The Guardians (The Tempest Isle Series Book 1)

by S. C. Storm

  “Indeed. Nevertheless, the invitation still stands,” he said.

  Rian chimed in. “Yeah, seriously, you really should stop by the house sometime, Jasmyn. I barely know you, and my brothers seem to like you. We could at least show you around the grounds. Maybe you would like to sit in on one of our supposed training sessions.”

  “Supposed?”

  “They start out as sessions, then end in each of us trying to best the other. It is hard to get the upper hand when your brothers have had the same training you yourself have had,” Ryden explained to her.

  “So the three of you beat the crap out of one another to see who is tougher?” she teased.

  “No,” Ryden said. “We use swords as well as other weapons. It helps us to stay in practice.”

  “That’s cool. We used to have some wolves here on the islands who used guns quite a bit. Some still do from time to time. They’re good with them. I’ve never used a weapon myself,” she told them.

  “It is natural for a werewolf to shift in defense of themselves. If you were to learn weapons, you would have a new arsenal at your disposal. Your human forms would not be as vulnerable,” Ryden told her. Seeing the way her eyes lit up, he smiled. “If you are interested, I will teach you.”

  “I would love to learn. Maybe when I come for that visit we could start.”

  “Sounds like a plan,” Ryden told her as he finished his drink. “There is something else I would like to mention to you, Jasmyn.”

  Hearing the tone of his voice, Jasmyn knew whatever he needed to talk about was serious.

  “I would like for you and your friend to be extremely careful around the Fontenay brothers. They are dangerous. I know you can take care of yourself, but they have quite a deplorable reputation when it comes to women,” Ryden explained.

  Looking at each of the brothers, Jasmyn slowly nodded. She knew this was not the time to argue her ability to take care of herself. Instead she leaned across the bar and kissed Ryden’s cheek softly. “Thank you for trying to look out for us, but there isn’t anything for you to be worried about. I saw how the three of you reacted to Anton last night. That tipped me off that something wasn’t right. I grabbed Mel and hightailed it as quick as I could.”

  Smiling, Ryden nodded. “That’s good. We were all worried that the two of you would attempt to see them again.”

  Jasmyn shook her head. “No way.”

  “Good. You two could do a lot better,” Rian added with a wink as he killed his drink.

  Laughing at his brother, Ryden got to his feet. “I hate to say it, but we must be off now, little one. We have business to attend to. Take care of yourself,” he told her as Rian told her good-bye. He reached in his pocket, pulled out money, and laid it on the counter.

  “You are covered. Your money is no good here.” She smiled at him.

  “Ah, thank you,” he told her as he continued walking.

  Jasmyn looked down and saw a hundred-dollar bill on the bar. She shook her head and picked it up. She took it over and dropped it into the tip jar she never took part in. The other workers could use it, she thought as she went back to stocking the bar.

  ***

  Bloodstone Island, Winthrop House

  Slamming down the phone, Richard stood and stared out the window. It was set. Arthur had just called him, the last on his list of course, to inform him to be at the Athertons home tonight at midnight. The ceremony was to take place. He scoffed as he began to pace the room. There was no way he would be at that meeting. Hell itself would freeze over before he would ever bestow his backing to an Atherton. Never. He poured a drink and forced himself to take a seat. The Atherton family had taken so much from him, more than he would have ever allowed had he possessed the power he now had all those years ago. He could still feel the pain. He could still feel the anger.

  Edmund. He had been the perfect son. Never did he question an order. Never did he contradict an opinion he was given. He studied hard to be one of the brightest of the age. He studied even harder to discipline himself into one of England’s fighting elite. With his son by his side, Richard knew the Winthrop family would only grow stronger and become a force to be reckoned with. After the death of his mother, Edmund had given himself over fully to his father. This delighted Richard. He passed on his hatred for the Athertons as well as the crown to his son. Edmund never once questioned or disputed. No, he took Richard’s need for revenge without question and did all he could to give justice to his father.

