Night Treachery: Night Breed Book 2

By Kerry Evans

Jaryd is finding his way in the vampire world, learning who he is and where he comes from. With his girlfriend Tatyanna at his side, as well as his friends, his parents, and his mysterious uncle, he learns to fit into the world he was born to be a part of.

However, there are dark secrets out there, secrets long buried in the past. But sometimes the past and its secrets just can't stay buried.

Jaryd and his loved ones will find that treachery and danger might very well lie behind every corner, and betrayal may be closer than you can imagine.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kerry Evans
• Release date: Apr 26, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463347102

Kerry Evans

Kerry was born in a small town in British Columbia, Canada. At a young age his imagination more often than not got him into trouble. Growing up in the city he learned a lot about what he wanted to write, and eventually he went on to write several fiction stories that never saw publication until a vivid dream started him on the path to writing his first complete novel. Now, living with His wife and two boys in Regina, Saskatchewan, Kerry fills his days, filling pages with stories of fantasy and adventure.

Book preview

I pressed my face against the glass as I gazed out the window of the helicopter my uncle was piloting, marveling at the view. Night was settling in but my enhanced vision was able to make out the shape of the huge castle my uncle was delivering us to.

A castle! A freaking castle!

I had seen castles in movies before, and we had been to Disneyland and I had been excited by the castle there. That castle had nothing on the behemoth sitting like an ancient symbol of times long past in the darkness before me though. Massive, moss covered stone walls formed a fortress around the medieval style castle. Square turrets at every corner gave it a very intimidating look.

Trina and Jason sat on the other side of the sleek, black B 429 Helicopter; staring out the windows with their mouths hanging open. Christopher and Tim were climbing over each other to look out their windows, while Tatyanna practically sat on my back to look over my shoulder at the home before us. After a quick trip around the huge courtyard my uncle Nicholas began to descend the helicopter toward a very new looking helipad. The helipad; and the paved driveways leading out to three different gates were much newer looking than the huge stone walls that began to tower up over us on every side.

Just over an hour ago we had landed in Paris only to be ushered from my uncle's private Learjet into the helicopter. This flight had been much shorter than the nearly eleven hour flight from North Carolina. Before that there had been all of the nervousness and excitement over coming to see this place where my uncle would show me more about my dead family.

It had taken me fifteen minutes to pack, five pairs of jeans, two pairs of khakis, ten shirts and ten pairs of socks hadn't needed much space with three sleep sets and so I took a single suitcase. Christopher and Tim had gone to their homes to pack once Nicholas had agreed they were welcome to come. Christopher hadn’t really needed much permission since his parents were in another country and his brother was in pieces in several boxes paying for the crimes he had committed against me and my family. Tim’s mother had called us to make sure he wouldn’t be an imposition on us and once we had called the school and left a message letting them know we would be gone for a few days we were ready to go. Trina had taken three hours to pack; it was amazing that even with super speed she was still one of the slowest people in the world to get ready for a trip.

Jason had packed in less time than it took me; everything he needed was crammed into a military duffel and sitting beside the door within ten minutes. It took Tatyanna a half hour to go home, tell her parents she was coming; pack and then come back. I found my girlfriend to be particularly amazing by that point

My uncle killed the power to the rotors and climbed out of the pilot's seat before coming back to open our doors. Jason and Trina climbed out first, Tim and Christopher followed behind. I climbed out and then turned and offered my hand to Tatyanna, who took it with a smile and hopped down on to the tarmac.  I turned around to survey our surroundings, there were lights illuminating the helipad and a few lights on in the castle could be seen through sporadic stained glass windows as well a few regular glass windows. A bright spotlight sat at the top of each of the turrets around the courtyard though at the moment they weren’t lit.

A large shape caught my eye and I swiveled my head to my left to realize we were not alone. A huge man; he looked nearly seven feet tall seemed to have appeared out of nowhere and was standing beside the helipad staring intently at me. Smooth olive skin with dark hair and dark brown eyes that appeared and disappeared every time he blinked. He was wearing dark pants and a cream colored turtleneck shirt. He wore his shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows showing his huge frame and bulky muscle structure.

Nicholas didn’t seem surprised by his appearance and greeted the giant with a nod, Ah Paulo. Would you be so kind as to grab our guest’s things and find them rooms; Jaryd will get the Master.

I scratched my head when he said that but he offered no explanation as he grabbed his own bag and headed toward the front doors.

