Amare: Bloodlines

By J Gaines

A sequel to Amare: Bloodstreams.
Another innocent has been murdered in cold blood. A friend who Amias swore to protect has been cut down by the same man who killed his brother, and it’s only a matter of time before more victims are slain. As Kaden continues his bloody crusade to wipe out all who refuse to join him, Amias must fight against every instinct that screams inside of him for revenge.  
At a time in which he’s never felt more alone, Amias is asked to become the leader his people need him to be. His superhuman abilities have given him strength he never believed he could control, but deep inside he knows the terrible truth, that even he is no match for Kaden.  
Amias stands on the brink of a war he never wanted to be a part of, now a symbol of hope that he never wanted to be. Kaden has taken everything from him, and now as he amasses more followers to his deadly army, Amias and the altéré must rise and fight, or be destroyed forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Troubador Publishing Ltd
• Release date: Mar 22, 2019
• ISBN: 9781838598891

Book preview

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.

Lao Tzu

Prologue

I’m dead.

It was cold, but as he ran he could feel his t-shirt, wet with sweat, clinging to his back. He stopped and placed his hands on his knees, sucking in large gulps of air. His fitness wasn’t what it used to be. He coughed loudly, spat onto the road and winced. He’d never been one for running longer distances – give him a short sprint anytime, he wasn’t built for this kind of exercise. He looked down at the puddle of saliva between his muddy trainers: lucky he’d managed to slip them on before making his escape. A sudden noise caused him to spin around, and he saw a cat skulking through the shadows and disappearing over a fence. He swallowed nervously as he peered down the dark street.

Where are you, Amias?

He continued running for another twenty minutes before he was forced to stop again. Now his breathing was even more laboured. He wiped his wet brow with his palm, and with his other hand, he pulled his phone from his pocket. It lit up to show an irreparably damaged screen. He cursed out loud, shaking his head and looking back in the direction he’d come from. Maybe I’ve lost them? He’d used all his training and every trick he knew to do so. A small smug satisfaction crept into his mind. If he’d lost them, he hadn’t managed to elude just anyone; he’d escaped the most dangerous man he’d ever heard of.

Please help me, Amias!

The thought of Kaden hunting him propelled him into movement again, and he trotted along the road, keeping to the middle. At the entrance to the park he stopped, trying to decide on the best path to take. His best option was through the park; this would get him where he needed to go more quickly, and he’d have a much clearer view of anyone approaching him – but he was scared. He stood silently for a moment, considering the choices, before launching himself through the gate. I can do this; don’t be a coward. I’m going to make it.

As he ran, his mind turned over the same thought. How did they find me? He’d not told anyone where his apartment was, and he’d been careful always to enter from the rear entrance. He ran past a church and suddenly remembered his last conversation with Amias. He’d offered him sanctuary, but he knew that with the offer came an expectation that he’d need to revisit a part of his life he’d tried to forget. He didn’t agree with what Kaden was doing, but he didn’t want to be part of trying to stop him. Goddamn it. Why can’t I just be left alone. He started to run faster.

He’ll be here soon.

He was almost halfway through the park when he stopped again; he was getting tired and he felt weak. His heavy frame and large muscles were working in a way they weren’t used to, and he was struggling to take in enough oxygen to keep them going. He looked around, hungrily sucking in huge breaths. As he looked down the winding path he’d just taken, he thought he saw a person standing in the distance, watching him. His heart began to beat even faster as he tried to focus on what they were wearing, but they were gone, leaving him wondering if he was imagining things.

Was it him?

He left the path and sprinted across the park towards the exit with renewed energy. His feet and legs were wet from the dew by the time he reached a steep hill. The hairs on the back of his neck and arms rose as he realised he was being hunted. When he reached the top of the hill, he turned and saw the dark figure standing at the bottom, looking up at him. In the darkness, he couldn’t make out who it was, but he knew they’d come for him. I still have a chance, I’m up here and they’re not. He could feel the adrenaline in his body preparing him for what was to come. Looking down the other side of the hill, he saw another person – and he watched in terror as they began to climb the slope.

