The Immortals: Pure Blood - book II

By J. Montana

At least five years has passed since the fatal night of judgment. Only a few handful of humans caught a glimpse, of what might have been the end of the world. However, as luck would have it, the humans fate rested between two brothers. All parties were satisfied with the outcome of the battle but not the players. The vampyress was stripped of her mortal beauty, now stands bare before the Lord of Light. The pure blood stripped of his mortality stands bare before the world. Now each of them must adapt but neither wants redemption and vengeance will fuel them both to go on.

So much changed since the Power arrived and many things forgotten. Nikki and Maritza are two young women that befriend a local vagrant. They don't know much about him but what they do know is he is always telling them stories of angels, and vampyres. Then something happens and he disappears and resurfaces a different man.

Angelica is taken under the tutelage of Lucifer but not without a price. She learns the art of shape-shifting that makes all around her question their own senses. But, when the vampyress challenges the Lord of Light he shows why he has been called the Prince of Darkness.

Once Lilliana suspects foul play happening under the watchful eye of the Hierarchy, she reminds Lucifer not to challenge her. Unfortunately, everything is in play when the smoke clears, a slayer is the price of innocence lost.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. Montana
• Release date: Jun 3, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476478210

J. Montana

J. Montana is the artist and pen name of Jeanine Wright . She is a self taught artist, receiving an AAS in Art & Advertising Design at a New York City college. Her interest in writing started at a young age, encouraged by a single mother who emphasized the importance of reading. She read everything from the Bible to classical mythology, from Harlequin romance to S. E. Hinton and Hemingway to Lovecraft. The majority of Jeanine's life was focused on art, as writing to a back seat. While pursuing art she also took an interest in literature classes and creative writing, spending hours producing poetry. It would take a college professor that would start her on the path to penning her 1st novel. It took Jeanine 10 years to compete a finish manuscript because again writing would be pushed aside for her art and single-parenting. However, it would be the art an her love of creating that would join the two. The Pure Blood series came about in the 90's from a painting titled, 'The Guardian'. Jeanine is a huge fan of authors like, Stephen King, Harold Robbins, Sydney Sheldon and Jackie Collins who fueled an imagination already creative from being an artist. It is said, “To be a good writer, you must be a good reader.” To this day, Jeanine is still addicted to the written word She is the single parent of to adult children and two granddaughter. She currently resides in NYC.

Book preview

Book II

Free will is possessed by all living creatures. We are an extension of the essence and the essence resides within. Lilliana, the Power.

Chapter 1

She felt the fear of death for the first time. How could this be, she was an immortal. The pain was excruciating as her cells screamed out in agony. From the moment he swept her in his grasp she saw nothing but a void. Angelica had feared nothing and here she faced fear twice in one night. She did not know what Lillie was but the Powers embrace reached into the vampyress soul. A soul that had been lost since the night she became a vampyre. She made Angelica relive her own betrayal to her mother the slayer Anastasia, keeping her in a suspended sleep for killing her sire Pavlov. Then to experience the killing of her own sister, reenacting her deceit on the grave of their grandmother Natasha was more than she could bear. The Power violated her secrets and Angelica fought with all her might to be released from her grasp. Lillie embraced her with the one thing she never felt as a mortal, love. The essence was so overwhelming she hated to feel it. Now here, once again she is being forced to experience that which is foreign. However, she sensed something different, acceptance. Her anger got a charge in the abyss that surrounded her. Angelica surrendered to the womb she was in as it caressed her with acceptance. She lay comfortably in the void, not sure if her eyes were open or closed. Then she noticed a glimmer of light and instinct made her hide from it but soon she realized it didn’t harm her. At first she was disoriented, fearing she would fall. Then she discovered solid form underneath her feet. Angelica stood up unsure of her surroundings but moved in the direction of what she thought was light. As it became more intense, she put her hands in front of her shield from the intensity. She became more confident in her movement until she noticed something soar swiftly overhead. She cowered in slight fear, searching around not knowing what else lurked in the void. Angelica waited, staring at the light when she saw what she thought a huge bird, was actually her captor. His enormous wings were flapping about and his eyes were a fiery red, seared into her being. The vampyress caught her breath and clutched her chest feeling a heartbeat pounding at its presence. She dropped to her knees from the pain of remembering what it felt to be mortal once again.

