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    Destiny's Kiss
    Destiny's Kiss
    Destiny's Kiss
    Ebook210 pages3 hours

    Destiny's Kiss

    By Raven Anxo

    ()

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    About this ebook

    Pulled back to a place he viewed with indifference, all Victor Cayne wanted to do was find out what was going on then haul his rear out of there, but unfolding events set him on an unexpected path. Locked into a time limit and stuck with a mortal female, could he navigate all his problems without losing his sanity? And if he succeeded, what would he find at his task's end?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRaven Anxo
    Release dateAug 25, 2022
    ISBN9781005029326
    Destiny's Kiss
    Author

    Raven Anxo

    Raven Anxo - Dreamer, avid reader, and multi published author of paranormal fiction, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance. She writes not only because her insistent voices demand she puts their stories down on paper - or laptop, but because she loves it.Among a few of her addictions are chocolate, coffee, classic horror, sci-fi, and vampire movies. Her music tastes vary wildly from 90's pop to metal. When writing, her voices can choose some strange tunes to listen to, but she has grown used to that happening. Predictability rarely applies to her world.She can be found on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRavenAnxo/ and Twitter - https://twitter.com/RavenAnxo

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      Book preview

      Destiny's Kiss - Raven Anxo

      Destiny’s Kiss

      ~*~

      A Vampire King Novel

      By

      Raven Anxo

      Destiny’s Kiss

      ~*~

      This story is entirely a work of fiction.

      The names, places, characters, and incidents portrayed herein are the products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or localities is entirely coincidental.

      Copyright © Raven Anxo 2022

      First Edition August 22nd, 2022

      Published by Raven Anxo Publications.

      (Smashwords Edition)

      ~

      All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher, Raven Anxo Publications.

      No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded, or distributed via the internet or any other means, electronic or print without permission from Raven Anxo Publications.

      This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook 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’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

      Edited By: R.F

      Cover Design: Raven Anxo.

      Find out more about the author and news of upcoming events by visiting her website.

      www.ravenanxo.com

      Table of 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

      About The Author

      Reviews

      Chapter One

      Victor braced the sole of his shitkicker against the gray, weather pitted stone of the roof ledge and looked down. Below him sat Midcourt: the hub of Nox City. A place he’d left two years earlier on a path of vengeance, a path he would’ve still been on had it not been for a damned edict issued by the head of the Brotherhood of the Blood Lily. His forced return set the needle of his mood on foul, so any fool who crossed his path would be sure to get a taste of it.

      So, said a voice behind him. The wanderer finally returns.

      Ten out of ten for stating the fucking obvious, he snapped.

      Still looking for Aarin?

      Gods, what was it going to take for the idiot to shut the fuck up? What the hell do you think? And no, I don’t want to hear your answer. Before there was any chance of a comeback he faded down to the alley then stepped into the hubbub of Midcourt to get away from his unwelcomed companion and his questions. All he wanted was to find out why his ass had been dragged back so he could deal with it then leave again. It wasn’t that he hated the city he’d spent a fair portion of his life in, he just wanted to avenge the death of his friend and being there enabled the one responsible to put greater distance between them. So loathed would be a better way of putting it.

      You really are a miserable bastard, you know that?

      Victor suppressed a low grunt of annoyance on hearing that voice again. If that’s the case, he said, giving the idiot a sideways glance, why are you annoying me?

      We are heading in the same direction, so how can I be annoying you?

      Biting back his reply he lengthened his stride, the move setting space between them. Something he hoped the fool would take as a less than subtle hint to back off. Soon the hub of the city stood behind him and he reached Pendlegate, the government section of the city where laws were passed and egos massaged. Nestled within the so called hallowed area were the police, fire, and the city’s large hospital. All pristine, bright, and shiny. The manse, which was the home of the brotherhood stood alone, situated on a slight incline which enabled it to cast a long shadow over the buildings. Something he felt sure pissed off not only some on the general city council but a fair number of the high ranking vampire council members as well.

