Throne of Storms & Ashes: Hybrid Love Anthology

Prologue

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Lucifer

I stood at the window of my mansion in Hell, watching the souls of the damned be tormented by the demons and smiled in enjoyment. The souls screamed and wailed in harrowing pain in the Lake of Fire. A knock on the door pulled my attention away from the window.

What is it?! I demanded with annoyance.

Sire, the scouts have returned with news of the girl, said Xavier.

Turning, I stared at my newest General since the last one was killed for one too many disappointments.

Well? Spit it out! I haven’t got all eternity!

The boyfriend, I turned and slammed my fist against the window frame, causing Xavier to flinch in my peripheral. He coughed, correcting himself. The boy plans to take her to the top of the mountain and propose to her in a week’s time. They will be alone, and it will be the perfect opportunity to take Mistress Tibah and bring her home.

Thinking it over and stroking my goatee slowly. This type of mission requires my absence. Take your most elite battle-hardened men with you. The young pup will not go down so easily. If he is proposing then he must think they’re true mates, and I simply cannot have that problem hanging around. And Xavier... I said, making sure his full attention was on me.

Yes, Sire? he said, bowing as he was backing out of my office.

Do not fail me as so many have before you. YOU will not like the consequences, I said.

I smirked as he gulped in fear before leaving. He would fail, they all do but if they manage to take out the young pup? Then everything would fall into place, and Tibby will be practically begging to come home to me. Smiling to myself as I reveled in the thought of what was to come. With Tibby at my side, I will finally be able to wage the war that was put on hold awhile back, thanks to those shifters. The alliance with the Reapers will not be a surprise this time.

This was the perfect opportunity I had been waiting for. Since Allita decided to intervene last time, my efforts to reach Tibby had been blocked by all her support. Take away her innocence and all that happiness though and who knows what could happen with her? The possibilities that she is capable of are endless! I chuckled to myself. Just a little longer and everything I have been waiting for will finally be mine for the taking...

Chapter 1 - What is Love?

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Niall

Standing at the portal entrance to the Sand Realm, there was a tangible shift in the air. Something was off, something had changed. I stepped through and glided into the night sky of the human’s realm as a storm was brewing in the clouds.

Flying in and out of the clouds above the mountains of New Mexico. I loved it here, especially in the mountains. It was my mother’s love for the forest that had been passed down to me. I landed on the edge of a cliff on a mountain, enjoying the brisk cool night air.

I wasn’t alone for long, feeling my sister’s presence behind me as she landed quietly on the ground. What are you doing here, Nanna Ana? I teased jokingly.

You and that stupid nickname, she laughed, and I snickered, looking off into the distance.

Really, what are you doing here? Don’t you have Queen business in the realm to attend to?

Yes I do, but I still like to visit human’s dreams in my spare time, she said smiling as she sat down next to me.

Humans? Or Johnny’s? I said as she jabbed me in the ribs.

Ouch! That still hurts with your little boney elbow. Laughing, I couldn’t resist teasing my older sister. She was my best friend. Does he even know you really exist?

I’m going to reveal myself tonight. I’m going to show him that I am real. I told him everything last night. He’s going to end it with her. He says we’re mates, Ana said.

Ana, you’re not supposed to get involved with humans. Never pegged you to be the ‘other woman’ in this kind of situation. Mom and dad would freak if they knew, I scolded.

Niall, he’s supernatural. He’s a wolf shifter, and he has a good heart. He wouldn’t lie to me. We haven’t done anything because I wanted to keep this relationship pure. I’m not a horrible person, but when soulmates find one another, what can you do? Niall, I think I love him, Ana sighed.

I wrapped one arm around Ana and hugged her to me. She was practically glowing talking about him. Dang, Ana. You’re all lit up. You must really feel something for him. If he breaks your heart, I will haunt his dreams and give him nightmares like he has never imagined, I said chuckling. Ana burst out laughing at my remark. So, when and where are you supposed to meet him?

Actually, he will be here soon. We’re on his pack’s land. Johnny will be here around midnight. He’s supposed to meet me here.

Well, I can’t just leave you here alone. You are the Queen after all, it is my duty as not only your brother but an Elite Sandman to guard you, I said, pounding one fist against my chest.

Ana rolled her eyes at me, At ease, Soldier. Jokingly, she punched me in the arm.

Ouch! Hey, your right hook hasn’t gotten any lighter, I said playfully.

