by Imogene Nix
Table of Contents
Legal Page
Title Page
Book Description
Trademarks Acknowledgement
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Epilogue
New Excerpt
About the Author
Publisher Page
The Sorcerer’s Touch
ISBN # 978-1-78651-502-5
©Copyright Imogene Nix 2016
Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright November 2016
Edited by Ann Leveille
Totally Bound Publishing
This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Totally Bound Publishing.
Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Totally Bound Publishing. Unauthorized or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.
The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.
Published in 2016 by Totally Bound Publishing, Newland House, The Point, Weaver Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QN
Totally Bound Publishing is a subsidiary of Totally Entwined Group Limited.
Warning:
This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Totally Sizzling and a Sexometer of 1.
Blood Secrets
THE SORCERER’S TOUCH
Imogene Nix
Book three in the Blood Secrets series
As the endgame looms, choices must be made, changes must occur and skills must be refined, but as they take one last throw of the dice, everything hangs in the balance.
Since the Slaughterhouse Rout, Daniel has nursed his abilities, but the decision he faces will change his life and those of everyone around him. Whether the change is positive or not remains to be seen.
Cressida fears that history will repeat itself. Once before she lost everything she held dear, but after centuries of hiding she must face her past in order to forge a new future. Has she waited too long and pushed Daniel away too well?
The darkness draws closer…
Trademarks Acknowledgement
The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmark mentioned in this work of fiction:
Hansel and Gretel: The Brothers Grimm
Chapter One
The crackle of firelight played over the features of the three women. They were so different—one small and dark-haired, perched in the high-back armchair she preferred. The redhead favored a boudoir chair, her legs crossed at her ankles and a book resting on her lap.
The third woman chose to be easy, and reclined in a new armchair after insisting it sit in the center of the room. She’d raised the footrest and pushed the back to recline so it cradled her body, as she twined her blonde strands idly.
Now that the nights were cooling, they had gathered in their chairs gazing at the fire, seeking warmth.
“You know, I never expected it to get to this point.” Jemima, the youngest of them, rubbed her eyes. “That we’d have to…interfere so much!”
“They don’t seem to be the most…organized group of people. But the prophecy is quite clear.” Selena settled more deeply into her comfortable reclining seat—one of the small modifications they’d made to their home through the passing millennia. Around her, the other two women groaned. She glanced at her sisters and gave a slight smile. “The prophecy has been the only thing that has given us hope over the years, sisters. Do not discount it.”
“We aren’t, but to be honest, after all these centuries and false starts, how can we be sure this time it will work? I mean, we’ve found one or the other but never has the second or third come forward with strong enough skills, at the right time. Together.”
“I know that, sister.” Selena rested her hand on her sister’s arm. “But we must be strong just a little longer. This time I’m sure—”
“Like before?” Selena smiled at Danicka’s prickly comment, aware that she needed time together with her sisters to recharge herself.
“Previously we couldn’t move so quickly. Most humans didn’t believe in vampires, or at least they considered them demons. It was imperative that we stayed hidden or we’d have ended up like the women in Salem. We all know how badly that went.” Nods around the room indicated understanding. “This time… It’s nothing like before. I feel it in my bones.”
“You’re sure?” Jemima sounded uncertain and Selena itched to bring forth a vision of how it would be. If only she could, but there were limitations to her powers.
“I remember last time we sat around the fire like this, and we each decided who our charges were. I knew back then.” Selena was sure they considered her words in the resulting silence. Looking for anything that seemed wrong. Seeking problems. Let them do so. That will only make our work stronger. Give us a greater chance of success.
“Let’s hope you are right then, Selena. Because we’ve done all we can. Now it is in your hands.” Jemima’s voice shook and Selena understood her concerns and fears. She too carried them, but if she let her worries take ascendency now, then the battle would be lost before it could be won.
“Take heart, my sisters. This time I feel the power that the three exude.” And she did—it washed over her—filled her with light and hope.
“I just hope that we can find him.” Jemima frowned, the creasing of her brow in stark contrast to her youthful features.
“Already done, my sisters.” They gaped at her and she smiled. “Why, Daniel is just about dripping with power. I’d never felt it before, but it occurs to me he needed something to help him unlock it. That battle in the animal house…the meat house… What did they call it?”
Danicka grimaced. “Slaughterhouse.”
“Yes. The explosion of magic coursed clear and strong after the skirmish. He’s aware of it and wants to learn how to harness it.” Selena tapped her finger against her pursed lips. “Now all we have to do is give his partner a push in the right direction.”
“Whoever she may be,” Danicka muttered.
“Yes, well, she’s proving more than a little difficult.”
