The Night Warriors: The Warrior's Fate

By Maggie O'Dempsey

As the leader of the Night Warriors, Calix thought that his life would always revolve around keeping both vampires and humans safe from the vampire warlock Malachi. Meeting and falling in love with his one true mate Alicia Stevens had been a miracle. But even miracles are not immune to the festering wounds of the past, and now Calix must find a way to win back the love of his life while keeping the city of Rivercast safe. There is one big problem though, Alicia no longer recognizes who he is, and every time she meets him she gets a horrendous headache. Calix is learning the hard way that happily ever after doesn't just happen, and the road to get there is gonna be one heck of a bumpy road.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Maggie O'Dempsey
• Release date: Sep 2, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215185889

Maggie O'Dempsey

Hello everybody!I am a romance writer at heart. I have been making stories on composition notebooks since I was a young girl. I like paranormal,fantasy, historical and other sub genres of romance writing. I write in Spanish and English and would love for you to read and see if you like my stories. My romance ebooks are only $2.99! Go ahead and take a bite, don't be scared.

Book preview

Prologue

Northern Romania

The walls of the castle were shaking with the roar of the monster wreaking havoc inside. Shrapnel rained out of the high tower windows, and the few people who were tending the herd of cows outside ran for the hills so to speak. Calix was one pissed-off pureblood vampire, and he wanted destruction. Who he really wanted to destroy was whoever had been suicidal enough to erase him from his one true mate's mind. Somewhere in the back of his enraged mind, he knew it had been a sound decision to come here, to his hideaway, instead of one of the Compounds the Night Warriors called home. He was too out of control and too pissed off to think rationally. Precious antiques lay broken and shredded on the floor but fuck it, he didn't give two shits about any of it. Alicia, his fucking beautiful, sassy, hardheaded mate had chosen to erase him from her life. He could not stop his bloodied fists from pounding another wall, bringing it down after a couple of full-bodied punches. He knew the bones in his hand were broken but he didn't care. His face was wet with sweat and tears, and wouldn’t you know it, his fucking chest hurt more than his battered hands. He wanted the neck of whoever dared to touch her mind, right under his massive hands, where he could squeeze until their heads popped off like a champagne cork-stopper. She had been truly puzzled, seeing him at her doorstep. When he had decided he was gonna win her back, he was all in, ready to grovel if he needed to. After you called your female disgusting and told her she was pretty much an evil bitch for something she had no real choice in, then yeah, groveling was indeed a required action for any kind of forgiveness to take place. Calix had his demons, and they were all tightly bound to a witch many centuries back, who had broken his heart, deceived him, and almost killed him. Isolde had been as evil as she had been beautiful. She had been dead for so long, but just recently he realized how even in death she was fucking with him. It had been his hatred and hurt pride that had made him push beautiful Alicia away. They had been making love when he found himself levitating, pretty much fucking in midair. He had lost it then, feeling betrayed by her, used. It had been a colossal time warp, taking his mind and dropping it smack center in the distant past. There he was, a young boy again, staked to the floor of the forest with a magicked stake, while the evil seductress above him laughed and told him she would steal all his powers after the sun fried him to a crisp. What had come out of his mouth while shoving Alicia off of his body had been stupid and hurtful. At that moment he believed Alicia was just like Isolde, but how stupid was that? She didn't even know what she was then. It had been a talk with his old adjustor and friend Pierre Tebas that had opened his eyes. Pierre had seen Alicia grow up, as she was his daughter Xiamara's best friend, and he had assured him Alicia had not exhibited any magical abilities at all. He asked around after that and it seemed that he had made a huge mistake. She had been so angry, so hurt, and she had all the right to be. Calix was supposed to be the perfect man for her, her one true mate, but what he had proven was that he was the perfect asshole. They had shared their blood and body which meant they were truly mated, male and female bonded for eternity. They were bonded in what was supposed to be wedded bliss, but what they had was war. As his one true mate, she had in her hands a sure way of ending his immortal life, for he would need her blood to survive and thrive. Without it, he could live for some years, but he would wane and ultimately become mist, a fate much worse than true death. As mist you would wander aimlessly, unable to reach any other soul. She could have ended him, but she had not. She had left him an angry letter, but in it had been the gift of life. A key to a refrigerated storage unit containing six