The Eternal War Series Box Set

by Holly Vane

  “You can’t compete with me girl.” He barked charging at her.

  Holly remembered her training and let the wall she had put up between her and her feelings crumble. A buzzing noise filled her ears and Michael’s charge was halted by the strong gust then he toppled backwards like he’d hit an invisible wall.

  She threw a worried glance in Caleb’s direction and saw him come to. Dominic slid his body out of harm’s way and watched Michael’s head bang off the far wall. His grey wings bristled and he quickly got to his feet.

  “Abomination!” He spat at her.

  “Michael, go to hell.” She retorted. A jerk of her head suspended him above ground. He hung in the air like a defenceless butterfly.

  “Holly…”She heard Caleb’s weak voice warn but the buzzing drowned the rest of him out. She had Michael exactly where she wanted him. Michael killed her parents, massacred her home town, forced her to run, threw her off a rooftop…she had no mercy for him; after all he had showed her none.

  The breeze kicked up again with renew vigour and the locker doors broke away from their brackets as an invisible force crushed one of Michael’s wings. He let out an inhuman howl Holly felt her power meld with her and smiled slowly feeling an incredible rush of power surge through her.

  “Don’t do this…He’s still an Angel…” Caleb begged her again but Michael’s scream blotted him out. Michael’s whole body swelled as Holly drew closer.

  “Say hello to Lucifer for me.” She told Michael before his body imploded covering the walls and them in blood skin and organs.

  Chapter Eighteen

  ∬

  Moving On

  Holly took a final glimpse of her dorm room then shut the door behind her. All things considered she had enjoyed her time here. Andrea had taught her a lot and Holly would forever be in her debt.

  “Leaving without saying goodbye is just rude.”

  Holly turned to see Layla and Miles standing behind her. St. Heralds had survived thanks to them and the other Nephilim who had faced Michael’s army and had defeated them. That had been a week ago and the college and town were slowly getting back to normal.

  “I hate goodbyes.” Holly muttered willing herself not to tear up.

  “Then let’s just make it farewell for now. Layla said drawing her into a hug. “Thank you for everything.” She whispered to Holly.

  “Shouldn’t that be the other way round?” Holly asked drawing away. “You accepted me, made me feel welcome I should be thanking you.”

  “You’ve given us our lives back.” Layla replied. “After what happened to Michael and his followers, Heaven and Hell will think twice about messing with us.”

  “Glad I could help. Look after yourselves okay?”

  “This place is going to be lame without you Holly.” Miles said stepping up to give her a brief hug. “No one else asks about my comics.” He added laughing.

  “Just for the record I’m more of a Thor fan.”

  “You could always stay.” Layla interrupted. “Michael isn’t chasing you anymore.”

  She was right Michael was dead. Holly had been running for more than a year now and nothing appealed to her more than to stay, but they were in uncharted waters now. The next thing that was coming after her was far more dangerous.

  Lucifer.

  She didn’t know what was ahead but it certainly wasn’t going to be easy, and she couldn’t bear the thought of Layla and Miles caught up in it. After promising to stay in touch Holly said her goodbyes to Andrea and Professor Brooks who both urged her to stay.

  She was glad when she stepped outside and saw Dominic’s red Harley waiting.

  “So where to my lady?” He said with amusement. Holly bounded down the steps and came to a stop in his arms. She was so grateful to have him and without the confines of classes they would be a lot more having.

  “I heard New York is nice.” She said with a smile.

  “New York it is then.” He smiled back before brushing her lips with his.

  “I don’t what I would have done if you had…”

  “No more talk.” She told him before taking his mouth passionately. Whatever was to come they would weather it together.

  Epilogue

  ∬

  The Devil Inside

  Legion stood on the cliff top peering down at the curious town of St. Heralds. Dominic and Holly had left hours ago but he had a few more loose ends to tie up before he joined them. The stars glittered overhead and he found himself thinking of his own lost family.