Tibby

The night was calling to me from my cracked window, sitting under it in my bedroom. The breeze carried the smell of Jax coming from the woods. Something had been off for a while now between us. I wasn’t one hundred percent sure what had happened. Things used to be so good. Sure, I was busy with college and exams, but I was on the fast track to becoming a doctor. I was actually ahead of most of my fellow classmen.

My heart hurt and twisted inside at the thoughts of what was going to happen tonight. I loved him and the thought of losing him ripped my soul in two. Whatever happens tonight, I can take it, mentally preparing myself. What a total crock of crap but I was going to make myself believe it one way or the other.

It was noticeable within the pack. Everyone talked and whispered, like any small-town grapevine does. Everyone in the pack mostly ignored it but my mom and dad were concerned. They carried the smell of it on them like a perfume. Getting up and walking into the living room where mom and dad were playing with Ollie. For a toddler, he had the eyes of our mother but the native look of our dad.

Hey mom, dad? Jax is coming through the woods, I’m going out for a few hours. Shouldn’t be out too late. I bent down and picked up a happy Ollie, tickling him just to hear him laugh.

Dad cleared his throat, Maybe you should sit this one out, kiddo? I don’t think you should go out with him tonight.

Mom elbowed him in the ribs, Ash, she’s an adult. Let her go.

Dad looked at mom with a disapproving look on his face, which was weird. He never gave her that look. The two were the perfect couple, and I envied them and their marriage. Mia, he started but she just shook her head, and squeezed his thigh. At that, he got up and stomped off to his office, slamming the door behind him.

What’s wrong with Dad? I asked questioningly.

Nothing, honey. He’s just getting old, she said with a pained smile as she got up, taking Ollie into her arms from mine and leaned over and kissed my cheek. Just remember we love you and that we are here for you no matter what.

I know, Mom. Love you both. Great, everyone knew that my relationship had gone down the crapper.

Mom and Ollie turned and followed dad into his office.

Taking a deep breath, I turned and opened the door to a handsome Jax standing at the front door, Hey, Jax.

Hey, Tibby, he said as he awkwardly leaned over and gave me a quick peck on the cheek. Are you ready to go? Maybe we could go talk up past the clearing. It’s going to be a nice night with all the stars out. Jax held out his hand towards me and I looked at it for a few seconds before taking it.

Vaguely, he smiled and nodded as we took off into the woods. It didn’t take long for us to make it up to the cliff we frequently went to just sit and think at. I picked up a scent I had never smelled before, allowing my wolf’s senses to take over but nothing was around, only the unfamiliar scent.

Do you smell that, Jax? My eyes glowed to that of my inner wolf’s and saw Jax had picked it up as well.

It’s probably nothing. He pulled my hand for me to sit beside him. Tibby, we need to talk about us.

Taking a deep breath to calm my nerves, I said, Yeah, I figured that’s why you wanted to meet tonight.

Tibby, you’re great and I love you. I do, but I can’t be with you anymore, Jax said as he looked me in the eyes.

In an instant, my heart sank. Even though it was obvious it was coming, I was still at a loss for words. How could he end things? We were practically mates?!

Is this because I am away at college? Jax, that is only temporary. He didn’t answer but looked away, almost guiltily. Is there someone else? When he didn’t answer, I accused, There is, isn’t there?! Yanking my hand from his, getting up and starting walking down the way we came. Anger fueled me like never before.

Jax jumped to his feet, following me, Tibby, it’s not what you think. I didn’t cheat on you but she’s my true mate. I never wanted to hurt you. It’s been eating at me for a while now. It’s why I have been so distant lately. He grabbed my shoulder, stopping me in my tracks.

But the anger boiled over as my hand came around and slapped him across the face. You have some nerve, Jax. I was going to give myself to you. All of me, but you...you make me sick. I can’t even stand the sight of you right now.

You can be mad at me all you want, Tibby, but I never meant to hurt you. He rubbed his cheek where my handprint was still clearly visible. I hope you can forgive me one day but we both know this has been over for a while now.

Tears burned as they flowed down my cheeks, staining them. Goodbye, Jax, I said, stripping my clothes off. I howled in pain through the night. Jax’s answering howl pierced my soul the deepest, like the final nail hammered into the coffin of my heart.

Sky

Four years ago

Jack!! I yelled into the other room. Something is wrong with the twins! I sat helplessly on their bed as they both withered in pain.

Jack came running into the room, Hurry, summon Jessa and Michael!

An impenetrable cocoon of light engulfed the twins as Jack and I jumped onto it only to be thrown across the room.

Are you okay? Jack asked as he rushed to help me to my feet.

