Enchanted Immortals Series Box Set: Books 1-4 plus Novella

by C. J. Pinard

  ∞∞∞

  Newcastle, England – 1824

  Jonathan decided that ignorance was indeed bliss. If his son, Ben, wanted to believe he was crazy, then so be it. He wasn’t about to try to convince him the world he lived in was full of vampyres, shapeshifters, Immortals, and sylphs. He was back to his ten-year plan.

  And that’s exactly what he did.

  Ten years after his conversation with his son, Ben, Jonathan decided it was time to go. Ben and Janie were both married now, Ben’s new wife expecting their first child while he followed in his father’s footsteps, working construction in town. Janie was a student teacher at the schoolhouse, learning how to be an educator of children. Marie, his eldest daughter, was now raising four children, and happy as a clam being a farmer’s wife.

  Jonathan first purchased a boat passage to France. Then, one by one, visited each of his children’s homes. He told them he was going to France for a holiday, essentially saying his final goodbyes. He was very sad, knowing he would never see them again.

  Once he landed in France, he found a nice tavern to settle into after his long journey. It was there he paid a stranger to pen a letter to Marie that the boat her father was on had entered rough waters during a storm and sank, and that everyone onboard had drowned.

  Jonathan loved his children, and he knew their grief would be great. But he also knew there was no other way around this. He was fifty years old and still looked like he was in his thirties. He took everything he could fit into a steamer trunk and all the cash he had. From France, he later took a ship to America.

  After months at sea, he landed in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, but quickly moved on. He found his way south to Boston where he spent many years watching the New World expand by leaps and bounds. He worked in construction and in the early, crude beginnings of architecture. He enjoyed not only his freedom, but many feminine, passionate lovers along the way. He made a promise to himself long ago that he was done with marriage and family, deciding it wasn’t worth the heartache.

  Anyone who knew his story most certainly couldn’t blame him.

  As Jonathan continued on through his long life, he witnessed the explosion of the industrial revolution and this infantile country’s reliance on the locomotive. When the fantastic trains began to be executed for personal use, he decided nothing would stop him from seeing the entire country.

  Along his incredible journey, he witnessed the abolition of slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation, and grieved when the president responsible for it was murdered two short years later. He watched as the Native American inhabitants of this new country fought for and lost control of it. He watched as alcohol was legalized, outlawed, and then legalized again. He was proud to witness women being allowed to be a part of the democratic process by being granted the right to vote. He saw two brothers single-handedly become responsible for the invention of the flying machine. He enjoyed the exciting creation of motion pictures and short-wave radios, which gave birth to radio for entertainment and informational purposes.

  For seventy years, he spent time in most of the big cities and watched them expand with people, inventions, and industry. This new country offered freedoms he had never experienced in his life in England, and he vowed he would never leave. During his time in each place, he continually found himself confronted by vampyres and shapeshifters. He never lost his desire to rid the world of their existence and killed as many as he could find, purposefully failing to report many of the killings to the council.

  The Zie Council continued to meet with him every five years for his Enchantment doses. He would occasionally bring in a vamp or shifter who he thought could use some jail time on the island, and this satisfied the council, but they had no idea how many he was truly rounding up and disposing of. Mostly, he only killed the ones he found committing crimes – which were, unfortunately, the majority. He basically believed they were all dirty and gleefully cleansed the world of them where he saw fit.

  A law unto himself.

  In 1900, he decided the turn of the century was a good time to turn over a new leaf. He vowed to work hard to rid himself of the strange accent that told the world he hailed from Newcastle. He practiced relentlessly on sounding more “American”, proud of how he had mastered it.

  Now it was time to see the other side of the country. Taking a train to Los Angeles, he disembarked in that beautiful city and was immediately in awe of its mild climate. It was February and there was no cold or snow to be felt. Just a very mild, cool breeze and the sun was shining brightly.

  After securing himself a small house in the city, he found a favorite bar and quickly made friends with a group of old timers who frequented the establishment. He began to hear talks about a large aqueduct that was being constructed to relieve the pressure the bursting population was having on the city’s water system.

