Rise of the Cruxim: Hell's Guardian Chronicles, #5

By Bria Lexor

18-year-old Elaina Frayfield, is a latent vampire known as a Stregoni Benefici, who's thrust into the vampire world and becomes Hell's Guardian, a vampire heroine who protects the Lugat from the evil Varacolaci. Will Lain survive long enough to protect the innocent, or will she die trying?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bria Lexor
• Release date: May 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393951629

Bria Lexor

Bria Lexor is the author of popular Paranormal Romance books. She lives in Colorado and works on her books full-time.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Iwas just closing the store after another exhausting day at work. It was a dry-cleaning store called PARADISE CLEANERS, and Sue was the store owner. Sue was a woman in her mid 40’s with short graying hair that used to be brown, brown eyes and thin glasses. She let me work for her after finding out that I was homeless and living out of my car. It’s a white 1998 Toyota Corolla. My adopted mom kicked me out a few weeks ago, leaving me to fend for myself. So I moved out to Hollywood California to start my life over. My names Elaina Lain for short Frayfield, I’m eighteen and a high school dropout. Yeah, I don’t know what my adopted mom was thinking when she named me either, but it is what it is. I have long black hair, dark brown eyes, and I’m very anti-social. I’m totally a pleasant person, I just don’t like people all that much. The dry cleaning building was a normal boring store. There was an abandoned building behind it that looked like it was crawling with ghosts. I shuttered as a chilly breeze blew past me. I was so lost in my thoughts I didn’t see a man had crept up behind me until I felt the hard barrel of the gun rubbing against my temple.

Unlock the doors and get me into the vault. The man ordered me to do his bidding, but my body froze and I was in total shock at what was going on. I said open the Goddamn doors! He yelled, hustling me against the glass. My hands were rocking, and I’d dropped the keys to the ground, making a clunking sound.

This guy’s going to kill me! ...

The next thing I knew someone or something that was strong rushed the guy and I screamed as I turned and saw my attacker fighting off someone. The lighting wasn’t that great, and the man had a ski mask on, making it impossible to identify him to the police. The guy fighting my attacker looked at me, and his eyes were a bright bluish color that glowed in the light. Run towards that building... now!

Ugh! Something in my being kicked in and I ran as fast as I could towards the abandoned building. There was an old chain-linked fence that’s partially pushed back, and I squeezed my way through and ran towards the back door. I hesitated because it’s probably locked. But to my surprise, when I pulled on the handle, it opened and I ran inside, pulling it shut behind me. I was panting, and I kicked my adrenaline into overdrive. I could hear my heart pounding loudly in my ears as my eyes adjusted to the thick darkness of the room. Suddenly I felt a hand grab me by the throat and picked me up off the floor. I struggled to free myself and recognized the bright blue of his eyes. The boy slowly removed his hand from around my neck, and I gasped for air. I reached for my throat and got a good look at him. He was tall; his hair was blonde and is matted from the fight. His skin was pale, and I couldn’t help but stare at him because he was so hot.

He must’ve felt my gaze because he snapped at me. You can stop gawking anytime now!

I gasped as I turned away just as the lights came on and a cool female voice filled the quiet room, making me jump out of my skin.

Nitan! She growled. "You brought a mortal... here?" I looked up to find a beautiful woman dressed in scarlet attire, dark sunglasses, and her hair was black and shoulder length. Her skin’s slightly tanned.

She was being attacked-

"We don’t interfere in human affairs!" She snapped at him.

Nitan scoffed. Guess I should have let that guy kill her then, Nitan replied as he looked at me. I quickly averted my gaze to the ground so he wouldn’t yell at me again.

Why do I smell a-

A girl dressed in purple walked into the room and glared down at me.

Damn... If looks could kill...

"Who the hell brought that thing here?!" She said, pointing her index finger at me. Nitan became angry and jumped up to the top level and started arguing with the girl in purple. I realized that nobody was paying attention to me, so I quietly snuck back into the other room where I had first come through and I saw the metal door that led to my freedom.

