Savage Betrayal

by Anni Antoni

  SAVAGE BETRAYAL

  A Dark Urban Guardians Fantasy

  ANNI ANTONI

  ©

  Copyright

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  Disclaimer

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events and places is purely coincidental.

  Cover Design

  Book cover designed by Deranged Doctor Design.

  Thank you

  Writing a book and getting it to the stage of being published is a team effort. My thanks go to the following people and entities. Without them, this book may have remained nothing more than an idea lurking in my brain.

  To my friends and family for their support and understanding that a writer does not always appear sane, but everything usually has a happy ending anyway.

  To my extremely talented, valuable and patient Beta Readers, Bonnie, Tricia, Trina and Lisa who give valuable feedback and point out mistakes in grammar, repetitions, plot holes and the like and who are gradually transforming my writing into a thing of beauty. Thank you for your unselfish dedication.

  To my awesome readers, for your interest in Savage Betrayal. Thank you for your feedback, ideas, encouragement and reviews. Your actions keep me writing. Please enjoy Savage Betrayal.

  A special thank you to my Muse, Max the Cat, who likes to think he‘s a house panther. He permits me to share his living space in return for a warm lap and food, and ignores me for hours on end so I have plenty of time to write.

  Anni,

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Book Description -- Savage Betrayal

  Chapter 1. Getting Away

  Chapter 2. Joe Introduces Himself

  Chapter 3. New and on Earth

  Chapter 4. Tables Turned

  Chapter 5. Joe Finds a Friend

  Chapter 6. A Happy Time

  Chapter 7. A New Way of Life Begins

  Chapter 8. Prince Evrat Gives His Conditions

  Chapter 9. A Ray of Hope

  Chapter 10. New Ways of Seeing Things

  Chapter 11. Things Change

  Chapter 12. Joe Finds his Mate

  Chapter 13. An Impossible Situation

  Chapter 14. A Way Forward

  Chapter 15. Proving His Worth

  Chapter 16. Aftermath

  Chapter 17. Meeting Rachel

  Chapter 18. Getting to Know Rachel

  Chapter 19. A New Beginning

  Chapter 20. Training Soldiers

  Chapter 21. Treachery Behind the Scenes

  Chapter 22. War Looms Closer

  Chapter 23. Plans with Pelle

  Chapter 24. Treachery Planned

  Chapter 25. False Hopes

  Chapter 26. Reality and Retribution

  Chapter 27. Seeking Advice from Marron

  Chapter 28. The Council Verdict

  Chapter 29. Getting to the Underworld

  Chapter 30. Demons at Last

  Chapter 31. In Chains

  Chapter 32. Getting to Know the Demon King

  Chapter 33. Marron’s News

  Chapter 34. Ultimate Revenge

  Chapter 35. Everything Changes

  Chapter 36. New Possibilities

  From the Author

  Get you copy here :- http://anniantoni.com

  Book Description -- Savage Betrayal

  An abiding love. An epic betrayal. One bloody path to redemption.

  Joshaviah Falcon, the Guardians’ mentor, guide, and conscience, keeps his own past tightly under wraps. But sometimes, the memories—like a story desperate to be told—claw their way free…

  As a newly created Guardian deposited in Dark-Age Europe Joe quickly encounters the worst, then luckily the best, of humanity. For a while he’s happy with an itinerant metalsmith and his family. He even falls in love with a violet-eyed beauty who calls forth his mating instinct—until a treacherous prince uses that love to force him to commit the most unforgivable of sins.

  Robbed of everyone he ever loved, Joe turns avenging angel, leaving a gory trail of payback in his wake. Death would be a welcome relief; instead he’s sentenced to an immortal existence on Earth, stripped of his Guardian status.

  But one ray of hope pierces his torment…a path to redemption through the deepest, darkest pits of the Underworld. Where he’ll drown in a river of blood—or wear it like a badge of honor.

  Savage Betrayal

  A Dark Urban Guardians Fantasy

  Chapter 1.

  Getting Away

  Joe burst out of the elevator to the third-floor garage and strode over to his bike, the only possession he valued, the only thing he would take with him. The Kawasaki street legal ninja H2 was his pride and joy, but more than that, he needed its speed right now. He needed to get away, needed to let the mind-numbing speed of the bike dissolve his pain.

  He flung his helmet so violently against the wall it disintegrated with a loud crash that reverberated through the nearly empty garage. Joe needed no helmet. Instead, he craved the wind in his face and in his hair.

  Riding on his motorcycle at full throttle felt almost like teleporting, or flashing, as Guardians called it, but unlike flashing, it could go on for hours. After a few hours of intense speed his mind would calm and he would become numb again.

  At least he hoped it would work that way. It always worked before, but this time was different, the pain more extreme.

  He sat astride his bike and opened the throttle. The roar of the bike bounced off the walls and the intense acceleration took him down to the ground floor of the building within seconds.