There was one more chance before he’d resign himself to fighting his way free. He put his head down and ran along the top of the hill, sensing that the two people climbing the steep slope had also quickened their pace. This was what he was built for; nobody could catch him in a sprint, especially when he had the advantage of a headstart. He saw the flat peak of the hill begin to slope downwards; bushes and trees sprang from the darkness in front of him, and his eyes widened as he felt freedom lying within his grasp. He’d reached the slope and was almost free when, unexpectedly, his legs buckled underneath him. He grunted in pain as his torso and head slammed heavily against the ground. He rolled along the wet grass, twisting his body instinctively. As he looked up, he saw the tall figure of Kaden standing in front of him. Kaden’s hair was swept back neatly, and in one hand he carried a sheathed Japanese Katana sword. In the other, Reuben knew, he carried his death.

I need your help now.

This has been fun, Reuben, but now it’s time to stop.

Reuben scrambled to his feet and readied himself as best as he could. Two other unknown men joined them on the summit of the hill and flanked Kaden. Escape was out of the question now, and so was fighting his way free.

Why are you doing this, Kaden? You must know I’ve turned Amias down? Reuben panted, trying to catch his breath and considering the cold black eyes of his pursuer.

I did hear that, Reuben, replied Kaden nonchalantly.

Then why are you here?

Kaden ignored his question and turned to the two men. One of them laughed cruelly and stepped forward as the other watched silently. The man moved towards Reuben, but then sidestepped and danced erratically around him. Reuben watched cautiously and saw that he wore a strange necklace that fell to below his chest. The man noticed his interest and laughed. Do you like my necklace, Reuben? He moved closer and hooked his thumbs under it, shaking it as he moved closer. Reuben turned his head in horror, repulsed as an assortment of body parts shook in unison.

The man laughed again. Don’t worry, Reuben, I don’t wear it all of the time… only when I’m hunting, he added with a wicked smile. They’re my trophies!

You must forgive my friend’s manners, Reuben, Kaden said with a laugh. He’s a little wild and sometimes forgets to introduce himself. This is Andre.

The man shot out a hand and held it in front of him. Reuben ignored it and looked around him desperately, clinging to a small hope that help could still arrive. He wondered what Amias was truly capable of, and if somehow he could hear his thoughts and his silent cry for help. He held his fists up protectively, glancing up at the stars which suddenly seemed to fill the clear night sky.

I need you, Amias…

The man named Andre crouched suddenly and let out a long whistle through a hideous grin. He wants to fight, boss. Shall I fight him?

Kaden threw Andre the sword and he caught it, spinning and unsheathing it in one movement. Suddenly Reuben found it even harder to breathe and he dropped to his knees, clasping his throat. He felt a strange, warm sensation spreading across his fingers and he looked at Andre in surprise. As he fell to the ground, he had time for one final thought before his eyes closed forever.

He didn’t come…

Chapter 1

The music became deafening as Amias made his way through the thick crowds. A beat began, and cheers arose from the people who surrounded him as a guitar tore across their excitement. A low, melodic voice floated from the stage, repeating words that he couldn’t make out. He concentrated on keeping pace with the man in front of him who was making his way quickly through the crowd. Was he aware of Amias’s presence? Certainly he was acting strangely and was in a rush. A name raced through Amias’s mind. Max, he whispered. He sighed deeply and watched his hot breath disappear into the cold, clear night.

It was late, and the band was nearing the end of its set. A new beat dropped in from a synthesizer and began to build; people started jumping around in excitement, throwing themselves into each other and screaming loudly. The atmosphere in the arena had become electric and the bodies around Amias moved in unison with the rhythm. He brushed his hand through his curly hair and his eyes narrowed as he followed Max’s path through the crowd. Remaining focussed was becoming hard. His mind wandered from the task at hand as he tried to concentrate on controlling his emotions. Now a voice was repeating other words in his head; the voice was his own, but the words were not.

