The Fae Series: The Complete Trilogy

by Lynn Landes

  “I hoped you would fight me, Colin. I find I have a need to spill your blood.” He shimmers to shadow form and runs past Colin slicing at his leg with an iron bladed dagger. With startled scream Colin swings wildly striking at empty air. Again, the Shadow King darts past, slicing at his upper arm. Colin hisses as the burning starts.

  “Hurts doesn’t it? That is the iron entering your system.” This time, when Reese darts towards him he leaps over his head and slices the right side of his face. Colin’s hand goes to his face screaming in rage he spins trying to locate Reese, but he is invisible as a shadow.

  “I hope it hurts, I added something special just for you!” he says laughing and his voice echoes out from every direction. Colin tries to run but finds his feet are stuck.

  “The blade was infused with celestial light, Colin, a gift from my Angelic brothers. That’s the burning you feel.”

  The rock beneath Colin’s feet begins to glow red with heat. The ground begins to rumble and under the mountain, the screams of the evil trapped beneath reaches a frenzy as the released lava fill up the tunnels below. The demons trapped inside the mountain are forced out onto the platform and Colin frantically screams at them. When he hears a cracking beneath his feet and they all stare in horror at each other.

  “YOU ARE JUDGED!” Reese says standing on the side of the mountain. Colin’s spirit tries to leap from his body to attack Reese only to be pulled back. He wants the power of the Shadow King!

  “Your spirit is trapped inside the body you chose, Colin. That is a gift of the vampiric blood you tasted. Never again will you hurt me and mine!” Reese throws the iron dagger piercing the body of Colin with a flash of released energy burning him from the inside out.

  With a final crack, the ground gives way and the screams of the judged fill the night before falling silent. Reese looks down into the pit of fire with a look of satisfaction and turns to go see his Shadow Queen.

  Chapter 23

  Ariana watches as he runs down the mountain and she runs to meet him, her Shadow King. He lifts her from her feet trembling with his need to touch her.

  “Ariana!” he roars holding her tightly in his arms. In that one word she hears everything, his love, his fear, his passion and she smiles.

  “Surely you know you can’t kill a Shadow, my King!” she whispers in his ear.

  They are surrounded by the different races who fought to protect this world he loves. They all work together to stop the volcanic eruption, settling it deep into the earth. The Shadow King watches his Queen work with the Angels, to tend to the wounded and he gives thanks. Morgan joins his friend and smiles. “Well done, Shadow King.” His blue eyes look at the wounded angel and he smiles.

  “Thanks to you and your brothers. If you ever need my help, I will come, no questions asked, my friend.” He promises.

  “I will hold you to that promise, Reese.” His brother’s call to him, it is time to return to his world.

  “What of Katie? Ariana and I can return her home now,” Reese offers.

  “She is safe. I will return her myself,” he says smiling. He finds he is excited at the thought of seeing the small human again. Selfishly he wishes for more time with her. Though he knows she needs to heal and recover, maybe she will recover quicker at his side.

  Reese watches him with a thoughtful smile, the poor angel doesn’t know what’s coming! He has feelings for Kathleen, and Reese finds that makes him happy. She is special and needs protection, who better than an Archangel?

  Reese and Ariana watch as the races take their wounded and return to their realms. Safe for now, he turns to greet Duncan and Samantha.

  “My King, we are heading to the Vale. I find I have a desire to be amongst our people, to heal and rest. They may have need of us still.” Duncan says.

  Samantha smiles, at them. “Our home has been destroyed but we will find a new one soon enough. Our place is with you, Shadow King. Come with us.” Duncan starts to smile from ear to ear.

  “What is so funny, my large friend?” A noise has Reese spinning and drawing his sword to protect his Queen. King Drake steps out of the woods holding Caderyn’s hand. The Vale has come to them.

  “Drake?” Ariana whispers as her knees threaten to give out. Her brother runs forward and lifts her from her feet.

  “Ariana!” he screams in delight! They are twin souls, brother and sister for eternity, separated by years of tragedy, pain, and loss. Brought together by love, devotion, and faith! They weep for the past and rejoice in the future as all who watch join in the celebration of life.

  The Shadow King is at peace. His family is whole again. Together they all return to the Vale. Reese and Ariana will rest, and all will celebrate the return of the Kings and Queens. Caderyn watches and smiles she knows that everything happens for a reason and later in her husband’s arms she looks to the sky and sees a shooting star. “Even the heavens celebrate with us, my love.” He whispers holding his mate in his arms.

  Chapter 24

  Morgan watches Kathleen work in her garden. She is healed from her physical wounds, though the spiritual wounds will take a little longer. With help from his brothers, she was moved to a safe location before the war began.

  “You know the rules, brother,” Gabriel tells him again before leaving. “A union between humans and angels is forbidden. She would have to be returned at some point.” His anger with them could not be contained. They were right, it was forbidden, but rules are meant to be tested. At the very least they should have trusted him to handle it.

  He returned to find they had removed her memories of her time with him. She woke in a hospital thinking she had been in a car accident at least that is the memory they planted.

