by A. E. Via
PROPHESY Book II
The Bringer of Wrath
Published By: Via Star Wings Books
Copyright © April 2019
Edited By: Sue Laybourn
http://nostoneunturnedediting.co.uk/
Cover Art By: Jay Aheer of Simply Defined Art
Proofreading By: Carra Saigh of Making it Happen Book Blog
http://moonangel23.blogspot.com/
Formatting & Illustrations By: Casey Harvell of Fancy Pants Formatting
http://www.fancypantsformatting.com
All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author, Adrienne E. Via.
No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded, or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without permission from Adrienne E. Via. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal.
Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000 (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights and livelihood is appreciated.
Although the King and Alpha series are set in the modern world, it is still fictional. While there is a White Forest Mountain and The Dales do exist; landscapes, geography and some names of places have been modified to fit the story.
Title
Note to Readers
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty-One
Acknowledgments
Author Bio
Also by A.E. Via
Alek came to slowly as sunlight broke through the early morning gloom. His blackout drapes were parted just enough for him to see the slivers of light blue within the lingering darkness. Normally this was his favorite time of the day, but this morning was like none other. For the first time in his thirty-one years he hadn’t woken alone. Sighing, Alek turned his nose into his mate’s long black hair and inhaled the clean scent that he hoped remained there at all times. He’d only met his mate—Belleron—a few days ago, so he wasn’t exactly sure.
He kept silent, sensing the powerful vampire in his arms rousing from a light slumber. It was amazing how much he could already feel of their partial bond. They hadn’t made love yet, but he’d allowed Bell to feed from him for the first time last night, the memory causing a satisfying tremor to run down his spine. His mate’s bite was unlike any pleasure he could’ve imagined. So wonderful that he thought he might not deserve it, as if the blessed Mother had somehow for the first time in her infinite existence made a mistake. Aleksei Volkov was damaged goods—a man with a torn soul, and a rogue wolf. And for some reason, he’d been granted a true vampire mate. And not just any vampire. The second most powerful in the world—Lord High to the King, and his right hand, and leader and commander of his army. Alek closed his eyes and thought of how Bell had come to him so bravely last night, even though Wolf had ruined their first meeting. Alek’s heart sped up when he thought of his other half. To say the two of them did not always get along was the understatement of his existence. He allowed Wolf out to do his job as first beta to the Alpha Zenith to keep order in the many packs they governed, but nothing more. He couldn’t be trusted for anything else. Not for fun, and damn sure not for pleasure. Wolf could lose his temper and there wouldn’t be a damn thing Alek could do about it. That much was evident when Wolf had first laid eyes on Bell. He’d emerged and caused trouble without warning while Alek had become a livid, defenseless bystander.
“I don’t remember the last time I was up at dawn,” Bell said, pulling Alek from his private thoughts. “Our bodies are programmed to hibernate during the day. For protection, not because we need the rest.”
Alek bathed in Bell’s tone. His mate’s voice was as silken as his skin. He could listen to it all day. “You don’t sound alarmed to see the sun coming up. Should I close the drapes all the way?” Alek asked, tightening his arm over Bell’s chest. He was anxious to feel all of the vampire’s body, but he was also trying to be a gentleman.
“No. I um. Oh gods. Chadwick told me about this. Now that he lives off the pure blood of a shifter he’s able to walk in the daylight and not burn, so that he can always be with his beloved night and day.” Bell’s deep breaths could be heard in the dim room, “I’ve been the Vampire King’s best friend for over seventy years, and never in our wildest dreams did we envision our beloveds would be shifters. This is the first pairing of its kind in so many generations that I can’t help but wonder, why now?”
“I wonder, too.” Alek stared at Bell’s inky-black mane, then took the long streak of stark white hair and moved it over his shoulder, trying hard to focus on his mate’s words, and not his appearance. They’d only slept a few hours early this morning, having conversed all night. There was so much he wanted to know, so much he wanted to reveal.
“Your brother and Wick look inseparable, and seem to have it all figured out in a very short amount of time.”
Alek swallowed thickly. Man, he hoped Bell couldn’t sense his nervousness. He’d never thought he’d be in this predicament—responsible for a mate. The real beast was riding him closer than ever, and this had to be the reason why. “Maybe not all of it. My brother had a hard time in the beginning, and Wick had to test his level of patience like never before to get him to understand.”
“It’s a good thing vampires are patient.”
Alek couldn’t see Bell’s face, but he could hear his smile. Oh, I hope so beautiful. Alek had to clear the huskiness from his voice. “Are you an understanding person, Belleron? Patient?”
“In a few months I will have walked this earth for an entire century. I’ve acquired many skills over that time. Patience is one of my strongest.” Bell turned and faced him, his movements causing a waft of his amazing scent to wash over him and his bed. Everything about Belleron overwhelmed him. Alek inhaled sharply as his gaze roamed over Bell’s handsome face. He wanted him right then, and an urge like none other came over Alek to claim Bell completely.