Control, he said out loud. He shook his head angrily: he knew he wasn’t in control.

Max had stopped and was now standing looking in the direction of the stage. It was dark, and a warm night, but he still had his black hood pulled over his shaven head. Luckily, he was tall and rose above the people around him, making him easily distinguishable within the crowd.

Amias was careful to keep his distance, glancing from Max to the platform which rose in front of the huge crowd and was arched by a large dome. Metal poles criss-crossed their way around the arch and bright white lights burned into the night. Two large TV screens projected the band out to the crowd and Amias watched as the camera focussed on one of the band members. He was wearing a vest and had a guitar strapped around his shoulder, and his hands cupped the microphone as he sang. The tempo of the song was building again and there was another explosion of bass and synthesizer as the band member’s hands went to his guitar.

The lights on the stage flashed on and off, creating a strobe effect that was momentarily distracting. Amias turned back to where Max had been and panic took hold of him as the flashing lights played tricks on his eyes. He gritted his teeth and forced his way desperately through the crowd. The time for caution was gone. His anger throbbed inside him as he searched the crowd. He closed his eyes and focussed on his breathing, the way he’d once been taught. He took long breaths and the music was suddenly lost and he was alone; his eyes remained closed and his breathing was the only sound he could hear. He heard the voice again and opened his eyes. There wasn’t much time. He veered to the left in the direction the man had been going. He felt a renewed calm and was glad. The loss of control was something he didn’t like and was still struggling to understand. It had been almost fourteen months.

Why? he said out loud and clenched his jaw.

Suddenly, he felt someone collide against his back and he turned quickly. A man was dancing unsteadily behind him; his shirt was open, and his eyes were glazed. He smiled and pushed out an unsteady finger. Amias drew away quickly and the man fell forward, his finger still in front of him as he collapsed into the grass.

Five desperate minutes passed before Amias finally caught sight of a black hooded figure making its way quickly through the crowd. As he followed, it became more and more difficult to keep Max within sight; Amias quickened his pace, wrestling his way through the excited audience. He pushed his way through a group of large men who were almost fighting each other as they threw their heads back and forth in time with the music, forming a mosh-pit. As he emerged from the melee he realised he had lost his target again. He stopped and looked around him urgently, placing his hand on the sword hidden inside his coat, preparing for an attack. He fingered his earpiece and strained to hear what was being relayed to him. Was that his name being repeated? He couldn’t be sure. He resisted the urge to remove the device and continued in the direction Max had been heading. He was no longer following his own plan.

As the voice of the singer became more urgent, bellowing out his challenge to the crowd, a loud drum beat began. Lights flashed from the stage and Amias searched desperately for his mark. The synthesizer was relentless and powerful, and as the bass became more prominent, he felt his hair quiver and rise. Thoughts of a different time flashed into his mind: memories of a boy wearing headphones, immersed in his own world. An older boy was walking in front of him, carrying a school bag. He reached out to pull the boy back, to tell him to wait, but he was gone. He shouted out to him, but he’d disappeared, and his cry was lost in the music.

A chill ran through his body and the hairs on the back of neck rose as he became aware of a new threat. He stopped instantly and dropped to one knee, heightened senses cascading through his body. He felt a familiar tingle in his fingers and his muscles flexed and tightened as he closed his eyes, waiting. It was a trap; he was the one being hunted.

He opened his eyes and sprang to his feet as the first attacker moved to engage him. The man grabbed his jacket and attempted to push him backwards into the people behind him. But Amias was too strong and quick for his attacker, and he used the man’s momentum to flip him around and force him heavily into the grass.

Amias stood up and then ducked immediately as a kick whistled over his head and another four men ran towards him. Suddenly many pairs of strong hands were grabbing him from behind, pulling him backwards and off balance. Instead of pulling against them, he pushed, driving himself further into the crowd and using the people holding him to stay balanced. His movement obviously took his assailants by surprise as their grips slackened and some of them let go. He took the chance to rip himself free and turned around to find himself even deeper in the crowd.

