Breaking the Queen-A Dark Fantasy from The Broken Immortals Series (Book 4)

By Jessica White

This is not your usual happily ever after paranormal romance with a naughty witch and hot werewolf twins.

This is a dark fantasy- much darker.

When the widow Tessa Mason drives to a werewolf territory in Virginia to attend her estranged twin brother’s wedding, she expects to meet the bride’s family. What she doesn’t expect is that her new brothers-in-law, Logan and Jacob, will claim her as their fated mate.

She’s not interested, but they don’t care about that.

They want her as their mate, and they’re going to have her, no matter the cost. After her brother’s betrayal leaves her defenseless, the twins use it to their advantage.

However, an angry witch is a dangerous witch. Even with her powers bound, this little monster will have her revenge on the Lycan twins.

But in a story as dark as theirs, can there be a true victor?

Breaking the Queen if the fourth book of The Broken Immortals Series, a grimdark paranormal fantasy collection of stories.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jessica White
• Release date: Oct 21, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005603069

Jessica White

Author Jessica White - Unveiling Dark Fantasies and Steamy Romance in Small Towns? Welcome to the enchanting world of Jessica White, where the world comes alive with dark immortals, small-town secrets, and sizzling romance. As a passionate storyteller, Jessica weaves tales that transport you to realms unknown, blending dark fantasy, steamy romance, and heart-pounding suspense.? Series Highlights:•The Broken Immortals: Journey into a realm where immortality comes with a price, and forbidden desires ignite a war between light and darkness.•Stories from the Realm: Explore mystical landscapes and unearth the secrets that bind magical beings in this captivating series.•Love Stories from a Small Town: Immerse yourself in the charm of small-town romance, where love blossoms amidst close-knit communities.?‍? About the Author: Jessica, a former Registered Nurse turned masterful storyteller, hails from the breathtaking landscapes of West Virginia. Her graduate degree in Business Administration adds a strategic touch to her narrative prowess. Beyond crafting tales, Jessica is captivated by metaphysical wonders, the beauty of nature, irresistible buttercream icing, and the magic of Harry Potter (still waiting for that letter!).? Stay Updated: Curious about Jessica's upcoming releases? Explore Jessica's world beyond the pages. Follow her journey on https://linktr.ee/authorjwhite and sign up for exclusive email alerts. Be the first to dive into new worlds and discover fresh tales of love, mystery, and fantasy.? Connect with Jessica: Have questions or just want to share your thoughts? Reach out to Jessica at [e-mail].

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Better Than A Picture

Even the sun realized something wicked entered paradise that warm May evening. 

The gray clouds devoured the perfect blue sky, and the wind kicked up outside the idyllic farmhouse, leaving a cold mist on the window.

A blast of Logan’s breath spread across the glass. He hurried to wipe the mist away to keep a clear view for the dark presence that barreled toward his parents’ home.

Flecks of gold shimmered in the young werewolf’s green eyes as they fixed on the black wooden gate at the end of the tree-lined driveway.

Long tattooed forearms crossed a rather bulky chest and stretched his black t-shirt as he rubbed at the flutter in his heart. Where the hell is she?

A set of fingers belonging to another pair of muscle-clad arms appeared on the marble-topped table’s edge beside him as his brother joined Logan at the window. Teddy said she’ll be here any minute.

The tremor in Logan’s hands disappeared long enough for him to push his fingers through his dirty blonde hair as he turned to the family room. Do you feel this, or am I crazy?

The bluest eyes smiled at Logan, and he scratched at the pale hair on his chin. The second she got into town.

To settle his nerves, the young Alpha spent the day with a heavy bag in the basement. His sore muscles melted into the soft brown couch as he leaned over on his knees. How the hell are we supposed to pretend like this isn’t happening?

The white lace curtain jerked back under Jacob’s fingers as he peeked down the road one last time. She just lost her husband and her baby. We need to give her time.