Stand up Mistress, you are not my slave, he said.

Angelica stayed in her bent position with her head down in submission. I can not bear to look into your eyes my Lord, fore it burns me so, she replied.

Look at me! he demanded.

Angelica raised her head in reluctance to look upon his face and wasn’t prepared for the vision she beheld. His eyes were the blackest coal; crystal like and his locks flared out into the void the color of liquid gold. His skin without blemish was translucent yet solid in its appearance. He was enormous in stature as his form disappeared into the void. You are beautiful, she exclaimed.

However, as quickly as she spoke the words his appearance changed and he was the grotesque creature that swept her away. I don’t understand.

I was once the glory of the universe, he said, turning his eyes from her. Now I am but a shadow of what I once was.

Lucifer, Angelica exalted. But, how, why? she asked.

Come, walk with me and I shall tell you, he stated.

Angelica stood up and walked beside him as he revealed to her Origin and all that happened in the universe before human recorded time. They walked to the top of a plateau of some kind and stared out into the abyss. In a distance somewhere, Angelica spotted what seemed like a spark of light shoot by, followed by an explosion. She could see small speckles of light illuminate the darkness from the reaction.

What was that? she asked.

Creation, he answered. It is the living universe, creating life.

Angelica was puzzled by his response and he saw the tilt of her head. You seem perplexed, he queried.

I assumed I am in hell, Angelica proclaimed. So how can I peer into the universe? she questioned.

Yes, cast out to an outer realm of your existence, Lucifer mused. I guess from a human’s mind it would seem that way but that is not so.

I resent that, Angelica snapped. I have not been human for some time.

Mortal, immortal, it does not matter. In the end we are all immortals, he advised.

What? Angelica queried.

You my dear child have been lucky to exist without constriction of mortality except for your weakness for daylight. An existence of your own choosing, handed to you by an immortal, he informed.

Then if this is not hell, where exactly am I? she queried.

I guess you can call Khaliron a celestial dungeon but not a prison, he suggested.

Khaliron, that is what she called it, the vampyress stated. So, we are in a state of limbo. she admitted.

Limbo? he queried.

Yeah, you know, Angelica hinted. It is where souls go that are trapped between heaven and earth.

Trapped? We exist outside of what you call time, Lucifer stated. You are not trapped here, you exist here for now, he explained.

Isn’t that the same thing? Angelica asked.

No, to be trapped means you can not escape, he informed. We can leave this place and in time you will too.

Then why are you still here? she questioned.

Why? Lucifer inquired. I choose to be here, just as you made choices.

Angelica felt a surge rip through her of acknowledgment. She knew what he said to be true and the thought of leaving this desolate place gave her hope. Lucifer left her to ponder on her own plight. Angelica sat alone in the void thinking back on her life that led her to this point. She knew she deserved her fate for her act of betrayal but if that was so, how did her mother speak through the slayer? Why did Demetrios fake his own demise? What of their betrayal? As she sat and thought about the night’s events she wondered of her own fate. What would become of her in this place? She did not wonder long as she heard his approach.

So you deem your punishment fits the crime, Lucifer said.

Angelica looked up at him, How did you know my thoughts?

You can not hide your thoughts from the universe, he said. You have many questions and no answers.

Then answer this, the vampyress demanded. What is she, if not a Watcher?

She, Lucifer inquired. That is the second time you mentioned she, Lucifer acknowledged, staring at the vampyress a moment. Oh, you mean the Power.

