Kings of the Castle
Page 1
KINGS
OF THE
Castle
Book 1- Introduction to the Series
Books 2 - 9 are Standalones
Naleighna Kai
S. L. Jennings
J. L. Campbell
Martha Kennerson
Lisa Watson
Karen D. Bradley
Janice M. Allen
London St. Charles
and MarZe Scott
Macro Publishing Group
Chicago, Illinois
This is a work of fiction. All characters and events in this book are purely fictitious, a creation of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or somewhere in between is coincidental.
Kings of the Castle - Book 1 of the Kings of the Castle Series
Books 2-9 are standalone books.
Published by:
Macro Publishing Group
1507 E. 53rd Street, Suite 858
Chicago, Illinois
www.thekingsofthecastle.com
Kings of the Castle © Copyright 2019 by Naleighna Kai, S. L. Jennings, Martha Kennerson, J. L. Campbell, Lisa Watson, Karen D. Bradley, Janice M. Allen, London St. Charles, and MarZe Scott
Trade Paperback ISBN: 978-1-7331782-1-1
Digital ISBN: 978-1-7331782-0-4
All rights reserved. Without prior permission, no part of this book, in any form, may be used or reproduced in any form or means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system except quotes used in reviews.
Cover Design by: Woodson Creative Studio
www.woodsoncreativestudio.com
Interior Design by: Lissa Woodson
www.naleighnakai.com
KINGS
OF THE
Castle
Book 1 - Introduction to the series
Books 2 - 9 are standalone books
Table of Contents
DEDICATION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 24
CHAPTER 25
CHAPTER 26
CHAPTER 27
CHAPTER 28
CHAPTER 29
CHAPTER 30
CHAPTER 31
CHAPTER 32
CHAPTER 33
CHAPTER 34
CHAPTER 35
CHAPTER 36
CHAPTER 37
CHAPTER 38
CHAPTER 39
CHAPTER 40
CHAPTER 41
CHAPTER 42
CHAPTER 43
CHAPTER 44
CHAPTER 45
CHAPTER 46
CHAPTER 47
ABOUT THE KINGS OF THE CASTLE SERIES
AUTHOR BIOS
SERIES MENTORS:
♦ DEDICATION ♦
Kassanna Dwight and LaVerne Thompson. Women who kept the faith when everyone else had doubts. Enjoyed meeting you at the CrossRoads.
♦ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ♦
First to the Creator from whom all blessings flow. To NK’s Tribe Called Success, we thank you.
Kassana, LaVerne Thompson, Ursuala Sinclair, Jenetta M. Bradley, Sesvalah, Katara Johnson, (KOC’s Personal Assistant), Dee VPA, Olivia Gaines, Simone Choi, Siera London, Angela Kay Austin, Areana Jones, Bobby Kim, Mary Green, and Radiah Hubbert.
To our editors Janice M. Allen, Brynn Weimer, and Mo Sytsma—thanks for the red ink and everything you all did to make this a smoother and awesome book.
To our beta readers Crystal Baltimore, Debra J. Mitchell, Dani Sibley, and Brynn Weimer, we appreciate your efforts.
A special thanks to J. L. Woodson for this dynamic cover, and the covers for the entire series. Much love, young man.
To the rest of our NK Tribe Called Success family: J. D. Mason, Pat G’Orge-Walker, Anita L. Roseboro, Sierra Kay, Shakir Rashaan, Michelle D. Rayford, and Terri Ann Johnson.
To our InScribe team, Kelly Peterson, Mallori—you are the absolute best. Mark Jackson, thank you for the awesome trailer.
Finally, thank you to everyone who purchased this book and our efforts. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Many thanks to the Kings of the Castle Amabassadors who supported the series . . .
