Warrior’S Embrace

By Anita Crowley

Just a few days ago, the only stress Leta has had in her life is her stupid ex-boyfriend. Now her stresses include goddesses, demons, and vampires! Who would have thought?

Down-to-earth Leta Ryan has never believed in the supernatural. Her life has been boring and normal, and thats how she likes itthat is, until she awakes on her birthday with a crescent moon tattooed on her body. Giving in to her best friend, Kate Johnson, she reluctantly pays a visit to a psychic who informs Leta she is the Greek goddess Nyx in human form.

Kantos Argyrostall, dark, and dangerousis a 3,500-year-old vampire whose sworn duty is to protect humans from the evils of the world. A true loner, Kantos has sworn off women almost two thousand years agothat is, until he starts to dream of a woman who bears the mark of Nyx.

Their worlds collide when Kantos is charged to protect her from his nemesis, Athos, a demon king on the hunt for vengeance and power. Can these two opposites come together and set aside their differences to realize their potential? Or will history repeat itself?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 21, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543466263

Anita Crowley

About the Author Born and raised in Wisconsin I spent most of my life there until I enlisted into the U.S Army in 2011. I have enjoyed writing for over fourteen years, but this is my first published series. When I'm not on duty I spend my free time writing stories to entertain others. I love reading about history and mythology, and have loved vampire legends since I was eight years old. It has always been a dream of mine to write a novel to share with the world. I hope you enjoy my stories as much as I enjoy writing them.

Book preview

Chapter One

The creature flew out of the night towards them. It angrily hissed and screeched, its arms extended in attack position. Kantos dropped to the ground, and barely missed the creature’s claws. He flipped onto his back and unsheathed his sword. He swung it upwards and sliced it into the creature’s chest. It screamed in agony and dropped to the ground.

Man, you demons don’t give up do you? Kantos spoke to himself. The thing hissed at him and came for him again this time at full force, its arms flailed wildly, and a set of fangs protruded from its mouth. Drake jumped in from the creature’s side before it could strike. He plunged his hand into the creatures chest and ripped the heart clean out. The thing turned to dust in seconds.

Kantos looked at his partner in shock. When did he learn how to do that so well? He thought. He watched as Drake shook the dust from his body. His blonde hair resembled a snow globe, and it made Kantos laugh. Drake brushed off his muscular shoulders, and then down towards his blue Levi’s. Kantos couldn’t believe how much of a man Drake had turned into. Hell, he was almost as tall as himself now, and he was a giant with his 6’5 height.

Did you see the look on that Demon’s face when I jumped in front of him? He didn’t know what was coming. Drake gloated.

Not bad Drake, Kantos began. You have definitely improved your skills since the last time I saw you.

I would hope so. Drake agreed. After all, it has been about four centuries.

Kantos had almost forgotten it had been so long since he had been with his most trusted friend, and now they were reunited and he was helping him take down the dark creatures of the world. The recent influx of demons in this particular area had been reason enough for the Council to send another Warrior to aide Kantos, and wonderfully enough it had been Drake they sent to him.

So Kantos, have you figured out any reason why the Demon population seems to be multiplying in Milwaukee? Drake turned around as he spoke to his friend and teacher and noticed the centuries hadn’t changed Kantos at all. He was still tall and muscular, and his green eyes still seemed to glow in the night. In fact, the only real change was his short cut hair and the t-shirt and jeans he was wore instead of 16th century leggings.

No. So far I haven’t come across any reason at all. Quite honestly the only thing I can think of is they enjoy the shorter daylight hours up here in the Midwest during the winter months. Other than that, I’ve got nothing.

But you say Athos is here with them, and his henchman Ikaros too? Drake inquired.

Yea; I noticed a change in the way the Demons were attacking about a month ago; it seems to me that Lord Demon King Athos has come to town. They have gotten worse, and have been increasing their attacks. Every time I’ve seen this in their patterns it means Athos is around to run the show. Kantos explained.

So they get worse when he’s around huh? Well that doesn’t really surprise me. Sounds like typical Demon thinking. Hey guys; I’ve got an idea lets impress the big bad boss man by attacking every human that decides to go out after dark.

