| Supernatural Science Fiction posted June 21, 2021 | Chapters: |
...68 69 -70- 71... 
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The Curse/A Novel of the Breedline series
A chapter in the book THE CURSE
Safe & Sound/Part 4
by scongrove
| Background Thanks for taking the time to read my chapter. I split it up so it wouldn't be too long. If you catch mistakes, please let me know. Stay safe & enjoy! |
Previously. . .
Suddenly, lurking from out of the shadows came several hulking wolfish creatures with dark matted fur and elongated snouts. Their long, protruding canines reminded Jace of a saber-toothed tiger. As they stalked closer, he noticed they had some sort of metal contraption attached to them. It resembled a dog’s collar with strange electrical wires. And that’s when he began to question Jena’s theory. Could silver really kill those things? With the Glock in his grasp, he pondered on whether to bring forth his Beast or just go ahead and start plugging them full of holes. But before he made up his mind, one of the creatures—the largest of the mix—charged forward, snapping its jaws.
Continued. . .
That’s when Jena made her move. She lunged at the creature with lightning speed, pinioning it to the ground. In a matter of seconds, she had its wolflike head between her massive jaws. When she bit down, its skull split open like the sound of an egg cracking.
Jace and his comrades-in-arms merely watched in amazement as Jena tossed the lifeless creature aside like it was nothing more than a flimsy doll.
While she ripped into the throat of another unholy beast, Nicolas vanished in thin air. It was like magic. When he reappeared, he was standing behind one of the creatures who was about to attack Jena from the rear. In the blink of an eye, he quickly wrapped his arms around the creature’s neck. As it struggled to get free, he tightened his grip. Sounds of bones breaking filled the air. The moment Nicolas let go, its limp carcass collapsed to the ground in a heap.
A sudden fury rose from deep within Roman as he witnessed the bloody scene right before his own eyes. Anger pumped the Adalwolf blood through his body, infusing him with a burst of fiery rage. His body expanded and grew twice its size. Powerful muscles bulged atop his chest and claws jutted from his hands and feet. Instantly, Roman was no longer human. A hybrid of some kind. Half-man and half-wolf. With all the strength he could muster, he grabbed one of the four-legged creatures by the torso and flipped it on its back. It fought like hell to get up, but Roman was a force not to be reckoned with. He twisted its neck at such an unnatural angle, the bones snapped and popped. He nearly severed the things head.
It seemed every person present—except for Jace and Jem, who maintained Manuel and Frank’s safety—were engaging in war.
In the midst of chaos surrounding them, Drakon and Tim fought against the remaining savage beasts with unbelievable strength and agility. It wasn’t long before the howls of their enemies turned into defeated whimpers, until finally, there was nothing but dead silence.
That’s when Jena noticed something odd. The creatures—who were no longer moving, much less breathing—did not shift back to their human bodies. They remained in their ghastly wolf-like forms.
Jace clapped. “That was freakin’ awesome, guys.” His outburst drew everyone’s attention. “And just think, you did it without the Beast.”
“Don’t get too comfortable,” Manuel spoke out. “We’re not done yet. I’m sure there’s more of those things where we’re going.”
“Then what are we waiting for?” Jace grabbed the duffel bag Drakon had brought and slung it over his shoulder. “Sooner we get this over with, the better.”
“I don’t understand.” Jena’s voice was rough, almost as deep as a man’s. “The creatures…” She slightly tilted her head, staring down at the fallen beasts. “Why did they not shift back?”
Jem came forward and stood next to Jena. “You mean shift back human?”
Jena lifted her chin with a nod.
“Did the creatures you encountered earlier in the tunnel shift back?” asked Jem.
“Yes.” She nodded again.
“I don’t know,” Frank muttered in a sympathetic tone. “Maybe it’s better this way.”
Manuel glanced over all the dead and dismembered carcasses. “Not for their families. In this condition, we’ll never be able to identify who they were.”
Jem put a comforting hand on Frank’s shoulder. “There’s nothing we can do now. We better get on the move.”
It didn’t take long before they came upon the opening of the underground passageway. By what Jena had experienced, once they climbed down, it would take approximately an hour to get to their destination. But eventually, it would lead them straight into the heart of A&E Pharmaceuticals.
Frank shuttered as he stared down into the dark hole. The thought of running into more of those hideous creatures created an uneasy feeling. “Maybe if we’re lucky, those things back there were the last of their kind.”
Jace pointedly looked at Frank with an arched brow. “Well so far, our luck is proving otherwise. But don’t fret it, Detective. I’ve got your back.”
