Covenant Breakers (The Covenant Series Book 2) Read online

  During Samiel’s absences, Mark would encourage her to practice what Tieran and the others taught her. She is physically strong, and they practice together, but she does not tell him of her ability to watch without a thread. Normally her body would be attached to a thread to keep her bound to the plane she is in, but she is trying to go further each time through different planes without being detected. The demons are drawn to the golden threads and since she is pregnant, her aura flashes brightly. A thread and a flashing aura would definitely not work together.

  Varena has come to care for Mark, and she is scared for him. She remembers what happened to Tieran and she does not want that same fate for Mark. Her heart beats fast at the knock on the door, and Mark enters with a look of determination in his eyes. He gives her a scroll from his bloody hands.

  Taking the scroll from him, Varena asks, “What is this, Mark?” Looking up at into his battered face, she sees he is beaten and cut up. Dried blood is on his legs and arms.

  “It is how he has power over us. You will take it with you and go now! Do not question me anymore. The less you know the better. It is your only chance at escape. Find the Keeper and give it to her!”

  “Mark, wait…” rushing to him, she looks up into his eyes and tells him, “I shall pray for your soul every day for the rest of my days, and beg for forgiveness for you. You will not be forgotten.” He bows to her with tears in his eyes, and leaves.

  She knows what will happen to him when she leaves him, but her baby must be saved. Sitting alone, she closes her eyes thinking. She decides to risk it. She will have only a few minutes before they are drawn to her thread. Tucking the scroll inside of her dress, she knows she has to try to find help. She closes her eyes, lies quietly on her bed, and begins. First, she must make it to another astral plane of existence. After a few minutes, she is through the first level, then another. This time she makes it to the third plane, that’s when a sparkle catches her eye, and she moves towards it. A young man smiles at her and waves and when she sees that he has no thread she becomes excited. Moving closer, she can see that his aura is golden surrounded by silver.

  “You are flashing on and off like a beacon!” he says excitedly.

  “I think it’s because I am pregnant,” she tells him.

  He smiles at her with kind, brown eyes, and asks her, “Are you a Watcher?”

  “My name is Varena; I am Child of the Light. I am in trouble. Can you get a message to someone for me?”

  “I will do my best. Who are you looking for?” he asks with a serious look in his eyes.

  “They will come for me soon. I need you to find the Keeper. Her name is Elina!” she says nervously.

  “Who is coming for you?”

  A vibration begins to fill her soul, and fear fills her face. “NO,” she whispers.

  The boy grabs her wrist and tells her, “It will be okay Varena, you are found now.” His eyes begin to glow blue and he pulls her close as his aura surrounds hers, shielding her from sight. The vibration dims and he descends, quickly placing her back in her body. Lifting her in his arms, he smiles from Hell and with a flash, they are gone.

  “Who are you?” Varena asks, looking into the eyes of the young man who saved her.

  “I am Alex,” he tells her with a cocky smile.

  Nineteen

  Raphaim utters a huge sigh and listens to them argue again. They are wasting time, and he is sick of waiting.

  “I have to go back to the others, Malach. Things must be put in motion before I go after the next part of the book.” Irritated, Malach glares down at Elina.

  “You are so stubborn! You wish to take that vile abomination with you to your family. Have you lost your mind?”

  Smiling up at him like a mother trying to calm an angry child, she says slowly, “I can keep an eye on him, and he can give us information about the missing part of the book, Malach.”

  Raphaim jumps up waving a hand at the pair saying, “You two deserve each other! How about I just meet you there?” With a flash, he is gone, following the path he saw in Elina’s mind back to her family.

  Elina and Malach look at each other in surprise and go after him.

  Under cover in the woods behind the house, Raphaim takes stock. He can see movement inside the house. With a smile, he steps from the trees to go inside.

  The angel Nameed drops down silently in front of Raphaim.

  “Ahhh…another angel, pining for his human. How pathetic you all are! How about I end her misery and yours by draining her dry?” Raphaim asks showing his teeth.

