall upon them. Yelena Smirnov - A full-blooded succubus from Russia. She is in charge of security at the Cat Club. She is bonded to Apollyon, who was taken by the battle angels along with his fraternal twin sisters, Callisto, and Electra. Breedline Special Ops Team - Colonel Brian Deshazo (a.k.a. Colonel D), Major Paul Wyckoff, (a.k.a. Dark Wraith), Major Joshua Lawson (a.k.a. Kid), Master Sergeant Stephen Virgin (a.k.a. Gunny). They are hired by the Breedline Covenant to help put a stop to Valkin Steele and his corrupt organization. The Fury - Three fraternal twins created by an evil German scientist named Dr. Hans Autenburg. Using his own DNA, he mixed it with three other species: A Breedline, an Adalwolf, and a powerful Wiccan. He placed three embryos inside the womb of a full-blooded succubus, named Sonya Hothburn. Taken against her will, Sonya was forced by the mad physician into surrogacy. After their birth, she was forbidden to see her children. All three were created to destroy the Breedline species and dominate the human world. The first born was called Apollyon, meaning 'destroyer' in Greek. It was also the name of the angel-prince of the infernal regions, the minister of death and author of havoc on earth. He has the strength of ten men, and the power to materialize, taking others with him, from one place to another. He can transform into a creature that resembles an Adalwolf, and a vampire-like hybrid. The second born was called Callisto, meaning 'most beautiful.' She has the power of a shield, protecting herself and others from harm. The last child was named Electra, meaning 'the shining one.' She has the power to conduct electricity from her body, using it as a weapon. Inheriting their species instinct and extraordinary power, their thirst to kill became uncontrollable. As they grew up, the Fury became more and more unstable and unruly. With an insatiable hunger for human flesh and unmanageable powers, they became a hindrance to the physician. He had no other choice but to drug and imprison them for all time, each one placed inside a sarcophagus in a state of deep slumber to be forgotten forever until they were set free by their mother.

Chapter 38
New Life

By scongrove

Previously . . .
Now that Apollyon has fallen for Yelena after he kidnaps her, she begins to have feelings for him as well. But, his uncontrollable lust for human blood and savage behavior he was born with could be too much for her to bear.

When Apollyon visited the room he kept Yelena prisoner, their emotions took over. Before their passion went too far, Apollyon suddenly felt weak and fell to the floor unconscious. Distraught, Yelena panicked when she discovered Apollyon wasn’t breathing.

After Apollyon’s sister Electra heard Yelena’s cries for help, she was shocked to find her brother clinging to life. While Electra went for help, Yelena stayed by Apollyon’s side, praying he’d open his eyes.

****

Meanwhile, after Mia told her twin sister Eve the news about her pregnancy, she was nervous about telling Jem. Would he be happy about the news, and was he ready to become a father?

Continued . . .     

As Yelena waited for Electra to return, she was getting desperate. She couldn’t get Apollyon to come around, and his skin was getting colder by the minute.

She put her hand to his cheek. “Apollyon! Apollyon! Can you hear me?”

Apollyon bit back a groan. He tried to open his eyes and found his lids too heavy to lift. His lips twitched as if he was trying to speak. She put her ear down to his mouth. The air was coming out alarmingly weak, but she couldn’t make out what he was trying to say.

“Damn it, Apollyon!” she cursed in a subtle accent. “I can’t understand vhat you’re saying.”

On instinct, Yelena bared her wrist and brought it to her lips. As she sank her fangs into her skin, blood came out in an obliging rush. Filling her mouth with her own blood, she leaned over Apollyon and pressed her lips against his. When the red liquid flowed from her mouth and into his, Apollyon’s tongue did not respond.

“Apollyon,” she whispered. “Please, drink.”   

Frantic prayers fell from her lips in Russian. And then she cried out and pressed her body against his. “I vill not let you die!” Yelena sobbed, burying her face in his hair. “Do you hear me?”

As Apollyon’s tongue finally moved, he got a taste of her blood and swallowed reflexively. Like a balloon inflating, his skin filled with life and his senses came alive.

She felt his body jerk. “Apollyon,” Yelena said as she lifted from his body.

He opened his eyes and licked his lips. “Yelena,” he caught his breath. “More . . .”

She hurriedly placed her wrist to his parted lips. And then he started to drink with great, urgent pulls of his mouth. The wet sound of his sucking, and the knowledge that she was giving him life gave Yelena a feeling of warmth and exhilaration.  

“What the hell are you doing?”

With her wrist at Apollyon’s lips, Yelena shifted her eyes away from him and looked up at Electra. Her anger flared, and Yelena seemed to sense the electrical surge in Electra’s body. As she came forward, she dropped to her knees and grabbed Yelena’s thin arm, but she resisted.

“My blood is healing him,” Yelena said, refusing to remove her wrist.

She narrowed her glimmering eyes. “That can’t be,” Electra growled. “You’re not human.”  

Electra was about to open her mouth when she felt a hand grab onto her arm. As she looked down, fury was shining in Apollyon’s golden eyes.

“Don’t,” he managed to get out.

“B-but, brother, please,” Electra said, her voice softening as she looked between Apollyon and Yelena. “Callisto will have a human for you soon.”

“Leave us,” he demanded.

Electra nodded in silence and got to her feet. Before she left the room, she glanced over her shoulder and gave Apollyon one last look. Then she sauntered out.

When the door slammed, the sounds of her boots echoed as she pounded them angrily down the hall.

Apollyon released Yelena’s wrist and licked it sealed. As she started to pull her hand away, he grabbed it and brought it back to his lips. He kissed where the wound had been and said, “Marry me.”

At a loss for words, she drew in a sharp breath. Her jaw dropped. “I-I . . .”

With her mouth agape, he saw her fangs, and they were beautiful to him, pearly white and sharply pointed. He remembered the taste of her blood and the instant sensation he got from it. He couldn’t understand how, but the purity of her succubus blood had brought him back from near death. He’d come to this place with his sisters for human blood to strengthen their powers but found something far more precious—a deep connection to the woman who held his heart. In the chaos of his life, facing his demons and the uncontrollable lust for blood, Yelena was his light in the darkness.  
 
Apollyon reached up and pulled Yelena against him for a moment, just hugging her. She could feel his heart pounding as he held her. She knew they were bound to be trials and growing pains in the process, and she would help him as much as she could. But she needed him to change for her to do so.

Yelena had fallen for Apollyon in such a short time, and a part of her still felt like she’d betrayed Zeke. He’d always been there for her when she needed him. Not as a lover, but as a friend, the closest one she’d had, someone dear and precious to her.  

“Yes,” she whispered against his chest. Then, she pulled from his embrace and put her hands on his cheeks. “I vill marry you.”

He briefly closed his eyes and smiled. He spoke in his language and then said, “I love you, Yelena.”

When she moved to straddle him, he stopped her and sat up. Yelena could sense precisely how much Apollyon desired her by the way his eyes lingered on her mouth. Finally, he gently positioned her on her back and poised over her, his strong arms supporting his weight above her. As he leaned in to kiss her, his long hair fell around her, mingling with hers.  

Yelena’s trembling hands came between them as she reached for the front of his shirt, but he didn’t have the patience to wait for her to unbutton it. Apollyon lifted up and ripped the material off his body, popping the buttons and sending them scattering across the floor.
Anxious to feel his warm skin against hers, Yelena peeled her nightgown off and tossed it aside.

When his eyes met her delicate, flawless skin, he let out a hiss and quickly shrugged out of his pants and everything else he was wearing.
Apollyon had a spectacular body, all strong and perfect.

Growling, he covered her with his body. She gasped at the warm sensation and wrapped her legs around his hips. Apollyon used what was left of his self-control to pull back and study Yelena’s beautiful face, following the lovely line of her neck down to her full breasts.

“You’re so beautiful, Yelena,” he murmured, his amber eyes exploring every inch of her, glowing with desire.

Her eyes pleaded. “I vant you.” She tunneled her fingers through his hair as fire invaded her. “Please . . .”  

Apollyon dipped his head and captured her mouth. Yelena responded with all the passion and urgency that seized him, parting her lips and inviting him within. As his tongue teased and tasted hers, he slowly entered her body with his.

Yelena threw her head back and tilted her hips as pleasure scalded her, heating her blood. Moaning, she reached up and clutched his shoulders with desperate hands. His body felt warm inside of hers as he moved in a slow rhythm until ecstasy exploded within her.

Crying out, she rode the wave as Apollyon continued to move, prolonging her climax. When she whispered his name, he lost it. He came apart while she held him. Yelena’s hands, like little feathers, smoothed up and down his back. He shook almost uncontrollably and went suddenly weak.

As he rose above her, his expression was of devotion and full of longing. Yelena loved the way he looked at her. She loved the feel of him above her, his weight pressing down on her, his heat surrounding her. She loved him.

He leaned forward and reclaimed her lips with a soft, gentle kiss. As he withdrew and looked into her eyes, she whispered, “I love you.” 

****

After Mia left Eve’s room, she went back to her and Jem’s bedroom, deciding to shower and change into the new nightgown she’d bought before Jem returned from the meeting with the Covenant. It was black silk trimmed in black lace, with a slit up the thigh. She was saving it for a special occasion, and what she was about to tell Jem definitely counted as one of those particular moments. Mia smoothed her hand over her flat belly, a flutter of nervousness welling up from inside. She had only to look at her nephews, Arius and Tidus, and she was filled with fierce yearning for her own child. Now that Jace and Tessa were parents, and Steven and Abbey were expecting their first child, hopefully, Jem would be excited about having a baby too.  

Twenty minutes later, she went back into the big bedroom, her still-damp hair combed out and hanging down to her hips. She was pulling it back into a ponytail when the door opened and closed.

“Hello, sweetheart,” Jem said, his eyes roaming over her face and then down her body with a look of desire.  

For a moment, Mia just stood there, unable to make her mouth work. And then finally she found her words. “Hi, honey.”

Jem closed the distance between them and pulled her into his arms. “You look beautiful, Mia,” he murmured. As he pulled back, he arched one eyebrow and stared at the silk material that meshed to her body like it was made for her. “I’ve never seen this before. Is it new?”

“I’ve been saving it for a special occasion,” she said.

“Oh?” His lips formed a smile. “What’s the occasion?”

Mia glided her fingers through the long strands of her ponytail and looked down. Her entire stance signaled that she was nervous. She didn’t immediately answer, and that worried him. Mia was usually blunt, never one to mince words. And yet she seemed to be having a hard time expressing herself.

“Mia, look at me,” he said in a gentle voice. “Is something wrong?”

As Mia looked up, her crimson eyes were huge against her pale skin. She shook her head, and a tear squeezed from the corner of her eye, alarming him.

His brow furrowed. “Talk to me, honey.”  

“Jem,” she said faintly. “I-I’m pregnant. Almost four months pregnant.”

He stared at her in complete silence as he processed what she’d just told him. And before he managed to open his mouth to speak, a big grin formed his lips. A baby, he thought. God, he couldn’t even wrap his mind around the fact that he was finally going to be a father. Nothing had prepared him for the reality of Mia becoming pregnant with his child.

“A baby,” he said in awe. “Our baby.”

There was clear relief in her eyes, and her shoulders drooped downward as if she’d been tense until his reply. Had she been afraid that he wouldn’t want a child?

She swallowed the knot in her throat. “Will you go with me to get a sonogram? I have an appointment with Helen next week.”

“Of course I’ll go, sweetheart. I’m going to be there for every doctor’s appointment. There’s nothing more important to me than you and our baby.” And then to her surprise, Jem angled his head and pressed his lips to hers, devouring her mouth in a hot, breathless kiss.

Mia sighed into his mouth and melted into him, her body going liquid. She reacted instantly, wrapping her arms around his neck as he deepened the kiss.

“I’m so happy,” he murmured against her lips.

She pulled back and felt like an idiot for worrying. “With everything going on, I wasn’t sure how you’d react.”

He frowned as he stared down at her. “Oh honey.” He reached out and smoothed his thumb over her cheek, wiping away her tears. “You’ve made me the happiest man. I can’t wait to have a baby with you.”

Joy flared in her eyes and relief. “When do you want to tell the rest of the family?” she asked.

“You haven’t told anyone yet?”

“Other than Helen, my sister’s the only person I’ve told.”

“We’ll tell the rest of the family later,” he said, reaching for her hand. “First, I want to make love to my sexy, pregnant wife.”

Mia squeezed his hand. Her smile was as wide as a mile, and it was the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen in his life.

“I want you, Jem,” she whispered seductively.

Her words sent a shiver through his body. Then he pulled her back into his arms and covered her mouth hungrily, as though he were starving for her.

“Bed,” he said between kisses.

“Yes,” she whispered back.

Jem swept her into his arms and carried her to the bed, just as he’d done many times before. But this time, he was gentler. He laid her down like she was a delicate piece of glass in danger of shattering. He settled in next to her, their mouths so close that he could feel the soft puffs of her breath. He angled his head and moved in, pressing his lips to hers.

Mia let out a little moan and kissed him back. The sound made his body come to life. His pulse ratcheted up, and his blood ran hot in his veins. He wanted her with an intensity that verged on pain. 

Jem slid his palm to her belly and splayed his fingers over her still-flat abdomen. He looked down, marveling at the thought that his child lay beneath his hand. She held a part of him.

“It’s incredible to know there’s a tiny life inside of you,” he said. “And it’s a part of us both.”

Mia cupped his jaw in her palm and stared up at him, her eyes wet with tears. “I’m betting we’d end up making a beautiful baby.”

He smiled. “If she’s anything like her mother, that’s a guarantee.”

“She?” Mia questioned. “How do you know it’s a girl? We might be having a boy.”

“I don’t know,” he said, smoothing his hand over her belly, feeling the slightest beginnings of a rounded curve. “It’s just a guess.”

He leaned forward until their foreheads touched and their noses brushed together. “I love you, Mia,” he whispered softly. “You’re everything to me.”

“I love you, too,” she said breathlessly as he kissed her long and deep, his mouth moving sweetly over hers.

Jem took his time, lavishing tender affection on every inch of her body. After making love, the two had stayed in bed for the last hour simply enjoying being together and making plans for the future. Mia had never felt so loved and content than she did at this moment. Her dreams of having a family had finally come true. 
  
To be continued . . .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Author Notes

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 among humans, 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 is 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 one 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 QUEEN'S 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 into human form 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 into human form 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. 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 ultimately 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 cannot 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 can 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 can 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 cannot 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 bright 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, twice 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. An Adalwolf is immune to silver. They can bond with any species. LUPA - The ancestors descended from the old legend of the lycanthrope, except the moon has no power over them and it cannot be passed on to others like a virus. It is passed on through genetics to the female offspring, known as a she-wolf. This type of creature shape-shifts into a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, and is considered dangerous... cursed. Yelena Smirnov - A full-blooded succubus from Russia. She is in charge of security at the Cat Club. She is bonded to Apollyon, who was taken by the battle angels along with his fraternal twin sisters, Callisto, and Electra. The Fury - Three fraternal twins created by an evil German scientist named Dr. Hans Autenburg. Using his own DNA, he mixed it with three other species: A Breedline, an Adalwolf, and a powerful Wiccan. He placed three embryos inside the womb of a full-blooded succubus, named Sonya Hothburn. Taken against her will, Sonya was forced by the mad physician into surrogacy. After their birth, she was forbidden to see her children. All three were created to destroy the Breedline species and dominate the human world. The first born was called Apollyon, meaning 'destroyer' in Greek. It was also the name of the angel-prince of the infernal regions, the minister of death and author of havoc on earth. He has the strength of ten men, and the power to dematerialize, taking others with him, from one place to another. He can transform into a creature that resembles an Adalwolf, and a vampire-like hybrid. The second born was called Callisto, meaning 'most beautiful.' She has the power of a shield, protecting herself and others from harm. The last child was named Electra, meaning 'the shining one.' She has the power to conduct electricity from her body, using it as a weapon. Inheriting their species instinct and extraordinary power, their thirst to kill became uncontrollable. As they grew up, the Fury became more and more unstable and unruly. With an insatiable hunger for human flesh and unmanageable powers, they became a hindrance to the physician. He had no other choice but to drug and imprison them for all time, each one placed inside a sarcophagus in a state of deep slumber to be forgotten forever until they were set free by their mother. Zeke Rizzo - He is a Breedline, born with a curse of a sin-eater, and the owner of the Cat Club. When coming in physical contact with another person, he has the power to see inside their past, experiencing their worst memory. A simple handshake seems like nothing to an ordinary person, but to Zeke, it is unbearable. Without the ability to stop it, he is also the worst case of karma. If anyone angers him, an unfortunate accident can fall upon them. 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. 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. He's an IT engineer and the drummer in the band Chaos.

Chapter 39
The Light Prevails

By scongrove

Previously . . .

After Sebastian refuses to hand over his son to Lucifer, he becomes trapped in a state of unconsciousness and forced to face the forgotten trauma of his childhood. But before Lucifer unleashes his wraith, he rips into Sebastian’s throat as Eve watches helplessly.

Meanwhile, the guard calls for help and Sebastian is taken from the mental institute and transferred to a nearby hospital where Dr. Helen Carrington cares for his injuries.
 

As Lucifer continues to torture Sebastian, he remains in a coma while Eve is desperate to find a way to bring her beloved back.
 

When Sebastian’s sister Anna suggests to Eve that maybe taking his twin sons to visit him in the hospital may bring him back, Eve decides to give it a try. 

Continued . . .

A nurse escorted Anna and Eve into the intensive care unit and motioned toward Sebastian, who was being monitored by Helen at his bedside. Their focus shifted to the beeping noise coming from the heart monitor, and then to Sebastian. He was lying still as water, with an IV in his arm. It was attached to a bag filled with clear liquid that hung from a metal pole.

With Arius in her arms, Eve’s stomach clenched as she slowly approached the bed. Helplessness gripped her, overwhelming her until she wanted to weep in despair. Was she doing the right thing by bringing the twins to see their father?

She glanced over her shoulder and looked at Anna, who held onto Tidus. Anna’s expression was determined, her lips drawn into a tight line as she stared unblinkingly at Eve. And then she nodded and smiled, giving Eve the courage she desperately needed.  
 
Eve turned to Arius, her lips parted as though she were about to say something, but she hesitated when he stretched out his arm and pointed his finger at Sebastian.

“Da-da,” he muttered with a little smile.

Eve stared at Arius in bewilderment. Then she looked at Helen, her eyes searching her face as if she was begging for guidance. Helen already considered Eve, Anna, and the twins her family. She felt a fierce protectiveness for Arius and Tidus that went above her usual reaction to children she cared for in the hospital. 

Helen smiled at Eve and held out her arms to Arius. “Come here, sweetheart,” she said in a soothing tone. “Let’s give Daddy a hug.”

Relief shadowed Eve’s tense expression as she leaned down and placed a kiss to Arius’s forehead.

“Go to Auntie Helen,” Eve murmured as she handed Arius to Helen.

Arius giggled as Helen set him down on the hospital bed so he’d be close to Sebastian.

Eve’s breath caught and hiccupped when Anna placed her hand on her arm and squeezed reassuringly. She turned to Anna with tears in her eyes.

“It’s going to be all right, Eve,” she whispered and slid her arm around Eve’s shoulders. “You’re making the right decision.” Anna wanted her to have no doubts about the support network that was closing ranks around her.

“Ma-ma,” Tidus moaned around the thumb in his mouth.

Eve reached for Tidus as Anna placed him into her arms. She sent Anna a look of admiration and said, “Thank you.”
 
Tidus nestled his head into the crevice of Eve’s neck, with his eyes focused on Sebastian.

“Da-da,” he muttered in a sleepy voice.

Eve’s eyes brightened as she smoothed her hand over his soft curls, relieved that both boys seemed to recognize their father.

“Yes, honey,” she said to Tidus. “That’s your daddy.”

When Eve looked away from Tidus, she watched as Arius crawled closer to Sebastian and placed his tiny hand on his father’s face. It was such an endearing sight that for a moment all Eve could do was stare. She was struck by the rightness of it all.

As Arius’s hand began to glow, Helen tensed a moment and her eyes rounded in fear. She looked at Eve, Anna, and baby Tidus in Eve’s arms.  “What’s happening?” she asked, barely above a whisper.

Anna held up her hand and shook her head, gesturing to Helen not to distract Arius from the connection he had with his father. 

In a state of deep unconsciousness, Sebastian felt something warm and soothing against his face. It felt as if someone had swathed his entire body inside a heated blanket. But who?

As Sebastian absorbed the warmth, something sharp dug into his arm, and his fear level shot through the roof.

An evil voice, the kind that created serial killers, rapists, murderers, and people who enjoyed torturing others, spoke into his mind.

“You’re not going anywhere, half-breed,” the sinister voice shot right in Sebastian’s ear, echoing in an eerie distortion. “You belong to me now.”

Sebastian turned his head and swallowed compulsively. The face staring down into his was condensed blackness, a shadow come to life. Lucifer. 
    
Lucifer straightened and laughed. “Did you really think you could escape from me?”

Sebastian kept silent and tracked Lucifer’s movement as he circled around him. The second he came to a halt, he grasped Sebastian by the throat in the speed of lightning and squeezed until he couldn’t get air in.

He fought, yanking against Lucifer’s grip, gasping for air. As fog surrounded his body, Sebastian panicked. He knew he was out of time. Oh, god . . .

Terror had his eyes bulging until the pressure on his optic nerves blinded him. Tears raced down Sebastian’s eyes and seeped down his cheeks.

“Release him,” a voice echoed from above.

What? Sebastian thought, recognizing the voice that filtered around him. Mother?

“This cannot be,” Lucifer grumbled. He tilted his face to look above him and pursed his lips.

“No!” Lucifer shouted. “He’s mine!”

A light fell from overhead, sheltering Sebastian, warming him, enveloping him with something he’d only experienced for a short time so long ago: a mother’s love. Eliza . . . the only mother he’d ever known. 

A form came into view, a ghostly form. It was Eliza’s face and Eliza’s body, but she was a transparent apparition . . . a shadow walker. As she placed her glowing hand upon Sebastian’s body, Lucifer released his grip and backed away.

“This is not over,” Lucifer growled as his body began to fade. “I promise you, the child will be mine one way or the other.” He leaned in getting face-to-face with Sebastian and bared his fangs. “Soon . . . you’ll see me again,” he mocked as he dematerialized. 
 
Sebastian turned to Eliza. Was this all a dream? “Mother, is it really you?”

She nodded and reached out to his cheeks. “Yes my sweet boy,” Eliza said softly.

With a sigh, he leaned into the imprint of her palm and the warmth of her nonexistent flesh.

“You . . . saved me,” he croaked out. “How?”

Eliza smiled. “I had help. Your son brought me here to release your curse.”

“Arius?”

“Yes.”

Sebastian looked at her, confused. “But—”

“Just know that you are free of Lucifer,” she spoke before he could finish. “But once you awaken, you must accept your fate. Your crimes against the Breedline cannot go unpunished.” 
  
His eyes flashed with acceptance—which confirmed to Eliza that he would not use his powers to escape. Sebastian was willing to turn himself over and finally face his punishment.

“What will happen to you?” he asked.

“I’ve nothing more left here to do,” she said in a low voice as she floated above him. “I’m free to go to the other side.”

Sebastian shook his head, seemingly confused. “I don’t understand? Where will you go?”

“To heaven, of course,” she said with a smile.

His eyes softened. “I love you, Mother.”

“I love you too, Sebastian,” she spoke as she started to disappear. “Tell Anna I love her. Good-bye.”

Sebastian crinkled his forehead, and let out a groan.

Anna rushed to his side and leaned over him. “Sebastian,” she whispered in his ear. “Can you hear me?” 

Sebastian heard a familiar voice calling out his name, but his mind was all foggy.

“Sebastian,” Anna repeated in those same soft tones. “Please, Sebastian, open your eyes.”