This is it, Lain... it’s now or never...

I ran to the door and pulled it open. I felt the cool air hit my face as I squeezed back through the fence. I felt a slight stinging sensation in my left arm as I cut myself on a loose wire. The pain was minimal as I made my way back through the parking lot. Relief flooded through me as I spotted my beat-up Corolla in the distance. I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw that someone had slashed my tires to shit. Someone had keyed my car too. I looked back to where the guy had been lying, but he vanished.

That damn thief must have done this to my damn car!...

I snapped out of my daze when someone shoved me roughly up against my car, and I screamed in surprise as I looked at my attacker’s face. It was Nitan, and he looked pissed. Nitan pinned my wrists up against the top of the car, and he stared at me, panting. We stared at each other for a moment longer, and then Nitan dropped my wrists and leaned up against the car right beside me. Nitan crossed his arms and stared into the growing darkness, lost in his thoughts. Finally, he spoke.

Serafina wants to give you a job.

Huh? It surprised me at his words that caught me off guard. A-a job? I guess I had a confused look on my face because he rolled his eyes at me.

Yeah, and I suggest that you take it, Nitan replied.

Well... what if I don’t want to? I challenged him, and he smirked.

Well, then... she’ll kill you...

I gasped as I suddenly felt like someone had punched me in the stomach as I stumbled to the hood of my car; I examined the theft’s handiwork. The letter V’s largely carved into the paint. Just great, I frowned as Nitan came to inspect the damage for himself he shoved me away from the car and I nearly lost my balance. I was getting ready to yell at him when he got on his cell and called someone.

What is wrong with this guy? ...

I found her, but there’s a problem. I felt the fear rising in my chest. Yeah, I dun know why they’re after her either... I knew he was talking about me, but I don’t know who they were. So what should I do with her?

My adrenaline kicked in again, and I ran in the opposite direction of Nitan and that creepy vampire building. If he was planning on killing me, I would not stick around to find out. It was a good thing that I was a runner, but as I stumbled over an old railroad track, they pushed me down and rocks scraped my face and arms. Pain instantly shot up through my body as someone pulled me roughly to my feet. I was breathing hard as I mentally kicked myself in the ass for thinking that I could actually outrun a vampire. Nitan pushed me until my back was against a chain-link fence and it vibrated behind me.

Hey, would ya stop running away from me?! Nitan growled as he released me.

I would if you weren’t trying to kill me! I said angrily bumping into his shoulder, and he grabbed me by the wrist making me look at him.

If I wanted you dead, I wouldn’t have saved you in the first place! Nitan yelled.

Ugh! There was something about how he said that that made me stop fighting him. Nitan sighed as he moved his hair out of his face. I felt him loosen his grip a bit, but this time I didn’t pull away and he seemed taken aback by that.

Serafina wants me to escort you home, Nitan said, letting me go as I followed him through the empty parking lot and back towards my car.

Thanks but I-

Look, I don’t like this any more than you, but the Varacolaci just marked you as their next target and-

Valco, what? I asked walking to where my bag was lying on the ground, and I picked it up rummaging through it for my keys.

"Varacolaci, they're a breed of undead vampires... and they want you dead."

I shook my head as I unlocked the door, but Nitan pulled me away again. I became irritated. Look! I started. You can’t take me home because...

I stopped and looked away, hoping my hair would shield my eyes so he wouldn’t see me crying.

Because?... Nitan wanted me to finish what had pained me to say.

I sighed. Because I live in my car... I whispered. Nitan was at a loss for words. I guess he didn’t expect me to say that I was homeless or something. I was just evicted from my friend's apartment on brief notice and I started this job three days ago so I could eventually get a place of my own but-

The tears started, and I turned away from him. But Nitan did something that surprised even himself. He turned me back towards him and gently pulled me into his strong muscular arms. I felt his hand move down to the small of my back, and I looked up at him. He smiled at me and at that moment only he and I existed. I felt the warmth of his body against mine and my mind went blank.