Every ounce of his body wanted to charge to the little bed-and-breakfast in town to track down his mate. Yet Jacob sank back into the worn leather chair across from his brother instead and stretched out his legs. 

He swatted the dust from his blue shirt and jerked his shoulder. Unless she comes to us.

Many arrangements were discussed since they found the coppery sorceress’ photograph. In the split second they held each other’s gaze, they agreed on the plan, and Logan pulled his beard through his thumb and forefinger. Right.

While he listened to his perky fiancée chat with her mother in the kitchen, an iciness claimed Teddy’s fingers, and a shiver consumed him.

The mind link between them severed the day he snatched his sister’s memories away, but he still felt her deep in his chest. 

Losing his twin was like a bottomless hole in his center, and no matter how much love his new family gave him, it never filled. Here we go.

Soft scuffs from the soles of the copper warlock’s leather loafers rushed against the wood floors as he shook the guilt of his sins away from his hands. 

The word forgiveness didn’t exist in his sister’s vocabulary, and he hoped she wouldn’t beat him to death with the olive branch he held out to her.

The tall, lean man of magic crossed the bright oak floor, and his curly, dark hair bounced in the breeze he made. Bringing up his finger, he issued one final warning. Not a word, fellas.

As soon as he saw her black ballet flat hit the gravel, the screen door of the white home swung open. Hey, good looking.

Like an angel swooping down from the heaven they could never enter to save her lost soul, the sleeves of his white shirt spread out beside him. 

His eyes narrowed, and his lips puckered as his fingers bent toward him. Get over here and give me some sugar, Sugar.

A pointy tooth dug into her plump bottom lip as she cackled and skipped into his arms. 

Her feet hovered above the ground, and Teddy swung her back and forth as he gave her a long, noisy kiss on her cheek. Mmm-mmm. I sure have missed you.

Bringing the Earth back to her, Teddy’s knees sunk until his nose smashed against hers. I almost forgot how pretty you are. 

After a few blinks of his eyes, they pooled with tears, and he shook his head. I’m sorry I left you like that. Forgive me.

A crooked finger wagged between them as Tessa shook her head. Don’t worry about a thing, Teddy Bear.

Hushed voices sneaked into the bubble surrounding them, and Teddy sighed as he inched backward and tugged on her hand. Plaster on your game face, Killer. There’s some folks for you to impress.

The moment Teddy stepped aside, Logan caught the first glimpse of Tessa in the flesh. Like a wrecking ball rammed into his chest, all the air escaped him, and his hand slapped across his mouth when he gasped. My God.

Even with her long black dress, he could make out each one of her perfect curves. Every strike of her foot shot through him like a thunderbolt, weakening his knees and the ability to keep his promises a little.

Better than a picture on the fridge, isn’t she? When Jacob’s hand met his brother’s shoulder, he leaned into his ear because he sensed his willpower slipping away. Relax. We got time.

Perfectly polished hands took turns fanning her eyes dry while they approached the family. Drool collected at the corner of Logan’s mouth from the scent of strawberries and champagne in each swat, and he rushed to wipe it away.

Gentlemen, — Teddy’s hand crossed his chest and motioned to his sister — this is my more interesting half. 

About a foot taller than his twin, he rested his chin on her head as he flung his palm at the two men waiting for their turn. Sugar, these are Stella’s brothers, Jacob and Logan.

The only thing that can kill an immortal creature is a tall glass of bloody violence.

Still, Logan nearly collapsed there at Tessa’s feet because he knew his life would never be the same after that moment.

CHAPTER TWO

Plan B

The devious, tight-lipped grin and sparkling green eyes from the photograph Logan kept on his nightstand now graced him.

Her magic wove a circle around him until he could hardly breathe, much less utter the words of devotion he planned to shower her with.

Every inch of her body, not draped in dark fabric, glowed like a bronze statue, making the speechless future leader of the territory want to bow before her.

