The Guardians: The Tempest Isle Series, #1

By Rena Marin and S.C. Storm

Hidden in the beauty of a cluster of islands, unbeknownst to humans, a supernatural war rages. The Guardians, protectors of the Nexxus and the Goddess Selena, fight daily to ensure the survival of all races. Hidden agendas, supernatural politics, and sins of the past threaten to endanger the very world they all strive to protect. Led by two families who must embrace their destinies, the Guardians of Tempest must now step up to lead their races to victory.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Crazy Ink
• Release date: Jul 3, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386256274

Book preview

Chapter 1

The soft click of high heels resonated throughout the rickety boards overhead. Pulling his robe tighter, the old man sighed heavily. His granddaughter had arrived, which meant it was almost time for the meeting. Hearing the door open, he plastered on a fake smile, attempting to hide the pain writhing throughout his body.

Grandfather. Mileena gasped as the light hit his eyes, causing him to shrink back in shock. She ran to him quickly, gingerly taking his hand in her own. Why didn’t you call for me? I had no idea you had gotten worse.

My dear Mileena, there is nothing anyone can do now, he told her as he reached out and softly stroked her cheek.

Yes there is. You and I both know they are out there somewhere. Why won’t you allow me to seek them out? You are risking your life for nothing. Mileena took in his appearance again. Before her sat an old man. His hair had turned white, no sign of the thick jet-black locks that had been there a month earlier.

The old man sighed, gasping at the pain that ran through his body. Yes, we know how this could have been prevented. However, that time may have long passed. I do believe the end is finally upon me. I have accepted it. You should as well.

No, I will not let you go this way. I won’t, she cried as she lowered her head onto his lap, letting her tears take her.

Slowly he reached out, letting his hand stroke her hair softly. The idea of leaving her broke his heart. She was the only family he had left, as he was hers. The thought of leaving her alone in this world where the existence of their race was so uncertain sent waves of fear through him. As an elder vampire and council member, he had strived to make things better for his people, yet his own morals would not allow him to stop what was happening to not only himself but other elders around the world.

If you know where they are, let me go find them and convince them. I will do it myself, or I will take others with me and force them if I must, Mileena Langford pleaded with her grandfather. The idea of watching the man who had raised her after the loss of her parents wither away tore her heart into pieces. Please, she asked him once again as she heard a sound upstairs. Listening for a moment, she realized someone was there.

It is Sebastian. The old man, Arthur Langford, spoke as he tried to right himself in his chair. Wipe your tears, child. We have much to discuss with Sebastian before the rest of the council arrives for the meeting tonight.

Pulling herself up, Mileena straightened her clothes and smoothed her hair. As she wiped her eyes, she saw Sebastian Myddleton appear before them. He had always been a formidable vampire. His tall, slender build, as well as his leather pants and tight black shirt, gave him a predatory vibe. Although he was quite handsome, Mileena had never been able to shake the nervousness he brought out in her each time he entered the room.

Hello, Sebastian, she said quickly as she averted her eyes.

Mileena. Sebastian spoke softly as he turned his attention back to the aging man in the middle of the room. Shaking his head, he sighed. It is the Ascension, isn’t it? A purebred vampire has not ascended in ages.

Aye, it is. Being an elder, one of the oldest vampires to still exist, I am feeling the weakening of the Nexxus more than most. I know all of you feel it. It is natural. But eventually, if a pureblood does not ascend, this will happen to all vampires. It will be the end of our kind, the old man explained as he laid his head back, closing his eyes. As I have told Mileena, I believe my time has come to an end. However, the rest of you may still stand a chance.

We will do something to help you, Arthur, Sebastian told him, hearing the uncertainty in his own voice.

Smiling, Arthur gestured to a chair. Sit down, Sebastian. There are things we must discuss before the rest of the council arrives. I will expect you to inform Aric. He was unable to make it here before the others.

Of course, Arthur, Sebastian agreed.

Thank you. Now, let’s get to business. You both know how corrupt the council has become. I have tried blocking Richard Winthrop and his cohorts, but being that his allies are also elders, even I am unable to remove them from the council. For whatever reason, Richard has refused to allow us to reach out to the Athertons. His refusal has kept the council from being able to step in and locate them. He as well as the others still hold to their beliefs that other pure-blooded guardians will step forward. They refuse to entertain the idea that they could have been killed or have gone into hiding, accepting the fates the rest of us hope to avoid. Arthur began hearing Sebastian mumble under his breath. What has happened?

