Lillian Rayne Trilogy: Book 1

By Ella Price

Lillian Rayne, a vampire hunter on top of her game, is forced to follow a new set of rules when the hunters call a truce with the vampires, Lillian is trying to find her place in a world where it is no longer the hunter vs. the hunted. Her hate for vampires has been ingrained in her since the death of her parents. She is being forced to put aside everything she feels, so she can try to make the truce work. On top of everything else the master vampire Aubrey is forcing her to feel for him in a way she never thought she could for a vampire.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ella Price
• Release date: Jun 25, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311505712

Ella Price

I have been writing since I was eight. I started out with poetry. Eventually, I moved on to short fantasy stories, then eventually books. I have always loved books, whether I was reading them or writing them. Books have always been a perfect escape from reality. When I was growing up, I admired authors and I always imagined I would eventually be one. The primary genre I write is fantasy romance. I love creating tough heroines and sexy vampires, werewolves, Fae, and every other supernatural creature I can come up with. I also write new adult romance when I am in the right mood. I want my readers to get the same joy from reading my stories that I do when I read some of my favorite authors.

Book preview

Chapter 1

I crept through the ally trying to keep as quiet as I possibly could. I saw the vampire enter the alley with his unsuspecting victim. She, of course, was not opposed like any sane woman should’ve been. I was sure it was due to the fact that the vampire had her in a trance. It was how they worked. It was how they got their prey to be cooperative and silent while they fed and, on most occasions, killed. It was my job to make sure he didn’t get to the second part. I was a vampire hunter, and I was going to make sure this particular vampire didn’t make it out of the alley alive. I spotted him while I was patrolling the club. He wasn’t one I recognized, then again, there were always new vampires coming into town.

The vampire and his victim came into view as I crouched behind a dumpster. The alley stunk, but it was a vampire’s haven. No one ever came down these alleys at night unless they were either up to no good or were hunters like me.

I slowly drew my stake. It was one of my favorites. I carved it myself from oak. I even took the time to carve the hunter’s vows in it. I would not be leaving this stake behind, that was for sure.

I moved quickly as the vampire went to sink his fangs into the clueless woman’s neck. I gave him a chance to fight instead of just stabbing him in the back. That wasn’t my style. I didn’t claim to be an honorable person, but there were some things I didn’t do, and killing someone without giving them a chance to fight wasn’t my thing.

I knocked him sideways into the opposite wall. He squared with me, a little startled. He looked me over, then smiled. Well, if you weren’t a hunter, I would definitely be interested.

I scowled. He was acting like I was trying to ask him out. He was good looking, but then again, most of them were. It was unfortunate I was born to kill them. I lunged at him and he quickly dodged.

He laughed. You are really trying, aren’t you? He was still smiling despite my attempt to stake him. He obviously knew what he was up against, but he was still teasing me. He knew random humans didn’t carry stakes around and assault vampires for fun. He took a swing at me, but I dodged him, then I swung around and kicked him square in the chest. He landed with a thud against the wall. I had him now, he was slightly disoriented. I took the opportunity and lunged at him. He caught my wrist and held me at bay. He smiled. You really are cute. His turquoise eyes were dancing with amusement; it was infuriating. The girl had already regained her senses and was running toward the alley opening.

I scowled. I was getting annoyed by the way he was treating me like I was playing with him. I leaned into the stake, but he was strong. Now that I was closer to him, I could tell he wasn’t some ignorant vampire driven by bloodlust. He was older … much older.

Rayne, wait! The sound of my cousin’s voice caught me off-guard. I glanced behind me and saw my cousin, Tanner, running down the alley toward me. The vampire took my distraction as an opportunity. He knocked me backwards into the wall, then disappeared.

I looked where the vampire had been. It was rare for them to be able to disappear. That vampire would’ve been an excellent kill for my record. I cussed as I got to my feet. What the hell, Tanner! I had him and you fucked it up!

He raised his hands in surrender. A truce was called. You are the only hunter out tonight. I was told to find you and warn you, he said apologetically.

I rolled my eyes. A truce is always called. It lasts a week, then we go back to killing them. Why waste time? I hated when the council decided to call truces … it was irritating. I would rather be out hunting vampires, not making nice with them.