  “My Lord.”

  Cyrus’s voice behind him caught Legion off guard and he cursed his lapse of control. Thinking about the past never did any good, but the future…that was a whole different ball game.

  “Has Michael been dealt with?”

  “They received him this morning. Bet that was a shock to their divine system.” He chuckled. Legion couldn’t help but join in; it had been a stroke of genius on his part to send Michael’s remains, however small, to The Seraphim.

  “Not that I’m second guessing you my Lord, but why risk everything for that girl? I’ve met her before and while she certainly is beautiful, is she really worth crossing Lucifer for?”

  Legion smiled. “She certainly is Cyrus. That girl is my second chance.”

  Cyrus looked at him blankly.

  A twig snapped deep in the forest and Legion saw his general’s head snap round at the sound.

  “It’s just Castillo Cyrus, do not be alarmed. I invited him here.”

  “Why? He’s Seraphim.”

  “I’m going to need his influence if I hope to make my plan a success.”

  “And just what is your plan, and why is the girl so important to you, if you don’t intend on handing her over to your father?”

  Legion smiled conspiratorially and finally faced Cyrus.

  “Holly Adams is pregnant.”

  Book Three

  Life vs. Death

  the Eternal War Series

  1

  The couple stepped out into the cold December night and crossed the street hand in hand. “That was…I don’t even have words to describe it.” Dominic Prince said.

  “The Prince of Hell lost for words?” Holly Adams quipped, squeezing his hand playfully. It was three degrees below and while she was wrapped up in scarf gloves and hat, he wore only jeans and a cashmere sweater, being Immortal had its advantages. “It wasn’t that bad.” He threw her an incredulous look and Holly couldn’t help but grin. “Okay so it pretty much…sucked, but at least it wasn’t a chick flick.” She admitted.

  He led her to the parking lot where his Red Harley motorbike sat, glowing under a street light. It was Dom’s pride and joy and wherever they went so did it. Holly had been pushing him to get a car, the seat played havoc with her back, but she knew it was like asking him to saw off his arm.

  “That’s the last time you’re picking the movie princess.” Holly rolled her eyes as she took the offered helmet and pulled it over her head. The bike roared to life and she cuddled into him as the Harley glided through the notorious New York City traffic.

  The winds icy fingers played with her dark curls as they plummeted forward with such speed that the world around her blurred. When he pulled over outside her favourite restaurant Holly grudging let go and yanked off the bash hat. She hated wearing the damn thing it made her head sweat but Dom wouldn’t have it any other way, she had even tried the sex card but he stuck to his guns.

  Placing the helmet on the seat Holly hesitated. She had learned over the past year to trust her instincts and right now they were telling her she was being watched. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end and a shiver travelled down her spine.

  “What is it?”

  Holly looked back to see Dominic studying her while holding the door to the restaurant open. She still found it thrilling that they were in sync enough for him to notice the little changes her body made in its language. She took one last glancing sweep of the crowded street and shrug
ged. “Guess I’m just paranoid.” She could tell by his stern expression that he wasn’t buying her façade. The waitress showed them to their regular table at the back; it had a perfect unblocked view of the whole restaurant and was close to the kitchen if they needed to make a hasty exit.

  “What can I get for you Dom?” The waitress asked, leaning over him with a look of adoration in her brown eyes. Holly still found it hard to deal with the effect Dominic had on the female population, not that she blamed them. Holly had been drawn to him just like they were but he was all hers and encounters like this made jealously rear its ugly head.

  “Usual.” He replied distractedly, his dark eyes focused on the window. “Please.” He added finally looking at her and Holly actually saw the girl swoon. “My pleasure.” She told him with a beaming smile that showed a full set of pearly whites. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Take your time.” Holly saw his eyes follow the waitress as she walked to the kitchen and arched her eyebrows at him. “What?” He asked catching her irritated glare. “I was just being friendly.”