  The Winthrops had never worked directly with the king. Edmund had served as guard for the crown, but that was as far as his ambitions had taken him. The rumor around the castle was that many of the generals in the king’s army saw him as too eager and somewhat careless. It was just as he and Richard had wanted it. The plot to kill the king would have never worked if Edmund came into direct contact with him in the sight of others. Instead, Edmund had worked in the background, listening, planning, taking in all he could. In no time at all he’d had the king’s routine memorized. He had known the ins and outs of the castle. He had known the secret passage that was unguarded and would lead him to the king’s private dining hall. In his heart, he had known there was no way he would be caught. His plan had been foolproof. He had even had his scapegoat: Ryden Atherton. However, things had not gone as planned. Edmund had been found out and murdered.

  Hundreds of years later, his son’s death still plagued him. He knew it had been Edmund’s own arrogance that had brought forth his demise. Still, the need to avenge his son overwhelmed him. Edmund had been acting on his orders. Richard knew he had never told anyone the truth. Still, the family was ridiculed. All of them were looked at as traitors, shunned from the aristocracy. Deacon had lost all chance at becoming part of the guard. Tessa, although he cared not, was teased and scorned by all the women her own age. No decent man would look her way⸻only Sebastian. Their lives had been forever changed, and for the second time in his life, an Atherton had taken someone he loved.

  “I will never attend a ceremony for those bastards.” He growled and finished his drink. Arthur could think what he wished, but Sir Richard Winthrop would not support the council on this.

  ***

  Moonstone Island

  Kane stood at the edge of the water, staring out into the distance. He could sense reapers, yet no more had breached the islands. “What are you waiting for?” he yelled at the waves as they crashed. In all his years, he had never seen this much reaper activity. His father, the Supreme Alpha before him, had spoken of a time when they were everywhere. They’d killed humans, vampires, and werewolves alike with no remorse. In those times, the vampire council, as well as his father and his selected wolves, had met for days to discuss their course of action. The answer had been all-out war. Those fearing the fight had gone into hiding. The others had faced the reapers head on. Many had been lost, his father among them. But in the end, the reapers had been driven back into hiding. Their movements had become as they were before, secretive and illusive. They’d attacked opportunistically. Now, they were the ones declaring war.

  In his time as Supreme Alpha, Kane had never chosen a hierarchy as his father had called it. His father, Gregory Riggs, had insisted on having two betas, two gammas, and a select few he called the inner circle. These were the wolves he had called on in times of trouble for council. They would discuss options and assist in making decisions. Although all final decisions and orders had to come through his father, their opinions were still held in high regard. With the way things were going, the idea of reconvening the inner circle was beginning to appeal to him.

  With a stretch of his neck, he turned to go back inside. He needed food before he made his way back out onto the mainland. Taking a step forward, he jumped back as Rayne appeared in front of him. “Damn woman, you could get yourself hurt like that.”

  She laughed. “I am sorry. I could not help it. I could feel your turmoil and wanted to come check on you,” she told him as she reached out and took his hand. “Come,
I will fix you something to eat. I hear the growl of your stomach.”

  “Another part of me I cannot seem to control.” He grinned as he allowed her to lead him inside. Taking a seat at the bar, he watched as she moved around his kitchen. She had been there so many times, nothing seemed to be out of place to her. “So you felt the turmoil, huh? Do you have a suggestion?”

  “You know I am not allowed to get involved,” she said, looking at him. “However, I am allowed opinions. It has been many years since the inner circle was convened. Those who were at your father’s side have grown older or perished in the fight. Many have taken to their next stage of life and are living peacefully. However, I do believe you yourself have just as many you could trust and rely on. You are not a miracle man, Kane. Even you need help from time to time.”

  “I was honestly thinking the same thing. I want the opinions of other wolves. I want them without having to search their minds for them. They are out there fighting day in and day out. They deserve to be heard. But I also need older wolves. I need those who have seen this happen and know how to approach it,” he said, shaking his head.

