Saving His Heart (Sisterhood of Jade Book 11)

  Table of Contents

  Legal Page

  Title Page

  Book Description

  Dedication

  Trademarks Acknowledgement

  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

  Epilogue

  New Excerpt

  About the Author

  Publisher Page

  Saving His Heart

  ISBN # 978-1-78651-089-1

  ©Copyright Billi Jean 2016

  Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright October 2016

  Edited by Sue Meadows

  Totally Bound Publishing

  This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Totally Bound Publishing.

  Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Totally Bound Publishing. Unauthorized or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

  The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

  Published in 2016 by Totally Bound Publishing, Newland House, The Point, Weaver Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QN

  Totally Bound Publishing is a subsidiary of Totally Entwined Group Limited.

  Warning:

  This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Totally Sizzling and a Sexometer of 2.

  Sisterhood of Jade

  SAVING HIS HEART

  Billi Jean

  Book eleven in the Sisterhood of Jade series

  Bryson MacAfee wanted to forget he had ever hoped for more, but the very woman who destroyed his dreams might also still hold his heart.

  Isobel was once a member of one of the most highly respected of all the Vampire sects—the Dragon Guard. Her sworn duty was to protect her king and his family. Only she betrayed those oaths, then in a fit of rage attacked and killed her king and disappeared. She not only sent the Vampire Houses into mayhem, but also destroyed every dream Bryson MacAfee had of a life with her.

  Now, centuries later, Isobel has risen again from her grave promising the same bloody vengeance she brought down before. Only things are not as simple as they seem, not when Bryson digs deeper. But can Bryson betray his friends, his king and every oath he’s ever taken to save the life of the one woman he loves?

  Dedication

  Sometimes we have to step outside the box to actually see clearly.

  Trademarks Acknowledgement

  The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

  Popsicle: Unilever

  McDonald’s: McDonald’s Corporation

  FedEx: FedEx Corporation

  Apple: Apple Inc.

  Count Dracula: Bram Stoker

  American Red Cross: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

  iMac: Apple, Inc.

  Apple iPhone 6: Apple, Inc.

  The Thinker: Charles Rodin

  Darth Vader: The Walt Disney Company

  Miller: Miller Brewing Company

  Coke: The Coca-Cola Company

  Chrome: Alphabet Inc.

  Google: Alphabet Inc.

  Chapter One

  “The key to understanding is listening.” Bryson settled his arms on the table once again to get the assembly of Vampires to listen to him. He might as well have been on the moon discussing cheese.

  “Listen? Listen to what?” Aquinas, the second in command of the House, stood.

  Gia, the true leader, watched him stand with a steadiness that spoke of allowing the Vampire more than perhaps she should. They were not bonded, but after centuries things didn’t matter as much as they used to—if they were used to having their way in everything. Bryson was here to shake that authority, more precisely to take it from them.

  “The Immortal Council is filled with witches and dogs, none of which listen to us.” Aquinas touched his chest gracefully. His disdain was perfectly clear. “We have kept our House away from connections for centuries.”

  On Bryson’s left, Warren snorted. Bryson hid his shock behind a mask of indifference, expecting Aquinas to snap at the younger Vampire. Rightly so, he’s obviously not ready for dealing with ancients.

  Aquinas dipped his head slightly in acknowledgment. A condescending smile lifted his pale lips. “It may be true that at one time we strayed into dark dealings, but we have learned that these connections are of no benefit to us. Indeed, this Immortal Council is nothing more than warlocks attempting to rule all the other species. They will not listen to us mere Vampires—”

  “Of course not, why would they?” Warren muttered again, drawing attention to himself.

  Bryson steadied the younger Vampire with a hand on his arm. Now was not the time for the man to speak about his obvious hatred for ancients.

  “The council is not run by one person. It is a council and all voices can be heard. Our degree of commitment to what the council deems important is, of course, limited by what Aidan thinks is best.”

  “And we should trust one man to decide this?” Gia spoke softly, but every one of the twelve Vampires present listened and turned to him to await his answer.

  “Aidan is our king. He is our leader. This House has ignored that for far too long.”

  “Was it not Aidan who ignored us for centuries?” Aquinas peered up from his inspection of his nails with a sharpness to his otherwise lazy gaze. Bryson wasn’t surprised as much as he was angered that now, at this meeting, the elder thought to question his lot in life. “Now that he wishes to take his father’s role, we should bow to his wishes?”

  Bryson’s temper rose. “He turned his back for reasons you know well. But he is willing to guide us again.” He steadied his anger and added, “I understand your misgivings, Aquinas, but, to gain his trust, you must trust him as well.”