I’m going to take care of you... Nitan whispered to me and then...

Ugh! There was a sharp pain that felt like a thousand tiny volts of electricity on the left side of my neck, and I pushed him away from me and noticed a black Taser gun in his right hand. I shook violently, and I fell forward, hitting my head against the asphalt and blacked out. I had nightmares about the thief with a gun. This time he pointed the barrel at my face and pulled the trigger. I screamed as someone restrained my arms it scared me, and I’m stuck.

Let me go! I screamed, and a voice I recognized slowly calmed me down.

Relax... He said. I’m not going to hurt you!

Huh? I opened my eyes, and Nitan was on top of me, looking into my eyes.

I’m going to let you go now... okay?

I nodded my head and Nitan rolled off of me and lay beside me on the bed. I looked around and realized that I was in a bedroom somewhere. A flat-screen TV was on the news, a black dresser was on the right-hand side of the room, and a laptop sat on top of a black computer desk. The lid was open, and it surprised me to see my picture looking back at me. Nitan ran to the desk and slammed the lid shut.

What are you doing? I asked him as I sat up. My neck was throbbing, and I suddenly remembered the Taser gun Nitan had pinned in my neck.

Get out of here Lain!...

My eyes fell on the door then to Nitan, but he’d already figured out my plan because when I bolted Nitan had beaten me to it and I backed away from him.

Nice try, but like I said... I’m going to take care of you. Nitan walked towards me, and I steadily backed away until my legs hit the bed frame.

What now... I’m stuck in this stupid room with this guy?! ...

Dude, why the hell did you tase me for?! I asked, narrowing my eyes at him. He just smiled and walked back to the computer and lifted the lid.

Because you’re a latent vampire, meaning that you’re a natural-born vampire, and I stumbled upon you.

I laughed at him, and he shoved me back onto the bed and looked down at me. What makes you think I want to be a vampire in the first place? I asked, arching my back towards him as he lowered his body until his weight forced me back onto the bed. I stared into his mesmerizing eyes, and I suddenly wanted him.

Look, if you’re going to be my partner, you’re going to have to accept that you’re a vampire. Nitan’s voice was smooth and calm. He rubbed his nose against my neck and I felt my body tense up a bit. You want to, my partner... don’t you? The more Nitan touched me, the more I wanted his body.

Yeah... My mind went blank as Nitan kissed me.

Good girl... He said, and I kissed him back as we started making out. Normally I wouldn’t do something like this, but Nitan saved me from that guy and it just sort of happened, anyway. Nitan pulled me closer and whispered in my ear. You should get some sleep. he said as he ran his fingers slowly down my arm.

Why? I asked as I looked up at him. He smiled again.

Because when you wake up, you’re going to be very, exhausted... Before I could say anything, he bit my neck, and I screamed and passed out from the pain. I woke up with a pounding headache and a sore body. It was the worst hangover I’ve ever had, but I didn’t remember drinking any alcohol. In fact, the previous night had all been a blur to me.

Snow White lives. I groaned as I sat up, shielding my eyes with my hand from the sudden brightness that filled the room. When my eyes adjusted, I looked up to see a guy that looked somewhat familiar, but I couldn’t place where I’d seen him. He had a huge grin on his face, and I couldn’t figure out why.

What? I finally asked, looking at him strangely.

Nothing, His grin got even wider, and I looked in the mirror and saw a purplish mark on my neck.

You gave me a hickey? I asked, throwing him a dirty look.

Oh yeah, He walked over to the black computer chair and sat down looking at me with a serious face. Lain, your life is in danger...

I scoffed at him. "I don’t remember giving you my name?" I said, stretching out my arm muscles. He picked up a card and turned it towards me. It was my driver’s license.