Adrenna Shipman, Amanda McCoy, Amber Dowell, Angela Sims, Anita L. Roseboro, Areana Senoj, Arlene Reynolds, B Fly Brooks, Brenda Pious, Bryn Drescher, Brynn Weimer, Cara Boyce, Cassandra Haywood, Cheryl Forbes Montgomery, Christine Pauls, Crystal A. Baltimore, Dani Sibley, Darline Marsh, Debra J. Mitchell, Dee Washington, Deitriah Reese, DeJuan Mason, Desna Jackson, Ebony Danille Goodrich, Ebony Walker, Ellen Kiley Goeckler, Ellowyn Young Bell, Felecia Thompson Peeples, Flo Brooks, Gail Diamond, Georgiana Braham, Glomika Taylor, Goldy Gaines, Jr., Helen Ross, Jackie Roberts, Jackson Michelle, Jacqueline L. Armor, Jeanelle Poole-Blanchard, Jenetta Bradley, Jennifer Cole Addison, Jennifer Fraser, Joelle Adams, Johnson Monica Anderson, Johnnetta Godbee, Joyce M. Hudson, Juanita Lee Samms, Julia Landry, Karen Williams, Kassanna, Katara Johnson, Kathleen Jones Bass, Kathryn Davis, Katie Walsh Giannini, Kendra Denise, Keturah Newton, Kisha Green, LaCeasha Banks Turner, LaTanya Wright, Latisha Dewalt, LaVerne Thompson, Lennie Morris, Leslie Dishman, Linda Cureton, Linda Miller, Lisa Watson, Lora Nance Davis, Lori Hays, Lulu Dudley, Marilyn Diamond, Marilyn Gerber, Marsharee Danielle Rocker-Austin, Marva Harden, MeMe Rogers, Michelle D. Jackson, Michelle D. Rayford, Michelle Marshall, Nicole Wolfe, Olesa Taylor, Olivia Gaines, Pat G’Orge Walker, Patrice Ball Reed, Patricia Johnson, Patricia Raspberry, Phoenix Ash, Rebecca Lewis, Rebecca Rodgers, Regina Elise, Rhonda Crosby, Robi Lynn Lewis, Rochelle Dodd, Ronni Roseman, Rosalyn Lewis, Ruth Jones Johnson, Ruth Russell Hutton, Sally Marsh, Samantha Woods Wynton, Shae Cross, Shakir Rashaan, Sharon Chinn Vance, Sharon Eatmon-Roland, Shavonna Futrell, Shea Brown, Shunda Yates, Sierra Kay, Sonia White-Lowery, Stacey White, Taija Woods, Tandria Jones, Tangra Lavett, Terri Johnson, Tica Fields, Tiffany Finley, Tina Miller-Drew, Toni Coleman Scruggs, Tonya Anderson Holmes, Unique Hiram, Valerie Thomas Smith, Vernon Gaines, Victoria Adams-Kennedy, Viktoria Niecey Roberts, Wanda Dixon, and Yaya McIntyre.
ABOUT THE KINGS OF THE CASTLE SERIES
Books 2-9 are standalones, no cliffhangers, and can be read in any order.
Book 1 – Kings of the Castle, the introduction to the series and story of King of Wilmette (Vikkas Germaine)
USA TODAY, New York Times, and National Bestselling Authors work together to provide you with a world you’ll never want to leave. The Castle. Powerful men unexpectedly brought together by their pasts and current circumstances will become a force to be reckoned with. Their combined efforts to find the people responsible for the attempt on their mentor’s life, is the beginning of dangerous challenges that will alter the path of their lives forever. Not to mention, they will also draw the ire and deadly intent of current Castle members who wield major influence across the globe.
Fate made them brothers, but protecting the Castle and the women they love, will make them Kings.
www.thekingsofthecastle.com
King of Chatham - Book 2 - Reno
King of Evanston - Book 3 - Shaz
King of Devon - Book 4 - Jai
Kin
g of Morgan Park - Book 5 - Daron
King of South Shore - Book 6 - Kaleb
King of Lincoln Park - Book 7 - Grant
King of Hyde Park - Book 8 - Dro
King of Lawndale - Book 9 - Dwayne
CHAPTER 1
JAIDEV MAHARAJ
“What do you mean she’s pregnant?” Jai roared. “She’s been in a coma ever since she arrived.”
He paced the length of his office and held his tongue. Several emotions fought for dominance and his assistant, Kelly, who had brought such horrific news, didn’t deserve his vocalized rage. The one emotion that overpowered all others was anger.
A young woman who arrived at Chetan Health Center after a horrific highway accident a year ago, was now nearly seven months pregnant. No one—not staff, nor the doctors, nor any of the people he had hired— were aware of the pregnancy. The center was wired with a state-of-the-art surveillance system. How had someone managed to violate a woman this way?
Jai took a long slow breath, exhaled, then whispered, “So, I’m supposed to believe that one of our male employees impregnated a comatose patient in our care?”
Kelly averted her gaze, taking a pointed interest in the abstract artwork on the walls of his modestly furnished office. “We don’t have any idea who it was.”
“You know this has to be reported immediately,” he said. A sinking feeling lodged in the pit of his belly. “Call in the police, our lawyers, and put all of the male employees in the conference room. I need to give them a heads up.”
Jai agonized over the undeniable violation. A comatose woman? How vile. But the obvious sign that something had happened was there. She was carrying a child.
Kelly placed the call, keyed something into her cell, then blinked, frowning as her green eyes scanned the screen. “Do you know a Khalil Germaine?”
Khalil Germaine, his mentor and teacher from the time Jai had attended Macro International Magnet School. A man who had made a positive impact on his life and was the main reason he had chosen a career in holistic medicine. “He was like a father to me, but what does that have to do with what’s happening right now?”
“I just received a text from the front desk,” she replied, turning her screen to face Jai. “His son called and asked for you to come right away. He’s been shot, and they have him in ICU.”
