Bloodlines: Albion Moon Chronicles Book 2

By M. L. Mastran

BLOODLINES, the second book in the ALBION MOON CHRONICLES, continues the thrilling story of Evaline and her new family with same paranormal elements and dramatic overtones. Book two stays with the components of intrigue, suspense, romance, mystery, and family honor that made book one so appealing. Still set in present-day Californ

• Language: English
• Publisher: Monica Mastran-Czopor
• Release date: Mar 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9781087871349

Book preview

BLOODLINES

Albion Moon Chronicles, Book II

ByM.L. Mastran ByM.L. Mastran

By

M.L. Mastran

By

M.L. Mastran

This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

M.L.Mastran

https://www.facebook.com/MLMastran/

Twitter: @MLMastran

Instagram: @mlmastran

Copyright 2020 by M.L.Mastran

ISBN 978-1-0878-7133-2

March 2020

Cover Art by Professor Michelle Nelson, Graphic & Interactive Design, Youngstown State University

Contributing editors: Kim Wollenburg and Heather M. White

Produced in the United States of America

Prologue

My darling Madelana,

I cannot tell you how heavy my heart is right now. You were right in that Alastair is more determined than ever to bring down the MacCowans, but he lays in wait, a cruel trick in my eyes. Was his grief over losing Patrick so short-lived? It is odd. Robert is being very coy about the plan, and there are rumblings that Viktor is on the move, which means something is coming. As you know, I am charged with maintaining the legitimate enterprises here in North America and reporting to Viktor. They are profitable but not to the effect of our less genuine enterprises that are under a shut down. Apparently, it is not enough. Will any of it ever be enough? It can be said that our insatiable appetites are what drives us and will eventually bring us to our knees. I do not think this can run any truer than with money. Since when does greed drive our hearts? It used to be the glimmer of freedom: the will to run freely, uninhibited, through the highlands and forests; to be unmolested by the English and their soldiers. I never thought it would be ourselves who could be our downfall.

So, it seems the MacCowans are ready but for how long?

I must return to the office. Please send my regards to the children and my parents.

Your loving husband,

L.M.

One

Present day

Albon Loch

Evaline

The rays from the hot June sun stung my skin as I lay flat on the blanket on the shore. It seemed the only position I was comfortable with since my belly started to grow. I was weeks from giving birth and the entire family was anticipating the event. For Laine and Kristy, it was the thought of new life in our family since we had lost so many over the last few years. For Mason, who was now my husband, it meant the beginning of a new chapter for his family. As with most things, he viewed the birth as something that was meant to be for a specific reason.

Much as our unexpected nuptials had been last fall. It wasn’t even on my radar as we had been through so much, and I was still adjusting to my new life. Mason made it clear he wanted to marry me because he loved me unconditionally and not because I was pregnant. He came from a time where family honor was at stake if you got a girl pregnant out of wedlock; marriage was the alternative to the shame. We were married shortly before Thanksgiving under a canopy of trees with falling leaves at the foot of Mount Shasta. My dress was simple, and my veil was adorned with flowers.

We were married by Sam, the medicine man and an elder for the Shasta people who lived in the area. Sam was also a beloved source of advice and friendship that Isaac regarded as absolutely necessary. Our wedding came shortly after Caleb had arrived. He was the leader of another small pack from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which is where Mason and his family originally lived. I figured they knew each other from a long time ago but Mason hid this memory from me. Mason said Caleb technically answers to Isaac, but they do their own thing. Isaac summoned him after the battle as we anticipated another pending attack from the fictional Spanditto Corporation. It ended up being the cover for a mega werewolf pack in Scotland that tried to force us back with them from an ancient decree. Through the pack’s relentless pursuit, innocent people died, wolves died, the corrupt cop Campbell got away, I lost my brother, found out I could talk to the dead, was turned into a werewolf, and got pregnant. Pretty sure it’s safe to say, my life was far from normal.

Relaxed and warm, I let myself drift.

A masculine shout woke me.

Except, when I opened my eyes, I was not me and not in my time period…..

~*~

1783

Isaac! Bring the horse around so I can harness the wagon! Nathaniel MacCowan yelled to his son from the field.