It’s for real this time. There is a guy named Kai. He is part vampire and part hunter. They are saying he is going to unite us. His excitement at the idea reflected in his voice.

I scoffed. We aren’t supposed to be united. This is such bullshit! I was furious now. The night started out looking like everything was going to go according to plan. I had another vampire bagged, and I was in a decent mood until Tanner ruined the entire thing. I knew it wasn’t his fault, but that wasn’t going to stop me from acting like it was. I placed my stake back in its case on my hip, then stalked toward the street. Tanner followed me. He kept his mouth shut, which was smart. I was going to go to my uncle’s house and find out what the hell was going on.

Tanner smiled. You know my dad is expecting you to be angry. He even had Luca and Damon stay in tonight, so they could be there when you get there.

I scowled. Damn right I’m angry. Why would he want a truce with them anyway? They kill people. They use them as food and slaves. They would do it to us if they could.

Yeah, but dad said this guy Kai is the real thing. He is from both sides. He thinks we can unite. Of course, it doesn’t include all vampires. There will just be new rules, so we can’t just kill any vampire we see. Tanner reminded me a lot of my uncle. He was so optimistic and confident in what he was saying … it was both annoying and comforting. Tanner didn’t understand because he had a family. His family wasn’t slaughtered by vampires like mine was. He obviously didn’t understand my hate for them.

We walked the rest of the way to my uncle’s house in silence. My uncle was the head of the council. His house was the meeting place for all the hunters in the area. The house was surrounded by a huge iron fence. It was just on the outskirts of downtown Wilmington. Riverfront was in walking distance, and the bars and dark alleys were where I did most of my hunting. It was a huge place that housed several hunters, mainly ones like me that didn’t have homes or families of their own. As I approached the house, I could tell there was something going on. There were cars everywhere … the house was full of life.

The foyer was packed with hunters as I walked in. Most of the faces I recognized. They quieted as I entered the room. I earned a reputation among the hunters. For my age, I had the most kills on record. I had several kills off record, but I kept those to myself. I turned eighteen a few months ago … since then, I’ve been able to decide when and where I want to go. I’ve been hunting since I was thirteen and training since I could walk. I was one of the hardcore hunters … there were fewer of those these days.

I ignored the quiet murmurs as I stalked toward my uncle’s study. Tanner stayed close on my heels. He obviously didn’t want to miss anything. I didn’t bother knocking … I never did. My uncle sat behind his desk. A small smile played at his lips when I barged in. He thought it was amusing. He knew I was going to show up. I disregarded everyone else in the room. I wasn’t here to talk to them … I wanted to talk to my uncle.

I scowled at his obvious amusement. What the hell is going on?

My uncle glanced at someone standing just behind me off to the right. Kai, this is my lovely niece, Lillian Rayne. His gaze shifted back to me. I thought you would be here sooner.

I just found her on the south side. She’s hard to track, Tanner said apologetically.

I glared at Tanner. Yes, thank you for ruining my kill, by the way.

Tanner stepped back, appearing a little startled by my sudden outburst.

There are new rules, Lillian. We are trying to make a truce and in order to do that, we all have to follow certain rules, my uncle said firmly.

I scoffed. I was doing my job. He had a girl.

I’m afraid all of this is my fault, a male voice said from behind me. He was the man my uncle addressed, and he’d been there the whole time. I just didn’t bother to acknowledging him.

I was caught slightly off guard by how good looking he was. He was tall and toned. He had the body of a hunter, but the looks of a vampire. His gray eyes were even similar to a vampire’s. His dark brown hair was messy, but it looked like it naturally fell that way. My eyes narrowed as I looked him over. Who the hell are you?

My name is Kai. I’m… he started, but I cut him off.

The moment he said his name, I glared at my uncle. You let a vampire in the compound?

He is part vampire and more importantly, part hunter. We have to start somewhere, my uncle countered.

I can’t believe this! I was so irritated, I turned and stormed out.

People cleared a path for me. They didn’t want to annoy me any more than I already was. Lillian, we have to end the war at some point, my uncle chided as he followed me.

Once I reached the second-floor landing, I turned to face him. How could you of all people want a truce? They killed your brother!

