When the Fur Flies: Sisters of Fate, #1

By Kelliea Ashley

Allison Carver is a Witch fighting to survive a Vampire Elder's lust for revenge, a High Priest's evil plan, and an Alpha Wolf, whose touch she craves more than air. A cat has only so many lives…

Allison Carver is a Witch on a mission to save humanity from the two species of immortals who prey upon them. A Witch accused of abduction, mated to a Wolf, and the focus of a High Priest's revenge, Allison can only pray she has enough cat lives left to get her through.

Wolf Alpha, Reginald Leclair, didn't intend on letting his pack members force him to take a mate, but when a sexy Witch stepped into his path for the second time, his Wolf didn't care that the Witch turned into a Kitten with claws. A Kitten whose innate curiosity and knack for getting into trouble, just might be the straw that broke the Wolf's back.

In a world where immortals are bound by the Tri-Species Treaty, there is little hope for a happy ending between a Wolven and a Witch, unless the Sisters of Fate take a stand.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kelliea Ashley
• Release date: Jun 26, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393819011

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

I was fortunate to find my soul mate in a man who didn't laugh when he found out I'm a creative writing book worm who is addicted to chocolate and gets too talkative when I drink red wine. He supports my writing and gave me a gentle shove when I would have given up. He is a good man with a true heart, and I count myself a lucky woman. Thank you, Joshua. All my love, always.

Chapter One

The world was going to hell in a hand basket! At least that was the familiar phrase that came to mind as Allison Carver sat behind the filthy trash cans watching the chaos unfold before her. The Vampires were on a rampage, and they were facing off with the local Wolven. Apparently, the Vamps thought a wolf took off with their favorite pet. They had no clue that the delicate looking tabby cat huddled behind the garbage cans had snatched their little blonde toy right out from under their undead noses. A surge of pride swelled deep in her chest to fill the gaping hole of loss she constantly carried with her. It was a small victory, but if she could get the two factions to break their treaty then perhaps, they would wipe each other out and rid the world of both their evils. She could hope.

The Vampires stood twenty strong, a large grouping for so early in the night. Very seldom did one venture across more than three of their kind hanging together. Unlike the Wolven who found safety and strength in numbers, the undead were solitary hunters. Their Enforcers were carefully chosen and trained in all forms of fighting. They were strong, determined, and formidable foes in their black leather clothing. She knew that beneath the long black jackets they each wore more sharp blades than she could ever hope to carry on her small body. She had never fought a Vamp Enforcer, nor did she want to...ever.

Her feline eyes focused in on the ten Wolven Warriors standing in their human forms on the other side of her. She knew the Alpha Wolven, Reginald Leclair far better than any Witch should. The Registry of Paranormal Species had him pegged at over a century old, yet he looked young and vital enough for thirty at the most. Jet black hair curled over his ears and forehead in silky strands of temptation that framed a face perpetually shadowed with scruff on his firm jaws. Though she knew he shaved every morning, unlike the men of her coven, who couldn't grow a decent beard without using magical lotions. Reginald's most attractive features were his deep blue eyes that flashed with a sapphire fire in their depths. A girl could get lost in those eyes. Her tail arced and waved as a shiver of longing traversed her entire body.

Damn, if only her attraction for him made any kind of sense. Dogs and cats were supposed to hate each other for crying out loud! Witches were the natural enemy of the Wolven. She wasn't supposed to want his filthy paws on her body, but she did. Badly. Taking a deep breath, she shook her head and concentrated on the tense discussion her two enemies were having. Shifting her ears forward, Allison crouched down and wrapped her long, black tail around her paws. This confrontation was bound to last a while, so decided she might as well make herself comfortable to watch the fun.

Warren Montgomery stepped forward, his black overcoat swinging out from his hard body as he moved without making a sound. His spiked blond hair and angular features were attractive, but his narrowed brown eyes held a warning as he watched Reginald approach him. Allison's whiskers twitched as she fought the need to grin. Montgomery failed to remind her of the Spike character on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Though, he lacked the sexy English accent. It really was a shame, too.

