The Council

By JENNIFER HULSHOF-BOONE

Ashton Gament was born into slavery but those bonds were broken the night her sire made her into a vampire. But even vampires have laws to follow and she along with all vampires are ruled by a secretive group known as the Council. They are never allowed to reveal what they are to humans. They are not allowed to turn a human into a vampire unless the Council grants permission first, even as a mate. They are not allowed to kill humans unless absolutely necessary, even if feeding so as not to diminish the food supply. And finally, the most sacred law, and one that is never ever subject to vote otherwise, they are not allowed to turn a human under the age of nineteen into a vampire so they can fully physically develop as a human first. Any of these laws are broken and the offender is hunted down and eliminated.

Ashton is approached by the Red Cloaks, a secretive pack of werewolves working on behalf of the Coven, a powerful band of witches. The Coven have discovered a powerful Seer in the form of a young teenage girl and they need Ashton to rescue her from a common enemy. In order to interfere in these human affairs, Ashton must first approach the Council for permission. They surprisingly grant it but she soon discovers they have hidden agendas of their own, and not everything about the almighty Council is as it seems...

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 6, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496909633

JENNIFER HULSHOF-BOONE

I have been writing since I was able to string sentences together at a young age and I have always had a fascination with vampires since I saw Interview with the Vampire for the first time on the big screen. Part of my fascination with vampires was never really finding a strong female character portrayed in such a way which inspired me to create one of my own. I live in the capital city of Ontario, Canada with my husband and two teenage daughters as well as our over abundance of four-legged family members.

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© 2014 JENNIFER HULSHOF-BOONE. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 04/28/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4969-0962-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-0963-3 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Epilogue

Dedicated to my family for all their support, to my sister for being the ‘first read’, makeshift editor and headshot photographer. Thank you so much to Authorhouse for supporting this work and their speedy efficiency for making an idea become a reality. For my daughters so they understand that any dream they may have can someday become a reality if they work hard enough, no matter how long it takes. And finally to my husband for putting up with all the crazy and making sure I had time to write by keeping the dogs occupied.

All my love, Always,

J.H

CHAPTER ONE

Although I appeared as tranquil and still as the smooth surface of a mill pond, my insides were racing; thoughts hurtling off in a thousand different directions. That small ache in my one shoulder I guess from over extending my arm when I threw the bigger one forward like a javelin causing his body to crash into the brick wall like a rag doll. He’d slid down it in a heap but staggered up to all fours, growling at me like a mean junkyard dog. I knew that ache would become a constant tomorrow, but I was able to detachedly recognize it as just an ache right now. My thoughts wandered to the strength of those chains anchored into the walls. I’d drilled into the granite with a jackhammer, the bolts ones normally used on piers for anchoring large steamers and luxury liners at dock. I knew the anchors were not coming undone anytime soon, but my mind was racing along all the individual links in those anchor chains, mentally testing each one for weakness. The smaller one would definitely not be getting loose, but the bigger one concerned me. He was obviously the more seasoned of the two; stronger, faster… a far more formidable foe. Until he shifted forms back to human, my main concern was keeping him unconscious. I knew his human name was Corbin, but the younger one I had never seen or heard of before. I could not attach a name to him yet.

The cavern was cold but that is something that didn’t affect me one way or another. I noticed it in a casual observance, my thoughts idly drifting as I stared without seeing the flickering shadows cast by the torches along the wall. I sat on a rough hewn step, knees bent, leaning back casually, and my elbows resting behind me on another step. I could smell the burning oil in the torches, another casual thought drifting through my brain as I waited…

The shifting in chains alerted me and I sat up, leaning forward, my elbows coming to rest on my knees, one hand clasping the other.

What the f— the word was unfinished but the implication was there in Corbin’s confused shocked voice.

There was another shifting, a boot scraping across the dirt packed floor, more chains rattling… Huh? This came from the younger one. At least the two had shifted back to human form and I could stop mentally testing the chains for weaknesses.

There was a sharp jerk against the two sets of chains as both of them tried to test their give and the sharp rattling result revealed the strength of the bonds.

There’s no use, I remarked casually. They are anchored into solid granite.

The captors stopped rattling the chains like restless ghosts and turned to stare at me.

They were so lovely to look at… . both different in their coloring, their stature, yet both stunning to behold. The feminine side of me smiled in sexual appreciation which I refrained from displaying on my features, keeping my visage perfectly calm and schooled. I could have left them both fully clothed, but that feminine side of me appreciated the view more with their shirts off so I had not bothered putting that particular article of clothing onto either of them before I secured them in the chains. It was my self-reward for what I had to endure to get them both here in the first place.

Listen, bitch- The younger one began to curse at me, and I gave a small smile, cutting him off with a wave of my hand. He was young after all and had a quicker temper than Corbin who casually regarded me.

