The Call of War: The Watchers Chronicles: Book One

by Patricia Halladay

  “Lord Dracula, your guest just landed at Pearson International Airport in Toronto and will be arriving within the next 40 minutes.” Sasquatch says over the video link.

  “Thank you Sasquatch, for both helping with tech and to find my wayward child. She will make a great coven leader. I hope she will accept the position; Marcus left a fucking mess to clean up.” He says looking out the window. A sudden blue spark flies skyward and the dead start to burn bright.

  “No need to worry about the mess, I got that handled.” I say from behind Vlad sitting at the head of the table with my legs propped up.

  “What the hell?” Meena says startled and spins to see me. “Ianna!!” She screams and runs over to hug me with Isabella hot on her tail.

  “I miss you Ianna, I only just got you back and now you’re Queen of the Underworld!” She says starting to cry.

  “You know how it is momma. No rest for the wicked.” I say hugging her to get her to stop crying. “I can’t stay long, but I thought it appropriate to clean up the mess the new Ferryman left. Speaking of which, Charon said he wants to do dinner soon Vlad. Something about a much needed ‘Boys Night’, apparently Hades and Mammon will be joining too.” I say causing Meena’s eyes to grow huge.

  “Like fuck!! Do you know how much trouble the four of them caused the last time they had a ‘Boys Night’? It caused the Salem Witch trials! NO Vlad, I forbid it!” Meena shrieks as the smirk on Vlad just grows.

  “Oh my love come on it wasn’t that bad.” He says laughing.

  “Like hell it wasn’t!” She replies. “So why else are you here my Queen?” She asks turning back to me.

  “We need a new Princess for the Kingdom of Lust. Lilith tried to have my powers stripped or have me banished. When that didn’t work, she declared Hades and Persephone unfit to rule.” I tell them and hear a room full of gasps and murmurs.

  “Shit that can’t be good.” Vlad says looking worried suddenly.

  “No it wasn’t good for Lilith. I accepted the challenge straight away, ripping out her heart and throat. Marcus is her only child, and he became the new Ferry Master of the River Styx. He looks worse than Charon ever did, but then again Kalypsean Fire will do that. Anyhow, Hades says there is four young men that you use to look for ‘Precious Cargo’. He would like you to have them look for the new Princess, said you would know what to do and how to do it when they find her.” I tell him and he is smiling again.

  “Always knew you were a vicious bitch! I love it!” Vlad says and I chuckle shaking my head.

  “So you on this little task or what?” I ask looking at the Prince of Darkness.

  “Yes I have it covered. So when is this ‘Boys Night’?” He asks smirking as Meena starts telling him no and getting frantic.

  “Not for another 50 years, Charon has to train Marcus on the ferry to bring souls over.” I say shrugging my shoulders.

  “Well that is sooner than the last time. We planned the night out like 200 years before it happened. Then again time moves differently for us. Anyways I will get started on that, you get your ass back home to keep warm. You’re lips are already turning blue.” He says giving me a hug. Meena and Isabella, both give me another quick hug at the same time and then I pop back down to the Underworld. He was right, my teeth are chattering, and Matthias is glaring at me. Let’s hope Vlad is successful and soon in finding the new Princess.

  “So who are these four men that Hades wants you to use to find this new Princess Vlad?” Coven Leader Natasha says, while holding her son as he feeds from her.

  “The Underworlds best trackers, or as the mortal world calls them…” Vlad starts but gets interrupted by another female voice.

  “The Sons of Cerberus, interesting to have them look for her. Then again the new King and Queen may want them home to take over from their father.” A young woman with long blonde hair says from the door.

  “Mora! My sweet daughter, we have missed you.” Meena says walking over to the young woman and giving her a hug.

  “Mother, I came as soon as I heard Aretha had been awoken again. Although travelling from Port William, Chile took longer than expected. I am sorry I missed the battle.” Mora says looking at her mother.

  “No worries my dear, I would have kept you away from the battle anyways. I would have worried for your safety.” Vlad says looking at his youngest daughter.

