Kingdom of War (Kingdom Journals Book 4) Read online

  “Where’d the other two go?” the guy closest to me asked.

  “I don’t know. They can’t stay cloaked forever. Let’s get Mario and take the two old ones with us. I’m guessing these witches are important enough to them that they may be of use in luring them out.”

  I think we have to take them out, Tyler pushed to me.

  I don’t like it.

  Neither do I, but what choice do we have?

  I’m ready to fight. Orm’s voice penetrated my thoughts.

  Me too. Chalondra chimed in.

  Okay, let’s herd them together, lock them in a circle, and then wipe their memories. Good plan? I communicated to all of them.

  I always carry my salt, I heard from Chalondra.

  On one. Three, two… I launched myself toward the men. Tyler descended from the roof, and Chalondra and Orm jumped up. Tyler threw a bolt of electricity at the small one, flinging him at Mario. I called to the wind, blasting the larger one against the wall. He dropped to the ground beside the other two.

  “You guys didn’t need us.” Chalondra chuckled as she reached in her bag for a bottle of salt.

  Making a ring around the three attackers with the salt, Chalondra, Orm, Tyler, and I locked hands.

  “I’d like to see if we can find out what else they know. But I think it’s better to be fast and get out of here.”

  “Agreed.” Orm squeezed my hand.

  Unbinding the bracelet from Mario’s arm, I focused my energy on his short-term memory. Then, I refocused on Orm. “Do we know the chance for success on this?”

  “Well, we’ll know if we’re followed.”

  “Great, I love being witch bait.” Tyler stretched his fingers and clutched my palm again.

  “Gentlemen, focus,” Chalondra noted from the other side of the circle.

  “I got Mario,” I called as I finished the task.

  “Little one done.” Tyler dropped my hand.

  “Big one taken care of.” Orm took a step back. “Okay, we should go. I think you should wear the bracelets till we get back to the compound.

  “Ya think?” Tyler put his hands to his hips.

  “Tyler, manners.” I popped him on the back of the head. “But no, I’m not walking around defenseless.”

  “On second thought, I’m with him.” Tyler pointed at me.

  “Fine.” Orm shook his head. “At least wear your hoodies, or whatever you call them.”

  My senses tuned maximum overdrive, my fists and arms held taut by my side, ready for anything. Weaving through the streets and the terminal, we slipped into the hangar and locked the door behind us. On the plane, Orm wanted to debrief, but adrenaline had me too wound up. Anger was the only thing I could process. I knew it was too much of a risk. At least I’d learned one thing. I would trust my own instincts and not let others dictate my path again.

  Both Orm and Chalondra tried to engage me, but I waved them off, telling them we’d talk tomorrow. I only wanted one thing: to see Alena and know she was safe.

  “Our safe house is not anywhere near Mexico City, right?” I inquired after I’d cooled down some.

  “No, not close.” Orm shifted his weight between his feet.

  “From now on, I call all the shots. Alena, Camille, and I have full decision-making power. Do you understand?”

  “I do.” Orm blinked.

  A burning, like a spreading fire, grew in my chest, permeating through my shoulders and down my arms and legs. The inside of my right wrist flamed, and I rolled it over. A mark, like a tattoo of golden ink appeared. I held my arm out to Orm. “What is this? I feel like I’m about to explode.”

  “You have become a full witch. And that is Michael’s crest.”

  “Michael’s crest? Does this mean I’m bound to their coven like Camille and Jude were?” Panic grew in my mind.

  Tyler leaned forward. “Camille and Jude said they were branded and there was a ceremony to bind the brand.”

  “But they weren’t of Michael’s line. Does your father have that mark?” Orm circled in the small space.

  “Yes, but it is black like the one Camille and Jude have.”

  Tyler pointed to my wrist. “Doesn’t Camille’s have an M in the center?”

  I examined the design. Truth be told, I’d never really looked at Camille’s and Jude’s marks. I hadn’t seen the need.

  “Does this mean my mark is defective? Am I bound to Michael’s clan or not?” I inquired again.

