Shifter's Revolution: The Immortal Opus, #2

By Angelique S. Anderson

Being a Guardian Shifter has been life-changing for Hope Ambrose. 

After Hope's first battle with Lucien and feeling no worse for the wear, she and Castiel are on the next part of their journey with the Immortal Opus.

Knowing they cannot trust that it won't fall into the wrong hands, they give the book to Duke for safekeeping.

Now, they must seek other Changed Ones and rise against the Hunter.

Only, Lucien is five steps ahead of them and when he attacks, leaving them both for dead on opposite ends of the earth, it will be up to Hope and Castiel to find healing and make their way back to one another.

With evil magic at play, and their memories erased, will they remember who they are? Or give themselves over to darkest evil the world has ever seen?

Find out in The Shifter's Revolution. 

Who's side will you be on? 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Angelique S. Anderson
• Release date: Jan 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393584865

Angelique S. Anderson

An Avid mover, adventurer and chaser of dreams. She began her journey in Kalispell, Montana. Singer and songwriter in hobby, she is the mother to four precocious little ones and lover of all animals. She hopes to encourage others with her journey and passion for life. She is currently off adventuring in Stockton, Ca with her high school sweetheart.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Watched

Lucien’s eyes narrowed as he watched his targets from midway up the towering redwood tree. Even if they had his keen eye-sight, they would never have spotted his lithe body resting peacefully on the outstretched branch. 

His rough tongue flicked over his luminescent white fangs, as he anticipated the moment of attack. His plan was almost complete. If he had any emotion, he would have felt sorry for them, knowing their lives were about to end. At the moment, he could only dig his claws into the wood in eager anticipation of ripping them apart. 

It’s too bad, he whispered, I could use a good fight. This will be too easy. Too quick. So disappointing. Yet, even as he said the words aloud, he knew he would wait for the perfect moment to attack them. 

He was drawing them out, like poison from a wound, until he had the Fable-Shifters in his grasp. Then, when they least expected it, he would gather Hope and Castiel to reveal how long he had followed them and how many times they had been in danger. Then he would crush them. Reveling in watching the light dim out of their eyes, they realized the very thing they had fought against. All of their efforts had been in vain.

Crossing his thick muscled legs, he rested his head on his massive paws while he watched Hope and Castiel’s interactions. They were fragile and human. Stupid Fable-Shifters. It had been easy to destroy everything she loved. The memory of how he’d deceived her swished about in the recesses of his mind like a fine wine. How weak she had been in that moment and how close to actual destruction she had come, believing something as fickle as love could change him. 

. Love? He cringed internally at the word—wanting to spit its purity from his lips. Of all things the Omniscient had created, that was the worst of them all, and yet the Fable-shifters were willing to die for it. The thought made his insides boil.

The sooner I kill them all, the better off this dying world will be, he hissed through his fangs, drawing his attention back to the task at hand. 

***

Unaware their immortal enemy watched them nearby, Hope and Castiel dropped their packs on the ground, exhaustion setting in from days of travel. As they had spent more and more time on the road, they had begun to get comfortable with their human bodies once again. Rarely changing to their animal form anymore. They found it necessary only during the winter as the nights had gotten colder and shelter had been limited. They were almost again at that time of year, but so far, a fire had been sufficient. They had been fortunate even though they didn’t need to hunt much. Most of the villages always sent food with them when Hope and Case left. 

Not all, though, as fear of Lucien had condemned many to stay in their village. 

This looks like as good a spot as any, Hope said, surveying the ground as she determined where she would roll out her bed for the night. Castiel set about making a fire pit. 

I agree. Okay, if I put the fire pit here? 

Hope nodded, unfolding a blanket in the dirt and branches where she laid out dried berries and a partial loaf of bread from the morning’s meal. Case quickly gathered various branches and twigs for the fire pit. 

We’re getting quicker at this, she chuckled.

He lifted his head from the task of starting the fire, smiling warmly at her. I suppose that happens when you’ve been on the road as long as we have.

She nodded again. I can’t wait until this is over, until we’re safe again. 

