Libertas: Stormwalkers, #1

By Shadow Queen

Libertas

Stormwalkers:Book 1

By: Shadow Queen

Captured, tortured, and experimented upon for the last fifty years, Eaden Sabathe does everything in his power to protect and save those around him from the same fate.  The cost of such actions weighs heavy on his soul while he searches for a way to take down the monster behind it all. In a final act of rebellion will he lose it all, or will he finally find a way out of the madness and loneliness.

Changed after an attack, Samariah Shrade does everything in her power to find the man who rescued her from a fate worse than death.  Now it is her turn to help him. Will she get to him before all is lost, or will they finally be able to take the monster down once and for all.

Approximatly 204 pages long.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shadow Queen
• Release date: Nov 8, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386853626

Book preview

Dedication

To be a star you must

Shine your own light,

Follow your own path

And don’t worry about

The darkness for that

Is when the stars

Shine brightest.

Acknowledgments

Special Thanks:

To GOD, for gifting me with such an imagination, and for helping me through all the trials and test that come my way.

To my Sibling who sat in patience for hours while I read my book to them.  Thank you; Hali, Natasha, and Tylor for putting up with me.

Thank you, mom, for making me tough through all of life’s journeys.

To my Mamaw and Papaw for raising me to believe in GOD, and for showing me how to enjoy the little things.  Also thank you Mamaw for showing me the joy of reading.

To my cousins Haven, and Daniel for allowing me to bounce my ideas off you all.  Also thank you Aunt Carolyn for always getting a laugh out of me.  I genuinely enjoy your jokes.  Also thank you for introducing the book The Ankle Grabber to me.  It is the book that started me on reading and writing paranormal.

To my Amazing family and wonderful friends who supported my ideas for my books, and for giving me the inspiration for several of my characters.

Prologue

May 6, 1965

The blaring sun blinded me as it reflected from the scorched Texan earth.  My feet became blistered as I ran toward freedom; knowing that I would not make it.  The sound of an engine gaining behind me promptly spelled my doom.  A loud crack erupted, and I crumble to the ground in pain.  My attackers shut off their vehicle and climb out as I tried to crawl away, dragging my useless leg behind me.  They knew that I could not escape.  I screamed for help, but no one hears me on this deserted stretch of road.  Due to blood loss and exhaustion, my world began to spin, and I slowly lose focus.  My attackers grabbed me, and I know I have now become one of the lost.  I know I will never return home nor see my family again.  My name is Eaden Sabathe.

Chapter 1

Present Day

Get your gear, men.  We’re moving out.  Doctor Eric Schneider’s main henchman ordered as the others started to gather the testing kits and weapons.  Each of the kits contained a deadly serum that Doctor Schneider concocted in his attempts to create his mutant army and take over the world.  Too bad most of the world leaders have not caught up with him, yet.  The remaining world leaders supported his crazy idea any way they could.  This left only me to stop him.

Standing there dead to any of my emotions, I catalog every move the men made, waiting for my chance to strike.  During the months that I have been kept prisoner in this terrorist cell, I have been able to help many of the other test subjects to escape, while keeping our jailors none the wiser.  Sadly, I knew that my luck was running out, and I would be caught and punished again before they moved me to another cell.  Then I would just restart this crazy process of befriending the new guards and helping other test subjects to escape.  I just hoped that Doctor Schneider and his men never found the free test subjects.  No matter how much pain the Doctor and his men would put me through I would never stop.  Decades ago, I made an oath that I would never stop until I brought these people down, even if my actions turned me into a monster or got me killed.

Devon, Bring the beast.  We will need him later. Doctor Schneider ordered with a sneer, as he glanced my way with malice in his eyes.  I knew that he was waiting for me to mess up so he could punish me again.  Devon gripped the back of my shirt and shoved his Colt M1911 between my shoulder blades and into my spine.

Move it you stupid animal, we have work to do.  Devon yelled as I moved out of the black SUV.

When I stepped onto the hard-packed gravel road the scent of oak and pine hit me.  In the distance I could pick up a slight scent of oil.  Dark shadows of the forest surrounded us covering our arrival.  The animals became silent as they since a predator nearby.  In the distance a small, golden light bobbed while it illuminated our destination.