A moment later Isaac emerged from the barn with the horse and headed toward his father and brothers. His skin tickled at the coolness of the late summer morning lingering as the dew was just beginning to lift. Nathaniel was insistent that the fence needed to go up before the winter.

Mason, the second eldest son, helped his father dig the holes while Aaron and Jonas, the younger, dragged the logs off the wagon to use for posts.

The youngest of Nathaniel’s sons was Michael Henry at twelve years. Michael rested on a log, shovel in hand, and waited for his brothers to set the next post.

Mason, hold it steady. Michael, stop dawdling and put in the dirt, Nathaniel rumbled as he instructed the boys.

Michael jumped up and packed the hole around the post with dirt. Isaac lugged the horse to the wagon, and his father attached the wagon to move it to the next hole.

Papa! Lucinda, Isaac’s sister and Nathaniel’s eldest daughter, shouted from the porch.

Nathaniel beheld the wrinkles in her forehead and the sides of her mouth creased downward with worry. He started toward the house as his sons regarded each other sadly. At fourteen years old, their youngest sister, Elizabeth, or Lizzy as they called her, had contracted the fever only days prior. Despite their best efforts, neither their father nor Mary, their mother, could stop Lizzy from succumbing to the infectious fever.

Michael eyed Isaac. Do you think Lizzy will see Hannah and Thomas in Heaven?

Isaac peered over underneath the big oak cresting the small hill that edged the woods at the family graves and then back at Michael. I think so brother. I think so.

Hannah was their younger sister who had died, ironically, of fever just as it was going to claim her sister Lizzy now several years later. Hannah was one year old when the fever took her. The other Cowan in the grave was Thomas, who was first born and killed in battle against the British only a year prior. Both of their deaths, despite being years apart, devastated the family.

Aaron lifted his brow. Any idea who Papa was talking to outside last night?

No, but whomever it was, he sure was irritated when he came in, Isaac answered.

I heard a bit, and I heard him say, ‘we are no going back’. Michael shrugged.

Aye, then the conversation got heated, and he told the guy to leave. I was about to go out there, Mason added.

Isaac eyed Michael and Mason. Did you hear anything else?

No, but his voice sounded like Ma and Papa.

Aaron tilted his head. From Alba maybe?

Isaac said nothing but held the next post in and indicated for Michael to fill in the hole with dirt.

Then, he cocked his head toward Mason who was gripping the next post. Did you and your intended make a decision on when?

A grin tugged at Mason’s lips. Well, we were thinking a couple of weeks. I have been looking at the property that adjoins this one. You know Papa wants us close.

Jonas smiled and threw a small bit of dirt playfully at Mason. Big brother taking a wife! And then, no doubt lots of fat babies! Not me. The ladies love me, and I can no just pick one.

Mason smirked but said nothing as Isaac asked, Does Beth know it is custom that the woman accompany her husband hunting?

This made them all chuckle as Michael finished filling the hole. Mama is the only woman who does that. None of the other kids’ mas go out with their pas.

Isaac wrinkled his nose at his youngest brother. Well, Mama can take care of herself in case you have no noticed. He ruffled Michael’s hair. Let us get this side finished.

Michael nodded, and the brothers worked through remainder of the morning. After a short time, Nathaniel returned, and post after post went into the ground into the early evening. Their father took out a piece of ripped material he had in his back pocket and wiped the sweat from his brow. The heat of the sun was relentless as the family drove on. Relief finally came from the sweltering sun when Lucy brought out some food and drink. The boys took a break for only a bit to sit around the wagon.

A short time later, Nathaniel rose. Come on, we need to finish. I shall like the other row done before the day is gone.

His sons agreed and continued for a while longer. As the sun was beginning to go down, he noticed something was amiss. He paused several times and kept eyeing the big oak where the graves were.

Mason and Aaron eyeballed Isaac as he was the first to speak. Pa, what ails? Do you hear something?

Nathaniel was motionless with his head tilted upward as if he could smell something in the air. Isaac and his brothers watched the trees where their father was fixated but could see nothing. Isaac heard a crack on the other side of the yard and whirled toward the strange noise; another crack crunched on the opposite side near the river. The hairs tingled on the back of his neck as an overwhelming sense of danger trounced him and matched by is brothers and father.

