by C. M. Steele
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
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
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Epilogue
Bonus Epilogue
RELEASE
A Lamian Wars Novel
BOOK III
Copyrighted © 2017
All Rights Reserved
No part of this book may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system without written expressed permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is purely coincidental.
Cover design: ZH Designs
Cover Image: Deposit Photos
The use of actors, artists, movies, TV shows, and song titles/lyrics throughout this book are done so for storytelling purposes and should in no way be seen as advertisement. Trademark names are used in an editorial fashion with no intention of infringement of the respective owner’s trademark.
This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or if it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it to the seller and please purchase your own copy.
All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior express, written consent of the author.
This book is intended for mature adults only. Contains sexual content and language that may offend some. Suggested reading audience is 18 years or older. I consider this book as Adult Erotic Romance.
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
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Epilogue
Bonus Epilogue
Chapter 1
Falcon
I looked down at the long-awaited moment with fatherly love. It came over me in a wave of inexplicable joy. I had the life I thought would never come to be.
“My king,” Nora said to me. I lifted my head to see that all eyes were on me as I held our daughter. Her eyes were open and gazing up at me with curiosity. A coo escaped her bowed lips. Millions of questions crossed my mind as I stared at an angel who looked just like my radiant mate—a vision of beauty made from love.
The sirens wailed. They found us. It seemed they weren’t finished being massacred.
A new sense of hope had poured through everyone in the room with the birth of my little princess. Her pale face and bright grey eyes welcomed me in until the sound of trouble rang through the celebration, forcing me into action. Setting the babe onto Nora’s chest, I kissed my mate’s lips and told her, “All will be well.” I smiled down at her, brushing her hair behind her ear. She’d given me everything and I loved her with all my soul.
Directing my attention to Draco, I added, “Protect them.” They were my existence and everything to me. I doubted a soul would be able to harm them, but I had to be sure that they were well guarded and no one but Draco would do. The island had been fortified and this room like many of them was made of pure steel. Securing the future was of the utmost importance when we created this place.
“As always, my king,” he answered with a slight nod of his head. With one more glance at my beloved, I teleported to the security room.
On the far, wall sat eight large screens. Each of them recording a different part of the island. The main command console has a round of monitors taking in radar and sonar as well as sensors that cover the island. Lights flashed above each monitor, letting us know which sensors had been tripped. The room was larger than an ordinary security room. It was more of a command center. In the back of the room sat our arsenal full of hand-to-hand combat weapons.
“What do we have?” I asked Gideon who was staring out at the monitors into the darkness of night.
“It looks like two boats headed this way. They shot a missile towards the island, but I shot it out of the air before it reached anywhere near the shoreline.” I nodded, staring aimlessly, simmering with rage. They were looking death in the eyes, having no idea that none would survive trying to come into my world.
“Thank you, Gideon.” I see great promise for him. When he came to us, I saw nothing but arrogance and bravado, now I see a leader in the making. He has become a big ally in such a short time. We needed his strength and voracity if we wish to win this war which is unquestionable. He has learned his place and respected the knockdown and grew from it.
“See here.” He pointed, directing me to the largest monitor. Slamming my hands on the metal surface, I looked at the screen. My blood boiled, knowing they were coming for my family. Even if I’d had a son it wouldn’t make my rage any less. But having my daughter gave me a fearlessness I never knew before. I was ready to tear each and every one of their heads off.
He looked down where my hands smashed, denting the metal. Shit, I needed to gain control of my anger. It couldn’t lead me; determination and level-headedness should dominate my leadership. I took a calming breath and focused my attention on th
e screen.
“Wow, we need to find a stronger material for you,” he chuckled nervously.
I gazed out at the edge of the beach watching the dark waves glimmering in the moonlight. Their boats altering the pattern of the ebb and flow as they moved closer to shore. I could hear the waves from this distance and it was almost as if they played my own personal battle hymn. I placed my hand on his shoulder and gave my orders. “Gideon, let them reach land.” I wanted them to touch the shores. We had plenty of traps to greet them. I could see my reflection through the shine of the metal. My eyes were bluer than the sea and my fangs ready to pierce weak flesh. No vampire who dared to challenge me would survive.
