Bloodline

By Elizabeth Loraine

Bloodline, book Five of the Royal Blood Chronicles is the continuing story of Katrina, the chosen leader of the Five. It follows her on her journey along with her friends and family as the Protectors fight evil forces in order to protect all the peaceful races of the world, magical and humans. Just as the Protectors have successfully begun to build clans in America and start to move the Vampires to safety, evil again challenges them as Dark Vampires follow them to the new world. It seems every time one enemy is defeated another arises. Cain and Damien have asked Katrina for her help, but can she really trust either one of them? And is there something that will make her choose once and for all between Damien and Quinn and change everything, forever.
Bloodline, the fifth in the Royal Blood Chronicles series is full of the same, fast paced drama Elizabeth Loraine is known for. The unexpected is once again the norm as it twists and turns around Katrina and the Protectors.
Bloodline keeps you turning pages and pulls you into the 1880's with Elizabeth Loraine's descriptive writing style. It is a fantastic edition to the Chronicles.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elizabeth Loraine
• Release date: May 14, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311059062

Elizabeth Loraine

I grew up in Minnesota, married my husband of now over 30 years and had my two children (Matthew now 30 and Andrea 28). In the early 80's we moved from Minnesota to Florida and I've lived on the beaufiful Central East Coast ever since. I've always been creative, and my career life focused on interior design, painting and garden design. I didn't start writing until I turned 52. I loved the Vampire genre and after years of enjoyment found in the pages of other author's books, I decided that I wanted to know more about the characters than was there between the covers. What had these long lived vampires been doing, what had they seen and done throughout history? My two wonderful children were grown and my fantastic husband has always supported my career choices. So, my mind made up, I would take up the challenge of creating what I wanted to read for myself and offer the books to anyone else who loved this genre. Thus began the Royal Blood Chronicles. I am now working on ten book in the series, have written the first book in another series and Phantom Lives, my paranormal series has two books, Collier and Power. I'm writing book three of that series. Look for new books in 2014 Enjoy

Book preview

Bloodline

By Elizabeth Loraine

A Royal Blood Chronicle

Bloodline - Royal Blood Chronicles Book Five

Elizabeth Loraine

Copyright © 2011 by Elizabeth Loraine

Smashwords Edition

Prologue

Nathaniel’s Clan has been decimated by Hybrid Vampires. News of illness and deaths from the dark Vampires are coming to us daily now. I had hoped to keep them out of America, but they are here and the Five must deal with them quickly.

If they continue to replace our Royal Vampires in high ranking positions with their own Demon-made spawn in Europe, soon I will have no choice but to return and fight them there as well.

The good news is that the new clans are now fully established here in America and waiting for new members to arrive from clans throughout Europe. We have new friends - the Masons. With their help we are establishing our selves easily throughout both American government and American society.

Each time we defeat an enemy another arises, but this is my path to walk and trust myself to do what is right.

CHAPTER ONE

It had been weeks since Cain told me that he was going to Paris to try to find out what was going on with Damien. We could of course track both of them, but had not heard from either. Nor had they contacted their sister Marcella, and none of us had heard a single word from them. To further cut us off they blocked our ability to communicate with them by using our minds.

Gerhardt, who, of course, has a home in Paris, mentioned he had seen, first Damien and then Cain in the city. He discretely suggested that it might be better if I just moved on with my life, without Damien. It was obvious to me then Gerhardt was telling me in the kindest way possible Damien was not alone, and had already moved on.

It’s not like I hadn’t been busy and didn’t have anything to do after all, so moving on was just what I was planned to do.

Eric and I are going for a ride; do you want to come with us? Kate asked as she came into the breakfast room, breaking my train of thought.

That sounds fun.

What sounds fun? Quinn said as he joined us.

Going for a ride. How is Nathaniel doing?

Not good. The shock of losing most of his clan has sapped his strength and is affecting his ability to regenerate. Although he recovered enough to get here after the attack, he has taken a turn for the worst. I am worried about his ability to survive being bitten by a Hybrid Vampire. Allwain says that he has no idea how to cure the infection Nathaniel contracted from the bite.

There have been some unexplained human illnesses in the towns close to each of our new clan sites. I think that these outbreaks may be some new tactic of the Hybrid leaders, I said.

You mean the Hybrids are biting humans in order to bring attention to and expose the peaceful clans? Quinn questioned as he sat down with a full plate of breakfast.

Yes, we have to find these renegades and soon, or the Vampire Hunters will be swarming America in the very near future.