Victor start hacking their systems.  I want everything offline, and make sure they are unable to call for help.  Team Two start moving in.  I want all outside guards and civilians to be neutralized.  I want them captured, not killed.  I need as many test subjects as possible for the experiment.  Team Three will neutralize all workers inside of the building after outside has been cleared.  Once all subjects have been taken care of my team will then move in to start the test.  Doctor Schneider ordered while he grabbed his own supplies.  Once the Doctor finished gathering his gear he then turned back to Victor.  Are their systems down?

Yes, sir.  They won’t notice anything out of place.  Victor replied with a smug look.

Then let’s move out.

Team Two silently moved through the thick brush of the forest as they converged on the people outside.  I opened my mouth to scream out a warning but was quickly silenced when Devon sent a round house kick into my stomach.  Landing on the cold ground I coughed as I tried to catch my breath.  A low, near silent scream drifted my way, reminding me of yet another failure.

Quiet, beast.  It will do you no good to warn them.  It will not matter in the end.  Devon commented with glee as he quickly yanked me of the ground and pushed me toward the building.  I fought with my beast while I built multiple mental barriers to keep him from taking control.  Devon must have noticed my struggle because he quickly took a step back and tightened his grip on his Colt.

Calm, my friend.  This is neither the time nor the place to cause trouble.  I have a feeling that we will need to help someone inside.  Please, we need to save our energy for now.  I mentally whispered to my beast when he attempted to break through the barriers.  The only answered I received was a low rumble while he sank down and flicked his tail in annoyance.

That’s what I thought.  Now move it before I decide to put a bullet in you.  Devon ordered snidely as he lifted his gun higher.  I glared at him before I walked toward the building.

The building stood three stories high and was built out of red and brown bricks.  Six dock doors were built into the side, and four of the doors had trailers docked.  There were two Simi tractors powered down at the edge of the lot waiting to take a trailer.  From my angle, I could see an unlit guardhouse sitting at the other end of the lot.  When I moved closer, I could see six bodies lying unconsciously on the ground with their hands tied behind them.

Suddenly, a radio crackled to life nearby.  A female voice that was as smooth as honey and as beautiful as a nightingale started to speak in a country accent.  My beast quickly jumped to attention.  Her voice caused everyone in the vicinity to halt what they were doing.

Everyone, Mister Wilkens just left, and he told me to inform you all that it is particularly important to stay sharp right now.  Don’t let your guard down for anything.  Do you all roger?  Two people quickly replied to what she said.

Our timetable has just moved up.  Team Three start rounding up everyone inside.  George, Aiden I want you two to bring me that woman, alive.  She will tell me which one of the men screwed up.  Make sure all the employees are accounted for.  No one gets away this time.  Doctor Schneider ordered as his face turned red.  Fear filled me as I worried for the woman.  In my gut, I knew that I had to stop them for some unknown reason.

Team Three quietly marched toward the building entrance with loaded tranq guns.  August and Daytona kicked the doors in while Raven knelt and started to blast the tranquilizer darts into the unsuspecting victims.  August and Daytona promptly joined in and everyone in sight became neutralized.  They then lowered their weapons and advanced on the new test subjects.  Devon dragged me into the room and tossed me onto the cold concrete floor, motioning for me to help detain the helpless victims.

Not going to happen.  I calmly informed him.  Devon’s face slowly turned a deep red as he glared down at me.  He slammed the butt of his gun down on the back of my head in two rapid successions.  Bright burst of light flashed before my eyes as I collapsed onto the ground again.

You are going to do as you are told, even if I have to force you.  Devon snarled while his body shook.

No, I am not going to help you, so back off.  I’m not going to tie up defenseless people just so you can harm them.  It is so not going to  happen.  I replied through gritted teeth.  As I laid there, I knew I had to stall them until help arrived, or until the people woke up.

You will do what I tell you or I will shoot you.  Do you understand me?

Go ahead and shoot me.  I don’t care, but you are not going to get me to tie these people up.  I replied with a glare.