My wife’s dog steadied itself alongside me, looking at the monitors as if he understood all the chaos and what it meant. “What are you?” I questioned aloud; the dog clearly couldn’t answer me. I believed that he was neither dog nor wolf, but something more. I could sense the difference in his being. Nothing about him screamed normal pooch. He gave me a howling whimper as if he answered me. After I dealt with this mess, I needed to find answers. The people of the village who gave him to me were wary about his being. They sensed the difference and feared it. With all the traitors in our midst, I had to be certain Thor wasn’t a part of a Lamian trap. I could only trust a handful of individuals these days. Power corrupted those who never had it before. I’ve lived my life as someone who held power and it lost its thrill when I was in my thirties.
“That dog has been pacing the door the entire time,” Gideon grumbled, slipping on his armor and noticing my attention aimed at Thor. He spent a lot of time with the dog lately. I wondered what his take was on the dog. “He’s not a dog,” he added.
“I agree, but he’s not a wolf either,” I continued.
“That I can agree on.” Gideon looked at Thor suspiciously.
I cleared my thoughts on the dog and moved to be equipped for battle. With the modern weaponry we had, I didn’t see a need for much physical battles, but you could never be sure. It was better to be prepared.
A second round of sirens tore through the air. Gideon and I glanced at each other. I gave him a smirk and he returned with a nod. “Let the games begin.”
Chapter 2
Leonora
I sat on the bed with my daughter, looking into her eyes hoping that the prophecy had been a hundred percent correct. Her eyes were beautiful a steel grey that I’ve never seen before. They mesmerized me and did my heart a world of good. Suddenly that warmth turned to fear that anyone would try to her hurt her. The typical mama bear idiom came to mind. I’d butcher anyone that would try to hurt her. The Lamia will not want our version of peace. Would she lead to peace? Or had my mother-in-law been wrong all those centuries ago?
“Leonora, calm yourself. I can feel your tension,” Mary said, patting my hair. “Let me get her cleaned up.” She took my baby girl from me, smiling down at the gift. I saw the loving mother inside her. I understood that her heart had been irrevocably torn in two. Losing your mate was worse than death. She was slowly fading from us, but the babies seemed to be taking the edge off it all. Without her, I don’t know where we’d be. She has taken the place of our mothers. Well, moreover the mothers that we should have had.
The war had spilled into our sanctuary and I needed to be prepared to fight despite my exhaustion. More than likely, Falcon would never let it come to it, but if they had any more Neros then the threat was real. He’d protect me to his dying breath, but I wouldn’t survive without him. I peered down at my daughter, knowing that I must carry on regardless.
Beyond all the fear, I truly believe the prophecy. “Oh yes, I need to get cleaned up as well. I’ve been staring at her for so long, I completely forgot about our present state.”
“You look lovely. The shower is over there. Let me know if you need help.” I shook my head because I could manage fine on my own. Surprisingly, the pain had mostly disappeared. I waddled over to the shower area with a robe and towels. Everything had been set up so that we were prepared at any given moment.
“There’s a bundle of clothes for each of you,” Mary said. I nodded, giving her a wide grin and a silent ‘thank you’ that she deserved. Feeling even that wasn’t enough, I stepped over to her and gave her a hug. Without her, we would have been lost.
I let go, catching her surprised but pleased expression. The large bundle with one of my favorite tee-shirts on top had been waiting for me. I hit the sprayer and hopped in, washing away the day of fear and panic off of me. Having our little girl brought me relief and comfort knowing Falcon would more than likely be safe. It wasn’t to say that there wouldn’t be others who perished, but selfishly I relished in the fact that should it all be true my man would survive.
I closed my eyes and let the hot water cascade over me as I thrust my hands into my hair. As wonderful as this felt, I couldn’t linger too long. My little girl waited for me. The change in my life had been so profound. I went from a college graduate with shitty parents to a mated vampire, a mother, then the people’s queen. It was a lot to take in, but now wasn’t the time to dwell. The devils were at our doorstep.
My newfound speed and energy made getting prepared much quicker. With my hair still in a towel, I stepped out into the main room. Immediately Charlotte walked up to me with a smile on her face and a clear tenderness between her legs. I returned the smile with a little giggle before wrapping her up in a hug. Which I quickly regretted. My breasts were tender to the touch at the moment and the large belly had mostly disappeared with the birth.