Leclair, you are on the wrong side of the tracks. Montgomery's silky voice broke the tense silence. He was an arrogant bastard, but nowhere near as confident as Reginald, who folded his arms over a broad chest. Her mouth dried as corded muscles rippled in the huge arms left bare by the black cotton T-shirt that clung to his hard body like a lover's embrace. Damn, but she envied the hell out of that shirt!

Allison quietly slipped from the center of the smelly garbage cans to find a better angle to watch all the fun. Okay, she really wanted a better vantage point to drool over the big wolf. What is wrong with me? Her body froze as the Alpha's dark head jerked in her direction. It was a brief look, but one that had her heart beating faster than a drum solo. Her small body trembled as she sank back down on her belly to watch the confrontation. All she needed was for the sexy wolf to come take a bite out of her. Oh...but what a way to go.

As I recall this is the cusp of the full moon, which means you and your faction are supposed to be fasting, Montgomery. In the darkened alley Allison's cat eyes easily discerned one dark brow rising over an icy blue eye. His deep voice sent a shiver of excitement through her fur as she almost closed her eyes to savor the sensation. Biting back the purr humming in the back of her throat, Allison pulled her eyes off the Alpha's big, yummy body to stare at the Enforcer. Montgomery's light complexion and punker looks helped him score with plenty of human women looking for a good time and a bit of nasty trouble. Luckily, he did very little for her libido. Thank the Goddess! Lusting after a wolf was one thing, lusting after the undead she found completely disgusting; no matter how gorgeous they were designed or how heavenly they smelled.

You are correct, but circumstances warrant a hunt this night.

***

Reginald Leclair hadn't lived a long life by being foolish. He knew Montgomery's reputation for making decisive moves based on logic and reason. This Vampire was a cold, calculating enemy. One he didn't want to fight but would if it became necessary. Wolven were not known for backing down from a fight. Truth was they reveled in a good battle.

Is that so? Reginald tilted his head only a fraction of an inch towards the stinking garbage cans to his left. He could smell her there amongst the filthy remains of food and refuse. What the hell did she have to do with this confrontation? He focused back on Montgomery. It wasn't wise to take one's eyes off a Vampire Enforcer, not even to catch a glimpse of a pesky little Witch in fur. Mind if you fill us in on your reasons for stepping over the bounds of the Tri-Species Treaty?

I do mind. Montgomery stepped closer, trying to use the move to intimidate him into backing down. It wasn't going to happen. I don't answer to dogs, Leclair.

Reginald grabbed the Vampire's pale neck and squeezed. Satisfaction filled him as he easily lifted Montgomery off his feet. His inner animal rose at the offending scent of the undead mixing with the lavender of its favorite Witch. A warning growl emanated from deep within his massive chest as Reginald gritted his teeth in rage. He felt both groups step forward, readying themselves for a battle. One word and the small alley would be an instant battlefield; one that would no doubt nullify the treaty and endanger his pack. It took some effort to reign in the beast hungering for blood.

I could snap your head right off your shoulders, Montgomery. Answers are the only things that may prevent that. His growls turned to a chuckle as the Vampire hissed, showing lethal fangs. Put the sharpies away, pal. I'm not scared of those when I have a full set of my own. He heard the laughter of the pack members standing behind him and felt the animosity of the Enforcers rise to the bait.

I'd tell you, but I have a feeling you already know why we've come out.

Is that so? All manner of jest disappeared as Reginald sensed the importance of Montgomery's unspoken accusations. The back of his neck prickled with a warning of trouble to come. Please, humor me. He set Montgomery back on his feet but kept his fingers firmly on the Enforcer's throat. He would never get a better opportunity to end the creature before him but taking the dark one's life would come with heavy consequences. Least of all being the safety of the little cat squatting behind the garbage. The Tri-Species Treaty kept the three factions from all-out war—a war which would inevitably lead to their discovery by humans. Once that Pandora's Box opened no amount of magic or supernatural powers would save them. Give in to his baser instincts and he would end the hard won peace between the three species and bring war and death to those he vowed to protect.