The doors were old oak on probably nine foot door frames and with a twist of the knob Nicholas pushed the door open and ushered us in. I entered first, but then everyone behind me practically tripped over me as I stood in the entrance like a statue. Tatyanna stood beside me with her head twisting back and forth.

The foyer was the size of a tennis court with marble floors and a ceiling nearly twenty-five feet off the ground with incredible murals painted on it of knights and kings fighting dragons and other beasts.

Awesome murals. I mused quietly, to no one in particular.

Tatyanna giggled as she stood staring at the ceiling as well; and said, Fresco’s, baby.

I turned my head to look into her eyes, Who?

Tatyanna laughed and said, Fresco is a technique used when creating a mural, by painting it on the plaster while it’s still wet.

I looked back up at the ceiling and then looked back at my girlfriend, So, what you`re saying is, it`s a mural.

Tatyanna grinned and swatted at me, Smartass.

I chuckled as I danced out of the way, the rest of the family filed in and there was some commotion behind me as they made room for the valet to enter. I turned to look as the big man carried our entire stack of luggage balanced on one hand and then proceeded toward the stairs.

After he passed us Jason looked at Trina, What is he? I’m guessing he isn’t human the way he is doing that.

Trina shook her head as she stared at the big man and said, I think he’s a Golem?

She was answered by the big man turning his head and giving a single nod.

Paulo is an Iron Golem, one of the few still remaining on this side of the world. He has been with the family for centuries. Nicholas said, and then continued He was your father’s personal valet and bodyguard for over four hundred years.

I looked at my uncle, So my father needed a bodyguard?

Nicholas shook his head, Not really, to the more mundane beings on the planet his wealth and standing may have given the idea that he needed a bodyguard. Our kind however, knew he needed very little in the line of protection.

I nodded, So why is he giving me the Master? You’re nice enough to invite us to your home but I don’t need special treatment.

Nicholas chuckled, Oh nephew. There is no special treatment, this home is not mine.

He paused for a moment and then, with a smile he said, It’s yours.

I swallowed, What do you mean, mine?

Nicholas waved his hand in a grand fashion and said, The castle, the land, and everything in it belong to you. When your parents passed all of their properties and holdings became yours

Jason whistled and then said, So, Jaryd owns a castle.

Nicholas nodded, He owns a few actually. There is the castle here, one in Scotland, and one in Italy. There is a penthouse in Manhattan even. He also has a seaside villa, high on the cliffs overlooking Morocco. There is also a castle in Romania but...

Nicholas paused for a moment and then said, But that one Jaryd will probably not want to see.

I tilted my head slightly, Why wouldn’t I want to see it?

Nicholas shook his head once, That is the castle where your family died.

I felt the lump come back in my throat that I had felt when Nicholas told me my family died. Trina put her arm around me to comfort me while Tatyanna silently wished she could hold me.  

I see. I nodded slowly.

Nicholas had a look of sadness on his face when he said, It is getting late, I imagine some of the people need sleep, it has been an extraordinarily long day for you.

I nodded pretending to be tired and said, Yeah, I am gonna hit the hay, long day.

Tatyanna put her hand in mine as Jason rested his hand on my shoulder and said, You need to talk kid, you know we’re here.

I reached up and put my hand on his for a second as I said, Thanks Dad, I’m okay.

Trina had lost her characteristic smile as she said, We know, Baby, you’re strong. But it never hurts to talk.

I nodded and then leaned down to give her a kiss on the cheek, I know mom, but I don’t even know the whole story yet, I'm still learning what it is that I`ve even lost.

Nicholas nodded as he walked toward one of the two curved staircases, the same one Paulo had gone up and he said, I will be sure to explain everything to you soon, nephew.

I nodded, thankful.

Nicholas waved us in the direction that the big man had gone with our luggage so we ascended the stairs and made our way down a long hallway with numerous paintings adorning the walls and a long burgundy runner covering the length of the hall.

We turned a corner just as Paulo was exiting a doorway with one last bag in his hand. When the giant saw us he spoke up in an incredibly deep bass voice and said, The master is at the end of the hall, his mate’s room is on the left, parents on the right.

I nodded, Thank you. Christopher followed Paulo, who was carrying his bag, to one of the rooms on the left.

I turned to Jason and Trina and said, I’ll see you guys in the morning?

Jason nodded and said, For sure, get some sleep kid, you look exhausted.

I nodded and then gave Trina a hug, Been an interesting day alright. Love you guys.

Trina hugged me back tight and said, Love you kiddo. I turned toward my door and got a kiss on the cheek from Tatyanna before she went into her room and closed her door behind her.

