Everlasting Moon: Blood Sisters Series, #2

By Elizabeth St. John

Life was finally settling down for sisters Jasmine and Angelica but a menacing howl in the distance changed everything. This world held charms and fantasies the sisters hadn't seen since they were turned. Their mates Devin and Deaglan were something else before they were vampires. Now their clan has come back to reclaim them.

Can the sisters accept the change? Will they be able to acclimate to the Gaelic world of their mate's pasts?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elizabeth St.John
• Release date: Oct 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223488750

Elizabeth St. John

This International Bestselling author began writing her first book in 2011. Though paranormal romance was the beginning of her journey, her true passion lies in horror and thriller based stories. Elizabeth's unique ability for storytelling has expanded to script writing, producing two screenplays. Over time, readers have described her style as twisted, intriguing, suspenseful, and captivating.

Book preview

1

Deaglan

Life had settled at last.

I had my soul mate by my side with our miracle child was growing within her belly. When I first set eyes on the lovely Angelica Bishop I had to have her. At first, it was all about getting my cock wet, but I found myself falling in love with the little vampire-witch.

I hadn’t allowed myself to love anyone, aside from my brother since I love my wife and child. There was no hope for Mary when the plague struck our village, but I prayed my son Robert carried the same gene my brother and I had been born with. Evidence that it had indeed skipped him showed when the fever ignited his fragile body. Next, his petite fingers took on the signs of the devastation disease. They had turned black as the flesh died. Then the boils appeared, along with the vomiting of blood. I wanted to die when he took his final breath a week later. The outbreak invaded many homes and slaughtered hundreds, if not thousands of people. I never envisioned it would creep like a thief in the night and steal my family away from me. Being immune made the loss even worse.

Overwhelmed with pain and rage, I attacked Devin when he stopped me from driving myself onto a blade. Resentment toward my brother consumed me. Being turned by Maelyss made living without them all the more unbearable. Masking my pain, I killed hundreds of people, witches included, all in the name of my maker. In times of solitude, I thought back on the cherub face of Robert. He was my world, my beloved. His eyes. It was as if God had plucked the color from the endless sea. His skin was fair, like, fresh cream. We had only begun his training with forged swords out of sticks when he fell ill.

Convinced I would deservingly walk the earth forever alone, I could’ve never imagined anything different. Then I met Angelica. She had become a catalyst to be a better person. Though I would never forget, she made it possible for me to function. For the first time in two centuries, I felt like myself again. Happiness had entered my life once more. Though I was afraid, I took the leap and couldn’t wait to see what the future held.

Every bad memory resurfaced the second I heard the call. I was frozen, attempting to wrap my mind around it. The last time it graced my ears was before I was made a vampire. Its owner was prowling near our home in the marshy woods of Louisiana.

The pull toward it was intense. More powerful than that of my vampire maker. Devin was by my side a second later. His expression, concerned and full of curiosity. He had to be having the same thoughts. There was no way they could know our location. I scanned the front lawn for any sign of the wolf.

Deaglan, what the fuck was that? Angelica asked.

I turned to face her and Jasmine. My jaw clenched as my fangs elongated. Attempting to control my emotions, I replied with only one word, Werewolf.

The sisters looked at me as if I were crazy, Werewolf? Like, the wolfman? Jasmine asked.

No, lass. Not like the wolfman. More like a Great Dane sized wolf.

The wolf called again. They’re calling us out, brother, Devin confirmed.

I sighed in defeat, They know we’re inside. There’s no avoiding it.

Why would wolves be calling us out? Angelica asked. I looked into the shocking green pools which were her eyes. She belonged on a cliff of the isle with the sea air blowing her red hair behind her. She was absolutely breathtaking, and all mine. As she looked at me in question, the creature called again. I couldn’t hide this part of my past from her any longer.

No, not you or your sister.

What are you saying? Jasmine asked.

We need to talk, but we don’t have time. Devin faced me. We should go out there. There’s no denying him.

Him, who? Jasmine asked.

I gave a stiff nod. More wolves called in the distance. They were in a pack. My brother and Jasmine left the room. As I tied my boots, Angelica paced the room. What’s happening, Deaglan?

I will explain everything soon. I stood and secured my sword on my hip and grabbed a gun from the bedside table drawer. I marched toward the door, but she blocked my path. I could move her easily but I stopped and examined her lovely face. I stroked her soft cheek with my knuckles and lowered my mouth to hers for a soft kiss. Desire for her clawed its way through my body. Sadly, there was no time to take her to bed. I must go, love.

