by Hannah888
Copyright © 2014 by Hannah-Lee Hitchman
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems-except in the case of brief quotations in critical articles or reviews-without permission in writing from its author, Hannah-Lee Hitchman. The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious or are used fictitiously.
Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and is not intended by the author.
Copyright © 2014 Hannah-Lee Hitchman
DEDICATION
For Kishane “The Kish” Robinson;
Writing this book would have never been possible without your never-ending….inspiration.
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
Dear Readers,
"Hadaen" is the first book of "The Marujan Brothers Series" and is an erotic paranormal romance. The contents of this novel was written to appeal to an audience of persons only 18 years and older and it is my wish that only such individuals may read it.
Before I continue on about the book, I believe it is in your fairest interest that I inform you that this book has been written in the British English and not the more popular, American English. Due to my nationality as Jamaican, and my country's Monarch being British, this type of English is what I am accustomed to using. Therefore, many of the words you may come up on might be spelt differently.
Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.
Now, I would like to bring you through a few pronunciations of terms you will come across throughout the novel. Here goes:
Maruj - (Ma-rooj)
Hadaen - (Hay-den)
Faolan - (Fow-lan)
Lensai - (Lehns-eye)
Esyth - (He-sith)
Deorci - (Dohr-kai)
mana - (maa-nah)
:) Writing this novel had been a great adventure for me as I explored the levels of Hadaen and Amelia's story. And now, I want to share it with you!
Please feel free to make any comments you wish on this book as I would very much appreciate your feedback. It is reviews like yours that make me a better writer every day.
Your Friend, Hannah-Lee.
Prologue
Maruj Castle - 1313
The glowing torches scarcely illuminated the Chamber, casting frightening silhouettes across the rough walls that seemed to descend upwards into infinity. Silence. It was almost deafening as it threaded the large partially empty room, stilling every soul within its reach. The air stunk with wickedness and stale blood. Dread filled the room like a desolate fog, taking the bitter taste of violence with it. It was not the best of nights. In fact, it was the worst thus far. Hadaen glanced to his right, and then to his left where his two brothers sat high-and-mighty in their chairs. He knew what they were thinking. The art of reading minds was a talent his mother had given him at birth—a talent she had acquired from The First—only years before the claws of death had dragged her from this life. That he could control, as its many perks often served him well. However, it was the darkness within him that threatened to resurface whenever he saw her. Swallowing hard, Hadaen shifted in his seat, frustration and impatience wearing his senses thin. He had never before felt such a deep yearning in all his twenty-eight years of existence. Sweat trickled slowly down his temples as his eyes locked intensely with those of the woman standing firmly before them.
Thick tresses of raven hair fell to a stop at her shoulders, glistening with a blue hue under the heavy moon-casted spotlight that fell around her. He wondered how she always managed to look even more beautiful every time he saw her. A half smile curved Hadaen’s lips as his gaze travelled over the thin white linen dress that molded the soft curves he was desperate to see. Small supple breasts peaked out from the low neckline as she stood proudly, chin pointed outwards and her electric blue eyes giving no hint to her soul. But Hadaen knew better. He could see deep into the trenches and crevices of her mind.
She hated him.
Desire plunged through him like a poisoned dagger. He was desperate to have her whether she agreed to it or not. She did not have much of a choice in the matter. Stifling a groan, he attempted to settle the igniting need that was burning in his loins. He would have her and as soon as he declared that as such, he intended on dragging her off to his bedchamber and plunging deep within her warm sensitive folds. Hadaen sniffed lightly as her subtle scent whiffed through the room. A tremor ran a course through his body and his cock jumped to alert. He swore beneath his breath. Damn it, man! Get yourself together before you come all over the damn place.
Suddenly picking back up on the route of his brothers’ thoughts, he cast both of them a dark glare, warning them away from the dark beauty. And just to his relief, Marza, stepped proudly into the room. His eyes followed her for a brief moment until she stopped in front of the fruit of his lust. Marza was a beautiful woman; sweet hazel eyes and a peachy complexion. But never Hadaen’s type; she wasn’t the woman a man could trust. She then delivered one of her trademark lusty smiles and spoke sweetly after delivering a cleavage-flaunting curtsey,
“You called for me, my lord?”
For a moment, the room fell quiet and Hadaen was aware that they were watching him, waiting for him to speak. But instead, his gaze or attention never left the gorgeous woman who appeared to be staring daggers at him beneath hooded eyes. He smiled slowly and then responded in a cool calm voice. “Indeed, Marza.” Smoothing down the lapels of his long black overcoat, he widened his legs just enough for the woman to notice the thick bulge in his pants. Marza gasped softly and then turned to look at the younger beauty behind her. A snicker came from Gideon at his left, and Hadaen smiled. Faolan, on the other hand, crossed his arms and smiled wickedly, obviously entranced by Marza’s beauty.
A red hot blush flashed across her features when she turned back around. “My-my lord, surely you can pick another. I have many other waiting—.”
Hadaen’s temper rose quickly. “I do not want another. I want her.”
Marza nodded slowly and hang her head low. “As you wish, my lord.”