  “Try it, demon,” Nameed says quietly. Warned by Malach, Nameed faces his enemy. “Have you ever coveted something you can’t have?” Nameed asks with a wicked smile. “Yes, I see doubt in your eyes, Son of the Mocker. What has weakened you?”

  Raphaim feels his fangs lengthen; his eyes go black and saliva pools in his mouth as he thinks about the blood pumping through the angel in front of him. No longer blinking, Raphaim prepares to leap at Nameed.

  “You are tainted!” Nameed says pointing his weapon at Raphaim. “Even now your soul pulls you in two directions. Are you Shadow, or are you Light? You can’t have it both ways, demon!”

  Just before he leaps, Elina and Malach appear. Flanking Nameed, they face Raphaim and Elina looks at him with pity in her eyes. Raphaim fights to tamp down the rage in his soul as he glares at Elina. Compassion fills her heart looking at him; she starts to step forward when Malach growls at her “Don’t even think about it, Keeper!”

  “Yes, come to me Elina, let’s see if you taste as good as you look.” The thought of his mouth on her, his teeth on her neck, hands on her breast, fills Raphaim’s mind and he projects it to Malach.

  “I promise she will enjoy it,” he says taunting Malach. “She did before,” he sneers as he strokes himself.

  Malach leaps for Raphaim, seizing his throat and throws him into a group of trees. He spins through the air, in glee and spreads his black wings, landing a few feet in front of the trees. Like a predator, he sniffs the air, sensing the presence of someone in the woods. All traces of laughter gone his head snaps around, on the hunt once again. To the right, Hunter runs into the clearing. “Fresh blood, that’s what I need” he thinks. No longer thinking about the angels, his whole focus narrows on Hunter. He leaps through the air at the human.

  “I see you, demon” Hunter says looking up into the eyes of the demon leaping at him. Crashing with a scream to the earth, Raphaim’s world goes dark.

  “Well done, Gunskaliski,” Elina calls out with a triumphant smile.

  Stomping over to the crumpled demon, Malach kicks him over onto his back and draws his sword. Nameed grabs his brother and pulls him away, urging him to control himself.

  Elina chooses to ignore the macho display and asks, “How long will this last” as she gestures to Raphaim.

  “If he survives, about seven days; a demon usually dies within seven days of being seen by a medicine man.” Hunter replies.

  In relief she thinks about the extra time that will buy them. “I need a place to keep him until then. He is not staying with my family.”

  “I have just the place for one such as him,” Nameed says with a dark smile.

  “Who is he?” Hunter asks as Nameed picks up Rephaim’s body and flies away.

  “He is a son of the Mocker. His name is Raphaim,” Elina tells him.

  Shock shows on Hunter’s face. “Why did you bring him here?” he asks as Malach stomps over. His face asks the same question.

  “It was necessary,” Elina, tells them. “Where are the others, I need to see them.”

  Hunter looks at them, and his cell phone rings. His face fills with worry. “S.O.S.” he whispers. Stepping away from them, he tries to call Alex back. They have a code for emergencies, and that was it. With keys in hand, he tells them, “I have an emergency at home, I will return later.” He breaks into a run toward his truck; he does not wait for a response.

  To avoid texting and driving, he pu
lls over when he hears a message tone telling him he has a text. Looking at it, he reads. “Come home, I will explain everything when you get here.”

  This had better be good, Alex he thinks as he whips back onto the road and races for his home fifteen miles away.

  Rocks fly as he pulls quickly into the gravel driveway. Hunter kills the motor and jumps from the truck, headed for the traditional log. The home is set on five acres of family land. Usually the family dog, Rusty, greets him, but he sees no sign of her anywhere. He approaches the house with caution, looking for signs of trouble. Not finding any, he enters the house through the sliding glass doors from the deck that surrounds the house. Hunter walks quietly into his living room. Alex is in the kitchen making a cup of tea and looks relieved to see his dad.

  “Dad!” he says as Hunter walks towards him.

  “Alex, are you okay, what’s going on?” Looking at his son he sees the trepidation on his face.