  He sped out onto the road and headed towards the hills behind the apartment complex. After a few moments, the city disappeared behind him and the open road flowed ahead.

  Like magic, the bike picked up speed the instant he applied more throttle, and the roar settled into a guttural purr. The hair-trigger acceleration thrilled him through his pain. He accelerated even more and sped into the night.

  On and on he rode, still picking up speed. The wind slapped his face until his eyes watered and whipped his long hair in every direction. He didn’t care. If he kept going for long enough, he would stop thinking. That’s what he needed, simple, mindless existence.

  The past always intruded, no matter how often he thought it was behind him. For a few years, he had succeeded. Watching out for Esau, being his Guardian all these years, took most of his time and attention.

  When they met Nathan and West, he had even less time to think, focusing his attention on guiding them. Happiness had almost been within his grasp.

  Perhaps he had guided the young Guardians too well. Each of them now had a mate and meaningful work in the community. Happiness shone from their faces. It was too much for him to bear.

  Not that he begrudged their happiness. Far from it. He wanted them to be happy. The trouble was being able to read minds, he could pick up their thoughts, their feelings and their happiness too easily.

  Once, happiness had been his, too briefly, before it all disappeared — taken from him. And it had been his fault.

  If he had paid more attention to what was happening, she could still be alive today, enjoying life by his side as she was meant to. Perhaps all of them would have been able to live full, happy lives.

  The road and the scenery sped by
in a blur. He didn’t care where the bike took him. A destination was not necessary.

  For countless years, he had kept his emotions tightly controlled. But now, chaotic, overpowering emotions burst through him, tearing him apart, the numbness he sought still out of reach.

  Being with Nathan, West and Esau, watching them develop and find their mates awakened something in him long buried. It overwhelmed him, eating him alive until all he wanted to do was scream endlessly in protest.

  The need to leave them, grew ever larger, even though they were his only friends. Leaving them would enable him to be numb again.

  Joe became aware his bike was losing power. Something was wrong with it. How was that possible? He always maintained it well.

  He pulled to the side of the road and checked the gas gauge. An exasperated sigh escaped his lips. How absurd. Out of gas. It was late, and he was in no state to deal with anyone. Hunting for a gas station was too much trouble right now.

  Wondering what to do, he looked around. Open fields spread out on both sides of the road, so he wheeled his bike into the nearest one. He sat down next to it, putting his head in his hands. His face was wet. Silent tears flowed down his face, and he hadn’t noticed.

  Just as well he left when he did. He would never allow the young Guardians, now mature adults, to see him in this state. He was a warrior, with years of controlling his emotions behind him.

  Without exception, nobody alive had ever seen him upset, let alone crying like a baby, not even Esau, who had known him the longest. Calm, reliable Joe. If only they knew, the turmoil he hid from them.

  Exhaustion claimed him. Too tired to flash anywhere to get gas, he collapsed backwards on the grass. Gazing up at the stars, he lay there, not attempting to get up. Perhaps sleep would come and bring oblivion with it.

  Although he closed his eyes, sleep wouldn’t come -- his mind raced faster and faster. The images racing around in his head were of Rachel – pure, innocent Rachel.

  After all these years, he still remembered everything about her, as though he had only seen her yesterday, her dark hair with small daisies threaded through, her flashing eyes and beguiling smiles.

  She had been so vibrant, so full of life. He remembered everything as it had happened, as well.

  Joe groaned. He couldn’t allow his mind to linger on Rachel any more. He had spent countless years doing that. It was the way to madness.

  A crazed grin twisted his features. What did it matter if he went mad? There was nothing worth living for, now he was no longer needed as a Guardian. Perhaps insanity could bring him the peace he sought. A bitter laugh escaped his lips.

  A tickle at the back of his mind distracted him. What was this? Someone’s thoughts intruded into his mind. It was a recent aberration of his ability to read minds. He could sense when people thought about him, whether he knew them or not.

  Curious, he debated with himself whether to allow entry of this being, whoever he or she was, into his mind. The mind he sensed was inquisitive, one that wanted to know and understand him.

  Printed words flashed across his mind. Joe understood. This person was reading about him.

  A cynical smile spread across his face. Entering his mind would give the intruder a shock-- a just punishment for the intrusion. Would he allow the intruder in? Why not?

  Anything to stop the relentless thoughts about Rachel, his soft, darling Rachel, gone forever. He fought down a sob.

  Joe let down his guard and allowed the tickle full access to his mind.

  Hey you! You, reading about me. Joe directed the thought to the presence in his mind.

  A shocked silence registered in his brain, as if whoever had entered his mind couldn’t accept what was happening. Joe shook his head, slightly amused by the reaction of the person. At least this was a distraction.

  Yes, you, that’s right, I’m talking to you. I read minds you know, and I can tell when someone is thinking about me, even you, reading about me now. You’ve been curious about me, I see. I’ve appeared in several stories about the Urban Guardians, but, as yet, no one living knows my real story. I’ve deliberately kept it that way.