bags of her precious, sweet blood, and a promise that every year he would find the same gift. He had been on a mission to get his woman back at any cost. Trusting her would take time because wounds that were left to fester for centuries were not so easy to eradicate, but he would be with her. He would be cautious, but he would see her gorgeous face with her cute nose and arresting blue eyes every fucking day. He would hear her little mews of passion as he made her his over and over until the end of time, or so he had thought. He had been more than ready to win her back. He even wore a fucking suit and got her a crap-ton of purple roses to knock her off her little combat boots, but she had not known who he was. There he was standing in front of her parents’ front door, ready to beg, and she had been clueless. At first, he had thought she was playing at ignoring him, pretending she didn't know him, but when you could read minds as he could, it was easy to know what someone was actually thinking. He had promised her once that he would not read her mind, but extreme situations required extreme measures, and she had no idea who the fuck he was. At first, she even debated if he was a good guy or a threat. In all fairness, most people did the same when in his presence, even himself on occasion. After a quick assessment, Alicia had only been worried about her pregnant friend. This meant she knew about the Lore in the city of Rivercast, but she didn't know who he was. The pain and disbelief that hit him, along with the rage was so violent he teleported out right away before he fucked things over even worst. He was so angry at her for actually doing what she had threatened him with. He never truly believed anyone would be stupid enough to wipe her mind. He was fucking Calix Fleight, leader of the Night Warriors. And that had been when his castle had undergone the major rearrangement of furniture and solid rock structures. There was just something different about emotions when you were dealing with a female you truly loved; or perhaps it was because she was his one true mate, his fated, made for him by Fate herself. Whatever the reason, it made all your emotions jump right off the Richter scale. Your lust was never-ending, your protectiveness and possessiveness made cavemen look like suckling babies; your love was like an explosion of color and feelings that made you so happy you thought you could just burst, and when you got angry at them you got so angry you wanted to shake some sense into them by fucking them so hard, they would walk funny for a month. But as angry as he was, he knew without a doubt that he could never hurt Alicia, she was his life. Fuck, he was so fucking fucked. There had been a time when he had thought it best if she didn't like him because that way, she would be safe from Malachi and his rogue army. He wanted Alicia as far away from the war that was raging on the streets of Rivercast as he could, but of course that did not last long because as he found out he could not stop thinking about her, and he could not live without seeing her. She was hard-headed and difficult, feisty and passionate and so damn smart. She was a freaking biochemical engineer and now she was also a blood mage, some kind of super-powerful witch that was supposed to be extremely rare. His Alicia was special before, but now she was special to others as well, and he didn't know how that sat with him. Not to count the fact that Fate was a bitch for giving him a true mate that was a witch, knowing full well how much he hated witches. He should have known though. Now he not only needed to win this fucking war against the vampire warlock Malachi, but he also had to win Alicia Stevens back. But first, he was going to find whoever had dared to wipe him from her mind. Before any of it though, he needed to get some semblance of control over his emotions. A close second was to stop destroying his castle and scaring the natives. Third, he needed to regroup and plan. If you wanted to win a war you needed a good plan, and if he knew his Alicia and he did, it was going to be a war.

Chapter 1

Rivercast, Oregon

Alicia was looking at her little wooden tiles and thinking how much she had missed this time with her parents. Even her dad had sat down at the table when he had returned from his university job to play Scrabble with them. She was glad she had come to see them. Glad she had dug some more about her past relatives who may or may not have been witches. There had been rumors on both sides of the family tree but nothing concrete. She had some more investigating to do with the help of the Daughters of Justice coven leader, Therese. Her parents didn't know about the Lore, the vampires, werewolves, and monsters roaming the streets of their lovely Rivercast, and she knew she was supposed to keep them in the dark. Alicia hated lying to them, but it was for everyone's safety. She told them she was enrolling in school to take another degree, and they were both very proud of her. Of course, she didn't say that it was a witchcraft academy, or that she would be learning how to be a blood mage because she had blood magic. Magic she couldn't remember getting or ever having. It was just there one day, unraveled from the bonds that had caged it within her.

