The Witch and the Vampire King (Immortal Love Series Book 2)

by Anna Santos

  My amazing escape plan came to a halt because I didn't really need to escape the hospital to find Valentina. There she was, my dearest aunt, sitting in the waiting room at the end of the ward, next to her daughter, doing a hell of a job pretending she was worried about me.

  Anna and Kevin were there, too, next to Marcus, talking to the doctor. They all seemed worried and anxious. I felt better seeing them and realizing they were concerned about me and hadn't abandoned me. They were asking the doctor about my condition, and the doctor looked worried. I just sighed with annoyance, since there was nothing wrong with me. I was there, alive and kicking. But for now, they couldn’t know about my adventure outside the room. I was on a quest and wanted no one to stop me.

  My attention was focused on my mate, who looked pale and tired. Marcus hadn't slept; he looked terribly sad, and I almost felt bad about that until I realized that he deserved to be sad. He had played along with Valentina's game that ended up making me have a stroke by overloading me with his memories. And he was an idiot to let that deceitful woman sit in the clinic waiting room, pretending to be worried about me!

  I was mad at him. I was hurting. I didn't want to listen to his lame excuses, nor did I want to feel that I wasn't enough for him, that he would rather have Isobel's personality inside my body and not me. I couldn't sing. I couldn't play the piano. I was not the perfect housewife and mother of his kids. I was loud. I was hysterical. I had a short temper, and if he couldn't handle it, then I wasn't going to change everything within me just to please him.

  I saw a nurse running, and I hid so as not to be seen since I was her doppelganger. I dropped my spell as I listened to her warn the doctor that I was gone.

  There was suddenly a lot of commotion in the waiting room. Everybody became agitated about my disappearance, and soon enough my family followed the nurse back to my room to confirm my getaway. But, luckily, dear Valentina was left in the sitting room with her daughter, so I had my chance to get revenge and satisfaction.

  I headed off to face my nemesis and barged into the room.

  “Hello. Remember me?” I opened my hands, charging them with electric power.

  “Isobel?” she asked with a hopeful voice, almost fooling me again with her concerned eyes and innocent act. “What are you doing?” she shrieked as soon as she noticed my hands.

  “Sorry, but no. I'm plain old Jessie,” I declared, smirking mischievously and aiming my hands at her, discharging my powers over her immortal body. She jerked painfully to my great contentment and then passed out. Next, I aimed my hands at her daughter, who had remained extremely still for someone who had just witnessed her mom being electrocuted.

  “I swear I had nothing to do with it!” She threw her hands in front of herself to protect herself from my powers and closed her eyes with fear.

  I remembered how she had helped me. Maybe she was not as bad as her evil mother.

  “Let's say I believe you and ask for your help,” I whispered, letting the electricity run in spirals of power inside my hands to warn her that I would attack her if she was to act out.

  “What do you want me to do?” she asked, opening her eyes and looking at me with a serious face.

  “I need to have a private conversation with your mom. I need help to move her.”

  “I'll be happy to help.”

  “Why?” I wondered since her complacency was weird.

  “She has been making my life and my dad's life miserable for centuries,” she declared, her voice laced with animosity. “It is about time that someone teaches her a lesson. As long as you promise you won't kill her,” she said, fisting her hands. I could see the pain on her face. “Dad loves her and needs her to stay alive.”

  “I won't kill her. But I can't promise I won't slap her around,” I said, smiling wickedly, enjoying the idea. “Have you got a car, some means of transportation?”

  “Yes, I can find us a car,” she said, getting up to help carry her mom. “Let's move. They will be coming back here soon. They are looking for you in the other rooms.”

  “Don't worry, love. No one will see us. I'm a witch. I know how to cast an invisibility spell. It will work for five minutes, so we need to hurry and leave this place.” I put away the big guns and recited a spell that made us disappear for any human or supernatural eyes and noses.

  As we walked down the corridor to the elevator, we leaned against a wall so Marcus could pass by without touching us and realizing that someone was there, hidden by a spell. As he passed by my side, I looked into his worried eyes and my heart broke a bit more. I loved him, and I really didn't want to run away from him. However, I wasn't going to let that deceiving woman get between us. I was going to find out what evil plans she had, and the real reason for her keeping me locked up all those years. Our happily ever after would have to wait.

  End of Part One

  Book 3 is already available for pre-order.

  “Spellbound”, order here:

  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3RO7QT

  PREVIEW—The Angels of Paris Chronicles

  ‘Save Me’—Prequel for Captive

  Chapter 1

  Running

  They were chasing me down the tiled corridors of the subway station. Somehow they had found out where I was running to and came to take me back to the beast whom Fate had chosen as my soul-mate. But he had rejected me. He had humiliated me. And it still wasn't enough. He wanted to break and shatter my soul into tiny pieces and destroy me to the point of no return.

  I managed to run away before the worst had happened. But his hounds, a group of his most ruthless werewolves, had found me and were chasing me to take me back to him.