  With his invaluable skills, Jonathan was quickly hired by the largest construction company in the state and was swiftly promoted up the ranks. His sharp architecture knowledge and incredible human strength made him an icon in the industry. He was paid extraordinarily well and swiftly acquired more money than he would ever need. It sustained him through the Great Depression, during which time he managed to eke out a modest living, not wanting to draw undue attention to himself.

  In the mid-1930s, the Zie Council decided their Immortal covens needed more organization. Once establishment of the geographical lines were drawn, a sylph queen was assigned to each area. The United States was divided into four simple quadrants. The queen of the western region decided to assemble a gathering of the covens in her district on New Years’ Eve, 1934. The party was held in the ballroom of a new, popular hotel in downtown Los Angeles.

  After introductions were done and a formal meal had been served, it was time for cocktail hour and the fifty or so Immortals began to intermingle, some meeting new Immortals for the first time, some catching up on old times with really old friends.

  A beautiful blonde in a short black dress and shiny black pumps perched herself up against the makeshift bar the hotel had provided for the party. Jonathan had just ordered his third scotch and turned his head when he smelled a sweet perfume float his way.

  “Hi. I noticed you earlier while we were having dinner,” she smiled, batting long eyelashes over sapphire blue eyes. Smoke spun into the air from a cigarette dangling between her fingers.

  She had the nicest legs Jonathan had ever seen, and he ogled at them a few seconds longer than necessary.

  He looked her up and down and said, “Well did you now, um…?”

  “Kathryn Jones. But you can call me Kat.” She tapped an ash into a heavy glass ashtray that sat on the bar.

  Jonathan chuckled. “Kat? Well, me-ow. Name’s John. You staying at the hotel here?”

  “Yes. Are you?”

  He smiled at her then threw his drink down in one gulp. “Yep. Which coven you belong to?”

  “Well, I’m originally from L.A. here, but moved to the Phoenix coven about eight years ago. You?”

  “I’m kind of from all over, but I moved here a few years ago, started this coven. Getting a bit bored of L.A., though,” he answered.

  She raised an eyebrow at him. “Bored in L.A., really? What do you like to do for fun?” she asked, moving the smoldering cigarette to her other hand.

  He eyed her for a long minute. He knew flirtation when he saw it. “Wanna get out of here and I’ll show you, Kitty-Kat?”

  She crushed out the cigarette, blowing smoke out of the side of her shiny red lips. She took a step away from the bar, extending her hand to Jonathan.

  The rendezvous was taken to his hotel room on the fourth floor. Their fervor was endless, and he found himself quite taken with her. Passion permeated from their pores and filled the room like a cloud of lust. The night was filled with laughter and heavy breathing, and pillow talk filled in the gaps.

  Jonathan propped himself up on his elbow and fingered away a stray curl that was sticking to Kathryn’s damp f
orehead. “So, where have you been all my long life?”

  She looked up at him and smiled. “You tell me, big boy.”

  He chuckled at her. “I’ve been all around the world. What about you?”

  “Not quite that exciting; born and raised in Chicago. Fell in love and got married once. Not doing that again, though.”

  His eyebrows knitted together. “Why not, beautiful?”

  She gave a sad smile. “My David was killed about ten years ago. He was also an Immortal, but was young, and couldn’t survive a gunshot to the chest. We were robbed in front of the theatre.”

  “I’m so sorry,” he whispered. “I know of the same loss and pain.”

  He proceeded to tell her of his two late wives, his children, the ones he loved and raised, and the unborn ones who never made it into the world. It took the rest of the night, through breakfast and lunch, and into the next evening before they were done telling their life stories.

  They were inseparable after that.

  What started as a need for comfort in the arms of another for a night turned into five years of passion and unbreakable friendship.

  Some years later, in typical Jonathan fashion, he had grown bored of Southern California – despite its wonderful climate and beautiful women – and decided to move north. So in 1940, he packed it up and headed for San Francisco, taking Kathryn with him.