I wouldn't do that. Your head will roll faster than you can pull that knife from its sheath. He grinned as Montgomery pulled his reaching hand from inside his coat. The Vampire wasn't stupid, just overconfident, and arrogant beyond measure. Still, he wasn't stupid.

The Elder's intended is missing. Know anything about that?

Reginald didn't flinch nor look towards the trash cans, but he wanted to. The Elder would not take kindly to losing his future bride. How the hell had she pulled that off? And why the hell were these bloodsuckers laying the blame at his door? A growl slipped out as he glared at Montgomery.

Now, why would we want anything to do with your Elder's bride? Our tastes run more to the heart beating, warm-blooded type of woman. Several of the men standing behind him chuckled at his remark.

Elaina Dunt is human, will be until she's bound to the Elder. Montgomery hissed at him. She was taken at daybreak. Rival bloodlines would have struck at night. There's no one else who could have done it, not without taking out the entire Hive, that is. The Elder is determined to reclaim her as soon as possible. If you know what's good for you and this rabble of flea bitten mutts, you'll return her before the new moon, Leclair.

If that's a threat, it's falling on the wrong ears. We had nothing to do with this. Nor would my pack lower themselves enough to trespass on your territory. The undead possess nothing we would want. Reginald thrust Montgomery back away from him. The Vampire widened his arms to hold back his men as they stepped forward hissing.

Word on the street says different. Warren Montgomery narrowed his dark eyes. Accusation blaring righteously in his gaze as it moved from one Wolven to the next. Reginald sensed he was looking for any sign of guilt. He would find none in the men behind him.

Whose word? The malice in the question had Montgomery smiling in response, his sharp white teeth gleaming in the dim light from a streetlamp.

Her word is trustworthy.

Who? Reginald barked out. His big hands clenched into tight fists at his sides. He wasn't known for keeping his temper when time was so short for the full moon. It took all his power of self-restraint to keep from attacking the enemy, as his inner wolf was howling to do.

The Keeper of the Tri-Species Treaty, Alexa Carver.

There was a collective gasp from the Wolven males at his back. A feeling of dread had Reginald biting back the need to viciously curse as he fought to keep his animal from surging to the surface and overtaking him. They had been betrayed by the one Witch who was supposed to protect them.

Chapter Two

Allison sensed the astonished shock of the alpha, but she couldn't see any visible form of surprise on his handsome face. He held the Vampire's attention with a stony expression. One would think Montgomery had casually mentioned something about the weather for all he reacted. Instead, the Vampire had thrown the Keeper of the Treaty's condemnation in Reginald's face like a grenade. She had to admit the repercussions of Alexa's actions could be just as catastrophic.

Damn it, Alexa! Biting back a hiss, Allison dug her claws into the dirty concrete beneath her. She wanted to strangle her cousin. If Warren Montgomery's declaration were found to be true, then the fate of her cousin would end in a swift death. Her ears flattened to her head and she barely managed to keep the growling hiss from bursting from her heaving chest.

As the sworn Keeper of the Treaty, Alexa had taken a blood oath to uphold all doctrines set by the Tri-Species Council. If the treaty were the word of the Goddess' people, then Alexa, as the Keeper, was the Goddess' living sword. She kept all who claimed sanctuary beneath the treaty in line. The future of the three main houses of the pre-human world; Witches, Vampires, and Wolven depended on her impartial acts. If what Warren Montgomery claimed was found to be true, then the Keeper had broken her oath and would pay in blood. Her blood.

Only one thing could make Alexa do such a stupid thing; the protection of one she loved and claimed kinship to. The one person who held her heart and her protection. Allison knew beyond a doubt that the blame for Alexa's stupid, selfless act lay solely at her own black paws. Oh, why did she do it! Frustration had her whiskers twitching. Silently she glared at the Vampire as he sent the unmoving alpha a triumphant grin. How she wished Reginald would snap the bloodsucker's neck right off his magnificent shoulders! What a mess!