Testicular for 39 points! said Alicia's dad with pride, as both of the women in his life scrunched up their noses in distaste.

Eww dad, really?

What? Testicles are awesome, they make babies as cute as you my dear.

Alicia's mom was smiling and shaking her head. You're not making it any better dear. Better quit while you're ahead.

Yeah Dad, not helping. But on that low note...get it low because testis.? she said and stood up from the dining room table.

Her mom slapped her butt. You are as bad as your father, she said smiling.

Alicia laughed and gave her parents hugs and kisses before going up to finish packing some stuff she wanted to have at the coven while she stayed there. When she descended the stairs to walk to her car, she heard her mother all exited, cooing and talking in a baby voice. Okay, had things taken a turn in Scrabble? But then she heard a laugh she knew as well as her own. Xia was here, and now she understood because yep, after taking the corner she saw that her mom was talking to Xia's pregnant stomach.

Hey Xia, what are you doing here so late? she asked, coming over and giving her best friend a quick hug.

I came to see you, pest, what else? Are you on your way out?

Yeah, actually I'm packing my car, wanna help?

Alicia for heaven's sake she’s pregnant! her mom admonished her.

It's okay Mom #2, I'm pregnant not an invalid, plus I'm mad strong. Have you seen these guns? she asked, flexing her muscles for Alicia's mom to see. Xia actually was really fit, and she did have muscles. Feminine sleek muscles. but they bulged out if she flexed.

Holy mother you are strong, Ali's mom said poking at Xia's bicep. Fine, but nothing too heavy.

Xia gave Alicia's mom a kiss and took one of the bags Alicia was carrying.

Once outside she loaded the bags and turned to look at her best friend. They had known each other forever and she knew when Xia had something on that head of hers. Which incidentally was all black for the first time in eons. She usually had color streaks in her shoulder-length hair, much like her own, but she was probably not coloring it now that she was preggers with her vampire baby. How absolutely insane was that?

What's up Xia, I know you very well, and you are busting at the seams to tell me something. What is it, dude? It's me, you can tell me anything. Are things not good with your vampire?

Xia smiled and shook her head. Oh gosh no, Branden is treating me like the Queen of the world right now. He even tried to make me a cheesecake this morning because I said I wanted homemade cheesecake.

Aww, that's sweet. Was it good?

No, but I rewarded him anyway with the best blow—

La, la, la, la, nope, shut it, I don't want to know about your perverted married adventures dude!

Xia laughed because she loved torturing Alicia, in a good way of course. Fine, don't learn. I'm giving you a prime opportunity to learn how to keep a man happy or a vampire.

What? I don't think I'm gonna go your way dear friend, and I know how to keep a man happy.

If you say so. Why don't we go get more bags?

Those were the only bags from here and nice try but no. What's up, just tell me.

Okay, but don't get mad at me.

That is never a good start.

You know how you were staying at my apartment?

Yeah, until that horrible monster thing attacked me.

Right, well do you remember meeting anyone there?

I don't remember much really, I was in shock, but I know there was some werewolf guy, right?

They prefer the term shifter, and yes, but what about a vampire, after everybody else left?

Don't think so. I don't remember meeting anyone else, but then again, I was really scared, so maybe I forgot.

Right, of course. What about my wedding do you remember my wedding to Branden?

Of course, I was your maid of honor dude! You wore that beautiful gown, and I was debating your sanity and freaking out about the possibility that all that Lore stuff you told me about might actually be real.

Do you remember the best man?

Alicia thought about it, but she really couldn't remember, it was the strangest thing.

Sorry, but no. Isn't that horrible? I don't think we spoke at all though, so I guess he was forgettable.

Xia laughed. Calix Fleight was anything but forgettable; that was unless someone wiped him off your mind. When Alicia had told her she was gonna wipe everything Calix from her mind, she had thought her friend was just venting but fuck, she had gone and done it. Hey, do you know anybody named Calix?

