The Peacekkeeper Journals: The Joining [Book 1]

by CJ England

The pain retreated a little from her eyes. “You mean in a restaurant?"

  He grinned. “Yeah, you hungry?"

  She nodded. “Oh, yes. I am very hungry."

  "Well, go get some clothes on and we'll go."

  Kira frowned. “Gallegar has my backpack. This is all I could find, and I do not think it is enough. Lucas wishes me to have my legs covered."

  She opened her robe, and Danolas saw she was wearing a men's dress shirt. It was a pale blue gray, but respectable enough since it came down to just mid-thigh.

  "Lucas doesn't want anyone else looking at your legs,” he sighed. “I guess I can't blame him. We are supposed to protect you, even from lascivious looks."

  He raised his staff. “Let's see what I can do.” Muttering an incantation, he pointed his staff at her legs. A second later, she found herself wearing, in addition to the shirt, a pair of white leggings with matching socks and hard soled slippers.

  "Go find a belt, and the ensemble is complete,” he said, as he watched Kira look at herself in a mirror. She beamed at him and then scampered back into the bedroom.

  * * * *

  Two hours later, fed and satisfied, Kira and Danolas arrived at A Crown of Thorns. They were followed by two of Danolas’ witches, as bodyguards for their high priest, just as Gallegar had done the night before.

  Supernaturals in authority always had a retinue.

  It had been dark for about half an hour and, as they walked toward the door, Kira recognized Bruce, the vampire she had confronted the night before. He recognized her too, and his eyes grew wide as she approached him.

  "Peacekeeper,” he said, bowing his head. He reached behind him to open the door, ignoring the complaints of the waiting crowd.

  Kira saw his fear and it troubled her. “Does your chest still hurt?” she asked softly, putting a detaining hand on his arm.

  He looked at her a little wildly. “I will recover ... Peacekeeper."

  "Let me help you ... please.” Without waiting for permission, Kira spoke the healing spell and touched Bruce's chest with kissed fingers.

  "The ... the soreness is gone!” The vampire touched his chest in amazement.

  "I am very sorry I had to hurt you. I hope you understand."

  "Yes, Peacekeeper. You belong to the Master now. Your will is ours."

  "A Ghra ... What are you up to now?" Gallegar's mind-speech was amused.

  "What is necessary," she responded tartly.

  Danolas chuckled beside her.

  "Come to me, A Ghra ... I am impatient to feel you in my arms."

  Kira, Danolas and his entourage walked into the club. Kira headed straight to Gallegar's office.

  Danolas watched as the vampires in the club all turned to get a good look at The Peacekeeper. He could sense their awe. It looked like Gallegar had wasted no time cultivating their fear of Kira. Or, it could be partly the fact power surrounded Kira wherever she was. Any supernatural being could sense it.

  Just before they reached the office door, it flew open and Gallegar stepped out. Without pausing, he strode to Kira and swept her into his arms. “A Ghra ... Never has the day seemed so long."

  "I missed you too.” Kira's words were muffled, as she pressed her face against his chest.

  Transferring Kira to one arm, Gallegar took Danolas’ hand in his. “Good evening, my brother. I trust your day has gone well."

  Danolas gave a crooked smile. “Oh, it's been interesting all right. Let's go inside and I'll tell you about it.” He turned and gave his bodyguards instructions to wait outside in the club.

  Once the three of them were inside the office, Gallegar turned to them both. “You have eaten I trust?"

  Kira smiled, and her eyes shone. “Oh, yes. Danolas took me to a restaurant, and I ate steak and po ... ta ... to."

  Gallegar chuckled at her obvious pleasure. “You are enjoying these new foods, eh?"

  "I had ice cream for dessert ... something called choc ... olate."

  "And she ate every bit!” Danolas said dryly. “And part of mine as well."

  Gallegar laughed again as he drew Kira down on the couch next to him, while Danolas walked over to examine one of the landscapes on the wall.

  Kira looked at Gallegar thoughtfully. “Did you eat already?"

  Gallegar tilted his chin and his voice was arrogant. “I am the Vampire King. There are many who offer themselves to me."

  "Humans know of you?"

