Bellame: Chosen By Destiny, #2

By Dawn Sullivan

My darling Bellame,

I am writing you this letter so that you will know the truth about your heritage. You have probably gone through life wondering who you are and who your parents were. When you were born, your mother and I had to make one of the toughest and most agonizing, decisions of our lives. Sending you away was the only way to ensure your safety, even if it meant losing you. It is important you understand that we had no choice.

The truth is, your mother and I fell in love, but our relationship was forbidden. I am the prince of vampires, and your mother is a huntress, the very thing all vampires despise. While I know that she only kills rouges, those who are evil and have turned their backs on all that we stand for, others would not understand.

Bellame, if you are receiving this letter on your sixteenth birthday, that means my greatest fears have come to pass. My brother, Aldric, has won a battle that we have been fighting for several hundred years, and your grandparents and I are no longer around to guide you. My daughter, you are the rightful heir to the throne. You must defeat him.

Unfortunately, I won't be there to help you, but your mother, Alyiah, comes from a long line of hunters. She is a Jackson, and is very powerful. She has no idea where you are, as I hid you myself. You must find her.

 Wear this crown. It shows proof of who you are, and of what is meant to be. You, and only you, can save our people now. No matter where I am, I will always be with you. You need only to look into your heart.

It is time to go home to Angel's Pass, my child. Find your mother. And remember, I will always love you.

Your father,

Alexander Christoph

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dawn Sullivan
• Release date: Mar 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393613855

Dawn Sullivan

I have a wonderful, supportive husband and three beautiful children.  I enjoy spending time with all of them which normally involves some baseball, shooting hoops, taking walks, watching movies, and of course reading. My passion for reading began at a very young age and only grew over time.  Whether I was bringing home a book from the library, or sneaking one of my mom's romance novels and reading by the light in the hallway when we were supposed to be sleeping, I always had a book.  I read several different genres and subgenres, but Paranormal Romance and Romantic Suspense have always been my favorites. I have always made up my own stories, and have just recently decided to start sharing them.  I hope everyone enjoys reading them as much as I enjoy writing them.

Book preview

Chapter One

Islipped silently through the night toward the old building, grasping the sword tightly in my right hand as I raised my left one to signal to my cousin. It was quiet… too quiet, and for the first time since we came up with our plan three days ago, I was wishing I hadn’t brought him along. A part of me wished that I hadn’t even come. I’d hunted before, but my father was always with me. There to protect me if something went wrong. Not only that, but when we went hunting, they were only tests. Or challenges, as my father liked to call them. Ones he gave to me regularly. He said I needed to be able to fend for myself, because he wouldn’t always be around to take care of me. I was never in any real danger. I’d never even seen a real rogue vampire. This was different. I’d gone looking for trouble without telling Dad where I was going, and I was afraid I might have found it.

This is stupid, Treyton hissed, coming up beside me. What are you going to do if there are vampires in there, Bellame?

I grinned, showing off my fangs as I replied, I don’t know, Trey. Maybe I’ll invite them to dinner. Leaning in, I snapped my teeth together close to his neck, laughing softly when he jumped back, glaring at me.

Our parents are going to kill us, he grumbled, holding his dagger out in front of him in a hand that trembled slightly, his eyes skittering over the trees to the left of us before coming back to me. Trey had trained with me for years, but never been on one of our mock hunts. He was nervous, but I knew he wouldn’t back down. That’s if some blood-sucker doesn’t get to us first.

I let another laugh slip free, hiding my nervousness as I gave Trey a wink and then moved out of the cover of the trees under a blanket of darkness toward the front of the building. I didn’t let his words hurt me. I knew what he meant. He was talking about rogue vampires, not me, the only member of his family who sported pearly white incisors that had the ability to grow longer and sink into flesh when it was dinner time. Treyton was my best friend, always there for me when I needed him. Our bond was more that of brother and sister than cousins. I would do anything for him, and him for me, which was why he was here with me tonight. He would normally never go against his parents’ wishes, but when I brought up my idea of checking out the abandoned building, he refused to let me go alone. Guilt was weighing heavily on me now. Don’t worry, Trey Trey, I’ll protect you, I teased, praying that I was telling him the truth.

You better, he grunted, moving in closer as he glanced around furtively. I can’t see a thing out here.

It’s okay. I can.

Stopping under a shattered window, I placed my hand on the side of the building and closed my eyes. Taking a deep breath, I ignored the part of me that was telling me we needed to turn around and run. As much as I wanted to get Treyton out of there, to get him somewhere safe, I couldn’t leave. Something was wrong. I could feel it.

Concentrating, I listened carefully to the sounds around me. The pounding of my cousin’s heart next to me, the wind whistling through the trees surrounding both sides and the back of the old, rundown place, the lone car going down the highway almost half a mile away. I could hear it all. Breathing in deeply, I sorted through the smells that hit me. The subtle scent of fear wafting over from Trey, the scents coming from the plants and trees, the slight teasing hint of rain that would probably pass by us. My grip tightened on my sword as a thought suddenly struck me. If I could smell Trey’s fear, that meant any other vamp out there would be able to, too. The smart thing to do would be to leave now while we still had a chance and come back with reinforcements, but I couldn’t. There was someone inside that building that needed me. I wasn’t going anywhere. It was my duty to help them. I couldn’t turn my back on an innocent. I’d been trained to fight since I was five years old, and that was what I was going to do, with or without my father by my side.

