The Fae Series: The Complete Trilogy

by Lynn Landes

  Anya sighs, “This is getting annoying, boys. Do you really want to end up like that?” she asks nodding to the now bubbling mass on the ground. Anya reaches for her power and sends a bolt of energy snaking down the whips and into the two vampires, burning the hands that hold her. The whips drop and the three remaining spread out to attack her.

  Katie screams in the cemetery and their heads whip around. “Fresh blood!” The urge to hunt and feed is stronger than the order from Caius and one takes off running. Anya’s blood runs cold, Katie!

  “No!” she screams and Vorn skids into view releasing a volley of arrows into the vamp going after Katie. It falls to the earth pinned by the thick shafted arrows. Anya’s eyes snap up and she jerks in recognition. Her relief is not long lived, the other two vampires use the distraction to attack her.

  One tosses his dagger, dipped in a poison of Caius’s making straight at Anya, only to watch in fury when Anya catches it mid-air and throws it back at him. It sinks into his forehead and he falls over, paralyzed, but alive.

  Vorn turns to greet her but the last vampire attacks him. “I smell human blood in you,” the vampire hisses at him and attempts to mesmerize him. Vorn smiles and lowers his bow.

  “Yes, we should be friends.” The young vampire is instantly in front of Vorn lifting his hair and looking into his dazed eyes. “Your blood smells, different,” he sniffs at him and Vorn shoves the arrow in his hand straight up into the bottom of his chin, plunging it into his brain.

  “I guess I should think about a shower.” Muttering, he turns to help Anya and he is surprised to find the courtyard empty. “Well, damn.”

  Anya does not wait she goes after Caius. He must be stopped at all costs. For some reason, the Drow is helping her and she has learned not to question everything.

  Anya feels the pull of the gate. It stands open, glowing as if welcoming someone home. Below she can see Caius and Morgan fighting. Anya lands on the ground and runs forward.

  Caius had planned to throw Morgan into the gate, but things have gotten out of hand. He knows he’s outnumbered. Time to cut his losses and get to safety. He saved only enough energy to get back to his complex. He has to refuel and heal.

  Morgan skids backwards on his back from a powerful blow and watches in frustration as Caius disappears.

  Sebastian has reached them, with Keane and Katie. Vorn arrives shortly after.

  “Morgan?” Katie runs to his side and checks him for injuries. “Are you alright? Dammit, someone needs to kill that monster already.” Morgan grabs her hand and presses a kiss to the palm. He climbs to his feet and extends his wings revealing the true extent of his injuries. Beaten, bruised and bloody he glances at Anya. She nods at him and turns to look at the glowing gate.

  “It’s beautiful,” Anya whispers. No one moves and for a moment it seems the only thing breathing is the heartbeat of the gate.

  “Did you know Katie that the Angels are the store holders of humanity’s dreams?” Morgan touches her face gently. “We keep secret all of your hopes, so you are free to have endless possibilities.” He pulls her close and glances at the gate. “Never, not once in a thousand years did I wish anything for myself… until you.” A single tear slides down his bruised cheek. “Don’t stop dreaming, Kathleen.” He presses a soft kiss to her trembling mouth.

  “Morgan, I don’t understand,” she attempts to clutch him tighter to her chest, but her hands pass through his form. “No,” she whispers and Anya steps forward wrapping an arm around her friend.

  “It is time, Morgan,” Anya urges. “Destroy it.”

  “I love you, Kathleen,” he turns and his bronze wings sparkle as he walks over to the gate and places two hands on the glowing surface. His head is bowed, and Katie’s whisper turns into a scream of understanding.

  “Morgan...” Katie begins to fight and struggle against Anya’s hold. “No, Anya please,” she sobs, “It will kill him!”

  Anya feels Katie’s sobs wracking her body and falls to the ground with her when her legs give out. “No! Take me with you. I love you too,” she sobs as Morgan’s body jerks. His hands sink into the gate. Katie’s screams stop and she freezes. Turning to look at Anya, she glares into her eyes, just as the gate glows with a brilliant light. “Let me go, Anya.”

  “Katie, do you know what you are asking?” Anya whispers.

