This is work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
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Copyright© Yumoyori Wilson, 2018
All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
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Cover Design by CoverInked Design
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Editing by
Ms. Correct All's Editing and Proofreading Services and Rachel Mowry
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Format: Gina Wynn
Contents
Acknowledgement
Japanese Glossary
Calming The Storm Blurb
Prologue: The Truth Of It All
1. Believe In Me
2. Family And Celebration
3. Rain Check
4. Empire Of Homatomashi And Rivalry
5. Rivalry And Challenge
6. Unleash The Beast
7. My Queen And Relief
8. Shots Fired And Gift Of Healing
9. Guardian To Serve, Protect, And Love
10. Threatened And Bad Habits
11. Savior And Wishing For Peace
12. Who Is The Real Enemy, My Love?
13. Danger And Betrayal
14. Torture and Deadly Decision
15. Illusion And Calming The Storm
16. Karma And Hidden Love
17. Museum Of Healing
18. Revolt For Change
Coming Soon: Facing the Storm
Seduce My Blood - Sneak Peek
Seduce My Blood - Blurb
Seduce My Blood - Prologue
About Yumoyori Wilson
Books by Yumoyori Wilson
Acknowledgement
Thank you for purchasing CALMING THE STORM
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Thank you to all my amazing supporters for being awesome and encouraging me to write every day.
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Special thanks to my friend who was my sprinting buddy during the production of this book. You know who you are, and I couldn’t be more grateful for your ongoing love and support <3~
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Special thanks to my amazing Alpha Team and editors. You continue to work marvellously together, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have you on my publishing team.
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Thank you to my amazing BETA team for so being so epic and lively. You make this journey A LOT easier and I’m grateful to have all of you in my life. Thank you for working extra hard this release and dealing with the schedule change.
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Special thanks to my amazing Mom for blessing me with the gift to write and supporting me in all aspects. I pray to continue making you proud as I strive towards success.
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Finally, I thank God for giving me the strength to achieve my goals. Without Him, I would be nothing.
Japanese Glossary
HAI – Yes
SENPAI – Teacher
HACHIMITSU – Honey
URUFU – Wolf
ARIGATO – Thanks
ARIGATO GOZAIMASHITU – Thank You
YAMERU – Stop
YAMATO KOTOBA – words inherited from Old Japanese
TATAMI MAT – Traditional Japanese furnishing/accessories
WATASHI NO AI – My Love
WATASHI WA ANATO O YURUSU – I Forgive You
USOTUSKI – Liar
NANI – What
BAKA – Stupid
KUTABARE – Go To Hell
CHOTTO – A Little
KUSOKURAE – Fuck You
GOMENNASAI – Sorry
MONTSUKI – Male Kimono
OTOSAN – Father
KONNICHIWA –
KIERU – Disappear
DAISUKI – I Love You (less strongly version)
ONEGAI – Please
ROUIJIN – Old Man
IIE – No
SANYONARA – Goodbye
Calming The Storm Blurb
Taming the storm was one thing. Calming it is a whole other battle, as it turns out.
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My name is Crimson Arashi. Well, at least that was my name until I obtained a mysterious pocket watch, then somehow acquired six sexy men and a loyal familiar who can rip the balls off of any man. Now, I'm Crimson Storm, and I carry the power of Storm Yuna, the strongest mage Homatomashi has ever known.
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The truth has been revealed, and now the clock is ticking. It’s up to me to take Storm’s place with my men in tow as we track down the three missing crystals from her pocket watch while also searching for the leader of N.R.O.
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In unfamiliar territory and with enemies from my men's past making a dramatic entrance in the middle of our investigation, tracking down the prime suspect couldn't be more confusing.
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On top of everything else, the growing emotions I feel towards each of my men and the recurring memories from Storm’s past that reveal themselves in my dreams, make it harder and harder to ignore the burning desire building inside me.
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My own powers are increasing and with them brings conflict, two forces working against one another rather than together, which puts me in a dilemma I don't have the time to deal with.
Can I juggle all of the danger and problems in the outside world, while somehow also calming the growing storm brewing within me?
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Or will this be the beginning of my own demise?
"We shall hold this conference discussing the attack that occurred four days ago at the Arashi residence. My son was at the scene and witnessed the onslaught, offering his assistance. I would like for him to step to the front."
I noticed the Council members look at Hotaka Jiyuna, my real father, but he remained where he was with a blank expression on his face.
I was ready to voice my confusion, but then the chair next to me slid back. My jaw went slack as I watched the Emperor's son walk to the front of the long table and face all of us. Half of us looked completely shocked but the others, particularly my group of men, smiled knowingly.