BITE!
Alek jerked at the dark voice in his head. His canines itched until they st
arted to burn as he forced them back in. Shit. No,no,no,no,no. He slammed his eyes shut and willed the animal in him back down deep where he belonged. Alek choked on his breath as a powerful force twisted inside of him. Goddamnit! I need more time with him first. You’ll only scare him off.
“Aleksei,” Bell said calmly. He always sounded so damn composed, and Alek wondered if that was another one of the skills he’d mastered over time. “Look at me.”
His mate was speaking to him, but he couldn’t open his eyes. Not yet. Because he knew if he did… they’d no longer be the pale blue they normally were. He couldn’t believe this was happening to him now. His life had fallen into a comfortable, uneventful routine that’d he’d become accustomed to. It was the one thing he could still control, but this… this was too much. He could already feel his mind at war with Wolf. He wanted Alek to sink his dick and his teeth into Bell with no fucking prelude or grace. Just claim him. Like Wolf had already tried to do once, but Alek wanted to court his new mate first. Earn his trust and his heart, then maybe Bell would give them a chance. He’d have time to understand their unique triad. Alek had strong feelings for Bell already, he didn’t know how to tell him he’d screwed up and sealed the vampire’s fate to an unworthy shifter. A man, separate from his animal.
“No.” Alek’s voice was more growly then he meant it to be.
“I don’t know what this is I’m feeling, Aleksei. And I don’t think it has anything to do with the dawn. Something else is different inside me. I’ve never felt this way before, so I assume it’s coming from you.” Bell inched closer until they were chest to chest, and laid a cool palm on Alek’s cheek. The peace that cloaked his mind was instantaneous and so needed. He leaned deeper into Bell’s touch, seeking the relief he appeared able to provide. Alek shuddered, clutching his mate’s wrist, holding their connection as he felt the monster within him retreat with a final, frightening warning…
MATE HIM SOON. OR I WILL RETURN. IT’S TIME
What does that mean? Alek asked frantically, but he was gone. When Alek finally opened his eyes, Bell was staring at him with a mixture of confusion and caution.
Shit. Alek knew he had some explaining to do; he just hoped there was enough time.
The first beam of warm sunlight hit the edge of the mattress where they still lay close to each other. Bell eyed the light carefully, then eased his long frame off the bed. As he moved around the room he was wary of letting the rays touch him, regardless of Alek telling him that he’d be safe.
But Bell didn’t trust Alek yet, and rightfully so.
Belleron Liatos was a vampire who liked to think he’d seen it all in his time. But as he stared into the pale blue eyes of Aleksei Volkov, he realized he’d never seen anyone sexier or more terrified in all his life.
He’d long ago given up on meeting his fated lover, especially after he’d become Lord High of the king’s court. When they were young, he and Wick used to share fantasies of love and night dreams of kisses on the mouth. But he always knew they’d be nothing more than that. Just dreams. There were two hundred-year-old vampires on the council who’d never encountered their cherished. It was extremely rare, and vampires weren’t known for pining. They didn’t crave comfort like shifters did. Bell would’ve been just fine continuing his existence without being bonded to another. Without caring for someone else’s well-being, their safety, and hurting for them. He was oblivious to those sentiments—the ones he assumed he was experiencing at the moment.
When he’d come to the United States at the king’s beckoning, he’d thought he was coming to help his friend ready his administration for any potential uprisings against his rare mating with the Alpha Zenith, and to be a diplomat for their species. Bell hadn’t expected to become a part of the issue. Regular shifter and vampire matings would not be widely accepted.
Bell had known Chadwick Bentley for over seventy years, since before he’d become King. His best friend had confided enough details of his own mating to the AZ for Bell to understand what was happening with him and Alek. He’d been made aware of the restriction to only feed from his beloved. That their wolves could be quite possessive, especially an alpha wolf. All of the descendants of the Volkov bloodline were of pure Siberian heritage, and direct descendants of the first dawn wolf. Justice and his brothers were well known around the world. Known for their extraordinary gifts… however, something felt off.
Alek stood and closed the drapes, blocking out the sunlight. “I don’t think you’d be up this early if you couldn’t tolerate it.”
“You’re probably right. It’s still hard to just willingly step out into the sun…”
“I can imagine. I guess that’s equivalent to you guys committing suicide.” Alek said. Deep lines scored his forehead and his left eyelid twitched as if he was distracted.