What? Angelica asked.

The Power, Lucifer repeated. Lilliana, she is the one that sent you here.

Yes, Lillie. Why is she so powerful? What is her source? she rallied questions.

My child, you do not want to tangle with the likes of the Powers, Lucifer advised. They like me were one of the first created, he explained. They are guardians of the cosmos and each one entrusted with a unique gift. Lilliana holds the gift of creation. Some in the hierarchy would say she is creation itself.

What would you say she is? she asked.

She is one that even I would hesitate to match wits, he replied.

So you fear her, why? Angelica asked.

It is not fear of her, it is fear of what she can do, Lucifer warned. Nothing in creation can destroy that which guards it. The Power carries within her the very fabric of the essence.

So, she can not be defeated? Angelica queried.

No, she cannot be defeated but, he suggest.

But, what tell me, I must know, she exclaimed.

She can be turned, he hesitated. But only if she was in human form.

If she became a mortal, Angelica was betwixt by his statement.

Yes, Lucifer assured. To be mortal removes from hierarchy the remembrance of their former self. Many of my brethren have chosen the experience of a mortal life. Some have regretted once they chosen but most have enjoyed the experience. For a Power to give up that kind of immortality and live among humans would be monumental. he said. But, why would you be so concerned with Lilliana? Lucifer asked.

She took something I wanted, Angelica said with a sinister gleam.

Oh yes, the Pure Blood Demetri, he commented.

How did you know? she asked, surprise of his knowledge. Oh, how quickly I forgot. I can hide no thoughts here.

Be forewarned, you do not want a Power as your enemy, Lucifer advised.

I am up for the challenge, Angelica said smugly.

Lucifer thought long and hard on her offer, to have a Power on their knees would be a major coup. And, a dangerous one, fore once she returns to her glory the Power would be lethal in her vengeance. But, the power it would fill him with would be so immense; it could punch a hole in the void. If I help you get what you want, what would you be willing to give up? he asked.

The power of a Slayer, Angelica quickly declared, she was no fool. She knew he was baiting her.

Chapter 2

It was damp and dark, probably from abandonment. Cobwebs laced the walls and the windows in decoration. Even the hint of light was foreign because of the residual lint so thick it would need to be sanded to reveal a speckle. It was bleak and colorless, as it seemed this way for some time. The usual residents scurry around in search of food as new life took up occupancy. In the corner of the room a figure sat crouched in defeat. He was hungry and tired; and adjustment would not come easy. On instinct he sought shelter forgetting the morning light could not affect him any longer. Pure Bloods were known for walking in early twilight and dusk. Now, he was forced to exist as a mortal. However, his need for blood boiled just below the surface. Colin recapped the night and wondered how he could have been so blind and all the while feeding from a Slayer. One that was descendent of the clan that produced the first. He stared at his new surroundings as his thoughts reached back to the night Anastasia changed his world.

His father warned that his indulgence would bring the wrath upon them. Colin, your recklessness will endanger us all, Pavlov, scolded his youngest son.

Oh father, it is of no use. You know Colin could not turn down the blood of a young maiden, Tessia informed winking at her brother.

Colin kissed his sisters cheek lovingly, You know me so well Tessa, as he called her.

Tessia loved her brothers, Lance and Colin and she was the envy of her friends to have such attractive brothers every girl wanted to date. They grew up like most mortal children did; with one exception, they were born Pure Bloods. When they reached puberty they suffered a sickness that lasted for a week. During this time, their pupils would dilate to adjust for night vision. They would experience cold sweats as their body temperature dropped and their skin slowly went pale as less oxygen was being introduced to their cells as their heartbeat slowed to a point of non-detection. It was fore this reason the myth of the vampyre claimed them as the undead. No heartbeat, sleeping during the day and feeding off the blood of mortals to live. However, the worst of the metamorphosis came with the growth of their incisors. They knew the signs of the change were preceded by headaches around the eyes, soar gums and toothaches for adjustment. Tessia and Lance were close in age by a year but Colin was much younger. Once they reached their twenty-fifth birthdays, the aging process halted and for this reason they moved from place to place. They could not allow villagers to question their youthfulness. Only once did they have to move abruptly because Colin attacked a young child in a wheat field. He always regretted taking one so innocent. Then word reached them that the same child foretold of a warrior coming to cleanse their kind from the land. It would be some years before she would enter their lives and turn it up side down.