Kantos laughed at Drake’s attempt at a Demon impersonation. It’s great to have you here Drake. I forgot how much of a comedian you truly were. It’s been a long time since I had a good laugh.

Drake looked at him incredulously. Seriously; what have you been doing these past four hundred years? Living under a rock? Don’t you ever go out? Or better yet don’t you ever spend time with a woman?

Kantos just looked at him, his expression answered the question. Drake let out a long sigh. Really Kantos; no women either?

Kantos shook his head. You forget Drake; that I’m much older than you; and wiser. I don’t need women around to keep me entertained.

Ok, now you’re lying to me. Don’t give me that Mr. three thousand year old Warrior doesn’t sometimes want a woman’s company line. That is a pile of garbage if I’ve ever heard one.

It’s true. Kantos insisted.

Besides the poor damsels you rescue from those Demons, have you even seen a woman since the last time I saw you?

Yes, I have Drake. Kantos began to get irritated by the constant questioning. Sure, he hadn’t been with a woman in a very long time, but he hadn’t really felt the need to at the same time. Sure, he had been lonely, in fact, utterly lonely on occasion, but, he didn’t feel the need to satisfy that loneliness with human one night stands. If he was going to have a woman it was going to be one of his kind, and someone he could spend the rest of eternity with. Unfortunately, he didn’t trust any woman enough to give them a chance. After what his first wife had done to him almost two thousand years ago, he didn’t want to get close to someone ever again.

So there is absolutely no female on this planet that has caught your attention recently? Human or otherwise? Drake prodded.

Kantos groaned loudly. Ok. Ok. I guess there is this one woman who has been in my mind a lot recently, but I don’t really know if she is real or not.

Drake’s eyes widened. Oh really? What do you mean you are not sure if she is real or not?

She’s in my dreams. Actually she’s been in my dreams almost every day for the past month.

Well? Who is she? What does she look like? He asked.

That’s the problem Drake. I’ve never seen her before in real life. She’s beautiful though. She has long thick shiny black hair, big bright blue eyes, and she’s short, very short actually, maybe just over five feet tall. I am not sure exactly who she is. What is strange though, is that every time I dream of her I can see her stomach, and every time, I always notice that she has a crescent moon mark on it. Kantos stopped abruptly as Drake’s jaw dropped.

Do you think you are possibly dreaming of the Goddess Nyx? Drake questioned.

I think I am Drake, but it’s not the goddess I once served, she doesn’t look the same to me, and her moves are different, but that mark…I would recognize that anywhere. Kantos confirmed.

Maybe you are finally getting your second chance to prove that you are indeed a great Warrior and protector of our goddess.

Kantos shrugged nonchalantly. I doubt it. I’m damned; forever cursed to walk the earth reliving those horrible memories over and over again. His mind wandered back to that terrible night. He had gone to his home and found his only child killed by his wife’s hands. A crazed look had filled his wife’s eyes when she had admitted to being unfaithful to him, and swearing her allegiance over to Athos.

He remembered her turning him over to Athos, and while he was tortured and left for dead his goddess had been taken from him. If he lived to be a million years old he would never forget that night. It was because of his wife, Kalypso that he had sworn off women. He never wanted to fall in love again. Drake came up and patted Kantos on the back.

Drake came up and patted Kantos on the back. Don’t say that, you know that’s not true. C’mon let’s forget about that. It’s nearly dawn, and you know how much more sensitive I am than you are to the sun. I can’t stand that prickly feeling I get when I can feel the first rays of sunrise hitting my skin.

Kantos grinned. I definitely didn’t forget about that Drake. They started to walk towards the black Escalade down the street.

I decided that if we are not stuck on Demon duty tomorrow night we are going to go out. I just got into town, and would like to see what this city offers for night life. Drake said. Maybe I can even find you a girl to get your mind off of your dream woman for a while. Drake laughed and Kantos groaned loudly as if he were in pain. Oh come on! Don’t knock it until you try it. Drake punched him in the arm.

Fine, fine, but only if shut up about it already. Kantos started to get huffy and Drake knew that it was time to stop harassing him.

Ok. You got a deal Brother. Drake nodded as they stepped into the SUV and drove home.