We finished our meal, left the table and prepared for our morning ride, agreeing to meet at the stables to saddle the horses. Gunter had purchased both Friesian and German Warm-Blood mares like Nulla for Theo. I was looking forward to the prospect of having dozens of new foals by next spring.

Nulla and Knight were doing very well, but while I smiled at the thought of Knight dutifully following along behind Nulla during our ride, I didn’t want to drag the young foal around so far away from the stable. I gave Nulla a pat and chose a new mount from the pool of horses now used for ranch work.

Let’s head over to lost canyon. Gunter told me that there is a wild herd of horses over there, Kate pulling herself into her saddle.

Race you! Quinn yelled before taking off in that direction.

As we galloped into the canyon we found a large herd of horses peacefully grazing there. That is until we thundered in.

The black mustang stallion didn’t even flinch as his herd scattered. Flaring his nostrils he turned to face us as we reined our horses to a stop. He pawed the ground, whinnied, snorted and finally reared up in warning, all the while tossing his head as if daring us to come closer.

"It’s all right boy, we wouldn’t harm any of you," I told him with my mind. Speaking with my mind to any creature was a new gift I’d acquired after Cathos took the dark powers I had gleaned from the Dark Prince away and replaced them with Jinn power.

The stallion dropped back down to the ground, snorted again and with one more head toss in our direction, raced out of the canyon after his herd.

He’s almost as beautiful as Theo and Knight, Kate marveled.

Eric laughed, Kate, I can tell from the look on your face you desperately want to name him. You might as well tell us what you’ve chosen.

Well, I can’t help it. He looks like Midnight.

Kate, you realize that you can’t name every animal in the West, right? I laughed. But, Midnight is a fine name for him. In fact, I think we should put some of our mares in with his herd to insured his bloodline is crossed with ours.

Good idea Katrina. I’ll tell Gunter as soon as we get back, Quinn said as the majestic stallion disappeared from sight.

I found myself turning my attention to Quinn. The old feelings that I’d always had for him were becoming more and more intense these days. I knew he would always be a part of my life and that between us we had to work out what our relationship was going to be.

He turned and gave me that smile, the same one that always made my knees weak. I did love him, I’d always loved him.

Now what? he asked with an eyebrow raise.

I guess we should go back. Father is going to be home any time now and there are things I need to talk to him about.

As Quinn looked away I saw the smile fade from his face.

We have to go after the Hybrids, although I have the feeling it’s just what they want us to do, Kate added.

All right then, I sighed, let’s go back.

Our ride ended all too soon and as we approached the compound we saw a familiar figure standing beside the lodge.

Look, El’s back. I hope she was able to help the unicorns.

We left the horses with the stable boys and walked back to the house where El was waiting patiently outside.

Boy, are we glad to have you back. Nathaniel is much worse. How did you do? Could you help the unicorns?

Yes, they’re much better. Their problems seemed to stem from the new feed and the journey. They all seemed fine when I left. Cain, however, created quite a stir. Amparah was very upset that he just ran off after all the help she’d provided him.

I’m sure that whatever made Cain leave was important. I can’t imagine that he would jeopardize his relationship with Amparah otherwise. I just wish that he had let us in on whatever it was, Eric said.

If that had been possible, I’m sure that he would have, El added. I better head over to Nathaniel’s and see if I can help him. After I’ve seen to him, I have an idea I want to speak with you about.

I’ll go with you now then, we can talk on the way, I said. "I’ll be back, see you all later.

What is it El? What’s going on you didn’t want to talk about in front of the others? I asked after we were on our way.

I want to go to the other clan locations and heal the humans that have come down with the same infection that Nathaniel has. I can be there in the guise of a nurse.

El, I can’t let you go there alone, it’s too dangerous.

"Good, then we should leave right away, don’t you think?"

She smiled and I had to laugh. You…

We hugged and continued on to Nathaniel’s, finding Allwain and Kellen, one of the last of his clan, standing by his bed.

Is he any better?

No. I hope you can help him because nothing that I’ve done seems to be working. The look on Allwain’s face told the story.

Join me, El insisted.

The rest of us followed her instructions, gathered around and placed our hands on her as she put her hands on our friend. Nathaniel looked so awful. He was covered in sweat and about the same color as the pale sheet covering his still form.

