Chosen: Book 1 in the Ancients of Light series

by Heather Fleener

  Kaitriana stomped her foot in anger. If not for his Vampire speed Lorcan would have caught a ball of light upside his head as he exited rather than it merely dissipating against the dark oak of the door. It would not have burned him. She was not angry enough to lose control of her power and cause him serious harm, but it most certainly would have…rung his bell. That brought a flicker of a smile to her face…Aye, rung his bell. She was becoming much more adept with the current language, and finding that she liked these quirky phrases.

  Three deep breaths later, she defiantly kicked off the little satin slippers. In a moment of inspiration she placed them quite nicely on top of his pillow. Kaitriana did not know how to combat this issue with Lorcan. She did believe that she may find the key to helping him accept the duality of his nature if she gained a better understanding of his kin and in particular those that made up his Coven. With that course of action in mind, she made a mutinous face. Lorcan would not be confining her to her room as though she was a wayward child being punished.

  Kaitriana shadowed to the landing of the steps, directly outside the door of Lorcan’s chamber.

  CHAPTER 17

  From this vantage point, Kaitriana could quietly observe the great hall below and the few hundred Vampire loitering within it. She listened intently to see if she could locate the sound of Lorcan’s voice in the crowd, though her senses had already told her he was not present. Those in attendance seemed in high spirits. Mingling conversation and laughter rang out from the clustered groups as they sipped their goblets. The Witch in her definitely appreciated all the sparkle from the magnificent threads as well as the revelry. Witches loved a party. She observed with an appreciative smile that they were all dressed in finery, beautiful clothing from various centuries.

  Any large gathering of immortals was always a testament to history. Since their existence coincided with the beginning of man, the Witch and Vampire of the Realm seemed to gravitate towards centuries that carried particular meaning to them. Some remained steadfast in ancient times, in both manner of speech and dress. Others held special affinity towards later eras and it was reflected in their own personal style. The majority moved progressively forward in most respects, save the elders of the Council, and incorporated the modernizations of the current age of man into their lifestyles and mannerisms. As a result, the populace of the Realm was a riotous, and sometimes discombobulated, living tapestry of the passage of time.

  Kaitriana realized, looking out over the group, that her own fashion and mannerisms were aged. Her flowing gowns and antiquated habits of speech were reminiscent of the era she lived in five hundred years past. It seemed to her that Lorcan too had left part of himself behind in that age. With a stab of guilt she idly wondered if part of it was subconsciously due to the fact he had lost her in that period, which made it hold greater significance for him.

  With his continued use of the armor from that time and his habit of addressing her as ‘lass,’ she feared that might be the case. When he addressed her as such in that Old World accent of his, it made her melt. Selfishly she hoped it would be a pattern he would not break now that she had returned. However, spying some of the amazing attire below she most certainly intended to get herself up to date with modern fashion.

  Her eyes fell on Jortha standing in the far corner of the hall; he looked as though he would either faint or lose his dinner at any moment. His presence in that crowd of Vampire immediately brightened her mood; at least someone found her advice to be sensible. Kaitriana took pity on him and shadowed to his side…shadowing, definitely a perk of her new form.

  “Good evening, Sir Witch,” she was being playful addressing him as such. Her argument with Lorcan was deliberately forgotten. She was intent on enjoying the merriment of the gathering. “Are you hiding over here because you are going to be sick…or are you going to be sick because you are hiding over here?” Her eyes were twinkling with her teasing and although Jortha could not ascertain that himself, he could tell that her words were lighthearted.

  Jortha offered her a frown but there was no chill in his response, “I am attempting, Bratwitch, to work on my issues.”

  She grinned affectionately at him and reached for his hand, giving it a quick pat, “If only all males within these walls were that reasonable.” As she released her grasp, she felt the attention of hundreds of eyes. Before Kat turned to confirm she heard hushed murmurs, noting that the volume in the room had drastically lowered. A quick glance over her shoulder to the crowd behind her confirmed that she and Jortha had gained the focus of many. Those that had not noticed her were being nudged to do so by sharp elbows from companions. Dropping her voice to a whisper, knowing full well those gathered would probably hear, she directed her words to Jortha, “I believe I may have just….dropped your pan in the fire.”