Frank’s breath hitched as Tim trotted up to him and pawed at the ground. Shortly after, Drakon—who was far bigger and more terrifying than Tim’s Breedline wolf—slid in next to Manuel with a low growl.
Acknowledging the tense expression on Frank’s face, Jace reached out and gave him a comforting pat on the back. “Looks like you guys are pretty much covered by all sides, wouldn’t you say?”
“Yeah,” Frank nervously said, looking over at the gigantic wolf who stood beside him with glowing eyes and a mouth chalked full of razor-sharp teeth. “And I’m pretty damn grateful you guys are on our side.”
Nicolas threw his arm around Jena, his fingers stroking through the dark, coarse hairs still covering her wolfish form. “We better get moving.” He averted his eyes from her and looked to the others. “You guys want me to lead the way?”
Jace motioned Nicolas forward. “Be my guest.”
Jena peered down into the dark pit that seemed to go on for miles. When she lifted her head, she gave Nicolas a slight nod. As soon as he shined a flashlight in the opening and started to make his way down into the narrow cavity, Jena stuck close by. The minute Roman stepped up, readying himself to go next, he started to shift back into his human form. By the time he completely transformed, he stood barefoot, shirtless, and his pants were split down the seams.
“Damn,” Jace blurted, eyeballing Roman’s ripped jeans. “Looks like you’re hanging by a thread there, buddy.”
“Tell me about it.” Roman exhaled an aggravated sigh. “But at least I still have my pants.”
Jace chuckled. “Yeah, barely.”
Roman shrugged it off and began to climb his way down.
“Okay, Detectives,” Jace said, standing near the opening. “You two are up next.”
Manuel slowly lowered himself onto the steep stairwell and started to climb downward on shaky legs, cursing under his breath.
Jace looked down at Manuel. “You’re not afraid of heights are you, Detective?”
Manuel glanced up slit-eyed and muttered, “Smartass.”
Jace grinned, realizing he’d hit a nerve with the detective, and proceeded to help Frank.
As Frank descended lower, Jem accompanied in behind, leaving Jace with Drakon and Tim.
“Well guys,” said Jace. “Better get shifting fast. There’s no way you’ll make it down those stairs in your current condition.” He tossed the duffel bag that contained extra clothes and weapons. It landed with a thud between Drakon’s humongous paws. “Let’s go.” He snapped his fingers. “Time is ticking.”
To be continued. . .
Suddenly, lurking from out of the shadows came several hulking wolfish creatures with dark matted fur and elongated snouts. Their long, protruding canines reminded Jace of a saber-toothed tiger. As they stalked closer, he noticed they had some sort of metal contraption attached to them. It resembled a dog’s collar with strange electrical wires. And that’s when he began to question Jena’s theory. Could silver really kill those things? With the Glock in his grasp, he pondered on whether to bring forth his Beast or just go ahead and start plugging them full of holes. But before he made up his mind, one of the creatures—the largest of the mix—charged forward, snapping its jaws.
Continued. . .
That’s when Jena made her move. She lunged at the creature with lightning speed, pinioning it to the ground. In a matter of seconds, she had its wolflike head between her massive jaws. When she bit down, its skull split open like the sound of an egg cracking.
Jace and his comrades-in-arms merely watched in amazement as Jena tossed the lifeless creature aside like it was nothing more than a flimsy doll.
While she ripped into the throat of another unholy beast, Nicolas vanished in thin air. It was like magic. When he reappeared, he was standing behind one of the creatures who was about to attack Jena from the rear. In the blink of an eye, he quickly wrapped his arms around the creature’s neck. As it struggled to get free, he tightened his grip. Sounds of bones breaking filled the air. The moment Nicolas let go, its limp carcass collapsed to the ground in a heap.
A sudden fury rose from deep within Roman as he witnessed the bloody scene right before his own eyes. Anger pumped the Adalwolf blood through his body, infusing him with a burst of fiery rage. His body expanded and grew twice its size. Powerful muscles bulged atop his chest and claws jutted from his hands and feet. Instantly, Roman was no longer human. A hybrid of some kind. Half-man and half-wolf. With all the strength he could muster, he grabbed one of the four-legged creatures by the torso and flipped it on its back. It fought like hell to get up, but Roman was a force not to be reckoned with. He twisted its neck at such an unnatural angle, the bones snapped and popped. He nearly severed the things head.
It seemed every person present—except for Jace and Jem, who maintained Manuel and Frank’s safety—were engaging in war.