Lance came in chipper as a lark, whistling and humming under his breath. They all took notice of his upbeat attitude of late. Your sister is right, you are in love, Pavlov commented staring at his eldest. Who is she?

And, when do we get to meet her? Tessia followed.

Yes Lance ole boy, when do we get to meet the pretty young maiden? Colin said trying to remove an air of seriousness.

Lance looked at his younger brother and smirked coyly. You really mean, when I will bring her here for you, They all let out a hearty laughed.

The next evening he went out on his nightly haunt, there was word in the village of strange noises about. Tessia mentioned overhearing in town, two gravediggers seeing a young girl sitting by the entrance of the cemetery. Naturally, Colin blew it off and told her not to worry. For several nights he went on his usual feasting, he became accustom to luring young maidens from other towns. After several festive and profitable arrangements he headed to the cemetery to claims his prize. However, when he got to the unmarked graves he found them disturbed and found his prize dismembered. He thought back to his sister comment earlier and knew the slayer was here. Colin left the cemetery and was heading home when he came across a young maiden on the road. He saw an opportunity to regain his loss for the night but thought better of it, remembering what his father said.

Excuse me are you lost? he asked her.

No, I was waiting for someone but I guess he stood me up, the young woman replied.

He looked at the young woman before him, she had dark skin with long flowing black locks. She had a kind mouth with dark eyes and a well tone figure. Colin knew most of the young maidens of the surrounding towns and he sensed outsider. I would gather you are not from around these parts.

You would seem right, she paused. I am just visiting family. I was to meet someone but they have not showed. I guess it was for nothing, she informed.

It is not safe for such an attractive young maiden to be out. There are sinister people about, Colin said hoping she would say more.

You are right, I should be on my way, she said.

I would be glad to walk with you if you’d like? Colin offered.

She looked up the road in the opposite direction towards the cemetery. I think it safe. I’m staying just down the road.

Colin said goodnight and went on his way. He walked a bit when he remembered; there were no homes anywhere nearby, just the cemetery. He turned around and she was nowhere in sight. When he got back to the house, he mentioned the meeting to his father. The next night he stayed in with his sister Tessia while Lance went out on his romantic rendezvous.

Colin relived it hundreds of times over the years. He often wondered how he didn’t connect the two as the same. The young woman he met along the road and the young gypsy meeting with his brother and sister secretly. She lured Lance and Tessia into her web of deceit and took them both from this realm.

Tessia had her mother’s subtle beauty, tall good figure with dark brown eyes and long auburn hair. She was quiet and kept mostly to herself because the constant moving made it difficult for her to have friends. She always headed into the village right before dusk and on this particular night she befriended a young peasant girl in the village. The young girl wore a head tie to disguise her long black hair and her true identity. She happened upon Tessia in the market.

Excus me can I both’r you for something to eat? she asked Tessia.

Tessia studied the young maiden, a little dirty; wearing a peasant skirt and top with tattered shoes on her feet. She assumed her a gypsy and they were frowned upon in the village. Tessia sympathized with her since her own mother was a gypsy. You are hungry. When did you eat last?

A fortnight ago, I think. I can’t member, the young maiden answered.

Would you like to come home with me? We have more than enough for? Tessia asked concerned.

No, no, I mus git back befer dark. It is forbidd’n for me to be in town, she replied.

Tessia looked at her sympathetically, I rarely come into the village during the day myself, Tessia said as she took some fruit from her basket and gave it to the gypsy. Here, you must eat.