  Yes, that was overheard; brows were raised in confusion. Jortha prodded her shoulder with a finger, amusement washing over his pale face, “It is - out of the frying pan, into the fire - Kaitriana.”

  She gave him a disgruntled look and swatted his finger away, then offered brightly, “Oh yes then, dear Jortha, your pan is ablaze.” At his quick agreement, she turned to fully face the now nearly silent gathering, studying them just as thoroughly as they were her. Taking in the splendor with sparkling eyes, she was enchanted - ballgowns, tuxedos, kilts, evening gowns, cocktail dresses and various trappings in between…she even spied a toga. Instead of clapping her hands in her glee as she was inclined, she offered a small wave of her hand and a simple, “Hello.”

  Her demeanor was innocently engaging and smiles spread through the crowd though they remained silent. Kat began to chew on her lower lip as she took a couple of hesitant steps forward. Noticing a few apprehensive glances in the crowd, she stretched her hand back and tugged Jortha along with her. She pulled at a memory, not wanting to flub this, and looked genuinely pleased with herself when she recalled it. Lifting her skirts so that her bare toes peeped out for all to see, she offered with a grin, “Not to worry, I have left my broom and my ruby slippers in Oz, so I am totally harmless.”

  A youthful looking female laughed delightedly and stepped forward with an inviting smile. This one looked thoroughly modern in her evening dress and spiked heels. Offering her hand in introduction, her tone was imbued with kindness, “I am Lilleas, or Lilly to my friends.” She gave a conspiratorial wink as she continued, “Are you a good witch…or a bad witch?” The tall blonde had ringed curls that fell to her shoulders and the most fascinating eyes. They appeared lilac in the warm glow of lights that filled the room from the intricate chandeliers high above.

  Kat gave her hand an affectionate squeeze, appreciating the welcome, “Definitely not bad.” She shrugged delicately as she continued, “Tonight, I am merely Kat.”

  Lilly kept her hand and pulled her towards the crowd, leaning around as she inspected Jortha, “And is that your munchkin?”

  Kat shook her head hoping her playful banter would not upset the other witch, “No, more like a flying monkey…but he is my friend.”

  Lilly understood Kat’s intention at claiming the young witch as such. She knew Jortha well enough and his known dislike for her species. She had been surprised to see him lurking at the edge of the gathering, but she thought she might now have a clearer picture of the reason for it. The female solidified her friendship with Kat at that moment, announcing, “Then I suppose he must be my friend as well.” Lilly made certain to speak loudly enough for Jortha as well as the surrounding vampires to hear.

  Continuing to move forward, Lilly dragged her into the crush of Vampire with Jortha trailing in their wake. The trio had circled the room before the hour’s end. Kat’s head was spinning with all of the names and faces that were pressed to her, though Lilly had remained steadfast at her side throughout. The pretty vampire had also offered Kat tidbits of information about the various members of the Coven that would have taken Kat centuries to uncover but that would prove invaluable to her making a successful transition to l
ive in Lorcan’s home. If, Kat reminded herself sourly, that was what she decided, and if Lorcan would quit being such an obstinate ass.

  Kat categorized the night as a success. With the exception of a few jealous wenches that would prefer she leave Lorcan to them and a few older generation Vampire that had lived during the era of Alaric and Brisen, she was well received. Most had embraced her as a welcome addition to their population.

  She had taken up residence on an overly large and incredibly comfortable settee in the center of the room. Seated next to Lilly, Kat was enjoying stories and sharing a few of her own with a group of about twenty of the younger set. A large number of the Coven members remained in the hall, enjoying the camaraderie that was bolstered by the appearance of the newest vampire. All realized that her standing as the Chosen amongst the Witch would serve only to increase their status in the Realm were she to make this Coven her home. Mindful of such, many elders had remained to make certain all went well and to witness the girl’s interactions.