*     *     *

Leta closed her eyes and inhaled the ocean air. The warm night breeze enveloped her like a blanket. It warmed her bare arms, and caused her long black skirt to float behind her. The cool sand beneath her toes felt amazing, and the fresh scent of the ocean filled her nostrils and sent her into euphoria. This is perfect. She thought. If I could stay right here for the rest of my life, I could die happy. She opened her eyes to take in the scenery. She saw the ocean wave’s crash against the rocks below her in an almost rhythmic motion. The light from the tiny houses bounced off the waves and created a sparkling effect. This is all so beautiful, and so perfect.

As soon as that thought crossed her mind she realized she was not alone. She turned to her left and saw a figure coming out of the shadows. The figure was tall, much taller than her, and she could make out the distinct shape of a well-toned male body. As he came closer she could see he wore no shirt, and a simple pair of black leather pants. His feet were bare in the sand like hers. He came towards her.

As he came closer Leta could make out his features in more detail. He had long black hair, and deep black eyes. She took in a deep breath, this man was hot, and not just movie star hot, this man was dream god hot! He walked up to her, leaving only a few paces between them. She realized she had stopped breathing, and exhaled much louder than she had wanted to.

Suddenly he moved closer to her, and his hand went to the side of her cheek, and moved slowly down to her neckline. The touch sent butterflies through her stomach, and made her legs shake.

Don’t be afraid of me my love. The stranger whispered softly. I will not hurt you. I only want to touch your soft beautiful skin. He slowly caressed her neck, and it made her moan out loud.

Who are you? She asked trying to focus her mind on the words coming out of her mouth, instead of the soft cool touch of his fingers. He smiled down at her and continued to slowly touch her soft body; he looked down, and took in her beautiful curves, her fragile body structure. She was beautiful.

I am your king my love. He started. I have waited so long for you to finally be with me. I have searched the world for you for so many long years. His hands continued to run down her neckline to her chest. Leta could hardly breathe. Her body felt like it was on fire and her legs felt like they wouldn’t hold her any longer.

My king? I don’t understand what you mean? She questioned.

You are my queen. My beautiful goddess, and I am your King, and now it is time for you to finally awaken from your long slumber so you can return to me. His voice soothed.

She gave him a confused look. He smiled again and moved his fingers to her stomach, and slowly moved the bottom of her tank top so that he could see her right side. She looked down at her stomach as he traced a design on her side. As he did she felt a burning sensation run through her body, and slowly a crescent moon formed on her stomach.

She looked up at him in astonishment. The burning sensation moved through her body. He took his other hand and held her face. He bent down and kissed her deeply and passionately. She opened her mouth to him as the fire inside of her grew hotter. Suddenly she began to feel as if she would burn up in flames from the pain in her stomach. She pulled away from the kiss and started screaming in pain.

*     *     *

Leta wake up! Kate shook her friend trying to arouse her from her death like sleep. Please Leta wake up, it’s just a nightmare I’m here with you.

Leta opened her eyes and saw that was Kate looking at her, her big brown eyes were wide with shock. She shook her head and cleared the dream film away from her mind, and sat up in her bed. Kate rubbed her back and tried to soothe her friend’s nerves.

Are you ok? I don’t think I’ve ever heard you scream like that. Kate said worriedly.

Leta blushed. I’m sorry Kate; I didn’t mean to freak you out.

It’s ok, what happened? Did you have a nightmare? Kate stopped rubbing her back and moved to sit down and face Leta at the end of her bed.

Well, I don’t know. I wouldn’t really consider it a nightmare. There were no wild animals chasing after me or zombies trying to eat my brains. It was definitely weird though.

Tell me about it. If anyone can help you interpret your dreams you know it’s me. Kate replied.

Kate was a master of dream interpretation. Since they had been teenagers Kate had been into the otherworldly. Her aunt had been into astrology, and since she had taught Kate about the planets and the stars Kate had become hooked on everything that involved the supernatural. Leta never made fun of her friend for it, and she didn’t judge her beliefs, but it was something that Leta never really understood. She had never been a believer in the supernatural, ghosts, ESP, and the rest. To her, all of that just didn’t seem believable. Leta was a girl of reason and common sense. Her rational thinking had helped the both of them get through their childhood, and their teenage years.