  The shocked silence grew panicky and a sense of disbelief flooded his mind, as the being registered what was going on. Joe tried again.

  Yes, you’re hearing voices, or rather one voice -- mine. Don’t worry. I’m letting you in. I’m allowing you access to my mind to take part in my thoughts. It’s only temporary. That’s what you wanted, didn’t you? You were curious about me? Curious about Joe the Guardian?

  The sense of disbelief and panic intensified.

  Oh, come on now, where’s your sense of adventure? Joe admonished the person in his brain. I’m prepared to let you in and share my story. It will be a distraction. And if it gets too much for me, I’ll just shut you out. Your sense of curiosity will be satisfied. And me? I’ll have someone anonymous to share my story with. I don’t need to know you or anything about you, I’d rather not, so you’re safe. They say talking about something is healing.

  A mixture of curiosity and disbelief flooded his mind. Joe took that as permission to continue. He stretched and gathered his thoughts…

  My story starts centuries ago, at a time when humans were uncivilized, savage creatures, living their short, brutal lives in small settlements. I’ve never told a living soul my full story, it’s always been too painful… However, maybe it’s time to share it -- with a stranger – and a human at that. Joe laughed, a hard, harsh sound.

  Perhaps sharing his story in this way would help him come to terms with it at last. Joe hoped so. He was willing to try anything. Real peace would be a welcome change, instead of constantly masking his pain.

  Chapter 2.

  Joe Introduces Himself

  My name is Joshaviah Falcon, but call me Joe. Everyone does these days. I’m a Guardian, descended from ancient Warrior Angels. We Guardians are real you know, not just the stuff of myths and legends.

  When I was newly created, things were different. These days Guardians are trained and mentored on Earth for many years. They learn about humans, the human world and how to blend into human society in a way that benefits people. Guardians are even taught how to build businesses and employ people

  More importantly, they are taught how to deal with the intense pull of Guardian energy and how to recognize a life mate. Everything is organized and regulated in their early years, perhaps a little too much.

  When I was cast upon Earth, I had none of those advantages. I possessed time appropriate clothes, a simple coarse wool tunic, leggings, cape and soft leather boots -- nothing more. No companions, few instructions, nothing to make the transition easy, and no way out.

  The privilege of living on Earth was granted to me as a special favor. Something my ancestors had arranged, I was informed, but I was given no choice and the conditions under which the favor was granted felt more like a punishment.

  Still, the adventure excited me, and the longing for freedom to live on Earth like a human burned in my soul.

  The presence in Joe’s mind felt more relaxed now. It settled into an easy watchfulness and appeared to be enjoying the story. Joe shook his head. This felt bizarre, even to him.

  Although he had lived for centuries there was always more to learn, still more abilities to master, and more adventures to experience. If only he wasn’t so tired of living. That was the trouble with immortality, it marched on relentlessly, regardless.

  He had lost count of the times he would have welcomed death, but no, he must go on living. Death would have been too easy. To go on living had been a cruel punishment, one he fully deserved.

  I’m sorry, Joe addressed the presence. I’m allowing myself to be distracted by my own thoughts. Back to my story… He stretched out on the grass, focused on the presence in his mind, and folded his arms under his head. This would be a long night.

  Chapter 3.

  New and on Earth

  Where was I? Ah yes, my first day on Earth. Excitement flowe
d through my entire being. Young, naive and full of enthusiasm, I was put there with nothing except advice. First came a strict warning – ‘fail this assignment and you face elimination.’ The stern admonition, ‘never harm a human’ was stressed repeatedly, along with ‘keep your true identity a secret.’ Then, more kindly, I was advised ‘don't get involved with humans until you know them better. It will be safer for you and for the people you encounter’.

  With that I was left alone, under equipped and under prepared for my mission.

  Did I take notice of that advice? Well, I tried, but I was excited. Having heard so much about humans, I ached to be involved with them. In my mind, they were wonderful creatures. Not immortal, like us, but given just a short life on Earth with free will. And living among them, I would have free will too.

  Humans were intelligent, adaptable, and ingenious. Above all they were noble, attractive, and created their own unique life on Earth. I entertained a romantic notion of helping them grow and develop, and achieving their hearts’ desires. Life among humans would be full of purpose and meaning. My heart overflowed with joy.

  This puzzles you? Let me try to explain. Understand that we are created to be attuned to humans, to love and protect them, and given a burning desire to help them. Humans fascinate us endlessly. All those emotions, and more, burned within me.

  A bit like some people with their dogs or cats. I laughed cynically.

  Sorry, perhaps I'm being unkind. I feel your indignation at that last statement of mine. Yes, I admit I’ve grown cynical, but our natural state is to overlook the worst of human behavior and to have this idealized picture of them in our heads and hearts. The truth was far more complex, as I soon learned.

  Sorry, I'm digressing again. I rather like having your presence in my head. It's comforting to have someone to talk to. Thank you for listening, whoever you are.