  Hours later, Lorcan shadowed to the steps outside the keep, uncertain whether or not he was ready to return to the furious witch. He was still incredulous over the fact that she had actually turned her magic on him and was not looking forward to the confrontation that would undoubtedly ensue when he meted out the punishment for it. Kat was definitely not a meek little lass to simper and rush to meet his every demand. Her spirit pleased him but his position also demanded adherence to his dictates. He expected it of all who resided in his Coven.

  His place within the ranks of the Vampire leadership required a certain amount of deference and obedience to his authority. The chaos that could result from contrary behavior could not be permitted. Still, he laughingly could admit to himself only that he did not know if he really preferred to reprimand her for using her magic against him or to pat her head and praise her spunk.

  Puzzling over the lights still shining brightly through the panes of glass above, Lorcan shadowed to the other side of the entrance. The evening gatherings rarely lasted this long, unless there was some cause for celebration. It was a wonder that the reappearance of Kat in the Realm was enough to bring this amount of life back to his people. Studying those gathered, his eyes narrowed when he caught sight of his gorgeous witch holding court in the center of the room. When he realized that her immediate audience of nearly two dozen of the younger vampires was comprised of a large number of unmated males, his eyes flickered dangerously.

  She was a picture with her knees tucked up under her chin, laughing brightly at some tale that was ending. Her full skirts were artfully arranged to spill around her; her bare feet peeped out from the layers of material around her legs. Lorcan noticed that Jortha sat on the edge of the hearth, close enough to the group to technically be a part of it. Apparently Kat was affecting the young witch in a positive way if he was venturing out of his shell. He would have smiled if he had not been so irritated.

  His appearance had gone unnoticed thus far, with the exception of Colm, who had just shadowed to his side. “I have been keeping watch on her in your absence, Lorcan. There is much talk of her by both young and old…she has been well received.” Colm folded his arms over his chest, studying her as did Lorcan, before offering, “When I asked her she said she did not know where you were or when you would return. Kaitriana did assert that she had no doubt you would not take issue with her joining the Coven this eve.”

  Lorcan raised a brow in reaction to Colm’s report and responded wryly, “I am certain she said exactly that.” He patted his friend’s shoulder in appreciation of his guard over the girl. Nodding in her direction, his voice had a hard edge to it, “I think she looks tired. Wouldn’t you agree, Colm?”

  Colm started to voice his opinion to the contrary but Lorcan had already shadowed and taken up position behind where Kat was perched on the couch.

  Lachlan, a solidly built and handsome young warrior, was regaling the group with an anecdote from their last siege at Elkirk’s holding. He stopped midsentence. The young warrior’s gaze fell pointedly to Kat before darting meaningfully behind her. She had sensed Lorcan’s presence well before he had shadowed inside and had been mentally preparing herself since for what she assumed would be an inevitable confrontation over her blatant disobedience. Kat smoothed damp palms over the crimson silk of her dress and swept her legs down off the furniture in the same motion, being certain to hide her bare feet as she did. One lecture tonight would be enough.

  Turning her head, her eyes did not quite reach his when she offered Lorcan an overly enthusiastic greeting, “Welcome home, Milord.” His response was an enigmatic smile that had her quickly shifting her attention back to the group. Kaitriana could sense the tension emanating from him. She had the uncomfortable impression that she was more a naughty Coven member about to be punished by the fierce ruler, rather than this being viewed by him as a relational spat between male and female.

  His hand found home on her bare shoulder and then slid up to cup the side of her neck, “I see you have found friends while I have been away.” His easy tone was in direct opposition to the slightly increased pressure of his fingers on her skin with the statement. The position of his hold prevented her nod in answer. Lorcan rubbed his thumb possessively along the length of her jawline as he skewered Lachlan and the other males with a stormy gaze.

