Against All Odds (Kaliss Book 3)

by Cree Storm

  Jael was so far into his thoughts, that he almost missed when Orion stopped. Thankfully, he did see and immediately ordered his men to halt.

  Orion lifted his hand and rang the bell. The loud buzz announced their arrival and was heard loud and clear, yet no one answered the door. Orion’s anger was almost palatable as he rang the bell for a second time.

  Looking around, Jael asked, “Where are the guards?”

  “Let’s find out,” Orion snarled as he turned the knob and opened the door.

  Orion addressed Jael, “Have your men wait out here for now. You and Nelson come with me.”

  “What about Sabien and me?” Strife asked.

  “I will have you come in with the guards in a few moments. Until then, stay here,” Orion ordered

  Walking inside, Jael was amazed at what he saw. Nelson gasped, “This place is disgusting.”

  Cracks were all along the walls and flooring, the curtains were dull and thin and looked like they had not been cleaned in too many years to count. The paint was dry and peeling, and the smell of mold filled the room from the obvious leak in the roof. Jael looked at Orion in confusion. “This is the Heskel Coven? Where the hell is everyone?”

  A man walked down the stairs, asking, “May I help you?”

  Jael stated, “I am Jael Morgan, leader of the Imperial Guard to the Re. This is Orion Leventis, Regal to the Re. We are here on business and wish to speak to your Coven Regal this instant.”

  The man’s eyes widened. “You won’t find him here, sir. This is the common quarters.”

  “The what?” Jael asked in confusion.

  Another man walked down the stairs and joined the first. “What’s going on Manchester?”

  “These men say they are here by order of the Re,” Manchester replied anxiously.

  “But why did they come here? We’ve done nothing wrong. They should be at the royal house,” the other man said with a tremor in his voice.

  Orion snapped, “Both of you down here now.”

  The two men raced down the stairs and stepped in front of Orion. Both bowed their heads, Manchester saying, “Please don’t kill us, sir, Regal. We are just confused and unsure of what it is you want with us.”

  Orion sighed, saying, “I am not here to kill anyone. I am here by order of your Re. I must speak with the Coven Regal.”

  Manchester looked up, saying, “Like my friend Edward just said, you are looking for the royal house. This is the common quarters.”

  Nelson walked to the two men, smiling. “Hi, I’m Nelson, mate to Orion. Can I ask you some questions?”

  Orion gave Jael a look and they both smiled. They knew there was no way Nelson would be able to stay silent. However, he seemed to have a calming effect on the two men so they both figured he might get more answers than they would.

  “Of course, sir,” Manchester replied.

  “Nelson. Everyone calls me Nelson,” Nelson said looking around. “This place is in pretty bad shape. Are you saying there is another coven house? Maybe a newer one?”

  Manchester quickly replied, “Sir… I mean Nelson. I don’t know exactly how to answer your question. This is the original coven house, but when Scion Heskel took over, he built another house behind here. He and his guard live there, and the singles of the coven live here. The families are in the homes surrounding.”

  “Wait, you’re saying Scion Heskel doesn’t live with his coven members and the new coven house is behind this one?” Nelson asked in surprise.

  Shaking his head, Manchester replied, “No s… Nelson. From the day he was appointed, he had us build the other house and like I said, he and his guard live there.”

  “But what if the coven was attacked? How can your inner circle and his army fight to protect you if it is behind you?” Jael asked aghast.

  “I… I don’t know, sir. I… it is n-not… m-my place… t-to question m-my s-scion,” Manchester stammered.

  “Relax, Manchester. We are only trying to understand.” Turning to Jael, Orion quietly asked, “Why didn’t Sabien tell us this?”

  Shaking his head, Jael said, “Shock factor?”

  Nelson looked around the room, saying, “Manchester, this place looks like it’s in need of some repair.”

  “Yes, sir, but all our coven money goes to maintain the Scion’s home. We make do,” Manchester replied.

  “Can one of you please take us to the Scion’s house?” Nelson asked.

  Manchester gazed at Edward, both men looked very uncomfortable with the request. Manchester turned back to Nelson. “I will take you, but we are supposed to request a viewing before doing such things.”