Richard called me just this morning, asking if I was attending the meeting tonight. I told him I would be, and he went on and on about attendance not being mandatory, and that I would not be needed, Sebastian said with a fluttering dismissal of his hand. I detest dealing with that male.

I know. Your father did as well. Richard has long made it his mission to annoy every council member. Arthur sighed. Not to mention strong-arming us all into bending to his will. That is why I have not pushed for the Ascension. That is why none of us have. Richard and his hate of the Athertons.

Intrigued, Sebastian leaned forward in his seat. I know he has deep-seated hatred for them, but would he truly try to keep them from ascending?

That is the question, isn’t it? Arthur glanced up at the aging portrait above the mantel. My wife Audra was of guardian descent. She ascended on her twenty-first birthday as was expected of her. Never once did she regret it. She fought bravely to protect the power of the Nexxus, the power of the supernatural itself.

Confused, Mileena touched her grandfather’s hand. What do you mean? I never knew grandmother was a guardian.

And how has Richard strong-armed you, Arthur? He has tried to make me see his point of view for many years. Neither Aric nor myself have ever backed anything he has proposed to the council. Of course, we were the only ones. We naturally assumed you saw things as he did.

Shaking his head slightly, Arthur coughed once again. The pain that shot through his body threatened to make him cry out. Seeing the worried look in Mileena’s eyes, he knew he could not. Instead he fought to settle himself. Once he was able, he continued. Mileena my dear, I am sorry I have never told you; you are a guardian. I suppose I wanted to keep you from that responsibility as long as I could, he told his granddaughter with a smile. He turned to Sebastian, and a darkness took his face. Richard has found ways of controlling the other council members. What he holds over their heads, I have no idea. What I do know is, it is enough to have forced them to turn against me. Richard knows the vampire race wants me as their council leader, yet he cannot remove me, or he will lose the backing of the people. Without that, many of the council members will lose the upcoming reelection, he explained. But his hatred of the Athertons is becoming too much. He is sacrificing his own race for a personal vendetta. I have nothing else to lose now. I will find the Athertons and see to it that the Ascension takes place. It may be too late for me, but the rest of you will carry on.

Looking to Mileena, Sebastian saw she was crying heavily. He reached over and touched her shoulder. We will do all we can for him, Mileena. You should know this.

Looking up at Arthur, Mileena shook her head. I won’t lose you, grandfather. No matter what.

I wish I could stay with you always, my dear. I do, Arthur told her, dropping his head. One thing I must do, however, is explain some things to you. I have never told you the history of our race. You know what the guardians are, and that the Ascension is held, but I think it is time you knew what it stands for, why it happens.

I have wanted to know since I found out what I was. Living in the human world for so long kept me in the dark about so much. She smiled, remembering her life with her parents.

Catching her thoughts, Arthur smiled. It is time you knew, he told her as he began. The supernatural came into existence ages ago. Goddess Selena created the first supernatural being before humans ever walked the earth. Even today, only she knows what all her creations are. Our race, however, is no mystery. Seeing the creation of humans, the goddess immediately wanted to mold them into something of her own. Thus, the first vampire was created. Knowing how the humans fought to find enough food to keep them alive, the goddess chose to make the humans a source for us. Human blood keeps us alive. However, the blood of a supernatural, the goddess’s creations, also makes us thrive. She wanted us to flourish with or without the humans, simply because she had no idea if they would survive or not. He smiled as he looked down at his granddaughter. "The same was true for the werewolves. Her love of nature, the wolf, led her to combining a majestic wolf and a human. Once she saw how strong, vibrant, loyal—perfect as she saw it—her creations were, she decided to take twelve from each race and make them her own personal protectors. They would take from her essence, her blood, and become stronger, pure. Thus, the guardians were born. For ages it went on, those same chosen ones protecting her from any harm as she lived her life with her love, the god, Silas.

