by Martha Woods
Table of Contents
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Bonus Book 1
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Bonus Book 2
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Epilogue
Bonus Book 3
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Bonus Book 4
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
The Immortal’s Betrayal
(Book 5 of Calder Witch Series)
Martha Woods
Contents
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1. Part One
2. Part Two
3. Part Three
Bonus Book 1
The Alpha’s Return
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Bonus Book 2
The Vampire’s Desire
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Epilogue
Bonus Book 3
Escaping the Demon's Trap
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Bonus Book 4
Mysteries of a Vampire
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
© 2017 Martha Woods
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
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Part One
“Stop with your nonsense,” Kristian hissed at Charley. His voice was strained as he tried his damnedest to tightly bottle up and suppress the oncoming tidal wave of emotions that came with Charley’s announcement.
“I’m not lying!” Charley huffed, crossing her thin arms across her chest and slouching on the couch. A beaded dreadlock fell in her face, the plastic beads hitting her jaw. “Believe what you want, bozo. It isn’t going to bring her back.”
Her words, as immature and annoyed as they may have sounded, rocked the room. Charley’s whimsical demeanor was pushed to the side and everyone there could see she was genuinely perturbed that no one was taking her seriously. Charley was telling the truth?
As everyone stiffened and their eyes nearly popping out of their head, Kristian’s eyes widened, but he didn’t seem as shocked as the others. “Then you must be recollecting it wrong then. That… that Calder witch must have taken Tessa by force. There’s no way Tessa would just leave with a Calder witch willingly.”
“Oh yeah, cause holding her hand and acting totally cavalier means she was being dragged away by force. She looked right at me, boss-man, and she looked more worried about what I would think than reaching out for help.”
The sound of splintering wood and cracking drywall echoed through the hushed room as Kristian sent his fist through the wall behind him. Calla flinched, and Jared’s arm tightened around her protectively. Her heart thudded painfully in her chest for Kristian. She couldn’t imagine the sort of pain and grief coursing through him at a time like that. While Tessa hadn’t been gone but an hour or so, it was almost impossible to wrap even her own mind around the thought of Tessa being gone forever—and willingly being with the Calder at that.
The Firehaven witches were already murmuring amongst themselves, excusing themselves from the room to discuss the matter privately. Calla’s stomach twisted in a knot. They weren’t so easily convinced, were they? Calla’s eyes flew to Jared to see his reaction. His pale blue eyes were fixated on the rug, his expression long and leery. He certainly didn’t look unconvinced. Shaking her head, she looked to Kristian. “I’m with you, Kristian. I don’t think she would join them so easily. If she wasn’t physically forced, there had to be something else to it… Maybe a spell or something, I don’t know. There’s no way she would turn on us that easily…”
“Calla…” Jared breathed.
“What?” Calla questioned, looking into his eyes. “I know you don’t care for her much, but that doesn’t mean she wasn’t close to us. She loves Kristian, and I like to think we were becoming pretty good friends. Tessa doesn’t seem the type to just turn her back on what she considers family. Not aft
er all she’s been put through.”
Jared frowned deeply, his large cool hand rubbing her side. “I never said I think she would just turn against us entirely… However, she was arguing with Kristian right before she took off into the woods. As unsavory as the fact might be, Tessa’s pretty naïve. So if she was upset enough, she could have been swayed to go with the witch.” His eyes jumped to Kristian, “Not that I’m at all blaming you. You aren’t at fault for her actions. She should have high-tailed it back to the house the moment she laid eyes on a witch, or have at least tried to.”
Kristian shook his head. “I just don’t think so. Something’s not right about any of this. I can feel it, Jared. Did everyone forget what they want her for? That old hag that came along with you,” he said, gesturing to Calla, “tried to kill her. Do you really think she volunteered herself to be killed?” His question was aimed at Jared.
Jared sighed, “I’m not attacking her, and I’m not attacking you. However, I trust the first-hand account of what happened over speculation. Charley’s been loyal to the group this entire time. While she is a sarcastic brat, she has never flat-out lied to us. So the fact of the matter is Tessa went willingly with this Calder witch. It’s as simple as that, and I’m very, very sorry Kristian.”