  “You worry of appointments.” She stirred the pot of stew she had started.

  “I’ve never been one to mind pissing people off, but to have my entire pack of wolves upset is a bit different,” he said.

  “You do realize you have many of whom you seek here on the islands⸻Jason and his father, Ricky Hunter and his sons. You have it all here. You could reach out for others, or you could use what is currently at your disposal,” she explained as she leaned against the bar watching him. “You know I am right about this.”

  “Oh, I know, Rayne. I do. In my father’s time, however, there was also an alpha female with her own hierarchy. You remember. My mother hated that she was my father’s mate but not the alpha female,” he mumbled, remembering all the many fights it had caused.

  “Believe me, I remember. It was a blood bath. All those females fighting for the female alpha position. So many lost. I was not surprised, however, when Belinda took her place. She was quite formidable. The loss of her devastated so many wolves. I felt the pain of the guardian wolves most of all. They truly loved her,” Rayne said, hanging her head slightly. She herself had liked the first alpha female. Glancing back up, she shook her head. “Do you plan on instilling that again? Will the women of the pack compete for female alpha?”

  “I have no idea at this point. I think first I would convene the others, then discuss the possibility of that happening. Maybe I have let the old ways go too long,” he said, remembering how everyone had taken it when he went against his father’s way of doing things.

  “If you allow yourself help, Mr. Alpha, perhaps you would have time for more of a life,” she teased.

  Kane looked up, then stood. He made his way over to her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled her close. “Does that mean you may help me spend said time?”

  “We could see what happens.” She purred with a kiss to his lips. “Now sit down and eat. Then perhaps I can help take your mind off things for a while.”

  With a smile, he leaned down and nipped her neck, then let her go. As he sat, she carried the food over. He pulled her into his lap, keeping her close as they ate. Once they finished, he tossed her over his arm and carried her up to his room.

  Chapter 24

  Obsidian Island, Atherton Estate

  Crossing through the foyer, Rian heard a knock on the door. He smiled as he sensed who it was. He opened the door and smiled brightly. “Arthur,” he said, reaching out his hand to the old man. “What brings you out?”

  “Ah, needing a word with you and your brothers,” he told him with a smile. He looked to his side at his granddaughter. “Mileena love, come. We will visit awhile.”

  “Of course.” She smiled at him as she took hold of his arm and led him inside. “Thank you for seeing us.”

  “No thanks needed,” Rian told her, easily sensing her intimidation by him. “Come, we will talk in the sun room.”

  “Lovely,” Arthur murmured as they walked on. Once inside, Mileena helped get him seated. She watched as he called a man named Rafael to him, instructing him of the drink he wanted as well as what she herself would have.

  “Arthur, what brings you by?” Ryden’s voice boomed as he came into the room. Seeing Arthur smile sent relief throughout him. He had honestly thought the old man would perish before anything could be done to help him. “I hope you are well.”

  “As well as can be expected for now. You boys will make things a bit better soon,” he said.

  Joining him, Ryden made his way over and took a seat. He informed Rafael to send Ryder on down and to bring them all drinks. “You truly look like the cat who swallowed the canary,” Ryden teased.

  “He’s had that look on his face all day.” Mileena laughed. “I am quite pleased it is there.”

  “As am I,” Ryder said, stepping into the room. He reached out to shake Arthur’s hand. “It is good to see you, Arthur.”

  “You as well.” Arthur smiled as Rafael returned with the drinks. He looked around at all of them. “Now, on to my reason for visiting. I have convened the council. We will all arrive here at midnight tonight to induct you two into the council.”

  “Richard is not fighting this?” Ryden smirked. “That is hard to imagine.”

  “He is not happy. He hung up on me when I called him about tonight. I would not expect him to join us if I were you,” he said.

  “We will all be heartbroken.” Rian laughed.

  “I am sure.” Arthur chuckled. “I need you there as well, Rian.”