Nervous, Michael panted at the sounds, even more so when he noticed movement all around them. He inched closer to his brothers.

Aaron reared the shovel up, ready for a fight. He leaned into Nathaniel while never taking his attention off the movement in the woods. Pa, whatever it is, there is more than one, and I think we are surrounded.

Pa, we need to get the guns. Isaac’s voice trembled.

Nathaniel’s gaze fell on the darkness of the woods and with urgency in his voice said, You lads get in the house now.

No one made a move at first, and then he glared at his sons. I said now!

They dropped the posts then darted to the house as their mother came out. At that moment, Isaac noted Nathaniel and Mary share an odd look which only was for an instant. Not a loving regard nor was it an angry glare, but rather an expression of utter fear.

Get ready, his father murmured.

Ma nodded and headed back to go into the house with Pa right behind her.

Isaac, get the guns and whatever happens, stay in this house! Pa barked.

Mason stammered, What? But Pa we need to—

Do no argue. Pa cut him off as Isaac grabbed the long rifles. Nor do you leave this house. Stay away from the windows, and shoot anything that tries to get in.

Frozen in shock, Lucinda waited as her mother removed her shawl then took off her locket and handed it to Lucinda.

Mama, what are you doing? she asked.

You need to be strong, Lucy, and take care of your sister, Ma answered as she went toward the door.

Tension and anxiety filled the air as the sensation of danger threatened to overwhelm. Michael’s panting increased at a strange scratching noise coming from somewhere in the rear of the house.

Aaron came down the hallway with another long rifle. They are outside the house!

Pa yanked a chest from the corner, snatching the key from around his neck he unlocked it. He opened it, and inside was a couple of bayonets and several swords.

Isaac asked, Pa, exactly what are we going to do with those?

Aye Pa, I was no planning on getting that close, Jonas interjected.

Their father eyed them. Aim for the head. If they do no go down, you need to take the head off. Is the only way they will stop.

Mason frowned. Pa, you know what they are? What are they?

Their father squinted at Ma then headed for the door.

Isaac snatched his father’s rifle then went to hand it to Nathaniel, but surprisingly his father shook his head as he took off his shirt. Surprised expressions widened eyes as the family watched their father go toward the door.

Before he reached for the handle he glanced to his boys. I will no need it, son. Do as I say and do no let anything get through. Whatever you do, do no get bit. He paused a moment before taking a deep breath then opening the door.

Deep growls now surrounded the house as Ma went to follow Pa. Isaac caught her arm to stop her. Ma, what are you doing? he asked in a confused, hurried tone.

Ma faced him with tears streaming down her cheeks. When Isaac peered into her eyes, he almost took a step back. Her eyes glinted almost as if they glowed.

I am so sorry there was no enough time to tell all of you how special you are. You must take care of our family now, and you can never give into them, Isaac. Always stay free. She kissed his forehead. Stepping back, she studied each of their faces as if she would never see them again. Stopping on Lucy, Ma said, Lucy, lock this door behind me.

Within a moment Ma was outside with Pa, and Lucy did what she was told. Isaac shuddered at the noises that echoed throughout the air. A loud pounding on the porch and clapping thuds shattered the night as howls joined the growls. His sister was motionless, her eyes wide. Ma was gone.

~ * ~

Cold water stung my heated skin. I jerked up, my eyes opening. It took me a few seconds to pull myself from my high-level vision of Mason’s family to the present to see the group around me.

Come on, Eva! The water’s great! Jonas yelled as he jumped back into the water.

I shook my head with a slight smile as Lucy glared at him and snapped, You are an ass Jonas.

Most normal people do not swim this early in the season because the water was still too cold in the mountains; but to us, the chill was no bother. Although, given my condition, I preferred the hot sun to freezing cold any day.

All the Cowans, Caleb, and a few of his pack brothers were water wrestling and playing about. Lizzy and Lucy lay next to me. I had managed to keep the fact that I had been transformed into what I was from Laine and Kristy thus far. Isaac and Mason thought it the best way to keep them safe from those who enforced the unwritten ‘no one should know’ rule.