It fell out of your purse last night when I brought you here. I yawned, waking up a little more.

Err... What’s your name again? I felt stupid for not remembering it.

Nitan Westfall. He stood to shake my hand.

Lain Frayfield, I gasped at the sudden realization that Nitan had bitten me, and I ran to the mirror and examined my neck a bit closer. I saw two tiny puncture wounds were there, and I opened my mouth to find that I had fangs.

This is a dream... I’m going to wake up, and everything will be fine...

I closed my eyes for a moment, and when I opened them I saw a pair of glowing blue eyes staring back at me. My mind was racing with a million thoughts as I paced back and forth, ready to give Nitan an earful. But when I saw him my anger gave way to fear and Nitan was by my side in seconds holding me in his arms.

You’re going to be okay... He whispered.

Am I? I asked, looking up at him.

I wouldn’t have saved you if I didn’t think that you’d make for a good Hunter Lain... I let him hold me a moment longer, then I nodded my head.

Alright... I trust you. I replied, forcing a smile.

Good. He walked over to a black backpack and tossed it to me. I broke into your car and get you some clothes. I just looked at the bag, then back at Nitan.

You know you could have just used the keys. He smiled, and I felt at ease around him. I unzipped the backpack and found a few pairs of jeans, five shirts, a handful of panties and some socks. Thanks, I said as I grabbed a pair of jeans, a blue shirt and a pair of purple panties along with a pair of socks. I looked up at him and noticed that he’d forgotten something. What... no bra? He looked surprised, but I laughed as I headed for the shower. Dude... I’m kidding! I said closing the door I ran the water. I stepped inside and let the droplets run down my body. I wondered how I was going to fare as a Hunter; in fact, I didn’t even know what the hell I was going to be hunting! I finished my shower and quickly got dressed. When I came out of the bathroom, I saw Nitan packing up my backpack as I combed through my hair with my fingers.

What are you doing? I asked as I put on my socks and shoes.

Nitan swung the bag over his shoulder and stood by my side. Did you see something move out there? I looked out the window and felt a sharp pain in my neck. I realized that Nitan had bitten me again.

Ugh! I felt dizzy, and I lost my balance and fell into Nitan and passed out. I awoke and lay in the bed, and I scanned the room for Nitan, but he vanished. I threw the blankets off of me, and there was a loud knock at the door.

Maybe that’s Nitan, and he locked himself out...

Relief flooded through me as I raced to the door and unlocked it. I pulled it open and was disappointed to find a younger guy in his mid 20’s is dressed in blue jeans, a black T-shirt, red Converse shoes and his brown hair’s slicked back. He was cute, but something about him was off. We looked at each other for a moment and then he smiled, showing his fangs.

Vampires... I hate vampires...

I backed away from him as he came into the room and picked up my backpack and waited for me by the door.

Should I go with him? ...

Miss Frayfield If you would come with me I will take you to the academy.

Huh? I followed him out of the cheap hotel room and stopped dead in my tracks to find a Limo waiting, and the driver was holding the door open for me.

No way this is for me? ...

The driver wore a black suit with a black hat. He stood smiling at me. Miss Frayfield. There was urgency in his voice. We must leave now if you are to get to the academy on time. I hesitated for a moment, then I climbed into the back seat, and the driver closed the door. I looked around the Limo, and it was amazing. It was very spacious, the seats were comfortable, and the lights were a dim bluish color that cast enough glow in the Limo. There was an icebox with a wine bottle in it. I picked it up to read the label and noticed that it was blood.

Ugh! I made a face as I placed it back in the ice, and a female voice across from me made me jump in my seat.

You should drink some... you might like it. I yelped in surprise when I realized that I wasn’t the only one in the Limo. I looked across from me, and a girl around my age sat with a smile, looking back at me. She was beautiful. She had shoulder-length black hair that was straight. She wore a strapless white dress that flowed down to the floor. She wore no make-up, only a shiny lip gloss, and a white bracelet on her right wrist that looked like pearls. She studied me and kept that serene smile on her face, and I eased up around her. Sorry, She said in a light voice. I didn’t mean to frighten you.