“Good.” Hadaen then brushed an invisible lint from his coat and waved a hand at her. “You can leave now.” Marza left as quickly as she had come but only after she had cast the girl a pained look and sent her a mental message: Good luck… You’ll need it. Promising himself he’d dump that stupid Marza into his brother’s lustful hands afterwards, he then dismissed them both. “Leave me alone with the girl.”
For a couple minutes, Hadaen sat studying her as she regarded the floor. She was unlike any woman he had ever seen before. Her beauty was of such rarity and innocence yet her thoughts pulsed towards a woman who had seen the world and beyond; the heart of a warrior within the body of an angel. And that fascinated him more than ever. Hadean zoned into her mind once more, hoping to find some clue about her. Nothing. It was as if he had run into a void space of complete emptiness. Or was she…?
“What are you?” he snarled, jumping to his feet.
It was then that she raised her head to look at him, eyes sparkling. “What do you want with me?” Her voice was like silk rubbing against his balls. Hadaen shook off a shudder and swallowed.
“Answer my question!” he spat, moving swiftly towards her until he was sure she could feel his breath on her face. “What did you do just now? Why can’t I read your mind?”
A cool sneer curved on her luscious lips. Hadaen fought against ripping her clothes to shreds and devouring her right there and then. He needed answers first.
“You can’t read my mind, my lord, because I do not wish you to.”
/> Steam oozed from his body as his patience finally began to boil over. Did she even know who she was talking to? Grabbing her by the shoulders, Hadaen ripped her dress down the neckline causing her breasts to fall heavily into his hands. She stood unbelievably still but her heart pounded so hard he could almost hear it. Letting out a feral groan, he freed his straining cock from the restraints of his trousers and inhaled sharply as she met his eyes anxiously. Blood pounded into his ears as Hadaen swallowed deeply, sucking in her raw feminine perfumes and drinking in her cock-swelling beauty.
“Do you wish me to fuck you like an animal, wench? Because that’s exactly what I intend to do!”
Her gasp echoed throughout the empty room as Hadaen shoved her around savagely and pushed her up against the rough wall. Her small limbs shook with terror beneath his but he refused to give a damn. He’d been yearning for far too long; ever since that morning he’d looked down from the window of his bedchamber and seen her radiant face covered in mud from the gardens. His cock had nearly torn its way through his linen wrap. Hadaen groaned. No more longing. He would get her out of his system once and for all… however long or fast it took.
He was halfway between shoving her dress up her waist and positioning his length at the entrance of her heat when he stilled. She was saying something. Mumbling in a strange language he could not understand, her voice shaking with emotion.
“Enahk… unek… maen…” Her voice was low and strained. “Enahk… unek… maen…”
Hadaen grabbed her by the shoulders and turned her around to face him. He looked her over with fury clotting his veins but she never stopped saying those words. His fingers knotted painfully in her hair. “What are you about?”
But still she muttered, “Enahk… unek… maen…” staring up at him timidly.
There was a light forming; some sort of a blue light. Hadaen was angered at what he could not understand. Forcing his eyes from hers, he looked down to see a blue glow radiating from a crystal necklace she was wearing. Who was she? His eyes went back to hers instantly, accusing and somewhat mesmerized. It was then that he caught the smirk on her face, her eyes damp with unshed tears. She then smiled and Hadaen stood dumbfounded as she began to dissolve before his very eyes… into thin air. Shrugging away the sudden hopelessness that was overtaking him, he reached out to grab her, hands quick but not quick enough.
And then she was gone, her physique disappearing like a white fog into some form of vortex. “You fucking bitch!”
Hadean growled furiously and split his knuckles against the wall. She was a damn sorceress. His equal. How could he have not seen it? Closing his eyes briefly in an attempt to calm his nerves, he released a harsh breath…and it was then that he realized that something was in his grip.
It was her necklace; glowing faintly. Bringing it up to eye level, he studied it carefully, examining the tiny inscription that was lain out on the back of a diamond-shaped locket. And his discovery pleased him, indeed. He could scarcely believe it. Was she the one; his destined mate?
Amelia, Daughter of Liberty.
Chapter One
Seattle, Washington – 2011
The heavens chose to weep tonight.
Amelia stared out the wide ceiling-to-floor windows of the liquor store as the starless darkness of the sky showed her its grief. Its heavy tear drops ran smoothly down the surface of the glass, smearing its face and trapping her with the chill of its action. A shiver ran up her spine and across her arms; she tugged her over-sized blazer closer. It wasn’t too late… The common patrons were about doing the usual, leaving no exception for the stiletto-and-leather princesses she knew were always hard at work just up the street near the intersection. She shook her head and popped a few tic-tacs into her mouth, eyeing the clock near the door. 11:27 PM. She should be heading home now. The wind blew angrily outside, dragging trash and empty bottles reluctantly along with it. A thin dog, hunger marring its features, cuddled beneath a skimpy awning.