Kristian couldn’t bear any more. In the blink of an eye, he was gone from the room. In the distance, Calla could hear the soft click of his bedroom door shutting. Her green eyes flew to Jared, a look of dismay on her porcelain face. “You really think she just went with the Calder?”
He sat up straight and rubbed her back, “I meant every word I told him. I know it’s unlike her, but that doesn’t mean she wouldn’t do it ever. There’s no changing that it happened, and Charley saw what she saw.”
Calla opened her mouth to respond, but a voice across the room interrupted her, “I couldn’t agree more.” Pearl walked into the living room with the other witches, their bags in hand. “The conclusion to go with the Calder was her choice. A choice that won’t be forgiven by the Firehaven. We will try to get her back somehow, but only to keep her from being used for evil. She now will never be our High Priestess,” Pearl announced almost casually as they filed toward the door.
“What if she didn’t by choice, though? The witch could have put her under a spell or something. Or the witch is adept at enthrallment. You can’t just cast her out forever—”
“We can, and we are,” Pearl stated firmly. “We stepped out on a limb to help train her. She had the gall to run into the woods like a child and put herself into this unfortunate situation. Besides that, the rule is once allied with the enemy, you are no longer a sister. And only sisters are allowed in the clan.” Pearl then put on her sunglasses and walked outside.
Jumping to her feet, Calla hurried after them. She caught up to Marjorie just as she reached the threshold. “Wait,” she said as she caught the sleeve of Marjorie’s dress. The elder stood still, looking back to her with kind eyes. “Where… where does this leave me?” Calla asked. Her desperation for understanding showed in her expression.
The lines around her mouth creased, the corners of her mouth pulling downward. “I’m afraid, my dear, I don’t know the answer to that. I do, however, know that it isn’t with us. Your alliance still lies with Tessa. Which means you may now be Calder. It depends on the decisions Tessa makes. Until you find out, I advise you be weary of everyone.” Marjorie squeezed her hand, “I wish it were just a matter of us wanting you back. We do. There are traditions I simply cannot break, though. I pray that Tessa returns and can repair ties with this family. If you aren’t with the Firehavens, they seem like the next best place for you. Be strong, Calla.”
The old woman then turned and walked away. Calla stood there, staring blankly as she watched Selena and Silvia pack away all their luggage while Pearl sat in the driver seat, lighting a cigarette. They all climbed inside and drove down the country road, disappearing over the hill. Calla shut the door, her heart plummeting to her stomach. She no longer belonged anywhere. Tessa was gone, and her clan had exiled her yet again. It was possible that Calla would never see her parents or her sisters ever again.
“Calla…” Jared purred softly, approaching her from behind and resting a hand on her waist.
Calla stepped away from his touch, though, moving to the stairs. She needed to be alone for a while, to process what was happening and come to terms with it. She knew that it wasn’t the end of the world, seeing as she still had Jared. It was just hard to wrap her head around the fact that the only one in the world who was by her side at this point was a vampire she had only met a couple months ago. She loved him deeply and wouldn’t want to leave his side. If a time came where they weren’t together anymore, then she would have absolutely nowhere to go. Calla also didn’t want to put Jared into a situation where he felt obligated to stay with her just so that she wasn’t on her own.
Crawling into bed, she pulled the covers over her head and closed her eyes tightly. Damnit, Tessa, you need to come back and fix this mess, Calla thought with Tessa in mind. Since they weren’t blood sisters, it was doubtful that she could send thoughts to her, but she figured it was worth a try. She did her best to hold herself together, but tears slipped down her cheeks. It wasn’t long before two chilly arms slid around her and cool lips kisses along her shoulders. Calla leaned back into his hold. Even though she had wanted to be alone, it always did seem to make her feel a little better just to be in his arms.
* * *
Tessa stared at the extravagant banquet that filled the ridiculously long black-stained oak table. There was enough there to feed possibly up to a hundred people, but it was just there for the twenty elders and other royalty at the table. Tessa sat next to Bethany at the head of the table with just a goblet of warm witch blood in front of her. Tessa had tried to convince them to give her cold blood, but they said they could control her if her vampire instincts overpowered her senses; that they would prefer if she enjoyed her meal. Calder blood was strange, though. It was bittersweet, reminding her of plum wine—making it all the more interesting to drink warm.