He tried to force his eyes open, but they were too heavy to lift.

“Wake up, Sebastian,” she said once more, wrapping her warm fingers around his cold hand.

That voice, he thought. It sounded so familiar. Sissy?

He tried again to force his eyelids open.

Anna’s hand tightened on his as she combed her fingers through his long hair.

“That’s it. Open your eyes, little brother.”

At last, Sebastian succeeded and tried to bring his surroundings into focus.

Heavy of heart, Eve clamped her hand over her mouth. “Oh my God,” she sobbed.

As his vision cleared, he realized that he was lying in a hospital bed with a blanket drawn up to his waist, and his son Arius was staring at him with the biggest grin.

“Arius,” he gasped.

“Sebastian?” Anna said in a tear-laced voice.

He turned to her and curled his fingers around hers, still trying to find his voice.

“It’s me, Sebastian.” She closed her eyes for a moment as tears streamed down her cheeks. “It’s your sissy.”  
 
“Anna,” he said hoarsely.

She nodded. “Yes.”

“Oh, Anna,” he sighed. “Thank God. It’s really you.”

Sebastian squeezed her hand and pulled himself up into a seated position. The room spun a little. Dark clouds invaded his vision and swirled around before clearing as the dizziness ebbed.

Helen put her hand on his arm. “Take it easy, Sebastian. You’ve been in a coma for several weeks.”

With Tidus in her arms, Eve moved to sit at his side across from Anna and captured his hand.

“Sebastian,” Eve whispered.

He shifted in her direction and opened his mouth like he was going to speak. But then he reached out, and at the same time she leaned forward. Sebastian held Eve and Tidus against his frail body.

Eve could tell that he was crying by the way he breathed and how his body trembled in their embrace.
  
“I love you,” he whispered into her ear. “I’m sorry, Eve.”

She pulled back, her eyes wet with tears. “I love you, too.”

“I hate to ask this, but I’m going to need everyone to step out while I check his vitals,” Helen interjected. “I’ll let you know as soon as I’m done.”

“It’s okay,” Sebastian said as he looked between Eve and Anna. “I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”

Helen tried not to appear shocked by his polite mannerism, but it was hard not to. According to his past, Sebastian wasn’t the type of guy to take orders, especially from a female.

Eve nodded and got to her feet as Anna scooped Arius up from Sebastian’s hospital bed.

“We’ll be right outside,” Anna said as she reached for the door.  
     
After Anna and Eve left and closed the door, Helen got a stethoscope and the blood pressure cuff and did a quick vitals check on Sebastian.

“Your blood pressure is on the low side,” she told him. “But other than that, everything seems normal.”
  
Sebastian looked up at Helen. She was sizing him up as a doctor would, taking note of the color of his skin, doing an evaluation in her head. And then she looked him in the eyes, her professional expression turning sympathetic.

There was a long silence. Then she said, “I’m sorry, but I don’t have a choice. I’ll have to notify the Covenant that you’re awake.”

The empathy in her voice made him see that she dreaded relaying the bad news.

“I know,” he said gravely, swallowing the knot in his throat. “And I’m okay with that.”

After patting his shoulder, she added, “You’ll need to rest until you’re fully recovered. I’ll be back in an hour to check on you.” 

Sebastian grew instantly serious, his golden eyes meeting hers. “Thank you, Doctor.”

Helen looked at him perplexed and said, “For what?”

“For taking care of me.”

“You’re welcome.” Her lips lifted a little. “I was just doing my job.”

Before Helen walked out of the room, she looked back at Sebastian and stared at his face. His facial hair had grown out, shading his jaw and his cheekbones, making him look even more sinister. And yet he seemed harmless and at ease with his fate. Was he really admitting defeat? She wondered. Or was this all a farce?  

To be continued . . .   
 
 
 
 
 

Author Notes

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 among humans, 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 is 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 one 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 QUEEN'S 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 into human form 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 into human form 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. 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 ultimately 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 cannot 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 can 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 can 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 cannot 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 bright 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, twice 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. An Adalwolf is immune to silver. They can bond with any species. LUPA - The ancestors descended from the old legend of the lycanthrope, except the moon has no power over them and it cannot be passed on to others like a virus. It is passed on through genetics to the female offspring, known as a she-wolf. This type of creature shape-shifts into a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, and is considered dangerous... cursed. 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 being 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 among 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. Arius and Tidus - They are Sebastian and Eve's twin boys. Both have inherited their parent's genetics of a half-breed. Arius carries the mark of the Chiang-Shih demon with the power to create a portal and the ability to heal others. 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. Anna Saeni - She was born with the genetics of a Breedline from her father's side - who died when Anna was a baby - but she does not shift into a wolf. Her human mother, Eliza, raised Sebastian Crow as her own after his biological mother, Sybil and his step-father, William Montgomery, detested him due to Sybil's infidelity. William sent Sebastian's twin brother Thomas to be raised in England with Sybil's sister, and forced his maid Eliza to raise Sebastian. While Anna grew up, she helped her mother raise Sebastian, loving him as a brother. At age fourteen, William molested Anna. After her mother found out, she confronted William and Sybil, but so afraid to lose her family, and her wealthy status, Sybil killed Eliza in cold blood. William sent Anna to live in a women's convent, and forced Sebastian to live in a boarding school for troubled boys for all Breedline.

Chapter 40
Seeking Justice/Part Two

By scongrove

Previously . . .

When widespread reports of gruesome attacks on homeless victims, and local residents sweep across Berkeley California and the San Francisco Bay area, two local human detectives are desperate to catch whoever is responsible for the disturbing and heinous crimes.

When they question Zeke Rizzo—who is a Breedline, born with the curse of a sin-eater, and owner of the Cat Club—about a woman they’d found brutally murdered near his bar, one of Zeke’s bouncers recognizes the victim after Detective Perkins shares her photo from social media. He also confirms the victim left the bar around midnight with a guy that oddly resembled the famous actor, Jason Momoa. 

Before the detectives leave, Zeke gives them a copy of the bar’s video surveillance, hoping it would help with their investigation.

As the detectives exit the club, Zeke found himself confronted by a beautiful woman he’d saw earlier hanging out in the VIP section with an older gentleman. After introducing herself as Callisto and that she was every man’s dream, she asked him to spend the night with her. Zeke refused her proposition, but she was not the type to take no for an answer, and grabbed his arm. At the same time he realized she was not human and craved human blood, he got a glimpse into her past, using his sin-eater skills. What he saw nearly brought him to his knees. She’d been trapped alive for years in some kind of sarcophagus. At the same time Zeke questioned her about his vision, Callisto’s brother, Apollyon, interrupted their conversation and warned Zeke to keep his sister’s past to himself.

When the detectives find another body with the same MO, they contact Zeke before they head back to his bar for more questions. As they arrive, Zeke found himself caught off guard by Apollyon, who was furious after he found out Zeke spoke to the detectives and cut his throat just as his head of security, Yelena, and the detectives walked in, witnessing everything. Before Apollyon used his powers and disappeared, he took Yelena with him.

When the detectives question Zeke after he mysteriously heals, he refuses to answer their questions and leaves them clueless to what they’d just encountered.
As the detectives report to another crime scene, they discover another suspect after reviewing the surveillance video. Their next step was to visit the owner of several popular bars in the area who happened to be Detectives Manuel Sanchez’s nephew, Nathan Gage, hoping he could help identify the suspects. When they arrive at the bar, and explain to the owner what they have discovered, asking him if he’d take a look at the video they retrieved from the crime scene, Nathan becomes worried. He knew something his Uncle Sanchez wasn’t aware of. Not only was Nathan a Breedline, he knew his uncle was born with the same genetics but it was kept a secret. Now, he was faced with a difficult decision. In order to keep his uncle safe, he would have to go against the Breedline law and tell him everything.

Now that both Detectives know about the Breedline, they offer to help them take down the Fury. There next step is to figure out a way to lure them out of their hiding place.

While they ponder on a plan of action, Jace comes up with an idea of putting on a show at Nate’s bar to lure the Fury to them, hoping a crowded bar of humans would do the trick. It would be like ringing a dinner bell to an all-you-can-eat buffet. But the only question was; could they protect all the people while they battled with the hungry trio?   
                
Continued . . .

The guys waited in a large room in the back of one of Nate’s top-notch bars, located in the downtown Berkeley area called The Wolf’s Lair. The seconds ticked into minutes until finally the door opened and Nate stuck his head in.

“Five minutes, guys,” yelled Nate, opening the door wider. “Almost show time.” He clapped his hands high in the air. “Let’s go.”

As Jem stepped out of the dressing room with the other band members following close behind, he blinked rapidly as if he was waking up in the middle of a bad dream. His thoughts weighed heavily on his mind. Putting all those people in danger was something he’d never even think of doing, but they had no choice. The Breedline were desperate to finally put an end to the cold-blooded massacre in the city. Using humans to lure the Fury out of hiding was their only resort. And a crowd like this was precisely what Jace had described a week ago. It would be like ringing a dinner bell to an all-you-can-eat buffet.

He ran a hand through his long hair and blew out a deep breath.

“Let’s do this!” Jace blurted, clapping a hand on Jem’s shoulder, as they moved toward the stage. “Come on, brother.”   

The atmosphere suddenly charged with excitement when Chaos was introduced, and the crowd roared as they stepped out to face all their fans.

Close by, and spread amongst the sea of people, were Roman’s crew, and Lieutenant Colonel Deshazo’s team. Strung with weapons, they stood back in the shadows waiting.

Still healing from her injuries, Lena decided to sit this one out and hang back with the other women in the Covenant. 

Drakon and Zeke monitored the security cameras. Tim, Steven, and Alexander hung back at the bar, trying their best not to stand out in the crush of people.

On the top level of the bar, Detective Sanchez and his partner Detective Perkins watched as the crowd below cheered and shouted when the band took the stage.  

Women stood in awe, their mouths agape as Jace’s hands moved over the strings of his electric guitar like he was a god. They practically melted when he began to sing the words to “Burn It to the Ground” by Nickelback.  The raspy sound of his voice was crisp despite the noise of the crowd. Behind the drums, Jem joined him for the chorus, their voices melding perfectly. It was as if everyone was drawn to them on some cosmic level.

Kyle played the acoustic bass guitar, and Casey worked his magic on the keyboards, driving the crowd crazy.

The place was already packed and more arrived as they performed.

A few days ago, Nate had announced that Chaos would be performing in concert at one of his popular bars, and tickets sold out the following day. Even though the show was a sell-out, there was a line of fans a mile long waiting outside for the band to exit the building. And most of them were women, shouting Jace’s name.

The lights dimmed and stunned silence broke out into thunderous applause as Jace dedicated the next song to his wife, Tessa. As his hands moved over the guitar strings, his soulful voice broke out into her favorite song, “‘Your Arms Feel Like Home”’ by 3 Doors Down.

“I think I walked to close to love and now I’m falling in.
 I felt so many things this weary soul can’t take.
 Maybe you just caught me by surprise.
 The first time that I looked into your eyes.”  
 
When he finished the ballad, the noise that came after was deafening. Fans shouted and cheered so loud, it sounded as if the roof was going to come down.

While the band played, Drakon and Zeke kept their eyes on the security cameras located on the second floor above the crowded bar.

“Looks like we got their attention,” Drakon said, pointing at one of the monitors. “We’ve got company.”

As Zeke focused on the images, he recognized two females moving through the front entrance.

“I don’t see our guy,” Drakon said as he unclipped his phone from his belt. “I’m going to give everyone a heads-up. If Apollyon doesn’t show, our plans may change.”

Zeke shot to his feet. “Wish me luck. If the two sisters separate, I may be able to get Callisto alone.”

“Good luck, buddy,” Drakon said to Zeke as he stepped out of the room. With no time to spare, Drakon made a call to Tim’s cell.  
      
Chaos played for almost two hours, then it was announced that another big-name artist would take the stage. When the four of them exited, security men cleared a path as a tidal wave of fans backstage swamped them, women screaming their names. Hurrying through a maze of hallways, they managed to get back to their dressing room in one piece. 

Inside waiting, Nate’s voice carried, despite the screams coming from the fans outside.

“Guys, that was freakin’ amazing,” Nate said with a smile. “Another sold-out show.” And then his gaze darted to the partially open doorway as Alexander made his way inside. 

“We’ve got company,” he said.

The sound of Alexander’s voice decreased the happy mood, and everyone shifted their eyes to him.

“All three of them?” Jem asked.

Alexander shook his head. “Just the two females,” he replied. “Drakon just spotted them on the security cameras. He sent me to give you guys a heads-up. So far, Apollyon is a no-show.”

“Shit—” Jace cursed, knowing things were about to go down. “What’s our plan now?”   
  
“Zeke went after Callisto to see if he can lure her to a secluded place. Drakon’s keeping a watch on the cameras,” Alexander explained. “He said it’s obvious that both sisters are scoping the place over like a menu at a restaurant. We need to make damn sure that no one becomes a meal. In the meantime, we’re going to hang tight and wait to see if our guy shows.”
 
****

Unable to stay still, Callisto pushed through the crush of people and long-legged it to the bar. Unfortunately, the place was so crowded that it was difficult to spot the kind of male she was after—but that didn’t mean she was ready to throw in the towel.

Callisto took a seat in a darkened corner of the bar, and let her need for sex waft out from her body. And whaddya know, every guy that walked by looked in her direction.

As they looked her up and down, she couldn’t stop herself from thinking of them as a tasty snack.  
    
A male bartender came over and said, “What can I get you, beautiful?”

He was good-looking in a way that caught her attention. Tanned skin, hair was long and pulled back into a ponytail, and his body was banging. 

“They give you any breaks in this place?” Callisto said in a sultry voice.

“Yeah.” He smiled. “They do.”

“When?”

“Ten minutes.”

She grinned, the tips of her fangs barely visible. “Where can I have you?” 

His eyes widened at her bold question. “Where do you want me?”

“Between my thighs,” she purred. 

He glanced around the bar. When his eyes swung back, he looked her up and down, and pictured her long legs wrapped around his hips. He instantly hardened. “There’s a small room in the back with a lock on the door.”

The conversation between Callisto and the bartender about hooking up was hushed and quiet, but it wasn’t a business transaction. He figured she wasn’t a whore, just a red-blooded woman who needed a good lay just like he did.

“What’s your name?”

“Callisto,” she told him.

He smiled bigger, like this was more fun than he’d had on his shift for, like ever. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Callisto. My name is Colin, and I’ll see you in ten minutes.”

She winked at him. “I’ll be waiting, Colin.”

With things set, he walked away, his body humming. 

Exactly ten minutes later, a silky voice whispered in Callisto’s ear. “Ready?”

She looked up at him with glimmering golden eyes and smiled.

Colin reached out and grasped her hand. “Come with me,” he said on a dark drawl.

On the far side of the bar, Steven watched as the bartender hurriedly escorted Callisto in the back. As he shot to his feet, he looked toward Tim, motioning him over.  
  
Colin led Callisto through a narrow hallway in the back. The door at the end was marked with a discreet Staff Only sign, and he ushered her inside with no patience whatsoever.

She followed him into the room that was stocked with shelves of liquor, a few tables and chairs, and a small desk nearby. No pictures, no paint on the walls, just old, brick and concrete floors. But it wasn’t like she’d come here to enjoy the scenery—only his flesh.

He backed her up against the desk. “If anyone catches us, you’re here for a job interview, okay?”

Callisto shrugged her shoulders and said, “Sure, whatever,” provided that, no one walked in on them, because hooking up wasn’t the only thing on her mind. 

“We’ve got twenty minutes,” he said, putting his arms around her waist.

Callisto took his mouth like she was going to take the rest of him, her tongue extending and finding his; tasting and savoring.

In response, he growled and moved his hands down to the bottom of her skirt and popped it up. Underneath, she wore a black lace thong. With eager hands, he spun her around, her hair swinging in a circle as he bent her over the desk.

She moaned as he pulled down the tiny scrap of material from her waist and slid it down to her ankles. Colin had to pause and collect himself at the sound of her moaning voice because all he could imagine was sliding inside her warm, wet folds.

The sound of his zipper caught her breath, and she flinched at the warmth of his skin as it came up against her hips.

Colin hissed at the rightness of the sensation. He battled the urge to grab her by the hips and slam into her. “Tell me what you want.” His voice was nothing more than a growl. “I’ll give you anything.”

The need for his blood was so great that Callisto was a little shaken by it. “Colin,” she gasped. “Take me.” His name on her lips . . . a throaty wisp . . .

The sight of her, the sounds she made, both pushed him past all reason. He couldn’t wait a minute longer. With trembling hands, he tore the foil from a condom and rolled it over the length of him. Just as Colin was about to push inside her, he froze when the door burst open.

“Shit!” he cursed, fumbling with his pants.

“Nice timing,” Callisto said under her breath, looking over her shoulder.

Colin did up the front of his pants and backed away from Callisto. As he turned around, Steven’s already icy eyes narrowed into slits.

“Who the freak are you?”

“Get the hell out of here,” Steven said in a slightly distorted voice.

Colin crossed his arms and glared at Steven. “Excuse me? Didn’t you read the sign on the door? This is for employees only.”

Tim came forward and put his face right in the guy’s grille. “You heard what he said.” He pointed to the door. “Get out.”

He glanced over his shoulder at Callisto as she smoothed her skirt back down. Her cheeks were still flushed from her heated arousal. “Do you know these guys?”

With her lips pursed, she shook her head.

Colin started flapping his lips, but his threats didn’t get him far.

“Trust me,” Tim said. “We’re doing you a favor, buddy. Please, just go.”

“Fine,” Colin grumbled. He threw up his hands in defeat and moved to the door. “I’m calling Nate, who happens to own the place.”

Tim cocked a brow. “Yeah, you go ahead and do that. We’re friends of his, and I’m sure he’d like to know one of his employees is hooking up with the customers during work hours.”

Colin’s eyes widened. “H-hey,” he stumbled with his words, shaking his head. “L-let’s talk about this. I’m sure we can come to some kind of understanding.”

“Leave us and go back to your job,” Tim said. “We’ve got some questions to ask your friend here.”

“Sure.” Colin quickly bobbed his head up and down. “Take your time.”   
  
When he left the room, Steven and Tim looked to Callisto as if they wanted to wrap their hands around her scrawny throat.

There was a tense silence while Callisto measured the distance between the two Breedline and the door.

Steven’s teeth ground audibly together. “Don’t even think about it,” he said. “You’re not going anywhere.”

With her hands on her hips, Callisto rolled her eyes. “What do you want with me?” The voice she spoke with was smooth and slightly accented.

This woman deserved to die on too many levels to count, Steven thought to himself. “Cut the shit,” he said. “We know what you are.”

A muscle ticked under her eye, a clear sign that she was nervous. “Sorry, sweetie,” she smirked. “You’ve got the wrong girl. I’m not a prostitute.”

****

On the other side of the crowded bar, Electra could sense her sister’s danger. Her skin was crawling. Using her telepathic connection with Apollyon, she called out to him for help.

“We need your help, brother. Our sister is in trouble. The Breedline have Callisto cornered.”

Apollyon woke to the sound of his sister’s voice. It was crisp and clear inside his head. The idea of the Breedline bringing harm upon his family made his features crease in anger. He bit the inside of his cheek until he tasted blood and sent a mental message back to Electra.

“It’s time.” Apollyon’s tone was dark and demanding. “Time to take over this world and finally take what belongs to us.”   

Before he got out of bed, Apollyon turned to Yelena, who was sleeping next to him. And for a moment, he wondered what fate lay ahead.
Would he finally find peace from the demons tormenting his soul, or would he surrender himself entirely over to the dark side?

“You’re awake,” she said.

He glanced over, his eyes glittering in the darkness. When he didn’t reply, Yelena reached out to him. “Something’s wrong, isn’t it?”

Apollyon drew incredible reserves of strength from her touch.

He sighed. “I have to go out for a while.”

“Are you going to . . . take a human life?”

There was a long silence—filled with the pounding of her heart. On so many levels, she couldn’t imagine ever falling in love with someone like Apollyon. He was an enemy to the Breedline—and there was, in fact, a side to him that was monstrous . . . a savage killer. But she couldn’t deny her feelings. She’d fallen in love with him. 

Avoiding her question, he leaned in and brushed his lips against hers.

“Go back to sleep,” he murmured, and then pulled away.

As he moved to his feet, Yelena said, “Apollyon . . . you’re not a monster. I’ve seen the part of you that is good. Please.” Her voice pleaded in a beautiful Russian accent. “Leave this unholy quest of yours behind. Stay with me.”

Meeting her eyes steadily, he said with an even tone, “I know what I am, Yelena. Don’t make me out to be something I’m not.” Cursed was the way he saw it. “But it doesn’t mean that I don’t love you.”

“Please, Apollyon . . .”

“I’m sorry.” Apollyon looked down, avoiding eye contact. He didn’t want her to see the weakness he knew was in his face. “I have to go.”

For the first time in a long, long while, he desperately wished that he was someone else . . . someone who deserved her love.

Tears stung her eyes, his words breaking her heart. It was as if he was saying a final goodbye.

She expected him to dematerialize. Instead, he gave her his back and walked out the door.

Yelena shut her eyes and thought, No, no, this is not how it ends. It just can’t be.  

To be continued . . .
 



 

Author Notes

NOTE: This is not part of the chapter. A reference for terms and cast of 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 among humans, 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 is 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 one 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 QUEEN'S 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 into human form 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 into human form 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. 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 ultimately 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 cannot 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 can 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 can 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 cannot 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 bright 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, twice 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. An Adalwolf is immune to silver. They can bond with any species. LUPA - The ancestors descended from the old legend of the lycanthrope, except the moon has no power over them and it cannot be passed on to others like a virus. It is passed on through genetics to the female offspring, known as a she-wolf. This type of creature shape-shifts into a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, and is considered dangerous... cursed. Jace Chamberlain (a.k.a. the Beast) - He is a Breedline species and 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. 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 became the new Breedline queen. She is an inspiring artist. 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. 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 was born a Theriomorph. He is a clothing model and plays backup bass and keyboards in the band Chaos. 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. Nathan Gage (a.k.a. Nate) - He is a Breedline and the owner of several upscale night clubs in the largest metropolitan areas of Northern California. Zeke Rizzo - He is a Breedline, born with a curse of a sin-eater, and the owner of the Cat Club. When coming in physical contact with another person, he has the power to see inside their past, experiencing their worst memory. A simple handshake seems like nothing to an ordinary person, but to Zeke, it is unbearable. Without the ability to stop it, he is also the worst case of karma. If anyone angers him, an unfortunate accident can fall upon them. Yelena Smirnov - A full-blooded succubus from Russia. She is in charge of security at the Cat Club. She is bonded to Apollyon, who was taken by the battle angels along with his fraternal twin sisters, Callisto, and Electra. Roman Kincaid - He is an Adalwolf trained in military tactics, hired as a special breed of warriors from Brazil. Hired as a bodyguard for Valkin Steele - a billionaire funding a group of unethical scientists research - he later learns of Steele's underground sex-trafficking and illegal drug and weapons trade, and informs the Breedline Covenant. He also forms a team of Breedline soldiers who work for a private Special Ops group contracted by the military for missions that no one else can or will do to help put an end to Valkin Steele's corrupt organization. Lawrence Colbert - A Breedline council member of the New Jersey Covenant, trained in military tactics and as a medic who worked alongside Roman Kincaid, the Special Ops Team, and the Breedline Covenant to help take down Valkin Steele. Lena - She is a Breedline, highly trained in survival skills, martial arts, and anything dealing with weapons, hand-to-hand combat, and hired by Roman Kincaid to help take down Valkin Steele. She oddly resembles the character Xena the Warrior Princess from the 80's television series. She is also Bull's little sister and is bonded to Justice. Bull (a.k.a. Benjamin Allen Calvero ) - He is a Breedline, highly trained and an expert in a variety of military tactics who is part of Roman Kincaid's team. He gets his nickname because of his size. Justice - He is a Breedline, highly trained in military tactics, an expert with explosives, hand-to-hand combat, sniper training, and a pilot, who is part of Roman Kincaid's team. The Fury - Three fraternal twins created by an evil German scientist named Dr. Hans Autenburg. Using his own DNA, he mixed it with three other species: A Breedline, an Adalwolf, and a powerful Wiccan. He placed three embryos inside the womb of a full-blooded succubus, named Sonya Hothburn. Taken against her will, Sonya was forced by the mad physician into surrogacy. After their birth, she was forbidden to see her children. All three were created to destroy the Breedline species and dominate the human world. The first born was called Apollyon, meaning 'destroyer' in Greek. It was also the name of the angel-prince of the infernal regions, the minister of death and author of havoc on earth. He has the strength of ten men, and the power to dematerialize, taking others with him, from one place to another. He can transform into a creature that resembles an Adalwolf, and a vampire-like hybrid. The second born was called Callisto, meaning 'most beautiful.' She has the power of a shield, protecting herself and others from harm. The last child was named Electra, meaning 'the shining one.' She has the power to conduct electricity from her body, using it as a weapon. Inheriting their species instinct and extraordinary power, their thirst to kill became uncontrollable. As they grew up, the Fury became more and more unstable and unruly. With an insatiable hunger for human flesh and unmanageable powers, they became a hindrance to the physician. He had no other choice but to drug and imprison them for all time, each one placed inside a sarcophagus in a state of deep slumber to be forgotten forever until they were set free by their mother.