  CHAPTER 16

  ∞∞∞

  Portland, Oregon – Present Day

  It was evening, and the sun was just setting. Joshua made his way downstairs and found Pascal in the kitchen. He was alone.

  “Hey, boss, can I have a word?” Joshua asked.

  “Sure, what’s up, Joshua?” Pascal asked as he tossed an empty blood bag into the trash.

  Joshua blew out a breath and plastered a false smile on his lips. “I wanted to speak with you about a promotion,” he started.

  Pascal measured him with a curious stare, keeping his arms crossed in front of him.

  “Well, anyway, I feel I’ve been faithful to you and this clan, and I’d like a position more important than foot-soldier.”

  Pascal let out a cruel laugh. “Really? Do you now? You’ve defied me countless times. You’re lucky I’ve let you live.”

  Joshua frowned. “I don’t understand.”

  “Kid, you will be a foot-soldier for as long as I say you’ll be one.”

  “But Bryan just joined the clan just a few months ago and you’ve promoted him to Lieutenant,” Joshua said, his voice squeaking a little as he tried to plead his case.

  Pascal narrowed his eyes at him. “Yes, well, Bryan has… special gifts that I need.”

  “Please at least consider it, sir. I would greatly appreciate it.” Joshua was fighting to be cordial, when all he wanted was to punch Pascal in his smug face.

  “Yes, I will keep it in mind,” Pascal replied unconvincingly.

  Smith and Bryan had been on their way downstairs when they heard voices in the kitchen and stopped on the stairwell to eavesdrop.

  “Wow,” Bryan whispered to Smith.

  “I know, right? Jealous much? What a loser,” Smith muttered back.

  Just then, Joshua came around the corner and saw the two young vampires on the staircase. He stopped and looked at them.

  “What are you guys doing?” he asked.

  Smith answered. “Just coming downstairs for some dinner… er, I guess it would be breakfast.”

  “Yes, well grab a bag to go, you’re coming with me,” Joshua answered, looking at Smith.

  “What about me?” Bryan asked.

  Joshua narrowed his eyes and said, “You stay here with Pascal.” Then as he walked away, murmured under his breath, “Punk.”

  Bryan and Smith made their way to the kitchen and grabbed blood bags from the fridge and Smith and Joshua left the house, the covering of night protecting them as they went outside to the Towncar.

  “Hey, boss. What’s up?” Bryan asked as he dipped the tube from the bag to his mouth and sipped it like a straw.

  Pascal smiled. “Bryan. How are you feeling today?”

  Bryan grinned back. “Um, fine, same as yesterday, and the day before, I guess. Why? Can we get sick?”

  “No, we cannot,” Pascal laughed. He was picking a piece of lint from his black suit. The white dress shirt underneath the suit made his crystal eyes stand out. Ringlets of dark hair fell to his shoulders.

  Bryan noticed Pascal’s pristine suit and looked down at his jeans and faded Metallica T-shirt. “Uh, are we going somewhere?”

  “Well I’m heading to the club. You are welcome to tag along, but you will have to change,” Pascal answered, eyeing him up and down.

  Bryan grinned. “Sure I’d love to. Let me put on something more club-worthy.”

  Pascal followed Bryan upstairs to change, which Bryan thought was strange, and a little creepy, but said nothing. Pascal stood with his shoulder against the doorjamb as Bryan changed into a black dress shirt and some khaki pants.

  “So, Bryan, how are you adjusting to the vampire life? Do you have any questions or problems you need to discuss?”

  “Um, no, I don’t think so,” he answered, while absently searching the messy room for his cologne bottle. He was picking up discarded clothing and tossing it into a basket in the corner. He shared the room with Smith and wondered if this is what dorm life would have been like, had he gone to college.

  Pascal watched him curiously. “Let me ask you, do you like living here? Do you think everyone gets along with each other?”

  Bryan was pulling drawers open and closing them again, still searching. “Yes, it seems everyone gets along great around here.”

  “What about Angel? Do you think everyone likes her?” Pascal asked.