The young girl took the food and ate an apple quickly. I ne’er seen you befer, that woud explain.

Yes, I don’t have many friends, Tessia said with a smile. My guesses neither do you, The young girl shook her head in agreement. Well then maybe I could be your first, Tessia hinted. As she was about to leave the market then stopped and turned to the young girl. "How about we meet outside of town at this time every day? I’ll bring you some food.

Okay, tomorrow then, the gypsy confirmed.

Tessia met with the girl every day in the late afternoon for a couple of weeks, never telling her family much but that she made friends with a gypsy. Even though her father did not like that the girl refused to come home with her when invited. He warned his daughter to be careful, Why does she not come for dinner? he asked one night when Tessia came in a little after dusk.

She always tells me she must be back before dark, Tessia explained.

Are you sure she is not like us? he asked.

I don’t think so, she seems so fragile. Besides, you know how gypsies are, Tessia said to her father seeing his concern.

I don’t like it, Pavlov protested. Your brother is seeing someone in secret. It just doesn’t make sense, he added as Colin came in at the end of the discussion, after being away a few days. Well my prodigal son has returned, Pavlov announced.

What is going on? Colin asked.

Who knows, maybe you can find out what the mystery is all about, Pavlov replied.

A mystery, Colin smiled. Does Tessa have a beau? Colin smiled.

No, I made a friend and dad is suspicious because she is gypsy, Tessia stated.

A gypsy, well then bring her by, Colin said flashing his fangs. You know any friend of yours Tessa is a friend of mine.

I have invited her but she always turns me down, Tessia explained.

What is she like? Colin asked.

She is like any other gypsy, dark skin, and dark eyes and seems out of place, she said.

What is her name? he queried.

Tessia thought a moment then realized, I don’t know. I never even thought to ask.

Colin laughed at his sister when Lance came in. What is so funny? Lance asked.

Tessia has been keeping company with a gypsy girl and has no idea what her name is, Colin stated.

Well, that is Tessia for you, so trusting, Lance said.

Tessia frowned at her brothers, What is the name of the maiden you have been sneaking off to see?

If you must know, her name is Anna, Lance said with smugness, heading out to his rendezvous.

Later in the evening as he rested, Pavlov would have a terrible dream of his children.

Tessia went on her rendezvous as usual to meet the young gypsy she made friends with. She decides to find out more about her on this meeting. You know we have been meeting and yet I don’t even know your name, Tessia commented.

The young girl studied Tessia for a moment before answering. Why does it matter?

No reason, just curious that’s all, Tessia hesitated, I realize I don’t know much about you at all.

Well, its Anastasia, the gypsy said.

Tessia stared at her and wondered if she was the same girl Lance was seeing in secret once she heard her name. She could sense something not right with her friend.

Is sumthin wrong? Anastasia asked.

No, Anastasia that is a beautiful name, Tessia commented.

I hav to tell you we won’t see each other more, Anastasia informed.

What? Why? Tessia demanded.

My clan is movin, t‘night, she replied.

Oh, I see. Where are you going? Tessia questioned noticing she was very agitated.

I do not kno but I mus leave, She said.

Can’t you stay a while longer? Tessia asked. Please.

I’ma sorry but I promis’d I woud be back erly, Anastasia stated. I mus go. She said running off.

Tessia was left bewildered and headed home. When she arrived her father was talking with her brothers Lance and Colin.

I don’t want any of you going out tonight, Pavlov instructed. I have a bad feeling something may happen, he warned.

You worry too much father, Lance said. Besides, I promised Anna I would see her tonight

I am begging you not to go, Pavlov pleaded with his eldest son. See her tomorrow. She will understand, Pavlov added as Tessia entered. I am glad you are back early. He retired to his room but advised them all again of his concern.

Yes, Tessia you are back early. Did your gypsy friend not show up? Colin inquired.

