The Eternal War Series Box Set

by Holly Vane

  “Well since my job is done,” Layla said getting up off the couch. “Me and Miles are going to take in New York. See ya.” Miles looked surprised by this and Layla literally had to yank him out the door.

  Brooks rummaged around in his duffel bag that was placed beside the couch; he pulled out a disc and popped it into the CD player that was on the second shelf of the bookcase beside the TV. “Pays to come prepared.”

  Classical music erupted from the speakers and Caleb pushed the coffee table along the carpet. “May I have this dance?” Holly couldn’t help but laugh as she let him guide her around the floor.

  “The trick is to follow.” He said after she had stumbled into him for the seventh time. “Which may be hard for you to do.” He teased. “You have to give control over to your partner. Place yourself in his hands.”

  “Yeah, because he would just love that.” Jade almost yelled. Caleb’s body stiffened and he shot Jade a look that could have literally killed.

  “Wouldn’t you rather be elsewhere?” He snapped and the harshness of his tone made Holly look up. Jade rose from the couch.

  “Why? You two want to be left alone? Last time I checked Caleb it’s me your fucking not her. She doesn’t want you remember?” Holly adverted her eyes. It wasn’t her place to interfere, this was between them but biting her tongue was getting almost impossible.

  “This isn’t the time Jade.” Caleb practically growled at her.

  “You think I’m stupid don’t you?” She continued unaware of how hot Caleb’s blood was running. Holly could practically feel the heat coming off him. “You finish with me days before coming here to see her?” Holly’s head jerked up but Caleb wouldn’t meet her gaze. “I’m your Guardian Angel.” Jade mocked. “I can’t screw and guide you at the same time. What a lot of bullshit. Your just hoping Dominic will mess up and Holly will come running back to you. Well news flash jerk! It’s never going to happen!” The front door slammed loudly behind Jade as she stormed out the apartment.

  “I’ll go after her.” Andrea said. “You two just keep practicing.”

  An awkward silence prevailed until Brooks cleared his throat. “Well I’ll…em…I’ll take a bath I think, if you wouldn’t mind?” Caleb crossed the room and sat down on the couch.

  “Course not.” Holly replied distracted. She waited till the bathroom door had closed before switching off the music.

  “Leave it on.” Caleb told her suddenly. She threw him a perplexed look then nodded as it dawned on her. Whatever Caleb wanted to say to her he didn’t want to be overheard. Jade was Nephilim and although her hearing wasn’t as sharp as an Immortals it was good enough to hear them. Holly turned the volume up then jerked her head towards the bedroom.

  Caleb shut the door firmly before leaning against it. “You left her, why?” Holly asked sitting on the feathery mattress. “You seemed…invested in her.”

  “Sleeping with Jade was the biggest mistake I’ve ever made.” He eventually allowed. “She’s messed up enough she doesn’t deserve to be mucked around.”

  “I thought you said you cared for her.” This sudden U-turn surprised Holly. He had broken up the band because of her. Caleb had picked Jade over Holly and now all of a sudden it was over?

  “I do. But I’ve never loved her. I’m tied to her but staying with her out of duty is making us both suffer. I had to end it, it’s better this way.” Holly got a sinking sensation.

  “What do you mean you’re tied? Because she’s your charge?” Caleb sighed and joined her on the bed. He looked so weary and defeated.

  “She’s my soul mate Holly. The same as Dominic is yours.” It took a while to digest the news. Caleb had told her all about soul mates. Despite what romantic novels and movies would have you believe, the term soul mate was anything but romantic. It physically bonded you to your other half and when they weren’t around you pined for them like crazy. It took over completely till they were all you thought about. It burned so much it hurt.

  “Why didn’t you tell me this?”

  “It wasn’t important.”

  “How can you say that? Caleb…I just want you to be happy. If that’s with Jade then so be it.” Caleb smiled sadly and his bare arm brushed against the material of her jumper, sending electricity through Holly’s body. Their relationship was foggy now that they were both with different people. Holly still loved him with all her being but it wasn’t the passionate fire she had for Dominic it was more steady, reliable.