In the midst of chaos surrounding them, Drakon and Tim fought against the remaining savage beasts with unbelievable strength and agility. It wasn’t long before the howls of their enemies turned into defeated whimpers, until finally, there was nothing but dead silence.
That’s when Jena noticed something odd. The creatures—who were no longer moving, much less breathing—did not shift back to their human bodies. They remained in their ghastly wolf-like forms.
Jace clapped. “That was freakin’ awesome, guys.” His outburst drew everyone’s attention. “And just think, you did it without the Beast.”
“Don’t get too comfortable,” Manuel spoke out. “We’re not done yet. I’m sure there’s more of those things where we’re going.”
“Then what are we waiting for?” Jace grabbed the duffel bag Drakon had brought and slung it over his shoulder. “Sooner we get this over with, the better.”
“I don’t understand.” Jena’s voice was rough, almost as deep as a man’s. “The creatures…” She slightly tilted her head, staring down at the fallen beasts. “Why did they not shift back?”
Jem came forward and stood next to Jena. “You mean shift back human?”
Jena lifted her chin with a nod.
“Did the creatures you encountered earlier in the tunnel shift back?” asked Jem.
“Yes.” She nodded again.
“I don’t know,” Frank muttered in a sympathetic tone. “Maybe it’s better this way.”
Manuel glanced over all the dead and dismembered carcasses. “Not for their families. In this condition, we’ll never be able to identify who they were.”
Jem put a comforting hand on Frank’s shoulder. “There’s nothing we can do now. We better get on the move.”
It didn’t take long before they came upon the opening of the underground passageway. By what Jena had experienced, once they climbed down, it would take approximately an hour to get to their destination. But eventually, it would lead them straight into the heart of A&E Pharmaceuticals.
Frank shuttered as he stared down into the dark hole. The thought of running into more of those hideous creatures created an uneasy feeling. “Maybe if we’re lucky, those things back there were the last of their kind.”
Jace pointedly looked at Frank with an arched brow. “Well so far, our luck is proving otherwise. But don’t fret it, Detective. I’ve got your back.”
Frank’s breath hitched as Tim trotted up to him and pawed at the ground. Shortly after, Drakon—who was far bigger and more terrifying than Tim’s Breedline wolf—slid in next to Manuel with a low growl.
Acknowledging the tense expression on Frank’s face, Jace reached out and gave him a comforting pat on the back. “Looks like you guys are pretty much covered by all sides, wouldn’t you say?”
“Yeah,” Frank nervously said, looking over at the gigantic wolf who stood beside him with glowing eyes and a mouth chalked full of razor-sharp teeth. “And I’m pretty damn grateful you guys are on our side.”
Nicolas threw his arm around Jena, his fingers stroking through the dark, coarse hairs still covering her wolfish form. “We better get moving.” He averted his eyes from her and looked to the others. “You guys want me to lead the way?”
Jace motioned Nicolas forward. “Be my guest.”
Jena peered down into the dark pit that seemed to go on for miles. When she lifted her head, she gave Nicolas a slight nod. As soon as he shined a flashlight in the opening and started to make his way down into the narrow cavity, Jena stuck close by. The minute Roman stepped up, readying himself to go next, he started to shift back into his human form. By the time he completely transformed, he stood barefoot, shirtless, and his pants were split down the seams.
“Damn,” Jace blurted, eyeballing Roman’s ripped jeans. “Looks like you’re hanging by a thread there, buddy.”
“Tell me about it.” Roman exhaled an aggravated sigh. “But at least I still have my pants.”
Jace chuckled. “Yeah, barely.”
Roman shrugged it off and began to climb his way down.
“Okay, Detectives,” Jace said, standing near the opening. “You two are up next.”
Manuel slowly lowered himself onto the steep stairwell and started to climb downward on shaky legs, cursing under his breath.
Jace looked down at Manuel. “You’re not afraid of heights are you, Detective?”
Manuel glanced up slit-eyed and muttered, “Smartass.”
Jace grinned, realizing he’d hit a nerve with the detective, and proceeded to help Frank.
As Frank descended lower, Jem accompanied in behind, leaving Jace with Drakon and Tim.
“Well guys,” said Jace. “Better get shifting fast. There’s no way you’ll make it down those stairs in your current condition.” He tossed the duffel bag that contained extra clothes and weapons. It landed with a thud between Drakon’s humongous paws. “Let’s go.” He snapped his fingers. “Time is ticking.”
To be continued. . .