  Nelson turned, and Jael could see the anger in the his eyes, and Jael knew his friend was getting as pissed as the rest of them. Nelson took a couple of deep breaths, then turned back around with a smile. “We are here by order of the Re himself and as such we do not have to request a viewing. Now can you please show us to the Scion’s home?”

  Nodding, tentatively Manchester replied, “Of course.”

  Manchester walked out the front door, stopping short and muttering, “Oh my.”

  “Don’t be alarmed. This is the Re’s Imperial Guard and they are here to make sure you all are kept safe while we do what we came here to do,” Orion said as calmly as he could.

  Manchester turned to see Sabien. He smiled wide and went to the vampire, hugging him closely. “You are the reason for this, aren’t you?”

  “I told you I would bring help, old man,” Sabien replied, awkwardly returning the hug.

  Manchester pulled back, saying, “It’s a good thing you did, Sabien. I don’t know what’s going on, but Heskel and his men are preparing for something. Things here have gone from bad to worse.”

  CHAPTER 2

  Sabien didn’t know how things could have become worse here, but he damn sure was intent on finding out what Manchester’s words meant, and stopping Heskel and his thugs, so their coven could return to what it should be. Something like Kaliss.

  Sabien had only been in Kaliss for a few days, but in that short period of time, he could see that the coven members there were loyal, because the Re had earned it, not because they feared reprisals if they weren’t.

  “Why didn’t you tell us there were two houses?” Nelson quietly asked.

  The question wasn’t unexpected, but Sabien didn’t quite know how to explain. Seeing Jael look at him in disappointment kind of hurt. However, the way Sabien figured it, Nelson and the others had a right to know. “Radeem told me that what was happening in this coven was something that had to be seen, not explained. I wouldn’t even know how to explain what I had witnessed and experienced. I guess part of me was concerned that my stories would be so farfetched, that you wouldn’t believe me and therefore, you would have refused to come.”

  “If I get you right, what you’re saying is that you needed us to have the shock factor to truly understand that what you’ve been saying so far is true?” Nelson asked.

  Sabien nodded. “Something like that, yes. Also, there was the concern that Ezra would have asked Heskel about the house and let the cat out of the bag. Heskel would have informed the people into his home and told everyone the other house was to be demolished upon his return. Then it would be my word against his. Who would you have believed?”

  “Well I have to say it worked. You do have our attention. The only problem is, you underestimate our Re. He is not one to ignore the pleas of his people. Besides, as a vampire, you know we can scent a lie. Then again, maybe your scenting abilities are broken. You gambled with all our lives. Had Orion not planned on the worst, we could have walked straight into an ambush,” Jael angrily stated.

  Sabien looked at the angry soldier and knew that Jael had every right to be this way. Not only had Sabien not acknowledged the fact that they were mates, but now Jael had learned that Sabien had kept critical information from them that Jael felt could have gotten them all killed.

  Giving Jael a knowing look, Sabien softly replied, �
�There is nothing wrong with my scenting abilities, Jael, and I would have never allowed anyone’s life to be put in jeopardy. The stories of Regal Orion are told from coven to coven. His brilliance and generosity are in awe amongst our people as is the Re’s. However, had he not brought sufficient men, I would have told him about the two houses,” Sabien stated as they arrived at the secondary house.

  “I guess we’ll never know,” Jael muttered, walking ahead to Orion and his men.

  Sabien looked at his mate, softly saying, “As you already said, scent will tell you I do not lie.”

  Orion turned to Jael. “Have your men surround the house now. I want no one in or out of here once we enter, unless I give the word.”

  “Yes, Regal,” Jael replied, then turned and gave his men the order.

  Orion then looked at Manchester. “I would like for you to ring the bell, sir.”

  Manchester nodded, and with a shaky hand did as Orion instructed.

  Sabien stood back, waiting.

  Unlike the first house, this door opened right away. It was a very angry Lysander who answered the door. “What the fuck are you here for, shithead? No one summoned you.”