  “I know father, but I would have still liked to be here to help.” She answers him.

  “Well I am hoping you can help now, as long as that little rogue vampire problem is settled in Port William.” Vlad says with hope.

  “Yes it’s taken care of, and to be honest I don’t want to go back. Living at the end of the world for the last hundred or so years was enough for me. What do you need of me now father?” She says and giggles when she see her father let out a puff in relaxation.

  “Well because of Lilith and her son, the Crimson Star Coven is left without a leader. Ianna and Matthias are going to be crowned King and Queen of the Underworld. So I was hoping that you would take over the coven here. Please?” Vlad asks sticking his bottom lip out.

  “Stick that out a bit farther dad, and a bird will land to shit on it.” Mora says and the room erupts into laughter. “My answer is yes dad. I would like that very much. When do I come in and meet with the neighboring pack, covens, and hives? I would like to get alliance treaties up immediately.” She finishes.

  “That Miss Mora Dracula, is already taken care of. We are all here, we came together to fight in the battle. The threat had troops in all of our territories, and we were trying to keep Soren Thaddeus from getting his hands on Aretha’s weapons.” Hive Leader Vakor says.

  “Vakor, wow you finally got your shit together and made leader! Impressive and congratulations.” She says causing Vakor to blush. “Are we talking Dr. Soren Thaddeus?” She asks looking to her father.

  “Yes we are, but he’s dead now Hyda killed him before the mad dash to get an expecting Ianna down to the Underworld to keep her from dying of hypothermia. Why?” Vlad asks raising an eyebrow.

  “Good, that stupid fucker needed to die. Especially after severing our soul bond, stupid ass. Wait who is Hyda? Another woman he fucked around with?” Mora asks.

  “No, Hyda is actually General Thaddeus’s wife and adopted mother of Aretha in her first life. She was granted immortality to wipe out Thaddeus’s bloodline after Theron murdered her, Orion and Octavian.” Jason answers her. “Who all by the way have been reborn.” Mora gives Jason a look that basically says keep talking and I’m going to need to change my panties.

  “Ok good to know, so I imagine Ianna is going to take some of the coven members as her advisors in the Underworld. Who am I loosing?” Mora asks trying to look away from Jason.

  “Helix and his mate Ika, possibly Isabella if Ianna can swing it and maybe a few of Kane’s hunters. Oh speaking of which, we will need to take Tanner and Eli down to see her. They are the next Atlantean Battle Warriors.” Vlad says to a surprised looking Mora.

  “Two? Wow that is crazy. Ok, so I will want to meet them also. Need to have all my ducks in a row right?” Mora says nodding her head thinking everything through.

  “Good idea my daughter, and after dinner we will meet everyone here to get casualty numbers and repair costs for each territory this battle took place in. We will continue to help each other the same way we did during the fight.” Vlad says and all the leaders agree.

  “Perfect, well ladies and gentlemen, let’s eat!” Mora says and takes her seat beside her father. She keeps glancing over at Jason and it’s when Lycaon takes his seat beside him, she realizes he’s a wolf. “Shit!”

  “What is it daughter?” Meena asks seeing something wrong.

  “That one sitting on Lycaon’s left. He’s a wolf isn’t he?” She asks her mother in a low tone.

  “Yes, why what’s wrong Mora?” Meena asks getting anxious.

  “I think I could be soul bound to him, but that’s not possible right? I mean our venom
kills each other.” Mora says starting to sound heart broken.

  “It does if you’re enemies or one of you is not willing. Otherwise you can be soul bound. That’s the funny thing about it, its like a mixer. You throw in all your ingredients, turn it on to blend everything and get the world’s best Bloody Mary. Otherwise it’s a guessing game, especially if you do it like your father and don’t follow a recipe.” Meena says causing Mora to laugh. She catches Jason choking on his drink from laughing at the same time too, obviously he was listening to their conversation. The meal and meeting go well, new treaties are signed, and old ones strengthened. While Mora is busy signing the treaties, Lycaon pulls Jason and Alexander aside.