  Kaitriana rose with no warning. Without being obvious, she wanted to make certain he did not have the opportunity to strangle her where she sat so she removed herself hastily from his reach. Walking in the direction of the hearth, she missed the telling clench of his jaw. Only after she settled next to Jortha did she lift uneasy eyes to offer Lorcan a faltering smile, “Yes and dear Jortha has been making new acquaintances as well. Isn’t that nice?”

  Lorcan’s expression remained inscrutable as he gazed at her but he eventually agreed, much to her relief, “Yes, it is nice, Kat.”

  Jortha took that opportune time to lean in close to her, but kept his voice deliberately above a whisper, “Welcome to the fire, Chicken.”

  Kaitriana pinched his arm harder than necessary and took a bit of delight when she felt him twitch in pain. Her voice was deliberately not hushed either, “I hope they eat you...”

  Lilly laughed, “Lucky for Jortha, few of us find the taste of Witch to our liking.” Her jest eased the tension that had filled the group. Rising, she crossed the small space to her friend and clasped both of Kat’s hands warmly in her own, “It was so delightful to have you with us tonight. I do so hope you will make it a habit.” There was a general murmuring of agreement around them.

  Kat gave her response while lifting a challenging gaze to Lorcan, “I shall.”

  For the benefit of those watching, Lorcan gave her an indulgent smile that masked completely his annoyance over her behavior. Further rankling him was that the privilege of introducing her to his people should have belonged to him. Smoothly, he offered Lilly a genuine smile, “I appreciate your attention to Kat tonight in my absence Lilly.” When his gaze fell back on his witch it was icy, “Kaitriana, you should take your rest now. You have still not recovered fully from your transition.”

  Her irritation at being treated like a child again, and this time in front of her peers, was obvious in her mutinous expression. She surprised him, however, with her easy compliance, “I agree, Milord.” Kat offered her friends a warm smile and brief wave before she disappeared from the hall.

  CHAPTER 18

  Lorcan nodded a farewell to the group before taking his leave. Arriving in his bedroom, his arms were crossing over his chest as he stood in front of the door. He spied her on the far side of the room, gazing through the large window as though entranced by the sight of the moonlight dancing on the water below. The full measure of his irritation was now plainly etched on his face. He regretted that he had not the forethought to shadow to the landing so that he could have effectively slammed the door upon entering the room.

  He stalked her, eyes blackening as he tracked her across the room. Lorcan
paid heed this time to the fire dancing in her palms. His voice was rough with anger, “Understand me in this, Kaitriana. In my keep and in my Coven, my rules are law. You would do yourself well to remember that.”

  Unflinching, she did not bother to turn when she responded in a smirking tone, “Bite me, Lorcan.”

  Her attempts to use the language of this generation were generally amusing, but at this moment her insolence pushed him over. Lorcan shadowed. Before she could draw a breath he spun her into him. His hand was buried in her hair while the other arm locked her body against the length of his. Growling, he dragged her head back and exposed her throat.

  Defiantly she stared up at him, her words disdainful, “That was not an invitation, Vampire.” She was foolhardy enough to attempt to drive her knee into his groin, which only served to enrage him further. As he side stepped, Lorcan dropped his lips to her neck. His menacing expression caused her to panic and Kat tried to push free. Her ability to shadow away was hindered by the arm banded around her torso.

  Licking at her pulse, Lorcan growled again, “Be still Hellion, else I’ll turn you over my knee and give you the punishment your behavior truly warrants.” Panic turned to alarm and she squirmed in earnest, until she felt the tips of his fangs pressing against her skin. Stilling, Kat allowed the magic to beginning building in her palms.

  Lorcan sensed the energy gathering in her hands and pulled his fangs back from her neck. His eyes clashed with the angry darkness in hers. He fought to maintain his hold on her while fumbling in the pocket of his jacket. When his fingers locked around the cool band of metal, he shot her a triumphant smile and simultaneously released her from his arms. The move was unexpected and Kat tumbled, her backside meeting the floor at his feet. Before her gasp of outrage was finished Lorcan was on her. Pushing her back, his hand slid up the length of her right arm as he stretched it high above her.