  “Okay, you’re going to need an open mind, Dad.” Alex starts nervously pacing, “Well, it’s like this. I was sort of watching today and…”

  “What!?” Hunter interrupts “You know you are not supposed to do that alone. Polly said it is dangerous!”

  Alex holds up his hand and waits for him to go quiet. “Dad, I found someone today who needs us. She was a prisoner and she was looking for the Keeper.”

  “What do you mean you found someone? You brought her here?” he asks quietly looking around. He grabs Alex by his arm, “Where is she? How do you know she isn’t a danger to us all?”

  Frustrated, because his father isn’t listening, he slams his fist on the bar. “Dad, enough! I did what I thought was best. I didn’t have a lot of time because she was being hunted! I shielded her and I think I still am. She is down stairs resting on the couch.”

  He is stunned when he realizes how serious he is. Hunter decides see for himself the danger to his family. He decides to meet her, and get some answers from her. “Alright; I can see your upset but I trust you, lead the way.” Hunter starts for the steps to the basement and stops when his son calls out, “There’s more.”

  Walking back to the tray, Alex finishes filling it with fruit, cheese, and a cup of hot tea. Hunter sighs, runs a hand over his face and waits for him to finish.

  “She is very jumpy, fragile and I, I don’t want you to upset her. Dad, she’s special, and I intend to keep her safe.”

  “I promise not to scare her. Have a little faith in your old man,” he says smiling at his son’s serious face. Turning quickly he advances down the stairs only to find Rusty blocking his way. She stares intently at Hunter, then hesitates a moment before she allows him to pass.

  “You too, girl? I will be gentle, okay,” he promises and pats her head as he walks past.

  Alex follows with the tray and stops when he sees his father openly staring at Varena. She is standing on the small deck off the back of the house, staring into the woods with her face lifted to the sun. Tears of joy roll unchecked down her face and she lifts her arms to the wind, letting it lift her curly, brown hair.

  Hunter watches her and sees the bliss fade from her hazel eyes when she turns to find them staring at her. His guest wraps her arms protectively around the small mound beneath her dress; she begins to panic at the sight of the stranger. With her back to the railing she searches for an exit. Alex steps from behind his dad and quickly calms her fears.

  “Varena, this is my father, Hunter. I told you about him, remember.” Hunter stops walking and stares in shock at the pregnant beauty before him.

  “Did you leave anything else out, son?” He watches with pride as Alex puts the tray down on the table outside, noting that she seems to be more peaceful outdoors. He is a perceptive, gifted, and compassionate soul.

  He moves out to the deck, but keeps his distance from the woman because he can see that she is trembling with fear. Varena moves closer to Alex, her hazel eyes never leave him. Standing close to each other, he notices that Alex’s aura is wrapping hers and shielding it. Before, her aura flashed brightly like a beacon, now Alex’s silver and gold aura blocks hers, dimming it completely.

  “Varena, you are safe here. I mean you no harm.” He reassures her and moves to the table where the food waits. Hunter sits and waits for them to join him. At Alex’s coaxing, she moves closer and pulls a chair out. She carefully takes a seat facing both men, and keeps her eyes shifting constantly looking for an exit if she needs it. Hunter takes a small plate and fills it with fruit and cheese placing it in front of her.

  She nibbles at the grapes and looks at Alex. “Your son saved me today, Hunter. I mean no disrespect to you,” she tells him cautiously, trying not to make eye contact.

  “Maybe one of you can tell me what is going on? Who are you and how did you end up with my son?” He ignores the look on his son’s face as he shoots him a look. He is curious about their houseguest and needs answers.

  Varena decides the story she has to tell should not involve a child. “Alex, could you get me some water? I am thirsty.”

  Eager to please, Alex jumps up. He wants to make sure she is comfortable, he pauses before leaving, “Varena you are safe with my dad. He is a shield too.”

  She watches him leave and turns to Hunter. “He is amazing. You should be proud of him.”

  Hunter smiles a little. “I am. Tell me your story, Varena.”