  “The two of you have found your soul bound mates haven’t you?” Lycaon asks looking at the two nervous men.

  “Well the thing is… yes, yes I have. The seer that told us Eli and Tanner were of Aretha’s bloodline. She’s the daughter of Iverus and Rumara.” Alexander says rubbing the back of his neck.

  “I have as well, it’s new coven leader Mora. Vlad’s daughter.” Jason says looking at Lycaon, expect him to ask that he reject her.

  “Good, now maybe that means I can finally get some peace and not have you two hovering over me like old hens!” Lycaon says causing both Jason and Alexander to look surprised. “I would never take you away from your soul bound, that is the worst pain ever. Besides, I am not staying in the mortal realm any longer. Matthias has asked me to go help his sister Irimaya, she is the new Princess of Greed. She needs to be trained, so I said yes.” He says and the guys both relax.

  “So it’s ok that we are leaving the pack? You’re not mad?” Alexander asks looking hesitant still.

  “If you two don’t leave to be with your soul bound, I’m going to kick your asses! Now go, and I expect lots of babies to drive you two as crazy as you have me!” Lycaon says laughing at Jason’s face, because Mora walked up just as he was saying it.

  “Good, I’m glad you have discussed it already King Lycaon. I was just coming to ask for your permission to have your guard stay here with me.” Mora says looking at Jason with soft eyes. She intertwines her fingers with his and a smile works its way across his face.

  “He’s all yours! One less pain in my ass!” He says causing Mora to laugh.

  “Hey, my big bad wolf, are you ready to go?” Seer Mara asks coming over to Alexander. He wraps his arms around her waist and say yes as he buries his head in her neck. “I’ll let mom and dad know we will have to help find a new Alpha for the pack. As both Jason and Alexander are leaving, and you my lord are going to meet with your soul bound soon too.” She says placing her hand on Alexander’s left cheek and kissing his right.

  “Perfect. Thank you Mara. I hope to see you all again someday, until then stay out of trouble Jason and don’t be so over helpful Alexander. Or you’ll drive these poor girls crazy, like you did me.” Lycaon says causing the girls to laugh. The mood changes as Vlad comes over to the group.

  “Well Lycaon are you ready to head to the Underworld? The coronation isn’t for another month, but I know Ianna wants you down there soon to help Irimaya. As well as becoming the combat trainer, so we best get you there quickly.” Vlad says once the girls stop laughing.

  “Yes let’s go, I imagine Ianna will be up to say hi to the new coven leader, that’s if Matthias let’s her. Congratulations Mora on becoming the Crimson Star Coven’s new leader and good luck keeping this large child out of trouble.” Lycaon says giving her a quick hug and Jason a pat on the back.

  “We’ll see you down there your Highness, I need to see my sister anyways to check on the baby she carries. I need to work the little one into my mind to know who I am seeing in visions.” Mara says before turning to leave with Alexander.

  "Well damn Matthias works quickly doesn't he?" Mora asks, receiving nods in response. The room changes and Vlad leads Lycaon to the throne room of Mammon's castle. There’s a lot of chatter going on from the other side of the door and when it open Lycaon is hit with the most intensely gorgeous smell. Following his nose he comes in front of Ianna and Irimaya.

  "Mhmmm..." He purrs as he grabs Irimaya burying his head in the crook of her neck, causing h er to giggle.

  Epilogue

  The chatter in the throne room goes quiet as everyone watches for both Matthias and Mammon’s reaction to the youngest child of Greed’s Royal family finding her soul bound. Matthias cautiously watches Ianna, as right now she is the one most likely to gut the first lycan ever created. He visibly relaxes when he sees Ianna just smile and shake her head, like this was an everyday things.

  “Well I guess Seer Mara was right, you were to find your mate soon. Congratulations both of you.” Vlad says smiling at Irimaya and Lycaon. “Queen Ianna, your sister said she would be down soon to check on the baby. So that her mind learns who they are in her visions.” He adds turning to Ianna, before Mammon and Charon grab his attention.

