The Immortal Warriors Boxed Set: Books 1-11

by H. T. Night

  “Nice.” Josiah couldn’t help but laugh. He remembered why he came up to my room, to begin with. “Tonight is the first night of the full moon.”

  “I realize that, Josiah. This isn’t my first rodeo.” I gave Josiah a sarcastic wink that almost strained my eye from intent.

  “Just so I’m clear,” Josiah confirmed, “you only turn into a werewolf when the full moon is seen at night?”

  “Yes,” I answered.

  “And you shift back to a human Carni form during the day?”

  “Yes,” I confirmed.

  “How many days does it last?”

  “Nights in my werewolf form?” I asked.

  Josiah nodded.

  “Three nights.”

  “Perfect! That will be enough time to do what I want to do,” Josiah said excitedly.

  “Are you going to let me in on your plan?” I asked.

  “Yes, but I don’t want you to worry about it just yet,” Josiah said. “We’ll talk more tonight.”

  “I sure hope you know what you’re doing,” I said to my energetic, vampire, best friend.

  “I have a hunch, Tommy.” Josiah put his right arm on my left shoulder. “I’m not sure where it came from. Let’s hope it’s from a higher power.”

  This was crazier than anything I had ever done. “Let’s hope so, Josiah.” I paused and looked down at my MP3 player. “If you don’t mind, Bobby is waiting.”

  “By all means, Tommy boy, that’s your prerogative.” Then he turned and left the room.

  After a while of listening to a variety of music, I decided to go downstairs and get my chains ready for tonight.

  I stepped down the stairway and Lena was walking from the kitchen to the den. We made eye contact and I gave her one of my award-winning smiles. She waited for me to come down the stairway to speak to me. I had no idea where this was going to go.

  “Hi, Tommy,” she said, a tad shy.

  “Hey Lena,” I said. As I came up on her, I could smell her perfume. It was intoxicating.

  “Big night tonight?” she said inquisitively.

  “I have had a few of these. I’m getting my chains ready and hopefully, my howling doesn’t bother you guys too much. The door is going to be closed and if you all have to go up to my room to get away from the noise, I understand.”

  “I’m new to all of this. Especially on the vampire side. I think we all can say we never thought our lives would become this weird. I’m going with the flow.”

  “You’re doing a good job,” I said. I wasn’t sure what that meant or what I was implying. It just seemed like a nice thing to say.

  “Thank you, Tommy.” Then it happened. She smiled at me while looking into my eyes. This usually is the kiss of death for most women with me. I never knew what to think. But with Lena, her beauty radiated from the inside out. The only other person I had ever seen that look from was Maya. I needed to be careful here. This was Josiah’s interest, and as his bro, I would have to respect that to the fullest. No one wanted to fall for his best friend’s girlfriend. Talk about a disaster.

  I smiled back at Lena and said, “Well, I better get to the chains.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry about keeping you from that.”

  “No, don’t worry about it. I enjoyed our little chat.”

  She nodded her head and continued toward the den.

  I went directly into the cage room. I was trying to shake whatever I just felt for Lena out of my body when Josiah walked into the room.

  “What’s going on?” Josiah asked, peeking his head into the safe room.

  “I’m reinforcing the chains,” I said. “I will be stuck deep inside and not harm anyone. I’m already starting to itch.”

  “So, that’s why you itch,” Josiah said, shaking his head. “You always said it was because you were nervous about leaving for the reserves.”

  I laughed. “I had to tell a couple of lies to keep my cover.”

  Josiah stepped into the cage and knelt down next to me to see if I needed his help. I handed him a chain while I connected the smaller end to the back bar of the cage.

  “Did my sister know about you?” Josiah just came out and asked.

  I wasn’t sure what to say. The truth was always the best choice. “Your sister knew.” I continued to work on the chains.

  “Is that all?” Josiah asked. He wanted more information about Maya and there wasn’t any, other than she was his sister and my fiancée.

  “She knew, Josiah,” I stated. “She was the only human who knew. She was the one person in this world I completely trusted.”