Chapter 41
Bloodshed

By scongrove

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.

Previously . . .

When widespread reports of gruesome attacks on homeless victims, and local residents sweep across Berkeley California and the San Francisco Bay area, two local human detectives are desperate to catch whoever is responsible for the disturbing and heinous crimes.

When they question Zeke Rizzo—who is a Breedline, born with the curse of a sin-eater, and owner of the Cat Club—about a woman they’d found brutally murdered near his bar, one of Zeke’s bouncers recognizes the victim after Detective Perkins shares her photo from social media. He also confirms the victim left the bar around midnight with a guy that oddly resembled the famous actor, Jason Momoa. 

Before the detectives leave, Zeke gives them a copy of the bar’s video surveillance, hoping it would help with their investigation.

As the detectives exit the club, Zeke found himself confronted by a beautiful woman he’d seen earlier hanging out in the VIP section with an older gentleman. After introducing herself as Callisto and that she was every man’s dream, she asked him to spend the night with her. Zeke refused her proposition, but she was not the type to take no for an answer, and grabbed his arm. At the same time he realized she was not human and craved human blood, he got a glimpse into her past, using his sin-eater skills. What he saw nearly brought him to his knees. She’d been trapped alive for years in some kind of sarcophagus. At the same time Zeke questioned her about his vision, Callisto’s brother, Apollyon, interrupted their conversation and warned Zeke to keep his sister’s past to himself.

When the detectives find another body with the same MO, they contact Zeke before they head back to his bar for more questions. As they arrive, Zeke found himself caught off guard by Apollyon, who was furious after he found out Zeke spoke to the detectives and cut his throat just as his head of security, Yelena, and the detectives walked in, witnessing everything. Before Apollyon used his powers and disappeared, he took Yelena with him.

While the detectives question Zeke after he mysteriously heals, he refuses to answer their questions and leaves them clueless to what they’d just encountered.
As the detectives report to another crime scene, they discover another suspect after reviewing the surveillance video. Their next step was to visit the owner of several popular bars in the area who happened to be Detectives Manuel Sanchez’s nephew, Nathan Gage, hoping he could help identify the suspects. When they arrive at the bar, and explain to the owner what they have discovered, asking him if he’d take a look at the video they retrieved from the crime scene, Nathan becomes worried. He knew something his Uncle Sanchez wasn’t aware of. Not only was Nathan a Breedline, he knew his uncle was born with the same genetics but it was kept a secret. Now, he was faced with a difficult decision. In order to keep his uncle safe, he would have to go against the Breedline law and tell him everything.

Now that both Detectives know about the Breedline, they offer to help them take down the Fury. There next step is to figure out a way to lure them out of their hiding place.

As they ponder on a plan of action, Jace comes up with an idea of putting on a show at Nate’s bar to lure the Fury to them, hoping a crowded bar of humans would do the trick. It would be like ringing a dinner bell to an all-you-can-eat buffet. But the only question was; could they protect all the people while they battled with the hungry trio?  

When the Breedline manages to capture Callisto, her fraternal twin Electra, uses her telepathic powers to warn their brother Apollyon. Enraged with the Breedline, Apollyon tells his beloved Yelena good-bye, knowing it may be the last time they see one another as he heads for battle.   
                   
Continued . . .

Apollyon swallowed a curse as he dematerialized on the roof of Nate’s club, a flat strip of smoked glass above his private wing that held all the dressing rooms.

His near-death experience and the Breedline’s interference edged him closer to his breaking point. And his fear of losing Yelena battled against Apollyon’s composure, a painful ache inside his chest, squeezing his heart. It was worse than the horrors of the years he’d been imprisoned.

A few weeks ago, he’d first laid eyes on her in Zeke Rizzo’s bar. He understood the desire for fierce, wild passion. But this? This was beyond his realm of experience. That’s when he knew Yelena was the one.  

At first, he’d had a slight problem, however. She was in love with the sin-eater, and it still bothered him. Just thinking about it left a bitter taste in his mouth. He took some deep breaths and pulled it together.

A moment later, he vanished and reappeared inside a dark hallway. As he moved to the end, he stepped into an elevator built to hold several people. When the doors shut, the enclosed contraption descended with a slight shake. A few seconds later, he was striding across the lowest level of the club, pushing his way through the crowd of people.

With grim resolve, Apollyon measured the crowd from a vantage point of about six-foot-five. He was not a happy camper as he headed toward the bar. The VIP section had its own private bar and bartenders, and that’s where the Breedline had his sister.

Before he got half-way, a blond dressed like a high-class stripper showing a lot of skin stepped in his path. Apollyon towered above her with a menacing glare, but she didn’t feel threatened. The incredible masculine scent that wafted from his body was something she wanted.
Something . . . she craved. She wondered what his bare skin looked like underneath all that leather.

“Hey, baby,” she purred, flashing her gleaming, bleached teeth. “You want some company?”

Annoyed, he rolled his eyes and then glared back down at her. “Go find someone else,” he grumbled, pushing past her.

The blond flipped her hair back as she watched him walk away. “Asshole,” she mumbled under her breath.

As the hairs on the back of Apollyon’s neck rose, he knew someone was following him. Sensing Zeke’s presence, he stopped in his tracks.

When he spun around, waves of rage distorted the air between them. There was a huge part of Zeke that wanted a good, bloody hand-to-hand fight with the guy. His anger so noticeable, it was practically a light source.

“What have you done with Yelena?” Zeke said in a guttural voice.

The attack was so fast that Zeke didn’t have time to react. Apollyon bared his fangs, hauled off, and threw out a curving right hook that slammed into the side of his head like an SUV.

Swaying to the side, Zeke caught himself on a table nearby and did a one-eighty, catching his momentum. He pitched himself back at Apollyon and snapped a head-butt out, knocking him in the face.

Apollyon quickly put a hand over his nose with a curse and shot Zeke a look of murderous rage. Zeke positioned himself into a fight stance, bracing himself for Apollyon to retaliate. Instead, he wiped the blood with the back of his hand and muttered, using a language that Zeke couldn’t understand.

“Yelena wants to be with me, sin-eater.” He smiled a little, his cruel face showing self-satisfaction. “She will be my bride soon.”

There was a depth of satisfaction in his words that caused a reaction from Zeke.

“No!” He jabbed a finger at Apollyon. “You’re a damn liar!”

On a surge of hatred, Zeke lost his temper and lunged forward.

At that very moment, the air crackled with electric energy of an approaching storm, a storm that was brewing inside Electra. Then, Zeke went rigid as an electrical blast coursed through him like liquid fire.

“Zeke!” Tim shouted.

The sequence played out in a series of seconds that seemed to move in slow motion: As Tim and Steven escorted Callisto around the bar, Electra came up from behind Zeke and extended her palm. There was a flash bright enough to temporarily visually impair everyone nearby, then pop and . . . shit, she discharged a thunderbolt of lightning that struck Zeke with a phenomenal speed that he never saw coming.
  
Steven rushed for Zeke, trying to shield his body with his. He failed. Zeke was hit in the back, and the impact came out the other side, burning a hole through his chest. He caught Zeke as the powerful force knocked him off his heels.

As they crumpled to the floor, all Zeke could do was gasp. Gathering what was left of his strength, he lifted his head and looked down his body as smoke rose from his charred flesh. Before Zeke panicked, blackness came and swallowed him whole. 
 
“No!” Callisto screamed at Electra. “You killed my sin-eater!”

Electra rolled her eyes. “He’s a Breedline,” she said through gritted teeth. “He’ll heal, you idiot.”

Upstairs in the security room, sweat broke out over Drakon’s body as he witnessed Zeke’s attack on one of the camera monitors. He felt hot . . . enraged. A spasm twisted his gut. He slumped forward and clutched the side of the desk until his knuckles turned white. Bringing forth the change, the veins in his neck stood out like thick cables, and his teeth tugged at the gums. 

Below, Lieutenant Colonel Deshazo and his team went into full crisis mode, and Roman’s crew backed them up. When they opened fire, gunshots rang out, and pandemonium erupted inside the bar. The people went into panic-mode, screaming and knocking over tables and chairs, tripping over each other in their desperate attempts to get away.

The commotion momentarily distracted Apollyon. As he turned his back on his enemies, his eyes searched the faces of the fleeing people. When multiple bullets tore into Apollyon’s backside, blood exploded from his chest. The impact staggered him, throwing him off balance, but he managed to stay on his feet.

As the hail of bullets continued, powered debris filled the air. Among the smoke and dust, the sound of an inhuman growl echoed throughout the bar, audible even over the blaring weapons. And then a shadow flashed across their field of vision at preternatural speed.

Roman caught another glimpse of the dark figure, but the creature moved too quickly for him to focus on it. Within a split second, something landed on the floor behind them with a loud thump.

“Cease fire!” Colonel Deshazo shouted. 

When the gunfire no longer assailed his ears, the colonel realized that something was about to attack them from the rear. With his finger rested on the trigger of his nine-millimeter Glock, he turned toward Roman and his crew, motioning them to stay put. And then he addressed his soldiers that were positioned above them, transmitting the message over the two-way radio. “Wyckoff, Gunny, Kid,” he said in a low voice, “keep watch and hold your position.”

“Roger that,” Gunny replied.

“Cover my ass,” Lawrence said into his headset. “I’m going in to check on Zeke.”

Colonel Deshazo gave him an affirmative nod.

“We’ve got you covered,” Wyckoff’s voice came through Lawrence’s earpiece. 

“Shit,” Kid cursed in a low voice. “This is messed-up.” Like his comrades, he was alert and ready for action. His black uniform blended into the shadows, making him hard to see even though Gunny and Wyckoff were practically beside him.

Above the chaos, crouched down on the top level of the bar, Detective Perkins was shocked by what he’d witnessed. With no time to spare, Detective Sanchez took action and made a call to the San Francisco Memorial Hospital, preparing them for possible casualties.

“What do we do?” Perkins whispered to Sanchez as he ended the call.

“We stay calm,” Sanchez said, putting a reassuring hand on his partner’s shoulder. “I’ve contacted Dr. Helen Carrington and informed her of our situation. She’s going to have Breedline emergency personnel dispatched to our location, along with police reinforcements,” he continued to explain. ”There’s nothing the police can do to help, but they can control the crowd outside and make damn sure that no one else gets in.”

As the noise escalated in the dressing room upstairs, Alexander’s instinct rose like a beast. Jace met his piercing blue eyes, and from out of nowhere Alexander yanked his shirt over his head, toed off his boots, and dropped his jeans. For the first time, Jace witnessed as his biological father began to change.

Fire lit Alexander’s eyes. When he realized that he had not a second to spare, his body expanded, like something within him was overtaking his natural form. He brushed his long hair away from his sweat-beaded forehead and looked to the others who appeared stunned by the noise coming from below.

Teeth grinding, he bit out, “We need to shift. They need . . . our help.”

The words were uttered in a voice so distorted, it took them a moment to figure out what he’d said.

For a breathless moment, Alexander hovered in that in-between state, flickering between human and Breedline. Then, with a deep exhale, he lifted his head and bared his teeth as they tugged at the roots, lengthening the size of daggers.  
           
Momentarily amazed by the size of his father’s wolf, Jace turned toward Jem, his face a mask of unmistakable dread. “He’s right. We don’t have a choice, brother.”

Jem nodded, acknowledging what had to be done, even if it meant breaking their True Law. Shifting into their supernatural form and exposing themselves to humans was something they had to risk to save hundreds of innocent lives. 

The instant Alexander’s change was complete, his lips pulled back in a snarling display of wickedly sharp teeth. And in the blink of an eye, he was gone.

Jem—still in human form—was right on his tail, leaving the others behind to finish their transformation.

Jace’s body quaked with fury, the creature within itching to be released. It curdled in his veins, whispering and calling to the monster inside him. To the Beast.

His irises burned bright like two shimmering diamonds as he felt the beginnings of his change. At first, it looked as if there were something inside him too large for his skin, which began to bulge and move in odd ways . . . stretching and growing until a white, shaggy Beast underneath emerged.  

Nate’s eyes widened as he looked up at Jace’s two-footed Beast that towered above him. Shit!

Kyle, Casey, and Nate stepped back as the seven-foot creature let out a thunderous roar. Lowering his big head, he clenched his wolfin-like hands into tight fists and tore out of the room. 

Relieved to still be in one piece, Nate let out a deep breath. “Okay guys, it’s our turn,” he said, shrugging out of his tailored suit. “Let’s go kick some ass.”   
 
After Casey quickly undressed, he closed his eyes and did what he had to do. He focused on his Theriomorph side and called to the panther within him. Embracing the animal, he surrendered to the shift, his arms bulging and contorting.

A silent understanding passed between Kyle and Casey, the instinctive exchange amongst the two friends knowing this battle might be their end. Stepping back, Kyle watched in wonder as Casey dropped to the floor, his skin rippling and his body reshaping. His arms became paws and his head reared and flexed, until the form of a huge panther took his place. 
 
The sleek, black cat lifted its chin high in the air and roared.

Kyle swallowed hard. “Here goes nothing,” he said, looking at Casey’s panther, whose lavender eyes were bright with challenge and then to the haunting stare of Nate’s gigantic Breedline wolf. Its rich brown fur was smooth as if it had been neatly groomed. Damn, Kyle thought. Even in wolf form, Nate looked like a million bucks.

As Nate’s wolf shifted its stance, his irises took on a preternatural glow, waiting for Kyle to bring on the change.

Without hesitation, Kyle peeled off the layers of his clothing. And then agony seared the muscles in his legs. They contracted and protruded, shaking as the Breedline rose inside him with raw power. Straining muscles continued to ripple beneath his skin, while the tendons in his neck stood out like drawn bowstrings. Thick hairs sprouted from his pores as the change came upon Kyle instantly. Faster than the human eye could perceive, dark fur covered his entire body. The Breedline wolf in him wanted nothing more than to take down his enemies in battle. Throwing his head back, he howled a purely inhuman sound.

Within all the havoc surrounding Jem, he heard an unearthly howl in the near distance. He looked up at the same time that Jace’s Beast vaulted over the stair railing like he’d been launched from a catapult. As he landed, the floor cracked beneath him.

From out of the shadows came a hulking wolf and stood alongside the Beast. Its bristling pelt was the color of virgin snow, and its fearless eyes were as red as blood. 

The Beast and Alexander’s Breedline wolf had a mission to destroy the Fury. Together, they had to succeed, or all of mankind would perish. Human society was not remotely prepared to deal with the kind of power the Fury bestowed.  
  
The crowd of people responded with terror. Instantly, they pushed and shoved at one another, scrambling to flee the bar. The glasses and bottles shattered as they crashed onto the floor.  
   
Jem shifted his focus from his father’s wolf and brother’s Beast and strained his eyes to see Apollyon as he came into view, or what looked to be him. He had morphed into some kind of creature and miraculously healed from all the bullet holes. Never had he witnessed anything like this. He had thought the Breedline hybrids they’d fought against were unnaturally massive and unholy, but Apollyon’s creature was even larger, much more monstrous.  A sudden feeling of dread crept over him. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he wondered, Could this creature be destroyed?

Apollyon’s transformation looked like the devil himself. Some kind of hybrid . . . a genetic cross between a Breedline, an Adalwolf, and another species he’d never encountered before.

The size of the creature was enormous, towering at least seven-feet-tall, with sharp protruding teeth and glowing eyes. Dark fur partly covered his skin, and it had leathery, black wings that appeared to be over twenty feet long, with a row of deadly looking spiked talons down his spine.

While Jem took this in, he had the strange feeling that he was looking at pure evil, one utterly devoid of humanity. 
 
The Beast moved swiftly. It lunged at Apollyon, knocking him back with blunt force. Before Apollyon hit the floor, he vanished into thin air.
An instant later, the huge winged creature that seemed indestructible reappeared behind the Beast and tore into him using his razor-sharp claws. As Apollyon struck him, cutting into his hide, the Beast howled in pain.  

No! Jem thought. Everything was getting out of hand.

Instinct took over, and all that mattered was saving his brother from Apollyon’s savagery. Jem palmed up a firebomb, ready to take aim, careful not to catch the Beast in the crossfire. But before he could launch it, a furious roar shattered the moment. Then, Alexander charged forward like a rabid dog and lunged at Apollyon, catching him completely by surprise.

Jem watched in astonishment as Alexander’s spectacular wolf moved in to defend Jace’s Beast, taking a gory chunk out of Apollyon’s leg.  

In what felt like an instant, Apollyon let out a tremendous roar giving the Beast an advantage. He spun around swiping with his claws, but Apollyon dodged the attack and vanished again. The Beast missed his throat by mere inches. 
    
When Apollyon reappeared, he was crouched on the balcony above them, his back facing Colonel Deshazo’s team. Peering down at the Beast, Apollyon’s golden eyes glimmered with homicidal rage. The Breedline’s interference galled his soul.

Despite the urgency of the situation, they did not forget their training. Playing it safe, Gunny inched closer, his semi-automatic poised and ready.

The flash of Gunny’s muzzle gave Apollyon barely enough warning. In a split second, he took off, wings flapping through the air an instant before an eruption of gunfire that would have taken his head off. Bullets smacked into the ceiling, sending pulverized tiles flying everywhere.

“Hold your fire!” Deshazo called out.

The gunfire ceased as quickly as it had begun. “Damn it,” Gunny swore. “I almost had—”

A ferocious howl cut him off as the Beast scrambled up the wall using his claws, impatient to sink his teeth into Apollyon’s throat. The others watched as he climbed higher and higher. His ability to defy gravity was astounding to behold.  

Fueled by anger, the Beast caught sight of Apollyon perched on a ledge two feet away. Chest heaving, he focused on the shiny object around his left finger with keen eyesight. And then he remembered the ring. The symbol on it was thought to give Apollyon and his fraternal sister’s immortality. If only he could manage to remove it from his hand, even if he had to tear the damn thing completely off.

Apollyon growled defiantly at the Beast as if daring him to attack.

Then, without warning, an unexpected dark figure pounced on Apollyon from the rear, slashing away at his wings with dagger-sized claws.
Using the strength of his rogue wolf, Drakon had the weight advantage, which he pressed by fighting tooth and nail against the fearsome creature.

The Beast watched as Drakon knocked Apollyon off the ledge. It was a fifty-foot drop, and he hit hard.

The sound of a thud roused Apollyon from his near state of unconsciousness. Opening his eyes, he saw the Beast’s face in front of him, teeth snarling and seething with anger. Apollyon doubled his fist as the Beast lunged forward . . .

Something slashed into the Beast, sending him to his knees, howling against the searing pain. As he dropped to the floor, his hide smoked as if it was on fire. And then he realized what it was—who it was.  
   
A look of satisfaction came over Apollyon’s face as he nodded at Electra, who held a silver whip in her hand that lit up with an electrical surge. In a split second, he had the Beast’s head in his grasp. And with a sharp yank came a loud snap.

There was a heartbeat of stunned silence as Apollyon dropped the Beast to the floor like a stone. His body twitched once, then fell utterly still.

“Oh god, Jace!”

Jem’s shout pierced through the bar like a silver bullet. He rushed forward and sank to his knees beside his brother’s Beast, who lay unmoving, his fur burned and his flesh torn away in deep gouges. With hands that shook, he reached out and smoothed over the Beast’s matted coat as it miraculously disappeared. Instantly, Jace’s human form resurfaced.

“Jace—”

The music and the chaos silenced when a godlike voice of authority echoed through the bar, bringing everyone to attention. 
  
“Starting tonight, your world belongs to us,” Apollyon announced, his tone laced with malice and hostility. “And each one of you will bow before me.”

At that moment, Jem said a silent prayer as he visualized the terror the Fury was about to inflict on anyone that stood in their way. He knew his brother wasn’t dead. It would take more than a broken neck to kill the Beast, but still . . . things weren’t looking good.

God . . . if you can hear me, you may be our only hope.

To be continued . . .
 
