Bitten by Magic (Sisters of Fate Book 2)

By Kelliea Ashley

As the Keeper of the Treaty, Alexa has always walked a fine line between right and wrong. When her trouble-loving cousin makes an enemy of Wilhelm Chambers, the oldest and strongest Vampire in the Western Hemisphere, she is forced to jump to the rescue by taking the place of Wilhelm's lost bride. What she didn't expect was finding a traitor in her Coven, flaws in her education about Vampires, and a serious case of the hots for her new hubby!
Wilhelm Chambers was enraged when his bride was stolen. She was docile and obedient, everything he wanted in a wife, or so he thought. Being saddled in holy matrimony with none other than the Keeper of the Treaty gives him the perfect opportunity for revenge, but one taste of her blood could change his mind and fate forever.
What's a Vampire and a Witch to do when they discover hidden magic in a kiss with a bit of a bite?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kelliea Ashley
• Release date: Jun 26, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463445822

Kelliea Ashley

As an author I am truly astounded by the couples in my life. How two completely different individuals with differing backgrounds, beliefs, and motivations can somehow overcome it all to find the good in one another has to be the very definition of magic. I grew up with very little, but my Mother taught me to find happiness in the most obscure details of my life. She encouraged me to tell her stories and dream of a future where we had everything we needed. Out of our poverty I received a true love of writing that was nurtured throughout my schooling and became a hobby when I reached adulthood. My husband Joshua gave me the gentle push to get published and I owe him for seeing my dream of becoming an author come to reality. Never stop dreaming, reaching for more, or wanting a better life filled with love and magic. In my spare time I like to dabble in gardening and crafts, but honestly I love spending time with my husband and furbabies. I have two dogs, Sampson and Delilah, and a cat named Snowflake. Snowflake is my muse, so she has her own little bed positioned at the end of my desk. Thank you for choosing to read my work out of the numerous titles available to you. I hope you check out some of my other titles. Connect with Kelliea Twitter- @AshleyKelliea Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/Kelliea-Ashley/e/BOOFAE199C [e-mail]

Book preview

Bitten By Magic

Sisters of Fate

Book Two

By Kelliea Ashley

Bitten By Magic

Sister's of Fate Book Two

Kelliea Ashley

Published by Kelliea Ashley at Smashwords

Editor:Sally Mander

Cover Artist:Victoria Miller

Copyright @2019 Kelliea Ashley

Smashwords Edition License Notes:

This eBook was licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If your reading this book and did not purchase it, or it wasn't purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. Allrights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

Kelliea Ashley

[e-mail]

Discover other titles by Kelliea Ashley at Smashwords.com:

I'd like to dedicate this novel to all the wonderful people who made my wedding day perfect. There are too many of you to name, but you know who you are. We are so lucky to have all of you in our lives. Unlike Alexa's wedding, mine was to the love of my life and held on a bright sunny day with over 90 degree temperatures. Wilhelm would never have survived!

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Prelude to Holding the Beta, Book three of the Sisters of Fate

Chapter One

No Witch could fight Mistress Fate, but how Alexa Carver wished she could. A pact made with a Sister of Fate had brought her to this prison. The rooms her intended groom ordered her to use were more than luxurious, but a gilded cage is still a cage. And this one negated her magic and made her helpless. She'd soaked in the huge sunken tub for hours at a time and slept sporadically in the comfortable king-size bed, but she would have traded the bath and bed for a small spot on her one inch thick carpet at home. There she wouldn't be magicless while facing a forced marriage to the oldest, strongest, and most feared Elder of the Vampires in America.

The reflection staring back at her from the gilded mirror appeared as sullen as she felt. Every instinct screamed for her to get up and run, but she sat still as a statue, her hands clasped tightly in her lap as Georgetta, a Goth-dressed Vampire's Poppet, heated her stubbornly straight black hair into a mass of curls. SheAlexa hated curls. She rubbed a hand against her burning stomach and tried not to listen to Georgetta's overly friendly banter. The girl could be no more than twenty-two years of age. Her short, cropped black hair streaked with neon green locks exactly matched the big emerald hanging around a slender neck. Her brown eyes were deep and warm as they repeatedly met Alexa's in the mirror.

You look so much better than the first day I saw you. There's pink in your cheeks and I think you've gained a much needed pound or two. Georgetta's smile emitted a strange kind of enthusiasm, her demeanor open and innocent. She was the only bright spot in Alexa's last two weeks of isolation. The young woman belonged among monsters as much as Alexa deserved to be tying herself to one.

