Call of the Angelus Statues II: Call of the Angelus Statues, #2

By Katherine J. Sinclair

With Nikolas trapped in stone, Juniper finds herself at the mercy of the Divinus and everyone seems to have an agenda, including her. She wants to free Nikolas because without him, she feels lost and ill equip to handle the dangerous games everyone seems to be playing. However, to free Nikolas, she is not only going to need to learn to fight but she's going to need help.

As Juniper battles to free those she has lost, she finds something she never thought she would find. She is then faced with the impossible decision to give up everything she has worked so hard to gain or continue fighting.

Will Juniper walk away from those who need her or will she stand and engage an enemy she knows nothing about?

Note: This book contains content that some readers might find offensive.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Katherine J. Sinclair
• Release date: Jul 10, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201019532

Katherine J. Sinclair

About Katherine J. Sinclair Born in Brisbane Australia, Katherine was fortunate enough to spend most of her childhood exploring the rainforest and the great barrier reef in far northern Queensland. This environment has always been a great part of her inspiration, even while living and working in Canada. With a love for Fantasy and Romance novels, Katherine has always enjoyed writing and has taken inspiration from various different sources like; dreams, memories and her experiences. This book started as a dream and has developed over time. Katherine loved writing this book and hopes you have enjoyed reading it. Happy Reading! Email me at: [e-mail] Note: This is not an email list and no promotional material will be sent, sorry for any inconvenience.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Tears streamed down Juniper’s cheeks as she was dragged, kicking and screaming from the room. She felt like her heart had been ripped out of her chest and stomped on by a man who wouldn’t hesitate to kill her, if it suited him. She didn’t want to leave Nikolas with such a cold hearted man but she wasn’t strong enough to escape and this weighed heavily on her guilt ridden heart.

The moment Juniper was pulled from the room, she was pushed against a wall, causing her to howl in pain as her back hit the wall. She had not been prepared to deal with the strength that the demons possessed and as she helplessly watched a second demon bind her hands and feet, she wept. She hated feeling so inadequate, especially when she had put everyone in danger and wished that there was something she could do. However, she was certain that only a miracle could help her and she doubted that she deserved one.

Once her feet and hands were bound, the demon who had pulled her from the room, picked her up and dropped her over his broad shoulders, making her feel even more pathetic. She was then carried up to a room on the second floor, where she was unceremoniously dropped onto a bed and left to scream until her voice gave out.

As Juniper’s tears dried up, she closed her eyes and curled up as much as she could but with her hands tied behind her back, it was difficult. She wanted to scream at herself for being so stupid but that would not solved any of her problems. In fact, she was certain that it would only add to her troubles. She knew that she should have listened to Nikolas and as she laid there, listening to the bells she knew to be his call, she wished she could wrap her arms around him and tell him how sorry she was.

The room was dark by the time the door opened and a demon walked in with a glass of water. While Juniper didn’t move, she watched as he grabbed a timber chair and pulled it over to the bed before he sat down in front of her with a neutral expression on his face.

Even though the room was dark, she could see his tasseled white hair, that didn’t reflect his age but if she had to guess, she would assume that he was the same age as Nikolas. However, it was his dark red eyes that drew her attention by the way they seemed to see straight into her soul, making her feel vulnerable and exposed.

Would you like some water? he asked, showing her the glass of water. His voice was soothing and full of kindness but Juniper didn’t want his kindness, she wanted Nikolas and nothing else would do.

Get away from me Juniper growled but her voice was broken and it didn’t hold the anger she had hoped to project.

Perhaps, you might want the water a little later he said, placing the glass on the bedside table.

Do you think that your kindness will help your cause? she spat, narrowing her eyes at him. Because I’m never going to help you.

I’m not here to ask anything of you he said, as he leaned back in his chair and made himself comfortable. But the cloak your male used to protect your identity is gone and while Taro has not been given the opportunity to see your true face, it won’t be long before he comes looking for you.

My identity is not important, I am no one of interest she groaned, looking away from him. She had nothing before she had met Nikolas and even though he had given her purpose, she still had nothing.

Do you know how to use a cloak? he asked, ignoring her spiteful response as he glanced at the closed door.

No she groaned, wishing he would leave so that she could dwell in her own self pity again.

Then I will place one on you for now but you will have to learn he said before he whispered the words he needed to hide her true identity and watched as her beautiful face changed.

And who is going to teach me, you? she questioned sarcastically, looking at him again with a deep, angry frown.

Your male should have taught you he said, looking annoyed.

Don’t you dare speak of him she said defensively, as a fire raged in her eyes.