Opening myself up more, I let that part of me out. The one that I kept hidden from everyone, including most of my family. The part that could tell when others like me were near. The vampire. My fangs grew, pushing through my gums as more of my true nature emerged. It was as if my senses were on overdrive. Reaching out, searching for what I already knew I would find. I could feel power humming throughout my entire body, vibrating, making the hair on my arms stand up.

It didn’t take long. The stench of death hit me, making my nose wrinkle in distaste. I’d smelled it before, but it wasn’t something a person ever got used to. I heard the sound of soft sobs coming from deep within the walls of the building I was touching, the sensation of absolute terror from someone inside washing over me. There was the faint echo of voices coming from the back. Two males and one female. My brow furrowed in concentration as I listened closely.

Let’s kill them now. I’m bored.

Not yet, Savannah.

They are useless to us.

Maybe, but I’m not done playing.

Come on, Justice, a male voice broke in. The man was the only one worth our time, and he’s gone.

Devon’s right. I say we drain them dry, then go dancing. It’s been so long since I’ve been dancing. It was the female again. The high pitch of her tone made my skin crawl.

Fine, Justice conceded reluctantly, we feed from them, then go.

No! A woman cried out in alarm, her voice shaking in fear. Take my blood, kill me if you must, but don’t hurt my baby!

I bet your baby tastes good. It was Savannah. That witch. My lips curled back in a sneer as I hissed quietly in anger.

Bel? What’s wrong?

Breaking contact with the wall, I slapped a hand over Trey’s mouth, shaking my head urgently. I saw his eyes widen, and I knew the blue-green of my own were now a deep burgundy color, glowing brightly. They always did when I was upset or angry. Leaning in close to him, I muttered, Three rogues. Two innocents. Hurry. Get my Dad.

Trey’s eyes widened in horror, and he reached up to tug my hand away. Is this for real?

I gave a quick jerk of my head.

Trey’s jaw hardened, his light blue gaze darkening in anger. And you think I’m just going to leave you here to fight on your own?

I don’t plan on confronting them. It was a lie. I planned on doing more than just confronting them, but I wanted Trey out of there first. I needed him safe before I took on the three rogues. I couldn’t have my attention divided.

I’m not going anywhere, Bellame, Trey snapped, sliding his phone from his pocket.

Trey…

Stop it! Please! She’s just a child! You’re hurting her!

The woman’s frantic plea reached me, cutting off what I was about to say, and I knew I couldn’t wait any longer. They would be dead within seconds if I didn’t hurry.

Fine, call the cavalry, but wait here.

Not gonna happen.

I heard his reply, but I was already on the move. Within seconds, I was at the front door where it hung crookedly off its hinges. Crouching down, I slid inside, careful to make as little noise as possible. The only chance I had was if I had the element of surprise on my side.

Stop! Get away from her!

Once I cleared the first room, I paused to get my bearings, and then streaked down the hall toward the back of the building where the woman was now screaming for her baby. I skidded to a stop in front of a large room, one hand gripping my sword, the other sliding a dagger from my belt. Savannah held a little girl close to her, her arm around the child’s waist, her head bowed as she drank from her wrist. The vampire’s long hair covered the act itself, but the pain in the girl’s face told the story. Tears streamed down her small features as she cried silently. The two male vampires were holding the mother, who was struggling wildly. They were grinning widely, their dark red gazes on her as they told her everything they were going to do to her, but she only had eyes for her baby.

I froze when the mother let out a loud hiss suddenly, baring her teeth at Savannah. Not teeth. Fangs. Long white fangs. Shock hit me hard, and then it was replaced by a sudden rage. These rogue vampires had turned on their own people. On my people. They were killing, taking innocent lives. I would not allow it.

I didn’t stop to second guess the feelings that were racing through me. This was what I had trained for the past eleven years — to protect the vampire race. Allowing the anger flooding through me take over, I let the dagger in my left hand fly, not waiting to see if it hit its mark before I quickly closed the distance between myself and Savannah. One second I was staring into startled, dark green eyes, the next, the edge of my sword was slicing through her neck and she was falling lifelessly to the floor.

Bel, look out!

I heard Trey’s warning, but it was unnecessary. I’d already felt the vamp moving up behind me, and I grasped the hilt of my sword with both hands, shoving the weapon backwards, right into his heart. Yanking it back out quickly, I twirled around and swung the blade again, watching dispassionately as the vampire’s head was severed from his shoulders.

Turning to where the last rogue was struggling to his feet, his hand clutching at the dagger protruding from his chest just inches from his heart, I flashed him my fangs. You would prey on your own kind?