 
 

Author Notes

NOTE: This is not part of the chapter. A reference for terms and cast of 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 among humans, 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 is 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 one 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 QUEEN'S 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 into human form 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 into human form 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. 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 ultimately 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 cannot 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 can 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 can 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 cannot 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 bright 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, twice 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. An Adalwolf is immune to silver. They can bond with any species. LUPA - The ancestors descended from the old legend of the lycanthrope, except the moon has no power over them and it cannot be passed on to others like a virus. It is passed on through genetics to the female offspring, known as a she-wolf. This type of creature shape-shifts into a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, and is considered dangerous... cursed. Jace Chamberlain (a.k.a. the Beast) - He is a Breedline species and 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. 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 became the new Breedline queen. She is an inspiring artist. 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. 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. 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. 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 was born a Theriomorph. He is a clothing model and plays backup bass and keyboards in the band Chaos. 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. Nathan Gage (a.k.a. Nate) - He is a Breedline and the owner of several upscale night clubs in the largest metropolitan areas of Northern California. Zeke Rizzo - He is a Breedline, born with a curse of a sin-eater, and the owner of the Cat Club. When coming in physical contact with another person, he has the power to see inside their past, experiencing their worst memory. A simple handshake seems like nothing to an ordinary person, but to Zeke, it is unbearable. Without the ability to stop it, he is also the worst case of karma. If anyone angers him, an unfortunate accident can fall upon them. Yelena Smirnov - A full-blooded succubus from Russia. She is in charge of security at the Cat Club. She is bonded to Apollyon, who was taken by the battle angels along with his fraternal twin sisters, Callisto, and Electra. Roman Kincaid - He is an Adalwolf trained in military tactics, hired as a special breed of warriors from Brazil. Hired as a bodyguard for Valkin Steele - a billionaire funding a group of unethical scientists research - he later learns of Steele's underground sex-trafficking and illegal drug and weapons trade, and informs the Breedline Covenant. He also forms a team of Breedline soldiers who work for a private Special Ops group contracted by the military for missions that no one else can or will do to help put an end to Valkin Steele's corrupt organization. Lawrence Colbert - A Breedline council member of the New Jersey Covenant, trained in military tactics and as a medic who worked alongside Roman Kincaid, the Special Ops Team, and the Breedline Covenant to help take down Valkin Steele. Lena - She is a Breedline, highly trained in survival skills, martial arts, and anything dealing with weapons, hand-to-hand combat, and hired by Roman Kincaid to help take down Valkin Steele. She oddly resembles the character Xena the Warrior Princess from the 80's television series. She is also Bull's little sister and is bonded to Justice. Bull (a.k.a. Benjamin Allen Calvero ) - He is a Breedline, highly trained and an expert in a variety of military tactics who is part of Roman Kincaid's team. He gets his nickname because of his size. Justice - He is a Breedline, highly trained in military tactics, an expert with explosives, hand-to-hand combat, sniper training, and a pilot, who is part of Roman Kincaid's team. Colonel Brian Deshazo (a.k.a. Colonel D) - He is a Breedline - oddly resembling the WWE professional wrestler, John Cena - who works for the United States military as the leader of highly trained group of elite forces know as first Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta. He and his men perform various clandestine and highly classified missions around the world. Their primary mission is counterterrorism. Major Paul Wyckoff (a.k.a. Dark Wraith) - He is a Theriomorph - oddly resembling Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's character in the "Scorpion King." He's one of Colonel D's men, specifically directed to kill or capture high-value units or dismantle terrorist cells. Major Joshua Lawson (a.k.a. Kid) - He is a Breedline who was born and raised in Texas. Kid had that worn cowboy look with a southern drawl. He's part of Colonel D's team, and an operator of AC-130 gunships and specialized planes and helicopters. Master Sergeant Stephen Virgin (a.k.a. Gunny) - He's a Breedline - nicknamed after Clint Eastwood's character in "Heartbreak Ridge." Well known for a hard-nosed, hard-living soldier of war, Gunny is a highly trained sharpshooter in Colonel D's elite team. Steven Pasquale (a.k.a. Steven Craven) - 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 two German physicians, Dr. Hans Autenburg and Dr. Hubert Crane. Without the knowledge of his real family, Steven finally manages to escape his captors, locating his biological parents and his fraternal twin, Tessa Fairchild. The Fury - Three fraternal twins created by an evil German scientist named Dr. Hans Autenburg. Using his own DNA, he mixed it with three other species: A Breedline, an Adalwolf, and a powerful Wiccan. He placed three embryos inside the womb of a full-blooded succubus, named Sonya Hothburn. Taken against her will, Sonya was forced by the mad physician into surrogacy. After their birth, she was forbidden to see her children. All three were created to destroy the Breedline species and dominate the human world. The first born was called Apollyon, meaning 'destroyer' in Greek. It was also the name of the angel-prince of the infernal regions, the minister of death and author of havoc on earth. He has the strength of ten men, and the power to dematerialize, taking others with him, from one place to another. He can transform into a creature that resembles an Adalwolf, and a vampire-like hybrid. The second born was called Callisto, meaning 'most beautiful.' She has the power of a shield, protecting herself and others from harm. The last child was named Electra, meaning 'the shining one.' She has the power to conduct electricity from her body, using it as a weapon. Inheriting their species instinct and extraordinary power, their thirst to kill became uncontrollable. As they grew up, the Fury became more and more unstable and unruly. With an insatiable hunger for human flesh and unmanageable powers, they became a hindrance to the physician. He had no other choice but to drug and imprison them for all time, each one placed inside a sarcophagus in a state of deep slumber to be forgotten forever until they were set free by their mother. Detective Manuel Sanchez - Raised by a single mother, Manuel never knew his real father. At age thirteen, his older sister Lailah, was murdered, but her killer was never apprehended. Consumed by Lailah's murder, Manuel chooses a career in police enforcement in hopes of someday finally bringing justice to his sister. Now in his fifties - living his life as a bachelor and a homicide detective - he discovers he's not entirely human, and has inherited his father's Breedline genetics. Detective Frank Perkins - He is Manuel Sanchez's partner, and discovers the secret world of the Breedline. Born as a human, Frank pledges his loyalty to the Breedline. Fighting alongside his partner, they take an oath to help the Breedline protect the world from corruption and unknown creatures that prey on the innocent.

Chapter 42
Bloodshed/Part two

By scongrove

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.

Previously . . .

When widespread reports of gruesome attacks on homeless victims, and local residents sweep across Berkeley California and the San Francisco Bay area, two local human detectives are desperate to catch whoever is responsible for the disturbing and heinous crimes.

When they question Zeke Rizzo—who is a Breedline, born with the curse of a sin-eater, and owner of the Cat Club—about a woman they’d found brutally murdered near his bar, one of Zeke’s bouncers recognizes the victim after Detective Perkins shares her photo from social media. He also confirms the victim left the bar around midnight with a guy that oddly resembled the famous actor, Jason Momoa. 

Before the detectives leave, Zeke gives them a copy of the bar’s video surveillance, hoping it would help with their investigation.

As the detectives exit the club, Zeke found himself confronted by a beautiful woman he’d seen earlier hanging out in the VIP section with an older gentleman. After introducing herself as Callisto and that she was every man’s dream, she asked him to spend the night with her. Zeke refused her proposition, but she was not the type to take no for an answer, and grabbed his arm. At the same time he realized she was not human and craved human blood, he got a glimpse into her past, using his sin-eater skills. What he saw nearly brought him to his knees. She’d been trapped alive for years in some kind of sarcophagus. At the same time Zeke questioned her about his vision, Callisto’s brother, Apollyon, interrupted their conversation and warned Zeke to keep his sister’s past to himself.

When the detectives find another body with the same MO, they contact Zeke before they head back to his bar for more questions. As they arrive, Zeke found himself caught off guard by Apollyon, who was furious after he found out Zeke spoke to the detectives and cut his throat just as his head of security, Yelena, and the detectives walked in, witnessing everything. Before Apollyon used his powers and disappeared, he took Yelena with him.

While the detectives question Zeke after he mysteriously heals, he refuses to answer their questions and leaves them clueless to what they’d just encountered.
As the detectives report to another crime scene, they discover another suspect after reviewing the surveillance video. Their next step was to visit the owner of several popular bars in the area who happened to be Detectives Manuel Sanchez’s nephew, Nathan Gage, hoping he could help identify the suspects. When they arrive at the bar, and explain to the owner what they have discovered, asking him if he’d take a look at the video they retrieved from the crime scene, Nathan becomes worried. He knew something his Uncle Sanchez wasn’t aware of. Not only was Nathan a Breedline, he knew his uncle was born with the same genetics but it was kept a secret. Now, he was faced with a difficult decision. In order to keep his uncle safe, he would have to go against the Breedline law and tell him everything.

Now that both Detectives know about the Breedline, they offer to help them take down the Fury. There next step is to figure out a way to lure them out of their hiding place.

As they ponder on a plan of action, Jace comes up with an idea of putting on a show at Nate’s bar to lure the Fury to them, hoping a crowded bar of humans would do the trick. It would be like ringing a dinner bell to an all-you-can-eat buffet. But the only question was; could they protect all the people while they battled with the hungry trio?  

When the Breedline manages to capture Callisto, her fraternal twin Electra, uses her telepathic powers to warn their brother Apollyon. Enraged with the Breedline, Apollyon tells his beloved Yelena good-bye, knowing it may be the last time they see one another as he heads for battle. 

While the battle with the Fury comes to a halt, the Breedline are stunned by their power and have the feeling they are incapable of defeating the supernatural trio. With hope and a lot of prayers, they will not give up the fight.    
           
Continued . . .

As the Creator watched the chaos on earth below, he shook his head, realizing he had no choice but to intervene.   

He sensed the approaching angel before he heard him. Turning his head, the Creator watched as Cronus—a first commander in charge of his battle angels—gracefully descended from above.

When Cronus’s boots landed on solid ground, he tucked in his dark wings and dropped to one knee. “My Lord,” he said, lowering his gaze.
 
Dressed in all black with a sword at his side, Cronus was stunningly handsome with dark hair that hung in thick waves past his shoulders. His eyes sparkled pale gray, and his arms were marked with unique tattoos. He was a loyal and devoted warrior, willing to give his life to protect the heavens and all of God’s creations. He had the power of the sword of truth and the ability to use his body as a shield, and his mission was to lead the Creator’s soldiers in the path of light.   
    
The battle angels’ one purpose for existence was to serve the Creator in war against demons and evil havoc on earth.

“There’s not much time,” the Creator spoke, releasing a sigh. “My children on earth depend on you. Chose four of your best soldiers and prepare for war. Do not destroy the Fury,” he instructed. “Render them powerless and bring them to me.” 

Cronus looked upward with a rapt expression. “My Lord . . . as always, I give you my word. We will not fail you.” 

As he rose, determination pulsed from the warrior. His feathered wings burst from his back and opened wide. Cronus simply hovered, his wings lightly fluttering as he gazed down at his Creator with unbridled devotion. At that moment, he felt cherished . . . loved.

It only took him a moment for his wings to lift off and carry him to his destination. As he raced to where all his warriors were stationed, called the “In-Between”—the outer space surrounding heaven—he struggled with the decision of one warrior. Without a doubt, he knew Helios, Icarus, and Frigg were the best three choices, but he wasn’t sure about choosing Lailah. Although she displayed skills no other warrior possessed and her loyalty to the Creator was undeniable, this particular mission would involve someone from her past. But Lailah was essential for them to successfully render the Fury powerless. 

Unlike any of the Creator’s angels, there are no majestic white wings, no soft angelic voice, and no golden halo continually hovering over their head. The indigenous battle angels, on average, were ten feet tall, although a few towered to the height of twelve feet with a more muscular build. All were tattooed with unique warrior markings, black eagle-like wings with armor typical of ancient heroes, and wielded a type of sword associated with a long-gone empire. They are the bravest of angels, who consider only the importance of their mission and are perfectly willing to be destroyed in the service of righteousness. Each angel is gifted with special powers to be used as weapons to fight against the dark side. They are particularly fond of the human race and consider themselves humanity’s special protectors.  
  
Gifted with holy fire, Lailah not only possessed the power to shape and manipulate holy flames—which were inextinguishable by normal means—she is absolutely breathtaking. Her bright red hair was like burning flames that flowed over her shoulders in luscious curls. And her eyes were as blue as the sea accenting the delicate features of her lovely face. Lailah’s gift was especially effective against demons and other evil supernatural beings. She can trap or immobilize their enemy, rather than killing them outright.

Holy fire can have different properties and capabilities such as summoning spirits of the deceased back to the world of the living but only with the permission of the Creator.

Helios, a descendant of a mighty African king, was a mountain of a man, towering the height of at least twelve feet. He had an intimidating muscular build, and dark braids reached to the middle of his back as thick as rope, his eyes shining like a pair of flawless diamonds. When the Creator brought Helios into the group, his entire body was converted into a lethal weapon. The tips of his magnificent dark feathers sliced like knives, and his hands and feet were clawed with talons capable of shredding through skin and bone. In his formal life as a human, he was born without vocal cords. Gifting him with the powers of telepathy, the Creator made it possible for Helios to communicate using his mind.   
     
The warrior Icarus wasn’t your ordinary battle angel. There was no other word to describe him except gorgeous. He had the most fantastic head of hair, the kind women would die for. The long, colorful shades of blond were outrageously beautiful. And his strange silver eyes that shimmered like crystals accentuated his handsome face. Icarus was gifted with the power of telekinesis. He can influence, manipulate, and move matter using his mind. His gift also gives him the capability to absorb and convert energy. Although his specific powers are very resourceful and useful in physical combat against the dark forces, Icarus was new to the group. But so far, his love and loyalty toward the Creator never once faltered. Cronus had faith and confidence in all his mighty soldiers.

Frigg, on the other hand, is different than any other angel. Not only does he resemble the singer, musician, and actor Billy Idol of the 80’s punk rock band—sporting the same trademark bleached spiked hair—Frigg also speaks with an English accent. He was one of God’s originals, serving as a battle angel for more than a century. With a personality bigger than life, he still had a few of his human weaknesses: his love for rock-n-roll, cheeseburgers, and classic black-and-white movies. Frigg—never lost for words—was a bit of a show-off. Around him, there is never a dull moment, even in battle. The Creator gifted him with the unique power of shape-shifting. He can transform and reshape himself into any living thing.

After Cronus summoned his four warriors and prepared them for their task ahead, he asked to speak with Lailah in private.

“There is no other angel I admire more than you,” Cronus told Lailah. “I have faith in your strength and ability to help us win this battle against the Fury.”

Frowning, Lailah stared at her commander in question. “I get the feeling this isn’t a pep talk just to build my confidence,” she said. “Am I right?”  
 
He nodded. “There’s something you need to know before we leave, and it involves your brother.”

Her eyes rounded. “Manuel—”

He held up his hand before she could utter another word. “Hold on, Lailah. Nothing has happened to him. But I want to warn you, he will be at the place we are going into battle.”

And then there was a “What?!” that could be heard at a distance, her voice increasing with panic.  

She shook her head. “I-I don’t understand. What does my brother have to do with all this?”

Cronus let out a deep breath. “Lailah, your brother is a homicide detective, and he’s been thrown into the middle of all this. And he knows.”

“Knows what?” she demanded, voice rising. “Tell me, Cronus.”

“He knows about the Breedline.” There was a beat of silence. “And he knows about your family’s bloodline.”

Lailah squeezed her eyes shut and prayed that it wasn’t true. She opened them and brushed off the tears from her cheeks. “I can’t believe this. I have to protect him.”

He placed his hand on her shoulder and lightly squeezed. “We’ll do everything we can to ensure his safety. I give you my word.”

“Thank you, Cronus,” she said earnestly. “But what if Manuel recognizes me?”

“Then maybe . . . he’ll finally have peace with your death.”

Her shoulders sagged. “Yeah,” she whispered, looking down, “maybe.”

“Look at me, Lailah.”

She lifted her eyes and couldn’t help but draw back as Cronus pinned her with a hard stare.

“I need to know. Can I count on you to be focused?”

Lailah couldn’t find her voice, so she nodded.

“Mistake this not. The survival of God’s creations depends solely on us. We need you, Lailah. Answer me. Are we clear?”

“Y-yes,” she vowed. “I promise.”

“Warriors,” Cronus called out abruptly.

When Helios, Icarus, and Frigg came into view, it seemed a little odd that Lailah did not look at any of them, staying focused on Cronus instead—although maybe that made sense. As hard-core as the warriors were, their commander was the only one whose opinion truly mattered.

Cronus looked around at his warriors in silence, and Lailah’s heart started kicking in her chest as though a bird was flapping its wings inside her rib cage.

At last, Cronus spoke, “Soldiers of war . . . are you prepared to fight in battle?”

The response was immediate.

Icraus’s smile was slow and a little evil. “I’m in,” he murmured.

Helios leaned in and nodded silently.

“Oh, bloody hell, I’ll miss my movie,” Frigg groaned. “Casablanca will be on in half an hour.”

Everyone turned to Frigg, who sported a pouty lip and had his arms crossed over his chest.

“What?” he said, shrugging his shoulders. “Look, don’t knock it, guys. It’s a classic, ‘kay?”

Icarus glanced at his commander. “Can I please have permission to beat him?”

“As soon as we get back,” Cronus said. “We’ll hang him up by his toes, and you can use him as target practice.”

Helios cracked a smile, and Icarus said, “I can’t wait.”

Frigg shook his head. “I swear, one of these days I’m going to put in a request for another position. Maybe I’ll be a guardian angel.”

At the same time, Lailah and Icarus busted into laughter. Even Helios chuckled silently.

“You guys suck,” Frigg said, furrowing his brows.

“Okay, that’s enough,” Cronus interjected. 

Lailah raised her chin high. “I’m ready.”

Respect rolled through Cronus’s chest as Lailah and the others looked up at him with admiration.

“Time’s ticking,” Cronus said as he unsheathed his wings. “We have a battle awaiting us.”

****

With rage burning through Kyle’s blood like fire, he exploded into action with Casey and Nate following behind and barreled down to the lower level of the bar. 
 
Before Jem could decide on a course of action, an unexpected sound came from above. Apollyon looked distinctly puzzled by the menacing rumbling that sounded like a stampede of onrushing bulls, but Jem recognized the sound.

Apollyon’s body snapped around and dropped into a fight stance, readying himself for another attack. 

Electra and Callisto rushed to Apollyon’s side. They looked at each other in alarm and then to their brother for direction.

As deep furrows creased his brow, Apollyon clenched his clawed hands. Anger surged through him as he caught sight of the feral beasts that toppled from the stairs.

As they leaped and bounded through the mass hysteria of people, they slid to a halt when they came to a clearing in the center. To their surprise, Steven and Lawrence were kneeling over Zeke’s smoldering body. The smoke, dust, and dim lighting made it hard to see clearly, even though they were only a few feet away. It appeared something or someone had shot him in the chest and left a hole the size of a cannonball. And Jace—now in human form—was lying naked on the floor still as water, and his head cocked at an unnatural angle. 

Instead of dropping to their knees and bowing to Apollyon, everyone appeared dazed and confused, completely unable to comprehend what they had just witnessed.

Enraged by their disobedience, Electra extended her palm and aimed toward the crowd, preparing to strike another lightning blast.

“Wait!” Jem called out, his eyes pleading. “Please don’t do this. They’re all innocent humans.”

Electra paused as if considering his request. Then, with effortless brutality, she fired a lightning bolt before Jem could react, killing a defenseless bystander.

“No!” Jem cried out in horror as the body of a young human female in a silver sequin mini dress hit the floor. This wasn’t supposed to happen.  
 
With a smug grin, Electra turned to Jem. “I don’t take orders from—”

CRACK!

Unaware of Jem’s powers, Electra got a dose of her own medicine. When he launched a bolt of electricity from his hand, the force of the impact threw her backward. Her body rolled until it smacked into a wall and came to an abrupt halt. It was a blast hard enough to kill a mortal woman ten times over. 
   
Yet Electra wasn’t mortal, and it merely stunned her. With a grunt, she rose to her feet and shot her sister a look that said she was pissed.

Upset over Zeke, Callisto purposely lifted the shield that kept Electra protected. 

Callisto shrugged her shoulders. “Oops,” she said with a slight smirk on her face. “Sorry.”

Ready for round two, Jem palmed another firebomb and launched it in her direction. But the blast exploded in mid-air before it made contact.

Jem’s eyes rounded. What the hell? 
   
“You can’t kill me,” Electra mocked. “You can’t kill any of us.”

“No one is invincible,” Jem said. Then, in one quick, continuous motion, he discharged another lightning bolt strong enough to blast through steel, but it exploded again before connecting with his target, leaving all three of them unscathed.

“Don’t waste your energy, Breedline,” Callisto chimed in. “You’re powers are useless up against my shield.”

 Shit! Jem’s troubled gaze met Steven, and then he looked to Tim as if he was searching for a solution to the grim situation.

Tim shook his head, knowing where this was going. Fear shadowed his eyes and whitened his lips. Think! He cursed to himself. There has to be a way to destroy them.

To be continued . . .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Author Notes

NOTE: This is not part of the chapter. A reference for terms and cast of 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 among humans, 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 is 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 one 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 QUEEN'S 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 into human form 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 into human form 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. 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 ultimately 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 cannot 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 can 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 can 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 cannot 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 bright 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, twice 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. An Adalwolf is immune to silver. They can bond with any species. LUPA - The ancestors descended from the old legend of the lycanthrope, except the moon has no power over them and it cannot be passed on to others like a virus. It is passed on through genetics to the female offspring, known as a she-wolf. This type of creature shape-shifts into a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, and is considered dangerous... cursed. Jace Chamberlain (a.k.a. the Beast) - He is a Breedline species and 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. 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 became the new Breedline queen. She is an inspiring artist. 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. 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. 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. 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 was born a Theriomorph. He is a clothing model and plays backup bass and keyboards in the band Chaos. 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. Nathan Gage (a.k.a. Nate) - He is a Breedline and the owner of several upscale night clubs in the largest metropolitan areas of Northern California. Zeke Rizzo - He is a Breedline, born with a curse of a sin-eater, and the owner of the Cat Club. When coming in physical contact with another person, he has the power to see inside their past, experiencing their worst memory. A simple handshake seems like nothing to an ordinary person, but to Zeke, it is unbearable. Without the ability to stop it, he is also the worst case of karma. If anyone angers him, an unfortunate accident can fall upon them. Yelena Smirnov - A full-blooded succubus from Russia. She is in charge of security at the Cat Club. She is bonded to Apollyon, who was taken by the battle angels along with his fraternal twin sisters, Callisto, and Electra. Roman Kincaid - He is an Adalwolf trained in military tactics, hired as a special breed of warriors from Brazil. Hired as a bodyguard for Valkin Steele - a billionaire funding a group of unethical scientists research - he later learns of Steele's underground sex-trafficking and illegal drug and weapons trade, and informs the Breedline Covenant. He also forms a team of Breedline soldiers who work for a private Special Ops group contracted by the military for missions that no one else can or will do to help put an end to Valkin Steele's corrupt organization. Lawrence Colbert - A Breedline council member of the New Jersey Covenant, trained in military tactics and as a medic who worked alongside Roman Kincaid, the Special Ops Team, and the Breedline Covenant to help take down Valkin Steele. Lena - She is a Breedline, highly trained in survival skills, martial arts, and anything dealing with weapons, hand-to-hand combat, and hired by Roman Kincaid to help take down Valkin Steele. She oddly resembles the character Xena the Warrior Princess from the 80's television series. She is also Bull's little sister and is bonded to Justice. Bull (a.k.a. Benjamin Allen Calvero ) - He is a Breedline, highly trained and an expert in a variety of military tactics who is part of Roman Kincaid's team. He gets his nickname because of his size. Justice - He is a Breedline, highly trained in military tactics, an expert with explosives, hand-to-hand combat, sniper training, and a pilot, who is part of Roman Kincaid's team. Colonel Brian Deshazo (a.k.a. Colonel D) - He is a Breedline - oddly resembling the WWE professional wrestler, John Cena - who works for the United States military as the leader of highly trained group of elite forces know as first Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta. He and his men perform various clandestine and highly classified missions around the world. Their primary mission is counterterrorism. Major Paul Wyckoff (a.k.a. Dark Wraith) - He is a Theriomorph - oddly resembling Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's character in the 'Scorpion King.' He's one of Colonel D's men, specifically directed to kill or capture high-value units or dismantle terrorist cells. Major Joshua Lawson (a.k.a. Kid) - He is a Breedline who was born and raised in Texas. Kid had that worn cowboy look with a southern drawl. He's part of Colonel D's team, and an operator of AC-130 gunships and specialized planes and helicopters. Master Sergeant Stephen Virgin (a.k.a. Gunny) - He's a Breedline, nicknamed after Clint Eastwood's character in 'Heartbreak Ridge.' Well known for a hard-nosed, hard-living soldier of war, Gunny is a highly trained sharpshooter in Colonel D's elite team. Steven Pasquale (a.k.a. Steven Craven) - 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 two German physicians, Dr. Hans Autenburg and Dr. Hubert Crane. Without the knowledge of his real family, Steven finally manages to escape his captors, locating his biological parents and his fraternal twin, Tessa Fairchild. The Fury - Three fraternal twins created by an evil German scientist named Dr. Hans Autenburg. Using his own DNA, he mixed it with three other species: A Breedline, an Adalwolf, and a powerful Wiccan. He placed three embryos inside the womb of a full-blooded succubus, named Sonya Hothburn. Taken against her will, Sonya was forced by the mad physician into surrogacy. After their birth, she was forbidden to see her children. All three were created to destroy the Breedline species and dominate the human world. The first born was called Apollyon, meaning 'destroyer' in Greek. It was also the name of the angel-prince of the infernal regions, the minister of death and author of havoc on earth. He has the strength of ten men, and the power to dematerialize, taking others with him, from one place to another. He can transform into a creature that resembles an Adalwolf, and a vampire-like hybrid. The second born was called Callisto, meaning 'most beautiful.' She has the power of a shield, protecting herself and others from harm. The last child was named Electra, meaning 'the shining one.' She has the power to conduct electricity from her body, using it as a weapon. Inheriting their species instinct and extraordinary power, their thirst to kill became uncontrollable. As they grew up, the Fury became more and more unstable and unruly. With an insatiable hunger for human flesh and unmanageable powers, they became a hindrance to the physician. He had no other choice but to drug and imprison them for all time, each one placed inside a sarcophagus in a state of deep slumber to be forgotten forever until they were set free by their mother. Detective Manuel Sanchez - Raised by a single mother, Manuel never knew his real father. At age thirteen, his older sister Lailah, was murdered, but her killer was never apprehended. Consumed by Lailah's murder, Manuel chooses a career in police enforcement in hopes of someday finally bringing justice to his sister. Now in his fifties - living his life as a bachelor and a homicide detective - he discovers he's not entirely human, and has inherited his father's Breedline genetics. Detective Frank Perkins - He is Manuel Sanchez's partner, and discovers the secret world of the Breedline. Born as a human, Frank pledges his loyalty to the Breedline. Fighting alongside his partner, they take an oath to help the Breedline protect the world from corruption and unknown creatures that prey on the innocent.

