Midnight Princess: The Knight Wolf

By TJ Berry

The supernatural world enjoys a peace that has never been achieved before. The Angels and Daemons have set aside direct aggression and their creations the wolves and vampires have signed a peace treaty that has lasted over a hundred years. Now, the last natural born vampire, who has lead a sheltered life, is getting a chance to experience the wo

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fox Fire Publications LLC
• Release date: Jun 4, 2019
• ISBN: 9781950745012

TJ Berry

Author and co-founder of Fox Fire Publications, LLC

Book preview

Chapter 1: Sheep’s Clothing

My name is Alana Isis Gregori…or as my sister, Raven, has been telling me since I arrived in the States…Alana I. Gregory. I am a British vampire born to the last original vampire, my father, Alexi Gregori. No one really knows where my father is originally from, and it is not important. What is important…within three months…I will be dead.

I sigh. I am joking, of course. If only my life were that interesting. All right, so perhaps it is. I mean, everything up until the ‘dying in three months’ part is true. My nightmares lately show me laying on the ground with my throat-slashed though. I must admit, I did have quite the adventure two nights ago though.

I scoff, sitting on my tiny chair at a vanity mirror placed by my sister. The face staring back at me is pale…a tiny, rounded nose and chubby cheeks conceal high cheekbones framed by long ebony hair meticulously styled into a ponytail, held in place by my black silk ribbon.

I tilt my head up and examine the little dimple at my chin. I am adorable, but I am not beautiful. I am a child. I am a one-hundred-year old child, because I grew to the age of seventeen and stopped aging. Honestly, I think I stopped aging at fifteen, but Alexander insists that it was two years later. My brown eyes stare back, seemingly through me. I bare my fangs and my eyes shift to deep blue, just like all vampires.

There is a knock at my bedroom door. Enter, I breathe and let my eyes phase back to brown as my fangs return to normal canines. The door pushes in, and Richard does as I instructed.

His sweep of lower than buzz cut ebony hair appears from behind the open doorway. He enters and stands up straight. His large eyes look down on me from over his long slender nose. His mahogany complexion is so beautiful that at times I want to touch him just to verify he is real. His gray suit is…pressed to perfection as always. He smiles that heart-warming smile of his, causing his eyes to become two tiny little lines.

Are you ready, miss? He is as formal as the moment I met him with a London accent, rivaling mine.

I check my uniform. Pleated, plaid navy and red skirt secured. Staunch white blouse fastened with red-on-blue tie in place. Navy cardigan and knee-high blue socks with black heeled loafers complete the ensemble. I twirl, causing my skirt to fan out, before falling back into place. I believe I am.

Alright, miss, he adds. Your car’s ready.

I will not let you die, I return as he moves closer to the door. He freezes, hand still on the handle. I will not let Alexander or anyone else kill you on my behalf.

Miss, he somberly sighs. You are the princess of all vampires… I groan at that tedious and dubious title. …I was your bodyguard. I went against your father’s wishes and your sire-brother and sister’s direct orders. Whatever end I meet…I des…

I will not hear it. I shove him in the chest. My right hand brushes the gun in its holster, concealed by his jacket. I push him again. As I told you two days ago, I will not let them kill you. Do you hear me?

You’re too kind, miss. He opens the door. You’re going to be late. Don’t need any more marks against me. He smiles, but there is no warmth. He has resigned himself to his fate. I storm out and downstairs without looking back. He rushes past me and opens the front door.

I turn my nose up at him. I am not sure why. I have no right to be angry with him. He will likely die for my benefit. Not the other way around. He opens the silver Jaguar’s back door. The sun threatens at the darkened sky’s edge. The ultraviolet light-treated windows will protect us though.

Richard climbs in and pulls away quickly. I look back at the massive house, which stands as an anomaly in New York City proper, especially on the island. It is an old warehouse renovated to be living quarters. That would explain the expansive open area in the front as well as the below ground garage. The iron front gate swings open and we move through.