  Aquinas sneered and turned to take his seat again, the noble with no time for the commoner sent to call him to heel. Little, if any, of the prejudices within the Vampire Houses had changed. Gia ruled this House much as she had for centuries. Her authority was given by her direct relation through blood to their forefathers. Such things still weighed heavily on all of the people in these Houses—even the lowest born would not stand against their royal leaders. Vampires like Aquinas and Gia fed off and scrutinized every single Vampire within their House so that they would never dream of attempting to change this si
ckening system.

  That, among other even less savory traditions, was precisely why the Vampire Council was being formed. Aidan believed that, with more of a voice in their lives, Vampires would learn that royal authority meant nothing. The goal today was to take the authority from these two Vampires. Bryson wasn’t fooled one bit into thinking they both weren’t aware of that. They would fight this tooth and nail, but subtly, behind Aidan’s back. But to that, Bryson had no answer. It was also the way Vampires had always acted. Serving their own desires above all others.

  Gia stared pensively at him, then at her followers, and sighed. “He demands much from us.”

  “Such as?” Bryson held on to his temper with difficulty.

  “Such as?” Aquinas repeated in a sarcastic sneer. He crossed his legs and tapped his long nails on his chair arms. The table was set up by the House, with Gia and Aquinas at the head, in chairs that resembled a bishop’s cathedra. The seats were not quite thrones, but they were elegantly carved with crosses in the center high above their heads while the other plainer and less comfortable chairs were a blatant reminder that everyone else was not as blessed.

  Christian, Warren and Jacob sat near him on his side of the table, while the Vampires of the House sat across from them. No one was seated at the opposite head from Gia and Aquinas because there were no chairs there. The lack was a direct slap in his face. As a captain of the king’s guard, he should have been awarded a seat of honor. His lack of blood line was remembered, and would always be remembered, when dealing with the Houses.

  “Aidan has left us, deserted us and we survived. Not only survived, but flourished. Our numbers are great. The age has provided us with freedoms we never possessed when his father, Aaron, ruled.” Christian glanced at Gia who nodded to him.

  “True,” Bryson acceded. “Your rule has also led you to turn the name Vampire into a curse. More of our number side with the Death Stalkers than any other species. More death, more sickening horrors, have been done by Vampires and worse, sanctified by this House. Aidan has given you a choice.” He paused and studied the disdain on Gia’s porcelain face. He sat forward and rested his hands casually on the table. His king’s guard signet ring was large and clearly visible in the glow from their extravagant chandelier. “If you do not wish his rule, then your choice is quite simple. Do not send an envoy to the council next week. Easy, you see?” He sat back and folded his arms. “You will be his enemy, but the choice is yours. I suggest you choose wisely, if you are able.”

  Gia stiffened, clearly offended. “You would dare to speak to me in this way?”

  “I will always speak the truth, Gia. Take care how you address me.” At her gasp of outrage, his anger rushed to the top. “Centuries of shit can’t be brushed under the rug because you are high and mighty to be faced with your actions. That time is gone. Try to catch up before your entire House pays the price. Do you so easily forget what Aidan did to the House in Seattle? I think not.” He slammed his fist down on the table hard enough to dent the wood. “Your response decides if your House will survive, or also become a public park for humans to enjoy summer strolls in the sunshine.”

  Silence, filled with the complete attention of everyone in the room, pinned on him. He narrowed his eyes in warning when Gia dared to open her mouth. She snapped it shut with a comical widening of her eyes.

  “Nice one. Love your sense of diplomacy,” Christian mumbled and sat forward. “What we’re saying, is that there is still time for diplomacy, Gia. Bryson is allowing you that, but if you choose not to listen—”

  “Then you will lose that chance. This is a wakeup call. Things have changed,” Bryson bit out. “But perhaps Christian can explain it more…eloquently.”

  Christian laughed. “I doubt I will be more eloquent, Bryson. The time for that, I agree, has long since passed. But, my dear Gia, what Bryson is trying to explain is that after this House sided with Balrick and tried to annihilate not only Aidan, but also Alrick, King of the Lykae, Circerran, the head of the Jade Coven, and several top Vampire captains, not to mention aided in the creation of the changelings, it will take time to mend Aidan’s trust in your ability to rule this House. Until then, we suggest you bide your time, say, for a few centuries, and let others make decisions for you.”

  Gia and Aquinas gasped almost as one and stiffened in their seats until they appeared more like statues of people rather than ancient Vampires. The Vampires across from them appeared to hold their breath.

  “You call that smooth?” Bryson rubbed his mouth and sat straighter. “Two members of your House will sit on the Vampire Council. There will be two from each House, no more. You may choose, of course, but I would recommend you send ambassadors who can relay your concerns.”