He growled, his eyes going a dark red. They are nothing.

Stepping closer to him, I slowly began to move my sword in a small circle. They are my people. Mine to protect.

They are weak.

They are mine, I growled again. I had no idea where the words were coming from, but they felt right. I heard a small moan come from the woman, but I never took my eyes from the vamp in front of me. It was time to end this.

Who are you? he gasped, finally managing to remove the dagger. It clattered to the floor, but I never took my eyes off him. Who are you? he demanded again, taking a step toward me.

Someone who is going to rid this world of creatures like you, I promised, letting my sword fly one last time.

Jesus, Bel, Trey breathed, his gaze riveted to the sight in front of us, that’s disgusting.

Yeah, it was. Fighting the urge to hurl, I wiped the blade of my sword on one of the bodies and returned it to the scabbard at my back, then quickly retrieved my dagger from where it lay in a pool of blood on the floor, cleaning it and slipping it back in its sheath. Turning, I looked to where the mother was cowering in a corner, her arms wrapped tightly around her child. It’s going to be okay now, I told them quietly, slowly moving over to kneel in front of them. The girl looked up at me, her bright blue tear-filled eyes wide with terror. She couldn’t have been more than four years old. To have her lose so much at such a young age broke my heart. Everything is going to be all right.

A shudder ran through the woman’s body as she raised her head, a dazed look on her face. Jonathan?

I bit my lip, knowing she was referring to the man lying just a few feet from where Trey stood. I’m sorry, ma’am. Your husband didn’t make it.

Guard.

What?

Sighing, she held her daughter closer, tears glistening in her eyes as she explained, He wasn’t my husband. He was one of the guards my husband hired to keep us safe when he sent us away from home.

Doesn’t look like he was doing a very good job of it, Trey muttered, still gripping his dagger tightly as he moved closer to us.

You said he was one of your guards, I said quickly, sending him a glare. Where are the others?

There were two more, but both were killed days after we left home when they caught up with us.

They? Who were they? What’s your name? I asked softly, sending the little girl a smile. She turned her head, hiding her face in her mother’s neck, but I saw her peek out at me again.

The woman hesitated before whispering, Salena. Running a hand gently down her daughter’s hair, she said, And this is my daughter, Twila.

Twila glanced over at me shyly, and I winked at her. It’s nice to meet you. I’m…

Bellame Rose, what is going on here?

Uh oh. Giving the mother one last smile, I rose and turned to face my father. Marcus Rose was an impressive sight, large and foreboding with a sword at his back and daggers at each side and one protruding from each boot. He was a fighter, through and through, and he’d made me just like him. He stood inside the doorway, his hands on his hips as his dark brown gaze wandered slowly around the room before landing on me. We were two towns over from where I lived, a good thirty-minute drive. The whole fight had lasted a matter of minutes, but he was already there, and he wasn’t alone. Trey’s father flanked him on one side, and my other uncle on the other. Which could only mean one thing. They’d been following us from a distance the entire time. I was going to be in so much trouble.

Raising an eyebrow, Dad waited patiently. Swallowing hard, I struggled to come up with a reply that would satisfy him, knowing there wasn’t one.

It was my idea.

Trey.

I wanted to see what hunting rogue vampires was like, and talked her into taking me on a hunt, Trey went on, casually placing his dagger into a sheath strapped to his side.

Trey, stop. I couldn’t let him take the blame for tonight. It was all on me. I’d come up with the idea, the plan, everything. He just went along with it because he cared enough to not let me go alone.

She saved us, a soft voice piped up. If it wasn’t for her, we would be dead.

There was movement behind me, and then suddenly I was surrounded. Trey on one side, and Salena on the other, still holding Twila tightly in her arms.

My father’s eyes narrowed on me before his gaze once again swept the room, taking in the lifeless bodies and severed heads, along with the male vampire the rogues had killed, before coming back to rest on me. I can see that. Closing the distance between us, he cupped my chin in his hand. Good job, Princess. I’m proud of you.

Chapter Two

There was a soft gasp from beside me, and I glanced over to see Salena staring at me in shock. Her nostrils flared as she breathed in deeply, and my eyes widened when a small squeak left her lips and she fell to her knees. Her daughter cried out in surprise, but she hushed her abruptly. Lowering her head, Salena whispered, Please, forgive me. I didn’t realize.

Realize what? My brow furrowing in confusion, I glanced over at my father. He was staring at Salena, and I swear I saw tears shimmering in his eyes. Uncle Matthias clapped him on the shoulder, squeezing it before saying quietly, It’s time, my brother. I froze when he knelt before me, also bowing his head. Soon, Uncle Matthew followed his lead, then Trey.

Dad, I whispered in a tremulous voice, what’s going on?

My father’s jaw hardened, his gaze once again going around the room, before he gave a short nod. Yes, it is time.

Dad?

Squaring his shoulders, Dad took one of my hands, holding it gently in between his. A small, sad smile appeared as he said, "I always knew this day would come. A part of me hoped it wouldn’t be necessary. That you would be able to go through life being