"Why do you have to go out and meet them? I don’t understand what they have to do with you. Who is He?" She sighed softly before wrapping her arms around me and snuggling into my chest. I wrapped my arms around her tiny frame and kissed her hair before rushing from the room. I met Devin at the bottom of the stairs. The women were on our heels as we walked toward the front door.

Stay inside! Devin instructed as we stepped out into the night. The evening air was thick as fog crawled across the terrain. It held an eerie feel as a light wind blew, causing the weeping willows to sway gently. How would they know where to find us? Devin questioned and cocked his gun as we walked around the back of his large plantation home.

I don’t know.

I thought we lost all connection when we turned, he stated. He was right, our connection with the pack was lost the instant Maelyss turned us.

As we approached the corner of the home, a large gray werewolf faced us. I had heard many descriptions and seen depictions of werewolves by humans. Some resembled actual wolves in the wild, and others were plain ridiculous. A man with wolf features and covered in hair was quite comical. They never even came close to the lycanthrope in front of us. It’s blood-red eyes guardedly scanned us. Its body was muscular and covered in thick winterized hair. I was far taller but the animal would be a match to the sisters inside.

With its mouth agape, it lifted its head and sniffed the air, testing to see if we were a threat. I kept my sword sheathed but held my gun at my side. If it chose to attack I would be ready. A growl rumbled from behind us. A white wolf was only a few feet away from us, and approaching cautiously. Its long claws clicked against the wood porch with every slow step. I turned to the gray one in front of us. Its upper lip curled and a growl rumbled deeply from its chest.

Stand down, lads! a familiar male voice said as he walked from behind the gray beast. My brother gasped but I held my composure at the sight of our grandfather Robert McClellen. He still wore a thick gray beard and traditional kilt with our lineage crest of a wolf on the buckle. It held the fabric in place on his shoulder. He hadn’t aged a day since we last saw him. Lycanthrope’s stopped aging after fifty years of age. Grandson’s, he said as he took us in a strong embrace. The gray lycanthrope bowed its massive head and backed away slowly.

How did you find us? I asked bitterly, wanting to be forgotten. To distance myself from the painful memory of my loss. I was happy ten minutes before he decided to grace us with his presence.

He looked at me angrily and then his face smoothed again with another smile, I thought you dead until I felt you a month ago.

"What do you mean by felt?" Devin asked.

I detected your wolf and had to come, he explained proudly. The clan has suffered without the two of you. His expression grew forlorn. I was sure it was a surprise for us to disappear the way we had. After Mary and Robert died, I burned their bodies, along with my home on the hill.

You felt our wolves awaken? I never thought... I trailed off in thought. The instant the potion touched my lips I knew something had changed inside me. Not only did my heart shudder but the animal inside me wakened. It caused old feelings to surface. I never told my brother, but I was sure he experienced it himself. We aren’t wolves anymore.

We’re vampires, my brother stated and I heard the click of him setting the safety on his gun. I wasn’t keen on doing the same with mine while the other wolves lingered.

Your wolves are stronger than you think, grandsons.

My ears were filled with the blood-curdling screams of the sisters inside. My brother and I left our grandfather without another word. There was a black lycanthrope halfway past the threshold. It was growling at the girls. Ready to attack. Rage flooded me. I dropped my gun, gripped the thick fur at its shoulders, and tossed it out on the front lawn. My body dropped instantly into a defensive crouch. My fangs elongated as I waited for it to shake the dizziness from its head. It stood and flexed its long claws while snarling at me. My body shook with anticipation for an attack.

Calm yourself, grandson, my grandfather said as he placed his hand on my shoulder gently.

"Fuck that! He barged into my home," Devin hissed at our grandfather.

Watch your tone, boy! Need I say that I am still your alpha? he retorted in a growl. Stand down this instant!

As I watched the lycanthrope settle a fraction, I felt the command from grandfather course through my body. I hadn’t felt it in a long time and promptly wanted to obey him, but I refused it. I would not be controlled again. I had my fill with Maelyss.

My brother sighed in defeat, My apologies, grandfather.

Deaglan? Angelica called softly. She was evidently shaken by the incident. Keeping my eyes on my potential opponent, I stood and puffed out my chest. I rushing to my mate’s side and took her tiny frame into my arms. She was trembling as I tried to sooth her fear away. Devin also took to consoling Jasmine. The sisters were terrified, and for good reason. The sisters were tough as nails, but having a massive monster barge into your home would scare the shit out of anyone.