  “The only time I’ve ever truly been happy was when I was with you.” He said so quietly Holly had to strain to hear it.

  “Caleb…that ship sailed a long time ago.”

  “I know. I just sometimes wish things between us had worked out differently.”

  “Dominic would say you had a lucky escape. Apparently I’m hell to live with.” Holly mused. Caleb let out a laugh.

  “Come on let’s back to waltzing, shall we?”

  Jade and Andrea came back in to the apartment ten minutes later, and although she still stared holes into Holly she kept her silence. After three hours of waltzing Caleb finally declared her ready. Holly felt dead on her feet and it must have showed because Andrea suggested she take a nap before having to get glammed up.

  Holly trekked to her bed and didn’t even bother lifting up the covers, her eyes closed as soon as her head touched the pillow.

  4

  Holly Adams didn’t recognise her reflection. The blue gown transformed her completely along with Layla’s makeup. A silk collar fastened at her neck and the shimmering fabric parted to form a diamond shape just above her breast bone. Layla had attacked her with boob tape to stop her from spilling out, and after repeatedly asking if the tape would hold all night, Layla informed her to stop being such a bore.

  The dress billowed out at the waistline masking Holly perfectly while at the same time making her look slimmer. Andrea had told her that a well-tailored dress could perform miracles, but Holly hadn’t believed her till now.

  She felt better than ever and the girl staring back at her was stunning. Layla had done wonders with her frazzled curls, and they trailed down her back in elegant spirals. The clock on the bedside table struck 7:30 and nerves fluttered in her stomach, but she refused to let them get the best of her. No matter what happened tonight Holly swore she wouldn’t let herself panic.

  The look on Caleb’s face as Holly walked out the bedroom made her worries abate. He was dressed in a traditional tux and looked flawless. Out of them all Caleb was the only other to have received a summons besides her and Dominic. After thanking them all for their help Holly followed Caleb to the lift.

  The space felt small and hot and Holly was glad when the doors opened on the ground floor. Caleb hailed a cab and she slid across the backseat ignoring the driver who whistled at her.

  “34th street please.” Caleb said as the taxi pulled away from the curb. Holly looked out the window as the driver and Caleb exchanged small talk. She was dying to see Dominic, one look at him and Holly knew she would feel less anxious. He filled her senses until there was nothing else but him, and she needed that distraction more than ever. Holly thought that he would have called and had carried her cell around all day but he never did, which put her more on edge. He was probably just too busy doing…whatever the hell had been so important. At least that was what she made herself believe.

  The taxi finally pulled up in a street full of Victorian style buildings, none of which looked big enough to host an order of Immortals. Caleb paid and they watched it drive off. “What do we do now?” Holly asked after he made no movement. He checked his watch and smiled at her, but it was a tense smile.

  “Now we wait. Dominic said he’d met us here, it’s not quite eight yet.” He added quickly. Holly looked up and down the dark deserted street and let out a deep breath. “Hey, there’s nothing to worry about, he’s not even late yet.” Caleb’s soothing did little to slow her racing heart. She tried to smile but it was more of a grimace.

  “She
complaining already?” Holly could have died with relief. She pivoted to see Dominic leaning against the front wall of a house, and the tears came automatically. Holly ran to him and held Dom to her as if her very life depended on it, burying herself into his chest she clutched onto him till her heart started to slow.

  “I missed you too.” He whispered holding her. Gathering herself Holly pulled away, cursing herself for being so weak.

  “Well…where is this meeting thingy?” She breathed still reeling from the overwhelming relief that filled her every pore. Dominic took her hand and started to lead her down the alley between two of the houses. “This way.”

  The further they walked the more uncertain Holly became. “Dom there’s nothing down here…” He stopped and she squinted ahead. There was some sort of building in front of them, it looked fairly small and as a gust of wind breezed over them, Holly heard the squeaking of hinges. Caleb stepped forward and shut the door that was flapping in the wind; it resembled more of a shack than a meeting place for supernatural royalty. Holly glanced at Dom but he was too busy taking in her gown. “You look…” There was a hunger to his eyes that she knew would be mirrored in her own. “You don’t look too bad yourself.” Holly replied taking in his dark fitted suit and red shirt. He looked so hot it should be a sin.