How long are ya goin’ to sit there in silence? Raven asks in her beautiful Irish accent…from the seat next to me. Her bobbed hair will take some getting used to. I miss her long crimson locks ending in baby-doll curls already. The spiky tufts do not do her beauty justice. She stares quizzically with emerald-tinted eyes. She’s wearing a business suit today. How very uncharacteristic of her.

I sigh. Honestly, I was so lost in thoughts of our living situation and Richard I had not noticed her there. I am not…sitting silently. I was thinking.

Don’t hurt yerself. She shoves my shoulder, and I cannot resist giving in and laughing. Raven’s eyes dart to Richard. His expression is as sullen as mine was. What did ya two talk about?

Nothing.

Nothing, ma’am, Richard amends.

Yer…worried about what Alexander said ta Richard, aren’t ya? I peer out the window. The sun rises above the distant buildings. Despite the window’s protection, the glare bothers my eyes. He is muh sire-son. I gasp. Richard’s jaw clenches. In muh entire life, I’ve only sired five vampires…muh children.

Five…? I know Alexander has only sired one vampire, his son, Maxwell, who remained in Germany to conclude our family business there. I never knew that Raven sired any…let alone... Where are my other four nieces…? Nephews…?

Two nieces…and two nephews… She wipes a tear away absently. Yer…other two nephews are long dead. One of yer nieces… She laughs. …da would kill her if he ever laid eyes on her again. Margaret, I dun know. I haven’t seen much of her in tha last fifty years.

Was she sired before I was born?

She caresses my cheek. All of them were, except Richard.

We’re here, miss, Richard says. He opens his door and climbs out. He rounds the car and opens my door, offering me a hand. Ma’am…?

One moment, please. What…brought that on, sister?

"Five children. Those five vampires are the closest I’ll ever come ta havin’ children of muh own…I miss muh sons and I never even knew them. I’ve only spent about a hundred years on and off in Renee’s company. The last hundred years, she’s been absent, and it breaks muh heart not seein’ her.

Margaret was by muh side until the day she left…the very thought of her causes me pain. She looks past me at Richard. Emerald gives way to royal blue… I will not lose another child. I nod. Now, go…you can’t be late on yer second day. I smile and slide out of the car.

Richard closes the door. Nobody knows that I am Raven’s sire besides me, her, Alexander, and my sisters. We’d like to keep it that way.

You would like to keep what that way? I have no idea what you are talking about. Richard smiles. I put my arms around his midsection, give him a gentle squeeze, and he does the same with one arm around me. I told you that you would not die for my sake. He smirks and tips his head to me.

I move towards the school. Such weighty things to discuss so early in the morning. I walk into the school from the canopied drop-off area. Now, I cannot remember where the 200 hall is.

This way, a girl with freckles and scarlet-colored hair points out. Hey, I’m Lucy. I’m a tenth grader. Lucy offers me her hand. She went with the blazer over the cardigan for her uniform.

Alana. I claim her hand. She shivers. Must remember to keep my hands warm before touching humans. Alana Gregory. Her hand slips free.

I know. I frown. Sorry, probably making you freak a little bit. I’m not a stalker or anything. I…um…I work for the school paper and I’m writing an article on you.

On me…? W-why…? I am so terribly dull.

Are you kidding? That British accent alone is worth talking to you for an hour, but the main reason is the donation your family made to the school.

Donation…? My tuition…?

No, she laughs. Your family renovated our gym, added the canopy over all of the drive-up entrances and even paid to replace all of our windows with these fancy energy efficient models. Right. Raven told me father made a sizeable contribution to the school…and I suppose the ‘energy efficient’ windows also block ultraviolet light, thus protecting his vampire daughter during her daylight classes.