  “Actually, we did,” Jael stated, as he stepped in front of Manchester and pushed Lysander back into the house.

  “Who the fuck are you?” Lysander snarled.

  Jael gave the man his most feral smile, “I am Jael Morgan. Imperial General to the Re. Now back the fuck up before I back you up.”

  Before entering the house, Orion smiled at Manchester, saying, “Thank you, sir. Can you do me one last favor?”

  “Of course, Regal Laventis,” Manchester stated.

  “Gather your people. Tell them to go to the old coven house. My men and I will address them within the hour,” Orion explained.

  Manchester gave a formal nod. “Of course, sir.”

  Sabien, Nelson, and Strife followed what was left of the Imperial Guards into the house and Orion was quick to walk in behind them, shutting the door.

  Sabien saw Lysander had been joined by Marius. Jael looked at Orion who nodded at him, and then Jael turned back to the two before him. “Where is your Coven Regal?”

  “Remus? What do you…”

  “You are to say nothing unless you are spoken to, Dire. Now, where is your Coven Regal?” Jael ordered.

  Marius quickly snarled, “Just who do you think you are?”

  Jael immediately got into the Dire’s face, hissing, “I am Jael Morgan, General to the Re’s Imperial Guard and Crimson Corp. You will be good enough to remember that, and be thankful I am such a forgiving man, or I could have you drawn and quartered for your insolence. Now get me the fucking Coven Regal. Now.”

  Sabien felt his balls tighten and his cock go rock hard. Son of a bitch, Jael was already sexy as fuck with his military style blond hair and firm muscular frame, but when he spoke like he just did to Marius, Sabien couldn’t just see the sexy, he could hear it as well. Sabien couldn’t help but wonder if the man was as fierce in bed as he was at this moment.

  “I can smell your lust, Sab. You might want to try and tone it down a little,” Strife murmured low enough so no one else could hear.

  Marius interrupted anything Sabien might have had to say, by turning to Lysander, saying, “Go get Remus.”

  Jael snarled, “No, Lysander. Marius is going as he has been the one I ordered.”

  Marius gave Jael a look that promised redemption, and then turned to do as he had been ordered.

  Sabien wasn’t nearly as shocked as the other men when Remus came down with Marius wearing only a long robe. “What is the meaning of this? We were not told of any diplomatic visitation.”

  Jael snapped, “Is this the way you normally dress when presenting yourself to the Regal of the Re?”

  “Look you insolent fool. I am Remus McGovern. Coven Regal to Scion Heskel. Do not think for a moment that you can speak to me as if I were some sort of peasant?” Remus stated with a scathing look.

  “And I am Jael Morgan, General to the Re’s Imperial Guard and Crimson Corp. Do not speak to me at all unless you are spoken to first.”

  Orion stepped forward, getting in Remus’s face, snarling, “And I am Orion Leventis, Regal to the Re, here on official business as ordered by the Re.”

  Sabien watched as shock filled Remus’s ugly mug, and damn near smiled when Orion handed Remus a signed document carrying the Re’s wax seal. “This gives me full authority over this entire coven. Neither you, your Scion, nor any other member of this coven has any say over what does, will, and can happen here from now on. Do I make myself clear, Regal.”

  Remus swallowed hard, taking the letter and opening it. When he was finished, he gasped, “I don’t understand? Why? Why would the Re want to search our homes?”

  Orion ignored his question as he turned to Sabien. “Who do you trust in this coven?”

  Remus snarled, “You’re asking him? Sabien is a traitor to our people. He—”

  Orion turned his head sharply to the right, but Sabien saw the red in his orbs as he did so. “You will not speak, or I will rip out your tongue.”

  Turning back to Sabien, Orion asked, “Are there any you trust in Heskel’s guard?”

  Taking a moment to think, Sabien nodded, “Etienne. He just completed his training, but he is a fierce soldier. Loyal to the coven members.”

  Turning to Jael, Orion ordered, “I want Etienne brought to me immediately.”

  “Yes, Regal,” Jael stated, then turned to Marius. “Where can I find Etienne?”

  Marius only stared at Sabien as if his gaze alone could kill him, but he refused to speak.