Devon, if he does not follow orders, I want you to shoot one of the prisoners, not him.  He will not do anything if you threaten him, but he will do anything to protect an innocent.  Remember that in the future.  Doctor Schneider informed him as he scowled at me.

Yes sir.  Devon quickly answered with enthusiasm right before he picks up a gangly young woman and pressed the against her abdomen.  "Now, help tie the rest of them up or I will shoot her, and it will not be a fatal injury.

I reluctantly grabbed the rope and started to tie up the nearest prone body.  It was a slow, and strenuous process with there being eight people doing the work.  It took us almost an hour to get all of them tied up while Doctor Schneider’s two bodyguards brought in more unconscious victims.  When we were finished with detaining the new test subjects, Dr. Schneider had his test kits opened, and started to go body to body with the serum.  I knew those that were not yet awake would soon be.

Nearby a prone male in a security guard uniform started to thrash around and an ear-splitting scream erupted from him as his bones started to snap and reform.  He bowed off the ground as more of his bones started to move about, and broke through his skin.  Soon after other employees fell under the same spell of pain and terror for what was to come.  The security guard’s movements slowly eased up while he gradually lost his battle to live.

A tear glided down my face as I walked over to the man and knelt.  I slipped out of my black trench coat and bundled it up before placing it under the man’s head.  I then carefully clasped his shaking hand in one of mine.  He quietly mumbled something as he turned toward me.

What?  I whispered back as I leaned closer.

Gotta protect her.  Not safe.  He replied hoarsely.

Protect who?  I asked as my mind went back to the voice from the radio.

Samariah.  He gasped out as his body stilled and blood pooled out of the multiple wounds on his body.

I carefully released his hand and placed it on his still chest before I sat down beside his chilling body.  His blood slowly surrounded me as I sat beside him in silent vigil.  I knew that I had to move before anyone noticed what I was doing.  Taking a quick glanced around to make sure I was still unnoticed.  My eyes landed on Raven, who stared back knowingly, his eyes were unreadable.  He gently nodded his head before he motioned for me to follow him.

I quickly scurried up to trail after Raven into an adjacent room while the wails of the remaining people echoed behind us, covering our exit.  Raven closed the door behind me and then started to pace around while running a hand through his thick black hair.  The familiar action and the light blue aura that suddenly surrounded him attempted to pull a memory from my subconscious, but I shoved it away.  I moved over to the window and patiently waited for him to speak.

I need what I am about to ask you to stay between us.  He remarked nervously before he glanced my way.  I nodded for him to continue.  I have noticed that you are not what the others make you out to be.  You don’t want to hurt the innocents, and you stop those that do.  I know that you are a good man, and that I can trust you in this at least.  He paused to lick his lips, before he continued.  I need to know that if anything happens to me or my wife that my children will be safe.  I would already take them into hiding but cannot because the bosses are monitoring every move my wife and I make.  If anything were to happen to us can you get them to safety?  His blue aura mixed with silver and a navy blue.  This informed me that Raven not only spoke the truth, but he was terrified.  I quickly shook my head before I replied.

I can’t hide them, Raven.  I can, however, have someone move them to safety now, but there is something you should know beforehand.  You and you wife will need to talk about this before you do anything.  I told Raven, giving him a chance to ask questions.

What?  What’s the catch?  He asked cautiously.

If I do this you can never know where I have them taken because it will not only endanger them, but others that I have sent there throughout the years.  I quickly informed him.  Raven nodded in understanding before he replied.

I understand, but I do need to talk to Alice before we decide anything.  I nodded back as I moved toward the door.  Raven quickly grabbed my arm stopping my movement.  Thank you.  If you do this, I would not know how I could ever repay you.  He remarked before he released my arm.

If you do this, I will tell you what to do when it is time.  Just don’t draw attention to yourself and help those that need it.  That is how you can repay me.  I informed him before I left the room, checking for anyone that may have noticed my untimely departure.

Suddenly footsteps echoed throughout the room as Evin and Alic walked toward me.  Raven quietly hid in the room as the two men stalked our way.  A sneer graced Evin’s face while he moved closer.  Alic walked away from Evin and quickly converged onto the test kits that sat near the other edge of the room.  What’s going on now?  I mentally wondered as Evin stopped in front of me.