Bell licked his lips and swallowed at the heat building in his throat. His beloved was muscular and strong and full of nourishment. He couldn’t turn away from the sight the large alpha made as he moved around his bedroom. Alek stood with his back to him and threw on a worn Colorado Rockies T-shirt. When Alek turned to face him, Bell let his gaze roam down Alek’s six-foot-two frame to the bulge that was more than visible through the thin sweats he’d worn to bed. Bell had felt it pressed against his hip while he’d dozed, and he’d been torn between reaching for his desire and playing hard to get. After their fumbled introduction, they’d agreed—in no uncertain terms last night—to slow things down and get to know each other. “Um,” Alek started hesitantly.
Bell studied him.
“I have a little cottage on Mount Osceola, higher in the mountains. Only my siblings know about it. I was hoping I could take you there. Justice gave me a couple days off so we could, you know…”
“Mate.” Bell smirked.
“I was gonna say talk.” Alek laughed uncomfortably.
Bell could practically hear Alek’s elevated heart rate. His pulse thrummed and his breaths were labored but it wasn’t from lust, it was from something more urgent.
“I really think we need the time alone, don’t you?” Alek rasped.
“Yes. However, a secluded weekend may not be feasible right now. It’s nice your alpha gave you the weekend off, but my king didn’t grant me such luxuries. I have an important job to do here.” Bell finger-combed his long hair the best he could and twisted it into a messy bun at the nape of his neck. He tucked his black dress shirt into his tailored slacks and secured his belt. His clothes were a bit wrinkled which was unlike him. He was always mindful of his appearance. He needed to get himself together, but he couldn’t leave. Not with the foreign ache in his chest. The shattered look on Alek’s face was making everything outside of the room seem insignificant. “I need to ask you a question first.”
“You can ask me anything.” Alek sat at the foot of the bed and fisted his hands on his thighs. His voice was strained and he held his muscular body tightly, as if he were battling for restraint.
Bell leaned on the wall and steepled his hands together in front of him, “Then tell me who it was that bit me three nights ago, because it wasn’t you, Alek. Last night’s bite was all you.”
Alek jerked his head up. He opened his mouth then shut it before closing his eyes tightly. He murmured under his breath as if he was having a conversation with someone else. He shook his head. “I don’t know what—?”
“I think you do.” Bell’s footsteps were slow and careful. He didn’t know why, but his instincts were telling him to tread lightly. He stopped just in front of Alek’s knees and slowly brought his hand up in an effort to satisfy his need to touch him. He palmed his chin. “Look at me.”
Alek groaned, but he let Bell tilt his head upwards. He still didn’t open his eyes, and Bell couldn’t help wondering what dread lurked behind those sealed eyelids.
“Just go away with me. Please, Belleron.”
Bell frowned again. He’d been three-quarters erect ever since he’d gotten his first taste of Alek’s rare blood last night, but he
’d been able to control himself. Alek’s craving, his body’s reactions were far surpassing mate-lust.
“No. I have work, first. Then we talk next.” Bell stood taller.
Alek shot to his feet. Though they were almost the same height, the alpha seemed to tower over him, growling in his face, “THERE IS NO TIME!” Heat rushed into the room, followed by a surge of energy that knocked Bell off his feet. Wide-eyed, he stumbled backwards and hurried to recover, pulling himself up against the wall.
“Oh god.” Alek opened his eyes after a couple of seconds, looking shocked. “Oh no. Bell. Are you all right? I’m sorry. He didn’t mean… I mean, I didn’t mean to…” Alek reached out to him, but Bell flinched away from his grasp. And there were no words to describe Alek’s devastated expression when he did.
Wick hadn’t told him there were shifters like this. Defective ones. Bell didn’t speak again. Obviously, what he’d said before hadn’t been the right words, so he chose to stay silent. He wasn’t sure he wanted to feel Alek’s special gift again, if that was it. He’d always heard that shifters were incapable of harming their true mates. He’d thought wolves guarded and protected their loved ones with their lives. But, that didn’t seem to be the case for him.
“If you let me explain,” Alek started. “Do you believe in prophecies?”
Okay, he needed space. He had a beloved who wasn’t in his right mind, and Wick hadn’t warned him. Now he was feeling betrayed and set-up. Bell was a powerful vampire but he wasn’t delusional enough to think he could best the second oldest brother to the Alpha Zenith. Bell started to inch farther out of the bedroom, making his way down the hall.
“Please don’t go.” Alek followed, his voice a deep whisper. “I won’t hurt you.”
“Don’t follow me.” Bell stopped at the entrance to the main living area when he saw the wide-open space was flooded with natural lighting. Bloody hell. Rays of sunlight striped across the hardwood floor like a dangerous maze he’d have to navigate if he wanted to get free. He felt trapped as Alek approached him from behind.
“You don’t trust me, and I understand. You don’t even know me. But, Bell please. Don’t be scared. And, don’t leave.” Alek’s voice was so full of hurt Bell was conflicted about what to do.