  “Yes, this is my destiny. Let me go,” she pleads, and Anya releases her hold. Katie scrambles to her feet and runs toward the gate. Morgan’s roar of rage fills the night. “No!!!” He screams, but he is too late. Katie runs forward into the light and pushes past a barrier Morgan attempts to build.

  She ducks under his wings and arms, facing him. Morgan lifts his face and she cups his beautiful face with her hands and wipes away his tears with her thumbs. “You are the only dream I want, Morgan.” Katie wraps her arms around his neck and hot white heat, burning like the heart of a star, surrounds them both. It builds until she finally feels the pressure detonate outwards and the gate is destroyed.

  Anya joins her power to Keane’s and they build a barrier to protect those watching. For a moment they see the light collapse to a small pinpoint before exploding outwards flattening everything within hundreds of feet.

  From within the globe of protection, Anya watches the night returns to stillness. The gray, bleak darkness of the cemetery returns. “Katie,” she whispers. Her arms tremble as Keane releases the dome and her head droops. Anya weeps for the loss of her lifelong friend. Keane rushes towards his daughter, hoping to provide the comfort she needs.

  Anya leaps to her feet and her grief turns to fury. Her eyes flash from solid black to the amber color revealing the struggle within. “I didn’t ask for any of this,” electric blue wings expand from her back and Anya screams in pain. Her tears are blood red and streak down her cheeks unchecked.

  “I am a tour guide! Why is this happening to me?” she demands, looking at the two men who are supposed to be her father’s.

  “This is all your fault!” she points at the two of them and steps towards them with a growl and her eyes flash from obsidian to gold. “All the immortals who walk this world think they have the right to play with humanities fate! I’m sick of being a victim. I’m tired of losing the people I love!”

  Vorn watches and his mouth goes dry. If she goes full Herald on them, they won’t stand a chance. He can feel her struggle with her power. Anya is attempting to control it, but her pain is too great. “You need to go and take Keane with you.” Vorn orders Sebastian.

  Sebastian starts to argue, but Keane shocks them all agreeing. “Aye, he is right. Sebastian.” Anya grabs her head and staggers in pain.

  “Listen to him, Da!” She yells.

  “Anya needs an outlet and if you stay, you will both die,” Vorn growls.

  Sebastian glares at him and leans close, to make sure he is heard. “If you hurt my daughter, I will skin you alive and feed you to the wolves in the forest near my home, just so I can hear your screams.”

  Vorn leans back, shocked at the vehemence before he grins. “Understood, go!”

  Sebastian grabs Keane by his arm and leaps into the night sky.

  Anya snarls and her eyes follow them. Her wings explode and hunger has her jumping into the air to track her prey.

  Vorn snaps a whip out with a crack, wrapping it around her left ankle and jerks her back towards the earth. “Not so fast, you owe me a dance.” Anya falls to the earth with a bellow of indignation as he puts out the whip and turns to greet her. His silver skin glints in the moonlight glow and his emerald eyes challenge her. “You need an outlet for all your pain and rage.”

  “Brilliant, you just volunteered!” She snaps and whips out a foot to kick him. The blow lands on his chest and sends him skidding across the icy ground.

  Still, on his feet, Vorn laughs. “Come on, beautiful, is that all you’ve got? I expected more from the mighty Herald.”

  The wind blows his white hair around his face and Anya forgets for a moment th
at she is furious as a new hunger forms in her mind and body.

  The golden light that normally fills her eyes shift to mirror the green in his. Her wings evaporate and she picks from his mind an image of her in a black sheer, backless gown and stiletto heels. Vorn feels the impact of her siren call in his mind and his body reacts instantly. Lust, hot and heavy falls around them and they circle each other.

  “There are many ways to vent one’s rage and frustration. Wouldn’t you agree?” She walks towards him, hips swaying and Vorn grins.

  “Wholeheartedly.” Gentle fingertips trail across his shoulders and back as Anya circles him. Leaning close she inhales his scent and runs a hand up the back of his neck and into the silky white strands of his long hair. Anya pulls gently on his hair and tugs his neck to the side while pressing soft kisses to the tender flesh. His heart accelerates beneath the skin, tempting her with its rhythm.