Chapter 43
Awaken

By scongrove

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.

Previously . . .

When widespread reports of gruesome attacks on homeless victims, and local residents sweep across Berkeley California and the San Francisco Bay area, two local human detectives are desperate to catch whoever is responsible for the disturbing and heinous crimes.

When they question Zeke Rizzo—who is a Breedline, born with the curse of a sin-eater, and owner of the Cat Club—about a woman they’d found brutally murdered near his bar, one of Zeke’s bouncers recognizes the victim after Detective Perkins shares her photo from social media. He also confirms the victim left the bar around midnight with a guy that oddly resembled the famous actor, Jason Momoa. 

Before the detectives leave, Zeke gives them a copy of the bar’s video surveillance, hoping it would help with their investigation.

As the detectives exit the club, Zeke found himself confronted by a beautiful woman he’d seen earlier hanging out in the VIP section with an older gentleman. After introducing herself as Callisto and that she was every man’s dream, she asked him to spend the night with her. Zeke refused her proposition, but she was not the type to take no for an answer and grabbed his arm. At the same time Zeke realized Callisto was not human and craved human blood, he got a glimpse into her past, using his sin-eater skills. What he saw nearly brought him to his knees. She’d been trapped alive for years in some kind of sarcophagus. At the same time Zeke questioned her about his vision, Callisto’s brother, Apollyon, interrupted their conversation and warned Zeke to keep his sister’s past to himself.

When the detectives find another body with the same MO, they contact Zeke before they head back to his bar for more questions. As they arrive, Zeke found himself caught off guard by Apollyon, who was furious after he found out Zeke spoke to the detectives and cut his throat just as his head of security, Yelena, and the detectives walked in, witnessing everything. Before Apollyon used his powers and disappeared, he took Yelena with him.

While the detectives question Zeke after he mysteriously heals, he refuses to answer their questions and leaves them clueless to what they’d just encountered.
As the detectives report to another crime scene, they discover another suspect after reviewing the surveillance video. Their next step was to visit the owner of several popular bars in the area who happened to be Detectives Manuel Sanchez’s nephew, Nathan Gage, hoping he could help identify the suspects. When they arrive at the bar, and explain to the owner what they have discovered, asking him if he’d take a look at the video they retrieved from the crime scene, Nathan becomes worried. He knew something his Uncle Sanchez wasn’t aware of. Not only was Nathan a Breedline, he knew his uncle was born with the same genetics but it was kept a secret. Now, he was faced with a difficult decision. In order to keep his uncle safe, he would have to go against the Breedline law and tell him everything.

Now that both Detectives know about the Breedline, they offer to help them take down the Fury. There next step is to figure out a way to lure them out of their hiding place.

As they ponder on a plan of action, Jace comes up with an idea of putting on a show at Nate’s bar to lure the Fury to them, hoping a crowded bar of humans would do the trick. It would be like ringing a dinner bell to an all-you-can-eat buffet. But the only question was; could they protect all the people while they battled with the hungry trio?  

When the Breedline manages to capture Callisto, her fraternal twin Electra, uses her telepathic powers to warn their brother Apollyon. Enraged with the Breedline, Apollyon tells his beloved Yelena good-bye, knowing it may be the last time they see one another as he heads for battle. 

While the battle with the Fury comes to a halt, the Breedline are stunned by their power and have the feeling they are incapable of defeating the supernatural trio. With hope and a lot of prayers, they will not give up the fight.  
     
As the battle rages on, Sebastian—who is awake and lying in a hospital bed—is finally free of Lucifer’s torture. Unaware of the Breedlines current situation, Sebastian prepares to give himself over to them for his past crimes.

Continued . . . 

When Sebastian woke up in a hospital bed, he thought all this was just another one of Lucifer’s tricks. Maybe . . . maybe the whole thing, from Eliza freeing him of Lucifer’s torture, to finally reuniting with his sister after all these years, to Eve coming back into his life and knowing his sons were safe . . . had been a dream of false hope.

He wanted to be with Eve, to be with his sons. The trouble was, he didn’t know if he could trust this version of reality—and what if this was a sick joke, a further facet of where Lucifer kept him trapped, an illusion created specifically to increase suffering when it was stripped from him? 

Screw that. He’d rather die. He wasn’t going to give Lucifer, Satan, whatever he was, the satisfaction. 

And assuming it was all real? Well, then, maybe this was God's way of showing him forgiveness. He could only pray.

Closing his eyes, he reached over his head and pulled himself into a full-body stretch, the feeling of freedom pouring through him. He felt free for the first time in his life, free of all the sins of his childhood. He was no longer the puppet of a tortured past, and not now or ever a “prisoner” of darkness.

“You’re finally awake.”

 Sebastian jacked up off the pillows.

Across the room, sitting in a chair, Eve was smiling. It was a relief to see her.

Which meant this wasn’t a dream. It must be real, he thought.

“Is this real?” he asked.

“Yes, Sebastian. You’re safe now.”

For a moment, he was quiet. And then he said, “So if this is real, and not an illusion . . . do you still love me?”

“Of course, I still love you.” 

“Thank God,” he said, easing back down and shutting his eyes again.

“Sebastian, are you okay?”

Bringing his hands to his face, he rubbed them over his eyes and let out a deep breath. When he looked at Eve, his eyes sparkled with resolution. “I’ve never felt better,” he murmured.

She rose out of the chair and moved next to the hospital bed. On impulse, she reached out and placed her hand over his. For a split second, he thought she was going to kiss him as she leaned in. He focused on her lips and moved his head toward her. But then at the last minute, she pulled away and whispered, “What happened to you, Sebastian?” 

He shook his head. “It doesn’t matter.” He curled his hand around hers and gently squeezed. “All that matters now is . . . you and the boys are safe.”

“The Breedline have given me a pardon, but they will surely punish you for your crimes,” she said with tears in her voice. “Are you really going to give yourself over to them freely?”

Sebastian reached up and brushed a tear from her cheek. Before he could answer, a knock at the door distracted him. As it opened to a crack, Anna peeked inside. “May I come in?”

Eve glanced over her shoulder and said, “Yes, of course.”

As Anna pushed her way in, her phone went off. She stopped and reached into her purse, and as she looked at the caller ID, she recognized Helen’s number.

“Sorry, I’ve got to take this. It’s Helen.” She put it up to her ear. “Hello? Yes, I’m in his room now.” There was silence. “What?” Her eyes widened. “Okay, I’ll tell them.” She nodded against the phone. “Thank you, Helen.”

When she hung up, her face looked pale.

Eve looked at her, concerned. “Anna, is something wrong?”

Anna tucked her phone back into her purse and slowly moved next to Eve. “Something terrible has happened.”

After she explained to Eve and Sebastian what Helen had told her over the phone, there was a moment of silence.  

“I have to help them.” With a groan, Sebastian sat up and swung his legs off the edge of the hospital bed.

Anna stepped in front of him before he could get to his feet. “You’re in no condition to help anyone. You’ve been in a coma for weeks.” Her eyes pleaded. “Please, brother. Don’t do this.”

Ignoring her pleas, he started to go to work on the inside of his arm, carefully taking out the IV.

As beeping alarms started going off, Eve shook her head. “Sebastian, they’ll arrest you if you try to leave.”

He got to his feet, moved past her, and started opening drawers, searching for something to put on, but found them empty. No pants, no shirts . . . nothing.

Frustrated, he turned to Eve. “Please, I need you to get me some clothes.”   

Suddenly, a nurse and two guards burst into the room.

“Sir?” the nurse said. “Please get back to bed.”

With a curse, Sebastian tried to collect himself and come up with a solution.

“Get back in that bed, Mr. Crow,” the guard said. “Or I’m going to put you there myself.”

Through his haze of frustration, Sebastian figured there were two obvious options: Obey their command and let the Breedline take care of their own problems . . . or do the right thing for once in his life, even if it got his ass killed.

He picked number two.   

Running out of time, he turned to Eve. “I love you.” And then he shifted his focus to Anna and smiled.

Off in the distance, shouts broke out as Sebastian vanished through a portal. He prayed that Eve and his sister understood what he had to do.    

As Sebastian stepped through the portal and stood across the street from Nate’s bar, he exhaled in a rush, wondering if it was reckless desperation that had driven him to this insane act. But his instincts told him he was doing the right thing.   

A sudden mass of frantic people pushed and shoved their way through the exit as if they were running for their lives.  

Two streets down, the blaring sounds of police sirens brought him back to focus. Quickly, he ducked in an alley behind the back of the bar and reached for a handrail that was tightly wound around a metal stairway that led to each floor of the building. On the top level, he forced his way through a metal door and stepped into a narrow hallway. At the far end, he noticed a door with a sign that read, “Dressing Room.” 
    
Clothes, Sebastian thought. He needed them, and shoes. Anything other than the hospital gown he had on. If he was going to help the Breedline in battle, he wasn’t going to do it half naked.  

When he went into the room, he walked over to a closet, tried the knob, and found it unlocked. Opening it, he blew out a sigh of relief. Inside was an assortment of men’s clothing and a variety of boots. After rummaging through it all, he’d managed to find something in his size. 

****

With his ears flattened to his head, Drakon peered down from below, the bristly hairs on his back rising. His chest heaved with angry breaths, producing a deep, feral growl.

Apollyon looked up at him and snarled his top lip. “What are you waiting for,” he said, deliberately baiting Drakon.

Drakon glared at him for a moment, a muscle ticking in his jaw. Without further hesitation, he leaped a good twenty feet across the room and landed on the stair railing. Using the strength of his hind legs, he sprang forward . . . directly at Apollyon.

Apollyon launched himself upward and blocked the assault in midair, knocking him back with a powerful blow. Drakon struck the wall and bounced off.

Everyone watched helplessly as Drakon’s body went limp and dropped to the floor. It was several feet straight down. Although blood seeped from his huge wolfin face and he’d broken a few ribs, he slowly came around, the healing of his rogue wolf doing its work. 

He needed to destroy the Fury, to put an end to Dr. Autenburg’s abomination, permanently removing these creatures from the earth.

As Apollyon closed in on Drakon, who was struggling to get up, he reached out with his clawed hand. 
   
In a swift, powerful movement, Casey’s panther lunged at Apollyon, hitting him squarely in the back and sending him sprawling across the floor. It looked as though he might actually be a match for the winged creature.

Drakon managed to push himself onto all fours and looked into the lavender eyes of the enormous black cat to whom he now owed his life. 

With a predator’s growl, the panther took a single step forward as Apollyon rolled to his knees and stood. The smug look on his face dared the majestic animal to a challenge.

Then the cat exploded into action, leaping toward Apollyon.

From out of nowhere, a lightning whip slashed into the air, coming straight at the panther. As it wound tightly around the cat’s throat, Electra jerked the whip back and snapped its neck like a twig. 
   
Casey’s panther dropped to the floor and didn’t move. 

Electra smiled a little, her cruel face showing absolutely no remorse.

Kyle was ready to kill. He glanced over at Nate, the pair of them locking eyes. When Nate gave a subtle nod, the thick muscles in Kyle’s hind legs twitched.  

With a mighty lunge, Kyle and Nate went airborne.

They attacked Electra with such ferocity that she felt like she’d been hit by two cars. The blunt force knocked her completely off balance, and she went down like a sack of potatoes.

Sprawled out, lying flat on her back, Electra stared up at Kyle and Nate. Her glaring gaze was nothing but a pair of pits that were as dark and bottomless as sinkholes. And then she smiled at them like an axe-murderer who was looking at her next victims. 

The air around her warped, as though the anger within her was the source of her driving power. Without warning, an electrical current exploded from her body and blasted into Kyle and Nate. The surging shock waves struck them with full force, sending them tumbling several feet away. 

“Open fire,” Colonel Deshazo commanded.    
         
His team opened fire, as did the others, even though they knew it would take more than the power of an M60 to take down the Fury. 

Ready to serve up another round of payback, Jem palmed up a fireball the shape of a sphere and sent it rolling right at Electra.

Unfortunately, Callisto’s shield kept everything from making contact.

Jem’s throat tightened and despair washed over him. His face maintained a brave front, but inside he felt powerless.  
 
When the flames of Jem’s explosive ball of fire dissipated, Electra’s dark eyes flashed brightly. A smirk lifted the corners of her lips as she rose to her feet and raised a crackling whip.

Sebastian’s eyes widened as he stood over the top level of the bar, looking down at the carnage below. He shouted a warning as Electra brought down the lash with a fury, but it was too late. Jem absorbed the blow, and the impact twisted his torso like a rope. He went with the force of the hit, pitching forward in agony. Gathering his strength, he quickly scanned his body, taking stock of his injuries. Nothing too deep, just some of the skin on his chest burned, but still intact. 
  
For the first time, the Breedline found themselves fearing what the Fury was truly capable of . . . and the outcome of their fate.

To be continued . . .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Author Notes

NOTE: This is not part of the chapter. A reference for terms and cast of 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 among humans, 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 is 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 one 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 QUEEN'S 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 into human form 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 into human form 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. 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 ultimately 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 cannot 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 can 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 can 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 cannot 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 bright 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, twice 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. An Adalwolf is immune to silver. They can bond with any species. LUPA - The ancestors descended from the old legend of the lycanthrope, except the moon has no power over them and it cannot be passed on to others like a virus. It is passed on through genetics to the female offspring, known as a she-wolf. This type of creature shape-shifts into a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, and is considered dangerous... cursed. 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 among 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. Arius and Tidus - Sebastian and Eve's twin boys. Both have inherited their parent's genetics of a half-breed. But Arius carries the mark of the Chiang-Shih demon with the power to create a portal and the ability to heal others. Anna Saeni - She was born with the genetics of a Breedline from her father's side - who died when Anna was a baby - but she does not shift into a wolf. Her human mother, Eliza, raised Sebastian Crow as her own after his biological mother, Sybil and his step-father, William Montgomery, detested him due to Sybil's infidelity. William sent Sebastian's twin brother Thomas to be raised in England with Sybil's sister, and forced his maid Eliza to raise Sebastian. While Anna grew up, she helped her mother raise Sebastian, loving him as a brother. At age fourteen, William molested Anna. After her mother found out, she confronted William and Sybil, but so afraid to lose her family, and her wealthy status, Sybil killed Eliza in cold blood. William sent Anna to live in a women's convent, and forced Sebastian to live in a boarding school for troubled boys for all Breedline. Jace Chamberlain (a.k.a. the Beast) - He is a Breedline species and 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. 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 became the new Breedline queen. She is an inspiring artist. 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. 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. 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. 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 was born a Theriomorph. He is a clothing model and plays backup bass and keyboards in the band Chaos. 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. Nathan Gage (a.k.a. Nate) - He is a Breedline and the owner of several upscale night clubs in the largest metropolitan areas of Northern California. Zeke Rizzo - He is a Breedline, born with a curse of a sin-eater, and the owner of the Cat Club. When coming in physical contact with another person, he has the power to see inside their past, experiencing their worst memory. A simple handshake seems like nothing to an ordinary person, but to Zeke, it is unbearable. Without the ability to stop it, he is also the worst case of karma. If anyone angers him, an unfortunate accident can fall upon them. Yelena Smirnov - A full-blooded succubus from Russia. She is in charge of security at the Cat Club. She is bonded to Apollyon, who was taken by the battle angels along with his fraternal twin sisters, Callisto, and Electra. Roman Kincaid - He is an Adalwolf trained in military tactics, hired as a special breed of warriors from Brazil. Hired as a bodyguard for Valkin Steele - a billionaire funding a group of unethical scientists research - he later learns of Steele's underground sex-trafficking and illegal drug and weapons trade, and informs the Breedline Covenant. He also forms a team of Breedline soldiers who work for a private Special Ops group contracted by the military for missions that no one else can or will do to help put an end to Valkin Steele's corrupt organization. Lawrence Colbert - A Breedline council member of the New Jersey Covenant, trained in military tactics and as a medic who worked alongside Roman Kincaid, the Special Ops Team, and the Breedline Covenant to help take down Valkin Steele. Lena - She is a Breedline, highly trained in survival skills, martial arts, and anything dealing with weapons, hand-to-hand combat, and hired by Roman Kincaid to help take down Valkin Steele. She oddly resembles the character Xena the Warrior Princess from the 80's television series. She is also Bull's little sister and is bonded to Justice. Bull (a.k.a. Benjamin Allen Calvero ) - He is a Breedline, highly trained and an expert in a variety of military tactics who is part of Roman Kincaid's team. He gets his nickname because of his size. Justice - He is a Breedline, highly trained in military tactics, an expert with explosives, hand-to-hand combat, sniper training, and a pilot, who is part of Roman Kincaid's team. Colonel Brian Deshazo (a.k.a. Colonel D) - He is a Breedline - oddly resembling the WWE professional wrestler, John Cena - who works for the United States military as the leader of highly trained group of elite forces know as first Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta. He and his men perform various clandestine and highly classified missions around the world. Their primary mission is counterterrorism. Major Paul Wyckoff (a.k.a. Dark Wraith) - He is a Theriomorph - oddly resembling Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's character in the 'Scorpion King.' He's one of Colonel D's men, specifically directed to kill or capture high-value units or dismantle terrorist cells. Major Joshua Lawson (a.k.a. Kid) - He is a Breedline who was born and raised in Texas. Kid had that worn cowboy look with a southern drawl. He's part of Colonel D's team, and an operator of AC-130 gunships and specialized planes and helicopters. Master Sergeant Stephen Virgin (a.k.a. Gunny) - He's a Breedline - nicknamed after Clint Eastwood's character in 'Heartbreak Ridge.' Well known for a hard-nosed, hard-living soldier of war, Gunny is a highly trained sharpshooter in Colonel D's elite team. Steven Pasquale (a.k.a. Steven Craven) - 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 two German physicians, Dr. Hans Autenburg and Dr. Hubert Crane. Without the knowledge of his real family, Steven finally manages to escape his captors, locating his biological parents and his fraternal twin, Tessa Fairchild. The Fury - Three fraternal twins created by an evil German scientist named Dr. Hans Autenburg. Using his own DNA, he mixed it with three other species: A Breedline, an Adalwolf, and a powerful Wiccan. He placed three embryos inside the womb of a full-blooded succubus, named Sonya Hothburn. Taken against her will, Sonya was forced by the mad physician into surrogacy. After their birth, she was forbidden to see her children. All three were created to destroy the Breedline species and dominate the human world. The first born was called Apollyon, meaning 'destroyer' in Greek. It was also the name of the angel-prince of the infernal regions, the minister of death and author of havoc on earth. He has the strength of ten men, and the power to dematerialize, taking others with him, from one place to another. He can transform into a creature that resembles an Adalwolf, and a vampire-like hybrid. The second born was called Callisto, meaning 'most beautiful.' She has the power of a shield, protecting herself and others from harm. The last child was named Electra, meaning 'the shining one.' She has the power to conduct electricity from her body, using it as a weapon. Inheriting their species instinct and extraordinary power, their thirst to kill became uncontrollable. As they grew up, the Fury became more and more unstable and unruly. With an insatiable hunger for human flesh and unmanageable powers, they became a hindrance to the physician. He had no other choice but to drug and imprison them for all time, each one placed inside a sarcophagus in a state of deep slumber to be forgotten forever until they were set free by their mother. Detective Manuel Sanchez - Raised by a single mother, Manuel never knew his real father. At age thirteen, his older sister Lailah, was murdered, but her killer was never apprehended. Consumed by Lailah's murder, Manuel chooses a career in police enforcement in hopes of someday finally bringing justice to his sister. Now in his fifties - living his life as a bachelor and a homicide detective - he discovers he's not entirely human, and has inherited his father's Breedline genetics. Detective Frank Perkins - He is Manuel Sanchez's partner, and discovers the secret world of the Breedline. Born as a human, Frank pledges his loyalty to the Breedline. Fighting alongside his partner, they take an oath to help the Breedline protect the world from corruption and unknown creatures that prey on the innocent.

Chapter 44
The Savior

By scongrove

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.

Previously . . .

When widespread reports of gruesome attacks on homeless victims, and local residents sweep across Berkeley California and the San Francisco Bay area, two local human detectives are desperate to catch whoever is responsible for the disturbing and heinous crimes.

When they question Zeke Rizzo—who is a Breedline, born with the curse of a sin-eater, and owner of the Cat Club—about a woman they’d found brutally murdered near his bar, one of Zeke’s bouncers recognizes the victim after Detective Perkins shares her photo from social media. He also confirms the victim left the bar around midnight with a guy that oddly resembled the famous actor, Jason Momoa. 

Before the detectives leave, Zeke gives them a copy of the bar’s video surveillance, hoping it would help with their investigation.

As the detectives exit the club, Zeke found himself confronted by a beautiful woman he’d seen earlier hanging out in the VIP section with an older gentleman. After introducing herself as Callisto and that she was every man’s dream, she asked him to spend the night with her. Zeke refused her proposition, but Callisto was not the type to take no for an answer and grabbed his arm. At the same time he realized she was not human and craved human blood, he got a glimpse into her past, using his sin-eater skills. What he saw nearly brought him to his knees. She’d been trapped alive for years in some kind of sarcophagus. At the same time Zeke questioned her about his vision, Callisto’s brother, Apollyon, interrupted their conversation and warned Zeke to keep his sister’s past to himself.

When the detectives find another body with the same MO, they contact Zeke before they head back to his bar for more questions. As they arrive, Zeke found himself caught off guard by Apollyon, who was furious after he found out Zeke spoke to the detectives and cut his throat just as his head of security, Yelena, and the detectives walked in, witnessing everything. Before Apollyon used his powers and disappeared, he took Yelena with him.

While the detectives question Zeke after he mysteriously heals, he refuses to answer their questions and leaves them clueless to what they’d just encountered.
As the detectives report to another crime scene, they discover another suspect after reviewing the surveillance video. Their next step was to visit the owner of several popular bars in the area who happened to be Detectives Manuel Sanchez’s nephew, Nathan Gage, hoping he could help identify the suspects. When they arrive at the bar, and explain to the owner what they have discovered, asking him if he’d take a look at the video they retrieved from the crime scene, Nathan becomes worried. He knew something his Uncle Sanchez wasn’t aware of. Not only was Nathan a Breedline, he knew his uncle was born with the same genetics but it was kept a secret. Now, he was faced with a difficult decision. In order to keep his uncle safe, he would have to go against the Breedline law and tell him everything.

Now that both Detectives know about the Breedline, they offer to help them take down the Fury. There next step is to figure out a way to lure them out of their hiding place.

As they ponder on a plan of action, Jace comes up with an idea of putting on a show at Nate’s bar to lure the Fury to them, hoping a crowded bar of humans would do the trick. It would be like ringing a dinner bell to an all-you-can-eat buffet. But the only question was; could they protect all the people while they battled with the hungry trio?  

