by Melinda Hyde
Immortal Warfare
Sister Witches
Melinda Hyde
Immortal Warfare Copyright © 2019 by Melinda Hyde. All Rights Reserved.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.
Cover designed by Melinda Hyde
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Melinda Hyde
Visit my website at www.Melindahydebooks.shop
Printed in the United States of America
First Printing: May 2019
I would like to dedicate this book to my mother and grandmother, for the unlimited support they have given me throughout the years. If it weren’t for them, I may never have discovered my love of literature.
CONTENTS
1.New life
2.Lenora
3.Orin’s Army
4.Disquieted
5.Tempted
6.Near Miss
7.The Hunt
8.The Mark
9.Immortal Anger
10.War Pains
11.Consequences
12.Inhuman Beast
13.New Beginnings
14.Glimpse
15.Immortal Realm
16.Veiled Intent
17.Desolation
18.Rabid
19.Home
20.Ponderings
21.Immoral Safety
22.Quietened fury
23.Clouded Fate
The End
1.New life
Leonia
The room was warm and cozy, like a tiny den. I was still teetering in-between sleep and conscientiousness, and it was quite a blissful state. I pulled the sheet up higher, reveling in the way the cool spots felt against my skin. Orin stirred behind me, moving closer. His torso pressed against my back, and his muscular arm draped over my hip, cradling my swollen belly. I smiled a contented smile, as the baby moved in response to its father’s touch.
“Looks like someone’s stirring around early this morning,” Orin chuckled. He leaned up on his elbow, and the blanket slid down, exposing his sculpted chest.
I rolled back into his warmth, gazing up into his emerald-green eyes. “I imagine we should probably be getting up, anyway,” I giggled, giving my husband an adoring grin. “We have a lot to do today, and I should get used to rising early. There won’t be much rest once the little one arrives.”
Orin chuckled again, and he nuzzled my neck, tickling my delicate skin. “Or, we could stay right where we are,” he grinned, nipping at my earlobe. “The babe’s not here yet, and I can think of a few things I’d rather be doing than chores.” He wiggled his bushy brows.
I laughed, despite myself, and I braced my hands on his very firm, very naked chest. “I don’t think so,” I chuckled, giving his unmovable form a playful shove.
“Okay.” He let out a sigh that was overloaded with exaggeration. “Have it your way.”
I sat up, leaning my excessive weight back on my hands, and peered down at Orin. The blanket was pooled down around his waist, leaving his chiseled chest exposed. His sandy hair had grown out a bit since his last hair cut—we hadn’t had time to oblige such trivial things. It hung down across his brow, framing his deep-set eyes. They twinkled up at me, like springtime leaves reflecting off the surface of a placid lake. A wicked, temptatious grin crept across his face, showcasing his perfect, white teeth. My heart skipped a beat, and I ran the tip of my tongue across my dry lips.
He stretched out, sinking deeper into the bedding and folded his robust arms behind his head. “Sure you don’t want to change your mind,” he inquired, as his voice moved low, into a husky, seductive drawl. He flexed one of his bulking arms forward, and he tugged at a wayward lock of my tangled, black hair.
I inched down beside Orin, careful not to put any weight on my protruding abdomen. Orin’s Smile widened into an arrogant show of triumph. He moved his lightly calloused hand to caress my bare shoulder, and desire sparked zesty flames into his eyes. I brought my lips a breath from his, then moved them lower, until they lingered beside his ear.
“I’m sure,” I whispered back, keeping my voice low and sultry. His fingers stilled in my wavy locks, and they just hovered there, as if they were frozen. “I have to admit, though, your offer was very, very tempting,” I giggled, as his hand fell away from my wild tangles.
Orin cocked one of his brows, then began to rub the remnants of sleep from his eyes with the back of his hand. “You really are a wicked witch, you know that,” he teased, with a deep, hearty chuckle. “A man can only bear so much when he has a wife as beautiful as mine.”
I didn’t allow it to show, but a part of me recoiled inside. Though I knew he had spoken in jest, I bristled at the implication of his words. It was no secret how Orin truly felt about magic. Just last year, he had forbidden me from using my powers—even when I needed them the most. The results were more than catastrophic.
Eventually, when one of my sister’s barbaric creatures delivered Orin—the love of my life—into the icy, unforgiving hands of death, I had broken my vow. I used the full force of my powers to bring him back from the beyond. He didn’t come back the same as he had been, though. He was still the man that I loved, but our lives, especially his, would never be the same.
At first, Orin had been furious with me. When he discovered the consequences of what I had done, he had turned away from me. It was the most painful thing I had ever experienced. I was afraid I had lost him forever, until I was attacked by another of Lenora’s creatures, and Orin came bounding to the rescue.
Once he discovered the extent of his newfound abilities, he had forgiven me. He had even gone so far as to ask me to create an army to fight with him against my sister’s demonic hoard. I wasn’t disillusioned. I knew without a doubt that he still harbored the same resentment in his heart.
I never got the chance to create his army. Several months later, we had discovered my budding pregnancy, and Orin, once again, forbade my use of magic. Since then, Leonia had created an impenetrable barrier around her cave to protect her creatures.