It’s alright, my love, I cooed as I stroked her back to calm her. I watched through the open door as my grandfather spoke to the black lycanthrope and it trotted away.

He bowed to the girls, I am Robert McClellen, clan leader and pack master of the Wolves of Isle, he introduced proudly.

McClellen? Jasmine questioned and looked at my brother. I could feel Angelica’s eyes boring into my face. It was going to be loads of fun trying to explain this.

2

Devin

––––––––

After introductions, we retired to the sitting room for a more extensive chat. The other pack members observed us from outside, constantly pacing the windows as they checked on their pack master.

Let me get this straight... Jasmine announced after my grandfather finished. You two were werewolves before you turned vampires?

Exactly, I replied and stroked her hand gently. She hadn’t relaxed since the massive wolf barged into the house. I was surprised she hadn’t attempted to use her gifts against the beast. She was under complete control.

And you are here because? Angelica questioned.

My grandfather smiled at her, I have come to take my grandsons back home.

Devin isn’t going anywhere without me, Jasmine announced quickly and I felt her body grow rigid beside me. Her powers may have been in check, but her emotions were off kilter.

I wouldn’t dream of it, my grandfather stated. You and your sister are part of the family now, are you not?

They are, I expressed.

So, you expect us to drop our life and return with you? Deaglan asked as his anger began to seep to the surface.

I will give you a few days to think about it, he said and stood from his chair. We all stood with him. He took the girls hands one at a time and placed a kiss on the top of each. It was a pleasure meeting the both of you. He left the house, closing the door behind him.

Ludacris, batty old man, Deaglan snared as he sat back down.

I take it your answer is no.

My brother sighed deeply and shook his head, I left for a reason.

I sat on the couch and pulled Jasmine down next to me. The wolf inside me longed for its pack. It felt wrong to fight it. I want to go home.

Devin, Jasmine injected. Are you even going to consider what I want?

It never occurred to me to ask if she wanted to go. You made it clear I wouldn’t be going alone.

She grew quiet for a few moments, I don’t know those people. And even if I do go, I won’t leave my sister.

Then I will go with you, Angelica stated with a smile. My brother on the other hand, had reservations about returning home. It was a place of painful memories for him. We never returned after leaving, though I longed for it. After Deaglan’s family perished, it took everything I had to keep him from ending his own life. We had a full-fledged wolf fight over it. I had already lost too much. I wasn’t prepared to lose him also.

I don’t think I can, he said and walked out of the room.

What’s wrong with him? Angie asked.

I stood from the couch. I’ll go speak to him, I assured and followed my brother down the hall to the office. He was able to close the door before I reached him. When I entered, he was already seated in the chair facing the window. His painful expression in the reflection in the glass caused me to pause and process my words.

Deaglan. I took a seat on the edge of the desk.

What? he snapped curtly.

There’s a reason why grandfathers here.

And why is that, brother?

I kept my voice as forgiving as possible. Preparing for what I was about to reply. It’s time to face old demons and return home.

He scoffed at my words and whispered, I can’t.

My poor brother was battered and broken, You will never get past this if you don’t face it, brother.

Try losing your family and tell me how you feel, he growled and cut me an angry gaze.

I understand.

His chair spun around so he could face me. No. I don’t think you do, brother.

Enlighten me.

He stood and marched toward the door. There is no possible way you could understand.

Try, I growled as he reached for the knob.

When he turned to face me, tears were in his eyes, Imagine if someone came into your home, raped and killed Jasmine, then killed me and Angelica. All while you stood by watching, with no power to stop it.

His words infuriated me, You selfish prick! Do you think you were the only one who was heartbroken after their deaths? Your wife and son were my family too. That day haunts me as well. Witnessing you crumble to your knees, devastated and stricken with grief...it shattered me. I didn’t only lose my sister-in-law and nephew; I lost my brother as well.

No. You stopped me.

Maybe in the literal sense, but we haven’t been the same since. You were not the cause of their deaths. We have a new future ahead of us, brother. Don’t give that up because you’re too afraid to face your demons.

We were quiet for several moments. Facing them will be hard.

I will be with you every step of the way, if you let me.

He sighed deeply, Let’s go home.

We entered the sitting room and the girls were in the floor chanting in unison. I had never seen them do that before. I took a seat on the couch