“Congrats, Nora,” she whispered, pulling her arms back to look at me. The tears in her eyes brought tears to my own. Despite the danger outside, overwhelming happiness engulfed us. We were parents and wives to supernatural beings.
“Double congrats back, Charlotte. I can’t believe it. We made little hum…vampire babies. Oh goodness, life has definitely changed,” I giggled. My life went from books and science to passionate love and death looming at every corner. The more I think about it the more ridiculous it seems to me.
She guffawed, “It sure has. Go see my son, I need a shower badly.”
“Oh my, I forgot. Get in there. There should be lots of hot water,” I said, giving her one more, small squeeze before letting go. She swatted my ass to get the last touch. I loved that woman.
Shuffling over to Mary, I grabbed my princess and held her close. I took in her loveliness. She was a thing of pure beauty. I wondered if she had special abilities like her father. Would she just disappear on me one day? It was a crazy thought, but I’ll have to ask Falcon later when he first learned to teleport. I tore my eyes away from her when I heard the coo of their son. I hadn’t had a chance to see him.
“Draco, can I see my little nephew?” I questioned, walking over to him.
“Absolutely.” He gave me a contagious grin. “Let me see my lovely miracle of a niece.” He set his son on the bed, allowing me to hand him the baby, then I picked up my heavy nephew. Damn, Charlie carried this behemoth inside of her?
“Oh my goodness, he’s heavy,” I grunted, staring down at the little guy. He resembled Draco perfectly. I didn’t see an ounce of Charlotte in him, and I was certain that she didn’t mind one damn bit. Her love for Draco could almost compete with mine for Falcon. It was strong enough to last many lifetimes over.
“Yes, he is. Twelve pounds.” Draco proudly answered about his handsome baby. My body aches just thinking about pushing out such a massive baby. He would probably be as large as Draco when he reached maturity. I wonder if my sweet little one would look tougher or more feminine. She’s the first of her kind. Everything about her was new. Would she be the only one? Or would she be the start of the evolution?
I shook my head and added, “Poor Charlotte, no wonder she’s got a stiff waddle. I’m hurting just considering it,” I exclaimed, scrunching my face.
I stared at Draco while he admired my baby. He smiled down at her taking away that fearsome look he normally had. “She’s the p
rettiest little feather.”
“Yes, only six pounds,” I muttered, taking in the differences between the two. Height, weight, and length were all favoring baby Romano. My princess shined like a delicate doll. We switched babies and then another round of sirens went off. Charlotte came rushing from the bathroom with wide-eyes.
“They’ve landed.”
Chapter 3
Falcon
When the time came I’d teleport us on the beach, but for now, it was time for us to have fun with those who thought they could come to my home uninvited. The first group rushed the beach, charging with swords and guns. With my hand hovering over the button, I smiled sinisterly, then I dropped one finger down, sending a line of bombs coming up from the sand. “Ashes to Ashes.”
“Dust to Dust,” Gideon finished. We looked back at the monitor, and some of the bodies were still moving. I did a double take. As a vampire, my vision couldn’t be any better. There could be no mistaking what was before me.
“Tell me I’m not seeing what I am,” I muttered, rubbing my hands across my face just in case something had changed. Humans?
“Those weren’t all vampires. Look.” He pointed again. We had more movement from the shoreline. The next group landed with about twenty or so of their little soldiers. And foolishly, one of them aimed a rocket launcher in our direction. Poor saps. I pointed the cannon from the tree line tower directly at that foolish bastard holding it and fired. He didn’t get a chance to blast us, but he took out a group of his men when the rocket launcher met the bomb I sent.
“More are coming,” I observed with a menacing grin. A group got past the first line, but we planned for it. Gideon did the honors, setting off six more IEDs. Vampire bodies turned to dust and while the bastard humans turned to fresh chum for the sharks.
Checking the monitors, we forgot a major issue. They had brought two ships which seemed to be turning about. We had no intention of leaving any chance of survivors. “Blow up those ships,” I commanded.
“Yes, sir.” He lined up the two targets and hit the buttons, sending missiles towards them. We watched for what seemed like forever for them to reach the ships. They made contact sending screams echoing through the air to our sensitive ears.