She is leaving, her clan is moving and just when I was happy to have a friend, Tessia explained.

Lance walked over to his sister and kissed her forehead. Don’t worry sis, you will make another.

You heard what father said, Tessia alerted as Lance headed towards the door. We are to stay in tonight. She reminded.

He worries too much. I promise to be back early. Lance stated and left.

Tessia watched him go and wondered again if the gypsy she befriended was one and the same girl Lance was meeting. She told her thoughts to Colin, who found it odd of what Tessia suspected. He tried to ease her troubles and said he would follow Lance to see. He left the house to catch up shifting to canine so his brother would not notice. However, Tessia needed to see for herself and went out after her brother. She had to know.

Tessia found Lance; she followed behind him to see where he was going. She saw him enter the cemetery. Why would he go there? She stayed outside the gate and looked around to see if she saw Colin. From where she stood she could see Lance waiting and then she saw a young woman walk over to him from out of nowhere. She couldn’t see her face but from the looks of it she was the one he came to meet. She watched as they embraced one another, it seemed to Tessia the kiss lasted forever. When they separated she still could not glimpse her face. The young girl seemed athletic from her build and she had long black hair. It seemed like they were having a conversation of some kind. She watched and waited for a clear view, when Tessia caught sight of her face. It was her but she looked very different then the girl she had been speaking to. The conversation they were having looked to get more intense. Then Tessia spotted something sharp in the hands of Anastasia. Lance drew his incisor immediately but it was too late. Whatever she was holding in her hand she slit her brother’s throat with it. Lance fell to the ground clutching his life force as it spewed from the cut in his neck. Tessia shocked screamed out. No!

Lance caught sight of his sister as she ran towards them. He tried to warn her not to come closer but his blood was spilling out swiftly. When Tessia reached them, Lance laid dying on freshly dug earth. She fell to the ground besides his body. She leaned over as he was trying to tell her something with his last breath. Colin. Lance said, and then he died encircled in his own blood. Tessia cried as her brother bled out but her sorrow changed immediately to rage. She stood up slowly hiding her transformation.

I bet you know who I am now, don’t you Tessia? Anastasia affirmed.

You killed my brother. I fed you and you killed my brother. Tessia never took her eyes off of Lance lifeless body.

I have hunted your family for months. My first kill was a young girl bitten many years ago in a wheat field in my home land.

I see you speak very well. You kept many secrets, including your identity.

Yes, I did unfortunately for you. So many villagers remember you and your brothers.

Tessia only became angrier, listening to her words. Then I hope you’ll understand what I must do.

Tessia, I am the slayer. I was created to destroy your kind, Your brother Colin has been feasting and it stops this night. Anastasia paused. Please don’t force me to kill you. Your kindness is all that holds you."

My brother was in love with you and you betrayed that. Do you think I will let you get your hands on Colin?

You can not stop me, Anastasia announced. Don’t make me have to kill you too, she exclaimed.

Tessia laughed at her, You may have caught my brother off guard but I will not be that easy, she said finally turning to face her enemy. We are Pure Bloods created by the fallen ones of old and you will die here this night.

Tessia lunged at Anastasia knocking her to the ground. Anastasia held her at bay as Tessia tried to plunge her incisor into her throbbing jugular. The slayer pushed her off and jumped to her feet. Tessia was also on her feet and Anastasia realize she was more agile then she appeared. They fought what almost seemed an eternity but then Tessia noticed something hiding behind a headstone? It was Colin. Tessia gave him a silent warning to not interfere. In that instance Anastasia leaped and plunged the blade into her back. Tessia let out a scream so loud that even Pavlov heard his daughters cry. Anastasia saw what distracted Tessia. It was a wild dog. She was about to take off after the animal. She knew it to be Colin. Then she felt something tug at her leg, it was Tessia. One day vengeance will be mine for your betrayal slayer.