  Aquinas lifted his nose higher. “Then we have nothing to gain.”

  “Your existence,” Warren muttered. “Other than that, you’re right, nothing.”

  Gia glared at Warren. “How dare you!”

  “I’d dare a lot more.”

  Bryson steadied Warren with a hand on his arm. Again. The younger Vampire wouldn’t have been his choice to bring along. He was a hothead, not ready to face ancients with their high opinions of themselves. He was also too new for Bryson to gauge where his alliances truly fell.

  At Bryson’s touch, Warren scowled. “Bryson, they’ll never listen to—”

  “Enough,” Bryson snapped.

  “Yes, listen to your elders, child.” Aquinas laughed.

  Warren’s muscles flexed as he reached for his sword.

  Bryson hardened his grip. “I said enough.”

  After a pause, the younger man nodded and relaxed his tense muscles. He would have to learn control, sooner rather than later, if he wanted to become a captain. Aidan needed to hear that the younger Vampire wasn’t there yet. Not if he grew angry so easily. Not if he would go against Bryson’s direct orders.

  Bryson caught Jacob’s eye and nodded to him. Jacob acknowledged him with a slow frown and sat forward, closer to Warren in case the young Vampire did something insane, such as attack the two ancients.

  Bryson studied the pair at the head of the table as his men gained their feet as well.

  “He is correct, Gia.” Bryson stood. The meeting was done. “Aidan is firmly set on this council being a reality. I would not push where there is nothing to gain.”

  Gia sniffed. Aquinas narrowed his eyes.

  Christian gave an exaggerated sigh. Jacob stayed silent, but he had enough age to know that dealing with the Houses was never going to go well. With a nod from Bryson, Jacob moved aside and gestured for Warren to precede him to the door.

  Bryson turned back to the House, assured that even-tempered Jacob would keep Warren in line. “If you wish to continue, you will do as we demand. Next week we’ll expect to have your ambassadors at the council or we will return, and you will be brought before Aidan to answer to him for your continued defiance of his authority.”

  “And you will lead this council of course, not Aidan.” Aquinas also gained his feet. The words dripped with sarcasm, but Bryson was used to it.

  “Yes, Aquinas, I will lead the council.”

  Aquinas took that like he’d swallowed sour lemon juice.

  “Is there a problem?”

  The Vampire bowed his head, hand over his chest. “Of course not, Bryson.”

  Gia rose to her feet, with Aquinas holding her hand. Graceful as a snake, she dipped her head ever so slightly. “We will send our envoys. It seems Aidan has left us little choice.”

  “I am pleased you were able to make a wise decision.”

  Bryson started walking, but Warren couldn’t keep his mouth shut, “Other than facing the dawn.”

  Bryson narrowed his focus to the younger Vampire. Warren shook his sandy-blond hair out of his eyes. There was anger there, as well as something else. Jacob touched him on the arm and the two walked out ahead of Bryson down the hall.

  “If I’d wanted a smart ass with me I would have brought Jaxon. In s
uch situations, it is diplomacy that will win out, not throwing their mistakes in their faces.”

  Warren’s shoulders stiffened, but he didn’t acknowledge Bryson’s dressing down otherwise.

  Christian chuckled. “Jaxon wouldn’t have come. He hates bullshit like this.”

  They walked on in silence, the Vampire sent to lead them out of the House ahead of them. Gia and Aquinas, of course, accompanied them, but were farther back, obviously more than ready to see the last of them.

  “Are you really going to head this council?” Christian asked suddenly. “It sounds like hell to me. Give me a battle any day.”

  “Yes, well, we’re trying to keep those to a minimum,” Bryson snapped. His irritation was growing, not lessening. Dealing with the Houses was part of it, but he couldn’t seem to find the cause of the deeper frustration he felt.

  “Bloody hell we are. We still have plenty more of these to tame.” Jacob snorted. He’d always been as bloodthirsty on the battlefield as he was calm off. His own dislike of the Houses was from his past, and the tortures he’d endured as a young Vampire. “If we even can tame them, that is.”

  Bryson agreed. This House was by far one of his least favorites. None pleased him, but Aquinas and Gia had a way of making his teeth ache. He’d feel better if every single ancient, save very few, were eradicated from the face of the earth. But he and Aidan were alone in that. And, at times, they did find decent, ancient Vampires. Christian was one of those rare ones.

  A scent struck Bryson as he walked, stopping him in his tracks. I know that scent.

  Christian barreled into him from behind. “Bryson? What the hell is it?”

  “Wait.” He took Christian’s arm and scanned the corridor. Jacob was doing the same, Warren scowling at the walls now as well. The Vampires from the House halted, a sudden nervous presence at Bryson’s back.