I could see how upset Kellen was, but looked quickly away from her as we began to concentrate with El in order to help Nathaniel. As I slowed my breathing to match El’s, I could feel power pulsing between us. This was the first healing I’d attempted with El since Cathos had transferred power to me. As power continued to flow into El, I realized the power Cathos had given me was more powerful somehow than any I had experienced before. Even the power I had taken from the Dark Prince paled in comparison.

It wasn’t long before El finished and pulled back from Nathaniel. When I opened my eyes he was looking up at us. The color had returned to his face, but his eyes were full of pain. I understood then that it was going to take much longer for him to heal from the mental trauma of what had happened than from his physical ailments. He had lost his wife, his friends, and most of his clan to the Demon hybrids.

It’s going to be all right Nathaniel, I promise, I told him. I wished that somehow I could have taken the sadness from him, but it was not a power that I possessed.

I’m going to stay with him a little longer and then I’ll meet you back at the lodge, El whispered softly.

Good. I smiled at El, glad that we had her strength and gift to rely on. Nathaniel, I’ll be back to check on you too. You’ll be up and around before long and I want you to concentrate on getting better, because we are going to need you.

"Katrina, stop by the laboratory will you?" I heard on my way out.

Of course, Allwain.

I was relieved that we were able to help Nathaniel. His healing meant that El’s gift would be effective on the humans as well. As wonderful as that news was, it was important we not expose ourselves as a consequence of these healing. We wouldn’t need the complication.

I needed to be alone to think for a few minutes, so instead of heading back to the lodge, I headed down to the lake.

"Cathos?"

"Yes, Katrina?"

What can you tell me about the Hybrids, are they still coming through Althar?

"No, and I know for a fact that no Demon Vampires have been made since Cain gave you the portal locations and dispersed the Drow power. The children of Belial, already there in your world, are all there will be unless they are creating more Demons by turning humans."

As he uttered the word I felt my stomach turn. The sicknesses! Turning humans was exactly what they were doing.

"Katrina, are you still there?"

Yes, I had thought the Hybrids were just trying to bring attention to our peaceful clans here by infecting the humans, now I realize what they are actually doing is trying to grow their numbers!

Sorry to hear that. What are you going to do?

We had a way of stopping them before; maybe we can use it against them again this time.

You sound so tired, Katrina. Why don’t you come here for a few days to rest and recuperate? It would be good for both of us.

"That would be a great idea, except I don’t have the time. I have to deal with this before the Hybrid numbers become too great and humans start panicking and begin hunting us. We can’t let that happen here."

Don’t lose yourself in the fight, Katrina. Remember what’s important and make time for it.

I’ll try, Cathos. What can you tell me about Cain?

He and Damien have their own mission now. They are not lost to you, that’s all I can say. Katrina remember, the powers that I gave you can only be used for good. If you try to use them for anything else they will be lost to you forever.

I understand. Thank you, Cathos. I’ll speak with you soon.

"Anytime you need me, I’ll be here."

I did understand what he was telling me, without actually saying the words: That the power he gave to me was the same power that he given to Cain, and, Cain to Damien. They couldn’t use their power for evil purposes and I had to trust that they weren’t. If that was all I was going to be told, it was enough - for now.

After my talk with Cathos, I felt so much better. Now I had to speak with Allwain.

I stopped by his laboratory on my way back to the lodge.

Good morning, Tao, Wyatt.

Wyatt’s face lit up when he saw me. Good morning, Katrina.

I guess Allwain is still with Nathaniel.

He’s on his way back. Is there anything I can help you with? Tao asked in his usual calm, Elvin way.

The Hybrids are spreading their infection to the humans, not only endangering our clans, but purposefully growing their numbers. I need to know if the water treatment made for us before, will work on them.

I don’t know, but it’s worth a try, don’t you think?

Tell Allwain what I asked, and that I’ll be back later. Right now, I want to meet with the others and devise a strategy.

Jonathan, I know you’re there, I said as I left Allwain’s cottage.

What gave me away this time? asked the young Warlock as he turned back into himself.

Rabbits are only white in the winter, I said, as I continued walking.

Oh, I didn’t know. Katrina, I don’t think I ever thanked you for letting me join you here. I was supposed to be helping Cain, but he wouldn’t let me," he hurried to catch up to me.

Maybe he’ll change his mind someday, Jonathan. For now, you can help us. I’ll find a new project for you.

I won’t let you or Niranjana down, I promise.

We got back to the lodge and I gathered everyone into the council room.

Are the new Watchers ready Gunter? We need them.