Silas could never understand Selena’s love of her supernatural creatures. Often, she called them to her, wishing to hear of their days, their loves, their dreams. As it often happens, Silas’s jealousy overtook him. He began lashing out at Selena by killing off the things she loved most. This is how the Nexxus was created. The goddess made it, using all her powers, to be the ever after of her beloved beings as well as the resting place of her guardians. Using her powers left her defenseless against her lover. Heartbroken by his actions, Selena called upon the Ultimate Creator to help her. Hearing her pleas, Silas was banished to a dark void known as the Exodus, the home of darkness.

What happened to Selena? Mileena asked.

By the look on her face, Arthur could see she was completely taken by the story. Powerless, she said good-bye to her creations and entered the Nexxus herself. She dwells there, and the power of the races she created is the only thing keeping her in existence. He finished with a shake of his head.

And what does this have to do with what’s happening to you? she asked, looking at Sebastian, who dropped his head. I know you told me we needed a pure-blooded guardian to ascend, but why?

The Ascension, the rising of the guardians, is an important event. It gives the goddess the power she needs. Our races thrive. The goddess gains strength from each guardian who ascends, however, the Ascension of a purebred guardian is needed to keep the balance of each race. Without it, a race starts to weaken and die. Unfortunately, it has been quite a while since such a guardian has ascended from the vampire race. This has weakened us. As an elder vampire, it has weakened me quite a bit. Without a proper Ascension, I will die and enter the Nexxus.

Seeing the fear cross Mileena’s face, Sebastian got to his feet. The Atherton family is the last pure-blooded guardian family we know still survives. As Arthur said, there could be others who have gone into hiding. They could also be dead. We have no idea. The council stopped keeping track of the guardians long ago. The Athertons have not attended an Ascension in hundreds of years. They want nothing to do with it, he said, looking at Arthur. The sight of the man sent chills down his spine. A mere month earlier, the man had been as young-looking as himself.

That is Richard’s fault. Everything he has done to that family has pushed them from their proper place. Their seats on the council remain vacant. They have not ascended. They take every opportunity to avoid the politics of the race, Arthur said, finally pulling himself to his feet. They cannot continue this. If they do, every one of us will eventually perish.

It is not fair to lay the survival of the entire race on them, Arthur, Sebastian argued.

I know they are your friends, Sebastian. I care for them as well, but we need them. The race needs them. That is why I asked you here before the meeting. Richard will never allow a vote to pass sending trackers to find them or any other pure-blooded guardian. Please, Sebastian, it may be too late for me, but this will happen to all of us eventually. I beg of you, which is something I would never do, find them. Do not let this happen to my granddaughter, he said, grabbing the vampire’s hand. Give me your oath; you will reach out to the twins. Help our people.

Hearing sounds upstairs, Sebastian knew the others were arriving. Arthur, he said, feeling the defeat wash over him. The pleading in the man’s eyes was his undoing. Yes. You have my oath. I will do my best to convince them to ascend.

Thank you. The man smiled as he reached down and took his granddaughter’s hand. You help Sebastian any way you can.

I promise. Mileena smiled as she kissed his cheek. She began straightening his robe. Let’s get you ready.

With a nod of his head, he allowed her to lead him to his place. Squaring his shoulders, he watched as the procession made its way down the stairs. He would be able to face this meeting. He knew there was finally a chance his people would survive.

***

Richard Winthrop strode into the room, unable to hide the look of contempt on his face. Usually council meetings were held at his manor. His servants always saw to things being perfect. Deacon, his only living son, and his daughter, Tessa, were always available at the manor. Deacon served the purpose of conversing with the other council members, especially those Richard detested dealing with. Tessa served as nothing more than a distraction, especially when it came to Sebastian Myddleton, Arthur Langford, and Aric Thorsen. They thought Tessa was bright and engaging. They enjoyed speaking with her. Richard himself never understood their thinking. She was, of course, just a woman and had nothing to offer besides her good looks and charm. Considering she and Sebastian had once been engaged to be married, and he himself had put an end to the nuptials, her attendance at council meetings seemed somewhat of a shock to most. He knew the reason she was always there, however. He made her be there, just as he made Deacon. They were his children, and they would stand by his side whenever he deemed it necessary.