After she'd thwarted his efforts of gaining revenge on her cousin, Allison and her Wolven mate, the Elder forced Alexa to seal the deal with a blood oath. She hoped her blood had made him burn, the undead bastard! In exchange for her hand in marriage, her family members would remain safe from his vengeful spite. Unfortunately, Alexa knew her punishments were only just beginning. As the Keeper of the Treaty of the Tri-Species Council it was her sworn duty to protect and defend the doctrines that set in stone the laws governing the three main houses of the pre-human world. Witches, Wolven, and Vampires were blood-sworn enemies. The hatred poisoning all three species traced back since the dawning of the Earth. When Man came into being, the two less civil factions looked upon them as nothing more than prey. What they hadn't counted on was the speed at which the humans bred. Nor did they understand the Witch Community's adoration toward their non-magical offspring.

All too soon their easy prey bandedwas banding together in groups to defend themselves with the unseen aid of their ancestors. Some men even learned how to hunt down and kill the stronger predators by using weaknesses. Vampires were vulnerable during the day, and Slayers soon began to wipe out the oldest of the line. Wolven, though were able to walk in the sun making them harder to identify and kill. Once found the the hunters would chop Wolven were captured and their bodies chopped apart and leave themft to rot. Witches with a voracious appetite for human flesh, and there were a few, found themselves staked out and burned alive.

When it became apparent that the three species' very existence was in peril, their leaders quickly buried past hatred in order to create a peace between the factions. Any individual caught breaking, or even bending the specifications of the treaty found themselves were dealt with harshly, by the Keeper. There had been only five Keepers before her. All Witches, chosen very carefully by enduring a series of trials meant to eliminate the weaker candidates, ensuring the one chosen possessed the strongest of will, mind, and magic. Alexa tried not to think of the twenty candidates who fell before her. By the end of the cruel tests she was only thankful to the Goddess that she still breathed.

Now, all that she had endured and survived was for naught. A Witch bound in marriage to a Vampire could not remain Keeper of the Treaty. The High Priest would have her title, if not the head on her shoulders. A fate, she surmised, that would be far more enjoyable than the cold-hearted Elder's intentions for her future. He hated her with a passion bent toward seeking out every ounce of pain and humiliation. She would be wishing for a repeat of the trials before all was said and done.

Alexa took a deep breath to calm her nerves and firm her resolve to do everything necessary to protect Allison and the babe she carried. No one told her of the child's existence. She wasn't even sure her cousin knew of the pregnancy. No, her gift and curse were visions of the future. This child, a blending of a Witch and a Wolven would unite the two species in blood and eventually help to make way for everlasting peace. It had to be protected. Even at the cost of a Keeper's life and happiness. Her eyes burned with unshed tears as she remembered the cost of the one person in her life she wished never to lose. Allison.

Looking up into the mirror, Alexa couldn't help but analyze her current position and how she'd come to be sitting in a room at the Vampire's main headquarters. Elder Chambers, her intended groom, had wasted no time whisking her back to the Vampire's lair, the Hive. It was a closed society of the undead and their minions, or Poppets, as the Vamps called the Humans who chose to give their freedom in exchange for possible immortality. Fools! She knew the Goth-loving Georgetta was a Poppet. Since the day Wilhelm locked her in her room, the only contact she'd had with others was Georgetta.

***

The first night no one came, no matter how loud she ranted and raved in anger. She'd discovered right off that the elegant room possessed powerful wards against magic to keep her from trying to vaporize in or out. Realizing she was well and truly locked in, Alexa's fear of small places immediately kicked in. She threw things at the window, but the glass had to be fortified with an unbreakable spell. The Elder clearly had a Witch as a Poppet, not a pleasant notion and one that the Coven would be interested in knowing. Next, she tore up the thick rug, groaning as she found a thick rubber mat below. A Witch seldom wore shoes because bared feet were their connection to mother earth. Through that connection they were able to draw power, magic as the Humans termed it. Rubber was man-made and unnatural; an efficient way to block a Witch's power source. She was grounded here. No one came to check on her. She threw things, screamed, swore, and eventually begged, yet no one came.

The next morning Georgetta arrivedwas allowed in with her breakfast. Alexa, her stomach already aching, refused to eat. Georgetta tried to cajole her into trying something, but the torture of being locked away demolished any appetite she might have scraped up. The next night the girl begged her, then mentioned that the Elder would whip her if she came back to the kitchens with a full tray. How could she let the poor girl be punished for her own stubborn will? She'd taken an orange and pushed the rest away.