  “I don’t know where to start. You may not believe most of it. I was a prisoner and Alex found me. He freed me and brought me here. I am looking for a friend of mine named Elina.” Seeing the shock on his face, she becomes animated.

  “Do you know where I can find her?” Hunter is not sure what to say. Quickly she tells him, “We are from the same village, and I grew up with her.”

  “Dad, is Elina still at Polly’s?” Alex asks returning with the water she requested.

  “Tomorrow I can take you to her.” Hunter says quietly looking at Alex. “Let’s get some dinner and get you settled.” Alex takes the hint to drop it, and moves inside.

  As he leaves the new friends to go back upstairs, Hunter hears Alex say, “I told you he could help you, Rena.” With a mind full of questions, Hunter wonders how Elina will feel about this development. There is more to Varena’s story and he intends to get the rest of it out of her.

  “Are you okay with this dad?” Alex asks, from the doorway of the guest bedroom.

  “I need answers but she has been through enough today” Hunter tells his son. Varena makes her way upstairs with Rusty by her side. As she looks quietly around the living room, she chooses a seat in the corner of the living room, trying to be invisible. Rusty sits on her feet, as if protecting her. Ruffling her ears, Varena giggles when Rusty licks her face.

  “Oh, you are so sweet. Yes, you are” she says talking to Rusty. Looking up she finds them both staring at her and fear crosses her face. She startles the dog when she jumps up saying, “I’m sorry. Should I leave her alone?”

  “Are you kidding, she eats it up,” Alex says with a laugh. “I will take her out for a run.” Excited Rusty follows Alex to the door and they race off.

  Varena rubs her stomach, feels, the baby move and smiles. “You are lucky to have such a wonderful family.”

  Hunter feels her fear and knows what she needs. “How would you like a bath?” Startled, she looks at his smiling face and he tells her, “My wife loved her baths. We have an enormous tub; I bet you have never seen anything like it… It will do you a world of good.”

  He heads upstairs and waits for her to follow. Hesitantly, she follows him and waits while he gets towels. The master suite has a wall of windows opening to the outside world. Standing in the bedroom area, Varena can see the beauty of the woods behind the house. She doesn’t feel so confined with all the windows.

  “It’s just beautiful” she says watching the sunset. “Your wife is gone?” she asks quietly seeing a picture on the wall.

  “Yes, she died years ago. Thankfully, I have Alex” he tells her.

&n
bsp; As she looks closely at the man in front of her, she needs him to understand. “All of my people are gone, except this baby. I will keep it safe, Hunter.”

  Understanding her need to protect her child, he smiles. “We will help you, if you let us.” He heads into the bathroom; turns on the lights and starts the tub. The room fills with steam and he puts out shampoo, soap and towels. She stands, quietly watching. He places a flannel shirt of his and sweat pants that belong to Alex on the towels, he turns to find her staring at him.

  “You are being so kind, Hunter. I promise to answer your questions. How will I ever thank you?”

  “Take care of yourself and that little one, Varena. That will be a good start.” As he notices she locks the door and waits until he hears her moan of pleasure. He smiles as he heads downstairs and starts dinner.

  Varena soaks in the tub and looks at her stomach in awe. She is growing larger every day. As she runs soap over her body, she stands to rinse and sees her naked body in the mirror. Her body is changing quickly. The round beauty of her body takes away her breath.

  “We are free!” she thinks and sinks back into the water. She weeps for everything she has lost, and the gift of new life she is now responsible for. “Thank you,” she prays. Scrubbing her hair and face she tries to wash away the memories of a lifetime. After a good rinse, Varena towel dries and dresses quickly smelling food in the air. She tries on the flannel shirt and sweat pants, then pulls on a plush pair of thick socks and laughs at how ridiculous she looks. She runs a comb through her long, brown hair, shakes out the curls, and moves downstairs and sees the two of them working side by side in the kitchen. She walks to the bar, and watches quietly.

  Alex smiles when he turns to look at her, “You look comfortable.”

  She blushes, “You mean ridiculous.”