Covenant: Fae vs. Warlock Saga, #1

By Ruby Dare

So must it be, so shall it be

 

His love is not an act. His humanity however…..now that's a different story.

 

Caolon Chain has been in and out of the entertainment magazines since his acting career began. Always an enigma, never revealing too much. Now that he's gotten his first leading role in a Broadway play he's ready to put his plan in motion. He needs to find a human bride. Someone to be his queen and rule by his side in his realm.

 

When best friends Runne and Shelby with a penchant for the supernatural come to the big apple on vacation they weren't expecting to come face to face with the one and only Caolon Chain. But now that they have, everything has changed.

 

One of them had fallen hard and fast for Caolon. The other is inexplicably drawn to him, but feels he's hiding something she can't put her finger on. Will Caolon unwittingly destroy a friendship in courting his queen? Or is something more sinister lurking on the horizon?

 

Covenant is the first spicy paranormal romance in the urban fantasy Fae vs. Warlock Series

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pacific Publications
• Release date: Feb 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9781922936103

Ruby Dare

Ruby Dare is a sassy, fat, black New England woman. A writer of paranormal romance as well as contemporary romance and fantasy romance, all with one thing in common - SPICE. After studying English and creative writing in college in New York, she has lived up and down the East coast and even tried out the west coast for a couple of years. Loving  the hot weather, but too far from family, she has now planted her roots in beautiful Greenville, South Carolina. That is until the romance winds whisk her somewhere new. Follow Ruby to find out about all of her upcoming projects: TikTok: @RubyDare Instagram: Writergurl73 Facebook:RomanceAuthorRubyDare

Book preview

PROLOGUE

~ CAOLON ~

Meditation is very important to me. I make sure I leave time twice a day for it. Breathing deeply, sitting cross-legged, I quiet myself. Relaxing myself until I am among the ether in the place that was neither here nor there, but in between all. I am one with the cosmos and nothing at the same time.

The sun was setting, and the sky was full of streaks of amber, and magenta mixed with whips of golden honey and maroon licking at the vibrancy of the amber. I closed my eyes and took several deep breaths, letting the stress and work of the day move its way out of my body and float away.

It wasn’t long before I felt a presence. It was her, Spice. At least that’s what I called her in my head, since I had no earthly idea what her true name was. Or if she even really existed. I chose to believe she did. She sat down, legs crossed, in front of me, her knees gently touching mine. I opened my eyes to find her smiling at me.

Hi. her eyes sparkled when she said it.

I smiled back at her. Hi yourself, love. I’m so happy you are here.

Spice crinkled her nose. Did you doubt I would be here?

I shook my head and shrugged. Sometimes our timing is off. I miss you when that happens. I see you for a moment and then you disappear into the ether.

Two ships, I guess. Spice reached out her hands to me. I’m here now.

We talked for what I felt was a while in the astral plane. No topic was off limits. I knew how unhappy she was in her career. She knew I had an older brother who meant the world to me. I knew she was an only child. She knew my father was no longer with us. She never talked about Sugar though. But I knew they knew each other, and were good friends in fact. I couldn't help wondering if and when I would meet them in the flesh.

Time really doesn’t function here like it does in the real world. It’s one of the reasons I liked it so much. I leaned closer to her. She smelled like honeysuckle and ginger. I wanted more, so I leaned in and kissed her. I had never tried to kiss her before. But I wanted to, and today I couldn’t help myself. And to my surprise, she kissed me back.

I stroked her cheek, and like a mirror image, she stroked mine. The energy exchange between us was palpable. I dare say she was almost my equal. We leaned in, eyes closed, foreheads touching, and just took deep breaths. I took her in and she did the same for me. Exchanging the very essence of who we were.

I finally broke the silence. Are you real?

Spice kissed me. Are you?

Aye Lass, real as the ocean is blue, I said as I opened my eyes, but she was gone. I sighed, relaxing into the moment that had just been. Then I closed my eyes again and concentrated on my mantra. Just because my spice was gone didn’t mean I would stop my meditation. I floated through the ether for a while, taking in all the love and knowledge the universe was willing to give me.

After a while, I opened my eyes because I felt another presence in my space. It was a familiar presence by this point. It was my sugar. Quieter than Spice, a little more reserved but full of love, as well as concern for my well being. I could sense it. I was overwhelmed by it at times, but always grateful for the feelings.

She thought I was dashing. She never verbally said that, of course. But I sensed it from her, and I don’t think she was aware she was doing it. I knew my sugar didn't realize how much power she had in her. But I did, and I will bring it out of her. If I ever met her in person, of course. For now, I will just enjoy her power here, in the ether.

Hello my sweetness. I was frustrated that I couldn’t see her as clearly as I saw Spice. Somehow, Sugar has found a place in my heart, and I consider her a wonderfully special friend. One who I knew I would eventually bed. I knew she wanted me. I could feel that as well. Sometimes she can’t control her inner thoughts. I couldn’t help but smirk because, for being full of sugar, she has some seriously dirty delicious thoughts.

Feeling the ocean today, are you? This one was powerful when she meditated, I thought to myself as I watched my surroundings change. No more floating. I was now sitting on a dock by the ocean. I could even smell the salt air.

It’s peaceful. Sugar smiled, toes in the water.

I sat next to her on the dock and rubbed her back. It’s beautiful.

I feel like you have a question. What would you like to talk about today? Sugar asked. Her big chocolate brown eyes bored into my head.

She was always concerned about my well being. I chuckled and grabbed her hand. Not today, my sweetness. I think I just want to sit here for the moment with you. Yes?