The very next day Georgetta looked surprised when Alexa asked for something to read. She was going stir crazy enough being locked away in a tiny room with only a small bathroom attached, but she was also bored out of her mind.

What would you like me to bring you, Mistress Carver? Hope had lifted the girl's tone of voice.

I don't care. Alexa tossed the apple she'd taken high into the air. Georgetta's brown eyes widened in wonder as the apple turned into a ball of light for only a second before it landed in her palm, once more an apple. So far, the simple show of magic was the only one she'd been able to perform. Oh, if she could only step one foot out the door, the things she'd love to do to a certain Elder.

The Master has a well-stocked library with tons of books—

I don't care what you bring me! Bring me romance, mystery, for Goddess's sake, bring me a five hundred page book on how to stake a filthy Vampire for all I care! Alexa cringed at the look of horror on Georgetta's face. Oh, I'm sorry. I just need to get out of this room. I can't even make an apple transform for more than two seconds in here. I'm suffocating. A Witch isn't meant to go without the earth for too long. I'll simply go mad without my magic. She slumped on the bed in defeat. She felt the mattress dip as Georgetta hesitantly sat down beside her.

I know. I'm sorry. I wish... Georgetta shook her head as she rose and left Alexa once more alone. That night she brought a cart filled with books. Alexa would never forget the girl's kindness.

Two more days went by with Alexa's stomach burning like a wildfire. She relented enough to drink milk and eat toast, but she was growing weaker. The pain was turning her mood sour. Lunchtime was a disaster when she found herself hurling her tray at the door. The sun had barely set when her door slammed open and the Elder himself came barreling into the room. His dark brown hair appeared messed up as if he'd just brushed his hands through it. The agitated glare he directed at her would have coward a weaker soul. Alexa stiffened her spine as she stood up from her spot on the floor beneath the warded window.

The arrogant Vampire stood before her handsome and formidable as ever in a pair of dark jeans and a crisp white dress shirt. Though, upon a closer look she noticed several small changes hinting that he wasn't as well put together as usual. One sleeve was rolled up, the other down, as if he'd been interrupted while preparing to work. Dark circles beneath those chocolate eyes hinted at sleepless days. Frustration and stress marked the thinning of lips that she'd found particularly alluring and sensual on the night he'd bent over her palm and bit her. Perhaps their upcoming nuptials were wearing on him too? She could hope.

Mistress Carver. His dark head nodded to her in a civil greeting at direct odds with the ominous glare and censure he used to study her from head to bare foot.

Elder Chambers. She mimicked him with the same slow perusal of disgust. They stood quietly as two combatants ready to battle one another. Neither willing to give an inch or show a weakness.

Why the hell aren't you eating? He suddenly demanded through clenched teeth.

You can lock me up, leave me to rot in this hellish pit, but you may not force me to follow your commands, Elder. Alexa folded her arms over her chest. Hate filled her as she stood firm. Offenders squirmed and pleaded for mercy from her. She would not bend beneath the dark, burning gaze that slowly roamed over her in a way that had the hair on the back of her neck standing on end. How dare he give her the once over when he hadn't even provided her with a fresh change of clothing! He knew he'd taken her magic away from her. Human prisoners of war received more consideration.

I suppose I can't make you take a bath and change your clothes, either? A dark brow lifted in an insulting way.

You didn't give me any clothes, she bit back at him. His head reared back as if she'd hit him. He clearly hadn't expected that.

That will be remedied straight away. My orders were not followed. I owe you an apology for the oversight. The swift change from angry jailer to polite host didn't sit right with Alexa. She didn't trust the demon as far as she could throw him. She opened her mouth to give him a piece of her mind, but he wasn't through speaking. That, however, does not explain why you aren't eating. You look like hell.

I'm in hell! She yelled at him. I wouldn't expect you to look grand if I locked you up in the desert, so why do you expect more of me when I haven't been allowed outside of this tiny room?

Wilhelm lifted a hand to flip on the light and turned his head to study the small room. This doesn't resemble anything close to a cell, my dear. Though, I regret you didn't receiveweren't given adequate supplies, you do have use ofwere given a soft bed, bathroom, and reading materials, not to forget the countless meals you sent back to the kitchens. I hardly think this classifies as a 'hellish pit.' I suggest you straighten up, act like a lady, and eat the food provided for you.