Once the fire was going, Castiel sat next to her on the blanket she had put out for them. I think I’ve lost track of how many nights we’ve been doing this. It hasn’t been all bad, has it?

Hope turned her head to face him, studying the curve of his cheeks and the dark brown of his eyes. No. She smiled. Being with you has been— her face reddened slightly, it’s been healing. And all the things we’ve learned, all the things we know about Lucien, now. Even though I feel like we’re constantly looking over our shoulder, it feels good to know we’re doing something. Hope stretched her feet towards the flames, letting the fire’s heat flicker and dance near them. With Castiel at her side, sitting in the cool of the evening with the warmth of the flames nearby, it felt like she could finally let her guard down.

Though they had spent a lot of time in the villages talking with those who had been left behind, they had spent even more time talking about the Immortal Opus with any who had information. Fitting the bits and pieces together like a puzzle, as they learned more about it, and their purpose.

Even as the rumors of Lucien’s evil acts grew more violent, his regard for life had ceased. He hunted without mercy, tearing apart any who dared to cross him. As time went on, Lucien had gotten more careless. He killed without reason, and his blood lust for humans only rivaled his preference for the Fable-Shifters. 

The real test would be to see if any full-blooded humans could become Fable-Shifters. Only time would tell. They had all been taught the oath that if it ever came time to battle, they would be there, sword in hand, to stand against Lucien once and for all. Together, no doubt they would be strong. 

Case placed his hand over hers, the rough palm like a healing ointment to the depths of pain she felt in her soul, where the pain of losing her father and best friend still lingered. Being with you has been healing for me, too, Castiel said softly. 

Hope let her shoulders drop, her eyes watching the brilliant sun fade into luminous colors of oranges and reds across the darkening sky. 

This is my favorite time of day, she said honestly. 

Mine as well; for a few moments, we don’t have to run, fight, or try to figure out how to solve the world’s end. We can just… rest. His voice blended with the night as if he and the calm were one. 

I can’t lie, Case. I long for the day when we no longer constantly have to be on guard. I can’t imagine what it will be like not to have to look over our shoulder every moment.

I know, he continued, not having to suspect everyone and everything of betrayal. To know that the battle is over, and we’re finally safe?

Yes, she replied. It seemed incomprehensible.

He nodded, squeezing her hand once more. I suppose we should tuck in for the night. We have a long day ahead of us.

As always, she smiled as he released her hand. Grabbing his blanket roll from their cart, he laid it out across from her, so the fire separated the two of them. They stared at each other through the flames as he drifted asleep. As tired as she was, Hope lifted her head to watch him. 

Even from a distance, she could see the heavy lines of worry etched across his forehead. His dark hair lay tousled against his face, and she couldn't help the skipping of her heart as she stared through the orange and red translucence to watch him. Around them, the darkness grew, and a chill began to pierce the air. Hope’s head slowly made its way back to her blanket, and her eyes grew heavy. 

Flipping on her back, she attempted to get comfortable. She lay awake, staring into the night sky. 

Why are you still awake? Castiel whispered through heavy lids and lashes.

I feel… restless. Restless was the best way to describe the tumble of emotions that seemed to spring up on their own from time to time. Moments ago, Hope’s mind had been clear; it now was full of worries. 

Why Hope? He sat up at her admission, his brows furrowing in concern. 

Case….there are so many things. I worry about Duke and your village. I worry about the future. I worry about coming up against Lucien again. A chill crawled up her spine, just mentioning his alias. 

Hope… I will never leave you alone like that again. I promise. I’m here to protect you, and I promise he won’t find you without me by your side, sword in hand, at the ready. Castiel gathered up his bedding and moved to sit next to her again, his hand reaching for hers in reassurance. She sat up, eyes on him as she thought about what to say.

Thank you, she whispered. I just—every time I think about that night, Case, it kills me. I want to think I will be stronger next time that I'll know better. But I’m afraid. Afraid he knows me better than I know myself. I think he’ll try something different. Hope could feel her heart shattering all over again. Memories came flooding back of that last awful night when Lucien seduced her. She had been so stupid. How could she have been so stupid? Case scooted closer, hand moving from hers to protectively cradle her waist.