It’s okay. I said, laughing nervously. I didn’t enjoy being around strangers or large groups of people scared the hell out of me.

Lain, do you know why you’re here? Her question hit me, and I didn’t know, but I wanted to, so I shook my head. Her warm smile grew even wider. She looked like she had some secret that she wanted to share, but I didn’t know if I was the right person. Lain, I’ve been waiting for someone like you for a long, long time.

I looked at her, then down at my feet. And you think it’s me? She laughed, and her smile never faltered from her face.

Why is it so surprising that others would believe in you? This was a more challenging question because I’ve always hidden behind a mask that covered my actual feelings. My mother told me she adopted me, so I never knew my actual parents. Even though I was really shy, I have always been polite to my elders. When I felt threatened or challenged by someone, I didn’t hold back my opinion for anyone, and I picked a fight with all authority figures. When I didn’t answer, she took off a gold necklace and held it out to me. This may be hard for you to believe, but I have chosen you as the next guardian.

I took it from her hand and examined it. It was a star-shaped pendant with six scarlet-colored gems. A guardian of what exactly? I asked, arching an eyebrow as I placed the pendant around my neck.

A guardian who protects the Lugat from the Varacolaci, and a guardian who’ll bring salvation back to the Lugat. She beamed with pride as she said the next words. Hell’s Guardian...

My jaw dropped, and I was hoping this had all been a joke, but she simply smiled and waited for my reply. I will not be a guardian of hell! My voice got higher than I wanted, but now I didn’t care. Sure, I stole a cute shirt from the mall once, but that’s not evil enough to send me to hell for?! I was rambling, and yet she sat patiently through my useless ranting. I made out with a vampire last night... Is that the reason I’m going to hell?

Now she looked amused. Sorry lady, but you’ve gotta find someone else for the job because I’m clearly not-

She put up her hand to silence me, and I quickly shut up. There is no one else for the job, Lain. Her words made my mind race, and I seriously wanted out of this guardian hell thingy.

But-but- I stammered. This girl was putting the vampire world on my shoulders, and I’m scared out of my mind. As Hell’s Guardian, you must put the Lugat first, and find the Demonic Guardians to help you find the missing Lugat princess.

I just stared at her. And that’s it? I asked, hoping that if I did this guardian thing, then I would be off the hook. Boy, was I wrong.

She shook her head at me. I’m afraid this isn’t as simple as it sounds. She looked up through the sunroof and started at the morning sky. Becoming a guardian is a full-time job Lain... you must sacrifice everything meaning you’ll have no social life, no love life and no personal life. She named my antisocial self to a tee, so that really wasn’t a problem for me. The problem was becoming a guardian and protecting others who were depending on me. I wasn’t sure if I was up to the task. I guess she sensed my dilemma because she smiled. I know you’re afraid and unsure of yourself, but if you choose to become Hell’s Guardian, you’ll save so many souls from damnation."

Now I felt bad for those Lugat vampires, and my willingness to do the right thing outweighed my fears. Fine, I said reluctantly. Definitely not for me... but for the Lugat who are depending on me.

You are going to change the world, Lain... I sighed, knowing that my life was going to get a lot more interesting. Too bad I didn’t know how interesting, but interesting. To transform into Hell’s Guardian, you must hold the star pendent in your hand and shout: Firelash Power!" This was way too much information to take in, and I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I opened my eyes and am surprised to see that the girl disappeared. I looked around me, and I was alone.

What the hell just happened? ...

I wondered if I had been hallucinating because of the lack of blood. I touched my neck and picked up the pendent. It was real, and I studied it once more, looking at how the small gems glimmered in the blue light. I felt sick to