  As the wind blows across the garden, her sun hat lifts and she laughs trying to snatch it.

  The sound of her laughter ripples across his soul and he closes his eyes savoring the feel of it. She turns looking directly at him and walks slowly towards him. He knows she can’t see him, but can she sense him? Her beautiful eyes search desperately for something she can’t find.

  “Katie, move it we are going to be late! I don’t want to miss our flight!” Anya yells out. Katie spins and laughs.

  “Okay, I’m coming! I can’t wait to explore the castle!” She says linking arms with her best friend.

  “How lucky are we to win that contest to Scotland!” Anya continues excitedly. “I don’t even remember signing up for it, but who could pass up an all-expenses paid trip to a castle?”

  “Not us! Too bad it’s not the beach. I could use some sun…” Katie murmurs trailing off as she thinks of the last time she was at the beach. Her head hurts with the effort but she can almost smell the scent of the ocean, feel of the sun and taste his hot mouth on hers! “What? Where did that come from?” Katie thinks. With a laugh, she says, “I need a man!”

  “Amen to that, Sister! Let’s go find out what they wear under those kilts!” Laughing they trail off and head to the car.

  Morgan watches her go with a possessive look in his eyes. Scotland is beautiful this time of year and who could blame him for making sure Kathleen rests and recovers. Besides, I haven’t seen my friend Liam in a while he thinks with a smile as he flies away.

  Epilogue

  A Shadow moves unseen inside the small cottage. Caius steps in front of the mirror and smiles when he finds no reflection. Well enough, considering he has been burned beyond recognition. The left side of his body caught most of the flames and his immortal skin could not recover from the damage. His beautiful face is now melted like wax on a candle. Now more than ever he is desperate to get his hands on that Angel! The Vampire Lord turns and walks through the dark house, inhaling deeply. He follows the scent and finds it under her pillow. He lifts the bronze feather to his nose and his fangs lengthen. He lifts her pink satin nightgown off the bed and smiles.

  “Enjoy Scotland, Kathleen. I will have a special homecoming prepared just for you.

  The End

  Kiss of the
Herald

  Book 3

  Lynn Landes

  Kiss of the Herald

  By:

  Lynn Landes

  Published by:

  Landes Publishing

  Edited by:

  Shane Landes

  Cover art by:

  http://amdesignstudios.net/

  This book is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, and events portrayed in this novel are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2016 by Lynn Landes

  http://followlynnsthread.wordpress.com/

  All rights reserved.

  Other titles by Lynn Landes:

  Dust & Dreams

  Perilous Dreams

  The Angels Covenant

  Covenant Breakers

  Blood Covenant

  Fae Queen

  Shadow King

  Serenity’s Song

  Arctic Moon

  Secret Friends

  Dragon Singer

  Prologue

  Warlocks hunt demons in whatever form they take. Witches, Vampires, Dark elves, but… never… pregnant Angels. Even a seasoned warrior will only go so far. Keane followed her trail for days and finally tracked her to the Cliffs of Moher. She was hoping the pounding, crashing noise of the surf would camouflage her screams as she delivered her child.

  The cliffs are treacherous and dangerous even for a trained hunter, such as himself. A glow inside the cliff face beckoned him and he followed it straight to her. Stalking through the tunnel he walked for what seemed like miles until he finally emerged inside a small cavern. Keane could not believe his eyes. Beautiful beyond compare, she glowed with the silver light of heaven. Large, pink, pearlescent wings were spread out behind her, helping to balance her heavily pregnant form. Long, auburn hair clung to her sweat covered forehead and her eyes showed the fear of a mother, not a demon.

  “That’s because I am no demon, warlock,” she groans and begins to pant, desperate, keening moans of anguish as she feels another contraction pushing the baby lower.

  “What sort of magic is this demon?” He snarls at her. The angel pants and doubles over to protect her baby. When the contraction eases, she lifts her terror filled purple eyes to his.

  “No trick, babies coming, now.” Another contraction strikes and she moans again, and her panting starts once more. It seems the very rock beneath their feet rumble as demons hidden in the earth feel a shift in the earth above them.

  Decision made, Keane moves close and drops his sword. “What can I do?”

  “Protect us!” Another scream has her kneeling on all fours with her hair shielding her face.

  “Protect you? From what?” In his heart, he knows the answer. They will come for her, just as he did, and she will be unable to stop them. Instantly, he drops a shield blocking her from detection. His sister Shona will be livid. The first law is to protect the innocent. They hunt the demons who break the laws and protect their own but watching her fight to bring a life into this world touches his heart. Would he do any less for his sister?

  “I… I am not your sister, Keane….” She gasps again as another contraction hits. “How long will your shield hold?” She pants.

  “As long as I choose for it to. Lay down and conserve your energy.” He snaps out orders and then moves towards her, “Let me help you.” Using his magic, he creates a bed for her to labor in and reinforces his shield.

