The Guardians (The Tempest Isle Series Book 1)

by S. C. Storm

  Ryder piped up. “We weren’t hiding. We were just waiting until we decided we were ready.”

  “Ah, quite the life,” Anton said, glancing at Rian. “And you?”

  “You know I had to wait till Ryden ascends. That’s the way it works,” Rian answered without looking at Anton. The last thing he wanted to do was be goaded by an asshole who thought he was a godsend. He wanted absolutely nothing to do with the sadistic bastard before him.

  “Ah, seems as though you suffer as the rest of us older brothers must.” Anton glanced over at Pierre by the bar. “An antisocial younger brother.”

  “I never looked at Pierre as antisocial, just quieter than most. Besides, it’s the quiet ones they say you have to watch out for,” Ryden added. “I did not expect you to make it for the ascension, Anton. I assumed you were all out killing reapers and having a fine old time.”

  “Ah, we have been, but the reapers have been on the move. Just making it to the islands was a bit of a struggle. I have never seen the reapers so organized or so bloodthirsty. Many are dying at their hands once again,” Anton told him.

  “We had not heard about their move toward the islands. I’m sure they know it is almost time for the ascension. That is always when the power of the islands is at its strongest,” Ryder said as he leaned down and lined up a shot. He took his shot, then glanced at his brother who was staring at Anton.

  “So you know it’s bad out there right now, yet you decided to take a break from doing what you love,” Rian stated, watching for a change in Anton’s behavior.

  “No, we will still be going and doing our job while we are here, young Atherton. Do not worry. We take killing reapers very seriously. We have been doing so for quite some time. Perhaps once you ascend, the importance of such things as playing pool will become more of pleasure to you. You will barely have time to look at a pool table. Things are much worse out there than anyone can imagine. Believe me, once this ascension comes, all bets will be off. I am sure of it. The reapers are ready to kill us all.” Anton smiled at Rian. “But a slight break from time to time is warranted. Besides, we have found things to keep our minds occupied.”

  “As Ryden said, they sense the power of the island. Things will be back to normal soon,” Rian told him.

  “You truly believe that? How many ascensions have you attended, waiting for your brothers to show?” Anton asked. When Rian didn’t answer, he smirked. “You’ve seen your fair share, then. Have you ever had to fight just to make it to the ferry? Have you been attacked by a mass of reapers for stepping out of your hotel on the mainland? No. That is what is happening right now. It is insane for supernatural creatures away from this island. Before long, this island may be the only thing left to protect.”

  Seeing Rian glaring at Anton, Ryden stepped in. “If it comes down to the islands being all that is left to protect, then we will all protect it with our lives. You do not have to worry about that, Anton. You make it sound like none of us have encountered a reaper in hundreds of years. You are wrong. We have killed many. We fought them every day until we arrived on Tempest. We plan to continue fighting them. You do not have to worry about those soulless bastards taking over. We will not allow it,” he told Anton, seeing Rian grin.

  “That is good to hear, Ryden. That is all any of us have wanted. Now, I suppose I should leave the three of you to finish your games.”

  Glancing toward Jasmyn, Ryder looked to Anton. “The way you and your brothers are with women, do you truly think leaving those kinds of impressions on an O’Connor and a keeper is wise?”

  “Ah, the wolf is an O’Connor?” Anton asked. “I had not gotten as far as her last name.” He smirked as he bowed his head. “It has been nice catching up, but as I said before, I must return to the ladies we have waiting,” he added. “I will see you at the Gathering.” He walked away.

  Hearing the vampires who were talking to Ryden and Rian, Alexandra looked at her brother and Kane. The looks on their faces told her something was going on they were not sharing. Grabbing Jason’s arm, she pulled him away from the others. “Is that what’s wrong with you? How bad is it out there, Jas?”

  Sighing, he shook his head. “It’s bad, Lex. I’ve been feeling us lose guardians for the past couple of days. Kane has too.”

  “Why aren’t we out there kicking ass?” She growled.