There’s no need for such language, I said. I am fully prepared to let you both out of the chains in due time. Unharmed, I might add. I just needed to get your attention for a few moments and this was the best way I knew how given your previous conditions.

What the hell are you talking about? Corbin asked me this time, his eyes narrowing to slits as he glared at him, his own anger just broiling under the surface of a cool exterior

I sighed and rose to my feet, coming across the dirt packed floor to stand between the two of them, just out of reach. I had chained them opposite each other so they would be facing me as they were now. I needed their full attention and not helping each other out of the chains.

Do you remember anything before waking up in the chains? I asked.

He’s new, Corbin answered me still glaring. That was his first transition.

So you are aware of yourselves after you change? I asked, turning to him.

Over time, he replied. It took me almost a full year, but I’ve learned how to control it and still maintain my senses.

I glanced at the newer changeling with a small pondering frown as he stared at me and Corbin with a look of fright and confusion. Is there a way for the control to be taught to speed up the process?

I don’t know, Corbin replied. I learned it on my own. I was not changed out of a need to sire or out of love. It was quick and painful and I was never told anything about what was happening to me.

I glanced back at him. Did you sire this one?

No, he answered. But I watched it happen and his was as painful and violent as mine. He gave a small smirk. Call me sentimental, but I thought I’d give the kid a hand so he wouldn’t have to go through what I went through.

Well, consider yourself the official mentor, I remarked, looking back at the changeling.

What is this about? Corbin asked me. You seem to know a hell of a lot about us, including what we actually are, and yet you have us at a disadvantage with us knowing nothing about you.

She’s a crazy bitch who has us tied in chains in a cave to granite walls! The changeling cursed, realizing Corbin, being in chains like him, was the most likely ally for getting him out of this situation.

I sighed. First of all, bitch is a hard-earned title so stop trying to use it as an insult because it will have no effect with me. Secondly, I am not crazy, and you will not think I am when you hear the reasons why I brought you here. And third, I tied you in chains to keep you from ripping my throat out until you shifted back to human form.

Human form? he asked with a confused chuckle. What the hell are you talking about?

I glanced at Corbin. Do you want to tell him or shall I?

Corbin glanced over at the changeling. You’re a werewolf. He looked back at me without waiting for a reaction.

Okay, now I know you’re both crazy. The changeling said.

You are a werewolf, I repeated. And so is he I gestured to Corbin beside me.

The question is… . what are you? Corbin asked me, eyeing me from head to toe.

I am a discussion for another time. I replied. First let’s get to the matter at hand. As with all predators in life, they have their own share of hunters. As the ultimate predators we of course have formidable ones ourselves. One such nemesis has recently come into play, and I proposition we team together to form an opposition.

And why should we help you? Corbin asked me.

Because I obviously got the drop on you both and here we are so that makes me the better ally to you, I countered

He shrugged, Good enough for me. he held up the chain. Now how about you let me out of these?

I shrugged as well. I don’t know, I think I’m rather enjoying that look on you right now. I gave him a look of feminine appreciation and he smiled wryly.

Honey, I’m all for tie me up, tie me down, but I don’t even know your first name so that’s hardly fair now. Corbin smirked. He had a sexy boyish charm that was enhanced by a deep dimple in his cheek.

And why would you want to know my name if I was tying you up? I asked, stepping a little closer with a roll of the hips, a well timed sigh to heave the generous cleavage knowing I was giving him a good show and seeing the resulting appreciation in his eyes.

Cause I want to know what to call you when you look up at me from your knees he replied, and there was nothing but promise in his voice mixed with male confidence telling me he was pretty sure of himself.

I gave a chuckle. Honey, it’s very rare you will find me on my knees, and if I’m tying you up, you will be suspended before me open to my leisurely exploration… I gave him a wicked smile and stepped back again. But if you must know, my name is Ashton.

Corbin gave me a dark look. Ashton Gament.

I smiled. Oh, so you’ve heard of me? It wasn’t really a question but I asked it anyways… I didn’t realize I was famous.

More like infamous, he said dryly.

I shrugged and turned away. The young changeling was watching us the whole time then asked, So who is she?

She is a vampire, Corbin replied.

Oh come now, I pretended to pout. You can’t just label me as any old vampire. I deserve better reverence than that.

Well there was the rumor you once faced and defeated Nosferatu, but then again he didn’t really die did he? Corbin remarked, a note of irony in his words.

He did when I got done with him, I chuckled. I believe I hung his head on a pike outside the castle I had seized. Of course the gesture was lost the minute the sun hit the sky and his features burned away, but I do remember the look it wore rather fondly… I reminisced for a moment with a small smile playing on my lips.

I thought vampires were immortal, the young changeling asked

We are, I replied, so long as we keep our heads attached to our bodies and our hearts intact in our ribcages and stay out of the sun.

So vampires really don’t sparkle? he asked sarcastically.

Only if I roll in glitter, and I find that rather annoying later while trying to wash up, I replied. That shit clings.