Instead of throwing herself into his arms as she did in his fantasies about their first meeting, the sharp rings on Tessa’s bony knuckles whacked his shoulder. 

The perfect world of threesome bliss he created in his head crashed down on him, and the wall of muscle shrunk under the weight of her delicate, cruel hand. How the hell are you, you big bastard?

Despite Teddy’s warnings about what his spell did to her psyche, Logan was of the opinion once his mate was before him, she’d come to him of her own free will. That she’d recognize their bond and everything he promised her brother about keeping his distance wouldn’t matter.

He stood confounded, though, when she didn’t give him a second thought before turning to his twin.

The Alpha’s always confident way of living, as if nothing in the world was out of his grasp, always rubbed Teddy the wrong way. 

Whereas the magical twins lived a life of loss and horror, their Lycan counterparts had a perfect existence in this rural dream world.

But Tessa’s brutal way of dosing out reality made a satisfied smirk rise on the warlock’s face as he kicked at the gravel. 

No one knew his sister as he did, and all his predictions came to life in the driveway when he saw the devastation on his brother-in-law’s face.

To salt the broken-hearted man’s wound a little more for good measure, Teddy punched Logan’s other shoulder. Monstrous big and tough, aren’t they?

With arms opened for a hug, Jacob flinched at the beads clinging together on Tessa’s wrists when the little fighter bobbed and weaved with her fists up. I bet you boys like to throw down. 

She bit her lip as she nodded and studied every ripple of their finely tuned physiques. Yeah. You look like you can be mighty rough.

Oh, boy. He tucked his sister into his side and murmured in the old language that the Lycans don’t fight and hustle like witches. No, Tess. Ní cosúil linn.

Hmm. Glossy, red lips twisted as she decided then she had no use for people she couldn’t manipulate somehow and shrugged the twins off. Well, isn’t that a pity?

Tessa furrowed her brows while she sized him up and pressed her chest against Jacob’s. Mmm. 

Aside from her coven, the entire world was an ant farm to the pint-sized witch. Even the handsome men who stood before her held no value — just more bugs to squish if the mood struck her right.

She squeezed him like melons at the market, and Logan scratched his head as he turned away from seeing his mate fondling another man. I could make a pretty penny on the pair of them at the Friday night matches, that’s for damn sure.

Stepping back into her brother’s side, Tessa pointed at them. If you ever decide you want to tussle for a living, give me a holler. I got a guy who’ll make you rich and famous.

The memory gaps shortened her attention span, and the men Teddy presented to her already bored her. 

In hopes of better entertainment, Tessa’s arms crossed her chest as she glanced up at the man who made her that way. So, where’s this beautiful woman you told me so much about? I’m just dying for a look-see.

Though Teddy had no desire to have her involved with the twins, her indifference to them was painful to witness as a man. Um, — he scratched at the back of his ear as he always did when he was uncomfortable and pointed to the house — she and Missus. Hexom are tending to supper, I believe.

Jacob’s hand squelched across the smoothly polished pearl-colored hood of the car as he whistled. I’m not even going to ask how much this set you back. 

His eyes shot to Tessa, pushing back the dark flyaway curls into her topknot. It must have cost a fortune.

Not at all. The cool evening air ached the Firestarter’s bones, and she rubbed her arms as her teeth chattered. I won it from a human in a poker tournament a few weeks back.

His tanned face pulled together as he elbowed his brother. Oh, we need to get a game going. I have to see her in action.

When he yanked apart the buckle of his sister’s old leather bag, Teddy peeked inside and shook his head at the mess. Un-un. 

Armpit deep in the endless knapsack, his fingers rummaged through her clothes until he felt a sweater. I urge you not to do that. 

She held her arms out behind her as he pulled the sleeves up and spoke over her shoulder. This little girl right here — his hand patted the top of her head — is unbelievably talented at games of chance. Emphasis on the unbelievable part.