Still, I had nothing to do with that or…

Listen, you’re new, you’re mysterious and…

Is Lucy bothering you? a familiar voice calls. The golden-haired Jeremiah approaches quickly. His navy blue on crimson tie hangs loosely about his neck. His white shirt is just as untucked as it was yesterday, and his blazer hangs open. She can be a little annoying when she’s trying to get a story. His frosty blue eyes move from me to her.

You know her? Lucy gasps. Jeremiah nods. You could’ve told me. I could’ve gotten you to ask her for the interview.

Hey, I already agreed to ask the other new student for an interview for you.

What…other new student? I pose.

Some French guy, Lucy breathes.

I think he’s from Algeria or something, Jeremiah piles on.

Big step down from yesterday’s Brit, Meredith says behind me. I turn to the statuesque blonde-haired girl, wearing, yet another altered-to-be-too-short skirt, blouse with too many buttons undone, and high heels that must kill her feet by day’s end.

Hello, Meredith, I greet her warmly.

YOU KNOW MEREDITH? Lucy asks.

We met yesterday. She gave me a tour of the school, introduced me to some of her mates… I look at Meredith’s smug expression. She is the high school mean girl I have seen on the tellie. …showed me where the ‘cool’ table is in the commissary.

Okay, Meredith chimes in. "Nobody says cool or commissary. She puts her arm around me. Now, come on. If you hang around losers and nerds all day you may catch it…it’s contagious, you know. She ushers me away from Jeremiah and Lucy. I issue a finger wiggling wave goodbye. Jeremiah laughs and shakes his head. Seriously, why were you hanging with them?"

I met Jeremiah yesterday when I picked up my class attendance slip. He is the junior class president, after all. She shrugs. And Lucy was asked to write an article about me.

Makes sense. Especially taking in the sick amount of money your family dumped into this…dump. I scoff. Oddly enough, when I arrived yesterday I was certain everyone here was from a well-to-do family. Apparently, my family is doing better than most.

Okay, Meredith starts again to the troop of girls, who have also altered their school uniforms causing them to be more revealing, flanking us.

This is… Meredith begins with the girl on our far left. Josie. April. Amber T. Jordan. Tabitha…ew, we’re convinced her parents secretly hate her. Evelyn. Amber E. Morgan. Hunter. And Teagan. She motions to me. Ladies, this is Anna.

Alana, I correct. My name is…Alana. Which causes a swirl of ‘ohs,’ ‘ahs,’ and ‘your accent’s so pretty’ from the girls whose names I did not match with their faces.

Say something else in English, a girl with dark hair and golden eyes requests.

What would you like me to say…in the language that you are speaking as well? The girls squeal collectively.

She’s so proper, one girl adds. Several others agree with her.

Well, I interrupt their marveling at…the way I talk. It is very nice to meet all of you, but I do feel that we should head to class, yes?

Why are you thinking about classes…? Meredith complains. …or even standing here talking to us, when that RIDICULOUSLY hot guy is staring you down?

He is…? Where…? Several girls peek and hum approvingly. I move to see around and/or through the mob. Where? I do not see a…hot…guy…?

That’s too bad. You couldn’t seem to stop staring the other night. I gasp. This voice. He knows I am the only person who could have possibly heard his whisper from wherever he is. I move away from the crowd and peer down the hall at…

Nathan. 

You remembered. I’m touched, he whispers.

What are you doing here?

What are you talking about? Meredith says. He’s way down the hall…d-do you know that guy?

Yes. I…met him my first night in New York…at Club Eighty-Six.

Club Eighty-Six…? Meredith grumbles. That place burned down two nights ago. You were there? I nod, unable to tear my eyes away from Nathan.

The hallway clears a bit and I see him in full. Navy slacks over polished black shoes, white shirt with a navy and crimson tie, all topped by a crimson blazer with the school crest on his breast pocket.

He parts peanut-toned lips to speak, but smirks instead. Just as egotistical as ever, I see. I suppose, me constantly staring at him gives his self-esteem the occasional unrequired boost.