  “Okay, Tom.” Then Josiah switched gears again. “I think we should have everyone else leave for the next 72 hours.”

  “Why?” I asked.

  “I want to do something with you that will take complete commitment from both of us. It has to be about you and me, and you and me only. We need to connect in a way we never have before. I just think it’s in everybody’s best interest if we are left alone.”

  “Have you let them know?” I asked.

  “I wanted to run it by you first.”

  “I think you’re nuts for trying this,” I said, “but I’ll agree to whatever you want to do.”

  “If there is the slightest chance that I’m on to something, this will be well worth it.”

  “Well, you better tell your Mani buddies they need to find a Motel 6 for the next three days.”

  “They’ll stay at our house in San Bernardino. Krull is only after me. Plus, Yari says our little showdown isn’t going to happen anytime soon. I’m worried more about your Carni friends who will be in full werewolf mode during the next three nights.”

  Josiah stuck his head out of the room and yelled, “Can everyone meet over here?” Within a few seconds, everyone appeared. “Come inside Tommy’s lair,” Josiah said. “I would like to speak to everyone.” Everybody stepped into the crazy-ass cage room.

  “What is it, Josiah?” Lena asked, concerned.

  “Tommy and I were talking and we think it would be a good idea if everyone was to leave for the next 72 hours.”

  “What the hell are you planning to do?” Yari asked, sounding insulted.

  “I plan on doing bonding exercises,” Josiah answered. “The less distraction that’s here, the more Tommy and I will be able to connect. It’s going to be extremely important for us to do so, if this is going to work.”

  “Josiah, have you ever seen a Carni in its werewolf state?” Wyatt asked.

  “No,” Josiah said.

  “It’s the scariest, most intense thing you’ll ever see,” Hector said ominously. “Are you sure you want to do this alone?”

  “It’s the only way it can be done. I’m sure of it. I believe there’s more to the Carni than meets the eye.”

  “What if there’s not? What if they are just crazed dogs?” Yari said intently.

  “Then we’ll know for sure. As long as Tommy is willing to stand and fight next to us, we owe it to him to see what he is capable of becoming.”

  I appreciated Josiah saying that to the entire group. Yari’s ‘crazed dogs’ comment was starting to bother me.

  “What about you, Josiah?” I said. “You have talents that you haven’t even scratched the surface of.”

  “My time will come,” Josiah answered. “I believe it in my core. This is what we need to do first.”

  “We all hope you’re right, Josiah,” Lena said in a reassuring tone.

  “I believe that there is a chance there is something great inside Tommy. The Triat gave me the vision and this is how I’m interpreting it.” Josiah was totally going to bat for me. I hoped I wasn’t going to let him down.

  “So, where should we go?” Lena asked.

  “Go to my house,” Josiah said.

  “Do you think it’ll be safe?” Wyatt asked. “We’re not exactly the most liked group of people in town.”

  “I know,” Josiah said, “but I’m sure you’ll be safe. Neither the Carni or Krull is after you. They a
re after me. If you do run into any trouble, just head to the Flatlands. At least you’ll have friends there.”

  “Is that what you want?” Yari looked at Josiah.

  “Yes, it’s what I want,” Josiah answered back.

  “Then, it’s a go.” Yari left the room. She seemed hurt, but this wasn’t her deal. She needed to trust Josiah. Or at least respect the fact that the rest of us did.

  “Here are the keys to my house.” Josiah tossed his keys to Lena.

  “I guess we’re out of here.” Yari walked over to me and hugged me tightly. Then, she let go and walked over to Josiah. “I hope you’re right, Josiah. Your instincts have been spot-on so far. Please be safe.” Yari leaned in and hugged Josiah tightly.

  Lena walked over to Josiah also. “You sure about this?”

  “Yeah, this is going to work,” Josiah said, sounding even more confident. “I know it.”

  Lena brushed the back of her hand on Josiah’s cheek. It was a tender gesture. “I guess we’ll see you two in a couple of days.”

  “I guess so.”