  "Some do. Those ... whose mind are open and are not afraid."

  "I thought people would be afraid of vampires."

  "There are good vampires and bad vampires, just as there are in any race."

  Danolas interjected from where he was standing, studying Gallegar's art, “If you were a bad human and you were changed, you usually wind up being a bad vamp too."

  "So they are the one's responsible for the fear humans have of you?"

  Gallegar nodded gravely. “As their king, I control my flock's will, but every so often, a vampire turns rogue and breaks free of my control."

  "Your power is so strong.” Kira was amazed. “How do they break free?"

  Gallegar shrugged. “It is believed rogues become infected with a sickness that breaks the bond between master and servant."

  "Gallegar, where was this picture painted?” Danolas asked, changing the subject. Gallegar rose and joined him where he stood in front of a painting of rolling green hills and a pristine blue river.

  "This was painted near the river Shannon, in Westmeath, Ireland."

  "I thought I recognized it. I visited Dunguaire Castle as an acolyte. Received my first wand from an Irish witch by the name of Aebh."

  "There is much magick in the hills of The Shannon. Many witches live in the area. It is said the magick of the earth empowers their own."

  Danolas nodded. “I felt it there. It was hard to leave, but I knew my destiny was here.” He turned and looked at Kira, who was listening interestedly to them. “And there my destiny sits."

  Gallegar smiled.

  "When did you leave Ireland, my Heart?"

  "I commissioned a private ship for my own safety then immigrated here in 1875. I have been back several times.” He walked back to Kira and brought her hand to his lips in a courtly gesture. “Perhaps next time I can take you with me. I can show you where I grew up."

  Kira dimpled at him, and Gallegar felt his body stir. Forgetting Danolas’ presence, he bent to take her in his arms. He pulled her up from the couch and was about to press his lips to hers when she stiffened.

  "Lucas is here and speaking to me."

  "Hey! If you want me to join the party, you better tell your guards to let me in. I can't get by Butch out here! What ... oh sorry, his name is Bruce."

  Kira giggled and told Gallegar what was happening.

  Rolling his eyes, Gallegar sent the mental command to allow Lucas entrance. They all could now sense Lucas as he made his way into the club and through the dining area. There was something wrong.

  "What troubles you, my wolf?" Kira mind-spoke him softly.

  "I'm bringing company." Lucas growled, his mind's voice angry. “Elijah thought I might need some back-up."

  Kira quickly explained the problem to Danolas and Gallegar.

  "We'll be waiting,” Gallegar answered, his own voice quiet, yet menacing.

  "What do we do?” Kira bit her lip nervously as she looked up at the vampire. “They cannot know what we do here or Lucas ... or we all are in danger."

  "Calm yourself, A Ghra...” He touched his finger to her lip so she would quit biting it.

  Danolas walked over and stood near Kira and Gallegar. “We'll find a way to get rid of them. Let's just see what happens."

  There was a knock on the door and Gallegar called for them to enter.

  Lucas walked into the room with a scowl on his face, followed closely by two other shapeshifters. One was tall and blond, the other average-sized and brown-haired. Both wore cocky expressions on their faces.

  Kira subtly t
ested their power. Neither was in the same category as Lucas. Not even if they were to combine their powers.

  "Who are you?” Danolas asked, with just the right air of condescending in his voice. “You were not invited here."

  Lucas answered for them. “My Clan Leader felt it necessary to send someone to watch out for me. He is concerned about my well-being."

  "He is afraid I will hurt you?” Kira was aghast. She began to get angry.

  "That's it!" Danolas mind-spoke excitedly. "Get angry."

  "What ... “ Kira didn't understand.

  "A good idea, Danolas. Scare them, A Ghra..."

  Kira looked at Lucas, who now walked over and stood near her. “I tried to tell him you wouldn't like it, but he didn't listen."

  "Scare the shapeshifters, my Lady. Use your powers. Make them see they don't belong here."

  Kira finally understood. She hid a smile as she turned to the shapeshifters who stood solidly by the door. She gathered herself to put on a show. “You must leave.” Her tone was firm.

  The blond man just smirked at her. “The boss says we're to stay, so we stay."

