Blood Rage: New Orleans Vampires, #2

By Pegan Knight

Romania is definitely not New Orleans.  

A new enemy has surfaced and threatens the life of every vampire and shifter across the globe. On the verge of war with a group of ancient human wizards, the clans have come together to fight a common threat. Are these the people that brokered the murder of Lucius? Did they fund Marcus for his horrible experiments? A return from the dead may give the answers that everyone so desperately seeks. 

It's a race against time to find out who is behind it all and stop them before vampires and shifters are completely erased from existence.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pegan Knight
• Release date: Jan 28, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386238010

Pegan Knight

Pegan Knight is a small town country girl, living in Wyoming. She started writing as an outlet to help her through a tough divorce and it's helped to strengthen her confidence. She is a mom first to 4 pretty awesome kiddos and her 4 fur babies, her cats. Her kids and her cats have continued to give her the push to continue forth with her writing career.

Book preview

Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured

~Mark Twain

BLOOD RAGE

New Orleans Vampires

ASTRA

Copyright © 2019 by Pegan Knight

The right of Pegan Knight to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her under the Copyright Amendment (Moral Rights) Act 2000

All rights reserved. This publication (or any part of it) may not be reproduced or transmitted, copied, stored, distributed or otherwise made available by any person or entity (including Google, Amazon or similar organisations), in any form (electronic, digital, optical or mechanical) or by any means (photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise) without prior written permission from the author.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people are coincidental.

Chapter 1

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MARCH 2018

I really hate packing. Where is Quenton? He should be here helping me instead of hiding like a drama queen. I know everyone is sad about me moving to Europe with Darius but that is his home and now it's mine, and the packing portion of the program would so much easier if I had a little help! I turn at the knock on my door. My sister in law Furi comes in with a sad smile

I can hear your tantrum about packing halfway across the manor, Astra. Do you have to pout so loudly?

She giggles at me with her statement. After she married my twin brother Aiden, he turned her into a vampire/shifter crossbreed. As an oracle, this really enhanced her ability to hear thoughts at a great distance and her sight is far more advanced than anyone has ever seen.

I'm sorry Furi, I just need to pack and Quenton promised he would help, but instead of helping he's holed up in his room refusing to come out because he is upset about me leaving.

Furi moves across my room and pulls me into a comforting hug, one that I happily melt into. We didn’t start out this friendly. No, I actually thought the worst of her when she first got here, only to find that she was everything she said she was. We went through the most horrible experience together as well at the hands of my father’s murder, Marcus Stone. He kidnapped us and did unspeakable things. Experimentation on both of us, as well as torture, and I don’t even want to think about the rest. I would still be having nightmares about what he did to me if not for Furi’s grandfather Belen. He managed to block all that out. What he couldn’t block out however was the DNA splicing that was done to me, which has now given me the ability to light people on fire at will. I just need to learn to control it. Darius Knight, the grandmaster of all vampire and shifter kind in Europe, has been a blessing to me since this new found ability has popped up. But in the process of helping me, we fell in love and we are now moving to back to his home in Romania to plan our wedding and our next move against an unknown group of vampires trying to take over. But this move is NEVER going to happen if I don’t get some goddamn help packing!!

I pull away from Furi’s embrace only see the laughter in her eyes, I really need to work on that too I suppose. She grabs a scarf and folds it neatly and places it in my bag

Quenton is on his way to help now Astra, and I’ll stay to help as well if you’d like.

As much as I would love to have you stay Furi, I need this time with Quenton, and you need to go track down that overworked brother of mine and make sure he isn’t in fact working.

Furi released a throaty laugh before opening the door to Quenton, just before he knocked. She is scary good, these enhanced talents are going to make her a formidable mistress and queen, that’s for sure. She blows me a kiss and pats Quenton on the back before disappearing out the door to find her husband. Quenton walks across to my bed piled high with clothes and starts folding them.

I’m sorry I’m being a drama queen, but you of all people should understand just how hard this is for me Astra.

Oh Q, I do know how hard this is. It’s not easy for me either ya know. I’m the one leaving behind my family and my entire clan!

He drops the t-shirt that he was holding, on the bed, and rushes over to wrap me into a teary hug. We hold on to each other for a few moments before pulling apart and get back to folding. We keep the conversation light and fun. Darius and Terrance find us still folding about 30 minutes later.

I would have figured you two would have had this finished by now.

I’m sorry darling, Q was having a bit of a moment earlier and we started a bit later than planned. Please don’t be upset.

I’m far from upset my love, I’m more amused than anything. I sometimes forget that you American southern vampires tend to take your time, while the rest of us are constantly rushing about. I envy you of your ability to, stop and smell the roses.