His deep brown eyes wander down the hall. He runs one hand over his nearly shaved head of reddish-brown hair and bounds off the lockers. That sport coat hugs his arms so snugly that they show his every bulging muscle…or perhaps that is just me…because I am a vampire and have gifted eyesight…not because I was imagining his arm under his jacket… Did the hallway suddenly grow warmer?

HELLO? Meredith snaps.

Yes?

How did you get into Club Eighty-Six? one girl who I think is one of the Ambers poses. It was a twenty-one and up club.

My bodyguard paid the doorman. My focus moves instantly back to Nathan. Excuse me, ladies. I hurry down the hall, to claims of lying about my first meeting with Nathan. He meets me halfway. Nathan, I sigh when we are face-to-face. 

Princess Alana Isis Gregori, he returns with a faux-accent and that devilishly roguish smile.

Oh, stop it, I moan and smack him across the arm. He laughs, showing off his brilliant white smile. I had no idea you would be going to school here.

Neither did I. There is a bit of complaint in his voice. Not ‘til two days ago, when I first came back to New York.

And I arrived two days ago, as well. Hmm, do you think that was by design or fate…?

Fate’s cruel, little Isis… I open my mouth to complain. Sorry, Princess Alana. …but I have to admit, meeting you was kind of cool.

No one says ‘cool’ anymore, Nathan.

And the only people who call me, Nathan, are people who are angry with me, Alana.

Then I will be the exception to that rule. He smirks. You will help me acclimate to school, yes?

I suppose I could be persuaded. He taps his chin. But your family’s already running up a pretty hefty tab. I mean, I saved you at the club…then I saw you home…and then there was the near decapitation by your sister…

Oh, please, I could have found my way home and if you had not riled me up, Raven would not have heard me yelling at you. He nods subtly…and just like that, my mind takes me back to two days ago. To a time before I even knew wolves, like Nathan, even existed.

#####

Chapter 2: Arrival

I sigh. The night air is frigid, even for a vampire…probably because this airport overlooks the ocean. I approach the black limousine ostentatiously parked on the tarmac. Alexander stands next to two other men, neither of which match his stature. My mountain of a brother steps forward and smiles. His jet-black hair lays down on his head. His big, blue eyes survey my attire. He does not approve.

My eyes move down to his chest. Always wearing a suit.

He smirks and wraps his arms around me. Well… His voice is stern but tender. I always have ta look muh best for muh baby sister. I purr in his arms. He is a welcome distraction from what Raven is undoubtedly doing to the pilot and co-pilot. We landed and shuttled immediately to a small hangar on the airport’s edge. It is private…quiet…isolated. What on earth are ya wearin’?

What do you mean? I step back, exposing my vanilla-tinted leather ensemble. A skirt that stops a few inches above my knees and a leather jacket. My top is sleeveless, but I have kept my jacket on the entire time. High-heeled boots with my toes exposed and wide tops that rattle around my ankles complete the outfit. Is it…inappropriate?

No. It’s just a bit dated…

I think ya look magnificent, Raven breathes over my shoulder. Don’t ya agree fellas? She opens my jacket for the men to see.

Ray! I pull my jacket closed. The younger man, blond with a single hoop earring hanging from his left ear, stares with a smile. The other keeps his eyes straight ahead. Alexander hisses at and then slaps the younger man. Alexander!

Get in tha limo, he growls, refusing to look at me. Raven ushers me to the car and the older man, the man with dark skin, nearly shaved dark hair, gray suit a few shades lighter than Alexander’s is, and tender, deep brown eyes, opens the door.

I toss my hair over my shoulder. Thank you, I whisper.

Ma’am. He catches Raven’s eye. She smirks and takes the seat beside me. He closes the door.

In this confined space, I smell the evidence of what occurred on the plane. Raven, did you…? Are they…?

Don’t ask questions ya don’t want tha answers to. I shiver. I’m sorry, little sister, but ya know da’s rule.