When the Breedline manages to capture Callisto, her fraternal twin Electra, uses her telepathic powers to warn their brother Apollyon. Enraged with the Breedline, Apollyon tells his beloved Yelena good-bye, knowing it may be the last time they see one another as he heads for battle. 

While the battle with the Fury comes to a halt, the Breedline are stunned by their power and have the feeling they are incapable of defeating the supernatural trio. With hope and a lot of prayers, they will not give up the fight.   
    
As the battle rages on, Sebastian—who is awake and lying in a hospital bed—is finally free of Lucifer’s torture. Unaware of the Breedlines current situation, Sebastian prepares to give himself over to them for his past crimes. But when his sister Anna gets a call from Dr. Helen Carrington, telling her about the fight between the Fury and the Breedline, she relays the news to Sebastian. Now that he has found peace with his soul, Sebastian decides to go help the Breedline in battle.

Unbeknown, five battle angels are sent by God to intervene on earth, knowing his children will parish if the Fury overpowers the Breedline giving them the upper hand to take over the world.    

Continued . . .

Across the street, outside a convenience store, stood a woman and her daughter, who was probably four or five. They watched as several police cars arrived and two ambulances pulled alongside the front entrance of the Wolf’s Lair.

At that moment, Cronus ascended from the heavens, invisible to most humans. His beautiful wings flapped with a steady rhythm in the star-filled-sky. His powerful chest and arms were bare, and his tanned skin stretched over lean, rippling muscle. His long hair tousled by the wind framed his handsome face. And his eyes, with those pale gray irises, glanced over to see his four chosen warriors, their faces masked with courage and perseverance.

As the little girl looked up into the dark sky, she picked up on their presence, staring with her mouth agape.

“Come on, Sadie,” the mom said, grasping her daughter’s hand. “Hurry, let’s get to the car and go home.”

“But, Mommy.” She tugged her hand away and pointed to the sky. “Look at the angels.”
   
She looked to the direction Sadie was pointing her finger, but she didn’t see anything.

“Angels live in heaven, sweetheart. There’s nothing in the sky but stars and clouds.”

“Yes, there is!” Sadie lifted on her tip-toes and stretched her little arm as if she was reaching for them. “They’re right there. See!”

“There is no one there, Sadie.” She held her hand out. “Will you come on?”

As the child took her mother’s hand, she smiled and waved to Cronus and the other angels.

“Bye-bye, angels,” Sadie whispered.
      
While Cronus ascended from the sky, getting closer to the roof of Nate’s bar, he communicated with Helios, Lailah, Icarus, and Frigg all at once, readying them to prepare to make a grand entrance and smash through. 
  
Lailah tucked her wings into her back, preparing for a hard landing as she peered down at the colorful human world. It had been years since she’d seen it. Blue and red lights flashed from the crowded streets, and voices chattered in a panicked tone.

“Remember,” Cronus announced. “We are to bring the Fury back to the Creator alive.”

Nods of agreement met his words.

“Let’s get this done and get back!” Frigg said with a whoop. “Phantom of the Opera is playing tonight.”

Icarus rolled his eyes. “It never ends.”

Voices grew louder as the battle angels got closer. They heard human voices; screams and pleas for help. Using their wings to propel them faster, they picked up enough speed to break through the bar’s rooftop.  

“Now!” Cronus shouted.

In unison, the warriors crashed through the top of the building with a firm grip on their swords. As wood and scattered bits of material exploded into pieces, everyone inside the bar ducked for cover. Dust and particles of debris filled the air making it difficult to see.

Finally, as it cleared, Cronus and his warriors stepped into . . . hell on earth. His stomach twisted as he caught sight of Apollyon’s transformation. The winged creature went far beyond anything he’d seen—it went far beyond wickedness. And he’d fought against his share of demons, but nothing that came as close to resembling Satan himself.

There was a stretch of silence within the Breedline as they took in the sight of the impressive angels that towered at least ten feet or more. Having just been through hell, and having their asses handed to them, they felt as though their prayers had finally been heard by a higher power.  

Relieved by their presence, Jem leaned forward and pressed his hands to his face. Thank you, God. 

Overlooking the scene from above, Sebastian appeared confused as he caught sight of the giant black-winged creatures down below. Are those supposed to be . . . angels?  

Cronus held up his free hand and signaled the direction he wanted each warrior to go. The four split up, and everyone positioned themselves in each corner, completely surrounding the Fury. 

When Lailah’s sword ignited into flames, chaos erupted. There was no warning, no small chit-chat, and no voice of reason. Electra drew back her whip, charged with electricity, and flung it in Lailah’s direction, but Icarus was having none of that. Using his powers of telekinesis, he summoned Electra’s whip out of her grasp and sent it flying several feet away.  
  
As Electra’s eyes widened, they were like two blowtorches mounted on the back of her skull, but Icarus didn’t bat an eye. She could go volcano if she wanted; he was not intimidated by her in the least.  

He smiled his coldest smile, then said, “I betcha didn’t see that coming, did you?” 

She hissed like an angry cat.

As Detective Perkins peered over the balcony of the top level, he noticed several injured people down below and said, “Detective, we’ve got to get the injured medical attention.”

Detective Sanchez didn’t hear a word his partner said because he couldn’t comprehend what he was looking at.

“Lailah?” he gasped.

Manuel rubbed his hand over his face, feeling like he was going to pass out. Was he losing his ever-loving mind? Or was he really looking at his sister that had been murdered over forty-one years ago? It was Lailah’s face just as he remembered, but she was a giant . . . and an angel.

“Detective, did you hear me?” Perkins asked.

“T-that’s my sister,” Manuel stammered, pointing to Lailah.

Perkins looked in the direction his partner’s hand was pointing and said, “What—”  

“It’s Lailah. I just know it is.” Manuel’s voice grew with jubilation. “She looks exactly the same as I last saw her. She was only seventeen. But . . . how did she—”  

Distant sirens caught Manuel’s attention, shifting his focus away from Lailah.

As they grew louder, Cronus looked to Colonel Deshazo, who was positioned nearby and said, “Have your men take the humans to a safe place and get the injured medical attention. We’ll take care of the Fury.” 

With his eyes locked onto Cronus’s, the colonel nodded in agreement.

“Hear me out, creatures of the Fury,” Cronus raised his voice, stepping forward with his sword in his hand. “You have been summoned by the Creator. We can do things two ways. Surrender yourselves and come with us peacefully. But if you resist, we’ll do this the hard way. Heed my warning. You are no match against our powers.”

Tension crackled in the air.

“It’s your choice,” Cronus said, giving them their final warning.  
  
Apollyon bared his teeth like a rabid dog growling, and Electra’s bright eyes ceased to shimmer, and her expression, for once, grew troubled.

There was a long silence as the magnitude of what they were all thinking hit home.

Callisto stared across at Electra in question, then to Apollyon and said, “What do we do, brother?”

****

Yelena awoke up as her succubus side went into overdrive. Then, the strangest thing happened. She saw visions of angels . . . battle angels. All at once, images of Apollyon flickered through her mind, sensing danger. Something terrible was going to happen—

Jerking upright in a scramble, she sucked in a deep breath and swung her feet off the bed. After she slipped her robe on, she rushed out the door and down the hall. As Yelena stood outside Sonya’s bedroom door, she reached up and lightly knocked.

“Sonya . . . it’s Yelena.” She knocked louder. “Please, I need your help.”

It wasn’t long before the door opened. Sonya’s intense eyes roamed around Yelena’s panicked face. “What’s wrong, dear?”

“Please.” She bowed her head. “I need your help. I think something bad has happened to your son.” She felt compelled to tack on,” I can sense he’s in some kind of danger.”

Sonya shook her head. “What do you mean?” she asked in a hushed voice.

“I saw them.”

“Saw who, Yelena?”

“Battle angels.” Her voice trembled. “They’re here for your children.”

Sonya froze—like she couldn’t figure out if she heard things right.

Yelena reached out to her. “Sonya, are you all right?”

Sonya’s shoulders sagged. “It’s over,” she whispered. “It’s over, and there’s nothing we can do to stop them.”

Her words hit Yelena hard and brought tears to her eyes. “I don’t want to let him go,” she said as she began to cry.

As reality struck her, it was painful. Yelena realized she had no choice but to let go of her fight to keep her hopes of a future with Apollyon alive. Letting go of him meant accepting what she couldn’t have, and there was nothing she could do about it. But it didn’t change what was in her heart. She would love him and wait until someday, in another life, their paths will cross once again. Because true love, after all . . . was forever.    

****

While Callisto and Electra waited for Apollyon to decide their course of action, he knew the possibility of victory was far and between. At this moment, risking a fight with the angels would not be a good outcome for him or his sisters. But, so help him, he wouldn’t accept defeat. If he was going to go down, it would be in battle. And then thoughts of Yelena came to mind. He wondered how life had brought him to this point. Wondered why he was this way. Wondered . . . if he even deserved her love, and how it was all going to end for them. Pushing his thoughts aside, his dark, leathery wings burst from his back.   

Apollyon’s voice turned into a growl as he lunged at Cronus. “We will not surrender!”

Cronus stepped in with supernatural speed, rolled up a big fist, and cocked his arm back. As he struck Apollyon, the force of the blow sent him soaring across the room. With a crack, he hit the wall, his head ringing like a bell.  
 
Dizzy and disoriented, Apollyon tried to focus and regain his bearings. He felt as though he’d been hit by a train moving at full speed.

Caged with madness, Electra extended her hand and fired a jolt of electricity from her palm. As it came roaring at Cronus, it vanished into thin air.

Her eyes careened around his body, desperately looking for recognition of some kind of injury. . . something . . . anything . . .

But unfortunately, not a single hair on his head was touched by the blazing inferno.  

Cronus’s voice exploded in an echo. “Your powers are useless. Surrender now!”

His taunt ricocheted inside Electra’s mind, triggering her madness to a whole new level. My powers may be useless to your kind, but they are deadly to humans. This was a crossroads, she thought, a place of choosing one or the other way to go. Electra wanted her way.

Turning away from Cronus, her eyes searched for another helpless victim. When Electra spotted a woman huddled in a corner, she quickly took aim and sent another one of her electrical firebombs rolling right at the innocent bystander.

“No!” Sebastian shouted.

Out of nowhere, a flash of light collided in the path of Electra’s firebomb and exploded on impact. As the mysterious light faded, a lone figure emerged.

Jem frowned, and then looked downright bewildered. What the hell? “Sebastian?”

With his hand clutching his chest, Sebastian exhaled one long breath and collapsed forward.

To be continued . . .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Author Notes

NOTE: This is not part of the chapter. A reference for terms and cast of 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 among humans, 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 is 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 one 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 QUEEN'S 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 into human form 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 into human form 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. 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 ultimately 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 cannot 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 can 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 can 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 cannot 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 bright 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, twice 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. An Adalwolf is immune to silver. They can bond with any species. LUPA - The ancestors descended from the old legend of the lycanthrope, except the moon has no power over them and it cannot be passed on to others like a virus. It is passed on through genetics to the female offspring, known as a she-wolf. This type of creature shape-shifts into a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, and is considered dangerous... cursed. 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 among 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. Arius and Tidus - Sebastian and Eve's twin boys. Both have inherited their parent's genetics of a half-breed. But Arius carries the mark of the Chiang-Shih demon with the power to create a portal and the ability to heal others. Anna Saeni - She was born with the genetics of a Breedline from her father's side - who died when Anna was a baby - but she does not shift into a wolf. Her human mother, Eliza, raised Sebastian Crow as her own after his biological mother, Sybil and his step-father, William Montgomery, detested him due to Sybil�?�¢??s infidelity. William sent Sebastian's twin brother Thomas to be raised in England with Sybil's sister, and forced his maid Eliza to raise Sebastian. While Anna grew up, she helped her mother raise Sebastian, loving him as a brother. At age fourteen, William molested Anna. After her mother found out, she confronted William and Sybil, but so afraid to lose her family, and her wealthy status, Sybil killed Eliza in cold blood. William sent Anna to live in a women's convent, and forced Sebastian to live in a boarding school for troubled boys for all Breedline. Jace Chamberlain (a.k.a. the Beast) - He is a Breedline species and 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. 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 became the new Breedline queen. She is an inspiring artist. 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. 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. 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. 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 was born a Theriomorph. He is a clothing model and plays backup bass and keyboards in the band Chaos. 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. Nathan Gage (a.k.a. Nate) - He is a Breedline and the owner of several upscale night clubs in the largest metropolitan areas of Northern California. Zeke Rizzo - He is a Breedline, born with a curse of a sin-eater, and the owner of the Cat Club. When coming in physical contact with another person, he has the power to see inside their past, experiencing their worst memory. A simple handshake seems like nothing to an ordinary person, but to Zeke, it is unbearable. Without the ability to stop it, he is also the worst case of karma. If anyone angers him, an unfortunate accident can fall upon them. Yelena Smirnov - A full-blooded succubus from Russia. She is in charge of security at the Cat Club. She is bonded to Apollyon, who was taken by the battle angels along with his fraternal twin sisters, Callisto, and Electra. Roman Kincaid - He is an Adalwolf trained in military tactics, hired as a special breed of warriors from Brazil. Hired as a bodyguard for Valkin Steele - a billionaire funding a group of unethical scientists research - he later learns of Steele's underground sex-trafficking and illegal drug and weapons trade, and informs the Breedline Covenant. He also forms a team of Breedline soldiers who work for a private Special Ops group contracted by the military for missions that no one else can or will do to help put an end to Valkin Steele's corrupt organization. Lawrence Colbert - A Breedline council member of the New Jersey Covenant, trained in military tactics and as a medic who worked alongside Roman Kincaid, the Special Ops Team, and the Breedline Covenant to help take down Valkin Steele. Lena - She is a Breedline, highly trained in survival skills, martial arts, and anything dealing with weapons, hand-to-hand combat, and hired by Roman Kincaid to help take down Valkin Steele. She oddly resembles the character Xena the Warrior Princess from the 80's television series. She is also Bull's little sister and is bonded to Justice. Bull (a.k.a. Benjamin Allen Calvero ) - He is a Breedline, highly trained and an expert in a variety of military tactics who is part of Roman Kincaid's team. He gets his nickname because of his size. Justice - He is a Breedline, highly trained in military tactics, an expert with explosives, hand-to-hand combat, sniper training, and a pilot, who is part of Roman Kincaid's team. Colonel Brian Deshazo (a.k.a. Colonel D) - He is a Breedline - oddly resembling the WWE professional wrestler, John Cena - who works for the United States military as the leader of highly trained group of elite forces know as first Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta. He and his men perform various clandestine and highly classified missions around the world. Their primary mission is counterterrorism. Major Paul Wyckoff (a.k.a. Dark Wraith) - He is a Theriomorph oddly resembling Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's character in the 'Scorpion King.' He's one of Colonel D's men, specifically directed to kill or capture high-value units or dismantle terrorist cells. Major Joshua Lawson (a.k.a. Kid) - He is a Breedline who was born and raised in Texas. Kid had that worn cowboy look with a southern drawl. He's part of Colonel D's team, and an operator of AC-130 gunships and specialized planes and helicopters. Master Sergeant Stephen Virgin (a.k.a. Gunny) - He's a Breedline nicknamed after Clint Eastwood's character in 'Heartbreak Ridge.' Well known for a hard-nosed, hard-living soldier of war, Gunny is a highly trained sharpshooter in Colonel D's elite team. Steven Pasquale (a.k.a. Steven Craven) - 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 two German physicians, Dr. Hans Autenburg and Dr. Hubert Crane. Without the knowledge of his real family, Steven finally manages to escape his captors, locating his biological parents and his fraternal twin, Tessa Fairchild. The Fury - Three fraternal twins created by an evil German scientist named Dr. Hans Autenburg. Using his own DNA, he mixed it with three other species: A Breedline, an Adalwolf, and a powerful Wiccan. He placed three embryos inside the womb of a full-blooded succubus, named Sonya Hothburn. Taken against her will, Sonya was forced by the mad physician into surrogacy. After their birth, she was forbidden to see her children. All three were created to destroy the Breedline species and dominate the human world. The first born was called Apollyon, meaning 'destroyer' in Greek. It was also the name of the angel-prince of the infernal regions, the minister of death and author of havoc on earth. He has the strength of ten men, and the power to dematerialize, taking others with him, from one place to another. He can transform into a creature that resembles an Adalwolf, and a vampire-like hybrid. The second born was called Callisto, meaning 'most beautiful.' She has the power of a shield, protecting herself and others from harm. The last child was named Electra, meaning 'the shining one.' She has the power to conduct electricity from her body, using it as a weapon. Inheriting their species instinct and extraordinary power, their thirst to kill became uncontrollable. As they grew up, the Fury became more and more unstable and unruly. With an insatiable hunger for human flesh and unmanageable powers, they became a hindrance to the physician. He had no other choice but to drug and imprison them for all time, each one placed inside a sarcophagus in a state of deep slumber to be forgotten forever until they were set free by their mother. Detective Manuel Sanchez - Raised by a single mother, Manuel never knew his real father. At age thirteen, his older sister Lailah, was murdered, but her killer was never apprehended. Consumed by Lailah's murder, Manuel chooses a career in police enforcement in hopes of someday finally bringing justice to his sister. Now in his fifties - living his life as a bachelor and a homicide detective - he discovers he's not entirely human, and has inherited his father's Breedline genetics. Detective Frank Perkins - He is Manuel Sanchez's partner, and discovers the secret world of the Breedline. Born as a human, Frank pledges his loyalty to the Breedline. Fighting alongside his partner, they take an oath to help the Breedline protect the world from corruption and unknown creatures that prey on the innocent. Battle Angels - Their one purpose for existence is to serve the Creator in war against demons and evil havoc on earth. Unlike any of the Creator's angels: no majestic white wings, no soft angelic voice, and no golden halo continually hovering over their head; the indigenous battle angels, on average, are ten feet tall. Although, a few towered to the height of twelve feet with a more muscular build. All are tattooed with unique warrior markings, black eagle-like wings with armor typical of ancient heroes, and they wield a type of sword associated with a long-gone empire. They are the bravest of angels, who consider only the importance of their mission and are perfectly willing to be destroyed in the service of righteousness. Each angel is gifted with special powers to be used as weapons to fight against the dark side. They are particularly fond of the human race and consider themselves humanity's special protectors. Cronus - He is a loyal and devoted warrior in charge of God's battle angels. He wields the power of the sword of truth and has the ability to use his body as a shield. His mission is to protect the heavens and all God's creations. Lailah - She is a battle angel gifted with holy fire used to trap or immobilize demons and other evil supernatural beings, rather than killing them outright. Forty-one years ago, in her human life at age seventeen, she was savagely murdered. But the crime was never solved. Her younger brother is Detective Manuel Sanchez who has spent most of his life trying to catch her killer. Helios - He is a battle angel and a descendant of a mighty African king. When God brought him into the group, his entire body was converted into a lethal weapon. The tips of his magnificent dark feathers slice his enemies like knives, and his hands and feet are clawed with talons, capable of shredding through skin and bone. In his human life, he was born without vocal cords. Gifting him with the powers of telepathy, God made it possible for Helios to communicate using his mind. Icarus - He is a gorgeous battle angel gifted with the power of telekinesis. He can influence, manipulate, and move matter using his mind. Frigg - He is one of God's originals, serving as a battle angel for more than a century. With a personality bigger than life, a bit of an attitude, and a love for rock-n-roll, cheeseburgers, and classic black-and-white movies, he oddly resembles the singer Billy Idol of the 80's punk rock band - sporting the same trademark bleached spiked hair and English accent. He is gifted with a unique power of shape-shifting. He can transform and reshape himself into any living thing.

Chapter 45
Holy Fire

By scongrove

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.

Previously . . .

When widespread reports of gruesome attacks on homeless victims, and local residents sweep across Berkeley California and the San Francisco Bay area, two local human detectives are desperate to catch whoever is responsible for the disturbing and heinous crimes.

When they question Zeke Rizzo—who is a Breedline, born with the curse of a sin-eater, and owner of the Cat Club—about a woman they’d found brutally murdered near his bar, one of Zeke’s bouncers recognizes the victim after Detective Perkins shares her photo from social media. He also confirms the victim left the bar around midnight with a guy that oddly resembled the famous actor, Jason Momoa. 

Before the detectives leave, Zeke gives them a copy of the bar’s video surveillance, hoping it would help with their investigation.

As the detectives exit the club, Zeke found himself confronted by a beautiful woman he’d seen earlier hanging out in the VIP section with an older gentleman. After introducing herself as Callisto and that she was every man’s dream, she asked him to spend the night with her. Zeke refused her proposition, but Callisto was not the type to take no for an answer and grabbed his arm. At the same time he realized she was not human and craved human blood, he got a glimpse into her past, using his sin-eater skills. What he saw nearly brought him to his knees. She’d been trapped alive for years in some kind of sarcophagus. At the same time Zeke questioned her about his vision, Callisto’s brother, Apollyon, interrupted their conversation and warned Zeke to keep his sister’s past to himself.

When the detectives find another body with the same MO, they contact Zeke before they head back to his bar for more questions. As they arrive, Zeke found himself caught off guard by Apollyon, who was furious after he found out Zeke spoke to the detectives and cut his throat just as his head of security, Yelena, and the detectives walked in, witnessing everything. Before Apollyon used his powers and disappeared, he took Yelena with him.

While the detectives question Zeke after he mysteriously heals, he refuses to answer their questions and leaves them clueless to what they’d just encountered.

As the detectives report to another crime scene, they discover another suspect after reviewing the surveillance video. Their next step was to visit the owner of several popular bars in the area who happened to be Detectives Manuel Sanchez’s nephew, Nathan Gage, hoping he could help identify the suspects. When they arrive at the bar, and explain to the owner what they have discovered, asking him if he’d take a look at the video they retrieved from the crime scene, Nathan becomes worried. He knew something his Uncle Sanchez wasn’t aware of. Not only was Nathan a Breedline, he knew his uncle was born with the same genetics but it was kept a secret. Now, he was faced with a difficult decision. In order to keep his uncle safe, he would have to go against the Breedline law and tell him everything.

Now that both Detectives know about the Breedline, they offer to help them take down the Fury. There next step is to figure out a way to lure them out of their hiding place.

As they ponder on a plan of action, Jace comes up with an idea of putting on a show at Nate’s bar to lure the Fury to them, hoping a crowded bar of humans would do the trick. It would be like ringing a dinner bell to an all-you-can-eat buffet. But the only question was; could they protect all the people while they battled with the hungry trio?  

When the Breedline manages to capture Callisto, her fraternal twin Electra, uses her telepathic powers to warn their brother Apollyon. Enraged with the Breedline, Apollyon tells his beloved Yelena good-bye, knowing it may be the last time they see one another as he heads for battle. 

While the battle with the Fury comes to a halt, the Breedline are stunned by their power and have the feeling they are incapable of defeating the supernatural trio. With hope and a lot of prayers, they will not give up the fight. 
      
As the battle rages on, Sebastian—who is awake and lying in a hospital bed—is finally free of Lucifer’s torture. Unaware of the Breedlines current situation, Sebastian prepares to give himself over to them for his past crimes. But when his sister Anna gets a call from Dr. Helen Carrington, telling her about the fight between the Fury and the Breedline, she relays the news to Sebastian. Now that he has found peace with his soul, Sebastian decides to go help the Breedline in battle.

Unbeknown, five battle angels are sent by God to intervene on earth, knowing his children will parish if the Fury overpowers the Breedline giving them the upper hand to take over the world. 
   
Angered by the battle angel’s interference, Apollyon and his sisters decide to battle it out instead of surrendering. While Cronus takes on Apollyon, Electra uses her powers to try and kill an innocent human bystander. But Sebastian acts quickly, deciding to save the human, using his body as a shield and taking the blunt force of Electra’s deadly strike. 