  “Whatever.” She mumbled while shrugging out of her coat. The rest of the staff huddled around the till casting flirtatious looks Dominic’s way and Holly suddenly found herself wondering what it was that had made him chose her.

  Dominic Prince had gone against his family to protect Holly. He had given up everything for her, but she had never actually asked him why. He would say it was because he had fallen in love with her and Holly believed it. The only part of him that wasn’t hard as stone were his eyes and they couldn’t lie, but Holly had never asked him why he loved her.

  When they had met she had been a naïve small town girl, who preferred to sit home and study instead of partying. They were complete opposites and without sounding big headed Holly knew she was pretty, her best friend Jo had told her enough times, but Dominic was a pure God. And she would never be as slender or as beautiful as the girls standing just a few yards away.

  “What are you thinking?” He asked her suddenly.

  “What?”

  “You’ve got that look I can’t read.” Holly was about to tell him what was on her mind when the girl returned with their order. She plonked the big ham and cheese pizza onto the table and scowled at the waitress behind who carried their drinks. “Vodka and Coke for you…” the second slightly older woman said placing Dom’s drink in front of him ceremoniously. “And sparkling water for you.” Holly started a little when her glass was slammed down with such force it made the wooden table shudder. “Can I help with anything else?” Holly and their original waitress exchanged a look of outrage. “I think we can manage.” Dominic replied trying to stifle a laugh. “Well call if you change your mind.” As they backed off Holly heard the girl curse at the older woman. “You’ve started a cat fight.” She told an amused Dominic who placed a slice of pizza onto her plate.

  “Best kind.” Holly threw him an exasperated stare. “Do you emit like a pheromone or something?” Dominic gave her a quizzical look then shrugged. “It’s a devil thing.”

  “Huh?” She heard him sigh and he slumped back into his chair. “Lucifer has a certain aura about him. I inherited it.” Holly forgot her growling stomach. “You’ve never told me that before.” She hadn’t entertained the idea that her love might not be real. “That’s precisely why I didn’t.” He replied quickly. “Holly you love me because we’re meant to be, not because you’re under some…effect.” She leaned closer. “So what? It doesn’t work on me?” Dominic picked up his slice of pizza and took a bite. “It so works on you.” He replied teasingly. “But it doesn’t create what wasn’t already there.”

  “You’re a riddle you know that.” She took a mouthful of her own food and almost groaned with pleasure. Dominic’s sad expression made her freeze. “Something I said?” He looked like his world had just ended. He dropped the pizza back onto the plate and took her hand in his.

  “I don’t want you to think of me like that princess. I know there’s a lot about me you don’t know, and I’m not the most forthcoming guy in the world but God I love you Holly. I love your fire, your spirit, your kind heart, plus you’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I don’t want there to be space between us, so ask and I’ll answer.” Holly felt her heart pick up a gear. Whenever she had tried to get him to open up about his past he changed the subject, so this U-Turn was too good to pass up, even if it was a bit surprising.

  Holly glanced at the guy entering the restaurant and her words dissolved. The un-easy feeling hit her full force and she stiffened. “Holly?” Dominic followed her eyes and as soon as he saw the man he tensed up. “You have got to be kidding me.” He uttered in frustration.

  “Who is he?” Dominic clicked his tongue in annoyance as the man approached. He was slim and tall and walked with a grace Holly wouldn’t have thought him capable of; it dawned on her that he moved like Caleb. Flittering through the tables with a gentle ease. “He’s an Angel.” She groaned with realization as the man came to a stop beside their table.

  “Evening.” The Angel’s voice was light and pleasant but there was a hardness to his grey eyes. “I won’t intrude. I just need to deliver this.” Dominic recoiled from the small gold envelope in the man’s hand.

  “Is that what I think it is?” The Angel nodded.