Alicia thought the name sounded vaguely familiar, like she had heard it before even though it wasn't a regular name. Uhm, oh wait ...the other day there was this huge vampire guy, at least he looked like a vampire. Really scary looking and tall; I think he said his name was Calix and he seemed... I don't know, weird, like he was expecting me to know him or something, then he just disappeared, so yeah vampire for sure. I was kind of freaked out a bit, he was massive and could have killed me and my parents in like nothing. And he was holding flowers and shit, just really strange. I hope he's not some psycho.

Yeah, I wouldn't worry about that. Calix is the leader of the Night Warriors, so he looks scary but he's a good vamp.

Xiamara was iffy about saying anything else to Alicia. If her friend had expunged her one true mate out of her life who was her to get in the middle of it? After all, Calix had been a dick to Alicia, so it served him right. Deep down she really hoped they would find their way back to each other because she knew firsthand the bliss that was found in the union of true mates, and she wanted that for her best friend.

I thought maybe something was wrong with you, but he said you were fine before he disappeared, so I don't know why he came to my parent's house.

I wouldn't worry, he's a really busy guy and maybe he just wanted to see who you were or something, you know?

Why? I'm nobody important.

You helped to create the zombie antivenom. Remember? She was not sure how much her friend had erased from her noggin.

Yeah, I guess that is kind of important. How are things there? I miss Dr. Miles and Anya; they are so sweet.

Good, yeah. Anya is pregnant too, so she's super happy and her mate Thad is over the moon of course. Guess mine is not the only miracle baby after all. Thad is also a turned vampire, so he is supposed to be sterile. True mate magic Dr. Miles is calling it. So, get this, Dr. Miles is actually fucking one of the vampire trainees in the Night Warrior recruitment program, Xia said spilling the tea. She thinks she's being slick but nope. Besides she had a huge hickey the other day when I went for my check-up, and Robin, one of the vampire trainees was coming out of her office, fixing his jeans, and he had that smile guys get when they just got lucky, so yeah, I'm pretty sure fucking is being had between those two. I mean those vampires have hotness down packed, so it's not hard to fall in lust with them.

Predatory assets for sure. I hope he doesn't hurt her though; Miles is super sweet, and she's had enough shit with the whole almost-turning zombie deal.

Okay, so she does remember a lot of shit, Xia thought. Was it only Calix who was missing from her memories?

Hey, can I ask you a nosy question that is none of my business? Xia asked with a fake sweet smile Alicia knew all too well.

Like that has ever stopped you before?

Right as always, my friend. So... how long has it been since you've gotten your groove on?

Alicia laughed. I have plenty of trusty toys if you must know.

Me too! she said excitedly like she wanted to do a show and tell. Wait no, I mean with a guy.

She knew Calix and Alicia had gone at it like rabbits so...

If you must know, it has been way too long. I think Louie was the last one.

Xia was now sure Alicia had in fact wiped Calix off of her mind. You didn't forget vampire sex; it was just not possible.

Yeah, so it's been a very long time. Maybe I can say I'm a virgin again. I should get on one of those online dating apps.

Yeah, no, let's say you never do that and then stick to it. Oh, and just so you are not freaked out. I think that blond, huge sexy vampire, Calix?

Yeah?

He kind of saw you somewhere and I think he thinks you're cute, so he might try to see you again, so don't freak out if he does, okay?

Is that why you came here? To tell me some vampire thinks I'm cute? Am I in danger? I don't want to give anyone my blood. I already donate to a charity every year.

He won't do that and yes, I came to let you know, but I was obviously too late because he already came over. But yeah, Calix can be overwhelming, and I didn't want you to freak, and you know kill him with your magic; you know like a misfire or something, she said pretending to shoot guns from her hip.

"I'm not a rusty shotgun and that's exactly why I'm moving into the coven of the Daughters of Justice. I need to learn all sorts of shit about magic and what I am. Can you believe I am a fucking witch?"

It's awesome if you ask me. I'm a wee bit jealous, to be honest. How punk rock is that? Xia said sticking out her tongue and making rock horns with her hands.

You crazy woman, what's with all the hand gestures? Are you 16 again? Better start acting like a mom.

Pfft! Fat chance. This baby is having a rocking mama and a motherfucking witch for an auntie.

Alicia laughed while Xia hugged her. She loved the crazy girl to death.

Chapter 2

Malachi, Dark Overlord, and pureblood vampire looked on