Of course, she knew why her cousin had tossed her oath and her life to the four winds. Alexa couldn't keep her pert little nose out of her younger cousin's business. Yes, Alexa knew of Allison's vow to help Elaina Dunt escape the Elder's cold chambers of death, but that was no reason for her to lay the trail of blame at the Wolven Alpha's door. Sure, like most of their kind, her cousin distrusted both the Wolven and the Vampires in equal measure. They were abominations of nature, outside the realm of the pure, and— in most Witch eyes—must eventually be destroyed. Sooner rather than later!

Allison didn't completely disagree with the sentiment. Both factions preyed on humans for their own pleasure and existence. The Vampires more so than the Wolven, but both were a danger to her charges. Whether the humans knew of her existence or not, she'd made the pledge to protect and care for them. They were the weaker species, but she believed them to be more resilient, more worthy of holding the future in their hands. They loved and lived with a zest for life she wished she could share in, but she was alone. Destined to be alone to carry out her job, she had long ago accepted her future of sacrifice, but in no way would she allow Alexa to be harmed. Something must be done. Her older cousin wouldn't lose her life because she couldn't set aside the ridiculous need to watch out for her safety. She found it sadly ironic that the Keeper needed a keeper to stay out of the fire.

No, she'd save Alexa by taking full responsibility for her actions. What could the Witch's Council do to her that they hadn't already done? Not much. She was already an outcaste, forced into the seclusion of a Solitary Witch. She would continue to fight the good fight, and eventually bite the fiery bullet some day when her time to cross over came. She was good with that.

The sound of the deep growls emanating from Alpha Leclair's chest told her it could be sooner than she hoped. She would have to be ready for him. She was smaller, faster, and smarter. Too bad he was stronger... advantage wolf.

The Keeper is mistaken, which is not so surprising for a young female with more power than brains. Her tail puffed out at Reginald's slight toward her older kin. She barely held back the hiss of displeasure.

The Keeper of the Tri-Species Treaty is neutral. Her word is unquestionable. Montgomery argued.

In this instance, she is wrong. You have my word, and I dare you to refute it. Behind Reginald, his pack seemed to be readying themselves to defend their leader. Allison knew they would follow their alpha through the gates of hell, if he chose to run through them. The Vampires out-numbered them, but the moon was high in the sky, making the Wolven males stronger and faster. The bloodsuckers should have been in their darkened Hive fasting far out of Wolven sights. Unfortunately, thanks to her cousin, they were out on the hunt and looking in the wrong place for answers.

The word of a Wolven? Hmm...No matter how much I'd love to test it, I suppose it'll have to do. My orders were to feel you out, not snap your neck as I'm tempted to do. You have until the new moon, Leclair. At that time the treaty is null and void. I would rather not dirty my hands with you and your mutts, but I will if Elaina Dunt is not returned to us unharmed. We'll have a wedding or a massacre. The choice is yours. Montgomery's leather coat swung in a wide arc as he turned his back to the Wolven Alpha. He was either very brave, or ridiculously ignorant. She'd place a bet on a little bit of both with a healthy measure of cocky to boot.

Go back to your Elder, and tell him I don't appreciate doing his dirty work for him. However, since he isn't motivated enough to search for the truth, I will investigate the situation for him free of charge. Though, he will owe me.

Allison saw the danger in Montgomery's instant sneer. He gave the Vampire Enforcers in front of him a killing look that had the ones standing close to him stepping back. The feral look disappeared as quickly as it overcame his pale face. A grin, chilling her beneath the thickness of her fur, replaced it. Her stomach clenched in sudden apprehension as his head swiveled over his right shoulder in seemingly slow motion.

I'll be sure to relay the message to the Elder.

Yeah, you do that. Reginald returned his smile with a toothy grin. Allison didn't dare breathe as the two males committed to a silent stare down behind overly friendly grins. Reginald won as Montgomery turned away, his long legs gliding over the broken asphalt in the opposite direction. His men quickly followed his exit as he slid into the shadows.