Ignoring the mousy-haired female vampire who brushed past him as she left the room, his eyes centered on Arthur. It would not be long. Hopefully, death would take the bastard soon. Seeing the state the elder vampire was in proved the legends true. The Ascensions were of importance to the race. The Nexxus did hold all the power⸻the power he would love to have at his disposal. Arthur, however, was an obstacle. Having most of the council in his pocket made keeping Arthur and his couple of backers at bay, but the old man could be quite canny. He was an issue Richard would prefer to see out of the equation completely.

As the last of the members made their way to their places around the large table centered in the room, Richard pasted on his fake smile. Arthur, it is obvious your health is not what it should be. Why would you feel the need to call a meeting with you in this kind of shape?

My current state is precisely why I wanted this meeting, Arthur explained.

With a roll of his eyes, Richard began shaking his head. So once again you have wasted our time bringing us here.

Richard, that is enough. I shall call this meeting to order. Declan Hynes spoke as he stood. I would like to thank you all for attending this afternoon. I know we all have busy lives, but when our council leader, who is also one of our elders, calls upon us, it is our responsibility to be there. So with that said, I hand the meeting over to Arthur.

Thank you, Declan, Arthur said as he slowly pulled himself to his feet. As he did, he took in the men around him. Yuri Orloff did not look much better than he did. His hair had grayed, his skin had wrinkled, and it was obvious he was in pain. As another elder, it was clear he was being effected as well. The others, Oliver Keats, Boyce Winters, Whitford Stratford, and Quincy Darrow all looked his way in anticipation. Across the table from him sat the only council member besides Sebastian he would consider a friend, Aric Thorsen. As the youngest elder on the council, he was thankful to see Aric had yet to be effected as he and Yuri had. He could already see the support in the man’s eyes. Perhaps there was hope. Perhaps he could make them understand. He began speaking of the same things he had told his granddaughter only moments before, praying his words were not falling upon deaf ears.

***

As the shouting subsided, Mileena knew the meeting had come to an end. Standing outside the door, she watched as those who would see both her grandfather and Sebastian Myddleton off the council pass by without a spare glance. She rolled her eyes and looked back toward the office, seeing Aric Thorsen bidding her grandfather and Sebastian farewell. To be honest, she had almost forgotten Aric. Next to Sebastian, he was the only other council member her grandfather kept in touch with. He had always been quite pleasant each time she saw him. Perhaps he could be an ally. At least, she hoped he could.

Mileena, sweetheart, could you come here? Arthur called out to her. Without any hesitation, she entered the room. Mileena, you remember Aric?

Of course I do. She smiled as the tall blond vampire bowed his head in her direction.

Good, we need you to help us with something, Mileena. We ourselves cannot attempt it. You see, the council has decided that finding the Athertons or any other guardians is futile. Therefore, a move by any of us would be a move against the council and, of course, our race. The look in Arthur’s eyes spoke more to her than any words.

A move by myself is not, she said with a nod. Since I am not a member of the council, I would have no idea as to the decisions made. I understand. What do you need me to do?

Tempest Island is the home of the Nexxus. It is the haven of our kind. That is where you will find the guardians who are due to ascend, waiting on the blood moon. Many families have lived on the islands all their lives. You would be safe going there in search of what we need, her grandfather told her over yet another round of coughing.

Seeing the distress Arthur was in, Aric stepped toward Mileena. What we need is a tracker. I’m sure you have heard of them. In truth, most trackers are guardians. Of course, this is not always the case, but many times they put their additional senses to use for those who need help in some way. We believe this would be the best course of action for our situation.

You want me to go there and hire a tracker to find the Athertons? she asked. Seeing their heads nod, she smiled. Of course. I’ll do whatever is needed.

I knew you would. Arthur smiled at the determination in his granddaughter’s eyes.

There is a suggestion Aric and I would like to make, Sebastian said.

Mileena noticed both he and Aric were smirking.

The tracker, make it a female⸻an attractive female to be specific.

Mileena’s brow creased as she watched her grandfather shake his head. May I ask why?

Not trying to be an ass, Sebastian said with a chuckle. But Aric and I know the Atherton twins. A female will be the only thing that will grab their attention.

That or a fight, Aric added.