I fight back tears for the departed. Why is it that every tutor, every instructor, every driver…every…every human I have ever met has died immediately after meeting me?

Too much exposure to… She looks at me and then away from me instantly. Hopefully, those two will be the last. I frown.

The door opens and Alexander slides in. He takes the seat opposite us and taps the glass behind him. Let’s go. He examines me as I continue fighting back tears. What’s with her?

Pilots, Raven says.

Alexander groans. Well, ya may want ta add bodyguards to the list of people ya cry over tonight, sister.

No. The tears break free. No, they did not mean it. It was not their fault. Raven-Raven told them to look at me. If she had not… Raven wraps her arms around me. No, no…listen…please…

Raven rubs my shoulders, pulling me closer. Alex, please.

Fine. We’ll be home soon. The airport’s not far from tha manor.

Manor…? Home…? Will we be staying here for very long?

If we can, Raven starts. Father would like ta stay here for at least a decade. Besides the castle back in Ireland, we have never stayed anywhere for very long. Usually, a few months and I would pack my things for the next destination.

We’re here, Alexander says.

Already…?

I peer out the window as we pull through a large iron gate. We move up a winding drive toward a house. Actually, it is more of a mansion. Two stories from what I can tell. White paint covers the entire structure. There are six windows on the ground floor and eight on the first. Two large columns bookend the two tall front doors. The drive goes to the front and continues around the mansion. The car stops with the manor on our right.

Hold…a moment, Alexander says and climbs out. The two men from the airport join Alexander at the base of the marble stairs. He confers with them and then breaks to motion to the car. They finish their discussion and he returns. He offers me his hand and helps me out.

Alana, this is Richard, he says of the older man with dark skin. And Irving, he ends, motioning to the younger. While yuir here, they’ll be yuir bodyguards.

Hello. They both nod. Any more might result in more slaps administered by my brother.

Come with me, Raven says, taking my hand. She pulls me up the four white marble stairs, through the deep mahogany doors, and into the manor’s large foyer.

A crystal chandelier hangs above the fine polished marble floor. The walls and ceiling are white with stairs…two sets, one on each side, moving up the sides of the room in curves leading to the second-floor walkway. There is a pair of black lacquered double doors to my left, and a single door on my right, with more doors obscured by the stairs. Directly ahead is a pair of double doors with lots of windows and curtains covering them.

Amazing.

This is nothin’, Raven says, pulling me up the left stairs. We turn left at the top. This is yer room, she says of the room to our immediate left. I nod. She throws the door open and directs me to the closet to my immediate right. Go on.

I open the door and there…are…so many clothes. I run my fingers along the various fabrics. I find a backless, black dress with a slit that would most likely expose my entire left leg.

I knew you’d like that one. I nod. Come in, Alexander. She’s still decent. I frown. The door creaks, signifying our brother’s entrance.

Raven?

In here. Come.

We step out of the closet and find Alexander holding a long rectangular box wrapped in glossy silver paper, and tied with an equally glossy, silver bow. I just wanted to drop this off before we had to leave.

Leave…? Where are you going?

Alexander places the box in my arms. We have…

Business, Raven interrupts. We have a meeting ta attend with da and we can’t be late. I nod, recognizing her serious tone. What’s the matter, little Isis?

I shake my head. She slips her leather jacket off and drapes it over my tiny white chair. I move to the white-on-white canopy bed and place the box down, my hands grazing the fabric. The comforter feels nice and cool to the touch.

Raven watches me thoughtfully. Why would ya lie to me, Isis?

Alana, I complain. You know, I prefer Alana. She giggles, barely parting her ruby lips. Her black t-shirt hugs her tiny frame so well it makes her gold cross underneath visible. She moves to the bedside and sits, hiking up her short leather skirt.

And you know I prefer you not lie to me, she returns, mimicking my British accent.