A punch stung his face and he looked up to see the boy again. He shook his head in disbelief and closed his eyes tightly as he was punched again. He opened his eyes and whirled around wildly to escape the attack, but more foes were closing in around him, throwing well-aimed punches and kicks at every possible part of his body. He held his ground and crouched slightly, automatically pulling his chin down to his chest and raising his clenched fists to shield his face. Every punch and kick began to become less painful as he gritted his teeth and tensed his body. He could feel his strength growing immeasurably, and despite the onslaught he stood up to find himself surrounded by at least ten attackers.

People in the crowd moved hastily away, leaving a small space surrounding them. A few onlookers moved to try and help him but they were thrown back; the band continued to play, unaware of the fight. As the singer lowered his voice, the music also dropped; a cymbal was struck repeatedly as the song began to build to its finale. In the break in the song Amias heard the voices again through his earpiece.

Amias, Amias… are you there? Get out!

Suddenly the music exploded, and, in an instant, he was on the attack; a vicious headbutt stopped one of his attackers and he kicked another in the chest, forcing him backwards and knocking over two more. He grabbed an arm locked around his neck and twisted it until it broke; he heard an agonised scream as the person fell backwards. Ducking under another punch, he threw multiple blows into a large man’s body, followed by an uppercut that knocked him off his feet.

A ponytailed man tried to turn and run, but Amias caught him by the back of his jacket, pulling him back so they were facing each other, and then twisting and launching a roundhouse kick to his head. The man expertly ducked the kick by dropping to one knee, but Amias followed the kick with a flying knee that connected with his forehead, instantly knocking the man unconscious. At last he’d managed to clear a path for escape! He burst into a run as he remembered his assignment and Max, the anger inside of him driving him onwards.

He’d only run a few paces when he stopped suddenly, sensing a new danger, and instinctively he turned. A man raised his arm and Amias saw a gun barrel rise to his eyeline. In a split second Amias flung open his coat and brought his sword up simultaneously as a loud bang rang out. There was a flash of metal hitting metal as he blocked the bullet with the blade, before he ploughed forward to engage the gunman. In the moment it took to reach the man, he’d replaced the sword within his coat and reached out to grab the gun. He twisted the man’s arm upwards as another bullet left its chamber, this time shooting harmlessly into the night. He continued to twist; there was a snap accompanied by a scream as the man fell to the ground, cradling his arm. Amias placed the gun in his jeans and burst through the crowd in pursuit of Max.

Amias, Amias, we need you. Stop the pursuit… He ignored the urgent voices in his ear.

Amias, we need your help. Where are you?

He was quickly and intuitively weaving his way between people as he sped towards the bright lights of the fast-food vans, now only a short distance away. Suddenly he was sensing things in a way that had to be more than just luck or intuition. Somehow, he’d known that a gun was about to be drawn. He shook his head and tried to concentrate on his surroundings.

A female voice was pleading with him through his earpiece. Amias, you need to speak to us, we need your help. He could hear the desperation in her voice and something else, something more than concern, and it surprised him how easily he ignored her. It was then he spotted Max again, his hood now drawn and resting on his large shoulders. He was wearing a long overcoat; did he, too, have a concealed weapon? He was twenty feet away and walking quickly, still seemingly unaware of Amias’s presence. His pace was increasing and his once fluid path was becoming hurried and erratic. He frequently collided with crowd members and was now having to fight his way through.

Amias, where are you? Security have been alerted to gunshots. Are you okay? Please respond.