  "Yeah,” the second shapeshifter chimed in. “We're here to protect him."

  Kira stalked closer to the two men and smiled chillingly. The cocky look dropped off their faces. “You think you could stop me if I decided to do anything?” Kira laughed, and the sound slithered along the shapeshifter's spines.

  "You do not even have the power between you to slow me down. I am Peacekeeper. Were you not at The Howling last evening? Did you not see what I can do to one of your kind?"

  "We were doing errands for the boss. We didn't see anything.” The timbre of the shapeshifter's voice revealed that even if he hadn't seen it, he had heard about it.

  The brown-haired man wet his lips nervously. “We're just following orders. You can't do anything to us, bitch!"

  The room was suddenly filled by the roar of angry power as a vampire, a witch, and a master shapeshifter reacted to the boastful words.

  "You dare!” hissed Gallegar. His eyes gleamed a deep fiery green—his power reached out to encircle their throats. He began to squeeze.

  Danolas raised his staff over his head and a wind blew through the room, knocking them off balance.

  Lucas wanted to leap on them, but remembered his place at the last minute. He swallowed down his rage and contented himself with a soft growl.

  Kira walked a pace closer. “You are both fools. You stand against a Vampire King and a High Priest Witch. I know the Words of Death over you. Do you court your own doom so easily?"

  The blond man retreated toward the door, but didn't give up completely. “We're not supposed to leave Lucas alone.” The words were hoarse as he tried to speak around Gallegar's choking grasp.

  Kira kept walking, until both men had their backs pressed against the wall. “He has been chosen to be here. Your leader may not countenance our joining, but I still wish Lucas’ presence. You, on the other hand, are not necessary, nor welcome. Leave now, while I still allow it."

  Kira allowed a bit of her power to swirl, making her hair rise and whip around her. Her eyes glowed a molten gold.

  The two men began to shake, their mouths slack with fear.

  Lucas cleared his throat. “Maybe we should rethink this. Thomas ... Peter, why don't you go back to Elijah and tell him of The Peacekeeper's objections? Since she wants me here, I don't think she'll do anything to me. We'll regroup tomorrow and see what needs to be done."

  The werewolves glanced at each other then back at Lucas. Kira saw their hesitation.

  "Perhaps a demonstration of my power is necessary.” She smiled coldly and stretched out a slim hand toward them.

  "Ohbed ockt no veil

  Shabot..."

  "Get out of here, guys!” Lucas shouted urgently. “Don't let her touch you.” Just the words themselves sent a chill down his spine, as he remembered the pain.

  The men must have seen something in his eyes, for they gave up the fight, pulled the door open and ran for their lives.

  Danolas used his magick to slam the door shut behind them. “A bit theatrical, but it works.” His grin spread over his face.

  Kira immediately went to Lucas and put her arms around him. “We were just trying to scare them. I couldn't mind-speak you quickly enough."

  Lucas wiped the back of his hand against his sweaty brow. “I kinda got that by the end. Just hearing those words though...” He couldn't suppress a shiver.

  "When you link with Gallegar and Danolas, you can hear their mind-speech as well. No more guessing,” she comforted him.

  Lucas snorted softly. “Yeah, well ... it's a good thing I'm beginning to trust you guys, otherwise I might have run with my fellow wolves."

  Gallegar offered him his hand. “Welcome, my friend. I sense the joining went well last night."

  Color stained Lucas’ rough-hewn jaw as he glanced at Kira. “Yeah, it went great.” He looked at Gallegar and Danolas, his silver eyes embarrassed. “Look ... I hear I wasn't too good with my shielding. Sorry if I disturbed you."

  Gallegar shook his head. “I was resting, Lucas. You didn't disturb me.” He looked at Kira. “However I did feel your touch as you wished me good night.” His mouth curved in a secret smile.

  Kira smiled back at him, her eyes warm.

  "I followed some of it on the psychic plain,” Danolas interjected, when he saw Lucas begin to frown. “But it was just the emotions. The feelings of the joining, not the details.” He added this quickly as Lucas turned to him with narrowed eyes.

  "So I'll be able to feel your thoughts as well as Kira's once we link together?"