Jai stood frozen in the center of his office, and a new set of emotions filtered through him—guilt, pain, sadness. Khalil had made several attempts at getting Jai to accept something he called becoming a King of The Castle.
The Castle had been a sprawling estate with Moroccan style stone buildings, reminiscent of old World England with an African flair. It had been a place where wealthy people indulged any and everything their hearts desired. Only a small percentage of that had a sexual slant. Accepting Khalil’s invitation to join an organization called The Castle would have taken more bandwidth than Jai had to give. Now he wondered if he had been wrong to dismiss the requests so quickly.
Jai finally found his bearings, but Kelly, who had kept her focus on him for those several moments, chimed in. “If it’s who I think it is, then that’s considered family business. I can handle things here.” She moved her hands in a shooing motion. “Go.”
He grabbed his briefcase from one of the leather chairs, saying, “Call me the minute—”
“Got it. Go!”
He stopped at the door and glanced at her over his shoulder. “First, I think I need to address the men who work here. They’re about to be hit with all kinds of madness and I want them to be prepared.”
“Sounds fair,” she whispered, then gestured toward the hallway.
Jai was out the door in a flash.
CHAPTER 2
DARON KINCAID
The words my daughter is missing broke through Daron’s sleep haze.
He bolted from the bed, glanced at the clock, his heart racing at what Katara Johnson—one of his few remaining clients—had just spoken over the phone. He whispered, “Is her tracker working?”
“It showed movement until forty-five minutes ago.” Katara’s soft voice was choppy with a crackling noise that overlaid every other word.
The emergency tracking device, a pair of diamond studs, was one of the items he had developed as a personal security gadget for single ladies. Most people would never think a woman’s earrings could be so functional. Daron designed it so all a woman had to do was press the earring to alert her listed contacts and activate the tracking system. If someone had her tied up, she could easily use a shoulder to press her ear to activate it.
Katara continued, “I gave the police the last location. They didn’t arrive in time, but they located her cell.”
“We’ll find her.” He flipped back the satin sheet, noting the rise and fall of Cameron’s chest as he slid out the bed, wondering if he should alert her to the situation. When an earlier text notification about unexpected gunfire at The Castle required that he send several men from his former operations team to contain the situation, he definitely hadn’t tipped her off to that incident. He slipped on his discarded boxer briefs, grabbed a pair of jogging pants off the chaise, and threw them over his shoulder.
With his hand, he used the edge of the mattress to guide him closer to the door so that he wouldn’t disturb his sleeping beauty. The glow from his phone helped him find the knob and he entered the hall. The light came on immediately as he moved across the wood planks and turned off as he cleared the area.
“I can drive to the last location we had before losing the signal,” Katara offered.
“You don’t need to.” He trotted down the stairs to the basement. The polished cement was cool underneath his bare feet as he slid behind the bar. “Give me a minute to log in to the system.”
“I can’t lose her,” she sobbed.
“Let’s focus on finding her and quickly.” He entered the multi-level storage area behind the bar, moving cases of beer so that he could access his workspace. The steel door swung open.
“My phone was in my locker and my mom’s phone died. I didn’t realize until …” She began crying uncontrollably.
Daron focused, keyed in the information, trying not to let her panic affect him. He placed two fingers on the touch screen monitor on the wall, pressing the areas near the flashing dot before spreading them apart to zoom in. “Katara. Katara,” he said, then waited until she quieted enough to hear him. “My people should be receiving a new location. I’ll send you an update if the location changes.”
Katara sniffled. “I got it.”
“Call me back when you have her.” Daron disconnected the call, hoping that they’d make it to the girl in time and also praying she was alive and hadn’t been physically or sexually assaulted. So much was happening in Chicago right now.
He slipped on a pair of jogging pants, wishing he’d snatched up a shirt. Tracy had been out of contact for twelve hours. He wanted to be more hands-on with the search, but he was probably of better use where he was stationed.
When he promised Cameron that he would open a legitimate firm that provided security systems, he meant every word. For the last few years Daron, under the street moniker, The Warden, had been the brains behind an illegal organization. The sole purpose was to take down Chase Prescott’s family business from the inside. The repercussions of helping a task force put an international crime ring behind bars still lingered, and had become the main source of contention in his budding relationship with Cameron. He had made a promise that no more of the “cloak and dagger” lifestyle would shadow them. That was fast becoming a promise he couldn’t keep.
* * *
Daron felt like he’d spent hours staring at the green blinking dot and glancing at his phone but it had only been forty-five minutes. The dot was on the move. He didn’t know if that was a good thing or not. He tried not to imagine all the scenarios that could be happening, but had to wait until the dot remained in one area before he could give anyone an update on the location.
When h
e developed the tracking system, Daron wanted to help combat sex trafficking and protect women who tended to be alone a great deal of the time. He hadn’t given any thought to the problems that could arise for him when the actions that needed to be taken brought him close to anything that resembled his old life.