by I. T. Lucas
DARK STRANGER IMMORTAL
The Children Of The Gods book 3
I. T. LUCAS
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Contents
The Children Of The Gods
copyright
PREVIOUSLY: AMANDA
CHAPTER 1: KIAN
CHAPTER 2: SYSSI
CHAPTER 3: SYSSI
CHAPTER 4: KIAN
CHAPTER 5: SYSSI
CHAPTER 6: KIAN
CHAPTER 7: SYSSI
CHAPTER 8: SYSSI
CHAPTER 9: ANDREW
CHAPTER 10: SYSSI
CHAPTER 11: KIAN
CHAPTER 12: SYSSI
CHAPTER 13: SYSSI
CHAPTER 14: KIAN
CHAPTER 15: SYSSI
CHAPTER 16: DALHU
CHAPTER 17: KIAN
CHAPTER 18: SYSSI
CHAPTER 19: SYSSI
CHAPTER 20: ANDREW
CHAPTER 21: AMANDA
CHAPTER 22: DALHU
CHAPTER 23: AMANDA
CHAPTER 24: DALHU
CHAPTER 25: SYSSI
CHAPTER 26: DALHU
CHAPTER 27: KIAN
CHAPTER 28: DALHU
CHAPTER 29: KIAN
CHAPTER 30: DALHU
CHAPTER 31: KIAN
CHAPTER 32: AMANDA
CHAPTER 33: KIAN
CHAPTER 34: DALHU
CHAPTER 35: KIAN
CHAPTER 36: DALHU
CHAPTER 37: AMANDA
CHAPTER 38: DALHU
CHAPTER 39: KIAN
CHAPTER 40: AMANDA
CHAPTER 41: KIAN
CHAPTER 42: MICHAEL
CHAPTER 43: KIAN
CHAPTER 44: YAMANU
CHAPTER 45: KIAN
CHAPTER 46: ANDREW
CHAPTER 47: KIAN
CHAPTER 48: ANDREW
CHAPTER 49: KIAN
CHAPTER 50: SYSSI
CHAPTER 51: SYSSI
CHAPTER 52: KIAN
CHAPTER 53: SYSSI
DARK ENEMY TAKEN
CHAPTER 1: AMANDA
CHAPTER 2: DALHU
CHAPTER 3: AMANDA
The Children Of The Gods
Kian & Syssi’s story
Book 1: Dark Stranger The Dream
Book 2: Dark Stranger Revealed
Book 3: Dark Stranger Immortal
•••
Amanda’s story
Book 4: Dark enemy taken
Book 5: Dark Enemy Captive
BOOK 6: Dark Enemy Redeemed
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This book and parts thereof may not be reproduced
in any form, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any from by any means—electronic, photocopying, or otherwise—without prior written permission of the author, except as provided by the United States of America copyright law.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author's imagination or are used factiously.
Any similarity to actual persons, organizations
and/or events is purely coincidental.
Copyright © 2015 by I.T. Lucas
PREVIOUSLY: AMANDA
“We need to talk,” Amanda said as soon as she entered Kian's office.
Scowling, he eased back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest.
If he thought he could intimidate her with this angry scowl of his, he had another think coming. Halting in front of his desk, she placed her hands on her hips and began tapping her shoe. “What did you do to her this time?”
Uncrossing his arms, Kian placed his palms on the glossy surface of his desk and pinned her with a hard stare. “What do you want, Amanda?” he barked.
Amanda winced. Shit, she had done it again, when would she learn that coming at Kian with her proverbial guns blazing would get her nowhere? She'd better change her tone quickly before he kicked her out without hearing what she had to say.
Plopping down on the chair facing him, she forced a milder tone. “Syssi is upset and unhappy. You must've either done something or said something to hurt her.”
His expression changing from angry to frustrated, Kian ran his fingers through his hair. “I know. But I’ll be damned if I know what it was. I hoped she would tell you.”
So he knew he had done something wrong. Amanda frowned and straightened in her chair. “Syssi told me she was overwhelmed with all the stuff she had to wrap her mind around, but I know there is more to it. The way she was holding her arms around her middle she seemed almost in physical pain.” Watching him carefully, Amanda searched his face for signs of guilt. If the idiot had let loose and been too rough with Syssi, she was going to… what? Hire some goons to rough him up? Well, she would think of something…
He winced, and for a moment, she suspected the worst. But then he shook his head. “No, she was fine after we… After we made love… It was only after I told her our story that she clamped up.”
Amanda released the breath she'd been holding. If it had been only his clumsy delivery that had upset Syssi, then things were not as bad as she'd suspected. Although fates only knew how Kian had managed to bungle things up, and if there was anything left for her to salvage.
“Tell me everything exactly as it happened. You may not know what you've done wrong, but I might.”
“Everything?” Kian cocked his brow with a little smile tugging at his lips.
Amanda waved a hand in front of her face. “Ugh! I don't need the steamy details! Too much information, just the sequence of events, please, and what you said to her, or rather how you said it. We both know you tend to be somewhat uncouth.” To call his style uncouth was the understatement of the millennia, but she knew she had to tread lightly if she wanted him to cooperate.