There you are, Beast!  You need to come with me now.  The good doctor has a job for you. Evin remarked as he grabbed my shirt and started to drag me down the nearby corridor.  We walked through the building for a couple of minutes until we came to a door that had six men, including Doctor Schneider, standing outside of it.  Doctor Schneider glared at me in disgust and loathing as we approached him.

Aww, there you are monster.  What took you so long?  Doctor Schneider asked snidely as I stood quietly waiting for his next move.  Doctor Schneider quickly punched me in the jaw, knocking me onto the hard-concrete floor.  Blood slipped down my chin, and I absentmindedly wiped it away as I climbed back to my feet.

I asked you a question, next time you will answer me.  Never mind, it’s not worth my time getting an answer from an idiot.  Now, break this door down.  Doctor Schneider finished with an order.

No!  I replied through gritted teeth as my face turned red.  I knew what he was asking me to do.  He was asking me to sentence this person to torture or possible death.

Don’t tell me no.  You will do as I tell you to.  If you don’t do what I tell you to I’ll...

You’ll what?  Would you beat me, whip me, electrocute me, and flay the skin from my bones?  Go ahead and do those things to me.  No matter what you do to me I will never open that door for you.  I replied in a low whisper that quickly rose in volume and ended in a low threatening growl.  I had to fight to keep my tiger from coming out as my anger grew.

"No, I will not do this to you.  After I have my other men open this door, I will have the woman that you are protecting to be tortured in every way that you just listed.  Then I will have my men test the serum on her.  By then it would be extremely doubtful that she will survive.

I realized then that I had failed again.  Allowing a sigh to escape me, I quietly walked toward the thick metal door and pushed.  Hearing the low snaps from the door bolt and the lock I quickly added a bit more of my strength.  The door slowly bent inward before it snapped off its hinges and collapsing onto the ground.  A thick fog of dust filled the air as I stepped inside.  Taking quick stock of the room, my sights finally landed on the woman that has caused Doctor Schneider so much trouble.

In front of me stood a petite, young woman with hair the color of fire, and midnight blue eyes that stared back at me with defiance and distrust.  A pair of small thin rimmed glasses sat against her tiny nose which made her cheek bones more prominent.  She wore a grey polo shirt that had a red logo on it that read Rulz, and a bright yellow security vest sat over top of it.  The shirt was tucked and belted in a pair of nice black slacks that clung on her figure.  She also wore a pair of knee-high black boots that were zipped up over her pants.

I am sorry.  I quickly relied as I stood there staring at her.  I was sorry.  Sorry for not only all the pain Doctor Schneider and his men caused, but also for my part in helping them get to her.  Suddenly the scent of violets and fresh air drifted my way.  My tiger quickly jumped to attention and roared throughout the mental barriers that I had set up.  Mine!  Protect!  My mate!  Shock flashed through me, but before I could act on it, Devon shoved me aside.  I landed onto the nearby table that collapsed under my weight.  Heaving great gasps of air, I tried to push myself up, but fell back down onto the debris covered ground.

Well, well, well.  Boys it appears we’ve got ourselves a fighter.  Doctor Schneider remarked with joy as he walked into the room behind Devon.  He stopped in front of her while giving her a considering look.  I wonder how long it will take to break this one.  I know we are still working on breaking the tiger.  You all think we can break this one faster?  Doctor Schneider finished commenting as he looked at her.  The deep scent of arousal filled the room, and it finally struck me what the doctor was planning to do to break her.

Oh, hell no!  I thought to myself as I shoved of the floor, and quickly attacked the two men that blocked the young woman from leaving.  As I collided against them, I grabbed their arms and slung them into the nearest wall, instantly knocking them unconscious.  Once I dispatched the two men, I gently grabbed the woman and moved her behind me, allowing her the chance to escape.  After I had safely deposited her behind me, I quickly turned my attention back toward the others in the room and waited for their next move.

Suddenly, the woman reached up and squeezed my shoulder as a sign of thanks before her grip tightened.  What is she doing?  She needs to get to safety.  I silently asked myself as the