Her sisters goggled. “You’ve seen…?”
The witch smiled widely. “Oh yes. I’ve foreseen them. Now if I could just snap my fingers and make it so…”
Selena reclined into the soft padding of her chair. If only I could make it so. But this time the human and vampire had to come together of their own choice. They had to be the ones to decide. No amount of pushing or prodding would work. After all, Cressida was too strong a personality to accept gentle nudges.
So Selena focused on the fire dancing in front of her, and as she did, her worries slipped away and sleep claimed her.
* * * *
Creedar’s slaves were gone and weariness assailed him. It had been days since his flight from the place of his warriors’ defeat. The trek through the wilderness had angered him while stealing the last reserves of his
energy.
A light glimmered, shining through the gloom ahead. He cocked his head, listened and, hearing little in the way of humans, he headed in its direction. Dawn drew near and he’d need shelter very soon.
For the last few days he’d been a fugitive, slaking his thirst with the blood of animals. He’d survived, but blood of an animal wasn’t sufficient to sustain him for long. He gagged, remembering the gamelike taste that had nauseated him. Not for the first time, he thought longingly of the cells, filled with humans, their veins pumping with life-sustaining and gloriously unspoiled blood. “There will be shelter ahead.”
Where there was artificial light, he knew he’d find humans. Sounds of engines had kept him hiding far longer than he’d wanted, but in this confusing age, caution had ensured he was still alive.
At the end of the settlement, he stilled. The structure’s walls were metallic and stank of age, human sweat and exertion. He hadn’t lived for so long that he’d forgotten the most basic of cautions. Creedar flattened himself against the wall, not for the first time cursing those who’d meddled with his plans.
A quick look within showed him there was only one person—one human. He smiled, inhaled deeply and let the slow pumping of the human heart fill his senses.
He thanked the stars that this building, in the middle of nowhere, seemed otherwise deserted. He had a choice—slake his thirst and leave the carcass behind, or take enough to sustain him and change the human.
His eyes narrowed as he chanced another glance around the corner of the doorway. He seemed healthy enough. Young and strong. In that instant, his decision was made.
On silent feet Creedar advanced, sneaking within the tiny ramshackle building.
The human never heard him.
The bite was quick. Efficient. Though the human struggled initially then Creedar felt his power surge, returning with a rush.
The final trembling heartbeat dragged his senses back. With a savage twist, he withdrew his fangs, then slashed his wrist.
Thrusting it to the human’s lips, he chanted, “Drink now! Drink deep and be one with me.”
The human, unable to ignore the thirst, fastened his mouth over the weeping gash in Creedar’s arm. He latched on and drew hard, like a babe suckling at the breast.
So the cycle began anew.
* * * *
Daniel sighed as he slumped in the seat, cradling his head in his hand. His eyes ached from the hours of squinting over the figures on the table in front of him. They’d started swimming up and down in the last hour, but he was determined to push through. To complete the task he’d set himself.
“You should rest, Daniel. You’re tired.” He gazed up as his half-sister entered his office.
“I wish. There’s just so much…” His tired shrug left her frowning.
“But you told Javed things were going well.” Celina stepped farther into the room, the crackling firelight playing over her red hair.
“They are, but with the expansion of the nest… There’s much to think of and plan for. Contingencies to be put in place.” Budgets, forward planning, reporting both to the Council and the government, the list ran through his head like a reel-to-reel tape. Without any form of administrative assistance, the workload seemed never-ending. If only he had time to find an office and hire staff. Until recently, he’d argued against the extra expenses. Then things had shifted gears. Needs he’d thought able to wait until the future could no longer be avoided.
Each task had a looming due date, complicating matters no end.
Celina smiled, the wide corners of her mouth extending upward. She rounded the table and laid a gentle hand on his shoulder, which she kneaded for a moment before stepping away. “Then I have good news for you.”
Daniel rolled his shoulders, hoping to release the tension that had taken up residence in muscles that were tightly bunched. “And what would that be?”
“We’ve decided you need a personal assistant. In fact, Javed says you need a team to work with you, so you don’t have to do everything. We’ve found office space nearby and he’s planning on joining you to inspect it tomorrow evening.” The triumph in her voice lifted his flagging spirits. “As for staff… I’m going to begin the process of recruitment tomorrow. Hopefully that will take some of the pressure off you.”
“Really?” He ruthlessly chained the buoyant mood that rose inside him. Until a lease was signed and they’d moved into the new work area he wouldn’t celebrate—not yet, anyway. As for hiring others to assist him? The thought of it released a flood of endorphins. The nest was prospering after months of hard work and effort. The manufacturing plant was finally online and they’d begun to sort out distribution channels for the various blood-related products that would financially sustain the nest. Everything took time, and after months of working long days and nights, he could finally see a future for the house.