Well, I was on a beach near the ocean, and it was so beautiful and warm. It felt like I was really there and not just dreaming. Then, a strange sexy man came up to me and started talking to me. He called me his queen, and said he had been searching for me for a long time. He said it was time for me to wake up. He touched my stomach, and started burning. As it did a mark of a crescent moon appeared on my right side. It began to burn so hot that it hurt, and it made me scream in my dream. That’s when I woke up. Leta finished.

Show me where it hurt in your dream. Kate stated.

Leta lifted up her tank top and began to show Kate where she had felt the pain in her dream. Right…Oh my god! She gasped. When she looked down she saw the exact same mark she had seen in her dream. Every little detail of the crescent moon was intricately marked on her right side. The two girls looked up at each other in astonishment. But…how? Leta stammered.

It must be some kind of sign, Kate started. To dream of a tattoo; and then wake up and have it on your body. That is supernatural if I ever saw it!

Leta gaped at her. She couldn’t believe it. Weird stuff never happened to her, she was boring and normal, and not typically the one who woke up with marks on her stomach that she had dreamt about.

I got it! Kate declared.

Leta gave her a confused look, and tilted her head like a confused pug puppy.

Think about it Leta, Kate explained. It’s your twenty first birthday. Not only is it your birthday, but it’s your golden birthday, which happens to fall on the shortest day of the year, and is considered by some to be a traditional religious holiday. On top of that you dreamt of a super handsome yummy man, which, at this moment, you don’t have. It’s gotta be a sign!

Leta frowned. Thanks for reminding me that I was single and it was my birthday Kate. I was trying to forget. Three days before her birthday she had found out her boyfriend of a year had been cheating on her for the last four months. The worst part was that she hadn’t found out from James, but instead found out from Sophie, the girl he had been cheating on her with. The news had crushed her heart. She had already made plans with him for her birthday and Christmas, which was to follow in four days. All of those plans had turned to dust on that discovery. She was trying to enjoy the holiday season and her break away from school at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, but her heart still ached, and at that moment she believed the school work would have been a relief. It would’ve gotten her mind off of her thoughts for a while at least. He hadn’t been the greatest boyfriend on the planet, but he had been tolerable. Leta had never been good with relationships, and this had been her longest. It hurt her inside to know it had all been for nothing.

Kate gave Leta a giant hug. We are definitely not forgetting your birthday Leta! It’s your twenty first! How about this? For your birthday, let me take to you the Magick Shop, the owner’s wife Lucille does tarot readings. Maybe she will give you some good news and possibly some more insight on that weird dream of yours, and that mark.

Oh yea, Leta began. I tell her my dream and show her my tattoo and she’s going to think I’m playing a game.

No Leta, she won’t. You forget, Lucille believes in the supernatural. Please just give her a chance.

Kate made her best puppy dog face for Leta.

Leta sighed. Ok. Ok. I suppose. Let me get ready and we can go.

Kate gave Leta a hug, and then jumped up and down on the bed. After a few moments she stopped and ran out the door in frenzy, excited that her friend had finally given in to coming with her to the Magick Shop. Kate had tried for years to get Leta to go with her, and every time she had refused. She couldn’t wait to take her.

Leta looked around her room. Everything seemed normal. Her room was still decorated with posters of Dave Matthews, Nickelback, and Shinedown. Her closet was still overly stuffed with t-shirts and hoodies that combined into one giant clutter, and next to her closet her Fender Guitar rested on its stand to the left her Peavey amplifier. Nothing seemed different to her, but at the same time something inside of her told her that something had changed.

She slowly moved out of her bed, grabbed the towel hanging on the back of her door, and made her way down the hallway towards the bathroom to take a shower. She shut the door and looked into the long mirror. She lifted her tank top up to examine the mark again. It no longer burned her skin, and it didn’t look fresh. In fact, it looked like it had been there her whole life. The moon was beautifully designed, and it was completely colored in black. It reminded her of a tribal design. Secretly in her mind she hoped Lucille would have some kind of answers for her, even if they seemed impossible.