  With that, all of them left the room and prepared to leave the cabin.

  Chapter Seven

  Everyone had left and made their way to the house I shared with Josiah. There were about forty minutes until nightfall and then the full moon would reveal itself in glorious moonrise. Josiah and I were together in my safe room.

  “How do you go to the bathroom if you’re chained up?” Josiah asked.

  “That is what the cardboard in the corner is for. Most of the time I can make it.”

  “Oh, this is going to be fun,” Josiah joked.

  “Just show me the courtesy of not staring at my junk when I go.” I gave Josiah a wink.

  “I don’t see that being a problem, Tommy.”

  I paced around the room, stopped and looked out the window. “I think it’s time to lock me in. So, what’s the plan, Dr. Phil?”

  “Well,” Josiah said, “it is my belief that we need to bond in stages, or phases, if you will. Tonight, you will be chained in.”

  “You’re planning on unchaining me at some point?” Oh, this was going to get out of hand. I sure hoped he knew what he was doing.

  “Yes, I am sure.”

  “Josiah, if you’re wrong—”

  “I’m not wrong,” Josiah said confidently.

  I sighed, then stretched as if I were preparing for an MMA fight. When I was done stretching, I entered the cage. “Josiah, you have no idea what you’re in for.”

  “Nothing surprises me at this point. The last two months have been insane.”

  “How do you plan to tame the wolf?” I asked.

  “In stages,” Josiah repeated. “We need to build trust—more trust than we have ever had before.”

  “Josiah, have you thought about the possibility that I’m not the wolf the Triat talked about in your vision? Think about it. I lost to a Mani, even though he didn’t perform any magic whatsoever against me. I humiliated my own kind to the point they left me to die. I will never be forgiven by the Carni. I’m damaged goods. Why would the Triat choose me?” I wanted Josiah to know the good, the bad and the ugly about who I was. No secrets.

  “You might never be forgiven by the Carni,” Josiah stated, “but there is no way in hell that you’re damaged goods. Look at you, you’re built like a pit bull. I know in my heart that the Triat looks fondly on you. The Triat knows you are a good man and of strong moral character. You need to trust me and believe in me. Together, we will change everything.” Josiah gave me a comforting nod.

  I nodded back. “I trust you, Josiah. What’s the game plan?”

  “Let’s chain you up first.” Josiah entered the cage and helped me chain myself. We wrapped the chains around my ankles and wrists, and then fastened all four clamps. We put additional chains around my chest and waist. We gave a little pull on the chains to allow me to walk around a bit in the cage. When we were done, Josiah exited the cage door, closed it and locked the cage several times over.

  I was as uncomfortable as a man could be, but I understood this was the only way.

  “Okay, Tom,” Josiah said. “I’m going to give you two kinds of emotional indicators. The idea here is to get you to connect with me emotionally. The first wave will be verbal. I will give you commands as the ‘alpha male,’ and you will need to submit to me. You will need to do all my commands. Once we have that mastered, we will do tactile. Through my touch, you will learn to trust me, as well as submit to me. Tonight, we will focus on the verbal, and tomorrow we will concentrate on the touching.”

  I nodded. “What about the third night?”

  “I’m going to play it by ear,” he replied nonchalantly.

  That wasn’t comforting to hear.

  “Play it by ear? What if none of this works?” Now, I felt like I was going to throw up.

  Josiah gave me his word and Josiah’s word was turning out to be unswerving these days.

  “Josiah, if at any point—I turn on you—and you need to attack me to save your life, you’re going to have to do it.”

  Josiah looked me dead in the eyes. “It won’t come to that. I promise. Are you in there tight?”

  “As tight as it can be. We have about 25 minutes, so we better get started.”

  “Okay, Tommy. You need to forget that I’m Josiah. You need to look at me like I’m your master. You need to take on the role of a typical dog who listens to the commands of his owner.”

  I looked at him, perplexed. “Okay, then what?”

  “You’ll need to obey my commands, no matter how lame they seem to you, or how silly you feel.”

  I chuckled. “All right, let’s do it.”