Go to hell, Elder! She had noticed the way he licked his lips after taking a deep breath when he entered the room. That should have warned her to be wary around a freshly risen Vampire in need of blood, but she was aching and weak enough not to care.

Don't push me, Keeper. The words were warning enough, but the silky under tones of need had her taking a step back. Behave yourself. There are only ten more days until the New Moon and our wedding. Then, you'll be Mistress Chambers and I will allow you some freedoms.

"You will allow me some freedoms? Her voice rose with indignation, bile rising in her throat as she watched his firm lips pull back from those lethal white teeth in a mocking smile that severed the last remaining hold she had on her rage. Bastard! I will never marry a barbaric killer like you. Nor will I stay ten more damnable days in this pit! Angrily, Alexa grabbed the book she'd been reading off the bed and flung it as hard as she could at his head. Her nails dug into her palms when he deftly caught the heavy book and easily tossed it back on the bed. Outwardly he appeared calm, but for the quick flash of blood red that filled his eyes as his jaw clenched. I'm not some child to lock away until you feel like letting me out!"

I suggest you stop acting like a child, then. His calm tone was at direct odds with the violence threatening in his gaze. In hind-sight she should have stopped, should have pulled a cloak of indifference tight around her thin shoulders and left well enough alone, but Alexa Carver, the woman, was incensed by his ill-mannered attempt at handling her.

Can a child do this? She hadn't counted on his speed, nor had she expected him to recognize the signs of a witch about to barbeque him with a light spell. He deftly ducked the tiny ball of energy she flung out at him. It struck the door and fizzled like a sad little spark. She barely raised her hands together for another attempt when his solid body collided with hers, sending them both back against the wall beside the window with a jarring impact.

Alexa's heart pounded with fear, frustration, anger and even excitement as she found herself squashed between the cool wall and his hot, hard body. His left hand held her wrists together up over her head while his right grasped her chin, effectively keeping her mouth shut, so she couldn't hurl curses at him. Not that she had a chance of working a verbal spell.

You should never have put up a fuss, Keeper. Since you're in need of reminding why you're here under my roof and my protection, then there it is. He easily turned her head, so she was staring out the window. At the gate you'll see two sets of men standing guard. One set on the outside, one in. Can you guess which one of them are Vampires and which ones are Wolven? She felt him smile against her cheek as she gasped. His earth and rosemary scent teased her nose as he turned his head to whisper into her ear. Your cousin showed up at the gate two days ago with her Alpha in tow demanding to see you. I sent them away unharmed, a favor to you as our pact remains unbroken. You will behave, eat, and marry me as arranged when the new moon reaches its zenith. If you don't, then those two at the gate will be the ones to pay for your stubbornness.

Alexa recognized one of the Wolven as the Alpha's second in command. Tray Nibet was a quiet wolf who followed orders and had proven himself loyal to a fault. Her body shuddered at the thought. She would be responsible for his destruction if she didn't go meekly along with the Elder's wishes.

You're a monster, she said, wincing as he bent his head to her exposed neck. She felt his solid chest brush against her breasts as he inhaled her scent deeply. Then there was the unmistakable slide of warm lips against her bare skin. A delicious shiver raced down her spine at the simple touch. Whether it was from fear or excitement, she wasn't quite sure.

I am. There was only acceptance in his rough tone as the warm breath caressed her flesh, making her shiver in reaction. Alexa's heart pounded against her ribs, a fact she knew would only inflame his need to bite, to take her blood. She didn't want that. A gasp escaped her as sharp teeth caressed her neck to slide along to the point of her shoulder. I think you need a small reminder to keep you from imagining different. His words didn't give her enough warning as she felt the burning pain of his fangs scraping her shoulder.

Alexa closed her eyes, her fingernails biting into her palms as she instinctively recognized his need to feed from her. She bit the flesh of her lower lip, forcing back the plea that would make him stop. She was the Keeper of the Treaty and a little bite from a big, bad Vamp wasn't going to break her. His hair brushed against her face, soothing her even as his mouth threatened to ravage her shoulder. She wasn't prepared for the strange way her body reacted to his. Heat radiated from the skin beneath his hot mouth down over her suddenly hardened nipples to center in her lower belly as an unfamiliar ache began to pulsate between her legs.

Alexa's eyes flew open as his body shifted, pressing the undeniable