I nodded to Christopher and Tim who were about to enter their rooms, See you guys tomorrow.

Christopher nodded as he entered the doorway to his room, Take it easy man, cool digs ya got here bro.

I nodded with a wry grin, Yeah this is pretty swanky eh?

Even Jason had to grin as he said, Yeah Mr. Trump, thanks for letting us hang with ya.

I laughed, Yeah, I can’t wait to negotiate your allowance.

Jason scowled at me for a moment and then grinned, Good night, Smartass.

After Jason and Trina closed their doors I proceeded to my door and turned to see Paulo looking at me for a moment before he turned and walked around the corner. I opened my door and entered my room. Turning around after I closed the door I stopped short. The bedroom suite was larger than the top floor of the house had been in Scottsdale; the furniture decorating the room was incredibly elaborate and old. The true view to behold was the massive four post bed with red satin curtains, which was currently occupied by my incredibly gorgeous girlfriend, laying naked on top of the blankets; covered only in a very soft looking tiger pelt.

Seems our rooms both share the bathroom, when I found out I had to come see you. She whispered quietly. Tatyanna sat up, letting the pelt fall beside her and then she slid silently off the bed and began to walk toward me. I stood staring at her awestruck, like a deer in the headlights as I watched her every curve getting closer and closer. When she got to me she wrapped herself around me like a constrictor and snaked her fingers into my hair as her lips pressed to mine. It took less than a second for me to join her in a state of arousal that bordered on painful as my hands trailed down her back to pull her closer to me. Tatyanna moaned softly into my mouth and pressed herself harder against me, her body starting to tremble as our bodies practically began to melt together.

I lifted Tatyanna off the floor and carried her toward the bed as her legs wrapped around my waist and her fingers worked between us to start undoing the button on my jeans. My hands held her up by her backside as she continued to strip me enroute to the bed. Tatyanna pulled my shirt off of me when we got to the bed and then I let her go and she fell back on to the bed with an excited giggle. I stripped my pants off and gazed hungrily at her as she mirrored my own gaze looking back at me.  

2

Tatyanna lay in my arms sleeping softly as I lay in the bed, thinking to myself. I watched her chest rise and fall as she slept serenely. I lay there thinking about my family, about my adopted family and my incredible new friends. I found myself unable to sleep, so I very carefully slid out from under Tatyanna’s arm and climbed off the bed, roaming about the room; naked and thoughtful. I stared at the enormous fireplace and then the painting above it. The painting was of a tall man with dark long hair, beside him stood an incredibly beautiful woman dressed in an elegant dress. Sitting in front of the pair were two young women who seemed to share my eyes and nose.

I walked over to the dresser; there were various pieces of jewelry all over it, a music box containing several gold and diamond rings and earrings. On one particular stand there was an older Rolex watch, I lifted it up and gazed at it. Rolex sure knew how to make quality items was all I could think as I stared at it. Turning it over I found it inscribed. The inscription read, ‘My dearest Tristan, to another thousand years. Love Eternal, Vera’

Was this my deceased family?

I felt Tatyanna moving closer to me before I even heard her. I looked to my left and saw her standing beside me wearing only my t-shirt. I think this is them. I whispered, pointing to the painting above the fireplace.

Tatyanna nodded as she gazed at the picture. Your mother was so beautiful. She whispered quietly

I want to look around. I whispered again,

Tatyanna nodded, I do too, this place is amazing.

I quickly threw on a pair of flannel sleep pants and a worn out grey pajama shirt and then after Tatyanna had donned one of my other pairs of sleep pants from my suitcase and left my t-shirt on I quietly walked to the door and opened it up. Motioning Tatyanna through I heard her gasp as soon as she walked out; I turned and froze in my spot.

A huge, hulking shape sat in the middle of the hallway seven feet from the door to my room. It was humanoid but it was larger than any person I had ever witnessed before. It must have been almost seven feet tall in a crouching position before us, but made no move when we exited the room. I slowly crept around beside it; it still looked humanoid but had very little facial features. The creature looked as though it were formed out of hammered steel, I looked at Tatyanna and mouthed, ‘Paulo?’ to which Tatyanna nodded.

I very quietly whispered, I think he’s sleeping?

We both jumped back a step when the behemoth's eyes flashed open.

With the muffled sound of bending metal the Golem slowly stood up, standing straight it must have been over ten feet possibly eleven. It made no sound as it surveyed us for a few seconds and then it slowly brought its hand to its mouth and placed one finger over its iron lips. Telling us to keep quiet perhaps? Moving slowly it turned around and started walking down the hallway, despite its huge size its footsteps were soft thuds on the carpet.