Continued . . .

As Sebastian’s body fell to the floor with a thud, Jem looked around . . . at all the others, who, at the very same moment, turned and looked in his direction, their faces a mask of confusion.

With anger rising in his veins, Cronus raised his sword of truth and stabbed the floor. The glowing blade drove into the concrete as easily as slicing through butter. The instant the sword sank into the floor, the Fury felt as if every nerve in their body was lit on fire. 

Apollyon couldn’t breathe for the great agony of his suffering. Gasping, he struggled to draw air down in the midst of it all. He tried to fight it, tried to overcome Cronus’s powers, but there was no reserve left to call upon. As Apollyon curled over onto his side and drew his knees up against his chest, it felt as if he was going to die. Abruptly, he started to shake, the trembling in his torso escalating until his eyes rolled back into his head. Instead of dying, a bright light passed through him, loosening the evil within him.  

Not even a split second afterward, a heavy vibration came up through the floor, throwing everyone inside the bar off balance.

Plucking his sword from the floor’s surface, Cronus released the Fury’s suffering, turned to Lailah, and nodded. She bowed with grace and unsheathed her glorious wings. As they flapped together, the dark plumage ignited into flames.
  
In an effort to escape, Callisto looked over her shoulder, searching for an exit. But before she managed to take a step, Lailah extended her fiery wings and trapped her with a circle of flames, rendering her powerless.

At that moment, Electra had lunged forward but found herself surrounded by Lailah’s holy fire. 
        
From the moment Cronus freed Apollyon from his unbearable pain, he took a labored breath and shifted back to his human form. And then he felt an unusual warmth envelope his entire body like a blanket. He’d never felt anything like it. It was the first time in his life that he’d felt released of his demons, the darkness within him lifted, and the bloodlust torn free . . .   

Apollyon pushed himself up weakly and then looked over at Cronus as if he wanted to say something. He was desperate for the chance to say goodbye to Yelena.

Cronus lifted a hand up and stopped him before he muttered a single word.

“You have no choice,” Cronus said. “You must come with us.” His face and eyes changed, sympathy warming his features and draining out the anger. “It is the only way to completely free you and your sister’s from the curse you were born with.”
     
When Apollyon tried to get up, Cronus held out his palm. “Here, take my hand.”

As he grasped a hold, Cronus helped him off the floor and onto his feet.

Apollyon took a couple of deep breaths and stared into Cronus’s eyes and hoped he heard all that he wished he could speak.

Cronus nodded as if he understood perfectly. “Close your eyes, Apollyon.” 
 
Take a deep breath, and think of her, Cronus whispered into Apollyon’s mind.

Apollyon took one last look at Cronus and then he lowered his lids. He tried to focus on the image of Yelena’s beautiful face and her lovely accented voice.

And then a soft voice whispered, “Apollyon . . .?”

“Open your eyes, Apollyon,” Cronus said. “I have a gift for you.”
 
Apollyon couldn’t believe his eyes when he opened them.

“Yelena?”

Cronus spoke before he stepped back and gave them a moment. “You have only a few minutes to say your final good-byes.”

Apollyon reached out to her face with hesitation. On a sigh, Yelena leaned into his palm and shuddered at the warmth of his touch.

“Is this really you?” he said hoarsely.

Yelena nodded as tears trickled down her cheeks and collided with his hand.

He wrapped his arms around her and held her against his trembling body. “I thought I would never see you again,” he said in a voice that cracked. “I’m sorry, Yelena.”

Yelena closed her eyes and squeezed him. “I have faith we’ll be together again,” she said, leaning against his chest.

Apollyon pulled back and smiled even though saying goodbye was hard. “Until then, I’ll always be here,” he whispered, placing his hand over her heart. “I love you, Yelena.” 

More tears fell from her eyes. “I love you too.”

Cronus came into view and reached for Apollyon. “It’s time.”

Yelena tucked her arms around herself as Apollyon reached for the angel’s hand.

Apollyon glanced around at all the others and found that he wanted to make it right with the ones he’d harmed—but instead he looked to his sisters and said, “You will surrender peacefully.”

As Electra and Callisto nodded in agreement, Lailah’s holy fire dissipated.

Helios took hold of Electra’s hand, and Icarus intertwined his fingers with Callisto’s. Frigg stood close by with his arms crossed, tapping his foot, anxiously waiting to get the show on the road. 
 
In perfect synchronization, all of the angels rose, except for Lailah. She moved next to Sebastian and knelt down by his body. With gentle hands, she plucked him off the floor and cradled his lifeless body in her arms.

Jem stepped forward. “Where are you taking him?”

Lailah turned to Jem and smiled. “He gave his life for another,” she told him. “The Creator has asked for him. He’s to come back with us.”   

Jem nodded in silence and stepped back.

Before Lailah joined the other angels, she caught sight of a tall man with tanned skin dressed in all black. His hair was thick, the long dark strands pulled back from his handsome face. As he stepped forward and stood next to Jem, the more mesmerized she became. Lailah took a deep breath and inhaled his scent. It was the most exhilarating fragrance she’d ever encountered. And she responded to it, warming, wanting.

He tilted his head to the side and focused on her captivating features. His eyes were so dark, they were almost black. And they stared right through her as if he was looking into her soul.

Roman shivered, a heated rush blooming out all over his skin as he kept his eyes locked on hers. The effect the female angel had on him was mind-boggling, as though for some reason they were destined to be together.

“Lailah,” Cronus called out. “It’s time to go.”

Lailah batted her long eyelashes. She couldn’t bear to take her eyes off of Roman. Finally, after a few heartbeats, she dipped her head and turned to Cronus.

Beloved, Roman thought as he watched the beautiful red-headed angel walk away. 
     
Meanwhile, Apollyon focused back to Yelena one last time, his eyes filled with tears. “Yelena . . .” His voice cracked. “Don’t worry about me. It’s all okay, I promise you.”

Her chest ached at the tone of his voice and the fact that they were going to be apart. Funny though, as she watched him join hands with Cronus, she had a vision. Just like the one she’d had about the battle angels coming to take him away, she had a vision of them being together again. The thought eased her. 

“Lailah!” Manuel shouted as he leaned over the stair railing.

Recognizing the voice, Lailah looked up. Rising above the floor with Sebastian cradled in her arms, she smiled at Manuel and said, “I will always be with you, brother. I love you.”

He smiled back with tears in his eyes. “I love you, sis.”  

There was a period of silence as the angels magically exited through the bar’s open rooftop and then they were gone, disappearing into the star-filled sky. 

While Roman watched Lailah disappear through the huge opening above, he had the oddest feeling he was losing a part of his soul. My beloved, he painfully thought.  
     
A faint moaning caught Jem’s attention. As he looked down, Jace was starting to come around, his neck no longer cocked at an unnatural angle. His skin was clammy, and his eyes were squeezed shut. And the gaping wound on his back from Electra’s whip was beginning to close, the Breedline healing taking effect.

With his knees tucked against his chest, Jace’s body shook uncontrollably.   
  
Jem rushed to a nearby table, yanked off a cloth cover, and placed it on his brother’s exposed skin. He leaned down and tried to catch the words that were being mumbled from Jace’s lips.

“Are you all right, brother?”

Jace slightly nodded. “Did we . . . win?”

“Yeah, we won all right,” Jem said and added, “with help.”
 
Jace seemed to relax a little. “Call Tessa . . . tell her . . . everyone’s okay.”

Just then, Jem’s phone went off. He looked at the caller ID and saw it was Tessa.

As he took the call, Zeke, meanwhile, was coming around, the Breedline healing process, slowly but surely, doing its thing. The gaping wound in Zeke’s chest miraculously healed, leaving behind a huge portion of his shirt burned to a crisp. 

“How you doing, buddy?” Lawrence asked him.

“I’ll live,” came a groaned response. And then Zeke twisted his head around to eyeball where everybody was. Jem was talking on his cell phone. Jace was lying close by with a red tablecloth draped over his body. And Steven was kneeling next to a young woman lying on the floor. She was wearing a dress that glittered like a disco ball and looked as if she was . . . dead. As Zeke kept his eyes focused on them, he watched Steven cradle her lifeless body into his arms. From one heartbeat to the next, a miracle happened right before his eyes. The woman opened her mouth and gasped for air like a newborn baby struggling to take its first breath.  
   
To his relief, the young woman sucked in a proper breath and another . . . and another. 

“You’re going to be just fine,” Zeke heard Steven murmur to her softly.

As the woman nodded and smiled at Steven, a familiar voice caught Zeke’s attention. “That was one hell of a hit you took, Mr. Rizzo. You okay?”

With a groan, Zeke pulled himself up into a sitting position. Standing above him was Detective Frank Perkins.

“Yeah, thanks.” Zeke rubbed a hand over his face, exhaling a deep breath.

“I’ve got to hand it to you, Mr. Rizzo,” Detective Manuel Sanchez said as he walked up and stood next to his partner. “You’ve got balls of steel.”

Zeke looked up at him. “Is that so?”

“Yeah, and we’ve got someone here who wants to see you.”

As Manuel stepped aside, a soft voice said, “Hello, Zeke.”

Zeke’s eyes rounded. “Yelena?”

Before Yelena could reply, police officers and paramedics distracted her as they arrived all at once.

Glancing over his shoulder, Detective Sanchez recognized his captain and used his hand to motion him over.

Captain Hodge waved and moved in Sanchez’s direction.  

“Are you okay, Detective?” Hodge said to Sanchez.

“Yeah, we’re fine.”

“Can you believe all this?” Hodge asked. “We’ve never experienced an earthquake of this magnitude.”   
       
Manuel looked at his captain confused, his brows furrowed. “Earthquake?”

“Yeah, didn’t you hear? This one was a 6.1. We’ve got several reports of structural damage similar to this place, but nothing major. So far, we’ve been fortunate. We haven’t had any casualties, only minor injuries.” 

Detective Perkins stepped forward. “Sorry, Captain. We’re just a little shook up. It’s been a long night.”

Hodge clapped Manuel on the shoulder. “You two go home and get some rest. We’ve got this covered. You’re overdue for some downtime,” he told them. “And that’s not a request. It’s an order.” 
  
 Manuel nodded, and Frank said, “Will do, Captain.”  
 
To be continued . . .
 
 
 
 
 

Author Notes

NOTE: This is not part of the chapter. A reference for terms and cast of 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 among humans, 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 is 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 one 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 QUEEN'S 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 into human form 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 into human form 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. 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 ultimately 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 cannot 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 can 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 can 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 cannot 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 bright 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, twice 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. An Adalwolf is immune to silver. They can bond with any species. LUPA - The ancestors descended from the old legend of the lycanthrope, except the moon has no power over them and it cannot be passed on to others like a virus. It is passed on through genetics to the female offspring, known as a she-wolf. This type of creature shape-shifts into a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, and is considered dangerous... cursed. 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 among 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. Arius and Tidus - Sebastian and Eve's twin boys. Both have inherited their parent's genetics of a half-breed. But Arius carries the mark of the Chiang-Shih demon with the power to create a portal and the ability to heal others. Anna Saeni - She was born with the genetics of a Breedline from her father's side - who died when Anna was a baby - but she does not shift into a wolf. Her human mother, Eliza, raised Sebastian Crow as her own after his biological mother, Sybil and his step-father, William Montgomery, detested him due to Sybil's infidelity. William sent Sebastian's twin brother Thomas to be raised in England with Sybil's sister, and forced his maid Eliza to raise Sebastian. While Anna grew up, she helped her mother raise Sebastian, loving him as a brother. At age fourteen, William molested Anna. After her mother found out, she confronted William and Sybil, but so afraid to lose her family, and her wealthy status, Sybil killed Eliza in cold blood. William sent Anna to live in a women's convent, and forced Sebastian to live in a boarding school for troubled boys for all Breedline. Jace Chamberlain (a.k.a. the Beast) - He is a Breedline species and 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. 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 became the new Breedline queen. She is an inspiring artist. 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. 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. 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. 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 was born a Theriomorph. He is a clothing model and plays backup bass and keyboards in the band Chaos. 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. Nathan Gage (a.k.a. Nate) - He is a Breedline and the owner of several upscale night clubs in the largest metropolitan areas of Northern California. Zeke Rizzo - He is a Breedline, born with a curse of a sin-eater, and the owner of the Cat Club. When coming in physical contact with another person, he has the power to see inside their past, experiencing their worst memory. A simple handshake seems like nothing to an ordinary person, but to Zeke, it is unbearable. Without the ability to stop it, he is also the worst case of karma. If anyone angers him, an unfortunate accident can fall upon them. Yelena Smirnov - A full-blooded succubus from Russia. She is in charge of security at the Cat Club. She is bonded to Apollyon, who was taken by the battle angels along with his fraternal twin sisters, Callisto, and Electra. Roman Kincaid - He is an Adalwolf trained in military tactics, hired as a special breed of warriors from Brazil. Hired as a bodyguard for Valkin Steele, a billionaire funding a group of unethical scientists research, he later learns of Steele's underground sex-trafficking and illegal drug and weapons trade, and informs the Breedline Covenant. He also forms a team of Breedline soldiers who work for a private Special Ops group contracted by the military for missions that no one else can or will do to help put an end to Valkin Steele's corrupt organization. Lawrence Colbert - A Breedline council member of the New Jersey Covenant, trained in military tactics and as a medic who worked alongside Roman Kincaid, the Special Ops Team, and the Breedline Covenant to help take down Valkin Steele. Lena - She is a Breedline, highly trained in survival skills, martial arts, and anything dealing with weapons, hand-to-hand combat, and hired by Roman Kincaid to help take down Valkin Steele. She oddly resembles the character Xena the Warrior Princess from the 80's television series. She is also Bull's little sister and is bonded to Justice. Bull (a.k.a. Benjamin Allen Calvero ) - He is a Breedline, highly trained and an expert in a variety of military tactics who is part of Roman Kincaid's team. He gets his nickname because of his size. Justice - He is a Breedline, highly trained in military tactics, an expert with explosives, hand-to-hand combat, sniper training, and a pilot, who is part of Roman Kincaid's team. Colonel Brian Deshazo (a.k.a. Colonel D) - He is a Breedline - oddly resembling the WWE professional wrestler, John Cena - who works for the United States military as the leader of highly trained group of elite forces know as first Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta. He and his men perform various clandestine and highly classified missions around the world. Their primary mission is counterterrorism. Major Paul Wyckoff (a.k.a. Dark Wraith) - He is a Theriomorph, oddly resembling Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's character in the 'Scorpion King.' He's one of Colonel D's men, specifically directed to kill or capture high-value units or dismantle terrorist cells. Major Joshua Lawson (a.k.a. Kid) - He is a Breedline who was born and raised in Texas. Kid had that worn cowboy look with a southern drawl. He's part of Colonel D's team, and an operator of AC-130 gunships and specialized planes and helicopters. Master Sergeant Stephen Virgin (a.k.a. Gunny) - He's a Breedline - nicknamed after Clint Eastwood's character in 'Heartbreak Ridge.' Well known for a hard-nosed, hard-living soldier of war, Gunny is a highly trained sharpshooter in Colonel D's elite team. Steven Pasquale (a.k.a. Steven Craven) - 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 two German physicians, Dr. Hans Autenburg and Dr. Hubert Crane. Without the knowledge of his real family, Steven finally manages to escape his captors, locating his biological parents and his fraternal twin, Tessa Fairchild. The Fury - Three fraternal twins created by an evil German scientist named Dr. Hans Autenburg. Using his own DNA, he mixed it with three other species: A Breedline, an Adalwolf, and a powerful Wiccan. He placed three embryos inside the womb of a full-blooded succubus, named Sonya Hothburn. Taken against her will, Sonya was forced by the mad physician into surrogacy. After their birth, she was forbidden to see her children. All three were created to destroy the Breedline species and dominate the human world. The first born was called Apollyon, meaning 'destroyer' in Greek. It was also the name of the angel-prince of the infernal regions, the minister of death and author of havoc on earth. He has the strength of ten men, and the power to dematerialize, taking others with him, from one place to another. He can transform into a creature that resembles an Adalwolf, and a vampire-like hybrid. The second born was called Callisto, meaning 'most beautiful.' She has the power of a shield, protecting herself and others from harm. The last child was named Electra, meaning 'the shining one.' She has the power to conduct electricity from her body, using it as a weapon. Inheriting their species instinct and extraordinary power, their thirst to kill became uncontrollable. As they grew up, the Fury became more and more unstable and unruly. With an insatiable hunger for human flesh and unmanageable powers, they became a hindrance to the physician. He had no other choice but to drug and imprison them for all time, each one placed inside a sarcophagus in a state of deep slumber to be forgotten forever until they were set free by their mother. Detective Manuel Sanchez - Raised by a single mother, Manuel never knew his real father. At age thirteen, his older sister Lailah, was murdered, but her killer was never apprehended. Consumed by Lailah's murder, Manuel chooses a career in police enforcement in hopes of someday finally bringing justice to his sister. Now in his fifties - living his life as a bachelor and a homicide detective - he discovers he's not entirely human, and has inherited his father's Breedline genetics. Detective Frank Perkins - He is Manuel Sanchez's partner, and discovers the secret world of the Breedline. Born as a human, Frank pledges his loyalty to the Breedline. Fighting alongside his partner, they take an oath to help the Breedline protect the world from corruption and unknown creatures that prey on the innocent. Battle Angels - Their one purpose for existence is to serve the Creator in war against demons and evil havoc on earth. Unlike any of the Creator's angels: no majestic white wings, no soft angelic voice, and no golden halo continually hovering over their head; the indigenous battle angels, on average, are ten feet tall. Although, a few towered to the height of twelve feet with a more muscular build. All are tattooed with unique warrior markings, black eagle-like wings with armor typical of ancient heroes, and they wield a type of sword associated with a long-gone empire. They are the bravest of angels, who consider only the importance of their mission and are perfectly willing to be destroyed in the service of righteousness. Each angel is gifted with special powers to be used as weapons to fight against the dark side. They are particularly fond of the human race and consider themselves humanity's special protectors. Cronus - He is a loyal and devoted warrior in charge of God's battle angels. He wields the power of the sword of truth and has the ability to use his body as a shield. His mission is to protect the heavens and all God's creations. Lailah - She is a battle angel gifted with holy fire used to trap or immobilize demons and other evil supernatural beings, rather than killing them outright. Forty-one years ago, in her human life at age seventeen, she was savagely murdered. But the crime was never solved. Her younger brother is Detective Manuel Sanchez who has spent most of his life trying to catch her killer. Helios - He is a battle angel and a descendant of a mighty African king. When God brought him into the group, his entire body was converted into a lethal weapon. The tips of his magnificent dark feathers slice his enemies like knives, and his hands and feet are clawed with talons, capable of shredding through skin and bone. In his human life, he was born without vocal cords. Gifting him with the powers of telepathy, God made it possible for Helios to communicate using his mind. Icarus - He is a gorgeous battle angel gifted with the power of telekinesis. He can influence, manipulate, and move matter using his mind. Frigg - He is one of God's originals, serving as a battle angel for more than a century. With a personality bigger than life, a bit of an attitude, and a love for rock-n-roll, cheeseburgers, and classic black-and-white movies, he oddly resembles the singer Billy Idol of the 80's punk rock band - sporting the same trademark bleached spiked hair and English accent. He is gifted with a unique power of shape-shifting. He can transform and reshape himself into any living thing.

Chapter 46
A Life for a Life

By scongrove

Previously . . .

When widespread reports of gruesome attacks on homeless victims, and local residents sweep across Berkeley California and the San Francisco Bay area, two local human detectives are desperate to catch whoever is responsible for the disturbing and heinous crimes.

When they question Zeke Rizzo—who is a Breedline, born with the curse of a sin-eater, and owner of the Cat Club—about a woman they’d found brutally murdered near his bar, one of Zeke’s bouncers recognizes the victim after Detective Perkins shares her photo from social media. He also confirms the victim left the bar around midnight with a guy that oddly resembled the famous actor, Jason Momoa. 

Before the detectives leave, Zeke gives them a copy of the bar’s video surveillance, hoping it would help with their investigation.

As the detectives exit the club, Zeke found himself confronted by a beautiful woman he’d seen earlier hanging out in the VIP section with an older gentleman. After introducing herself as Callisto and that she was every man’s dream, she asked him to spend the night with her. Zeke refused her proposition, but Callisto was not the type to take no for an answer and grabbed his arm. At the same time he realized she was not human and craved human blood, he got a glimpse into her past, using his sin-eater skills. What he saw nearly brought him to his knees. She’d been trapped alive for years in some kind of sarcophagus. At the same time Zeke questioned her about his vision, Callisto’s brother, Apollyon, interrupted their conversation and warned Zeke to keep his sister’s past to himself.

When the detectives find another body with the same MO, they contact Zeke before they head back to his bar for more questions. As they arrive, Zeke found himself caught off guard by Apollyon, who was furious after he found out Zeke spoke to the detectives and cut his throat just as his head of security, Yelena, and the detectives walked in, witnessing everything. Before Apollyon used his powers and disappeared, he took Yelena with him.

While the detectives question Zeke after he mysteriously heals, he refuses to answer their questions and leaves them clueless to what they’d just encountered.
As the detectives report to another crime scene, they discover another suspect after reviewing the surveillance video. Their next step was to visit the owner of several popular bars in the area who happened to be Detectives Manuel Sanchez’s nephew, Nathan Gage, hoping he could help identify the suspects. When they arrive at the bar, and explain to the owner what they have discovered, asking him if he’d take a look at the video they retrieved from the crime scene, Nathan becomes worried. He knew something his Uncle Sanchez wasn’t aware of. Not only was Nathan a Breedline, he knew his uncle was born with the same genetics but it was kept a secret. Now, he was faced with a difficult decision. In order to keep his uncle safe, he would have to go against the Breedline law and tell him everything.

Now that both Detectives know about the Breedline, they offer to help them take down the Fury. There next step is to figure out a way to lure them out of their hiding place.

As they ponder on a plan of action, Jace comes up with an idea of putting on a show at Nate’s bar to lure the Fury to them, hoping a crowded bar of humans would do the trick. It would be like ringing a dinner bell to an all-you-can-eat buffet. But the only question was; could they protect all the people while they battled with the hungry trio?  

When the Breedline manages to capture Callisto, her fraternal twin Electra, uses her telepathic powers to warn their brother Apollyon. Enraged with the Breedline, Apollyon tells his beloved Yelena good-bye, knowing it may be the last time they see one another as he heads for battle. 

While the battle with the Fury comes to a halt, the Breedline are stunned by their power and have the feeling they are incapable of defeating the supernatural trio. With hope and a lot of prayers, they will not give up the fight. 
      
As the battle rages on, Sebastian—who is awake and lying in a hospital bed—is finally free of Lucifer’s torture. Unaware of the Breedlines current situation, Sebastian prepares to give himself over to them for his past crimes. But when his sister Anna gets a call from Dr. Helen Carrington, telling her about the fight between the Fury and the Breedline, she relays the news to Sebastian. Now that he has found peace with his soul, Sebastian decides to go help the Breedline in battle.

Unbeknown, five battle angels are sent by God to intervene on earth, knowing his children will parish if the Fury overpowers the Breedline giving them the upper hand to take over the world.  
  
Angered by the battle angel’s interference, Apollyon and his sisters decide to battle it out instead of surrendering. While Cronus takes on Apollyon, Electra uses her powers to try and kill an innocent human bystander. But Sebastian acts quickly, deciding to save the human, using his body as a shield and taking the blunt force of Electra’s deadly strike.

Out of nowhere, five magnificent, black-winged battle angels crashed through the bar’s roof in the nick of time. Without haste, the angels—who towered at least ten feet or more—rendered the Fury powerless. Released of their evil lust for human blood, the supernatural trio freely surrendered to the battle angels. But before they took flight with the Fury in their custody, the beautiful red-headed angel named Lailah, plucks Sebastian’s lifeless body from the floor. After his bravery to save the innocent bystander, God asks for his body to be brought back with the others.