Orin leaned up, using the tips of his fingers to brush the hair from my face. “Is everything okay, my love,” Orin asked, as a crease of concern formed in his brow. “You have a blank look on your face, and you haven’t said anything for a couple minutes, now. You do know I was only joking about what I said, right,” he asked, peering up trough green orbs of regret.
“Yeah,” I replied, pasting a partial smile on my lips. “Yeah, I’m fine.” I placed my palm against his knuckles and cradled his hand to my cheek, enjoying the roughened feel of his skin against my own. “I was just thinking about the baby, and I guess my mind wandered off. We should get up; we’ve wasted enough time,” I said, giving his hand a squeeze, before allowing it to fall away.
I flipped the covers back with a whoosh, and I scooted my way to the edge of the bed. I flopped my legs over the side, welcoming the feel of the morning air against my warm flesh. I scooted again, and the bare soles of my feet came in contact with the rough, planked floor. I gave one final heave, forcing myself up.
Orin leaned up on his elbow, allowing the blanket to drift lower down his sculpted abdomen. He studied my movements, as I breezed around the room. His face was masked with a thoughtful, perplexed expression.
It was clear that he had remained unco
nvinced by the explanation I had given him. I waddled over to the old, wooden chest on the far side of the room, and I retrieved a fresh gown from its contents. I pulled it over my head, then began to wiggle, attempting to shimmy the fabric over my swollen belly.
Orin hurled his head back, barking out his amusement. I threw him an evil, scorching glare, which only intensified his hysterical cackling. I gave my eyes an exaggerated roll and turned my back to him, as I resumed my indignant struggle. The sound of the bedding rustled behind me, followed by the tip-tap of feet slapping lazily against the grainy floorboards.
Orin took my dainty arms in his grasp, and he moved them aside. He was no longer railing with laughter, but I could sense his lingering amusement. He slipped his steady fingers under the scrunched material, then he began to work at freeing the hem. Once he accomplished that, he slipped the off-white garment over my bump with shameful ease. I sighed beneath my breath, staring straight ahead at the brown, barren wall. Never had I felt so helpless as I had the past several months.
Orin seems to sense my growing gloom, and he leaned down to rest his chin on my shoulder. His two masculine arms snaked around my midsection, coming to rest just above my belly, and he tugged me back against his chest. I leaned in to him, allowing him to support some of my exhausting weight.
“It won’t be much longer, my love,” he said, reassuring me that my condition couldn’t go on forever. “Soon you’ll be holding a beautiful, healthy baby, and you’ll be yourself again.” He planted a kiss on my cheek, before going on. “You only have to hold out for a few more day.”
I turned into his embrace and slipped my arms around his neck. “I know. I was just having a moment. At times, it feels like the babe’s never going to arrive—like this is going to go on forever. I know it isn’t, though. Forgive me,” I asked, amazed by the love that shined back at me.
“There’s nothing to be forgiven,” he assured me, placing a chaste kiss upon my parched lips. “It’s going to be okay. You’ll see,” he assured me, wearing a toothy, sympathetic grin. “I guess I had better get dressed, too.” He took a step back. “You go ahead. When I’m done, I’ll come and find you.” I looked him up and down, taking note of his finely crafted frame. “That is, unless you’ve changed your mind,” he smirked, unleashing an impish cackle.
I laughed at his mischievous behavior, and I gave a negating shake of my head, before strolling past him. I could feel the weight of his gaze following me, as I made my sluggish retreat. Once I was in the front of the cabin, I walked into our small dining area, breaking myself off a piece of bread; I hadn’t had much of an appetite lately. Orin joined me a few moments later. He scarfed down a hearty portion and dusted the stray crumbs from his bearded chin.
“I hate to do this; I know it’s coming awfully close to time for the baby, but I need to go out today. There’s chores in the barn that needs to be done, and I’d like to scout the scents in the wood to see where Leonora’s creatures have been frequenting.” Orin watched me with an indiscernible expression woven into his features. “If you would rather that I wait, though, I will,” he said, offering up a reassuring smile.
“No, you go ahead. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself. Besides, as you said, there’s things that need to be done.” I smiled up at him, amused by the excessive concern he had shown lately. “If I need you, I’m sure you won’t be far. In the meantime, I have household chores to attend,” I assured him.
Some of the tension eased from Orin’s face, and he seemed visibly relieved. He stepped over to me and placed a sturdy hand on my shoulder. The adoration shining from his mossy eyes made my breath hitch. I didn’t think I would ever grow tired of staring into them. He leaned down and placed a brief whisper of a kiss upon my lips. Then, his hand unceremoniously fell away, and he made a line for the door.
I watched him unbolt the latch and ease his way from the cabin. The silence that followed was a welcomed guest. I loved my husband; I would rail against the very forces of nature to ensure his safety, but sometimes, I liked to bask in the tranquility that solitude embodied. I took a deep breath, savoring the feel of freedom, then crinkled my nose.