As we walked behind it the huge golem began to shimmer and its form started to fluctuate, with each step his body shifted, the skin seeming to suck in on itself and then reform smaller. By the time we got to the stairs Paulo had reverted to his original form, complete with clothes. Paulo slowly descended the stairs with us following close behind, and when he reached the bottom of the stairs he made a quick turn and walked between the twin staircases.

He led us to a door and opened it, motioning us inside. As we walked into the room Paulo hit the light and we found ourselves in a huge kitchen. This thing was enormous; there was a four foot wide grill on one wall along with four old gas powered ovens and even a six burner stove. There was an island in the middle with a massive cutting surface on it as well as a raised ledge. On the other side of the island; stood four tall wooden stools with plain, black leather, padded seats. Paulo walked to the back wall where a door seemed to lead to a walk in freezer with another beside that looked to be a walk in fridge. Another refrigerator stood on the side wall, with two very wide doors; Paulo walked to that fridge and opened the door revealing several rows with dozens of different kinds of beverages in it. He reached in and pulled out a one liter bottle of water and cracked the top, You may help yourself my Lord. I walked to the fridge and found a cola and pulled it out, with a quick glance to Tatyanna who nodded in affirmation I brought her one too.

Paulo motioned for us to sit at the island, and Tatyanna took a seat and allowed me to sit beside her. Were you standing guard over us? She asked finally after a few seconds of silence had past.

Paulo nodded, I was.

Why would you be watching over us? I asked quietly.

I promise; I will not fail you again, my Lord. Paulo said sadly.

I didn’t understand, What are you talking about? How have you failed me?

Paulo shook his head, It was my duty to protect your father and your family, I failed to do that and they died; for that I can never repay the debt I owe.

I still didn’t understand, I can’t read your mind. Do you know what happened to my family?

Paulo nodded, Golems are naturally immune to invasions of the mind, due mostly in part to our nearly constant enslavement in centuries past. We've since learned how to block our thoughts and our minds from outside intrusion.

It was Nicholas who spoke next as he entered the kitchen, Paulo was not there, when your family was killed. He was in Japan, protecting me.

I looked from Paulo to my uncle, He was protecting you? But, I don’t understand why?

Nicholas shrugged once, I do much business, nephew. It turned out that the business I was conducting in some of the highlands of Japan had angered a faction of the Yakuza.

I was lost still, I don’t get it, how did you anger the Yakuza, and what does that have to do with my parents?

Nicholas shook his head as he came to stand beside Paulo, I was making real estate purchases in some of the provinces around Honshu. It turns out that the Yakuza didn’t care for an outsider, particularly a vampire obtaining so much land in their territory.

Nicholas paused for a second and then said, I got word through some of my contacts while I was in Kyoto that the Yakuza were angered by my actions and had sent some assassins to kill me. Since a good many of the Yakuza are Night Breed they knew I was a vampire.

He paused again while I digested this, and then he said, So when I discovered the assassins they sent were Kitsune, I knew I needed help.

I raised an eyebrow, But Tatyanna told me that Kitsune are like, pranksters and shape-shifters; not overly dangerous.

Tatyanna shook her head, No babe, I said that generally that is what they do, and some even become healers. But Kitsune can be extremely dangerous.

Nicholas nodded, Indeed, Kitsune in the employ of the Yakuza are extremely skilled killers. When I heard what was coming I contacted my brother; however he is a recluse and was no help. So I contacted your father and asked him if he could assist me, and he sent Paulo.

Paulo nodded solemnly, I went to Japan to offer my assistance to your uncle, and the very next day the attack on the castle in Romania happened.

I didn’t understand much about how the Yakuza worked, but I said, So you think these Yakuza, you think they killed my parents. I’ve seen the movies, they don’t just kill you; they kill your whole family.

Nicholas nodded, I am sure that the only reason I live today is because Paulo rarely leaves my side.

Paulo nodded, I was given a task and I refuse to fail again.

I nodded slowly, and then said, Have you been able to track down the killers?

Nicholas shook his head, I gave up on any endeavors I had in Japan when your parents were killed, I just couldn’t bear the pain.

I sat for several moments staring at my coke, unable to speak. Finally I said, I never even got to see them. I don’t even know what they looked like.

Nicholas nodded sadly and said, There is a painting in your room of your mother and father, as well as your two sisters. Tomorrow I will show you some more pictures and some of the home movies.

I nodded and said, I would like that.

Paulo lifted his head and said, I can show you, now.