  “The coming war concerns us all. The Devine order has been called. You and your…” Holly saw the Angel force himself to look at her. “Partner.” He spat out the word like it was poison in his mouth. “Have been summoned.” His cool demeanour didn’t bother Holly. After Castillo’s betrayal she had no love for Heaven or Angels, and they carried none for her after what she had done to Michael, but Dominic’s show of emotion rattled her. She watched as he reluctantly accepted the envelope.

  Throwing one last disgusted look her way the Angel left. “Well?” Holly prodded after he had gone. “What’s the Devine order?”

  Dominic looked ill. His eyes held a haunted glint and when he looked at her Holly had never seen him look so vulnerable.

  “Trouble.”

  2

  “Li.”

  Dominic paced the living area floor with agitation. “Dom, what’s going on?” Holly asked starting to feel very anxious. He had rushed them out the restaurant and had said nothing to her all the way home.

  “Nothing.” He muttered absent mindedly then repeated with more vigour. “Li.”

  “Don’t give me that crap!” Holly flung at him dis-guarding her winter wear onto the couch. “You’ve been like a bat out of hell since getting that damned thing!” She motioned to the gold envelope in his hand.

  “Holly please…Li!”

  “You rang.” Legion’s deep silky voice said. He was dressed in his usual black suit with a crisp white unbuttoned shirt underneath that exposed his flawless milky skin. Legion was taller than his younger brother and looked more like his identical twin. They shared the same high cheekbones and ruby red lips, but whereas Dom had dark and stormy eyes Legion had cold detached grey.

  “Do you people ever use doors?” Holly asked with slight annoyance at the sudden intrusion. Legion had been glued to them since arriving in New York a few months ago, and he had gotten damn right paternal when Dom and Holly discovered what Legion had been hiding.

  “Want to explain this.” Dominic tossed the envelope at him. Legion caught it effortlessly and examined it.

  “The Divine Order…”

  “Don’t look so surprised.” Dom snapped. “This stunt reeks of you.” Legion looked at him with calculating eyes before replying calmingly. “What makes you say that?” He asked cocking his head to the left, the gesture made Holly suspect that Dom was right, and Legion was stalling to see how much his brother really knew.

  “Before leaving Oregon you met with Castillo, the only one who has the power to call the Order.” Holly looked at Legion sharply, he seemed impressed by the amount of knowledge Dom possessed.

  “How did you know about that?”

  “I
have my spies.” Legion studied Dominic for a second then let a knowing smirk part his lips.

  “Cyrus. The slimy git.”

  “Why would you do this? You said you’re helping us, how’s this helping?” Dominic glared at him with eyes as black as midnight. Something changed in Legion, the cocky smile fell and he swallowed slowly before answering.

  “Because Lucifer is coming and if we are to stand a chance against him, then we need Cas and his Angels.” He got to his feet and closed the distance between them. “Brother we can’t just wing this one like we have before. This time we’re simply not enough to protect Holly.”

  “What do you mean?” Holly watched Dominic’s composure slip slightly. They all knew that the devil was coming for her, but after spending the last year running from the Archangel Michael who had been intent on her demise, these past few months in New York had been heaven. After watching her round the clock twenty four seven Dominic had to be just as tired, immortal or not it was no way to live. Holly couldn’t go back to that.

  “Holly we knew this couldn’t last forever.” Legion told her softly, breaking through her train of thought. “Hell has been gathering all evil to it. Soon they will have amassed an army unlike anything we’ve ever seen. Make no mistake about it this fight concerns every living thing on this planet, mortal or otherwise. We need help and so does Heaven. They can’t hope to face Lucifer’s army by themselves, they are greatly outnumbered. The Divine Order is our last chance. We all must unite in a common cause or we will fall.”

  The room suddenly felt colder and Holly hugged herself tightly trying to chase away the icy dread that formed in her stomach. “What exactly is the Order?” They both looked at her but it was Legion who answered. Dominic seemed to be having trouble dissolving what Legion had done.

  “It’s a Council made up of the most powerful of Immortals. Good and evil. It’s only called at times of great need.”