After her fingers straightened out her black cashmere cardigan, she poked one in Teddy’s slender belly. You always have been envious of my skills.

Mmm-hmm. He buckled her satchel, and their father’s disapproving eyebrow arched at her creative way of saying she lies and cheats for the hell of it. That’s because I’ve lost enough money to you to buy a fleet of those cars outright.

The worn leather strap of her sack wrapped around his wrist as he twisted it and held out his other hand to Tessa. Come on. I better take you inside before you con the whole territory away and declare yourself Queen of Northern Virginia.

A blast of wind blew her scent through the air when Teddy spun her around, and a growl started in Logan’s chest when he caught it. 

Whether or not she intended to, her wiggling fingers stirred the twins’ amorous pot as she passed them. And when she winked at Logan, it sealed her fate. It certainly was a pleasure to meet you boys.

She disappeared through the front door, and Jacob turned into Logan and grabbed his shirt. She’s in season. Every goddamn wolf in town will be looking for her.

I know. Logan’s hand wiped across his mouth as he chased after the strawberry-scented hormone trail that followed her. Plan B it is, then.

CHAPTER THREE

Sweet Dreams

The bottle rattled against the wineglass as Teddy leaned across the table. Here, Sugar, let me top that off for you. 

Although he was born without a care in the world except for his sister, the Fates saw fit to incline Tessa to be difficult with almost everyone she came across. It was in the whole town’s best interest to keep her a tad South of sober until she left.

Gunmetal-colored fingernails met the bottle and pushed it away. I think I’m at my limit. I still got to drive out of here tonight.

While he glanced at his brother, Jacob rested his chin against his palm, and his fingers rolled against his cheek when he looked back at her. We can give you a ride back into town. It’s no problem at all.

There was a bit more gravel in her normally throaty voice as she spoke into her cup. That’s real nice and all. She swallowed her wine and set the glass on the table, licking the cheap sweet red off her lips. But I can mist out later if I need to.

Mist out? Every breath of her was intoxicating, and his chest ached a little more with each word that came out of her mouth. What he thought was drunken gibberish brought a smile to his face, and he tugged her glass away. I think you’ve had too much, Darlin.

The creak of the chair Teddy sat in got Jacob’s attention as he pushed himself back into the seat and shot a stern eyebrow at him. He’d spent most of his life attempting to keep his sister caged, but when he witnessed another man try to restrain her, it made his blood boil. Misting is how some of us more talented magic folk get around. 

After a wiggle of her fingers, Tessa balled her fist, then flicked it out. Poof. The little cloud of black fog rose from her palm and disintegrated into the air above her head as she pointed her finger gun at the twins. Kind of like that.

A falling sensation spread through Logan’s shoulders as his plans backfired on him right there at the table before they even had a chance. The beer bottle in his hand pointed at her. You’re saying you can just disappear into thin air whenever you feel like it?

Mmm-hmm. While she swatted at her leather bag on the floor until her fingers reached it, Tessa peeked back over her shoulder. All this wicked old witch has to do is click her heels, and she’s out of here. 

While she dug through her collection of things, the brothers shared a thought before she uncurled her fist and slid a tiny blue package across the table. I got a couple of things that can’t wait until the wedding. Michael sends his love, by the way.

The booky scent of old bibles wafted from the velvet-lined box when Teddy’s thumbs pushed it open. A huff of air came from his nose as his head tilted to the stylish woman beside him. I believe this is for you, Honey. 

After she tucked her hair behind her ear, Stella wrinkled her brows as she took the coin in her hand. I don’t understand. What is this supposed to mean?

With an arm resting against the back of her chair, Teddy rubbed her shoulder. It’s a sixpence. You put it in your shoe on your wedding day for good luck.

Her fingers skimmed over the coin’s carvings, and she placed it back in the box as she batted at the man she thought she knew so well. Who’s Michael? You’ve never mentioned him before.