I raised an eyebrow, How?

Paulo extended his left arm over the table, If you take my hand, and I let you in. Then you will be able to read my thoughts. I will show your family.

Reluctantly I reached out and touched the big man’s hand, and then concentrated.

The images came slowly at first, as though there was a heavy veil being lifted to allow me to see. I saw centuries past, how Paulo met my father and came to be in his employ. How they ended up more as friends than as employer/employee. I saw how Paulo cared for him and his wife.

I saw hundreds of years ago, the birth of a baby girl. I saw, through Paulo’s memories the name Clairessa. I saw her grow up through the memories of the iron golem before me from an adorable baby into a beautiful little girl. I saw her grow into a teenager. Her human life ended shortly after she turned twenty. It was my father who crossed her, a grand celebration among our family in her honor. I saw vampires I didn’t recognize show up to see her transform into immortality.

Sometime later I saw the birth of another girl, my parents named her Cassandra, though apparently it earned a sharp punch from her tiny hand if you called her anything but Cassie. I saw Paulo favor her for her spirit, she was a fighter; always up to mischief and getting into fights. I felt the love Paulo felt for my family but he was especially protective of the fiery little girl with the white hot temper.

I saw her transformation to immortality, another grand party attended by many of the vampires I saw in the transformation of Clairessa, a few I didn’t recognize. I saw Nicholas there, sharing a dance with Cassie and Clairessa.

It seemed like an amazing time.

The world changed in the blink of an eye it seemed, torches and lanterns were soon replaced by electric lighting and light bulbs. This time it was another birth, the birth of a boy. I saw my family gather around the bed where my mother held a small baby boy; I could see how they adored him. Cassie asked her father what they would name the boy, and Alexei was his answer, Alexei Barinov was the name my parents had given me. I saw Clairessa holding me in her slender arms and swaying back and forth singing a tiny lullaby to me in my first few hours of life.

I didn’t even realize I was crying until I felt Tatyanna’s soft finger under my eye, suddenly the images vanished and I felt alone as Paulo pulled his hand away from mine, Are you alright, my Lord? he asked cautiously.

I nodded as I rubbed my moist eyes for a moment, Oh, yeah. I paused, It’s just, they seem like they were so amazing.

Paulo nodded, Tristan and Vera loved you profoundly, indeed they loved all of their children with a love that was as deep as it was brilliant.

I swallowed the lump in my throat again, May I? See more?

Paulo nodded, Unfortunately, my Lord there is not much more, but of course you may.

When I took Paulo’s hand the images came back quicker this time, and they had changed only slightly, the baby in my mother’s arms had changed from a newborn into a chubby little boy with bright eyes and a happy; albeit toothless smile. I saw her singing a rather haunting song to him that seemed incredibly familiar. When the baby finally dozed off she handed the baby off to a stunning woman with long flowing black hair. The woman picked up the lullaby as though they had practiced it together in-sync as she looked at the baby with such a smile before placing me in a bassinet in the same room where my parents slept.

The memories shifted again to my father on the phone talking to someone, he seemed concerned; even a little agitated. He paced about the room as he spoke to someone on the other end of the phone. I saw that he kept his hair much like I kept mine and when he ran his fingers through it as he paced it often got in his eyes.

I saw when he got off the phone he immediately walked to Paulo and spoke to him, Paulo, my old friend; I have to ask you a difficult favor.

He paused for a moment and then said, My uncle Nicholas is in danger. Could I ask you to go and hopefully provide him security until I can make some connections and get him safe?

It was there that the memories ended, I agreed. Paulo said, I left later that day and took the family jet to Japan to offer my assistance to Nicholas. They must have known I was coming, for that next day they attacked and destroyed the castle in Romania.

I stared at Paulo for a few moments, and then I said, You couldn’t have known what was going to happen.

I felt Tatyanna squeeze my hand, and then she said, I am so sorry this happened to you, Baby.

I squeezed her hand back and then said, We should get to bed.

Tatyanna nodded, Yes we should.

Nicholas stood up and said, Indeed you should, I will see you in the morning.

I turned to look at Paulo and said, I imagine you will be standing guard again?

Paulo nodded once.  

I took Tatyanna by the hand and led her to the stairs, as I said, Okay, we’ll try not to freak out when we see you this time.

Tatyanna giggled, Speak for yourself, I’m not the one who almost wet himself when he saw Paulo.

I snorted, Fine.

When we got to the top of the stairs, she held onto my hand tighter and led me into my room.  

When we got into my room, she turned to me and kissed me