  "I have found we can shield some things from each other. But if we wish, yes, we will sense each other and be able to mind-speak directly. We also seem to absorb some of each other's magicks."

  "I'll be able to do some magick and have the powers of a vampire as well.” He looked at Gallegar. “And you will have my strength as a shapeshifter.

  "Among your other powers,” Gallegar agreed. “Many you are just coming into, Master Shapeshifter."

  Lucas raised his eyebrows. “I don't know what other powers you're speaking about, but I'll take your word for it.” He turned to Kira. “A moment in private, if I could?"

  Kira's eyes widened. After a brief glance at the other two, she led Lucas over to the opposite side of the room. “What is it, my wolf?"

  "Everything happened so fast this morning I didn't have time to do this.” He dug in his pocket.

  "Do what? I do not understand."

  "I saw you wear Gallegar's ring. And that crystal at your throat carries the smell of Danolas’ magick. I figured they were gifts from them ... for the joining."

  "They were,” Kira admitted, “but that doesn't mean..."

  Lucas held up his hand. “I know I don't have to, but I want to. It's not much...” his voice trailed off.

  Kira grabbed his hand. “Whatever it is, I will cherish it. You know that."

  "Then here ... roll up your sleeve. Nice shirt by the way."

  Kira smiled as she helped Lucas roll up the sleeve of the shirt she had borrowed from him. “I will be very careful of it. I had no other clothing."

  "Honey, everything I have is yours. You look a hell of a lot better in it than I do.” He strapped something on her outstretched arm.

  "Lucas, what is it?” Kira stared at the intricate band he had placed on her right upper arm. It was made with various colors of dark and light, all woven together to form an exquisite pattern. It clung to her like a second skin.

  "When one of my people changes for the first time, the others in our immediate clan comb our hair as part of the ritual. It is a way of learning each other's scent. Of finding our place in the pack."

  "This is made of your hair? The hair when you changed?” Kira's voice was awed.

  Lucas nodded. “Yes. The hair is taken by our clan's oldest female and woven into a band in memory of our first shapeshift."

 
"And you want me to have it?"

  "Yeah, you're the closest thing I have to family now.” He raised her hand to his lips, but kissed the soft inner skin on her wrist instead. “It is tradition."

  Chapter 8

  Kira smiled at him. Her eyes glowed and her pulse jumped a bit after his kiss. “I accept it with love, my wolf.” She turned her arm this way and that, looking at the beauty of the design.

  "It has a spell in it to keep it on you at all times, but if you want, I can remove the spell so you can take it off whenever you want."

  "No!” Kira's voice was sure. “This is now a part of me ... as you are."

  Lucas grinned at her in satisfaction. He took his time rolling down her shirt sleeve. He enjoyed touching her. “Well, I guess we better get back over there. I guess it's time to link up with the others."

  He turned to the other men who were standing silently waiting for them. “I'm ready, guys. What do we do?"

  Kira took him by the hand and led him over to the couch. The other men followed. “You saw the linking last night. The same must be done with you."

  Ruddy color filled Lucas's cheeks again. “They have to touch my brand?” He groaned at Kira's nod.

  Gallegar and Danolas looked questioningly at each other, but began to smile as they read in Kira's mind where she had put the mark.

  "Honey, don't tell me I have to drop my pants.” Lucas was horrified.

  "I am sorry, my wolf. There must be skin to skin contact, as with the joining."

  He swore roundly, making Kira's eyes widen and the other men burst into laughter. “Easy for you to laugh. Your brands are in plain sight. Son of a bitch!"

  Lucas shook his head as he saw there was no other way around this. “Damn it ... let's get it over with.” Without another word, he unbuckled his belt and shucked his pants. They fell in a pool around his ankles.

  "That door better be locked!"

  Danolas grinned then spoke a couple of words. The lock clicked soundly behind them. Kira and Lucas sat on the couch, while Danolas and Gallegar sat on the low table before them.

  "Do you remember the ceremony?” Kira asked them.

  Gallegar unbuttoned his black silk shirt and she unbuttoned hers as well. Carefully she pulled it apart so all could see the brand on her breast. A perfect set of claw marks, already healed. Gallegar and Danolas looked solemnly at it and nodded.