The Council appeared absolutely clueless, including my now trembling 'Father,' who'd essentially hated me all these years.
"The conference is about to begin. Be prepared to answer any question that I or my father, the Emperor of Homatomashi, have. Remember to be truthful, or there will be consequences," Yoshimitsu declared, his sapphire eyes displaying his seriousness.
Yoshimitsu?!
I thought my eyes were deceiving me, or maybe I'd hit my head and was dreaming about the conference and would wake up clueless. I felt Aki's hand slip into mine. I slowly looked to him as he squeezed my hand gently.
"I know you're shocked, but we'll explain later,” he whispered. I knew he was reminding me to keep up my calm appearance. Even with the shocking news, we didn't want to present ourselves as weak, especially with the Emperor now joining us on the screen.
"Understood," I whispered, squeezing his hand back.
I composed myself quickly and gaze
d at the others, who nodded to me in encouragement. I turned my eyes to the Council, who were dumbfounded by the news, and my 'father,' who was trembling with fear and had a hint of anger in his eyes.
"This is a joke, right?" he questioned.
"Does it look like we're joking, Konashi Arashi? I guess I love wasting my precious time while my country continues to deal with attacks organized by a group who thinks they can defy our traditions and laws that have been in place for many generations,” the Emperor snapped.
Konashi gulped and lowered his head. "I'm sorry, Emperor."
"Yoshimitsu, if you would continue," the Emperor encouraged.
"Yes, Father. This is NOT a joke or test. My name outside the palace is Yoshimitsu Ohashi. My name behind those walls is Yoshimitsu Homatomashi. As you know, our country was named after our ancestors who discovered these lands. They worked hard for many years to create and build this somewhat peaceful country. However, due to my father's absence, some of you seem to have forgotten who truly is in charge of these lands and have made them far less peaceful in the recent years," Yoshi pointed out, his eyes landing on the Council.
The majority of them appeared nervous, some even guilty for whatever crimes they had committed. Yoshi’s eyes moved over to lock on Mosuki Arashi, my mother, and Hotaka, who looked calm and displayed a sense of confidence from where they were sitting.
"We all know the rules of the Council. If one is deemed guilty of charges, the rest of the Council is disbanded and a new set of members are initiated. It can be temporary until suitable group of members are chosen, or it can be permanent," Yoshi explained, his piercing gaze sweeping across the room.
The two guards standing in the corner of the room immediately moved forward and wheeled a white board over to Yoshi, who bowed his head in thanks before turning to face us.
"You are all aware that I am one of the guards who was assigned to protect the late Storm Yuna, one of the best magicians and warriors Homatomashi has seen in a long time. By now, you also should have heard that she was murdered and her killer, or killers, are still on the loose and are going to great lengths to kill anyone who can shed light on what really happened," Yoshi elaborated. He picked up a black marker and began to write each of the Council members’ names, followed by Hotaka and Mosuki's names.
"When we accepted the offer to come to Nokamato, we agreed to sign a peace agreement and work together to help Nokamato and the rest of Homatomashi become a safe place for everyone, both shifters and humans alike. Instead, we were separated from Storm because of a mandatory meeting. She was to meet with a spokesperson with two guards of their own, which later we discovered were not the guards on the approved list," Yoshi revealed.
"Yosh...I mean, Prince Yoshimitsu, we saw the guards off prior to them leaving,” a man stated. He was at the end of the row of Council members and looked the most nervous.
"Correct. You did see them off. Right before they were murdered and left in an alleyway which we found far too late," Yoshi said with a deadpan tone that sent shivers down my spine. I could sense the anger that laced his words. It made me afraid for whoever he deemed guilty of being a part of Storm's murder.
"Storm was taken into the building, and her body was found in the courtyard. Her pocket watch was stolen, and during our pursuit of the thief, we encountered Crimson Arashi, who'd been waiting for her companion outside a nearby bar. Due to the incident, Crimson is involved in this case for reasons I will not disclose at this time. Her involvement led to her being kidnapped from her own home a few days ago and dumped on the outskirts of the mountain, on a day when some parts experience neverending blizzards. The purpose, you might ask? To kill her and hide the evidence that came to our attention after the intrusion at the Arashi residence," Yoshi broke it down, writing my name in pink marker, which made me grin.
"Why would they want to kill Crimson, Prince Yoshi? She's just a human and has no magical abilities. She’s practical use-" a councilman in the middle began before Hotaka slammed his hand on the table, startling all of us.
He calmly rose and turned to the man, who now looked scared shitless. "Tomasa, did the Prince ask you to speak?" Hotaka asked.