Mean. She reaches into her skirt pocket and retrieves… …my ribbon? She extends the thin strap of black silk. Where ever did you find it?

You left it on the plane. May I? I nod and move closer. She gathers my hair, pulling it away from my shoulders. Why on earth did ya remove yer ribbon on tha plane, Alana?

My mood falls with the subject change. The… I start hesitantly and remember that this is Raven, not our brother, Alexander. …the co-pilot was annoying me, so I did it…to flirt with him…a little. Raven moans over my shoulder.

Ahem, Alexander emits. Raven waves him off.

Did ya…like him?

No. His…ogling became annoying, so I took it upon myself to torture him.

More like nudge him on. She laughs. I giggle softly. Alexander groans. 

Do you think I may be able to…sightsee while we are here? Alexander looks to Raven. At least, a little?

She pulls on my hair.  Bow yer head. She forces my head forward.

I am not done talking.

Well, I’m done listenin’. She draws my hair back again and ties the ribbon around it. Ya know father’d NEVER allow ya to venture off into the world. She braids my hair and drapes it over my right shoulder. She slides away and I undo the braid. Little sister… I turn away. …don’t be like that, Alana.

How should I be?

Someone knocks. Enter, Raven says.

This is MY room. Do you think it would be all right if I decide who comes and goes? 

The door pushes in and Richard enters. Miss. He tips his head to me. Ma’am…sir…, he continues turning to my siblings. It’s time.

Comin’, Raven says. Richard steps out. Alexander…yer gift…be quick about it. We hafta go. Raven follows Richard out.

Alexander smiles. How are ya REALLY doin’ this evenin’, sister?

I am fine. Being near my older brother always causes a warm feeling in my chest. Raven taught me much of what I did not learn from tutors and instructors, but for some reason, I just feel safer... He puts one arm around me and gives me a squeeze. …held by my brother.

For what it’s worth. He moves toward the bed. I’m truly sorry fer what happened to the pilot and co-pilot. Father has let several others live, ya know? He tugs at the box’s ribbon. Open it.

I smirk and tear into it. I lift the plain white box’s lid underneath and find… A sword…?

Yer sword to be exact. I take the steel weapon encased in a deep blue sheath from the box. Sheath in my left hand, I take the hilt with my right. I pull the dual-edged blade free. It has the letters I-S-I-S etched into the blade, one letter above the next. 

Ugh, I complain as the smell of silver fills the room.

Yes. The blade’s made of silver. Shock fills my expression as quickly as the hated metal’s scent filled the room. I felt, and Raven agreed, that it was time fer ya ta learn ta wield a silver weapon.

I did not smell silver a moment ago.

The sheath’s specially made to block its scent. Do ya like it?

I sheathe the weapon and return it to the box. I shake my head. Alexander’s mood plummets. I love it! I wrap my arms around his midsection.

I’ll tell father ya said so.

Why? It was your idea, yes? I step back, and the corners of his mouth turn down. I know.

I hafta go.

I know that, too.

I love ya, Alana.

I love you too, Alexander. He slips out of the room, leaving me to my thoughts.

#####

Chapter 3: Nocturnal

Thoughts of rebellion! My father has one rule…I remain hidden. I remain secure. I remain under lock and key. I have only one rule in exchange for his…that he occasionally treats me like a daughter and not a burden. If he does not have to keep his end of our bargain…

I rush into the closet and leaf through the clothing. I toss my jacket and slip out of the silky top. I find a crimson blouse. I unzip the skirt, and it falls to the floor. I step out of the boots and grab a pair of jeans that fit me snugly, stopping just above my ankle.

If father wants me, he can come and find me. I step back into the conveniently black boots… I step out of the closet and hurry over to the door. I pull it open.

Absolutely not, Richard snaps, revealing that he has a British accent as well.

Richard…?

Your brother would have our heads, if we…

Richard, you know who I am? Nods. "Then you know the life I have led. You know that I have been constantly shuffled from house to house,