  I knew that I wouldn't survive if I was caught. He would beat me senseless and let his men rape and abuse me until madness overtook me and there was nothing left of my mind.

  I couldn't go back. I wouldn’t go back!

  My lungs were burning, and my limbs were shaking. I stumbled and fell. People avoided me and didn't offer any help. They thought I was mad, or maybe they instinctively knew that whatever was after me was far too dangerous to face. I crawled to reach the wall so I could use it as a support to get back up and keep running.

  They were getting closer. I could smell them and hear their growls.

  “Help,” I whispered.

  No one came.

  My brown hair fell tousled in front of my eyes when I kneeled and tried to push myself off the wall.

  If I could reach the surface, maybe I could find a police officer to ask for protection. Surely they weren't foolish enough to kill a cop. I hoped.

  “There she is,” a man shouted.

  “We got you now.” Another one said mockingly. “You will regret running away. No one can save you. Not your brother and, certainly, not the humans. You are ours and we can do whatever we please to you.”

  I tried running further, but a man stood in front of me, blocking my way. He was the same one who had been speaking to me. My heart sank as I realized who he was. It was Cameron, my former mate's Beta. He took pleasure in terrifying everybody, especially the females.

  I anchored my back to the wall. My breathing became shallow. I was petrified.

  When I looked up, there were five lethal werewolves with menacing eyes that shined, gnashing their pointy teeth and growling at me. The few humans around had fled. To my left were the stairs to the surface, and to my right was a long corridor that led back to the subway train. I was trapped.

  “You can’t run anymore, Camille. Once Simon finishes with you, we are going to have lots of fun together.”

  “Help.” My cry for help was barely a sound.

  Suddenly, one of them grabbed my leg and pulled me off my feet, dragging me across the floor. Tears fell down my cheeks as I kicked him in a feeble attempt to try to push him away.

  “You are coming back home with us,” one growled.

  Several kicks connected with my body. My body curled into a fetal position as I tried to protect my stomach. I was
too tired to fight. I stood no chance against them. Pain shot through me as I kept whimpering, knowing that nothing I could do would save me from them now.

  The kicking stopped, and I heard loud growls. It was followed by the sounds of teeth snapping, clothes being shredded, and bodies being slammed against the tiles.

  My body was numb due to the coldness of the surface. My face was swollen from the beating. I tasted iron as blood filled my mouth, and I tried not to choke on it. Around me, growls and punches were echoing throughout the tunnel.

  When I finally opened my eyes, there was blood pooled before me and a dismembered body of what used to be Cameron. His eyes glazed over as his face twisted in horror. I muffled my scream with my hand. The blood from the internal bleeding and the meager food I had eaten were threatening to come out.

  “I’ll check the girl,” a guttural voice said, but it didn't sound familiar.

  Feet that looked like claws stood before my face and a hand touched my hair, brushing it back.

  “Are you okay?”

  With eyes opened wide, I stared at the beast’s grotesque face and pointy ears. Despite the initial impression of his appearance, he had kind brown eyes. He smirked at me and showed his tiny sharp teeth. At first, my eyes widened in fear, but then I relaxed, knowing that he wouldn't hurt me.

  I had heard rumors about them, but I had never seen a gargoyle before. It was true: Paris had gargoyles, and they just saved my life like my brother promised me they would.

  “She's bleeding. She may have internal injuries,” a throaty voice said from somewhere behind me.

  “She's a strong werewolf, aren't you, sweetie?” the gargoyle who faced me asked.

  I couldn't move and when I tried, I shrieked in pain.

  “We need to take her to see William. Then we’ll call the prince,” the other creature urged.

  “I need to see the prince,” I mumbled, cringing at the taste of my own blood.

  “There's no need for a doctor, Aaron,” the first creature said. Suddenly, his claw-hands reached down and carried my body as if I weighed little more than a feather. “This one is mine,” he whispered, and I felt a strange heat taking over my body. My stomach burned and my hands tingled. Serpents of fire seemed to weave around my right arm. I grew lightheaded as if I was dying. I whimpered and closed my eyes.

  “What's happening to me?'' I asked, out of breath.

  “You are healing.”

  My hand clutched at his broad chest and my other arm snaked around his neck. Despite his ugly appearance, the beast smelled nice. They had saved me. I had no reason to fear them.

  “It burns,” I mumbled, hiding my face in the crook of his neck.

  His hand clutched mine, and he tightened the hug. I have no idea what happened next because I blacked out.

  I sat straight up. A pair of brown eyes haunted my dreams as fire consumed me and had awakened me from my slumber. I think I screamed. But when I touched my chest, my damp clothes clung to my skin, and my mouth was as dry as sandpaper. I brushed away my hair, clearing my view. I had no idea where I was.

  There were four lilac-colored walls and beautiful furniture decorating the bedroom. Rays of sunshine streaming through the window told me that it was daytime.

  I touched my body. I was wearing my clothes. Then, I frowned at the blonde curly strands of hair falling about my shoulders. Grabbing a strand, I examined it. My hair was a lot longer than it was the night before, and I was blonde. Seeing my hands, I noticed how amazing my nails looked. They were thick and long. My skin seemed different, too.