  “I’ve wondered about your kind, Vorn.”

  His hand covers the hand that wraps around his shoulder and he leans back into her heat. “Have you?” He whispers softly.

  “Mmm hmm, I’ve wondered how you would taste, would it be salty or sweet, intoxicating or tangy.”

  Anya’s eyes flash and Vorn moves. Reaching back with one hand, his fists a hand in the back of her hair, while his other hand grabs her wrist. Dropping quickly, he uses the weight of his body to flip her overhead, then onto her back on the ground. Anya slams hard into the dirty earth. A thud is felt on the ground and she grunts out the air she was holding in. “The first thing you should learn about the Drow is never to trust them. We like our foreplay rough!”

  Sheer outrage flutters through her mind as she sits up and looks at him. In a blink, she is back in her jeans, boots, and black top. “It’s a good thing that all I wish to taste is your blood then, isn’t it?” Anya climbs to her feet and grins at the Drow.

  “For now, maybe.” Vorn can’t help but feel slighted. Perhaps he misunderstood her… he blinks, and she disappears.

  “Shit!” He murmurs and runs swiftly out of the cemetery towards a forest. He will find shelter inside and the forest is simply… gone. Anya stands where the forest was, and her wings are extended. A blush of excitement covers her cheek as the thrill of the hunt fills her mind.

  “Do you wish to dance, Herald?” He demands and Anya is intoxicated by him. Ebony skin and white hair, blowing around muscular shoulders. His eyes are glowing emerald green as he brings the full strength of his power to the surface.

  “Yes, please. Show me all your moves, Drow.” Anya scents his magic and it surprises her. He has the pointed ears of elves, but his skin and eyes are unique to him. Surprisingly enough, she does not feel the urge to drain him.

  Her eyes flash back to their normal shade and she is astounded to find herself laughing. A laugh of sheer hysteria starts in her mind and wings its way through her body, bursting free. “Magic? Just what exactly are you?”

  “I am Drow!” Vorn doesn’t wait, he draws a small throwing knife from his belt and sends it at her. It hits her high in the chest. Anya falls to the ground, immobile for the moment. He stalks over to her body and rolls her onto her back. She can see and hear, but she can’t move. The knife is still imbedded in her shoulder.

  Gently he brushes the hair from her face and looks for signs of any other injuries. Her eyes are flashing from normal to black then back to amber, “Listen to me carefully, Anya. That knife was soaked in a Drow immobility potion. You are only frozen for the moment, the harder you fight its effects the longer it will last.” He glances around looking for signs of more enemies and speaks lower. “As much as I would love to dance with you, we are out of time. You will need to get us out of here before Caius sends others after us. Use the image in my mind of Sebastian’s home and we will meet him there.” The moment his hand touches the hilt of the knife it turns to blue star dust and drifts away on the wind.

  ‘First, I need to taste you…’ she says to his mind.

  Vorn is stunned. That is the pathway only used by mates. Before he can move, she jerks him forward and he doesn’t fight it.

  Anya latches on, sinking her teeth into his throat and he grabs her body with his hands jerking her tight against his body. ‘Harder, Anya!’ She can feel the wild beating of his heart and rushing of his blood into her body. His flavor is unlike anything she has ever tasted. Ambrosia! She turns from his neck to his mouth. The moment his mouth takes her she is powerless. Tongues meet in a frenzied dance, hot, moist, wet sucking heat.

  Vorn drags her head back from his and stares into her eyes. The golden light has faded and her hazel eyes mirror the desire reflected in his. He releases her with a grin of satisfaction and pulls her to her feet.

  “We should go. I’m assuming you can transport us?”

  Anya is staring at him, stunned. “Why are you here? What is your roll in this?” She wraps her arms around herself for warmth and stares at him.

  “The Fae have sent me to make sure Caius is taken care of. I’m on your side.”

  “Truly?” Anya barks out a semi-hysterical laugh that has him stepping closer to her. “No one is on my side, Vorn. I believe the only person who is brave enough to speak the truth is trying to use me to destroy humanity.” She presses her hands to the sides of her forehead and pushes trying to stop the pain beating at her.