  “Because, we need this ascension to happen. We need to protect the islands. I can’t send everyone out to fight. We have to have enough here to defend Tourmaline,” he said, shaking his head. “Believe me, my instinct is to go out and take as many of those bastards down as I can, but strategically, I can’t. It sucks, but it’s how it is.”

  Seeing the worry on her brother’s face, she sighed. “Who have we lost?”

  “Several older guardians that you probably haven’t met. They are around Dad’s age and older. There are a couple who ascended at the last ascension. Sarah, Carlton, and Shawn were the youngest,” he told her, watching her face. He knew she had met all of them. She and Shawn had even left Temptations together on a couple of occasions. “Lex, I’m sorry I haven’t told all of you, but the last thing I need is everyone wanting to go off half-cocked. We must get the ascension taken care of, then we’ll make a move. I promise.”

  “I know, Jas, I get it. I just wish you would tell us these things,” she told him, glancing over at Kane who was watching them. “What about the others who are out there?”

  “Kane has contacted all the packs. Wolves who aren’t guardians have joined in the fighting. He’s lost a lot of people. He talks like he’s heading out that way once he sees to the Gathering going smoothly. With the way the vampires are acting, he’s worried their politics will get involved,” Jason explained as he and his sister both looked at the newest arrivals speaking to the Athertons. “It’s pretty clear things are changing. The reapers are more organized. They are planning better than they ever have, and they are stronger.”

  Looking at her brother, she could see the anger in his eyes. The thought of someone helping the reapers or even leading them was dangerous. It would render all guardians at a disadvantage. She reached over and patted his arm. “It will be all right, Jas. We won’t lose this war. I know we won’t.”

  He nodded his head. “Yeah, I know we won’t either. I will do whatever it takes to see to that. The only thing that bothers me is losing so many of our kind to fight it,” he told her, picking up his beer and heading back toward Kane.

  Watching him go, she made her way back over to the others, hoping she was right about them winning this fight.

  Chapter 22

  Howlers End

  Lisa Douglas wiped her paw across her muzzle, grimacing at the blood that dripped onto the ground. Damn reapers. Where in the hell are they all coming from? Being in wolf form, they were communicating telepathically.

  I wish to hell I knew, Shane Matthews said as he looked around. The bodies of the six reapers who attacked them littered the ground. He looked over at Lisa who was scanning the area. Mike Douglas, Lisa’s dad, had been alpha of the mainland pack until Dominic came along and killed him. It was only out of loyalty to her that he and most of the pack stayed instead of leaving. Those who left preferred to be cast as rogues rather than to have to follow Dominic. Shane knew the only reason she stuck around was in hopes of one day taking back her father’s pack. Being a pure-blooded guardian was one reason Dominic hadn’t tried to kill her. He feared bringing the wrath of the Alpha Guardian down on his head if he did so without her challenging him.

  Not relaxing her guard, Lisa glanced at Shane. It’s because of the ascension. Once word of the Athertons being on the islands spread, we’ve seen twice the number of reapers. I heard there was an attack on the islands not too long ago. That’s why I want to get down there. I need to let Kane know how many we’ve killed. Plus, I…we all want to be there for the ascension, she said, looking at the dozen or so wolves with her.

  When was the last time a reaper was on Tempest? Shane asked.

/>   Way before my dad was born, Lisa said quietly. Although it had been several years since his death, thoughts of her dad were still painful.

  Shane nudged her. It’s okay, Lisa, he said, knowing where her thoughts were. He and Lisa had always been close, so he was familiar with her moods.

  Yeah, I know. It’s just… Her head swung toward the woods on her left. Damn, there are more.

  I only sense two or three of them, Shane told her.

  Lisa shook her head. No, there’s at least a dozen. Damn. I need to let Kane know. Silently sending Kane a message, she and Shane took fighting stances, their pack standing behind them. “Get ready everyone. Here they come.

  Reapers burst out from between the trees just as the pack, moving as one, met them head on.

  ***

  Crimson Island, Temptations

  Making it back to the table, Anton smiled seeing that Melody and Paul had returned. “I am sorry I had to step away for a bit,” he told them as he took his seat. “We could extend our night if you ladies are willing. Drinks at our place perhaps?”