Looking at her with a deep frown of his own, he watched as she shifted on the bed and as she moved, it suddenly occurred to him that perhaps she had not matured yet. How old are you? he asked, as he tried to calculate her approximate age in his head.

Why does that matter she growled, wishing he would untie her hands so that she could drink the water still sitting on the table. Her dry throat hurt and she wanted to at least relieve one ache but she wasn’t about to ask either, she didn’t know how, especially when she felt so angry.

You haven’t matured yet, have you he said to himself, as he got up and pushed Juniper onto her stomach.

Don’t touch me she barked at him, causing her voice to crack.

Hold still he demanded, as he held her down and lifted the collar of her dress to find the bandages Nikolas had wrapped her in. He then looked at the mark confirming that she was bonded and cursed under his breath.

Without another word, the demon left the room, leaving Juniper to groan into her pillow in pain. Her back hurt and she felt completely helpless to do anything to rectify the situation she had created. She had not only put herself in danger but she wasn’t sure what was going to happen to Nikolas now. She feared that they would destroy him, now that he was a statue and helpless to defend himself.

For about an hour, Juniper stared at the water that taunted her from the table, wishing she could drink it but her hands were bound behind her back and she couldn’t sit up. She felt frustrated and angry with herself because if she would have listened to Nikolas, they would all be safe.

As sleep began to pull at Juniper’s conscious, the door opened, filling the room with the light from the hall. She then watched as the demon who had left the water on the table walked in with another demon she didn’t recognize, not that she expected to.

What do you want? Juniper spat, as she shifted toward the wall behind her, in an attempt to put as much distance between them as possible.

Without a word, the new demon walked over and looked down at Juniper. His smile was soft, as he gently brushed the hair from her face and looked into her angry eyes. He then placed his hand on her lower back and held her down, as he lifted her collar and looked at her bandaged back.

She’s younger than I though she would be but my son seemed to only have eyes for that human the new demon said, as he sat down on the chair that had been left by the bed. He then pulled a small timber box out of his pocket and handed it the other demon. I’ll leave that with you Luca but please use it wisely.

Of course Luca said, pushing the box into his pocket. They’ve locked her male up with the others, what...

What did you do to him Juniper growled with fire in her eyes.

Don’t worry, he is safe the new demon said reassuringly.

And I’m supposed to believe you? Juniper questioned bitterly.

Of course not but perhaps it might be reassuring for you to know that once our kind have been turned to stone, it is impossible to damage them the new demon told Juniper before he looked over his shoulder at Luca. That human can’t be trusted, so I want you to move her as soon as it is safe.

What about the staff? Luca asked, glancing at the door to ensure that it was still safe to speak.

Samuel can watch over it for now, she is more important the new demon answered before he looked at Juniper. What did Astrid name you?

Go to hell Juniper spat defiantly, as she glared at him.

I know you’re frightened right now but I can assure you that we mean you no harm the new demon said, smiling warmly at her. And perhaps I should have introduced myself.

I don’t care who you are Juniper growled and froze when the door opened and another demon stepped in, carrying a tray of food.

Here let’s sit you up the new demon said before he stood up and helped Juniper up, despite her protest. He then sat down on the bed beside her and gestured for Luca to take the seat.

Why don’t we start with this Luca said, taking a milky drink from the tray.

Do you think I’m stupid Juniper hissed, turning her head when Luca held the straw to her lips. If you want to kill me, you’re going to have to find another way.

With a groan, Luca took a sip of the drink and offered it to her again, and while she wanted to continue her protest, she desperately wanted the drink. She then frowned at him as she took the straw in her mouth and drank the fruity milkshake. However, as much as she enjoyed the drink, she continued to frown at the demon’s, unwilling to let her anger fade because she was certain that she needed it.

So are you going to give us your name or not? Luca asked, as he placed the empty cup back on the tray.

What do you think? Juniper growled, glaring at him.

Placing his hand on Juniper’s shoulder, the demon sitting beside her waited for her to turn her angry glare on him and smiled at her. My name is Julien and I am head of the house of Altum he told her, grabbing her arm before she fell over. Be careful, you don’t want to hurt yourself.

Do you really think I care who you are? Juniper said bitterly, as Julien dropped his hand to his side with a curious frown.

I’m also your grandfather, Juniper Julien said, looking annoyed as he used her name in an attempt to show her that he was already aware of who she was. And since my son is dead and your male is trapped in stone, you are now my responsibility.

I’m guessing you know I can free my male Juniper said angrily, not sure how she felt about the fact that Julien was her grandfather. She liked the idea of knowing her family but if he was anything like her father, she didn’t want to know him at all. So, if you take me to him, I won’t be a burden to you or your friends anymore.