They’re ready. Tell me what you are thinking.

Since the existence of the Watchers, they have been our eyes and ears amongst the human populations and it’s what we need them to be again. We need to find these Hybrids and their leaders - now. My instincts are telling me the Hybrids are growing their numbers by infecting humans. This endangers everyone.

Can we use the treatment we used against the Brothers before to treat the water and make human populations poison to the Hybrids? Kate asked.

I don’t know, but Tao is consulting with Allwain about that right now.

You have something else in mind. I can see the wheels turning. What is it? Rosa asked.

Because these Vampires know what the Five of us look like, we need to have human Watchers and Vampire guard in locations throughout this country, just like we always have had in Europe.

Since you’re looking at me, I assume that you want Avery and me to take care of this, Quinn said with a wry smile.

Who better? Not only were both trained by the best Watcher who’s ever lived, but now you have Vampire power and strength on your side.

And you also have the camouflage of human scent just like the Hybrids, Kate added.

So where do you want us to start? Avery asked.

Get the Vampire guard into the cities as fast as you can and then send Watchers to every small town and settlement close to our clan locations.

We have our orders, Quinn, let’s get started.

After Avery and Quinn left with Gunter, I looked around to see the others waiting to see what else I was going to do.

We know there’s more, Kate said, out with it.

El, I know you want to go and try to heal the humans, but like I said, the Hybrids know what we look like and we’ll be spotted, unless…

Unless what? Rosa inquired.

Unless we go as someone else. I have Jinn power now, thanks to Cathos and I have transferred some of that to the four of you, right?

So, you or we can change our appearance? Letta reasoned and smiled slowly as the idea took hold.

Yes, just like Cain changed Gruen. He’s not really changed at all, he just projects the illusion of a different appearance, Liridon added. Gruen just smiled and waved.

Everyone had fallen in love with the gentle Grendal. Their race had been welcomed into every Sanctuary and were wonderful additions to the peaceful races residing there.

We can go along with you. Gruen can find the Hybrids. Liridon smiled proudly up at his huge friend.

I guess that’s settled. Where do you want to start?

Wait just a minute, what about the rest of us? Eric asked, clearly agitated by the thought he and Kale would be left out, once again.

"Will the two of you contact Arthur? He needs to know about this too.

As soon as we find out from Allwain if we can use the water treatment, we’ll leave, I said to the group.

Arthur is making good progress in Europe. Of course everyone there is so mesmerized by him; they will do anything he needs them to do without question.

Are you jealous, Eric? Rosa asked.

Of course not. I respect him and find all the knights, well…interesting.

I see. What else did you see when you were in Europe last week? I asked, almost afraid of his answer.

There have been more deaths. Vampires we had placed in positions of power have been killed and will not be easily replaced.

And nothing from the elite Vampire guard? They aren’t finding anything? Rosa asked angrily.

"The guard hasn’t been able to track them and that’s not their job anyway. Non Royals don’t have Watchers. We couldn’t possibly have a large enough guard contingent to watch all Vampires and I’m sure that whoever is directing the Hybrids knows that," Eric reasoned.

Maybe I can help.

Father!

Fredrik, good to see you, Kale said, as he stood and shook Father’s hand.

We could talk about his completed mission later. Right now I wanted to find out what he had in mind.

He sat at the end of the table and sighed.

After seeing the work that Arthur is doing, I’ve decided to call up all the knights that are in Sanctuary, along with any others that wish to serve in these desperate times.

What will they be doing Father?

First, they’ll put together and head new councils on each continent, organizing them closer to our people and each Sanctuary. Then they must retrain the elite guard. I’m happy to report it’s been decided to include Grendal in their units. The Grendal are eager to serve and their unique talents and intuition will make them invaluable.

Gruen had a big smile on his face. I can’t tell how proud I am, and the way you have all embraced us…

We could all see how emotional he was. I was told when I started this journey, that those who joined us willingly would make the difference between winning and losing this battle. You and your race reinforce that statement more than any other.

Thank you, Katrina, he said, wiping his eyes with his big paw-like hand.

Father went on, Since we can’t use any of our current safe houses right now. We are working on both identities and housing; have been for weeks. We have decided to put several of them up for sale and buy them back under new names. These will be the locations for housing our allies.

I nodded. I see. If Vampires re-occupy any of these locations, our enemies will realize what we are doing,

Yes. Well, unless there is anything else you need to discuss right now, I think we should all get to work.

Kate and I waited for the others to file out so