  “Ready?” Caleb asked, turning to them. He gripped the doorknob. Dom hesitated never taking his eyes off Holly. “You go ahead.” He finally replied. “We’ll catch up.” Caleb started to object but Dominic pulled her away from the door and into the shadows.

  Holly’s back brushed the wall. “Dom, what are you…” His mouth came down on hers hard and Holly’s body responded instantly. She had been craving this all day and now that he was supplying Holly couldn’t get enough. The alley disappeared till there was just him; her hands raked his black hair that felt like silk pulling his body closer. As Holly went into complete meltdown he pulled away. “We shouldn’t keep them waiting.”

  “You’re putting on the brakes now?” She gasped incredulously. He laughed while righting her dress.

  “You know I’m worth the wait.”

  “And you call me a tease.” She quipped as he took her hand and led her inside.

  “How much did they tell you about tonight?” Dominic asked while they walked. The empty hallway was so dark Holly had to rely on his enhanced eyesight. “Just that’s it’s a big deal. And just for the record, I don’t need to impress a bunch of murderers and hypocrites.” Dominic grimaced.

  “Can you please just do as you’re told for once? This isn’t my idea of fun either but there are certain rules that have to be obeyed, like no fighting.” Holly rolled her eyes. She was fed up of everyone trying to make out that she was trouble.

  Trouble found her.

  “Holly I’m serious. Not matter how much your provoked don’t start anything. Promise me.” She glared at him in reply. He pulled on her hand forcing her to a stop. “Hey, I know this is hard for you, seeing Castillo again after what happened…But Holly you have to leave it all at the door, or otherwise we’ve won’t be walking back out. Understand?”

  “Dom I got it. Keep my mouth shut and act invisible.” They started to walk again.

  “That wasn’t what I meant.” He told her as they came to a door. Light was creeping out of the space at the bottom, and voices soaked through the wood, casting one last concerned glance her way Dominic opened it and Holly was transported into a world full of magic and danger and grandeur.

  They were standing on the threshold of a landing decked with plush royal red carpet that felt like fur when her heels stepped on it, giant cream marble columns touched the carved celling. Beautiful women dripped in jewels and crowns hugged men in formal attire, it was surreal and slightly intimidating.

  A table lay off to the side with a scroll on top. A bored looking attendant crossed off names as gold Envelopes were handed over. Caleb was slightly ahead of them in the line and she saw him hand over his summons. The man took it and checked the name on the side with the ones on the scroll in front of him. Holly marvelled at the quill that scribbled out his name, it was like something out of a movie.

  The curly haired attendant passed the envelope over a metal plate that was engraved in the surface of the table, and she looked on with fascination as a gold rope formed around Caleb’s wrist like a lasso. It grew fainter then went up in smoke. The process was repeated with every person in the queue, and Holly realized it was the magic that blinded them to the Order being removed.

  “Dom, I forgot the envelope.” She told him with quiet panic as they came to the front. “You mean this one?” He asked with a mischievous smirk as he pulled it out of his suit pocket. Holly didn’t bother to hide her grin; at times he was purely astonishing. Dominic handed it over and the man took it without looking up. He scratched their names of the parchment. “Have a good evening Holly…” He trailed off as the rope round their wrists burned away. He looked up for the first time and stared at her with undisguised wonder. “Adams…” He seemed lost for words and uncertainly Holly glanced around to see everybody staring at her. For a moment it was like time itself had stopped.

  “Thank you.” Dominic answered guiding her away from the table and towards Caleb, who stood waiting for them. When she reached him Holly caught him glaring at a dark haired man who watched every step Holly made. Caleb stepped behind her to block his view. Most of the people had torn their eyes away and after handing over their coats made for the staircase.