I giggle at his observation as does Quenton and Terrance. But knowing that time is of the essence now, Quenton and I kick in our vampire speed and finish the rest of the necessary packing in no time at all. Just in time for Aiden and Bastian to come in with a few members of the security team to start hauling my belongs out to the trucks. Seeing Aiden and Bastian makes me realize that this the first time in my life that we will not be together. We have been together our whole lives. It hits me like one of Bastian’s hardest punches. I’m really leaving my family. Darius sees the tears slipping down my face and wraps me up in his arms to comfort me.

Come now my love, you’ll be seeing them again in just a few weeks. We won’t even home and unpacked before they’ll be with us in Romania.

I shake my head and let out a watery laugh at my brother’s horrified face. He has always hated seeing me cry.

Ah, Cher! Don’t start the crying, you know I can’t handle it.

I take the tissue that Terrance hands me and I wipe my bloody tears.

I’m sorry Aiden, it’s just seeing you and Bastian reminded me that we’ve been together our whole lives and now we’re going to be continents away.

You’ll see us again soon, cher I promise. Then you and Furi can work on planning your wedding.

Darius pulls me into his side and places a gentle kiss on the side of my head

See? All will be fine. You’re going to be so busy getting settled into our home that you won’t even be paying attention to the days and then POOF they’ll just be there.

He gives me a sideways smile and squeeze

Now come, we must be on our way, we’re losing the night.

We leave the bedroom and gather at the bottom of the stairs. Furi, my grandmother Jessa, my father’s closest friend Paddy, and Furi’s grandfather Belen soon join us. Paddy decided to stay behind and then rejoin us with Aiden and Furi. A huge commotion erupts in the command center hallway. Vlad, Chiara, Ryan, and Deacon are hauling ass into the foyer and nearly collide with Bastian in an effort to get stopped. An amused look on Aiden’s face makes everyone start laughing.

Would one of you like to explain why you’re trying to take us out in the front hall like a bad LSU play?

Vlad is the first one to speak

So sorry master Aiden, we were trying to hurry to say our goodbyes before Lady Astra left. And, well, I needed to make sure that Chiara was here to leave with everyone. As hard as that’s going to be.

Bastian pats Vlad on the shoulder

It’s only for a few weeks son, it’ll all be fine.

Vlad takes a slow deep breath and lets it out just as slowly and nods his head

Alright, now that everyone is here we really need to get this show on the road. Astra my love we need to be quick.

I turn and wrap my twin in the tightest hug I can possibly muster. I am going to miss him so much. We’ve never been this far apart before. Before he lets me go he whispers into my ear

I love you brat. Watch your back and be careful. I’ll be there soon.

I love you too Aiden. I promise I won’t even step out of my rooms without my detail and I’ve been watching my back my whole life. Be safe on your journey to Romania, I wouldn’t survive if I lost you.

He pulls back and pulls my hair

I promise.

I turn to Furi and wrap her up as well. I am so glad that Aiden didn’t listen to me in my unwarranted paranoia about her. She is the best sister anyone could ask for. I pull back to see her holding back her tears.

I’ll see you soon sister. Smuggle some beignets to me, I’m going to need something from home by the time you get there.

A good chicory coffee. I love you, Astra, we’ll be there before you know it.

She kisses my cheek before curling into her husband’s side

I feel the tears burn my face when Quenton finally comes to say goodbye. He looks Darius right in the eyes

I swear by Lilith and all the God’s that if anything happens to her they will never find you. I don’t give a fuck who you are.

Then he grabs me up in the biggest hug. I wish he could just come with me now but I know that Quenton is needed here at home. Furi is going to need him now more than ever. He grabs my face and looks sternly at me

You keep your eyes open and watch your back. You know I don’t trust anyone, so you’re going to have to keep yourself safe. You know that if anything happens to you I’m coming to tear up that entire country.

Yes Quenton, I know that. I’ll be careful, I haven’t forgotten any of my training and I’ll keep training even when I’m there. Make sure Rage Club is taken care of. I’ll not have my baby go downhill just because I’m gone.

Don’t you worry about the club. Bastian and I are going to help Deacon with it.

He steps back and glares at Darius before turning on his heel and walking away. I know that he’ll be sobbing all over Bastian after we’re gone.

I watch my family say their goodbyes to their friends and in some cases new loves and it breaks my heart seeing all the sadness. In the near year that Darius has been here with everyone, I have seen some of the tightest bonds formed. Including a few of my own. It’s so bittersweet leaving behind my family and friends, my home, to move to another country, but I know it’s what’s best for everyone and I just can’t imagine my life without Darius in it.

We walk out into the humid New Orleans night. I look up to look at the moon and the stars of my home just 1 more time. Everything has changed so much and so quickly. I’ve hardly had the time to process it all. But I guess it’s time to go now. I send up a quick prayer to Lilith that we have safe travels and with a final wave at my brother I get in the back of the SUV.