  Pushing aside the bedding, I got up and saw my backpack on one of the armchairs in the room. Finding the bathroom, I searched for a mirror.

  Minutes later, I was still trying to understand how there were no signs of swelling, cuts, bruises, or tired eyes. Someone had done an amazing job coloring my hair blonde and applying invisible make-up to my face.

  The door to the bedroom opened, and I rushed to see who was there.

  A gorgeous, tall, and broad-shouldered young man entered with a tray of food. We stood there, staring at each other in silence. My eyes lingered on every inch of him until my cheeks burned, and I avoided his chocolate eyes.

  I had no idea what had come over me. But he was giving me the same inquisitive look that I was giving him.

  “How are you feeling?” He stepped forward.

  I shrunk back with a fear filled gasp.

  “I'm not going to hurt you,” the young man said. “You are safe here. Do you remember what happened to you last night?”

  I nodded.

  “Why were they chasing you?”

  I bit my lower lip and sucked in a breath before explaining, “They wanted to take me back...to him.” After gulping, I continued, “I need to talk to the prince. Are you an angel?”

  “I'm Jacob,” he said, holding the tray with one hand and offering me the other as a greeting.

  “Camille,” I whispered with my hands safely against my chest.

  He eventually put his hand back down.

  “Where are the gargoyles who saved me? I would like to talk to them and thank them for coming to my rescue.”

  Jacob put the tray on the bed and rubbed his hands down his jeans. He seemed nervous. I know his presence made me anxious. I had never seen an angel before. He was breathtakingly beautiful. At least, I thought he was.

  “Gargoyles sleep during the day.”

  “Oh! I didn't know that. Well, I thought it was a myth.”

  “It isn't.”

  I looked at the food, unsure of what was more appealing to my senses—the bacon and eggs or Jacob.

  “Hungry?”

  I placed my hands over my stomach and red colored my cheeks. “I'm starving.”

  “Eat. Take a bath. Relax. We have a lot to talk about.”

  “You must be curious why they were chasing me. I did nothing wrong. You need to understand that.” Raising my eyes, I saw him nod.

  “Were any of the werewolves attacking you, the one who rejected your bound?''

  My eyes widened. How did he know that?

  “Are they all dead? I remember the blood and his...” I didn't voice my memories so that I wouldn't get sick.

  Jacob sighed and trailed his fingers through his hair. Tilting his head with an arched eyebrow, he asked, “Would you be sad if they were?”

  I shook my head, remembering all the evil they had tried to do to me and all the verbal abuse I had to endure from them and my mate.

  “They didn’t deserve the air they breathed. But he wasn't with them. They were his men. He won't be happy. He will continue to come after me. I need to talk to the prince.”

  Jacob narrowed the distance between us and put his hands on my shoulders. A heavy cloud of nerves overtook me. I was stuck to the floor and blushing like I never had before.

  Were angels that appealing to my werewolf senses?

  “Do you love him?” he asked.

  His question was perplexing. I mustered enough courage to look him in the eye. “Love who?”

  “The one who rejected you.”

  Jacob's face was serious. His hands tensed on my shoulders, and I realized how tall he was. And how strong!

  “He didn't want me. He humiliated me. He...” Words stuck in my throat. My eyes hurt. I was done crying, though. My body shivered in protest. “I hate him with all my heart. I don't want to see him. I need a safe haven to stay in.”

  Jacob's plump and sexy lips curved into a smile that, in turn, made his eyes sparkle.

  His next words blew my mind. “Good because you are mine now, and I have no intention of living without you.”

  “What?” I gasped.

  “You better sit down. We have a lot to talk about.”

  I didn't move. But Jacob managed to turn me around and put his warm and electrifying hand on my lower back to show me to an armchair where I sat down.

  End of Sample.

  Buy ‘Save Me’, here:

  https://www.amazon.c
om/dp/B01LZRO55T/

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  More About The Author

  Anna Santos is a Bestselling Author in Paranormal Romance.

  Anna always keeps her readers on their toes with her adrenaline-fueled adventures, suspense-filled cliffhangers, and romantic scenes.

  When she isn't writing, Anna is considering plot twists for her next novel or delving into the world of her favorite authors. She loves superheroes, and she’s a geek at heart. She grew up watching Star Wars and plotting a way to become a Ninja. She has a fascination for Chinese Kung Fu movies and cherry blossom flowers.

  She also enjoys writing poetry, watching a good movie, and spending time with her husband and family.

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  CONTENT

  CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

  BOOK DESCRIPTION

  Prologue

  Chapter One—Burn

  Chapter Two—Memories and Reality

  Chapter Three—False Alarm

  Chapter Four—Negotiations

  Chapter Five—The Fall

  Chapter Six—The King

  Chapter Seven—Writing Letters

  Chapter Eight—Dreaming of You

  Chapter Nine—Prohibited Fruit

  Chapter Ten—Royal Visit