“Yes. Now, as the consort of the Master, I’m ordering you to finish up your work for the night. Besides which, I wanted to see you. It seems like we are always busy at the moment and we don’t get to sit down and connect.”
It was true. With the threat to the nests from Creedar, their main roles were incompatible right now. While Celina trained to use her magic, and learned to fight, he’d been working on stabilizing their financial situation.
“I see the girls are doing well.”
Celina beamed at him. “They are.” Since the attack on the slaughterhouse, Celina and Javed had formed a strong bond with the girls they’d rescued. They’d grown so close that she and Javed had adopted them. “Lucy is doing really well with her magic studies. She has a lot more power than any of us suspected. Rachel and Marian are both showing an aptitude for maths, though they don’t seem to have an ounce of any otherworldly skills. Javed and I hope they will wish to learn about management. But we aren’t going to push them into anything. They’ve had a hard start and we want them to explore the opportunities they now have.”
He hesitated for a second as her gaze narrowed on him. He glanced away, to the photos of his adopted nieces. “They’re great kids.”
“Daniel?”
“I’ve been thinking about what the women—the witches—suggested after you were turned. They said the three. They meant you, Hope…and me.”
“Or Hope, David and me.” Celina studied him, as if looking for a hint of what he was thinking. “We really can’t be sure of anything. I know they said—”
“They were so certain. Selena, Danicka and Jemima… They said you…”
“They could be wrong.” Celina shook her head, as if dismissing his words. He’d have to tread carefully here, otherwise she’d latch on to his plans. “They’re old, Daniel. Ancient. Like anyone, they’re capable of mistakes. Probably more prone to them because of their age.” She wiped her hand over her forehead.
The cold ball of fear in his stomach grew, while his mouth dried. “I-I need you to arrange for me to see a training witch.” He wanted to shy away from her gaze, but even though his stomach wobbled a little, he met her stare.
Her face blanked and he squirmed further. “Why?”
“I need to see one.” He held out a hand. In his mind he commanded the well of magic that he’d hidden from her.
A tiny flicker of light appeared, dancing over his palm. He knew exactly what he was doing. The magic wanted to be used. To be shared and shaped. “I’m not a warlock. At least I don’t think so. I don’t have the problems you had. I can control what I have, it’s just… I think it’s been dormant. It’s… The need to use it has grown since Creedar awakened. I’ve been making a point of accessing it. Using it. It’s getting easier every day.”
Her face paled. “Oh my God.” She staggered to a chair and slumped into it. “Why didn’t you ever say…?”
“Because I didn’t know what I had. Just that I had this thing—power—inside me. Sometimes in the past, stuff would happen, but I never made the connection that it was magic. Since the slaughterhouse, it’s been there, and I becam
e aware slowly at first… I’m too old for traditional testing. I’ve been reading about it, but I remember how you had to learn control. I know how it built up inside you until it was nearly too late. So I realized instead of ignoring it, I had to use it. I asked my father about those sorts of things, but he dismissed it. According to him, if I was going to show an aptitude someone would have picked it up long ago.” He shrugged. How do I explain that I’d kept that knowledge hidden? “I just didn’t tell anyone. Not until now.”
“But if you’re not a warlock, then what the hell are you?” She stared at him and he grimaced.
“I have no idea. I mean, yes, I can control power and I’m male, which should make me a warlock. Yet what I do is so different from you and all the other witches and warlocks of my acquaintance because I don’t need words. It’s instinctual, I think. I also think if there’s some ability in David, then he should be tested as well.”
Celina shook her head. “No. Hope and I discussed that. He’s a null. He was tested at thirteen. There isn’t an ounce of magic in him.”
“Then I guess I’m it, Celina. The only one who can be the third.”
* * * *
Creedar smiled as his latest creation woke from the change slumber. “You will call me master and I will teach you to embrace immortality.”
The woman before him smiled, the points of her needle-sharp teeth flashing. “I thirst.” Her eyes shone a muddy black in the half-light.
“I will feed you.” He tore into his own wrist and waited as droplets of scarlet blood dribbled into her open mouth.
She arched up, seeking more, but he held it away so she had to hunt like a baby rooting for a nipple.
“Soon. First you must swear yourself to me, that you will be my warrior and serve me faithfully in all things.” In his mind, the memory of Jelani flashed. Jelani, his long-term servant of centuries had failed him, as had all his previous servants. It mustn’t happen again. This time he’d bind them to his will.