The band were now playing a new song and their guitars roared against the voices of the singers. Lights suddenly lit up the stage as the tempo increased again; the crowd cheered and Amias turned his face away from the lights, trying to keep sight of Max. As the blinding flashes illuminated the faces around him he saw Max turn, and for a brief instant their eyes met. In another moment, Max was on the move again. Amias’s hands clenched into fists; if Max hadn’t been aware he was being followed, he was now. The arena floor began to rise steeply into a slope and Amias turned quickly to look back into the crowd. It was dark, but the lights from the stage and around the arena allowed him to see there was a commotion near to where he’d fought Kaden’s men. Police and festival security staff mingled with the crowd and more flocked to join them. Amias continued his pursuit, readying himself for an attack from Max, expecting him to turn at any moment.

His mind raced through the possibilities. There were too many people around for him to begin a fight with someone as powerful as Max, especially if he needed to use his sword. Suddenly a group of men and women burst from the crowd in front of him, cutting across his path. One of the men smelled strongly of alcohol; he shouted angrily and tried to grab Amias’s arm as he wriggled between them. He looked for the back of Max’s head in the crowd, but it was gone again, and he stopped. Overwhelmed with unease, he felt someone approaching him from behind and he spun around to face them. Max was now standing opposite him and a grim smile stretched slowly across his face.

It’s good to finally meet you, Amias, he shouted above the music. Well done back there. You didn’t let us down. You were as impressive as I expected.

Amias nodded, his eyes fixed on Max’s dark brown eyes. I’m surprised you hung around.

Curiosity killed the cat and all that. I wanted to see you in action. I’ve heard so much but I’ve never seen it with my own eyes. Max was slightly taller than Amias, and much broader. His shoulders filled the jacket which fell past his waist and almost to his knees; the hood rested against his muscular back. His dark skin glistened with sweat and beads rolled down his face.

What are you doing here, Max?

I could ask you the same, Amias. He paused. But we know why, don’t we. You were told I’d be here and you couldn’t resist the opportunity to capture one of Kaden’s captains.

It’s my guess you’re here to meet a contact to discuss buying more weapons? Amias growled. Which you’ll use to murder more of your kind.

Max’s eyes met Amias’s and he shook his head defiantly. I’m no murderer, Amias, I’m a fighter like you. If what Kaden has told me about you is true, we’re not so different, you and me. I saw what you did in there… with the bullet. I’ve only ever seen one other person who’s that quick, and even he isn’t aware of how far you’ve developed your abilities. Why waste them fighting against us?

Amias couldn’t hide his anger. Kaden was foolish if he believed that was enough men to kill me.

Max laughed loudly. They were never meant to kill you, surely you’ve realised that.

Amias suddenly felt his chest tighten. This was all a ruse to keep him and his team busy! His eyes dropped to the ground as he desperately tried to understand why.

There it is, Max said, almost sympathetically.

Amias raised his eyes to meet Max’s. Who?

Max paused and scratched his head as if giving thought to whether he should tell him.

Who? Amias’s voice rang out and some of the crowd turned nervously towards them. There wasn’t much time. The fight had alerted all the security and police in the arena and he could see a group of policemen making their way through the crowd towards them.

It’s too late, Amias. You can’t help him now.

Amias felt the throbbing grow stronger inside him, but his anger was as much at himself as it was with the man in front of him. He’d allowed his eagerness at the chance to capture one of Kaden’s captains cloud his instincts. Too often lately anger had taken control of his emotions and he’d let it obscure his judgement. He heard voices again through his earpiece and he raised his hand to his ear, removing the device and throwing it to the ground.

You know, Kaden was sure you’d fall for it. I didn’t believe him though. I half expected you not to be here. He told me the chance that you could get close to him through me would be too much for you. Do you really think I’d arrange a weapons deal here? Max paused. He was right, wasn’t he, Amias.

I’m going to kill you, Max.

Max smiled. I thought I was the murderer?

As Amias watched Max he suddenly saw the boy again, this time standing next to Max and watching him. He tried to ignore him, but he could feel his eyes boring into him. He knew his mind was playing tricks on him, but he felt tears building behind his eyes. Max was watching him intently; he looked to the side as he tried to understand what Amias was looking at. Amias clenched his jaw as he glanced up to see the policemen coming closer through the crowd. Suddenly the music erupted again, and the lights blazed out from the stage once more. The crowd jumped in unison as the singer stood at the edge of the stage, his hands outstretched as if inviting the audience to join him on the stage.