Ridiculous. I knew one day I would need to reveal the truth as my appearance would change very little over the next couple of decades. Werewolves are not immortal; however, we do age differently than humans. Isaac attests that wasn’t an exact science, but since the Cowans were changed some 225 years ago, they have only aged but a couple of years.

Mason dropped onto the blanket next to me, his skin yet cooled from the water. His lips found their way from under my arm, which was resting on my forehead, to my lips.

You are so warm, babe, he said. His cool skin heated to mine. He gently placed his hand on my belly. Any activity?

As a matter of fact, yes. Very active; let’s kick mommy’s spleen a few times for practice.

He chuckled. It’s getting close.

I smiled at him. I know.

Isaac and Caleb came out then laid on the blanket below ours to dry off as Mason continued to huddle next to me.

I heard it was a nice memorial mass for your aunt today. I can’t believe it’s been a year, he said.

I know. It was important to Kristy and Laine and me to have the mass in her name on the anniversary of her death. I still looked like a big fat werewolf sitting in the pew though.

This made them laugh as Isaac said, You’re the hottest pregnant werewolf ever, Eva.

Time moved differently since I was borne to this life. The unexpected became the norm and it was as if I lived by the seat of my pants the entire time. The funny thing was, I loved it. I loved the thrill of what might happen next, even if that next thing was the danger that has haunted us for months. Caleb’s pack needed to get back, and since there was no sign of Viktor, Isaac was fine with them returning for now.

I couldn’t say I was completely comfortable with Caleb there. I think Isaac was ready for them to leave because certain members of Caleb’s pack had a challenging time managing themselves with hunting and with women. If he had that much difficulty controlling his own pack members, there certainly wasn’t a lot Isaac could do despite the fact they were drawing unwanted attention at a period when we really needed to lay low. Suspicion was already rampant throughout the town after Campbell’s disappearance and the discovery of the bodies in the pit—the same pit where Jimmy was found. We buried him next to my parents and grandparents in the Mt. Shasta Memorial Park.

I said my goodbyes to Jimmy just as I said farewell to all of them. I also let go of my old life that very same day. The only remnants of that life were my cousins Kristy and Laine—my only connection to humanity. This was important to me even though werewolves were viewed as mythical monsters out of literature. Despite Isaac’s drive to keep us on the fringes of civilization, I couldn’t let them go… I refused to let them go. I had managed to keep my true nature a secret and in doing so, kept them safe.

Although I relocated into the Cowan’s house fulltime, I was at Kristy and Laine’s house a lot. When I wasn’t there, I was at the Blue Dawn keeping books. I could come and go as I wished. Isaac put me in charge of the accounts, bills, and paychecks. He said we needed to stay busy with other things so our ‘drives’ didn’t take over. Be it the drive to hunt, eat, or sex, any of them, if unchecked, could be disastrous and potentially damaging to our lives. My personal preference on learning to manage the thirst and desires, was to shift to hunt mode and run. The faster I would go, the freer I was. That complete and utter sensation of liberation I could never have experienced in my old life.

Of course, I was unable to do this without someone there. Isaac’s orders were I was to never be alone because we didn’t know where Viktor was. We kept thinking of his warning, and each morning, half expected to be under attack. Isaac remained ever vigilant.

Usually, I would go with Lizzy and Lucy. The three of us were nearly inseparable, sisters in every way. The thing was, regardless of how much I attempted to center on other things, or the baby, I, and the others, knew something was coming. We just had no idea what or when.

As a group, we headed back to the house to clean up. I got to our bedroom to get dressed after my shower; my giant towel covered my body and swelled baby bump. After closing the door, I saw myself in the mirror for a moment. My fingertips grazed over the family’s crest, which was now tattooed on my right rear shoulder blade and showed allegiance to my pack which, of course, thrilled Mason. It wasn’t, however, as large as the one the brothers had nor as small as Lizzy and Lucy’s charm, but it was definitely visible.

At that moment, the hairs on my neck stood up, and my body was enveloped with goosebumps. Someone or something was in the