Kian sighed. “Okay. So last night after we came back from the club, I didn't thrall her after the sex. She was spacey from the bite, and I figured it was the perfect time to tell her what was going on; while she was still in a receptive mood and wouldn't freak out. It just didn't feel right to keep thralling her and lying to her. I decided to come clean the way we did with Michael. I told her some of it last night and the rest this morning. She didn't freak out, didn't panic, but she got upset. Mainly because she figured I’m going to erase her memory if she didn't turn. But then she seemed to understand why it was necessary and seemed better, then got upset again and wouldn't tell me why.”
“Tell me exactly how you explained it to her.”
“Why?”
“Just humor me, I have a feeling your presentation lacked finesse, and since I wasn't there, the only way I can figure it out is to hear it word for word.”
“I told her everything, pretty much the same way we explained it to Michael. Our history, the unique biology, how important both Michael and she might be to the future of our clan. Then I elaborated a little more about the venom and how it works. The first time she really got upset was when she realized she’d be sent away if she didn't turn. The second was when I explained about the possibility of her getting addicted to the venom. Instead of alleviating her concerns, the more I explained how it could be circumvented by having several different partners, the more cold and distant she became. I think I did my best to make it clear that if she were to turn, she wasn't trapped in a relationship with me because of it and would be free to choose anyone she wanted.”
Kian's face twisted with rage. “And believ
e me, it cost me to get the words out of my mouth,” he growled.
She knew Kian was on the verge of exploding, but she just couldn't help herself. “Suave, Kian… really suave, almost two thousand years old and clueless.” Amanda shook her head, she was blowing it. Maybe a little flattery would placate him. “I'm amazed that an intelligent and experienced man like you can be so blind.”
“That's enough, Amanda! I will not tolerate this tone of voice from you. You're my sister and I love you, but that doesn't mean I'd allow you to talk to me with disrespect.” Kian's rage found an outlet, but it had been a mild explosion.
If he thought she would cower before him, he had forgotten who he was dealing with. Amanda bowed her head with mock penitence. “My apologies, Regent, you're right of course. This era is not very respectful towards its elders.” She smirked.
Her little jibe worked. Kian looked at her sternly, but a smile was tugging at his lips. “You're forgiven. Now talk… respectfully…”
Okay, I can do respectful…
Amanda straightened her back and clasped her hands before her on Kian's desk. Affecting her teacher’s voice, she asked, “How do you feel about Syssi? Think about it for a moment before you answer. I want you to get a clear picture in your head.”
Kian didn't take long. “She is sweet. I like how unassuming she is. She is definitely smart, and not prone to dramatics or exaggerations like some people I know…” He looked at her pointedly, and she rolled her eyes. “Syssi is beautiful, lush, sensual… lustful… I can't get enough of her, and she responds in kind… We are definitely in serious lust with each other.” Kian smiled, then took in a hissed breath.
“Are you sure it's only lust?” Amanda probed gently.
“What else could it be? We've known each other for less than four days…” Avoiding Amanda's eyes, Kian once again raked his fingers through his messed-up hair.
“So you didn't become a jealous monster when another male was sniffing around her, or turn practically demonic just at the thought of her with another guy?” Amanda asked with a smug smile.
Bracing his elbows on the desk, Kian dropped his head on his fists. “I did. Big time.” He sighed. “I was ready to pound Anandur to a pulp, and barely held myself from breaking Alex's arm when the scumbag touched her. I don't know what came over me. I've never been the jealous type, not even with Lavena, whom I loved… had a child with… I don't understand what's happening to me.”
Poor guy, he has no idea…
“Yet you've told Syssi that she is important to the clan, that she should not fear addiction because she can choose some other male for her mate.”
Kian's anger flared anew. “So? It's true! I wanted her to know she is important to us, and I didn't want her to feel trapped or forced. She has the right to know what her options are.”
Amanda palmed his tightly fisted hand and held it in both of hers. “You lied, Kian; lied to yourself, lied to Syssi, and by doing so you hurt both of you,” she said in a somber tone to drive the point home.
Kian tried to pull away from her, but she held on. “Listen to me! She is important to you, and you want her to choose you because you want her for yourself, not for the clan. That's what she wanted to hear, needed you to say, and it also happens to be the truth.”
When he didn't try to refute this, she continued, “Syssi is not like us. She is not someone who has casual sex. This thing with you means the world to her. The poor girl had just one lover until now and went without sex for two years, for goodness sake… And the way you explained things made her feel like she is nothing to you… Way to go, Kian…” With a last disapproving look, she finally let go of Kian's hand.
“I'm an ass…” Kian dropped his head and rubbed at his temples.
“I'm such a moron…”
“No, my dear, sweet brother, you're not a moron, just inexperienced; shagging thousands of women notwithstanding. You don't know how to deal with your own emotions, let alone someone else's. You never had to woo a female so you don't know how to go about it. But all is not lost. I'll help you romance her back.” Amanda squared her shoulders, pushing her chin up.