We can’t fight here, Amias, you know that?

Tell me who it is and I’ll let you live.

Max curled his lip and smiled. Kaden is the only person who can give me my life back, not you. I told you anyway, you’re too late. He’s already dead. Amias’s mind raced: who had their target been? If they had gone to the trouble to create this deception for him then it had to be someone he was close to. They wouldn’t be able to get close to John and there weren’t many others he cared about. Most of them were with him in his team tonight. Suddenly the realisation hit him, and he almost dropped to one knee. There was one member of his team who wasn’t with them, a member who had wanted out, and one of the few people he considered a friend. An image of Reuben flashed into his mind.

He struggled to swallow as his anger took control of him. Are you ready, Max?

Max shrugged, and Amias thought he saw a sadness flash in his face and something else, possibly a conflict. Soon, Amias, soon.

At that moment, a group of women burst between them and one of them fell drunkenly against Amias. He caught her, and as he looked across the heads of the women he saw Max watching him. They looked at each other for a moment before Max took a couple of steps backwards and then turned and ran into the crowd, disappearing into their midst. Amias let go of the woman but hesitated before giving chase. He looked back to see if the boy was still there, but he was gone. He searched the nearby crowd for a moment before turning and following Max.

Chapter 2

The crowd was becoming thicker with every step. He could see Max pushing his way through people twenty feet in front of him and he quickened his pace. Max was heading for the perimeter fence and would soon be there. It was impossible to run within the crowd, but he and Max were still moving at a considerable pace. The feeling of claustrophobia was growing as the crowd almost came to a standstill and for an alarming moment he thought he would be caught and Max would be free to escape. He doubled his efforts and the crowd around him became angry, shouting at him as he dropped his head and physically pulled people out of his path. A fist fell heavily against his back, but he ignored it and grunted as he looked up to see Max arrive at the foot of the fence. The area which Max had targeted was deliberate; it was the lowest part of the perimeter and probably the only part it would be possible to climb.

He was now only twenty feet away as Max launched himself towards the barrier, placing a foot on it and pushing himself upwards. He hung there for a few seconds before swinging his legs over and disappearing from Amias’s sight. Moments later Amias broke free of the crowd and he ran at the fence, placing his foot on it as Max had and vaulting over it in one motion. As he landed on the other side and fell into a crouched position he realised how costly his over-confidence could have been. Luckily for him, Max was already racing across a large green towards a busy road.

Amias was up and pursuing him in an instant, his legs pumping as he crossed the grass. Max turned to check whether he was being followed before running across the road, ignoring the cars which sped in both directions. Miraculously he managed to reach the other side unscathed. Amias didn’t check his pace and ran onto the road, also ignoring the cars which beeped and swerved as he dashed towards the pavement on the other side. Suddenly a car screeched to a stop in front of him and blocked his path, the headlights shining directly into his eyes, momentarily dazzling him. He leapt onto the bonnet and ran across the roof, leaping off the back end and hitting the concrete hard. He stumbled slightly but quickly regained his footing and followed Max towards the heart of London.

Max was quick, but so was Amias, and he was gaining on him slowly. Max sprinted ahead, avoiding pedestrians and occasionally throwing a glance back at Amias. Soon Amias would have him. As he approached, he readied himself to launch into a tackle, but suddenly Max veered right and smashed through the door of a restaurant. He knocked over two people who were leaving and disappeared into the crowded waiting area. His sudden change of direction took Amias by surprise and he nearly ran past the entrance before slamming his feet into the pavement and tottering, almost losing his balance. He jumped over the couple who were pulling themselves off the ground and crashed through the glass door, which swung back in his face. There was a loud smash; glass flew across the tiles and showered over the customers waiting inside. Amias slid across the hard, polished floor and the broken glass, and crashed into the customers