  The man who had irritated Caleb past inches away from her and grinned flirtatiously. She heard Dominic click his tongue in annoyance. “Who is that?” Holly whispered to Caleb.

  “A very dangerous man, stay away from him.” He told her before excusing himself.

  “Where’s he going?” Holly asked Dominic. “To beat the wholly crap out of him.” She stared at him with horror until he burst out laughing.

  “I’m kidding Holly. Come on.”

  “That wasn’t funny.” She told him as he pulled her across the landing. As she fell in step behind him Holly glanced to her left and the breath caught in her throat. A group of young men stood off to the side partly cloaked in the shadow that the huge columns made. Smouldering embers glowed through the black and Holly was completely transfixed by them so much her feet forgot to walk.

  The owner of the eyes stepped forward a little and his hair flowed over his shoulders in a cascading dark sheen, he was a sight to behold but his amazing looks didn’t explain the devastating effect he had on her. She felt a tug as Dominic realized she wasn’t following.

  The guy held her gaze almost begging her to come to him, and she would have if Dom hadn’t placed a hand in the small of her back and ushered her away. As soon as they broke eye contact the effect started to wear off. “What the hell was that?” She gasped into his ear as they descended the stairs.

  “I told Andrea to talk to you about this. The Immortals here are not just Angels and Demons.” He let his words sink in before continuing. “You wanted to know what else was real. Well the answer is just about everything you’ve ever had a nightmare about.”

  “Great.” She breathed.

  “You’ll be fine. Just don’t stray more than an inch from me.” He squeezed her hand reassuringly as they reached the bottom, and Holly had no intention of letting go. The ballroom seemed to go on forever. White panelling and French windows gave an impressive view of the Hudson River; at least that was what she thought it was called. Holly didn’t have the greatest sense of direction.

  The wooden floor gleamed underneath the chandeliers that hung from the ceiling, a black flower that looked like a lily was intertwined with the metal links that kept the crystal chandeliers bolted to the celling. At the far end there was some kind of staging and she saw a full orchestra setting up. Behind her were tables draped with white linen and topped with buffet food and a punch bowl.

  Dominic pulled her through the crowd and Holly ignored the curious eyes that studied her as she passed by. Her
grip on his hand started to slip as he weaved in and out with effortless ease. Suddenly a dark form was in front of her and her grip broke completely as she came to a stop. He looked slightly worse for wear; there was a dazed look to his brown eyes. He looked down and kind of leered at her, but Holly was sure that it was supposed to be a smile.

  “You…” He held up a finger and she saw the whites of his eyes. “Are the prettiest thing here.” He slurred.

  “That’s… nice.” She replied trying to see over his shoulder to locate Dom.

  “In fact, I don’t mean to be rude but I…”

  “You what?” The guy eyes widened at the sound of Dominic’s voice. He grimaced at her before turning.

  “I…Well I meant…What I was saying…” His words came out fuzzy and she could hear the fear in his tone. Dominic had crossed his arms over his chest and regarded him with dangerous eyes.

  “Holly.” Legion said coming through the crowd. “You look positively glowing.” He took her hand and kissed the back of it before turning to his brother, who was still staring at the poor guy.

  “Dom.” He said quietly but firmly, without looking away Dominic moved closer and whispered into the man’s ear. Holly couldn’t hear what he said so she glanced at Legion who sighed heavily. The man quickly moved away and Dom’s dark eyes followed. “Dick.” He flung after him before he faced her. “What?” He asked defensively when he saw their disapproving glares. He moved away and Holly and Legion shared a look before they followed.

  They caught up to him underneath the balcony; the side of the ballroom was littered with tables and expensive looking leather armchairs. Caleb was sat in one drinking what looked like his fourth punch of the night. Holly threw him a puzzled look but he just waved her off, she had never seen Caleb drink alcohol before. A voice came over the microphone and Holly forgot about everything else.

  She knew that voice.

  Castillo stood on the stage in front of an old fashioned sliver standing microphone. Anger and hate rose in her and Legion placed a firm but comforting hand on her shoulder.