      The moment he reached its large wrought iron gates he looked up at the two gray stone griffins gripping shields on the columns, their blank eyes concealing state of the art tech which could identify anyone within their view by accessing various databases. When those within the security room were satisfied he and his unwelcomed companion posed no threat, the gates slowly opened granting them access to the manicured grounds beyond.

      Striding along the gravel covered drive he recalled the first time he’d seen the manse, how impressed he had been on seeing the exterior. Something that quickly morphed into awe on setting foot inside the hallowed building and taking in his surroundings. The moving tide of time and all the events that transpired since then had long since jaded those memories, leaving him viewing the place with growing indifference.

      The main door opened as he reached it, granting him and his shadow access to the entrance hall, their paths diverging as he walked over to the left and looked around. Large oil paintings still adorned the walls and statues of Greek gods stared at him from their white plinths dotted around the circular hall. While life moved on outside its walls it seemed stuck within some time warp bubble.

      It is good to see you again, Victor.

      The familiar voice which once he welcomed now scratched against his skin as he turned and faced its owner. Stelian, he said, acknowledging the head of the brotherhood with a nod.

      Given the length of your absence, I had hoped for a slightly warmer greeting.

      Why start things out on a lie?

      Is your dislike of your home still so great?

      Home? Victor said with a note of incredulity. This place has never truly been my home.

      You never used to feel that way. What happened?

      Youth and excitement make things appear more than what they truly are. I am older and wiser now and see things with a less rose tinted hue.

      Perhaps your viewpoint is connected to our last conversation regarding your pursuit of vengeance for your friend.

      What was said was said. So can we just get all this over with?

      Please, Stelian asked as he walked over. Can we not start our first meeting in two years off on a sour note."

      Victor let out a resigned sigh. His reply while true could have carried less ice. I offer apologies for my tone.

      And they are accepted. Now, your old room has been prepared, so go and freshen up while I greet your fellow brother.

      You were so certain I would return?

      Yes, and for one simple reason; for all your dislike of this place, you would never disobey an edict.

      One day I might surprise you, he said as he headed towards the long staircase.

      Ignoring both the stares and the whispered comments from the brothers on his way up, he headed in the direction of his room. Those vampires who worked within the large estate and helped keep it running bowed as he moved past, their greetings accepted with as much good grace as he could muster. His mind chastised him, reminding him they weren’t responsible for his foul mood so they shouldn’t be on the receiving end of it. And of course, it was right.

      Halfway along the hallway he stopped and faced the dark colored door behind which lurked memories he wished he could avoid. All you have to do is turn and walk away. He fought back a harsh laugh as he pushed the door open and stepped inside. What his mind suggested was easier said than done.

      As you can see nothing has been changed.

      Why not? he asked as he faced Stelian. The place is no shrine to be preserved. Hell, I’d figured after our parting you would have been happy to clear the place out.

      Victor –

      He shook his head. Let’s just stop this uncomfortable dance and deal with this head on. I know you well enough to assume you will probably do all within your power to get me to stay, so let me save us both pain and make it clear I have zero intention of doing so. I’m only here because of that damned edict you issued. Once I know what is going on and what my part to play is, I’ll do what I have to do then leave to continue my hunt.

      Tell me, what would you do if I issued a fresh edict preventing your departure? Would you willfully disobey it?

      All Victor could do was stare at the vampire who’d taken him under his wing at an early age. You would do that? You would seriously try and force me to stay in a place I hold scant love for? Unless it’s escaped your notice there are some within these walls who have welcomed my absence and are now probably pissed off by my return. So tell me, Stelian, why risk chaos spreading throughout the manse by forcing me to stick around?

      You of all people know I do not have to give reasons for any decisions I make. As head of the brotherhood, it is within my power to do what I deem is best for both it and the vampire race we protect.

      Fudging around the answer as usual. Look, just send someone up to get me when the meeting is about to take place and I’ll be there. Until then I’m parking my ass here, and unless it’s someone bringing me food I don’t want to be disturbed by anyone.

      I had hoped, Stelian replied as he headed towards the door, that time away would have sanded down the sharp edges of your temper. Clearly that hope has been unanswered.