Sugar smiled and let out a contented sigh. Yes.

Eventually I spoke, breaking the spell of blissful silence. What about you my little sea nymph, how has your day been?

A wide smile spread across my sugar’s face.

I actually had a pretty fantastic day. A theatre I’ve been trying to get into accepted my newest one act play to add to their season. And I get to see my best friend in a week, so life's pretty sweet right now.

That all sounds wonderful, Congratulations. Life is indeed sweet. I smiled, splashing a little water at her feet.

An hour later, I came out of my meditation hand out, slightly curled like she had been holding it. I snuffed out my candle and left my meditation space. It was time to tell the queen of my plan for my soon to be bride. So must it be, so shall it be.

~ NOW ~

The theatre world is buzzing with the opening of Empty Chairs starring the charismatic yet highly elusive Caolon Chain. Caolon has experienced worldwide success in his career, yet he seems a bit of a recluse. He pops up into the spotlight when one of his new movies or television shows premieres. But then he is gone just as quickly as he appears. Sometimes for weeks, sometimes for months. No one knows anything about his social life and those lucky enough to be in his inner circle are as tight lipped as they come. This reporter didn’t even know loyalty like that existed.

And now, Caolon is making his Broadway debut. So if you’re a Caolon Chain fan, and who isn’t? Rush on over to the Music Box theatre or contact Ticketmaster and buy your tickets. He’s contracted for only eight short months. So run, don’t walk. Because once the run is over, who knows when he’ll appear again.

~ RUNNE ~

Arriba Arriba was where our friendship truly began. At least for me. It was the first time in our group of friends that I allowed myself to get to know Shelby or rather let her get to know me. I was slow to make friends and even slower to trust people. But not Shelby, she could make friends wherever she went at the snap of a finger. Over the years she has helped me to come out of my shell a bit, love myself a whole lot more and trust sooner rather than later. And now here we are, over a decade later, best friends.

Earth To Runne, come in Runne. Shelby waved her hand in front of my face.

Sorry, I smiled. I spaced out for a minute.

Shelby’s shoulder shook as she laughed. I bet I know what you’re thinking about. You were thinking about getting up close and personal with Caolon Chain’s cock, admit it!

I shook my head, giving Shelby my evil eye. Absolutely not! I just want to see him act in person, not jump his bones.

Come on! Tell me you would turn that down if the opportunity came up.

Again I shook my head. I’m not his type, and I don’t live in a dream world.

Liar, Shelby teased, "Maybe not a dream world, but you do spend a decent amount of time in a meditation world.

Hello pot, meet kettle. I chirped in a sing-song voice.

I was glad for a brief reprieve when the server brought our food over.

Did you meditate with him last night? I asked before shoving a delicious bite of nacho in my mouth.

Shelby shook her head. No, I mean yes, I meditated, but no, I didn’t see him. She sipped her margarita. I haven't seen him in about a week. What about you?

He was in my dreams last night. Or at least one of them.

A sex dream? Shelby wiggled her eyebrows at me.

God Shelby!

Shelby laughed for a full minute before speaking again. What? Like you don’t have sex dreams.

Not with him I don’t! I snapped.

She ignored my curtness. Then what are your dreams about him like?

I shrugged as I moved the rice around on my plate. We talk about life. What makes us happy or sad. We sometimes talk about you. He knows you’re my friend.

She raised an eyebrow. Oh really?

I nodded and took several sips of my amaretto sour. He sometimes has questions.

Well, from now on if he has questions about me he can ask me himself.

He says he does, but you don't answer them.

Shelby chewed her enchilada for a moment. Maybe so, but he doesn't get to know everything about me.

I nodded. I’ll remember that. More cheesy nachos went into my mouth. Well, what do you talk about when you see him.? I was curious

It’s more of a feeling between us. But we do talk about our lives, more him than me, Shelby smiled.

What are you going to do when he sees you tonight? I mean, really sees you.

Shelby just shook her head laughing at me as she started to eat again.

Our server returned while Shelby was still laughing. Did you ladies want to see a dessert menu?

I shook my head. No thank you. We have other plans for dessert.

She nodded. "Let me know when you're ready for your check.

Rune for lake surrounded by wreath with leaves and buds.

Two women walking arm in arm down the streets of New York was nothing new. I knew men noticed me with my mahogany skin and my long braids that swung just above my voluptuous ass with each step I took. I knew my size and owned it. Relished in it even. I carried every pound with sass. The sparkle of my chocolate brown eyes was only slightly dimmed by my smile. I knew who I was and, more importantly, I knew my worth. And so did the beautiful woman next to me.

Shelby is my best friend, my ride or die. We are the yin and yang of the universe. Shelby, with her svelte body, pale ivory skin and magnificent hazel eyes that changed depending on the mood she was in. They could be more green, more blue, or a richer brown. She was magic with her radiant auburn hair. We complimented each other perfectly.

We have been best friends for more than a decade. It felt like a lifetime, really. And somehow, even with us living on different coasts, we remained close.

I moved out of New York eight months before Shelby had. Philly had called me away with the offer of a theatre residency that had turned into several of my plays being performed. Not to pat myself on the back, but I had become a bit of a name within the Philly theatre community. I was becoming a big fish in a small pond. But I still was chasing the idea of a musical. I hadn’t cracked that yet. Just plays, but for now that was enough. And if things worked out as I hoped, I would be back in New York sooner rather than later. That was another reason for this trip.

Shelby would