  Vorn lifts her chin to look into her eyes and he sees fear, pain, and sorrow. Anya drops her hands and stares back into his eyes. He brushes her hair gently away from her forehead and cups her face with one hand. “You are no longer alone, Anya.” His lips trace her parted mouth, softly tasting and soothing her. Where before his kiss was rough and demanding, now he is gentle, almost loving. Anya takes it and savors him while allowing his strength to fortify her own.

  When he draws back, he is surprised to see a tear shimmering on the tips of her lashes. Just as it breaks free, he captures it in his hand and closes his fist around it. Vorn presses his lips to his fist and blows on it. Sparkles erupt and when he opens his fingers, a butterfly darts up into the night sky, leaving a trail of gold dust behind it.

  This time, her laugh is full of delight. “There is still beauty in this world. You are on the brink of transformation and change is always hard. Choose not to do it alone, Anya. Let go of your anger and fear and simply believe. “

  “Believe in what?”

  “In yourself, in those who are fighting at your side.” Anya takes a deep breath and runs her fingers through his silver hair. “I will try.” Stepping close she whispers, “Hold me, Vorn and don’t let go.” His warm hands drop to grip her waist pulling her slowly to his chest. Anya wraps her arms around his neck and closes her eyes seeking the image he shows her.

  ‘Never,’ Vorn promises to her mind and Anya’s feels a sense of peace she desperately needs. She closes her eyes and lets it comfort her.

  Chapter 25

  Caius takes his private elevator up to his suite, barely strong enough to stay upright. The top floor was designed for privacy and ocean views. Panoramic windows line the entire floor, giving an unrivaled view of the ocean. At night the view gives the impression of floating on a sea of stars. His bedchamber houses a unique feature.

  After stripping out of his clothing he stumbles to a closet door and flips the light switch. With a release of air, the door lifts straight up into the ceiling, revealing its secret. A cryo-chamber exclusively modified for his purpose. The blue glass compartment slides open releasing a puff of icy air as Caius steps inside and the door seals shut.

  “Good evening, sir. How may I serve you?” A female voice asks.

  “I will have Lailah’s pod,” he answers hoarsely.

  “Very good, sir. This will be the final pod from that line.”

  “Understood. Begin,” Caius orders and steps to the center of his chamber to sit in a custom formed seat that matches his body. A normal cryo-chamber is used to reduce pain and inflammation by releasing a burst of nitrogen gas every thirty seconds. He named this unit the viro-
genic chamber because it utilizes pods which are uniquely designed for one purpose, feeding a vampire. As the cold air starts to swirl slowly inside the chamber Caius stares out the glass window into the black nighttime sky. The first puff of gas is expelled, and a red mist engulfs his body. It is infused with Lailah’s blood, tissue and everything else that could be harvested from the angel. He inhales deeply drawing it inside. The sweet taste of Lailah fills his senses and he smiles. His tongue licks his lips and he can feel her power entering his body.

  The frigid air causes his blood to rush away from his arms and legs to his core in an attempt to warm his vital organs. This is where the cryo-genic process stops, and the viro-genic process begins. His body absorbs her essence through his skin. The very cells that make up his form assimilate Lailah’s gift and he feels reborn. Every scar, wound or damaged cell in his body, heals and Caius gives thanks. The final part of this process is her memories. With them, he will be able to understand the gates and what lies beyond them.

  “Don’t worry Lailah, I will take good care of your girl.” He smiles and sleeps for two days inside his chamber.

  Chapter 26

  Drow are not known for their gentle natures. They are demanding, tough, selfish and prideful, but Vorn is not only Drow. His Father was Fae and his mother was Drow. Half-breed children are used as pawns, slaves or discarded. They were allowed to live within the Vale, protected by the people he came to respect. He was one of the lucky ones. His parents love is special and unique to both species. Finding his mate outside of the Vale is a shock, but he understands now why the Queen of the Fae sent him. She knew he had a larger part in this tale.

  They arrive swiftly outside a house in Scotland. Anya releases Vorn and steps away to stare up at the massive house. “Is this the right place?” She whispers to him.