  Melody started to speak, but Jasmyn held her hand up to stop her. “What was that all about? It was kind of clear you and the Athertons were having issues.”

  Smirking, Anton leaned forward. “To be honest, we’ve never much cared for one another. Rivalries you know.”

  “You are the Fontenays, aren’t you?” Jasmyn asked. “The ones who love ripping reapers apart. Torturing and having fun with your toys.”

  “That would be us,” Anton answered with a smile.

  Jasmyn glanced to Melody, whose eyes had widened. As a keeper, she had heard the name as well. “We need to be going,” Jasmyn told them as she stood. Melody followed suit, knowing now would not be a good time to argue with her friend.

  Anton reached out and snatched Jasmyn’s hand. “You should really stay,” he almost growled.

  “You should really let go of my hand before you regret it,” she demanded, glancing over her shoulder slightly.

  Seeing the direction the wolf’s eyes went, Anton glanced behind her. Standing there with arms crossed were the two alphas. Both seemed ready to step in if need be. Not wishing to have an incident, Anton nodded. “Perhaps another night then,” he said, nodding his head.

  “Perhaps,” Jasmyn said as she turned on her heel. As she walked she held to Melody, making sure she stayed on her feet. Sparing another glance to the back, she saw the Athertons as well as Jason watching them. Wishing she had stayed home instead of coming out, she took her friend out the front door, hoping Melody could stay awake for the trip home.

  Once Anton had stepped away, Ryden watched Rian. It was clear he was agitated. He knew his brother did not like Anton Fontenay. Obviously, his feelings had not changed. “Rian,” he said, watching the look his brother gave him when he looked up. “Perhaps we should head home. We have a lot to talk about.”

  Glancing around and seeing Anton looking his way with a smirk on his face, Rian let out a low growl. “You’re right. It may be best if we take off.”

  Both of them looked to Ryder, who also nodded in agreement. They turned to the others and told everyone goodnight. With that, the three of them vanished.

  “I wonder what that is all about,” Kane said to Jason. He had noticed the interaction between the Athertons and the newcomers. He wondered if Jason had, considering most of the night he had been trying to keep an eye on Melody.

  “No idea,” Jason told him as the girls brought more beers and joined them. They were all standing around talking when Jason saw Kane tense up. “What’s wrong?”

  “Lisa Douglas. They’ve been attacked by reapers on the mainland. I have to go help,” Kane explained. He killed his beer and started for the door.

  “Hold up,” Jason called as he glanced at Alexandra and the others. They all nodded, as did Nia. “We’ll help out,” he told them as they followed Kane.

  ***

  Moonstone Island

  Making it back home, Jason let himself fall to the sofa. He let out a sigh and wiped his face. He pulled his hand away and saw the blood. It had been a hell of a night. Reapers were everywhere. Luckily though, they had been able to take them out without losing any more wolf lives. However, it was a good thing he had been there. Several of the wolves had been scratched by reapers and needed the healing of an ascended guardian. It was too much for Lisa to handle on her own.

  He pulled himself up to his feet and made his way to his bathroom to start the shower. Once he was cleaned up and found a bite to eat, he planned on crashing for a few hours before letting the others know what all is happening on the mainland. It wasn’t fair for him to keep it from them, not when the possibility was there for the reapers to attack the islands.

  Stripping and stepping under the spray, he let the hot water wash over him. He hadn’t planned on going on to the mainland until after the ascension, but hearing who was in trouble had made him eat his words. He and Lisa Douglas knew each other quite well. The two of them met shortly after high school. It was before Lisa’s father was killed and he was alpha of their pack. Having so much in common, they hit it off immediately and began to spend a lot of time together. It wasn’t long before they had found themselves lovers. As the relationship built, they had each found themselves faced with the reality of what was happening. Jason was being groomed to be the alpha of the guardians. Lisa herself was being groomed to take over her father’s pack and someday ascend to join the war. Neither could commit to more than their destinies. For a while, they had made time to meet. Each time they did, they wound up with one another for the night. But they had both known it would be short-lived. When Jason had stepped into his role as alpha, all outside connections had begun to diminish. Before he knew it, he and Lisa had drifted apart, only occasionally seeing one another.