Now that the chaos finally ends, the Breedline finds Casey lying on the floor motionless. He’d been hit with one of Electra’s bolt of lightning trying to keep Drakon from getting hit.

While the human police enter the building, the Breedline must quickly take charge of the situation and get Casey help before they are discovered.   
             
Continued . . .

Moving as quickly as he could, Kyle got to his feet and grabbed the nearest thing to cover himself up. After wrapping a tablecloth around his waist, he rushed across to where Casey lay naked and motionless on the floor. Kyle got down on his knees and leaned over him, placing his ear over Casey’s mouth, praying to God that his buddy was still alive. Shit . . . he was barely breathing. 
  
“Damn it, Casey,” he cursed low. “Don’t even think about it. If you die, I swear I’ll kick your ass.”

Kyle glanced over his shoulder at Jem, the pair of them making eye contact. The look on Kyle’s face appeared desperate. Jem knew something was seriously wrong.

The good news was that everyone in the bar except for the Breedline seemed to have no recollection of what had recently transpired. No memory of the Fury, or anything supernatural. Somehow their memory had been erased. The destruction was blamed on an earthquake. This obviously had something to do with the angels.  

Kyle cursed again, his mind churning for a solution.  

Ending the call with Tessa, Jem looked behind him at Detective Sanchez and his partner as they engaged in a conversation with a man he didn’t recognize. Then Jem turned back and refocused on Kyle. He had to think fast. Casey needed help. There was no time to waste. He had no choice but to conjure a portal and get Casey and the others back to the Covenant, especially everyone that was naked as a jaybird. That would take some explaining. With all the human police and paramedics entering the building, time was of the essence.

Then he closed his eyes and focused on creating a portal. It was the only way to get out unnoticed. Casey’s life depended on whether he could get himself into the right frame of mind. Opening his eyes, he said a silent prayer and extended his hand. From out of nowhere, a light appeared—right out of thin air.

Kyle was heading in the direction of Jem’s portal with Casey draped over his shoulder.

“Thanks, man,” he said to Jem as he stepped through the golden illumination.

Drakon, Alexander, and Nate made their way over, all three without a stitch of clothing and quickly passed through the light.

Jem leaned down to Jace and grabbed his arm. “Let’s get out of here, brother.”

Snapping into action, Jace got to his feet and let the tablecloth fall to the floor as Jem led him through the portal.

When the portal dissolved, the flicker of light caught Captain Hodge’s attention. He looked over his shoulder and said, “What the hell was that?” 

Manuel shrugged his shoulders, and Frank said, “What are you talking about Captain?”

“You didn’t see that?” Hodge asked. “I could have sworn I saw—” He paused, exhaling a deep breath. “Ah, hell.” He shook his head. “It’s been a long night for everyone.” 

****

Eve and Anna had just returned from the hospital when they heard Tessa and Helen talking in the hallway fast and pointedly . . . and using the word “portal”—

Eve’s beating heart raced inside her chest as she suddenly sensed something wrong. Oh, god . . . Sebastian.

Behind them, the door suddenly burst open, and Lila—Casey’s bonded mate—rushed inside, frantically screaming, “Something’s happened to Casey!”

Tessa tore down the hallway towards Lila, her long hair streaming out behind her. She reached out to Lila for comfort and placed her hand on her shoulder. “Calm down, Lila. I just got off the phone with Jem. We don’t know all the details, but they’re bringing him here through a portal.”

It took Eve a moment for the implications to sink in. It was Casey, not Sebastian. Maybe she was wrong, and her senses were off. Please, God . . . please let Sebastian be all right.

A bright flash caught their attention. And then Kyle was the first to step out of the portal. He was oddly unclothed, except for a red cloth wrapped around his waist. And draped over his shoulder was Casey’s limp, bare body.

Lila gasped when she saw the burned gash around Casey’s neck. 

When Helen caught Kyle’s attention, he carried Casey over. “I think his neck is broken,” he frantically told her, sounding out of breath. “And for some reason, he’s not healing.”

“Hold on,” Helen said. “I’ll get something to put him on.”

Voices—strained and deep—were nearby as Drakon, Alexander, and Nate magically appeared from the brilliant illumination as if they came from out of nowhere. And all three were butt-naked.

Tessa and Helen had prepared for this type of situation, knowing there was a good chance that some of the guys would return without clothes. Tessa tossed each one an oversized towel, keeping her eyes forward. 

Then Jem and Jace stepped through last.

When the portal closed, Eve’s heart broke as reality hit her like a ton of bricks. And that’s when she realized that her intuition was right. Instantly, the song “My Immortal” by Evanescence came to mind, and she knew something bad had happened to her beloved. She felt like a part of her had died. Sebastian was . . . gone.
     
Helen flew over with a gurney, rolling it in Kyle’s direction. “Let’s get him into the examination room now!”

Lila rushed over and helped Helen, and Kyle laid Casey on top of the thinly padded stretcher.  
 
As they rolled him toward the examination room, Jem followed in close behind. 

Lila stayed right by Casey, speaking soft, encouraging words as she jogged alongside.

Tessa just followed them down until Helen disappeared into the examination room. She waited outside with Lila and the others.

With a towel wrapped around his waist, Jace forced his weak limbs to move next to Tessa. Reaching out to her, he put his arm around her and tugged her in close.

Lila turned to Tessa with tears in her eyes. “I don’t understand. Why hasn’t Casey healed?”

Tessa shook her head. “I’m sorry, Lila. I don’t know.”

Other members of the Covenant arrived and gathered for support. The last to arrive was Tim, Steven, and then Zeke, Yelena, Colonel Deshazo’s team and Roman’s crew, who was now considered part of the family. The good news was that each and every one of them came back safe and unharmed . . . only to worry about Casey.

Even the black cat, Buddy, who padded over laps, brought in an odd sense of comfort as he was petted in passing.

Over the next hour, Helen finally emerged from the examination room.

“Casey is stable but still unconscious,” she reported and heard a soft crying sound. Helen looked over to see Lila clasping a hand to her mouth.

Helen was about to go over when Kyle stepped in front of her. He held out a tissue to Lila. She took what he offered and silently thanked him.

“Even though he’s half-Breedline,” Helen continued, “the Theriomorph side of him is more dominant. The amount of dopamine in his body that he uses to supress the side effects is affecting the healing process.”

“What about Steven?” Kyle spoke up. “He can work his magic, right?” 
 
Steven stepped forward. “Please, Dr. Carrington, let me try.”

Helen nodded. “At this point, I think it’s the only option we have in hopes of him healing.”

“Good, that’s settled,” Kyle said, lightly clapping a hand over Steven’s back. “Go do your thing, man.” 
     
Lila watched anxiously as Steven and Helen went into the examination room. As the door clicked shut, she felt her legs give away. Before she toppled over, Kyle grasped her arm and held her steady.

“It’s going to be okay,” Kyle whispered to her. “Casey’s going to pull through. He’s too bull-headed to have it any other way.”

Lila smiled a little as more tears streamed down her cheeks.  
    
It was only a half hour later, but it seemed like an eternity when Helen and Steven finally emerged. Everyone was waiting outside the door, looking exhausted. 
   
Lila looked up quickly, and Kyle brushed a hand over his spiked hair. “So, ah, how’s he doing?”

“He’s conscious,” Helen said, smiling. “Steven worked his magic.”

Thank you, God, Jem muttered to himself. 

The corners of Kyle’s mouth curled up like a bow. “See, I told you, Lila. I knew that bastard was too stubborn to die.”  
        
There was a round cheer among the others, their relief so very clear.

“How’s he feeling?” Tim asked.

“Good enough to already bitch about not having any clothes,” Steven said.

Everyone laughed in a rush, and Kyle said, “That sounds about right.”

Lila went over to Helen. “Can I see him?”

Helen nodded. “He’s been asking for you.”

As Lila stepped into the examination room, she looked to the thinly padded table Casey was lying on. God, he looked like hell. With a blanket pulled to his waist, his face was as pale as the white ceramic tile on the walls, his long hair was a tangled mess, and his throat was bandaged in gauze.

“Casey . . .?” she sobbed, feeling his pain as her own.

“Shhh.” Casey reached out to her. “Don’t cry, Lila. I can’t bear to see you hurting. Thanks to Steven, I’ll be as good as new in no time.” There was an odd catch in his voice. He sounded vulnerable, and she realized that he’d never allowed himself to be so unguarded with anyone. Lila was witnessing a part of Casey he kept hidden away from everyone, and it made her heart melt that she was the one he was sharing the part of him that would never be seen by anyone but her. 

The instant she took his hand, she calmed right down.

His eyes fixated on their linked hands and came back to her face. “I want you to know what’s between us is special. I’ll protect that and you with my every breath. I love you, Lila.”

She touched his face, gently caressing the lines of his strong jaw and then softly over his lips. “I love you too,” she whispered as she bent down and pressed her mouth to his, kissing him gently.  

A knock at the door caught their attention and then Kyle peeked inside. “Hey, buddy . . . you up for visitors? You’ve got a crowd gathered out here.”   

“Come on in,” Casey said as he motioned him inside. “Lila’s in here, so you guys better be fully clothed.

Kyle laughed as he cracked the door wider. “Don’t get your panties in a bunch, grumpy. We’re all dressed.”

Lila watched the room quickly fill up with male testosterone as they crowded around Casey, all demanding to know if he was all right.

“I’m fine,” he said, a smile in his voice. “Just a little bruised. But thanks to Steven, I’ll be back to my old self in no time.”

Drakon stepped forward. “Thanks for saving my ass, buddy. I owe you one.”

“I told you he was a tough bastard,” Kyle said with a chuckle. “Though he did give me a damn heart attack when he stood up to the biggest bad-ass I’ve ever seen.”

Lila shuddered at the image and felt the blood drain from her face.

Casey curled his hand around hers, squeezing it lightly. Then he glanced up as Tim came into view. “Did everyone make it out okay?”

Tim shook his head as he stared helplessly at Casey. “Sebastian didn’t make it.”

“What happened?”

“He used a portal to save an innocent bystander as Electra launched another firebomb.”

Casey narrowed his eyes in question. “Are you serious? And what the hell was he doing there, anyway?”

“Eve said, when he found out we were going up against the Fury, he wanted to help,” Jem chimed in. “He used a portal to get past the guards at the hospital and to Nate’s bar. I know what you’re thinking.” He held up his hand before anyone interjected. “But it’s true. I wouldn’t believe it myself if I didn’t see it with my own two eyes. He risked his life to save someone else.”

“What about his body?” Casey queried. “You didn’t just leave it at the bar did you?”

The angels took Sebastian with them,” Jem explained. “I know it sounds strange, but they said God had asked for him.”

“Unbelievable.” Casey’s eyes rounded. “Has anyone told Eve or Anna?”

Jem nodded at Casey. “Tessa thought it best that she and Helen tell them in privacy.”

“Damn.” Casey scrunched his nose and raised his upper lip. “I hate to say it, but I almost feel bad for the guy. This makes the second time Sebastian has stepped in the line of fire for someone else. I guess it’s true what they say, everyone has the power to change.” 

“Yeah, even an asshat like Sebastian,” Kyle muttered in a low voice. 
 
“How ‘bout we lighten up the mood?” Jace said, poking Jem in the shoulder. “Jem has a big announcement, dontcha, brother?”  

Everyone’s eyes focused on Jem, who cracked a grin.

“Mia and I are going to have a baby,” he told them with a rueful glint in his eyes. “And we found out that we’re having a . . . girl.”  
 
The smiles were instantaneous. Kyle leaned over, punched Jem in the arm, and said, “Way to go, bro!”

Alexander stepped forward and offered his hand to Jem.

Jem grasped his father’s hand and tugged him into an embrace.

“Congratulations,” Alexander said in a teary voice. “I’m proud of you, son.”

As Jem pulled back, he smiled at Alexander. “Thanks.”

Roman extended his fist. “Congrats buddy.”

Thanks,” Jem said, bumping fists with Roman.

Lawrence, Justice, and Bull crowded in close and took turns congratulating Jem by patting him on the back. 

Lila clenched her fingers into excited fists. She looked as though she wanted to jump for joy. Instead, she covered her mouth and mumbled into her hand, “Oh, a baby. I’m so happy for you and Mia.”

Steven chuckled. “Welcome to parenthood, Jem. Looks like both our ladies are going to be expecting. I wish you two the best.”

Jem laughed a little. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. Thanks. You too, Steven.”

Tim’s brows went up. “Congratulations, Jem. Natalie will be so excited to hear she’s going to have another playmate, especially a girl.” 

“Thanks, Tim. I hope that I can be the kind of parent that you are to Natalie.”

“Hey,” Jace said, furrowing his brows. “What about me?”

Jem sighed. “Yes, brother,” he said, wrapping his arm around Jace. “I hope to be as good of a dad as you, too.”   

“Damn straight,” Jace boasted with pride and bowed his chest. “Now that’s more like it.”

Gunny reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a cigar. “This calls for a special occasion.” He offered the cigar to Jem. “Congratulations kid,” he said as he tucked another stogie between his lips. “Life as you know it is about to change. If you ever need a babysitter, make sure you don’t call me.”

The corner of Jem’s mouth lifted. “Thanks, Gunny. And don’t worry. I’m sure we’ll be good for babysitters.”

“He doesn’t like to admit it,” Wyckoff piped in, nudging Gunny in the arm. “But he’s a sucker when it comes to kids.”

Gunny grunted around the cigar in his mouth.

“I say we have a guy’s night out,” Colonel D suggested. “I think we’re all overdue for some real downtime.”

“Hell, yah!” Kid hollered.

“I’ll bring the beers,” Zeke spoke out.

Lila sighed and rolled her eyes.

“Hell, if we’re going to celebrate, let’s do it right,” Nate interjected. “I’ll reserve my whole damn bar for this occasion. And all the liquor is on me.” 
    
A chorus of male whoops and hoorahs went up, and Jem reveled in the joyous moment. He smiled and stared at the cigar between his fingers. And then suddenly, a great weight lifted from his shoulders. It was over. It was truly over. They’d survived what seemed to be a losing battle and came back even stronger. With a strong faith in God and the love of his bonded mate, his family, all his friends that were considered family, and the gift of becoming a father . . . life was good.

The end

Coming soon, the fifth series of the Novels of the Breedline series . . . THE IMMORTAL
 
 
 
 

Author Notes

NOTE: This is not part of the chapter. A reference for terms and cast of 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 among humans, 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 is 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 one 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 QUEEN'S 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 into human form 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 into human form 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. 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 ultimately 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 cannot 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 can 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 can 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 cannot 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 bright 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, twice 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. An Adalwolf is immune to silver. They can bond with any species. LUPA - The ancestors descended from the old legend of the lycanthrope, except the moon has no power over them and it cannot be passed on to others like a virus. It is passed on through genetics to the female offspring, known as a she-wolf. This type of creature shape-shifts into a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, and is considered dangerous... cursed. 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 among 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. Arius and Tidus - Sebastian and Eve's twin boys. Both have inherited their parent's genetics of a half-breed. But Arius carries the mark of the Chiang-Shih demon with the power to create a portal and the ability to heal others. Anna Saeni - She was born with the genetics of a Breedline from her father's side - who died when Anna was a baby - but she does not shift into a wolf. Her human mother, Eliza, raised Sebastian Crow as her own after his biological mother, Sybil and his step-father, William Montgomery, detested him due to Sybil's infidelity. William sent Sebastian's twin brother Thomas to be raised in England with Sybil's sister, and forced his maid Eliza to raise Sebastian. While Anna grew up, she helped her mother raise Sebastian, loving him as a brother. At age fourteen, William molested Anna. After her mother found out, she confronted William and Sybil, but so afraid to lose her family, and her wealthy status, Sybil killed Eliza in cold blood. William sent Anna to live in a women's convent, and forced Sebastian to live in a boarding school for troubled boys for all Breedline. Jace Chamberlain (a.k.a. the Beast) - He is a Breedline species and 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. 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 became the new Breedline queen. She is an inspiring artist. 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. 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. 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 was born a Theriomorph. He is a clothing model and plays backup bass and keyboards in the band Chaos. 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. 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. Nathan Gage (a.k.a. Nate) - He is a Breedline and the owner of several upscale night clubs in the largest metropolitan areas of Northern California. Zeke Rizzo - He is a Breedline, born with a curse of a sin-eater, and the owner of the Cat Club. When coming in physical contact with another person, he has the power to see inside their past, experiencing their worst memory. A simple handshake seems like nothing to an ordinary person, but to Zeke, it is unbearable. Without the ability to stop it, he is also the worst case of karma. If anyone angers him, an unfortunate accident can fall upon them. Yelena Smirnov - A full-blooded succubus from Russia. She is in charge of security at the Cat Club. She is bonded to Apollyon, who was taken by the battle angels along with his fraternal twin sisters, Callisto, and Electra. Roman Kincaid - He is an Adalwolf trained in military tactics, hired as a special breed of warriors from Brazil. Hired as a bodyguard for Valkin Steele - a billionaire funding a group of unethical scientists research - he later learns of Steele's underground sex-trafficking and illegal drug and weapons trade, and informs the Breedline Covenant. He also forms a team of Breedline soldiers who work for a private Special Ops group contracted by the military for missions that no one else can or will do to help put an end to Valkin Steele's corrupt organization. Lawrence Colbert - A Breedline council member of the New Jersey Covenant, trained in military tactics and as a medic who worked alongside Roman Kincaid, the Special Ops Team, and the Breedline Covenant to help take down Valkin Steele. Lena - She is a Breedline, highly trained in survival skills, martial arts, and anything dealing with weapons, hand-to-hand combat, and hired by Roman Kincaid to help take down Valkin Steele. She oddly resembles the character Xena the Warrior Princess from the 80's television series. She is also Bull's little sister and is bonded to Justice. Bull (a.k.a. Benjamin Allen Calvero ) - He is a Breedline, highly trained and an expert in a variety of military tactics who is part of Roman Kincaid's team. He gets his nickname because of his size. Justice - He is a Breedline, highly trained in military tactics, an expert with explosives, hand-to-hand combat, sniper training, and a pilot, who is part of Roman Kincaid's team. Colonel Brian Deshazo (a.k.a. Colonel D) - He is a Breedline - oddly resembling the WWE professional wrestler, John Cena - who works for the United States military as the leader of highly trained group of elite forces know as first Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta. He and his men perform various clandestine and highly classified missions around the world. Their primary mission is counterterrorism. Major Paul Wyckoff (a.k.a. Dark Wraith) - He is a Theriomorph, oddly resembling Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's character in the 'Scorpion King.' He's one of Colonel D's men, specifically directed to kill or capture high-value units or dismantle terrorist cells. Major Joshua Lawson (a.k.a. Kid) - He is a Breedline who was born and raised in Texas. Kid had that worn cowboy look with a southern drawl. He's part of Colonel D's team, and an operator of AC-130 gunships and specialized planes and helicopters. Master Sergeant Stephen Virgin (a.k.a. Gunny) - He's a Breedline, nicknamed after Clint Eastwood's character in 'Heartbreak Ridge.' Well known for a hard-nosed, hard-living soldier of war, Gunny is a highly trained sharpshooter in Colonel D's elite team. Steven Pasquale (a.k.a. Steven Craven) - 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 two German physicians, Dr. Hans Autenburg and Dr. Hubert Crane. Without the knowledge of his real family, Steven finally manages to escape his captors, locating his biological parents and his fraternal twin, Tessa Fairchild. The Fury - Three fraternal twins created by an evil German scientist named Dr. Hans Autenburg. Using his own DNA, he mixed it with three other species: A Breedline, an Adalwolf, and a powerful Wiccan. He placed three embryos inside the womb of a full-blooded succubus, named Sonya Hothburn. Taken against her will, Sonya was forced by the mad physician into surrogacy. After their birth, she was forbidden to see her children. All three were created to destroy the Breedline species and dominate the human world. The first born was called Apollyon, meaning 'destroyer' in Greek. It was also the name of the angel-prince of the infernal regions, the minister of death and author of havoc on earth. He has the strength of ten men, and the power to dematerialize, taking others with him, from one place to another. He can transform into a creature that resembles an Adalwolf, and a vampire-like hybrid. The second born was called Callisto, meaning 'most beautiful.' She has the power of a shield, protecting herself and others from harm. The last child was named Electra, meaning 'the shining one.' She has the power to conduct electricity from her body, using it as a weapon. Inheriting their species instinct and extraordinary power, their thirst to kill became uncontrollable. As they grew up, the Fury became more and more unstable and unruly. With an insatiable hunger for human flesh and unmanageable powers, they became a hindrance to the physician. He had no other choice but to drug and imprison them for all time, each one placed inside a sarcophagus in a state of deep slumber to be forgotten forever until they were set free by their mother. Detective Manuel Sanchez - Raised by a single mother, Manuel never knew his real father. At age thirteen, his older sister Lailah, was murdered, but her killer was never apprehended. Consumed by Lailah's murder, Manuel chooses a career in police enforcement in hopes of someday finally bringing justice to his sister. Now in his fifties - living his life as a bachelor and a homicide detective - he discovers he's not entirely human, and has inherited his father's Breedline genetics. Detective Frank Perkins - He is Manuel Sanchez's partner, and discovers the secret world of the Breedline. Born as a human, Frank pledges his loyalty to the Breedline. Fighting alongside his partner, they take an oath to help the Breedline protect the world from corruption and unknown creatures that prey on the innocent. Battle Angels - Their one purpose for existence is to serve the Creator in war against demons and evil havoc on earth. Unlike any of the Creator's angels: no majestic white wings, no soft angelic voice, and no golden halo continually hovering over their head; the indigenous battle angels, on average, are ten feet tall. Although, a few towered to the height of twelve feet with a more muscular build. All are tattooed with unique warrior markings, black eagle-like wings with armor typical of ancient heroes, and they wield a type of sword associated with a long-gone empire. They are the bravest of angels, who consider only the importance of their mission and are perfectly willing to be destroyed in the service of righteousness. Each angel is gifted with special powers to be used as weapons to fight against the dark side. They are particularly fond of the human race and consider themselves humanity's special protectors. Cronus - He is a loyal and devoted warrior in charge of God's battle angels. He wields the power of the sword of truth and has the ability to use his body as a shield. His mission is to protect the heavens and all God's creations. Lailah - She is a battle angel gifted with holy fire used to trap or immobilize demons and other evil supernatural beings, rather than killing them outright. Forty-one years ago, in her human life at age seventeen, she was savagely murdered. But the crime was never solved. Her younger brother is Detective Manuel Sanchez who has spent most of his life trying to catch her killer. Helios - He is a battle angel and a descendant of a mighty African king. When God brought him into the group, his entire body was converted into a lethal weapon. The tips of his magnificent dark feathers slice his enemies like knives, and his hands and feet are clawed with talons, capable of shredding through skin and bone. In his human life, he was born without vocal cords. Gifting him with the powers of telepathy, God made it possible for Helios to communicate using his mind. Icarus - He is a gorgeous battle angel gifted with the power of telekinesis. He can influence, manipulate, and move matter using his mind. Frigg - He is one of God's originals, serving as a battle angel for more than a century. With a personality bigger than life, a bit of an attitude, and a love for rock-n-roll, cheeseburgers, and classic black-and-white movies, he oddly resembles the singer Billy Idol of the 80's punk rock band - sporting the same trademark bleached spiked hair and English accent. He is gifted with a unique power of shape-shifting. He can transform and reshape himself into any living thing. 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. Raphael (a.k.a. Buddy the cat) - He is the angel of healing who secretly disguises himself as a black cat that resides in the Breedline Covenant as their pet. He guards the children in the Covenant.

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