  “Of course, she’s a great girl. Never gives anyone any trouble, and very friendly.” He smiled when he saw the cologne bottle lying haphazardly by the leg of a chair in the corner. “Ah ha, found it!”

  Pascal looked behind him to make sure nobody was in the hallway and then looked back at Bryan. “Well, I don’t think Joshua likes her very much, and that bothers me.”

  Bryan snorted, “Uh, trust me, he likes her plenty.”

  Pascal pulled himself off the doorjamb to stand up straight and decided to bait him further. “Really? Well I think he hates her.”

  Bryan replaced the cap on the cologne bottle after spraying some on himself. He then began to search for his hair gel. “Trust me, he doesn’t hate her. Likes her a little too much,” he said.

  Pascal said nothing, just watched him.

  “I’ve seen first-hand how much he likes Angel,” Bryan said under his breath.

  “What does that mean?” Pascal asked.

  Bryan located the gel and squirted some in his palm and rubbed his hands together, then through his hair. “I probably shouldn’t say anything.”

  Before Bryan could blink, Pascal lost his patience and flung Bryan onto the bed, then straddled him, one hand over his throat.

  “Oh, but you will say something,” Pascal said through gritted teeth, his wavy hair hanging in his face as he looked down at Bryan.

  “Okay, okay, Pascal, no need for violence,” Bryan choked out. “I will tell you what I saw but I want your word I’m not going to be in trouble for it. Keep in mind we didn’t know the rules when we first got here.”

  Pascal nodded and let go of Bryan’s throat and stood up.

  Bryan rubbed his neck. “On our first day here, Smith and I accidentally walked in on Joshua and Angel doing it.” Then he hesitated before adding, “In your bed.”

  ∞∞∞

  San Francisco, CA – Present Day

  “Of course I will,” Malina breathed.

  Thomas put the ring on her finger, which of course was way too big for her tiny hand. He laughed. “We’ll get that sized.”

  Malina wasn’t even looking at the ring. She reached a hand up and brushed some hair out of his eyes and stood on her toes and put her mouth to his.

&n
bsp; He thought her lips felt like silk and he snaked his tongue gently into her mouth and she hungrily accepted it. This went on passionately for a few minutes before he broke the kiss, gasping.

  “Let’s go,” he said, smiling at her.

  After boarding the ferry, their kissing continued, totally ignoring Captain Jim and the beautiful city view. Once they reached the wharf, they disembarked, thanked Jim, and went back to the waiting limousine.

  “The Hyatt Hotel,” Thomas told the driver.

  “Yes, sir,” the driver replied, glancing in the rearview mirror. He thought it was odd these two obviously very young people seemed to have enough money for private boat rides and expensive hotels. Must have loaded parents, he thought.

  They continued to make out like two teenagers in the backseat on the short drive to the large hotel.

  Once they arrived, Thomas paid the driver and sent him on his way, stating he’d call him when he needed him again.

  They entered through the revolving glass door that welcomed guests into the posh hotel. Three large crystal chandeliers cast twinkling lights around the lobby, which was adorned with plush sofas and fancy rugs. Thomas went to the front desk and told the clean-cut, effeminate man working the front desk he’d like a room on the top floor.

  After receiving his room card keys, the two took the gold elevators up to the top floor. Thomas put the card key into room 5500, and as he opened the door, he tossed the room key onto the table. He headed over to the window and opened the curtains to let in the twinkling city lights.

  When he turned around, Malina was wearing nothing but her lacy bra and panties – purple, of course. Her dress was pooled on the floor beneath her. A playful lopsided grin played on her full lips.

  Thomas stripped his own clothes off, then glided over to her and put both hands on the soft skin around her waist. He laid a hand on her face and stroked her lips with his thumb, looking down at them, then leaned in for a kiss. He took his index finger and ran it lightly down her spine, causing her to shiver slightly. She slid her own finger between the elastic of his shorts and his lower stomach, threatening to remove them herself. This only heightened his sensuality. Picking her up, he laid her down on the bed and continued plundering her with kisses. He caressed her face with the back of his hand, then ran his fingers through her hair.