  “Amazing, so now we have all of that taken care of, we just need to wait for the trackers to find the next Princess of Lust.” I says hoping it will happen soon.

  The Silver River Pack territory…

  “So it has been agreed to, Ryan is to be married to a warrior in the Lace River Pack. He said he didn’t mind that she was human and once he finds his mate then he will just send her away. He did ask if we wanted to know where he would send her, but I said that it was not needed as she would no longer be our problem.” A woman in her late 40’s says to a man slightly older.

  “Alright, did you discuss this with Ryan at all? Technically she needs to agree to it also.” The man says back, glancing at the servants staircase. Ryan sits there, quietly listening to everything her parents are planning to do with her. She’s having the hardest time grasping that her mother hate her that much, all because she wasn’t born a Watcher like her two older brothers and younger brother and sister.

  “No Adam, I haven’t yet, but she will just have to deal with it, the deal has already been made. She has no choice.” Her mother says snapping at her father.

  “Well unless the Alpha and Ryan agree. This deal you have made behind their backs could get you killed or start a war between the two packs. You need Ryan to ask for a transfer, and if the Alpha suspects anything, he can command her to tell him the truth. She is apart of this pack still and his command still works on her too. I for one will not stand in his way if he decides to kill you for this, I value my life more than yours.” Her father says, causing her mother to go wide eyed at his statement. He gets up from the kitchen island and walks towards the servant stairs. He pats Ryan on the head when walking past her. She looks back at her mother who is now realizing she heard everything.

  “Ryan, dear how was school today?” He mother asks in a fake happy voice.

  “fuck you, and the Alpha knows the truth too.” Ryan says holding her phone up showing a video call with the Alpha of their pack. “Alpha may I get the transfer I asked for now?” Ryan asks not taking her eyes off her mother.

  “Yes you may, Nema and Loki are almost at your home. Have your stuff ready and they will bring you here for the last step. Then you will be free to leave.” Alpha Jordan says. “Watcher Maria, I would like to see you in my office in an hour. Kyle and Theo will escort you here, I will be getting in contact with the Alpha of Lace River, and he will decide what is to happen to you.” He finishes before hanging up the phone.

  “Ryan, I was doing this for your own good. No one will want a pathetic human like you for a mate. Not even another Watcher will. So stop making such a big deal out of this and just agree to the contract. After all you might as well be good for something, why not it be to spread your legs like the worthless human whore you are.” Her mother viciously says.

  “What you mean like you mom?” Ryan says standing up just as her brothers walk in the room, glaring at their mother.

  “I beg your par…” She starts but her oldest son interrupts.

  “What don’t like being called on your bullshit mom? Or is it you
can’t swallow the truth? We all know that Ryan isn’t dad’s and that you willingly fuck other men during the time you got pregnant with her. Dad had you under surveillance.” Chris says causing his mother to gape at him.

  “Wasn’t the surveillance for her being a traitor to the Council though and her being a … what would you call it Ryan?” Calvin asks, walking over to his little sister and wrapping his arms around her shoulders.

  “Worthless lot lizard.” Ryan says with no emotion towards her mother. “I have to get my belonging; Alpha Jordan approved my request and I leave in 45 minutes.” She finishes causing her brother to squeeze tighter before letting her go.

  “Are they wiping your memory too? That isn’t fair, you won’t remember us, those who actually love you and were important to you! Why do they have to take your memory?” Calvin asks getting upset. He was always the one to feel everything the hardest out of the five children.

  “They are altering them, I will remember everyone, but not that you are Watchers, or about the pack or any supernatural group. It will all be pretend to me, but I will still remember all of this though.” She says waving her arms around to signify the home they grew up in and the family they were.

  “Come on, you only have 30 minutes to get packed now. We will help you, no need to waste anymore time with this garbage.” Chris says looking at his mother.