      Take my advice and place your hopes where they stand a better chance of being granted. I am what I am, and the sooner everyone, including yourself, accepts that the better for all concerned. He followed Stelian towards the door, locking it the second he left to ensure his privacy before dumping his backpack and jacket onto one of the chairs. A nap seemed like a good idea as it might calm his mood enough for him to better handle his time within the manse.

      He fell back onto the bed covers, sending a small puff of dust into the air as he closed his eyes and cursed the unknown circumstances which forced him back. Already he could feel the walls closing in on him, the shrinking space sparking a demand his ass be out of the manse and the city soon.

      How long he slept for he had no clue, but if his mood on being disturbed by someone knocking on the door was anything to go by, it was far from long enough. Whoever you are, he yelled, you better have one hell of a good reason for disturbing me!

      I’m sorry sir, said a muffled and slightly terrified sounding voice, but master Stelian has asked you join him and the others in the great hall.

      Fine, he grumped. Tell him I will be there presently. He listened to the footsteps of the message bearer fading away before easing himself off the bed and dusting himself down. As there was clearly no time for a shower and a change they would have to accept him as was and deal with it.

      Five minutes later he sauntered into the hall and took a position at the back where he could see and hear what took place without getting directly involved. From the way some of the others looked at him, they weren’t impressed by his entrance but he didn’t give a fuck what they thought. They didn’t want him there and he didn’t want to be there, so both sides were equally pissed off. When a whispered comment reached him from a particularly sanctimonious asshole, he tossed him a don’t fuck with me glare before resting back against one of the carved columns with his arms crossed, waiting for Stelian to speak so he could find out what all the fuss was about.

      I know it is rare, Stelian said, his voice filling the large hall, for the brotherhood to be gathered together in its entirety, but the situation is one which has demanded our assistance.

      The situation or a high ranking vampire with too much money and a slightly bruised ego, Victor called.

      The situation, Stelian replied, ignoring the barbed comment, is purebloods are being attacked and no one knows why. From the injuries sustained, the weapons retrieved, and the vague descriptions provided, everything points to human attacks, but there are certain aspects that lead me to believe others are responsible. Because of that, the city’s vampire council has tasked us with uncovering the true identity of those whose hands are coated in blood and if they are as I suspect, not human, exacting justice on them before word filters out and others take it upon themselves to hunt the perpetrators down. Something which could upset the balance within the city.

      That was it? That was the reason he’d been dragged away from his own hunt? To not only do the dirty work of a council who were happy to take the glory and praise but unwilling to do the grunt work which gained it, but to soothe the ruffled feathers of so called purebloods who possessed more than enough money to hire their own security who could deal with the issue. Both sides could go screw themselves. It wasn’t his problem so he was hauling ass out of there as fast as he could.

      Victor, where are you going?

      He paused halfway up the staircase and turned to look down at the head of the brotherhood. I’m grabbing my gear and leaving. There are more than enough here to deal with this matter, so my absence won’t be missed. Fuck, I think in some quarters it will be welcomed.

      No one is leaving unless I give written permission to do so.

      Victor stared at the ancient convinced he’d lost his ever-loving mind. Stelian, look around. I’m not needed, so my ass is getting out of here.

      You are if I say so.

      Tell me why, he asked as he walked down. Why is it so all-fired fucking important for me to stay in a place I have no great desire to be in, to help a council who thinks we are their cleanup crew and group of vampires who think we are nothing more than their lackeys who will jump the second they click their fingers? You’d better give me one hell of a damn good answer, or permission or not, I will be out that door.

      I don’t have to give you anything. As head of the order, you are bound to follow and obey any orders, written or verbal I choose to issue without question.

      All Victor could do was shake his head out of disbelief. The vampire had truly lost the plot. Nope, not good enough, he said, restarting his trip up to the first floor.

      If I have to set a guard at your door in order to prevent you from leaving, then be assured I will.

      Try it, he warned from the landing. I guarantee that whoever you assign the task to will end up in the infirmary.

      -

      Stelian winced as the sound of a door slamming shut echoed down the staircase, the force strong enough to tilt one of the large oil paintings on the wall. No matter how much he wanted to give Victor what he asked for, he couldn’t. And for one simple reason: his hands were tied by a

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