Though he never lied to Stella, he kept the details of his people and their way of life close to his chest. Be it his mate or not, his coven wouldn’t take a perceived betrayal lightly, and his leader warned him not to cross the line again. Father Michael is an old friend of the family.

A cackle started in the back of his sister’s throat, seeping through her nose as she leaned over the table to poke Teddy’s arm. You called him old. 

After a snorty laugh at her brother’s attempts to dance around the truth about an angel who cast out the devil himself, she pushed her fingertips under her eyes to collect her tears. Well, damned if he ain’t. 

A leather-bound folder fanned her face before she placed it in front of her brother. Anyway, this is from the old man and me.

The case that used to sit in his father’s safe stared back at him, and he licked his lips as his eyes rose to Tessa. What the hell is this?

Two knuckles tapped on it as she cleared her throat of her parent’s things forever. The deeds to all the properties. Everything except Norway and Jones Street, that is. I didn’t figure you’d need ever go there again, although I’ll leave the lights on in case you get nostalgic.

Oh, my God. Her short blonde hair shook under her palm as Stella scratched her head. Greece, Romania, Russia, Brazil — her mouth was agape as she flipped through the worn, old documents until her eyes shot up to her sister-in-law. Are you serious? You’re giving us all these houses?

Although she avoided his eyes, Teddy saw the purple velvet sack in Tessa’s hand, and a burn moved through the warlock’s chest when he realized what she had planned. Are you sure about this, Tess?

The alcohol got the best of her, and she bit at her bottom lip and fluttered her teary eyes away as she nodded. I’m sure. The Crown Royal bag of keys clinked against the table when she tossed it before him. I reckon you two can have yourselves a real humdinger of a honeymoon now.

A hand slapped on Tessa’s as Stella reached across the space between them with a shake of her head. Thank you so much.

With her ear on her shoulder, the flirty sorceress’ thumb rubbed her lip as she gave her a wink. You’re welcome, beautiful. 

Coughing, Teddy covered up yet another secret with his hand. So, um— a huff of air left his nose as he hid his toothy grin and tried not to laugh — what are your plans for tomorrow?

The bride-to-be smacked her hand across her forehead. Oh, Jesus, I wasn’t even thinking. You have to come with us to my dress fitting.

The sides of her lips curled, but the widow’s hand waved off the bittersweet invitation. I appreciate the offer, but I have another commitment tomorrow that I simply can’t miss.

Commitment? The con artist could fool anyone, but her hormones couldn’t escape the Alpha’s nose, and Logan smelled the lie before it rolled off her slightly forked tongue. What kind of commitment?

Narrowed eyes moved to him before the hustler turned to face her opponent, and there wasn’t an ounce of kindness in her expression as she paused between every word. I’m spending the day with a friend. 

Each of her fingers rolled across the table as she dared him to challenge her until Teddy patted her hand. You tell ole Trixy I said hi. 

A purry groan left her throat as she turned to smile at her brother. I surely will.

Where are you hooking up at? His finger tapped a rhythmic code on the table to remind her she promised to be on her best behavior. Here in town?

A fingertip pointed into her chin to tell him to relax as she pushed out her lips and shook her head. No, down near the city.

The leather case lingered in the corner of his eye as he rubbed his jaw. Well, why don’t you and I meet up for dinner and catch up? We got a lot to talk about.

A bony knuckle pressed into his chin. Anything for you, handsome. Her eyes bobbed up and down, and she grinned with a whimper. I better head back. That drive up here kicked my ass.

With the strap of her bag in his hand, Teddy tugged the chair from the table and held her fingers as she rose from her seat. I’ll walk you out. Say goodnight to the good people, Sugar.

Her brother tampered with her memory, but her tendency to hold a grudge a little too long was still as strong as ever. Her fat lip curled at Logan as she gave him a squinty wrinkle of her nose. But to the rest of her audience, she offered a dip of her knees, and both hands came to her mouth to blow them drunken kisses. "Sweet