A reference for terms and cast of characters in this chapter, especially for new readers:
BREEDLINE - A species of humans that have the ability to change from human form into wolf form if they are born an identical twin. They are not like the old legend of the Lycanthropy myth. The 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. Although they live among humans, their species is 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 illness 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 way to kill a Breedline.
All male Breedlines change into their first wolf at the age of eighteen. Female Breedlines do not go through the change until they make love to their Breedline bonded mate.
BREEDLINE COVENANT - The Breedline species must live within the boundaries of their Covenant. There is one in every state. A council governs its laws and oversees the species population.
BREEDLINE BONDING - The male Breedline spends his life searching for their bonded mate. When two Breedline species experience a bond, they instantly feel a simultaneous, desirable attraction. The bond is for life. It is possible for them to have more than one mate in their lifespan.
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, and they are immune to silver. They can bond with any species.
Jena McCain - She is an inspiring artist with the ability to speak with the dead. Jena was attacked and bitten by an age-old creature and cursed with a lust for human blood. Now that she is to become the creature and hunt humans, instead of killing innocent people, she will only hunt evil.
Nicolas Ratcliff - He is immortal with the power of invisibility and supernatural speed. He works for the San Francisco Police Department as a detective. He's bonded with Jena McCain.
Jace Chamberlain (a.k.a. the Beast) - He is a Breedline species who later discovers he was born with a curse of the Beast, inherited by the Chiang-Shih demon. His bonded mate is Tessa Fairchild. He's an IT engineer and 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 identical twin brother. He carries the gene of the Chiang-Shih demon, which gives him the power to create a portal and a force of electrical 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.
Tim Ross - He is a Breedline species and the council head of the California Covenant.
Drakon Hexus - He is a Breedline species and bonded to Cassie Chamberlain.
Roman Kincaid - He is an Adalwolf trained in military tactics, hired as a special breed of warriors from Brazil.
Detective Manuel Sanchez - He is a homicide detective at the San Francisco Police Department who late discovers he carries the Breedline genetics. His partner is Detective Frank Perkins. His sister is Lailah.
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.
Kian Adams - She is a bounty hunter, hired by Dr. Michaels to kidnap Jena McCain.
Dr. Henry Michaels - He is the head physician of Adam & Eve Pharmaceuticals, hire by the government to experiment on innocent people in hopes of creating a supernatural species.
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. BREEDLINE - A species of humans that have the ability to change from human form into wolf form if they are born an identical twin. They are not like the old legend of the Lycanthropy myth. The 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. Although they live among humans, their species is 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 illness 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 way to kill a Breedline.
All male Breedlines change into their first wolf at the age of eighteen. Female Breedlines do not go through the change until they make love to their Breedline bonded mate.
BREEDLINE COVENANT - The Breedline species must live within the boundaries of their Covenant. There is one in every state. A council governs its laws and oversees the species population.
BREEDLINE BONDING - The male Breedline spends his life searching for their bonded mate. When two Breedline species experience a bond, they instantly feel a simultaneous, desirable attraction. The bond is for life. It is possible for them to have more than one mate in their lifespan.
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, and they are immune to silver. They can bond with any species.
Jena McCain - She is an inspiring artist with the ability to speak with the dead. Jena was attacked and bitten by an age-old creature and cursed with a lust for human blood. Now that she is to become the creature and hunt humans, instead of killing innocent people, she will only hunt evil.
Nicolas Ratcliff - He is immortal with the power of invisibility and supernatural speed. He works for the San Francisco Police Department as a detective. He's bonded with Jena McCain.
Jace Chamberlain (a.k.a. the Beast) - He is a Breedline species who later discovers he was born with a curse of the Beast, inherited by the Chiang-Shih demon. His bonded mate is Tessa Fairchild. He's an IT engineer and 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 identical twin brother. He carries the gene of the Chiang-Shih demon, which gives him the power to create a portal and a force of electrical 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.
Tim Ross - He is a Breedline species and the council head of the California Covenant.
Drakon Hexus - He is a Breedline species and bonded to Cassie Chamberlain.
Roman Kincaid - He is an Adalwolf trained in military tactics, hired as a special breed of warriors from Brazil.
Detective Manuel Sanchez - He is a homicide detective at the San Francisco Police Department who late discovers he carries the Breedline genetics. His partner is Detective Frank Perkins. His sister is Lailah.
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.
Kian Adams - She is a bounty hunter, hired by Dr. Michaels to kidnap Jena McCain.
Dr. Henry Michaels - He is the head physician of Adam & Eve Pharmaceuticals, hire by the government to experiment on innocent people in hopes of creating a supernatural species.
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