  “Calm down, child.” Chalondra laid her hand on my shoulder, and my skin cooled under her touch. “You cannot be bound to them. We are of our own coven now. Because I haven’t known witches of Michael’s line, I don’t know how they get their marks. Perhaps they form naturally as yours has when they become a mature witch.”

  “Yes, that must be the explanation.” Orm rubbed his chin. “Camille and Jude would have to be branded and the brand bound because they are not of Michael’s line.”

  “But why is mine gold? My father’s and brother’s marks are black. Have you ever seen a gold mark like this?” My voice rose in volume as I spoke.

  Chalondra rubbed her hands together. “But I haven’t known a Child of Light of Michael’s line either. I believe it’s best you keep that hidden. It may mean something to Michael’s coven.”

  Energy, a fullness, perhaps power, permeated my body, and I paced to the end of the cabin and back. So, this is what Camille and Jude felt, charged all the time? Maybe this was why Orm wanted to make sure Alena waited until she became eighteen to transform. “Does it feel like this all the time?”

  Orm stood beside me. “It will become your new norm. Like anything different, it feels weird at first, but then it becomes part of who you are.”

  “Wait.” Tyler jumped up. “If he transformed, why haven’t I? Does this mean I didn’t pass? Am I going to become a full witch?”

  Chalondra stood. “You comp— Yes, you paaa—” She swallowed. “Why can’t I say the words?”

  Orm rotated to face Chalondra. “Have you ever seen this before? Someone transform on their own? It felt like he took it from me?”

  “What are you saying?” I insisted. “Even my transformation is abnormal? How does it usually happen?”

  “Full witch-hood is bestowed, not innate.” Chalondra paced the small space.

  “But you would have granted my transformation, right? What about Tyler? He did pass, right?”

  Orm straightened his back. “Careful you do not command me.”

  “What?” I ran my hand down my pants. “I wasn’t trying to command you.”

  “But you did, without even knowing it. This much power, the ability to lead, even command, is new for you, for all of us. You must be careful.”

  “I didn’t mean to.” Raking my hand through my hair, I spun away from them. My mind raced with questions, but at my core I could feel it, the ability to lead, even force obedience if I wanted. This was the evil within my veins. Sonia, Thanatos, Theron had let it control them, but that would not happen to me.

  I paced back to Orm. “Please, tell me honestly. Would you have made Tyler and me full witches? Was that what you would have decided?”

  Orm nodded, and I switched my attention to Chalondra.

  “Yes, that would be my vote. Both of you performed above and beyond what would be expected.”

  “Thank you.” I dipped my head and sunk into the seat beside me.

  “What about me? Who can make me a full witch?” Tyler put his hands on his hips.

  “It must be Hunter.”

  Tyler slid into the chair to my left. “So?”

  “Yes, when we get back to the compound, with the others, as it should be done.”

  Body twitching, I closed my eyes. I needed to settle my mind, adjust to my new reality, figure out what needed to be done next.

  The vibration of the wheels hitting the tarmac woke me. Looking out across the dark abyss, I dreaded facing Alena, telling her what I did. No, I thought, this isn’t something to be ashamed o
f. This is who you are. You are of Michael’s line, that is your heritage, but you can make different choices than your father and brother. This is your life now, so use your power and skills to do something good. Taking a deep breath, I stood as the plane door opened.

  Sitting in the car for the hour’s ride to the compound drove me nuts. All I wanted was to be with Alena, wrap my arms around her, and know she was safe. The SUV slowed and proceeded down a ramp into a small garage and came to a stop.

  As soon as the door opened and I stepped out of the vehicle, Alena slammed into me and flung her arms around my neck. “Are you okay? What happened? We were so worried. I was scared to death.”

  Her body trembled, and I hugged her tight. “I’m okay. We’re all okay.”

  Releasing me, she lifted my arm. Her finger traced the mark on my wrist. “It’s beautiful.”

  “How did you know what happened?”

  “We felt everything.” Alena looked between Camille and me. “Your fear, apprehension, power, and the burning on our wrists. What happened out there?”