  Strife licked his lips nervously, saying, “I can take you to him.”

  Orion nodded at Jael. “We will meet you in the other coven house. Manchester should have gathered the coven by now.”

  “And these men?” Jael asked.

  Orion gave an evil smile. “I want them there. Oh, and I also want the rest of Heskel’s guards at this gathering as well.”

  Jael gave a sharp nod. “Yes, sir.” Stepping outside, Jael ordered, “Keir, I want these men brought to the first house. Nelo, have the men alter their positions at the other house. No one is to leave. If anyone steps foot outside of that house before Orion gives the order, they are to be arrested and brought to Orion after the gathering.”

  “Yes, sir,” Nelo quickly replied.

  “Theron, I want a sweep done on this house. Anyone inside is to be taken to the other house immediately,” Jael ordered.

  “Yes, sir,” Theron replied respectfully.

  Jael turned to Strife. “Take me to Etienne.”

  Sabien stopped Jael before he could leave, feeling compelled to say something. “Be careful. Most of the Crimson Guard are only following orders, but there are some who are extremely loyal to Heskel.”

  Jael firmed his lips and hardened his eyes. “My safety is not your concern.”

  “You and I both know that isn’t true. There is a time and a place for everything, Jael. Right now, our timing just sucks. It doesn’t mean I am immune to who you are to me,” Sabien stated, not looking away from the man’s hardened emerald green eyes.

  Sabien could feel Strife’s gaze on him and Jael, but he was too transfixed on the gorgeous man in front of him to care. A flash of something passed through the man’s eyes, but all he did was nod, then started to walk away.

  His mate had gotten a few feet away before Jael yelled back over his shoulder, “Let’s go, Strife.”

  Strife nudged Sabien, whispering, “You and I are going to talk when this gathering is over. I think there’s something you have failed to mention.”

  Sabien let out an audible sigh, knowing there was no way he was going to get Strife to let up. The damn talk he had hoped to avoid was going to happen whether he liked it or not.

  “What was that all about?” Nelson asked.

  Sabien turned to Orion’s mate. “Shit, I completely forgot you were there, too.”

  Nelso
n snorted, “Well, you’re about to be reminded real fast. Now, what was that all about?”

  Sabien started for the other house, saying the words out loud that he had been hoping to keep to himself a little longer, “Jael is my mate.”

  “Seriously? That’s fantastic. Congratulations, Sabien,” Nelson said, with a big smile.

  Sighing, Sabien replied, “Not right now. It isn’t fantastic, great, or otherwise. It’s damned inconvenient if you ask me.”

  Nelson gasped, “I can’t believe you just said that. Finding the other half of your soul is the best thing in the world for any of us.”

  “Timing in life is everything, and right now, that kind of timing sucks,” Sabien stated as he walked into the dilapidated coven house. The place was packed with coven members. Sabien found himself bringing Nelson closer to him. “Don’t get distracted. Just follow me and things will be alright for both of us.”

  Nelson snorted. “Don’t think for a moment that Orion isn’t watching me every moment. If anyone in here even thinks to touch me, he’ll snap their neck.”

  “That may be so, but I would rather be safe than sorry,” Sabien replied.

  Sabien didn’t say anything else as he made his way to the top of the stairs where Orion was waiting. “Thank you for staying with my mate.”

  With a nod, Sabien looked down to everyone that was there. People were still coming into the building, but there was only one he was waiting to see. It seemed like hours when it had only been about fifteen minutes when Jael came walking in with Etienne and Strife. They quickly made their way up to the top of the stairs and Orion turned to Etienne. “Sabien says you are a trustworthy man. Is this true?”

  Etienne gave a nervous glance to Sabien, then looked back at Orion, saying, “Yes, sir.”

  “Good. Are there any empty rooms that are secure enough to hold the Dires and Regal of this coven?” Orion asked.

  Etienne looked at the men in question and then back at Orion. “Yes, sir. There are the cells downstairs.”

  Shaking his head, Orion replied, “I need places where these men can be kept in separate rooms without the ability to speak to each other.”