Her eyes shuffled over to Bethany. She wore a high-low black dress with a high collar and matching black heels. Bethany really was different from all the other witches. Everyone else at the table looked like they were sixty or older, but Bethany was youthful and gorgeous. If she were to go into the human world, she would certainly be a model or perhaps an actress. There was a grace about her as well, acting like a princess in the way she carried herself and upheld her manners. It made it harder for Tessa to hold onto her skepticism of her. So far, despite all her prior knowledge and experiences with the Calder, no one had tried to attack her in any way. In fact, they parted way for her and called her their Highness. She had to admit, she was thankful that they had just accepted her rather than waiting for her to prove herself to them. It made it to where she didn’t feel as though she were in imminent danger.
Bethany delicately patted her lips with a cloth napkin before clearing her throat and looking over to Tessa. “Did you sleep well?” she asked.
Tessa nodded. “I think I’ll be dreaming of that bed for the rest of eternity,” she commented with a weary smile. The room she was staying in was perfectly suited for the rest of the palace. Elegant, extravagant, and luxurious. The bed was larger than a California King and as plush as she imagined the bed from Princess and the Pea was.
“Hopefully, my sister, you’ll only know such luxury from here on out,” Bethany smiled, flashing her pearly teeth at her. She plucked another piece of roasted chicken with her fork and chewed it meticulously. Swallowing the bite, she patted her mouth again and spoke, “I know you’re still on the vampire schedule as of now, but we’ll have to begin adjusting your schedule back to a daytime schedule. That way we have all the time we need for the rituals.”
“Rituals?” Tessa repeated, her brows knitting together.
“Ah, yes,” Bethany nodded, taking a sip of her water. “Unlike the barbaric methods I’m sure
the Firehaven were walking you through, we’ll be helping you access your natural powers through rituals. They’re painless and much faster.”
“Oh…” she blinked, trying to understand how exactly that would work. “How will I know how to control the magic, though?”
“The magic already resides within you. The ritual will bring it to fruition, and you’ll naturally understand how to access it. It may sound strange, but I promise it actually works. It’s just something you’ll have to go through to understand,” Bethany explained. She then looked to Tessa’s nearly full goblet and smiled at her. “Drink up. We have a busy evening ahead.”
Taking a deep breath, Tessa took another gulp of the blood, thankful that it was lukewarm at that point. She paced herself to the speed that Bethany was clearing her plate, polishing off the last few drops of blood as Bethany took her last bite of food. Bethany then stood from the table, placing her cloth napkin over her plate before walking away. As Tessa trailed behind her, she noticed some of the elders at the table standing and following at a greater distance. Were they involved in the ritual as well?
They walked through the expansive compound, down a floor, and down two corridors before stopping at a set of heavy wooden doors. Bethany pulled them open by their brass handles and sauntered into the vast room. Tessa’s eyes wildly jumped all around the chamber, trying to take it all in. The ceiling was domed in the center with gray and gold symbols elegantly painted all over it and down the panels of the walls. She wondered what they meant, or if it was merely decoration. With how embedded witches were in tradition, she was sure it had some sort of meaning.
There wasn’t much in the room furniture wise, only two small thrones near the center of the room. The wonders of the room came with the architecture of it. Columns lined the walls on both sides, appearing to be more for décor than actual support. Silky black and plum fabric draped between each one. Small, rectangular-shaped windows lined the room just below the ceiling, illuminating the symbols that Tessa could then tell were metallic by the way the evening light hit them. Bethany’s cool, slender hand wrapped around hers, carefully guiding her to the center of the room. The true attraction in the room was a shallow, perfectly round indention in the center of the room. It looked almost like a koi pond but had no water in it. As they grew closer to it, Tessa noticed that the fine golden detail weren’t just dots, but symbols as well. They were so tiny and completely blanketed the inside of the pool. When they came to its edge, Tessa was mesmerized by the way it shimmered in the evening light.