No fights, thank you, Arthur said as he held his hand up. Mileena, please, they believe this is the best way to proceed. I have known the twins for ages. Their defenses will be up. Send a female as they have suggested.

Okay, I will, she said and kissed her grandfather’s cheek. I guess one of you will give me all the information I will need to give to the tracker?

My assistant, Harmony, is gathering what you need, Sebastian told her. Once you are ready, stop by my home. Everything will be in order.

All right, I will start gathering my things now. She headed up the stairs to leave the men to discuss things.

Once Mileena was out of earshot, Arthur looked up at the men who stood by him. You two have known Ryden and Ryder longer than most anyone. Will they come?

Once Ryden realizes he is needed for his people, I have no doubt he will make the right decision. Ryder of course will too. Sebastian began to pace. You have to realize, Arthur, Richard single-handedly tried to destroy their family. His anger at Ryden for doing what he was ordered never died. It is still there. You saw it today. That man detests anything related to an Atherton. He would rather let our race end than to put his life and the life of his children in their hands.

It is completely idiotic, Aric fumed as he ran his hands through his blond hair. Sebastian noted the worry in his face. This is for all vampires. This is not about the Atherton/Winthrop feud. No one except Richard blames Ryden for the death of Edmund. Hell, most of us wanted to shake his hand afterward.

I concur. Even Richard’s daughter Tessa knew her brother was in the wrong. On several occasions, while we were together, Tessa begged her father to drop this vendetta. She saw what it cost both the twins and her family, Sebastian said with a sigh.

We will not allow Richard or his influence on the council members to stop us. We will see that this race thrives once again. Arthur’s face grew serious. I do have something to ask both of you, however. I do not think Mileena has completely grasped the fact that she is a guardian and will be considered for Ascension at the next blood moon. If I am not here, I would ask that the two of you see to her wellbeing until she can handle things on her own. Once she ascends, she will be stronger, more capable. With what happened to my Audra, I did not see to her as I should have. Now, I do not foresee me having the chance to rectify that.

With a bow of his head, Aric spoke. I shall see to it that she learns what she must, Arthur. Do trust that if anything happens to you, she will be looked after as if she were mine own blood.

I pledge the same vow. She will be treated as family and cared for as such, Sebastian agreed.

Thank you both. The old man spoke heavily. Now, I do believe I must rest. I have yet to get accustomed to the changes in this body.

Let me assist you, Arthur, Sebastian told him as he stepped over.

No, no, my boy, I do still have some pride in these old bones. I will see myself to my room, he said with a pat to his shoulder. Thank you both for what you have done. Once Mileena is ready, I will send her to you.

We will be waiting, Sebastian told him. The two of them kept an eye on Arthur as he clearly struggled to teleport from the room. Once he was out of sight, Sebastian turned to Aric. Do you believe they will come?

I have no doubt, Aric told him. However, I cannot guarantee it will be in time to help Arthur, he added with a sigh.

The two of them talked a bit longer before exchanging farewells. With a shake of hands, they both vanished from the room.

Chapter 2

Tourmaline Island

Jason O’Connor stood at the top of the cliff looking out. From his vantage point, most of the islands were visible to his eye. He heard a noise behind him. I hear you. He turned his head slightly. Frowning, he looked around but didn’t see anyone. Shrugging, he turned back, lifted his head, closed his eyes, and let the peace of the island wash through him.

Smiling, Alexandra O’Connor waited until her twin brother Jason was relaxed again. Then she launched herself at him. He grunted as he went down. Rolling, she pushed him, sending him away from her. Getting to her feet, she saw Jason had ended up in a crouched defensive position. Getting a bit soft there, big brother.

Damn you, Lex. I should have known it was you, Jason growled, standing. What are you doing up here?

The same thing as you obviously, wanting some time to myself before it gets crazy around here. Well that was my intention until I saw you. Then I just couldn’t resist. Admit it, I got you. Alexandra smirked.

You wish, Jason grumbled, knowing she was right. You’re getting sloppy, though. I heard you. He shook the dirt and leaves off him.

What you heard was that, not me. Alexandra pointed toward the trees. A lizard was halfway up the tree staring at them. You couldn’t hear me if you tried, and you know it. She grinned when she heard Jason’s snort. They walked back to the top of the cliff.