Yeah, nothing that won’t heal on its own, I said holding my head where a small trickle of blood flowed. Jessa, where are you?!

Michael and Jessa appeared immediately at my side. What in heaven’s name is going on here?!

We don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?! My kids are trapped inside there! I yelled as Jessa gasped at the sight. She went to lunge towards it but Jack and I quickly grabbed her.

Michael laid his hand on my shoulder as he said, I am so sorry, Sky. Something is coming, so God decided to do to them what He did to your niece Tibby. He is making them grow at an accelerated rate. When they come out of the cocoon, they will not be the young kids you knew but young adults.

Anger filled me as I lunged at Michael and punched his chest. Jack grabbed me and pulled me into his embrace. What right does He have to do this to my children?!

Sky, they were never even supposed to be in existence. His grace allowed them to live, much like Tibby herself. The truth of the matter is He loves all of his creations, and they are part of a much bigger picture or plan, whichever you prefer to call it. Also, like Tibby, they will be essential in stopping a greater evil than you or Tibby can defeat on your own.

Tears threatened to break over the rim of my eyes, but I understood what Michael was saying. Something evil was going to try and take over the earth and my babies were part of the solution to stop it. My heart broke for the childhood they would miss out on. Would we even recognize the kids that came out of this lighted cocoon?

Jack. Our babies... I choked on the last word, but Jack just hugged me tighter.

I know, Sky. I know. It will be all right, he said.

Jessa reached out but I glared at her, Sky, honey, I am so sorry. I had no idea. I swear. Why didn’t you tell me, Michael? Jessa accused.

I was on strict orders and under an oath that I could not break from God Himself, Michael said apologetically.

I sat on the edge of the bed, not touching the protected cocoon but waiting and tuning out everything else. Tonight, everything changed. I prayed to God silently and whispered, May Your Will be done.

Ana

My hands squeezed into fists and flexed out as my nerves fluttered around inside my stomach and waited impatiently for Johnny. I had no idea what was taking him so long.

Annoyingly, Niall groaned from the edge of the cliff behind me. He’ll be here. It’s just turning midnight. Just stay invisible where he can’t see you, or rather you can take off. I prefer to be alone with him.

I couldn’t help but admire the Brotherhood of Arrows, what used to be known as the Elite Sandman, tattoo marking on my brother’s arm. He and all the Elite had the same marking on them. When you come into adulthood as a Sandman, all receive their own special markings. It warmed my heart to know my baby brother would always be around to protect me as I had made him the General over all the warriors.

A noise coming from the edge of the opening of the thick tree line grabbed my attention.

Niall jumped to his feet and walked in front of me, As you command, my Lady, he said with a smile. I smiled and shook my head at him.

I could tell Niall was invisible as Johnny Desert of the Water’s Edge Clan, trotting in wolf form, came through the trees. He paused and turned his head, looking directly at Niall. Both Niall and I dropped our mouths open in disbelief as we looked at each other.

Trying to distract him, I quickly said, Johnny, you came. I was afraid you had changed your mind.

His amber colored eyes looked to me and I admired him in his other form. He was bigger than a normal wolf was in the human world, and his fur was a brindle coloring, a mix of brown, orange, and black. Slowly, he stalked towards me. I held my head high, there was nothing to fear from him. He nuzzled my face as I stroked his soft fur.

You know it would be a lot easier to talk if you were in human form rather than your wolf’s.

The sound of bones popping and cracking were very audible in the quiet night, but within minutes a fully grown man stood before me. Looking away, my face red with a deep blush, I was all too thankful to see Niall had disappeared. I forced myself to turn away from Johnny’s magnificent beauty but not before catching a glimpse of it all, from head to toe. He had a body of a god. Biting my lower lip, I tried to stop the smile that threatened to spread across my face.

His rough calloused hands turned me around to face him. He had at least put some pants on himself, on my behalf. Shifters weren’t the most modest bunch of people, I’ve learned. He ran his hand over the tree of life intertwining lines markings that ran down the left side of my face and down my neck. The roots spread over the front and back of my shoulders, but Johnny had only caught just a slight glimpse of them here and there.

Ana. You’re real...you’re really here now? I was beginning to think it was just a dream, but it felt so real...you felt real, Johnny said, as he ran his hands through my silver hair. And those violet eyes..., he started as his thumb rubbed softly across my cheek and he leaned down and gently kissed my lips. His warmth was all I needed at this moment.

I pulled back, breaking the kiss with regret, and just stared at the man in front of me. He was so rugged, with his