  Her red hair is plastered to her forehead and her pale skin is blotchy. Sweat glistens and drips down her face as another contraction builds and holds longer this time. Her lips are pinched tight as she bites back another scream. “Too fast…” her groan rips through the cavern as she screams, “I need to push!” Lailah draws her wings inside her shoulders, allowing her to lay back on the bed. With her knees pulled against her chest, she pushes with all her might and collapses back on the bed.

  “Easy, lass, breathe through it…” Keane can see the dark hair on the tiny head, and he smiles waiting for the next contraction to hit. “Not much longer now… push.” She groans and delivers a perfect baby girl into his strong hands. Tears fill Lailah’s angelic eyes as he flips the infant over and pats her, waiting for the scream that finally comes.

  “A robust, gusty scream, if ever I heard one. Your daughter is healthy, you did well.” He conjures a gown and blanket to wrap the baby in, before placing her on her mother’s breast.

  Sobs rack Lailah’s body as she cradles her newborn. “Thank you, Keane, thank you.” The baby sensing its mother’s distress begins to wail and a strange sense of panic flutters in his chest.

  “There now. All is well, love. She’s perfectly healthy,” with a wave of his hand, he raises up a glass of water, “drink this.” He plucks the babe from her chest and places her against his large chest.

  “Don’t be fretting little one, you’re safe now.” The heat from his body and timbre of his voice stops her wails and she sighs a tiny sigh before sleeping. “That’s right, you’ve had a mighty battle, sleep now little one.”

  “My name is Lailah,” she whispers.

  “Well, Lailah, you should rest,” with a wave he cleanses her body and clothes her, “you’ve both had quite a day.”

  Lailah pushes up against the bed and stares at the large Irish man in front of her. He is handsome, as far as humans go. Tall, broad shoulders, black hair, and blue eyes, but it is his heart that she needs. She stares at him and whispers, “Show me,” and instantly she is in his mind seizing every thought, every memory. “Who are you, Keane?” she demands.

  “I am a Druid, an ancient warlock, and I will not falter.” With a mighty heave, he shoves her from his mind. He is trembling with the effort and sinks to his knees clutching the infant. Lailah has seen enough. His character is strong, and his heart is pure.

  “Perfect. I am an Archangel, Keane. I am no demon, nor fallen. I was given a choice to travel through the worlds and find my purpose. You are holding my purpose.” Lailah talks to him of much that night and drags from him a promise to raise and protect her child.

  Keane hands her back the baby and walks away to claim his sword. It is vibrating with the threat of those hunting them.

  “Her name is Anya.” Looking down, she smiles at the small sucking movements the baby is making with her mouth as she nurses her. “My Anya,” she sighs pressing her forehead to the infants, “I will lead them away from you.”

  “I swore an oath to protect and defend.” Gazing at his reflection in the silver blade he sees the image of an angel holding a newborn and asks himself, ‘What greater cause than this?’ he turns to her, “I will keep that oath, you will both be protected.” Lailah shakes her head vehemently no.

  “It is too late for that now. You are no match for the twelve who will come for me this night. They are immortals, unmatched in your world, but you can shield Anya from them. Her abilities will remain dormant unless unlocked.” Lailah stands and hands him the baby. She is feeling stronger by the second and brings out a book. It has a golden cover and is illuminated with special ink and beautiful images.

  “Is that what I think it is?” Keane gasps and moves closer to have a look. He moves the baby up to his shoulder and pats her gently on the back, grinning proudly when she burps.

  “No, this is not the Book of the Kells. There are many illuminated texts in the world. This is the Book of the Herald and it must not be found, Keane. Anya’s survival depends on it.”

  “I don’t understand, Lailah,” Keane sighs in frustration.

  “I know, and I am sorry for it, but I must go, now. Read the book and it will become clearer.” Lailah bends and presses a gentle kiss to the babies’ brow and whispers a Latin prayer of protection. Her tear-filled eyes seek him, “Thank you, Keane. One day you will be rewarded for your actions. Hide the book and keep her safe.” With a flare of her wings, she is gone from him.

  Holding the
babe against his chest, he wonders what will become of her. Nothing in his life has prepared him for this moment, but in that moment, he knows, he will live for this child and he will die for this child.

  Lailah runs, flying as fast and as far, as her wings will take her. She knows better than to call to her beloved. They would kill him for their supposed crime. Instead, she will give them what they seek, retribution, thus buying her daughter a chance to become what she is meant to become.

  The first glint of wings in the sunlight captures her attention and Lailah sighs. If she is going to die, she will do so her own way. She seeks the mountains and makes sure to hold the image of her pregnancy for a few more hours. Landing in a clearing near a stream, she sits on a boulder in the setting sun and waits. Her memories of loving him, and being loved by him, are all she has left. Lailah holds onto those images in her mind. She sends him her love, all of it and opens her eyes to face her executioners as they land buffeting her with the force of their wings.

  “Lailah, you’ve been judged,” a female voice announces with a laugh. Shock flickers across her face before they attack. The moment their swords slice into her flesh, her lover’s unnatural scream rockets through the world. All of heaven and hell shutter at the agony in the sound.