Yes I know you can free him and once you help us free the Divinus, I will give you your male back but you are currently in no condition to help anyone Julien said, angry with the fact that she was bitter but he couldn’t blame her for feeling that way, he just wished he had of found her earlier.

Just as Juniper was about to give Julien a piece of her mind, a commotion in the hall caught her attention. She was barely holding herself together and if anyone else asked anything of her, she was certain that she would lose her sanity.

So this is where you put her Taro said, as he walked into the room with his timber staff and looked over at Juniper.

I will return her to wherever she’s from tonight Luca said, as he placed the bowl of vegetables and noddles he had planned to feed Juniper back on the tray.

Don’t bother Taro said, looking at Juniper with a wicked grin. I doubt anyone is looking for her.

Her father may be dead but that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t have other family Luca pointed out, keeping the anger from his voice because in that moment, he wanted to rip Taro’s heart out of his chest but knew that he didn’t stand a chance against the staff.

You and your obsession with women Taro groaned, looking at Luca annoyed.

I’m not obsessed with women Luca said with a hint of anger in his voice this time. She is an innocent and she doesn’t need to be caught up in all this madness.

Once you have finished feeding her, you will clean her up and bring her to my room Taro ordered, hardening his stare at Luca.

Never Luca roared, as he jumped up off his chair and lunged at Taro, ready to kill him. Taro had gone too far and he couldn’t control the anger that was now consuming him.

With wide, alert eyes, Taro’s heart skipped a beat and adrenaline began coursing through his veins at the sight of Luca. He knew that Luca could kill him with his bear hands and that if it wasn’t for the staff, Luca would have probably killed him already. However, he had never seen such intense hate in Luca’s eyes before and he feared it.

Fear clouded Taro’s mind, as his hand instinctively gripped the staff and swung it toward Luca. He had no idea if he had hit his target until he heard Juniper shriek and opened his eyes to see stone consuming Luca’s body, much to his relief. He could see that Luca had only been mere inches from him and this caused his heart to drop.

The look in Luca’s eyes was of pure hatred and Taro was thankful that his body had taken control of the situation because if he had relied on his conscience mind, he would probably be dead already. He had known that he needed to be careful but he had let his guard slip and internally scolded himself for it. With his heart pounding in his chest, he looked over at the demon who had brought the tray of food for Juniper and quickly composed himself.

If she is not cleaned up and brought to my room within an hour, I will kill you all Taro threatened the demon, knowing that he had to retain his control or lose everything.

I will kill you Juniper growled, narrowing her eyes at Taro.

And keep her tied up Taro added before he left the room, slamming the door behind himself as he went.

He enjoys that, doesn’t he? Juniper said with disgust, as she stared at Luca.

Unfortunately, yes Julien sighed, as he got up and looked Luca over. He hated seeing his own people like this and wished that they could take the staff and leave but they couldn’t touch it, not even with gloves.

Untie me so I can free him she sighed, hating herself for wanting to help Luca but she couldn’t leave him like that, especially when he had been trying to protect her.

And what do you want what in return? he asked, looking surprised at Juniper.

I want you to take something to that little girl and get her as far from here as possible she answered, knowing that he would not let her free Nikolas but the fear in the little girls eyes would stay with her until she knew that she was safe.

Very well but if you try anything, I will tie you up and hand you over to that human he said, knowing that he would never hand her over but he hoped she would not see through his bluff.

Where would I go? she growled and watched as he hesitated before he walked over and untied her hands and feet.

Stretching her aching limbs, Juniper looked up to see Julien watching her closely and cracked her fingers before she reached over and grabbed the water off the table. She then prepared the water, just as she had done every other time before she stood up and walked the short distance to stand in front of Luca.

The hate in Luca’s eyes was evident to her and she was glad that he had not looked at her the way he had looked at Taro. Although, as she poured the water onto his feet, she questioned why he had felt the need to defend her the way he had, knowing that Taro had the staff.

Once she had drained the cup of its water, she used the edge of the glass to scrap the salvia from her tongue before she sat down on the chair and waited for Luca to be free of the stone. She could hear his chimes calling to her until the last of the stone disappeared and Luca stumbled forward.

The rage didn’t disappear from Luca’s eyes until he looked over at Juniper and realized that she had freed him. He had not thought about what he was doing when he had tried to attack Taro, anger had done that for him. However, now that he was looking at Juniper, he was glad that she had been there to free him, even though he knew that she didn’t have to and for that, he was thankful.

You will be able speak once you drink this Juniper said, noticing the distress in Luca’s eyes as he tried to speak. She then held out the glass for him to take and watched as