When did you… he began and then thought better of it, never mind, I don’t really want to know.

I smiled and resumed my perch on the rough hewn steps. So what’s it going to be boys? Do we have an agreement?

Corbin shrugged. I already agreed. He glanced at the kid. Are you in, kid?

The changeling looked slightly worried, Am I really a werewolf?

I chuckled, Yes. And in time you will come to love it.

He gave a shrug, Okay, count me in too.

Good, I moved over to unchain the changeling first. And in case you get any ideas of trying to get the jump on me, think again. I wrestled you both in here in wolf form.

The changeling’s eyes grew wide when I got closer to him to let him out. I forgot the shadows in the cavern had hid me well from his view and as a result he had not fully been able to gaze upon me. And the look in his eyes was one I recognized in most males I came across; Pure unadulterated lust. I gave a saucy little smile directly looking into his eyes as I unchained him and chuckled when he stood like a drunken fool, slightly swaying back and forth, unable to tear his eyes away from me.

Careful, I warned. You keep looking at me like that and it’s going to get a little wilder in here. I gave him an appreciative glance from head to toe; after all, I did purposely chain him up with no shirt on. Then I wandered over to let his protégé out putting a little swing in my hips for his benefit.

Might want to tone down that sex appeal around the kid, honey, Corbin remarked dryly. He’s likely to turn into a wolf without being able to help himself.

Oh, so you have so much more control? I asked, trailing a finger tip down his naked pectoral muscle that jumped under my touch. My chuckle was low and sexy. I undid his chains and stepped away a little. He glared at me, rubbing his wrists slightly.

So who’s the nemesis? Corbin asked, And where’s my shirt?

I pouted, But you look so much better without it on…

My shirt, he ground out holding out a hand.

I sighed and turned to the stairs. Well, I can see this being a fun alliance. I bent down and scooped up their shirts. His I tossed at him, well aimed in the face, while I walked juniors’ over to him with another sexy smile. You are much more fun. He smiled back, accepted the shirt but stood with it in a ball in his hand not bothering to put it on.

I’m Aaron, He told me.

It’s nice to meet you, Aaron I replied, and gestured my head towards Corbin who now unfortunately had his shirt on. At least someone has a sense of appreciation for civility.

Hard to be civil when you wake up in chains. Corbin replied And we are not here for your amusement.

It happened so fast neither of them could see it, but one second I was there, standing in front of Aaron, the next I was in front of Corbin, pressed right up against him, inches from his mouth, our breath mingling… . He was so startled he tried to jerk back but I held him in place and he could feel my strength… .

Everything is for my amusement… I whispered and pressed my lips to his, my tongue tangling with his when his mouth parted in surprise. He stayed still for a long second then pushed me away, gasping when I actually released him. I gave a small smile, but it didn’t reach my eyes. Those were cold and hard as steel and he could feel the weight of my power behind that gaze. I am older than you can fathom and since I have been around for so long the only thing left for me here is my own amusements. But if I truly make you uncomfortable, I will cease and desist, keeping this a strictly business partnership. I’m sure the young one won’t refuse my indulgences…

He would if he was smart, Corbin muttered. I ignored him and wandered over to the steps. They followed me up them into a large almost palatial hall that held more torches along the walls as well as huge iron wrought chandeliers suspended by large chains from the high vaulted ceilings and lit with thousands of tapered candles. While the whole room had a sort of medieval look and feel about it, this was marred by the very high tech elaborate computer and surveillance system I had set up in the middle of the room which I strolled over to and hit a series of buttons. On a large monitor all the computers centered around appeared the slightly distorted image of a man’s face. He was rather handsome, long dark hair, well trimmed goatee, piercing green eyes that held purpose in their gaze, but he was stoned cold and calculating in his persona which even in the frozen image radiated through.

Meet the Hunter, goes by the name Fenix, I said. He has been around almost as long as I have, though it is a mystery how. He is a tough son-of-a-bitch to kill, believe me I’ve tried. He somehow always seems to stay a step or two ahead of me. He nearly caught me in Prague a few years back which is when I came here, but I’ve heard rumors of his arrival on North American soil, and recently caught this image on a surveillance system I had rigged outside a house I was using.

Why is the image a little blurry? Aaron asked. I could tell he was a computer geek and was practically salivating to get his hands on the system. Seems you could clean that up more with the technology you have.

It was taken while he was in motion, I replied. I’d clock him doing around a buck twenty in that shot.

You clocked him doing a hundred and twenty miles? Aaron asked, stunned.

He was hauling ass away from the surprise I left in the front hall, I smirked. The bastard can move that’s for sure. I sighed. Another reason he is so damn hard to kill. It’s as if he has all the qualities to be called a vampire, without the drinking blood part, yet he’s not a vampire. I don’t know what he is. I just call him the Hunter.

And you think somehow we can defeat him for you? Corbin