The scent hanging in the air was dank and stale from the house being shut up. I wobbled over to the door and swung it wide, revealing the bright, sunny rays that danced across the clearing. A warm breeze shifted through the doorway, rifling through my long hair. On its currents, it carried the sweet aroma of wild dandelions and honeysuckle.
The clearing was alive with the sights and sounds of late spring. Birds twittered, chasing one another through the treetops and over the grassy tips. The carpeted ground was lush with thick tufts of grass, and littered through the vibrant greenery, there were tiny specs of yellow and white, sometimes even purple, flowers.
I placed a hefty rock in front of the door to hold it in place, and I strolled over to the broom that was propped up in the corner of the room. I swished it across the floor, making a dusty pile in the center of the room.
Once I was certain I had gathered all the debris, I sent the particles spiraling out the door. The wind caught them in its updraft, sending them dancing on the breeze. I put the broom aside and hitched my skirt. I had, had enough of being cooped up in the constraining confines of the cabin. I stepped outside, relishing the way the blades of cool grass felt beneath my bare feet.
I shifted my feet, twirling them sluggishly in a circle through the grass. There was a bright patch of wild flowers nearby, and I waddled my way over to them. Very slowly, I eased down to my knees in the endless sea of greenery. I traced my palm over top the blades, enamored by the way their tips tickled my hands. Then, I proceeded to run my fingers over the plump, velvety petals of the perfumed flowers.
About an hour later, after soaking up all that the day had to offer, I sauntered back into the cabin. In my hands, I toted a fluffy bouquet of flowers that fluffed out in an assortment of colors and sizes. I took out a dented, tin vase and nestled the lengthy stems inside. The fresh, honied scent of spring wafted through our small home. I set the flowers atop a shelf that hung over the fire place. It added a much-needed splash of color to the dreary space, and I stepped back to appreciate its simple, yet profound, charm.
Just then, a painful spasm passed through my abdomen. My muscles suddenly constricted of their own accord, buckling me at the waist. I gnashed my teeth, grinding them together, and made a deep, pained groan in the back of my throat. The overwhelming pain was gone as quickly as it had come. I braced my hand on the wall in front of me, taking in a deep, shaken breath. I ran an unsteady palm over my brow and began to straighten. I decided that I should probably go lie down and rest.
I didn’t make it two steps, before the painful contraction repeated, sending agonizing shards of pain to every nerve in my body. I clutched my rounded abdomen and sank down to my knees on the cold, hard floor. When the tightness eased up again, unchecked tears were streaming down both of my cheeks. I started for the bed again, only to find myself overtaken by another round of agony.
The contractions were becoming more unbearable with each one that passed, and I could no longer hold back the cry that forced its way past my lips. Frustration began to gnaw at my mind, just as the contractions tore at my body. The baby was on its way, and I was all alone. I went several move steps on my hands and knees, before it hit me again. This time, I decided I would go no further; I couldn’t. I waited for the contraction to pass, then I rolled over to my bottom and leaned my weight back on my hands.
Another wave came over me, and I unleashed another cry of anguish. That’s when a huge, ebony colored panther came hurling its way through the open door. Its wild eyes were frantic with distress, and its large maw hung agape, as it panted its exhaustion. Its smart, golden eyes worried over my tortured frame, as the animal’s bones began to shift beneath its shiny pelt. Patches of its thick, dark coat began to fall away. Within a matter of second, the beast was no more. Orin stood in its stead.
If I hadn’t been in so m
uch pain, I would have fallen into a fit of hysterical laughter. Orin stood, in all his naked glory, with the sun glinting off his skin. His shaggy, unkept hair was spiked out in odd directions, and his mouth was hanging wide with worry. As it was, I couldn’t find the will to voice my amusement. Another bout of spasms took my body, and I bit back another cry of agony.
Orin rushed over and placed his hands under each of my arms. He waited until the contraction passed, then quickly hefted me to my feet. I leaned into him, allowing him to take on the brunt of my weight, and with his help, I staggered to our room. I took one look at our bed, and I recoiled inside. The idea of hefting myself up, onto the mattress, was a daunting thought. Luckily for me, Orin seemed to understand. He swooped me up into his sturdy arms and settled me into the center of the bed. I pushed myself up against the rough wall, bringing my knees up on either side of my bulging belly.
I cried out again, and Orin took my hand in his own. He pushed a sticky lock of hair away from my sweat-soaked cheek and whispered encouraging words into my ear. Another contraction shook my body, and the pain escalated, splicing through my limbs.
It went on like that for several more minutes. Orin Moved down beside my feet, gaping with wide-eyed wonder. “One more time, Leonia,” he whispered, as he ran his hands up and down my trembling shins. I was exhausted, and the pain was near unbearable, but I did as he instructed. “That’s it, my love. One more time.” His voice was filled with excitement and his eyes with wonder.
I dug deep, and I forced myself to bear down for one final push. The air in the room bounced with the shrill cries of our newborn child. Orin gathered the thrashing babe in his arms, and he gazed down on the little one with love-filled eyes. I leaned forward, stretching my arms out to my husband. He turned his eyes to mine and offered me the warmest, most endearing smile I had ever seen, before easing the wiggling, pink baby into my arms.