Reluctant Secrets: Hell's Guardian Chronicles, #6

By Bria Lexor

Zyra enters the battlefield one ultimate time to face off with Velika. To win the war, Zyra must fight new enemies and face the betrayal of those closest to her. Zyra must acknowledge her hidden feelings for those she cares about. Or risk losing them forever. Read the final installment of Vampiracy: Hell's Guardian Chronicles before the release of the Spin-Off Series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bria Lexor
• Release date: Oct 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393997597

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

ONE

ZYRA

TIMBRAX WAS STANDING near an open window when a Varacolaci suddenly appeared behind him. Before anyone could react, the Varacolaci had already sunk his sharp fangs deep into his throat transforming him back into a Varacolaci. The Varacolaci tossed him to the floor and laughed as he burned up in the sunlight.

That was a present from your stepmother, King Timbrax! he said as his body turned into a pile of gray ash onto the white marble floor.

Timbrax! I ran over to his side, but he hissed at me, making me stop dead in my tracks as he slowly rose to his feet. He hung his head low so none of us could see his face. Nõka and Nitan quickly stood in front of me and pointed their firearms at him in case he made any sudden movements towards me.

It’s me, you idiots, Timbrax said, panting as he glared at them. "You can lower your weapons now... you know I won’t attack any of you!"

Timbrax, I said as I walked over to his side. You’re a Varacolaci again? I said as I placed my hand on his left cheek. His skin was white and pale again. Cold to the touch.

I have to get something from the academy, Timbrax said as he stepped away from me. I’ll be right back. He opened the astral thread, and a few moments later he returned with a terrified Elaina Lain Frayfield. I had to borrow her from the academy.

Why is he a Varacolaci again? Lain asked me as she pointed to Timbrax’s white eyes with a red ring around the edges. What’s going on around here? Lain is the catalyst of Destruction after I removed it from my body. They placed it in her when she was a baby. She is short, has long dark hair, and green eyes. She is beautiful.

The timeline altered again, Timbrax replied. When that Varacolaci bit me and transformed me back into a Varacolaci... the timeline went back to the way it was before... more or less, anyway. he paused. Only slightly altered from before. Just then Prince Alucard and Blake entered the room and my face fell when I saw the two Cruxim standing side by side together. Prince Alucard is my son. When a Stregoni Benefici and a Varacolaci have a baby and Cruxim is born. We sped up time so he could fight in the war because his psycho grandmother Velika wanted to kill him. He has long dark hair, red eyes, black bat wings, tall, muscular and very handsome. Blake Lumex, we found after the Red system Corporation had transformed him from a human into a Cruxim to kill me. We gave him the option to either join us or die. So... he is one of us now. He really is a laid-back guy. Confused and learning his place amongst us vampires.

Why is mother looking at me like I am the biggest disappointment of her life, father? Alucard asked as he looked at me. I could see the hurt expression written all over his face. I felt like I was the absolute worst mother in the world right now.

She doesn’t mean it, son, Timbrax said as he gently touched my cheek, making me glance at him. She’s pregnant is all... right Zyra?

Yeah, I replied as I took a deep breath and forced myself to look at the shiny floor beneath my feet. My hormones are out of whack lately. I wanted Timbrax to raise Zara and Alucard and me. But I would not get that opportunity by the looks of things.

Okay? Alucard said, unsure about what was going on with his parents. Why does it feel like I am missing a day or something?

Because your mother went back in time and altered some events, Timbrax replied. And now we are here in the present moment, trying to figure out what has changed and what hasn’t. Like this. Timbrax paused and pulled out a letter and unfolded it so that way I could see it. Would you mind explaining this letter from Blake addressed to Lain? He paused. Which in all actuality’s addressed to you, Zyra?

My jaw dropped open slightly as I looked at the love letter, I had left in her dresser drawer back at the academy. That was in the dresser. I said, looking at Timbrax. You went through the drawers?

Lain,

I am returning your Valistik sword to you. I am sorry I deceived you the way I did, but I had to make the Red System believe you were dead. The next time I see you... I plan on staying by your side forever.

Love always,

-Blake L.

"I just want to know why you saved something like this from that guy. I mean, I know you borrowed Lain’s body for this mission, but it’s still addressed to you Zyra. Timbrax said to me again as he nudged his head towards Blake. He abandoned you back at the academy, remember? He paused. Whereas I stayed by your side the entire time."

"I didn’t abandon her, Blake said, getting very defensive. I had left to deal with the Red System Corporation and got them to believe that I had killed Zyra... I was planning on coming back to her."

Really? Timbrax said as he lit the letter on fire, and it burned into ashes as it fell to the floor. How about we do a little test then shall we?

What kind of test do you have in mind, King Timbrax? Blake asked him with curiosity in his voice.

"Kiss Zyra, and we’ll see who she truly wants to be with... you or me." Timbrax replied.

I think I will pass, Blake said, shaking his head at Timbrax. She’s a married woman now.

If you don’t then I will rip your manufactured wings off your body and force you to eat them! Timbrax growled.

You know, I think I’ll take you up on that wager. Blake replied as he walked over to me and placed his hand on my cheek and kissed me. Everyone watched us in utter shock to see who I was going to be my companion.

I kissed Blake and allowed him to kiss my neck. I love you, Timbrax... I said.

Blake removed himself from me, looking at me strangely. I-I’m Blake... remember? Timbrax smirked at Blake in triumph.

Blake? I said, giving him a confused look as I realized I had been kissing him instead of Timbrax. I’m sorry, please excuse me. I said as I dashed out of the room in total embarrassment and Timbrax went after me.

Zyra wait! Timbrax called as I sat down on a nearby bench and held my face in my hands. Are you alright?

I shook my head no. I’m so sorry, Timbrax, I said through sobs. I honestly thought you were Blake.

It’s okay, gorgeous, Timbrax said as he held me in his arms. I forced Blake to kiss you because I needed to know who you truly love. he pressed a kiss on my forehead. I should be the one who is apologizing to you.

Why? I asked as I looked him in the eye. I never should have gone back in time... I ruined everything...

No, you have ruined nothing, my love, Timbrax whispered, stroking my cheek lovingly. You showed me I was an even bigger jerk the second time around. And Darien is still alive. The Red System Corporation’s gone. he smiled. And you want to know the best part? he asked me. Velika never placed the curse upon us the second time around... so our souls not bound to each other anymore.

Really? I asked him as I wiped the tears from my eyes.

Really, Timbrax replied. I’m sorry I treated you so badly the second time we met at the academy... you have shown me what genuine love really is, my love.

But... I stammered. Now that Alucard is back... who is going to be Hell’s Guardian?

That’s why I went and picked up Lain from the academy, Timbrax replied. Lain is going to become Blake’s partner and the new Hell’s Guardian. Lain and the others walked over to where they were sitting when he said this.

"So... I’m not... her, right? Lain asked Timbrax. Her parents aren’t my biological birth parents, right?"

No, Timbrax said to her. You come from an unconventional family... which is why you qualify as the perfect partner for Blake.

I am Blake Lumex, he said, extending his hand out for