  “Me? I’m not joining,” Rian said quickly.

  “No, you are not,” Arthur said with a shake of his head. “But Richard himself called upon a very old standing within the council. Each council member may appoint what we call a liaison. This person is permitted to be at council meetings. They can act at the behest of council members. It is what Deacon is to Richard. I will be appointing you to the same position in the Atherton name.”

  “You are in rare form, aren’t you?” Mileena teased her grandfather.

  “That I am. I will also be bestowing unto you, my beautiful granddaughter, my council seat upon my passing,” he told her, seeing the fear fill her eyes. “No, do not panic. I do not plan on leaving anytime soon. I just want the council aware of my intentions should anything happen to me. I would expect you three, along with Sebastian and Aric, to see her through the process when this should occur.”

  “Of course, Arthur. We will help her in any way possible.” Ryden agreed, listening to the others do the same.

  “Let’s not talk of that, Grandfather. Besides, you know Autumn’s brother, Zane Prescott, is helping me train,” Mileena told him.

  Arthur smiled as she scolded him. “Ah yes, that is right.”

  “Have you heard of Tessa’s leaving?” Ryden asked Arthur.

  “No, I have not. It must have been recent,” he said, looking to them for more information.

  “Yes, she left Deacon a note and took off. She said she could no longer endure Richard and his mistreating of her,” Ryder told him. “Deacon is no longer on Tempest. He has gone in search of her. He has also requested that Tessa be allowed to stay here with us if she returns. He fears Richard may harm her for leaving as she did.”

  Ryden’s head snapped in Ryder’s direction. “You told him yes, did you not?” Seeing Ryder nod, he eased. “If she returns, no one will harm her while she is under our protection.”

  “I would love to get inside that lovely head of hers,” Arthur sighed, sitting back. “Although I hate that she has had to endure Richard’s wrath and his complete lack of love for her, I would indeed love to know what she could tell us. That bastard has a hold on so many on the council, and I do not know how.”

  Ryden agreed. “That is something we would all like to know. But to be honest, I do wonder just how much Tessa and Deacon truly know. Ryder spoke with Deacon today, and he claims his fat
her does not let him in on the ins and outs of what he is up to. I do believe Deacon is as he always was, Richard’s puppet—”

  “His muscle,” Rian interjected. “He wants to keep his hands clean, so Deacon takes care of the dirty work.”

  “That is how it has been for Deacon since his brother died. We all know this,” Ryder added. “I just cannot imagine Tessa leaving them. She is one of the most loyal people I have ever met. Things must be truly horrible for her in that house.”

  “Now that the three of you will have a hand in the council, perhaps we can persuade our other members to uncover their hidden ties with Richard. If we succeed at that, we may be able to rid ourselves of Richard completely.” Arthur sighed as he finished his drink. Carefully, he pulled himself to his feet. “I must go home to rest for tonight. Please, keep me informed on Tessa. If you hear anything, call. If I am unavailable, Mileena will be there.”

  All three brothers agreed as Mileena gave her grandfather her arm and led him out the door. After watching them go, Ryden turned toward Ryder who was pouring himself another drink. “Rian and I stopped by the resort for a drink. I invited the wolf over sometime. I hope you do not mind.”

  “It is your home as well as mine. I would assume you will invite whomever you choose,” Ryder said dryly.

  “Thank you,” Ryden added as he got to his feet. “I truly could not help myself. She looked quite delicious from behind the bar. I told her of the council seats we are receiving. I was a bit shocked that you had not told her yourself.”

  “As you know, I have not spoken to her in a while. Besides, I do not feel the need to brag on the council seats,” Ryder said with a smirk.

  “It is not bragging, Ryder. It is making sure the right people know. She is an O’Connor. She will see to it the wolves know what is happening.”

  “True. Smart move,” Ryder told him as he stood. “I would like to know when she visits, however. That is, if you do not mind.” He nodded his head and strode from the room.