Allison couldn't stop the impulse to stretch her neck around the smelly garbage can. Reginald Leclair stood tall and silent, that uncharacteristic grin on his handsome face as he watched his enemy leave the alley. Only the slight narrowing of his dark eyebrows betrayed his annoyance at the confrontation. She slowly edged backwards, careful to tuck her tail between her legs to keep it from smacking the aluminum cans surrounding her. The last thing she needed to do was attract the unwanted attention of the Wolven Warriors grouped together just beyond the garbage. Though she'd gladly face all of them if she could avoid the one wolf that could turn her into a stuttering, horny, teenager.

***

Reginald watched as the Vampires melted into the shadows. Before he blended in with the darkness at the farthest end of the alley Warren Montgomery sent him a wide smile and a snappy salute. The Elder's second in command had a reputation for being a playboy with the women and a jokester with his friends. To an enemy, he could be rabid as a coyote. Reginald didn't trust him. He waited several minutes to see if they were coming back. His muscles didn't relax when they didn't return. Behind him, his pack members stayed just as still, just as wary. They knew the danger of dealing with Vampires. The Death Wars of the first millennium were bloody and filled with stories of packs being lost to the undead. The smaller the pack, the easier they met their destruction. He would never allow that to happen to his people. If war came, they were more than ready to meet it. And thanks to his government contacts, they would not be alone.

Still, this meant trouble. Trouble he didn't want nor need at the moment, not while his pack was trying to force him to take a mate. Just that morning two of his council members approached him about taking a mate. He wasn't getting any younger, a fact they impressed upon him with the tact of a bull in a china shop. When would he give the pack an heir to continue his line? Shouldn't he find a mate from another pack and form an unbreakable bond to strengthen the pack's position? Really, he just loved being used as a stud and a political pawn all at the same time! He let out the breath he hadn't realized he was holding in. If he wanted to face the truth, then he'd admit that the fault lay with him. Remaining a bachelor with no urge to bite any of the many females he'd taken into his bed had more to do with a lack of interest than the need to taste the pollen of many flowers. While many had pleased him, not a one of them caught his wolf's interest enough for the stubborn beast to come forward enough for a bite. It seemed his wolf wanted to be picky in choosing a mate, but unfortunately, the alpha couldn't be so choosy.

Reginald knew his mistake was in remaining alone for too long. If the council members were right, the pack felt they were weakened without a strong alpha pair leading them. They were right to expect him to mate, and he was duty bound to do so—in his own damn time.

Reginald turned to face his brothers and flexed his tense shoulder muscles. God, he was feeling old. It seems we have a situation on our hands. I'm calling this hunt quits for tonight. At his words several of his men loudly complained, but immediately quieted at his raised hand. I know you were looking forward to this...hunt. He couldn't help grinning at the word 'hunt,' especially when the group only wanted to go to the local watering hole and get their drink on. Wolven males liked to drink, dance, and party it up on their first night of freedom after the solitary days and nights of the new moon.

Sorry, guys. This thing with the Vamp's missing their sacrificial lamb negates a night on the town. I need you to go back and inform the others. I want all ears open for any news of the missing Elaina Dunt. It seems we're involved in this situation, whether we want to be or not.

The Keeper of the Treaty must be confronted. Tray Nibet, his Beta and second in command, looked eager to go after the traitor. Alexa Carver's sworn duty was to remain neutral and keep to the guidelines of the treaty, but in this case, she had mistakenly taken a side and would need to be removed. If her act against the treaty could be proven, then she would not only be removed from her distinguished position, but she'd also lose her life. Proving her misdeed would not be an easy thing to accomplish.

We'll discuss this back at the Den. He spoke directly to Tray. The red-haired Wolven glared but nodded his head. I will follow you back to the Den in a bit. Reginald knew the furry little ears were listening to them. He also knew the nosy little Witch would die