An eerie fog stretched, crawling sluggishly along the avenue and wiping its gloom on every surface it came in contact with. All and all, she was quite satisfied that she hadn’t left just yet. A tinted black SUV drove by slowly, its tail-lights dimmed. Amelia’s eyes shot to the unlocked state of the door and her alert heightened. There had been days when she was anticipating a potential robbery… and there were nights when she was really expecting one. Tonight was one of those nights. Stepping further behind the cashier’s desk, she felt for her loaded rifle and exhaled slowly, waiting.
A couple minutes passed and she almost jumped out of her skin when she saw a tall figure approaching the store. She could not decipher whether or not she was seeing correctly but she chose the rational option. She was damn well not sleeping. The person was dressed in a long black coat, seemingly damped from the rain and head bowed, presumably attempting to keep the shower from his face. Amelia swallowed down the lump that had somehow formed in her throat. Get a grip, Mel! Chancing a glance at her well-hidden weapon, she stood firm and composed despite the shaking of her feet inside black combat boots.
The stranger pushed the door open. She waited. He stepped inside and shrugged fiercely, his heavy cloak dripping on the floor. She decided to take the opportunity to study him. You know, because I might end up filing a police report if he gets away. Not because he seems like a total hunk… She swallowed again. Thick short cut black hair clung to his forehead and neck, water rippling down his jaw and running off the bridge of a narrow nose. For an instant, she felt the strange sense of familiarity but quickly dismissed the feeling. And he just stood there, regarding the floor, his jaws clenching and unclenching rapidly. Mentally rolling her eyes, Amelia then cleared her throat loudly.
“What can I get you, sir?”
The man’s head shot up, his eyes widened for just a moment, and then settled on her as if attempting to see into her soul. She frowned and surprisingly, he smiled. Taken aback, she gripped the rifle tighter and inhaled slowly. Amelia had to admit, the man looked gorgeous… and unbelievably dangerous. He had the most amazing eyes she had ever seen; dark whirlpools of desire drawing her into captivity. His face was well-chiseled; squared jaws and a mouth that begged to be kissed. She swallowed again. And then that same mouth began to twitch as if with faint amusement. For a moment, she started to wonder if he could sense what she was thinking. One dark eyebrow shot up skeptically and she gasped, blush heating her cheeks and setting her nerves on edge. Oh, my gosh! What if he does know what I’m thinking? If looks could kill, she’d be dead already because this man suddenly made her feel like Shrek-meets-Bigfoot. How she wished she could just dry up and waste away…..
“Two bottles of brandy and a flask of whiskey.” His voice came smooth and thick, rich with an accent she could not identify.
Amelia quickly retrieved the items, taking care not to lose him from her vision. And as soon as she had placed the bottles on the counter and bagged them, he stepped up instantaneously, his musky scent clouding her thoughts.
“That will be—…”
“Keep the change,” he said before she even managed to respond, shoving down a few hundred dollar bills.
“Sir, you should—.”
“Relax, Amelia. Keep the change. Shouldn’t you be heading home? A liquor store is no place for a woman to be at midnight.”
Her eyes widened as she watched him cross the room and then pull the door open. “How do you know my name? Who are you? Have we met before?”
The man turned slightly and smiled, knocking the air out of her lungs.
“Something like that. Nous nous rencontrerons de nouveau…” And he turned and left, leaving her to drown in her mesmerism and the puzzled by her ignorance to his words.
…Nous nous rencontrerons de nouveau…
~*~*~*~
Hadaen sipped on his whiskey, staring deep into the angry flames of the fire place. He hadn’t counted on finding her so quickly. It had only taken him seven centuries and he was prepared to go at least ten more. Bu
t now that he had found her, he did not know if he could quite control himself. The moment he had laid eyes on her, the lustful longing bombarded his loins even stronger that it had ever had. And yet he could not have her…not until he was sure she was his intended mate.
Amelia, Daughter of the Liberty.
Hadaen clutched the necklace tight in his right palm. It had served as a link to her over those very long decades and he did not plan on losing her again. This time… she was going to be his. Even if he had to do so by force, she must accept him or else his anxiety and frustration may just prove to be lethal.
“You do this every night, Hadaen,” Gideon’s voice came dryly from behind him. “You sit by the fireplace, downing whiskey and gripping that damn necklace like it’s your lifeline.”
Hadaen groaned and gave his brother a smothering look. “It is my damn lifeline! She is.”
“How do you know? The woman could be bewitching you. She could be working for the Kankul Dynasty for all we know...”
“No.” He shook his head and stared at the necklace. “She’s one of us, I can feel it.”
“Then why the fuck did she run away seven hundred years ago to have me running behind you while you chase after her?” Gideon frowned and swore again beneath his breath.
“Do not forget your place, brother!” Hadaen’s growl shook the walls of the room. “You did not have a choice. She is the Daughter of the Light. Our key to redemption.”
“More like the key to your cock...” Gideon whined beneath his breath.
Ignoring his brother’s comment, Hadaen went on, “We were told about seeking Liberty since we were lads. The priests taught us about it from the old scriptures but never how to find it. Amelia is our way and I must convince her.”
For a moment, Gideon was silent. “Why do you have to convince her?”