"No...Sir,” he replied.
"Good. I suggest you stay quiet and wait for the Prince to address anyone's concerns, and I’ll warn you now. Do not talk poorly about MY daughter, or there will be consequences,” he commanded.
"F...father?" another one of the councilmen questioned, the four of them turning to look at Konashi, who bit his lip and clenched his fists in anger.
"Ah, I was getting to that, but thank you, Sir Jiyuna, because I agree. Do not talk poorly about Crimson Arashi in this room or I can't guarantee you'll leave here unharmed," Yoshi declared. The room was pin silent, and I felt my cheeks burn hot as I glanced down at my lap. Aki squeezed my hand comfortingly and rubbed his thumb against my palm.
"As I was saying, as far as everyone in this room is concerned, Crimson Arashi is a human who was born to Konashi and Mosuki. However, we recently discovered a medical report from Dr. Omako, as well as a box of medical documents that tracked Mosuki's entire pregnancy," Yoshi announced.
I noticed Konashi's eyes grew wide. "You went to my office?!" he snapped. Yoshi slowly turned to Konashi, who shut right up and lowered his head. Yoshi returned his gaze to look straight. I could see the glowing little specks of gold in those irises, even from this distance.
"Yoshimitsu, explain this,” the Emperor demanded, his expression telling me he was starting to piece things together as he looked from me to Mother, Hotaka, and Konashi.
"As we know, most shifter pregnancies are monitored because shifter babies are very unpredictable. Now, in this day and age where there are many interracial relationships and crossing of breeds, it's recommended for parents to be monitored for the safety of the mother and child," Yoshi began, walking back to the board. He started writing with a blue marker.
When he turned back to face us, Dr. Omako and Dr. Nakomi's names were on the board. I glanced at Konashi, whose face had already begun to turn pale.
"Dr. Omako was originally assigned to monitor Crimson in the womb. In his reports, it was clearly stated that Crimson would be born as a Kitsune shifter," Yoshi announced.
Multiple gasps were heard, and even the guys looked a little shocked. It made me realize I hadn't told them all the details of what I'd discovered in the office. I’d only explained it completely to Aki when he asked one night during my recovery.
"I know. Shocking, right? Even for myself and my fellow guardsmen, this seemed rather preposterous because we'd been watching Crimson for over two months at that point, and she was completely human. Not even a pinch of magic inside her," Yoshi stated.
I knew he was disregarding the fact I could use Storm Yuna's magic thanks to the watch.
"Well, in Dr. Omako's reports, Crimson was a healthy Kitsune shifter with cherry blossom magic and an extremely high magic affinity. Some may say it would be even stronger than Storm Yuna's."
This time I was left speechless, having not been told that information. I glanced at Yoshi, who met my gaze. He gave me a reassuring smile, which helped calm my nerves.
He returned to his presentation. "I know this is shocking to many of you, but what was really interesting was to see the blood test done when Mosuki found out she was pregnant. The test revealed that the father of Crimson was not Konashi Arashi, but Hotaka Jiyuna."
"This is nonsense!" one of the Council members shouted.
"Yes, how can Konashi's child now be Hotaka's, who has been away for years?" another Council member stated.
Yoshi raised his hand and this time didn't hide his anger. His eyes turned completely gold. I gawked at him and noticed the other guys looked super nervous. Only Aki seemed calm as he continued to hold my hand.
"Do not interrupt me again! Any of you. Unless you would like my sword to be one with your neck," Yoshi warned, and all five men nodded in agreement.
Yoshi took a calming breath, closing
his eyes for a moment. When he opened them, they were back to their sapphire appearance, and he continued his explanation; the Emperor looked rather pleased by Yoshi's reaction.
"This is where the manipulation of official test results occurred, and the cover-up began. Early into the pregnancy, Dr. Nakomi took over monitoring Mosuki and Crimson’s health. With that came the process of sealing Crimson's powers," Yoshi announced, putting down the marker he had. Then he stood to the side, so he could look at his father on the screen and back at the table if he needed to.
"Emperor, it was discovered from the detailed evidence of multiple reports that Dr. Nakomi participated in sealing Crimson's powers during examinations. Mosuki had been unaware of this. Dr. Nakomi instructed Konashi to conduct sealing treatments on Mosuki when she napped. As we know, Kitsune shifters when pregnant need a lot more rest compared to other shifter races, and generally are encouraged to nap once or even twice a day until closer to the birth of the child, at which point they are instructed to be on bed rest. Konashi had conducted at least 15 sealing treatments per month, one happening every two days."
Calming the Storm (Crimson Storm Chronicles Book 2) Page 1