*     *     *

Leta and Kate walked down the street, the winter breeze cold on their skin. The Magick Shop was only six blocks from the duplex they shared down on the Eastside, which was a blessing since neither of them had a vehicle. Leta had a Honda, but she kept it at her parent’s house while she was in school. Everything she needed was within walking distance or a short bus ride, and trying to find parking on the Eastside was one of the few things she hated with a passion.

The sky was cloudy, and Leta knew that the snow would start to fall soon. She hoped it wouldn’t be too bad today. Her back still hurt from shoveling the snow they had gotten two weeks ago, when good old mother-nature had dumped ten inches of snow on Milwaukee. Leta pulled her arms tighter around her chest to keep the chill at bay. As they walked up to the Magick Shop Leta looked at the outside of the building. There was nothing special about the store, in fact it resembled a house, if there hadn’t been a sign hanging down that said Magick Shop she would have assumed it was just another home on the corner of the street.

Kate opened the door, and motioned for Leta to walk in. She wasn’t sure what she expected at first, maybe a huge bubbling cauldron, and fifty black cats running loose, but that was definitely not the case. Instead, she smelled a calming perfume and noticed the store was lit up. Had it not been for the strange goblets and wands on the table in the middle of the room she would’ve believed she was in a normal bookstore. She heard Kate’s gasp of excitement from behind her, and it made her chuckle. Kate sounded like a little kid in a candy store. Immediately she ran to the book shelves and started searching them for new books to read.

Leta felt awkward and uncomfortable. She wasn’t really sure what she should do, so she started making her way through the store looking at the different candles and incense for sale. Kate noticed Leta eyeing up the incense.

Smell the one labeled Nag Champa. It’s the best incense ever. Kate said.

Leta picked up one of the sticks and inhaled it. A combination of fresh flowers and clean laundry hit her nose; it gave her a calm and relaxed feeling.

Can I help you ladies find anything?

Even though the voice was soft and inviting it took Leta off guard and she jumped a little.

Umm… she started.

Hey Dimitri, Kate barged in. We do need some advice from Lucille if that’s possible.

Leta turned in the direction of the voice and saw a short, smiling middle aged man. He was maybe an inch taller than Leta, which put him at about 5’3. He wore a simple pair of casual khaki slacks, and a wonderfully knit winter sweater garnished with a snowman and snowflakes. Definitely not the way Leta expected to see the owner of a magic store to be dressed. His gray hair was short and neatly cut.

Of course Lucille is available for you Kate, and is this your friend? Dimitri looked at Leta, his warm smile still planted on his face. Kate softly smacked her forehead, realizing she hadn’t introduced the two of them yet.

I’m sorry guys, Leta, this is Dimitri. Dimitri, this is Leta.

Hi. Leta managed to choke out the words. She was out of her comfort zone and knew she had to endure it for a little while longer. Dimitri offered his hand and smiled again. He motioned for them to follow him. He led them to the back room and opened the door. The room was small and cozy, and the air was warm. Leta swore she smelt…

Home baked cookies? She questioned.

Lucille smiled warmly. That is correct.

Leta smiled. The smell of the cookies helped to relax her. She looked at the woman in front of her and was pleasantly surprised to see that Lucille didn’t look like the witches she had seen in story books as a child. In fact, she was very beautiful for her age. She had long thick black hair, and bright chocolate eyes that sparkled in the candle light. Leta was relieved to notice that she still had all of her teeth as well. Lucille stood up and motioned for the two girls to take a seat across from her.

Lucille, this is my friend Leta. Kate pointed to Leta, and she smiled shyly.

Hi Lucille. Leta said shakily.

She was still a little nervous. She had no idea what Lucille would think of her after her story. She felt anxiety creeping back into her body. Lucille took Leta’s left hand in her own, and held it delicately.

Don’t be afraid my dear, no one here will judge you. Lucille coaxed.

Leta could feel her mouth drop open. How did she know? She thought to herself.

Lucille gave Leta a silent grip. Now children, what is it you wanted to see me for?

Leta tensed herself, waiting for the laughter that was surely going to follow. "Well, I…umm…I had a really strange dream last night,