"No, they didn’t. One vampire did. You can’t blame the entire race for one act. If that is how things were done there would be so many races that would just be out of luck because of one person’s actions. What if the vampires judged us by what you have done?" My uncle was arguing his point like he always did and like always, he was probably right, but I wasn’t going to let him know that.

I would love it if they would give up on this whole truce nonsense. It would give me a lot more of them I could go after instead of just the ones on a damn list! I countered.

I know damn well that you don’t stick to the list, so don’t treat me like I’m an idiot. His scowl deepened as he lowered his tone. It didn’t matter how low he spoke. Any vampire could hear him. They had crazy good hearing. If Kai was part vampire, then he would hear every word we spoke.

Yes, and now you are tightening my leash even more. How the hell am I supposed to do anything? I snapped.

You aren’t! That is the point. He sighed as he continued to watch me. We can coexist with them if both sides put in the effort.

I don’t want to coexist. I want them dead. I turned and hurried up the next flight of stairs. He didn’t make a move to follow, which was a relief. I was tired of arguing. I wanted to be alone.

***

I walked into my room and slipped my hoodie off. I hesitated when I saw Damon lying on my bed, flipping through a magazine. He and I were on again, off again boyfriend and girlfriend … we had been for a while. He was a great looking guy with his curly, chestnut hair and brown eyes. He had the perfect body, and he was a great hunter. On any normal day, I wouldn’t mind coming home to him in my bed, but I wasn’t in the mood for him, and I knew he was aware of it … he just didn’t care.

He smiled slightly. I can tell you met Kai.

I don’t want to talk about it," I countered as I stood in front of the mirror and unpinned my hair. My curly, black hair fell around my shoulders. It went well with my blue eyes and pale complexion. I was tall and toned like a hunter should be, but I was still feminine thanks to my large breasts and curvy body. I cursed as I examined the tattoo on my arm. It was a white lily with small raindrops falling off it. There was a small cut across the tattoo that I must’ve gotten in a fight. It was the same tattoo my mother and father had. They’d gotten their tattoos when I was born. I got mine when I was sixteen in memory of them.

Damon put his arms around me, and I closed my eyes as he gently kissed my neck. I can make you feel better.

I smiled at his playful tone. I bet you can. I felt the tension start to leave my body as his lips continued to tease me. I turned into him and pressed my lips to his. His tongue touched mine, and I felt my body heat up. His hands went to my ass, and he lifted me off my feet. I wrapped my legs around his waist, enjoying the feel of his lips against mine. A loud knock on the door, made me groan as I broke the kiss. What?

I need to talk to you, Lily. Luca sounded annoyed, which wasn’t unusual for him.

I looked at Damon apologetically. He knew I would kick him out to talk to Luca. Luca and I had a special relationship, and Damon hated it. Damon rolled his eyes and set me down. I smiled slightly. Come in.

Luca opened the door, hesitating when he saw Damon. I didn’t mean to interrupt. Luca didn’t really sound serious. Damon and Luca didn’t get along very well. Luca was more than happy to irritate Damon. Luca was also very good looking, which annoyed Damon. Damon was hot too, but Luca was gorgeous. Luca could’ve been a model if he wanted to be. He had curly blond hair and gorgeous green eyes. His features were a perfect combination of masculine and feminine.

You’re not interrupting, Damon muttered as he stalked out of the room.

Luca watched him leave, then looked back at me. I don’t like him. I don’t know why you even see him. He’s arrogant and stuck up.

I sighed and sat down on my bed. I’d heard this speech repeatedly from Luca. He was very protective of me. He was about ten years older than me, and he was the one that rescued me the night my parents died. If it wasn’t for Luca, I would be dead. He was like a big brother to me. I know … you’ve said it before. I was trying not to sound too annoyed with him.

He ran his fingers through his hair as he watched me. Are you okay?

I nodded. I’m hoping this all blows over in a week like it usually does.

He frowned. It’s not going to. This is it. Kai is a hybrid. You uncle has decided to hold a challenge to find a master hunter.

I straightened, both confused and intrigued. We haven’t had a master hunter in years. The council has been enough to control everyone.

He shrugged. He thinks people aren’t going to be happy. So the council is holding the challenge. Every hunter over eighteen is allowed to fight. I’m going to, even though everyone already thinks Damon will win.