  “It’s late, and I’m tired. Let’s debrief in the morning.” I wrapped my arm around Alena’s waist. Then I realized my mistake. “If that’s okay with everyone.”

  “Of course.” Orm held the door open for us.

  God, I’d already become paranoid about commanding people. This witch thing felt more and more like a curse.

  We broke off, retreating to our own spaces. I showered and, in sock feet, made my way to Alena’s room. She cracked the door open the second my knuckles hit the wood. “Finally, I’ve been so worried.”

  Inside, I pulled her to me and wrapped my arms around her. “I’m so glad to be back safe with you.”

  “Tell me what happened.” She ran her fingers through my hair.

  We sat on her bed, and I relayed how the witch recognized me and we trapped them. Then I told her what happened on the plane, how I transformed and the mark appeared on my arm.

  “Does this mean you’re connected to Michael’s coven like Camille and Jude were?”

  “Orm doesn’t think so.”

  “Thank God.” She rubbed her hand down my back.

  I lowered my head to my hands. “I was so scared we’d be taken, that they would be able to find you. I’m so angry with Chalondra and Orm for taking such a big risk.”

  “Where did you go?”

  “Mexico City.”

  “You’re kidding? What was Orm thinking?” She paced the area beside the bed. “We can’t let them make mistakes like that.”

  “I know.” I stood and grabbed her hands. “And we won’t anymore. You, Camille, and me… We call the shots. No one else. Chalondra and Orm know that now.”

  “And Orm was just okay with that?”

  “He has to be. I’m of Michael’s line. He doesn’t have a choice.”

  “What do you mean by that?”

  Relating how I’d commanded Orm, I slumped onto the bed. “I have all this power, like it’s coursing through my veins. It feels weird, like my skin tingles all the time. I don’t think I can sleep again ever.”

  “Well, welcome to the club on that one.” She pointed at her head. “Half-vampire over here, never slept like a human in my life.”

  Leaning in, I kissed her perfect pink lips. The electricity shooting from her skin felt like nothing I’d experienced before. Before I knew it, she was lying on her back, me straddling her, one hand behind her neck, and the other winding around her waist to the small of her back.

  “Mmm.” She smiled. “I was thinking a swim would be nice, but this is better.”

  “Much better.” I tugged my shirt over my head.

  Tracing kisses from her mouth, down her neck, and to her shoulder, I realized I wasn’t going to be able to stop kissing her. Was I influencing Alena without knowing it? I might be able to command anyone in this compound, but if I took this too far, Orm would find a way to kill me.

  Leaning away, I cleared my throat. “I think we should slow down a bit.”

  Her caroling laugh, like windchimes echoing through the night, warmed my heart. She kissed my cheek. “You’re probably right. Let’s go for a swim. Maybe you’ll get tired enough to sleep.”

  She swatted at my hand as we made our way to the pool. “I can’t believe I’m the only one who won’t be a full witch, and I have to wait three more months.”

  “Believe me.” I kissed her temple. “It’s better. You need to finish maturing as a vampire before you get hit with all this power.”

  “Yes.” She skipped ahead of me. “And then I’ll be eighteen forever. It’s weird, isn’t it? To think about living for hundreds of years.”

  “Yeah.” I caught her arm and pulled her to me. “I don’t want to think about that. All I want to think about is being here with you right now.”

  At sunrise, we gathered in the gym. This was the only room where we got natural light as mirrors reflected the light through shafts from the surface for the others. Tyler stood in the center of the circle. Orm nodded to me, and I directed everyone to join hands. It felt weird for this to be my role, and I shook off the emotion.

  Shutting my eyes, I gathered the strength of my ancestors, somehow knowing the words to recite. “Tyler Thornton, we harken the true spirit of our makers and welcome you as one of our brethren. Endowed with the powers of those that came before, we beseech you to hold with reference and true heart the power that is now yours.”