Hope… you're not the same woman he met that night. We have been through so much since then. You’re not weak anymore. He pulled her in close to his side and kissed the top of her head. You’ve changed so much for the better…. His voice trailed off as he remembered the woman he first met. She was so angry, hurt, and full of guilt back then. 

Even in her shifter form, the walls around her heart were miles high. Her encounter with the Omniscient undoubtedly changed her from the inside out. Hope was braver than she used to be. The walls she built around her in her solitude slowly faded as their friendship grew stronger. He had no doubt she was made for more extraordinary things and would be there to help her reach that, whatever it was. 

Oh, sweet, Case.  Hope thought to herself. If you only knew how much you meant to me? She smiled at him. It was amazing how far they’d come in their time on the road. There had been nights of tears, but they were few and far between now. Even for Case, as he dealt with the anguish of losing his wife and child. They were good for each other that way. She truly loved him. 

In their grief, they discovered a connection, painful at first but stronger than she could have hoped for now—someone who felt the same sorrow.

What are you smiling at? Castiel winked at her.

You, she said with a soft grin. 

And why is that? he asked with a raised eyebrow.

It’s hard to believe everything we have gone through in the past…. Their soft reverie was interrupted by a loud cracking noise from the woods behind them. They both jumped up, startled, turning towards the noise.

Chapter 2

Reunited

Hope’s eyes strained hard against the darkness of the night, but all that stared back was more darkness. Case ran, grabbed his sword as swiftly as possible, and withdrew it from its sheath. 

Who’s there? Come forward! Case yelled into the night and was answered with more darkness. Maddening darkness. The kind that caused one to see things that were not there. Only this time, there were more cracking noises. Hope felt her heart stop. Suffocating fear began to rise, and she clutched onto Case’s arm tightly. Not him, please, not Lucien. 

Out from the inky night stepped a jet-black gloss-haired panther. His lips curled back over his teeth, illuminating through the abyss, along with steely colored yellow eyes. The predator looked at them in amusement, and Case almost lost his footing. 

Steadying himself, he leaned in to whisper into Hope’s ear:

Stay as close to me as possible; we’re going to back away from this thing before it attacks. He held his sword in front of him, arm guarding Hope, who was weaponless at the moment. She trembled against his protective grip, even as he thrust the blade forward in a warning. 

Now, is that necessary between old friends? The panther spoke, his voice like a snake. Venom dripped from his eyes, and then they both knew. It was just as Hope feared. 

Lucien, have you come to play this game of cat and mouse again? Case stepped forward towards the foe, all while bracing his arm against Hope. Trying to make sense of the animal that stood in front of them. Another beautiful creature tainted by evil. 

Tell me, what is it you want? You keep coming after us. You make threats, but you never follow through. Case knew his words were risky, but he was tired of the relentless battles between him and the evil Shadow-Shifter.

Well, at first, I just wanted her. His thick paw lifted from the ground, gesturing towards Hope. "You, I could have destroyed you as quickly as I destroyed your wife and unborn child. However, after witnessing your little interlude tonight… I have deemed that you would both be worthy allies for me. I make the same offer to you both that I did for Hope that one unforgettable night, only this time I won’t shroud it in lies."

I want complete control over every inch of this Earth, and you two keep getting in my way. Wherever you go, you leave hope and promise. My power cannot touch that; I am useless where you have been. Even when I kill and do everything I can to destroy it, so, join me–stop this senseless trek of knowledge. Let humanity lose hope and destroy themselves with fear and worry.

Hope interrupted, So what exactly are you getting at?

Lucien stood on his hind legs, a thick cloud swirling up and about him as his body changed into the beat form Hope had first seen. Soot black fur, thick and unyielding, his height towering over them, making them feel like children in his shadow. Clothed in thick leather that covered his more sensitive regions, the beast dropped his head backward, laughing wickedly. Even in this form, his mouth was full of rows of large thick fangs glistening with saliva.

"What I am getting at Hope, is if you and your friend, he chuckled as he said the word, decide to join me as allies, then we can rule the world together. Just the three of us. There would be no one to come after either of you and no more fighting. You could do as you wish, live where you wish, and come and go to any