That’s just what we need, I muttered as I flopped down on the bed, looking up at the ceiling.

He sighed. Damon doesn’t need to be the master hunter, but I don’t think I can defeat him.

I sat back up and looked at him, confused. Why not? You are just as good as he is.

He wins every challenge. He is already too arrogant. He will do nothing but cause havoc if he’s put into power. Your uncle feels the same way, but there is no way to stop him from competing.

I laughed. You can win.

He watched me for a second. I would like to think that, but I don’t think so.

I scoffed. You have to try, I countered as I stood and turned away from him. I didn’t want Damon being the master hunter either. Everyone was right … he would be impossible if he won. Luca didn’t even ask me if I was going to fight. He knew better. I never took part in the challenges … they were a waste of time.

I will. He had very little confidence in his tone … he never did. He was a much better hunter than he led people to believe.

I nudged him gently. I’ll be there to support you.

He smiled. Great. The challenge is tomorrow night at midnight. He walked toward the door, obviously ready to get out of the awkward situation.

I was a little startled it was happening so quickly. Why so soon?

He turned back and looked at me. Like I said, things are about to change quickly, and not everyone is going to like it.

I didn’t say anything, and he turned and left. I never paid attention to the politics of my people. Now everything was changing, and I wasn’t sure I liked it myself.

Chapter 2

I tried to sleep, but it seemed impossible. It was only two in the morning, which was still early. I normally slept during the day and hunted at night. I quickly dressed and walked downstairs to my uncle’s office. I hesitated in the hall when I heard voices.

The first one that spoke was my uncle. Damon will be impossible to deal with.

I know. Damon doesn’t listen to anyone, Luca agreed.

He is young. Maybe we are misjudging him. Perhaps the position will make him grow up a little, Kai said softly.

He will wreak havoc, my uncle countered.

You should try to be positive. Damon is strong and smart, for the most part. Luca was obviously trying to pacify my uncle. I really couldn’t believe Luca was saying nice things about Damon. Normally, he made me think he hated Damon.

You are all those things too … except you are level-headed, and you think before you act. Damon is a hothead and a showboat. My uncle sounded even more annoyed.

Luca sighed heavily. I know you want me to win, and I will try, but I’m not sure I can outmatch Damon.

Kai cleared her throat. What about the girl?

My uncle scoffed. Lillian is more of a hothead than Damon.

Lily doesn’t fight in challenges. She thinks they’re a waste of time. The amusement in Luca’s voice was obvious … he always thought I was funny.

As soon as the conversation turned to me, I became tired of listening to them. I turned around and walked toward the kitchen. I decided to get something to eat instead of dealing with them. My uncle was right … Luca was the perfect choice and Damon wasn’t. I wasn’t sure what I could do, but I had to do something.

***

I stood in the kitchen, picking at a bunch of grapes. Kai walked in, hesitating when he saw me. I stiffened, and my guard immediately went up. He acted like a hunter, but I could see the vampire in him. He didn’t have fangs, but his eyes gave him away.

I’m sorry … I didn’t know anyone was in here, he said sounding apologetic.

I was caught off guard. That wasn’t at all the tone I was expecting from a vampire. They sounded more entitled and arrogant. Why are you even in a kitchen? I was more curious than anything.

He smiled. I eat food. I’m not a full vampire. I have a heartbeat just like you.

I hadn’t thought about him having a human side. I just thought of him as a vampire whenever I was told he was a hybrid. Oh, well … I’m finished, so you don’t have to leave. I put the bowl of grapes away, but I was careful not to turn my back on him. Heartbeat or not, he was still part vampire.

He watched me carefully. I understand you don’t trust me, and you don’t like the idea of a truce, but I would like to at least attempt to be cordial to one another.

I nodded as I moved sideways towards the exit. Yeah … sure … sounds like a plan. Have a good night. I ducked out the door. I felt much better when the door was closed. I could be cordial, but that was about it.

I walked into the garden. It was a nice evening. I was contemplating what I was going to do tomorrow night. I didn’t want Damon to win. He annoyed me sometimes, but I still cared about him. I just didn’t think he would be a good master hunter. The position was a lot of responsibility for him.

I hesitated when I heard a girl giggle. I recognized the voice. Her name was Penny. She walked around claiming to be the top female hunter,