  Tyler drew in a breath and straightened his back. I remembered the sensation, like hot lava flowing through my veins, and rotated my arm to view the new gold mark on my wrist. I thought of Orm with a tinge of sadness. He seemed like the father I was meant to have, and I regretted that he wasn’t the one to pass along the powers of my ancestors. Still, I gathered strength from the events that led to my transformation. I earned my birthright, and no one could take it from me.

  After breakfast, Chalondra, Orm, Tyler, and I briefed the others on the prior day’s events. Anne became livid, pacing the room, taking slow deep breaths. Her eyes darted about like a caged animal.

  “I can’t believe I authorized that trip. You said there would be no risk.” She peered down her nose at Orm.

  “It was a small risk. We learned our lesson.”

  “Yes, we all learned a lot yesterday.” I stood to address the group. “Alena, Camille, and I will be heading the team from now on. It’s our lives on the line, and we won’t be dictated to any longer. Not by Orm, or anyone.”

  Anne jumped up. “You can’t be serious. You’re still children.”

  I stretched my shoulders and approached her. “I have proven myself worthy of this responsibility. I will not be told what to do.”

  She held my stare. “You have no power over me. This is my compound, and you will do as I say.”

  Anger rose in my chest, and heat spread through my body. I stretched my fingers and balled them into fists, forcing myself to take a deep breath. “The most important thing is the safety of everyone here and our mission. Alena, Camille, and I will focus on finding the pieces of the lance. You can focus on security. Does that work for you?”

  “Yes. I’ve increased our surveillance. We positioned extra video cams during the night. We’ll know if there is any movement within a fifty-mile radius.”

  “Good.” I took my seat again.

  Taking hers, Anne updated us on the missing vampires. Five more disappeared, and as before, investigators found no trace of them. There seemed to be some common traits, as the vampires were all large, strong males. The next step would be to contact Marcus.

  A knock at the door drew our attention. Will, Anne’s right hand man or vampire and Chief of Security, entered and punched a few keys on the keyboard in front of her. The feed from one of the cameras appeared on the large screen on the wall.

  “We thought he was just a drifter passing through.” Will tapped on the control panel to zoom in.

  The kid or man wore jeans, high-top sneakers, and a hooded sweatshirt with a Los
Angeles Angels emblem pulled over his head. With olive skin and hands stuffed in his pockets, he staggered down the dirt road.

  “How far out is he?” Anne asked.

  “Forty miles. We’ve been tracking him since he entered our security perimeter. Listen to him.” Punching a key, Will increased the volume.

  “This is crazy. Why am I doing this?” He glanced back at the way he’d come. “A bus to a city named after a dog? Man, I’ve really lost it.”

  Sliding the arm of his sweatshirt up, he lifted his wrist in front of his face.

  Alena zipped to the screen. “What’s he looking at?”

  “We can’t get a good picture of it, but he keeps doing that.” Will zoomed in.

  A memory flashed through my brain. “Doesn’t he look like the guy in the vision we had at the house in Greece?”

  Alena squinted at the screen. “He does, but a lot of people could have similar features.”

  The guy shook his head and lifted his wrist again. “Man, my friends are probably right. But I’m not on drugs. This wasn’t some black-out tattoo night. My dad has this mark. I saw it in those dreams, and now it’s on my arm. Course my dead-beat dad is still MIA, haven’t seen him in two years anyway. Not that I want to. But the mark is like his. It has to be connected to him somehow.”

  “He’s delirious.” Anne shook her head.

  The boy slid a water bottle from the pocket of his pack and took a sip. He patted his chest. “It feels better. The weight. I must be close. All I have to do is tell these people that I’m Derrick James Michaels Smith. My father is Thanatos Michaels. They need to be real. Otherwise, I’m just crazy. Vampires? Witches? They can’t be real, can they? All those stories Mom told me when I was little. Man, I wish she were here right now.”

  “Did he just say what I thought he said?” I checked the others’ reactions.

  “He just said Thanatos was his father. That would make him your brother.” Alena stared wide-eyed at me.

  A tear rolled down his cheek, and he wiped it away. “I think she would be proud. Me, following my gut this way. Like I had any choice.”