Kian chuckled. “You, Amanda? What do you know about wooing or romance? What does any of us know? We use and discard partners like dirty underwear or used condoms.”
“Okay, Kian, now you're being crude. As regent, you're not allowed.”
He dismissed her with a wave of his hand. “In here, I'm just your brother.”
“Could have fooled me… Watch your tone, Amanda… I demand respect, Amanda…” She emulated his haughty tone, crossing her arms over her chest and jutting her chin out.
“Cut the crap. What do you suggest I do, Miss Know-it-all?”
“I do have some human female friends, and I've read a few romance novels, so I do have some idea of what mortal females want—besides the shagging, or in addition to it, that is. You should take her out on a date, make it several dates, to some classy, romantic restaurant, or a show, the theater. Take her dancing. And gifts—I think mortal females expect that from their suitors. Shower her with attention, but it has to be outside the bed… or the wall… or the closet… or the shower…” True to her nature, Amanda couldn't help herself and kept going. But he just smirked. “Make her feel she is the most important person in the world to you. Tell her how you feel, show her; give yourself to her and make her yours.” Amanda sighed. How she longed for a man to become as enamored with her as Kian was with Syssi. But what were the chances of that? None.
“But what if she is not compatible, and I'll have to let her go, erase her memories? It's going to hurt like hell…”
“Letting her go is going to hurt like hell regardless of what you do. You're already head over heels with her. But at least this way; giving it all, letting this thing between you bloom, you'll get to sample a little bit of wonderful. The consequences of not admitting the truth and following your heart would bring a whole new world of hurt; much worse than just letting her go.” She shivered. “I hate to think what that will do to you.”
“What do you mean? What could be worse?”
Seriously? Did Kian have no imagination at all?
“What could be worse? Think of it this way; she turns immortal, but wants nothing to do with you, chooses another male… one you cannot kill because they are all your nephews.”
“You're right; this is worse…” His eyes flashed dangerously as what she had said sunk in. Agitated, he pushed out of his chair and began pacing the length of his office.
“Take a risk, Kian. I have a really good feeling about Syssi, Michael too.” Amanda's eyes followed Kian as he paced back and forth.
“You had good feelings before and see how well those turned out,” he said sarcastically, stopping to glare down at her.
“This time it's different. You never reacted like that to the others, as a matter of fact, with anyone… And besides, I was just reminded of a talk I had with Mother a couple of months back. She said something I didn't pay attention to at the time, but I think you'll find it intriguing. You know how she sometimes makes those cryptic remarks that do not make any sense at the time, but then are crystal clear in hindsight?”
“What did she say?”
“She called me. We talked about my research, and she said 'Finally you found what the soul eternally craves’. I thought she just misused the language—you know, the way she sometimes translates from her native tongue and it comes out weird. I thought what she meant was that I found my heart's desire—something I like to do. But thinking back, she didn't say your soul, she said the soul, meaning that I found something not for me personally but in general. What do all of our souls eternally crave, Kian?” Amanda looked into her brother's eyes.
“A mate—an immortal, true love mate,” Kian said quietly.
“Bingo!”
CHAPTER 1: KIAN
The silence that followed was interrupted by Okidu's light knock on the door. “Master, Dr. Bridget is here to see you.”
Tearing his gaze away from his sister's hopeful face, Kian frowned. Amanda was so excited, her deep blue eyes were glowing. Unfortunately, she was reading too much into their mother's words, grasping for meaning where there was none.
In his opinion, false hope was more dangerous than the baser emotions people scorned. A cruel and powerful mistress, hope obscured common sense and made random occurrences appear as meaningful signs, prompting those who followed its misleading trail to take questionable actions. Mindlessly disregarding the wellbeing of others and their own sense of self-preservation for hope's illusive promise, more often than not, they were rewarded by nothing but chaos and pain.
“Show her in,” he told Okidu. “On second thought, never mind. I'll go to her.”
In the living room, Bridget was pacing the small distance between the front door and the edge of the rug, looking agitated.
Great. His lips pulled into a tight line. Another female ready to tear into him over something he had supposedly done wrong.
Take a number and stand in line.
“Good afternoon, Bridget, what a nice surprise.” Kian wondered if she heard the thinly veiled sarcasm in his tone.
The doctor wrung her hands nervously. “Good afternoon, Kian, sorry to come up here without calling ahead, but this is urgent.”
“Think nothing of it, everyone else does…” He placed his hand on her shoulder, conveying the reassurance his tone didn't. “What can I do for you, Bridget?”
“I've just learned that you have two potential Dormants here, and frankly, I was appalled I had to hear it from William. How come you didn't check with me before initiating the process? I need blood samples before and after each venom injection. It's the first time I have adult Dormants who I could test as we are attempting to activate them, and there might be a chance that their blood will provide the clues I need. You know how important this is.” By the time she finished her rant, her temper had painted her cheeks red to match the color of her hair.