  Groaning at the memory, he rinsed off, got out, then wrapped a towel around his waist. Pushing his long hair out of his eyes, he thought about his conversation with Melody from the other day. It was becoming a habit for him to push the people who wanted to be close to him away. He just hoped that someday all of them would understand why. Serving the goddess had to come before anything. That had been told to him and all the other guardians for as long as he could remember. Still, he had to admit, it was hard to let go of ties with people who meant something to you. No, he hadn’t fallen in love with Lisa, but they had been friends. He missed their talks and the time they had spent together. He could see it was going to be the same with Melody. Since their conversation, they hadn’t talked. All night he would catch her glancing over his way, but not once did she come over and say hi to everyone like she usually did.

  Collapsing on the bed, he stared up at the ceiling. In a couple of hours, he and Kane would have to talk. The reapers were becoming a virus, a virus that was spreading like wildfire. If they didn’t act now, it would consume Tempest.

  His rumbling stomach made him realize he needed food. He got up and he made his way to the kitchen. As he opened the fridge, the sound of his back door opening grabbed his attention. Turning quickly, he was surprised to see Lisa standing there. “I thought you were at the resort.”

  “I was. I cleaned up, then went to grab a bite to eat. That’s when I realized there was something else I was needing,” Lisa told him as she slowly began to walk toward him. “Should I go back?” she asked, letting the image of him in only a towel lead her on.

  “No, you don’t have to,” he answered as he closed the gap between them.

  “I was hoping you would say that,” she said with a slight growl. She reached out and tangled her fingers in his hair, pulling him to her. She kissed him hard, pressing her body against his. As their lips parted, she looked up at him. “So alpha, are you going to fuck me or what?”

  “Oh yeah, I am,” he said with a growl as he pulled her against his body hard, loving the feel of her against him. Both began to pull at the few clothes she had on.

  “Then what are you waiting for?” She practically purred agains
t his lips.

  Without another word, he kissed her hard, bruising her lips with the forcefulness. As their lips parted, he grabbed her hips, turning her quickly. His hands ran up her hips, then slapped her ass. Hearing her yelp, he smirked and then did it again before bending her over the counter. He thrust into her, moaning at the feel of her. “Damn.” He moaned as he began to move. Lisa’s hands gripped the counter, and he heard her cry out with each thrust. Her hips pressed back against him, letting him know she wanted more. He heard a growl escape her lips, then she cried out his name as his fingers dug into her hips, holding her. He felt her grip him tight, and suddenly she screamed his name, nails digging into the counter. Her cries drove him on until he shot into her with a moan. Leaning forward, his lips trailed down her neck, biting lightly as they moved together through their orgasm till their bodies finally slowed. Jason kissed her shoulder and slowly turned Lisa to face him. Smiling, he kissed her as he picked her up. Her legs wrapped around his waist as he carried her up to his bed.

  ***

  Obsidian Island, Atherton Estate

  After talking with his brothers about what they had learned the night before, Ryder took a seat and looked out the window. He thought about Deacon. Even after all these years, he still knew Deacon well enough to know that Tessa and her well-being had always ranked above everything else in his life. She had always been the tether that held him. After Edmund had died, before the Winthrop family had discovered the Athertons’ ties to the whole incident, Deacon had begun trying to replace Edmund in Richard’s eyes. Ryder had watched as Deacon began to do any and everything he thought his father would expect of him. In time, he had become Richard’s lackey. He was not entrusted with the important matters a son should tend to. No, he was sent to spy, beat up, and intimidate those whom Richard despised. Ryder himself had always hated the way Deacon was treated by his father. However, Richard was one topic Deacon and Ryder had agreed to avoid. Deacon knew his friend’s opinion, and Ryder had respected Deacon enough not to openly judge his actions where his father was concerned. Tessa was a different subject, however. Deacon often spoke of not understanding Richard’s treatment of her. He hated seeing his sister pushed to the side as she was. He made that very clear to everyone.