  I took a deep breath and so did Josiah. He seemed to steel himself and then he shouted, “Tommy!”

  I looked at Josiah, feeling a bit startled and then lowered my head to show submission. Josiah had complete control.

  “Tommy,” Josiah yelled again. “Look me in the eyes!”

  My eyes slowly raised and met his. “Good boy,” Josiah said. I couldn’t help but smirk.

  “Tommy,” Josiah pleaded, “please take this seriously. Concentrate on my command and just let everything go.”

  I nodded my head.

  “Sit!” Josiah commanded me. I hesitated at first and then did as he said. I sat on the ground.

  “Good boy! Now stand!” Josiah said with authority.

  I stood up.

  “I want you to sit and stand three times.”

  I shuffled my feet.

  “Do it now,” Josiah commanded.

  This time, I obeyed. I stood up and sat down three times.

  “Good boy,” Josiah said. “Now, howl!”

  Was he serious? He wanted me to howl? I was all in at this point, so I gave him what he wanted. I howled my heart out.

  Sunset was drawing nearer and nearer. I began to itch wildly. That was always the first sign of the oncoming change.

  “I guess this is it,” Josiah said.

  “Josiah,” I said before I transitioned. “Be careful and don’t move too quickly. Be absolutely sure you have my trust.”

  That was the last thought I remembered for a while.

  The full moon had finally made its grand appearance.

  Chapter Eight

  As my body seemed to be in slumber, my mind was awakened for the first time. My wolf body was howling at the night. It was a clear picture of staring at the moon and wanting Maya’s love. My howl was my cry. It seemed like I did this for hours. Then my mind went black again.

  Glimpses of Josiah’s face talking calmly to me filled the rest of the night and morning. Josiah was making progress. I had never remembered so much during a turning.

  As I began waking up from sleep, I had to pee like a racehorse. I was covered in chains and inside a cage.

  “Josiah!” I screamed loudly. “Are you going to let me out or what? I have to piss!”

  “Oh yeah, where’s the key?” Josiah asked, rubbing the sleep f
rom his eyes. I had woken him up. I wondered how much he accomplished last night in regard to my werewolf evolution. I felt different, but I wasn’t sure why.

  “It’s in my coat pocket,” I said, referring to the key. “My coat is hanging on the wall outside the door.”

  “How did you get out of the cage the other times?” Josiah asked.

  “I had a friend do it, someone I trusted.”

  “A Mani?” Josiah inquired.

  “No, an everyday human: a Tandra.”

  “It was my sister, wasn’t it?” Josiah gave me a knowing look.

  I smiled and said, “Yeah, it was, bro. Now, please let me out or I’m going to piss right here.”

  “Why are you soaked?” He took the key out and unlocked the door.

  “It’s what happens when we transition or turn. It’s sweat.”

  “I think I’m going to throw up.” Josiah unlocked the cage door. He entered the cage and I was still very much chained up. One by one, Josiah unlocked my wrists and ankles and then finally, my chest. When he removed the last lock, I bolted past him and ran to the bathroom. When I came out, Josiah was standing there with a confused look on his face.

  “Tommy, my sister died over a year ago. Who has helped you since then?”

  “You don’t know her,” I said. “It was someone I trusted and cared about.”

  “You have a lot of secrets, don’t you?” Josiah stared at me and then shook his head.

  “I need my secrets, especially now that I’m flying solo.”

  “You’ll never be solo, Tom.”

  “We’ll see. So, how did it go?” I asked, referring to day one of Josiah’s attempt at taming my wolf.

  “Do you remember anything?” Josiah asked.

  I just stared straight ahead and didn’t say anything.

  “Tommy,” Josiah said, waving my hand in his face. “Do you remember anything?”

  “Josiah, I need to wrap my head around all of this. Let me get some sleep and we’ll talk when I get up.”

  “Okay,” Josiah said.

  I needed to wrap my brain around what had happened last night. I usually had absolutely no memory of my time in my werewolf form. Lots of different images were bouncing around my head. I needed to try to sort them out.