Chapter 2

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ROMANIA

April 2018

Roaming the halls of my new home, wishing desperately that Aiden and Furi were here already. I know they are already on their way. They are supposed to be here tomorrow and instead of roaming the halls like an idiot I should be making sure that the preparations for their arrival are in order.

Darius is locked in his office with Terrance making sure that all the security teams are ready for the arrival of the American king and queen. I really don’t understand why I’m so antsy about all this, I mean it’s just my brother, but for some reason, I can’t identify I can’t seem to settle down. It’s like I can feel that something isn’t right. That something is coming and whatever it is it’s going to greet us tomorrow when Aiden and Furi arrive. Enough of this antsy bullshit!

I turn on my heel and walk back down the hallway to the kitchen to ensure that they have properly stocked everything for Furi. I’m still unsure how she manages to stay a vegetarian while being a vampire. I walk into the kitchen and right into the middle of a HUGE argument between the cook and one of the servants.

NO! I told you that FRESH fruits were to be picked up. Lady Astra is going to blow a fuse if Queen Furi does not have the necessary nourishment! Now go!! Back to the market and get what you were told to get!!

Fine! But I don’t understand why it fucking matters what some stupid American vampire wants. None of them belong here and I don’t understand what has happened to Master Darius that he would come home from that vile country with a filthy American vampire to marry.

The servant turns around and makes direct eye with the filthy American vampire. Me.

Oh! Lady Astra, I didn’t hear you come in. I’m having to make a trip back to the market for some last minute items that I was absent-minded about getting for tomorrow’s arrival. Is there anything you’d like me to add to the list?

Just your head served to me on a platter.

The servant’s eyes grew wide with fear. I could smell it coming off of her in waves, as I slowly approach this insignificant little bitch. Darius must have finished with his meeting and sensed my anger and smelled her fear because came rushing into the kitchen and wrapped his arms around me before I got my hands on her.

Astra, my pisi, what has you so angry?

Your human servant here seems to think that I am just some filthy American vampire! I came down to make sure that they got things that Furi likes and I walked in the cook scolding her for not getting it and she said she didn’t care what some stupid American vampire wants, and she thinks something has happened to since you were in America because you brought home a filthy American vampire!

I strain and struggle in his embrace. The faint passing question of why I’m acting like this is momentary but effective enough to make stop struggling immediately. Darius slightly loosens his grip on my and glares and the servant the cook both.

Is this the truth? Because I would never condone someone in my household speaking such terrible things about visiting leaders, or my future wife! Now speak!

The cook came around from the other side of the prep table and addressed Darius himself

Master Darius, the Lady Astra is correct in what she heard. Laurel was being sent back to the market to retrieve the fruits that were requested for Queen Furi’s arrival tomorrow and Lady Astra walked in as Laurel was having her tantrum, then she tried to cover it up when Lady Astra confronted her about it. Had Lady Astra not come in I would have been coming straight to you about the matter.

Thank you for your honesty on this matter Hugo. Will you please fetch another servant and have them go to the market and purchase the things that Queen Furi requires?

Hugo bows deeply and nods his head before ducking out of the kitchen in search of a new servant to send out.

Terrance comes into the kitchen shortly after and sees Darius holding me back.

Is there something I can help with Darius, or do you have Lady Astra handled?

Actually Terrance if you could please escort Lady Astra to the study and get her a whiskey to help her calm down while I deal with this, it would be greatly appreciated.

Darius turns with me and hands me off to Terrance, then turns back to the terrified servant. Terrance practically carries me out of the kitchen and down the hall into the study and sits me in a leather wingback chair.

He walks to the sideboard to pour me a whiskey and brings it to me. He sits on the ottoman in front of me while I sip the amber liquid.

What happened back there Astra? I’ve not seen you so angry before. At least not like that. That was pure rage in your eyes.

I just finish telling Terrance what had happened when Darius comes sauntering into the room.

We’ll not be having any more troubles with that servant. She has been...dismissed. Permanently.

Terrance stands and gives him a knowing nod and walks out of the room. Darius comes over and pulls me up from the chair only to sit in it himself and pull me into his lap.

I calm immediately and nuzzle into his neck, deeply inhaling his scent. Musk and fresh earth. He wraps his arms around me and we sit in the silence. After many minutes Darius turns and kisses me on the forehead

Are you alright my pisi?

Yes, I’m fine. I’m sorry that I got so angry, I have no idea what came over me.

"You have no reason to apologize! You are the mistress of this house and everyone will obey you as they do me. I will not tolerate such disrespect towards my guests, or towards you. Laurel has been with us enough years to know her place and she overstepped that place. It won’t be happening again. Terrance is taking her to the cells to be interrogated. And after he is done she will be executed. Did you still want her head served to you on a platter my queen?