Fighting Destiny (Central Coven)
Central Coven (book 1)
Fighting Destiny
By K.D. Carrillo
Central Coven
Fighting Destiny
Published by K.D. Carrillo at Kindle
Copyright © 2013 Kimberly Dahl
All Rights Reserved
Edited by Fawn Sanchez and Julie Mitchell
Cover design by Indie Designz http://www.indiedesignz.com
Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
This book is available in ebook format.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty-One
Chapter Forty-Two
Chapter Forty-Three
Chapter Forty-Four
Chapter Forty-Five
Chapter Forty-Six
Chapter Forty-Seven
Epilogue
About Me
Acknowledgements
My dream has always been to write stories to entertain people. I'm not as concerned with fame and fortune. So, first I would like to thank you for choosing this book to read in your free time.
I would like to thank my family for believing in me. My mom has always pushed me to reach higher than I believed I could. Mom, this is for you and your never-ending faith in me. Thanks to my seven-year-old son for understanding mommy spending so much time on the computer. Reach high my boy. Anything is possible if you try. I want to thank my husband for cooking so many dinners, and putting up with my grouchiness when I got stranded on a chapter.
I need to thank my best friend, editor, rock, and major source of inspiration. Fawn you have been my social life, sanity, and my Anita since I was nineteen. I'm glad I got to finish one of my major goals with your help. Ok, enough with the mushy stuff.
Prologue
The glow of a roaring fire cast warmth on the dark stonewalls of the ancient castle. Several walls were cloaked with tapestries depicting pastoral scenes. The cool smooth stone floors were covered with Persian rugs woven in colors of gold, cream and vibrant crimson. High backed chairs, ornately carved, and inlaid with plush velvet cushions surrounded a heavy dark oak table. Servants quietly and inconspicuously wandered about with silver trays covered with delicacies, or silver pitchers with ale or wine. Some set delicate china place settings and lit taper candles held in heavy crystal candelabras. All were preparing the room for the mistress of the manor.
Marguerite glided in her long satin skirts flowing away from her. Violet satin pooled around her feet, while she waited for her chair to be pulled out for her. Her auburn hair was manipulated into an intricate braid, with strings of pearls woven into the design. A herald announced the arrival of her guests, Hans and his wife Elaina, Carlos, and Felix.
Chairs were pulled out, and spirits poured. Marguerite sat at the head of the table, as fit her rank as head of the Council. Carlos sat at the opposite end of the table, as the second most powerful wizard in the supernatural world, and the third most powerful being alive.
Little changed in the supernatural world. Most of the ancients preferred horses to modern machines. Marriages were arranged, and few women held positions of power. In those rare examples, those women gained their position because they were uniquely powerful. Yet, despite the antiquated customs of the supernatural world, he felt no slight taking the subordinate position at this gathering. The biggest reason for that was the second most powerful being alive was sitting across from him. Not hard to acknowledge her dominance when she could wipe the floor with him.
Carlos glanced over at the empty chair and single goblet of red wine. He raised his eyebrow in silent question. Almost every supernatural race was accounted for, except one…
“Yes, we have a few moments before dark, and our entire party is gathered together,” Marguerite intuitively replied.
The light from the stained glass window dimmed, and was extinguished. Again the herald appeared and declared in a loud ceremonious voice, “Lord Geoffrey Grey former Duke of Suffolk.”
Marguerite waited for her last guest to be seated. A servant brought over a large leather bound book. The gilded edges glimmered in the moonlight. She placed her hand lovingly on the cover. When she pulled her hand away the cover opened, and pages flipped of their own accord. It stopped on a masterfully illustrated page titled, “The Central Coven.”
“The prophecy is upon us.” She looked into the faces of her fellow Council members, her most trusted allies, and knew few outside of this circle could be trusted with such news. “Since time immemorial we have existed on the verge of war, with each other and with humans. We have dominated them as gods of the ancient world, and we hid from them during the Inquisition. We have fought each other for dominance, both personally and for our respective races. Only the six of us have managed to exist in harmony.” Marguerite gestured to the closed book, “Book, if you will…”
Le Histoire Surnaturelle, the collective history of the supernatural world began to read the prophesy in a melodic female voice. “From a central core of harmony will arise a central coven. They will be charged with the protection and balance of the natural and supernatural world. Together they will recreate the supernatural world, blurring divisions, and creating a lasting peace. Under their reign the modern era will begin, and the threat of war will cease.”
Eliana’s sky blue eyes cooled and focused on Marguerite. “You know darling it is wonderful to see you as always, but was your purpose in calling for this meeting to read the most famous prediction in our history? Surely there is a point to this reading.”
Marguerite smiled a knowing Cheshire grin. Carlos blinked quickly, as though trying to force out a thought beginning to take root. Hans, grabbed his wife’s shoulder. Felix and Grey appeared uncon
cerned.
“I see,” Hans said flatly. Eliana looked into everyone’s face, and still didn’t find the answer the others saw so quickly. Marguerite sought to end her confusion. “Eliana, where is your son attending college this fall?” Her brow furrowed showing her deepening confusion. “He is in Washington State in America. It is very kind of you to inquire, but I fail to see the point in this.”
“Where in Washington is he attending?” Marguerite pushed. “He is going to Central Washington University. Central, uhm…” “Carlos, where is Anita going?” Marguerite asked without looking at him. “Central,” he replied quickly. Eliana looked to Marguerite and Felix, and they nodded their answers. “But, he doesn’t even know who he is, not really. He isn’t ready for this.”
“Eliana,” Carlos began, “we have long argued with you against hiding his true nature, but you stubbornly opposed us. Now he will face his nature whether you are ready for him to face it or not. You have done him a disservice in your effort to protect him. I pray my daughter does not suffer for your decision to shelter your son.”
“Enough,” Marguerite demanded. “As you said we have had this argument before. It is done know. It is pointless to punish friends for their parenting choices. We will manage as we always have. Grey you are to head to Washington and renew your acquaintance with Anita. She is still acclimating to her situation. You can go under the guise of checking in on her. Use your many skills to bring all of them together.”
Grey nodded, and took his leave. He hated Council politics, but trusted none of his kind to represent their collective interests. Still he refused to remain once his orders were given. They did not view him as an equal in their group, and considering some of the other members of his species he could not completely disagree.
“Now, we have some business to address,” Marguerite said when she thought Grey was out of earshot. “Hans, I believe a union between our families would solidify our positions, and that of our children with the rest of the Council.”
Hans smiled broadly. This was the outcome he hoped for. Chloë DuLac’s beauty was well known. It was just as widely accepted, that his son was the most handsome man of age. Her power and money combined with his would make the most powerful couple since Chloë’s parents. Yes, it would be a great match for his son.
Eliana looked troubled. Marguerite was often cold, though they had been friends for centuries, and she took a lot of time to warm to. She wanted love for her son, not the political machinations of the Council. Marguerite, despite her cool exterior and political shrewdness, knew her friend well.
“She is most unlike me Eliana. Where I am steeped in tradition, she is the very model of a modern teenager. Thanks to her sister’s care these last few years she has been immersed into the life of a normal American girl. She is defiantly normal, except with a few enhancements. I know she would make your son very happy.”
“If you are both so sure…” Eliana began. “I am love. He is my son as well. You are not the only one who knows what is best for him,” Hans comforted. Eliana took a deep breath and nodded. She would not interfere. Marguerite smiled and they continued to settle the details for the marriage contract.
Grey left the hallway where he was eavesdropping. Part of him understood this maneuvering, and using their children for political gain. It was the world he came from as well. But, he had spent the last few centuries among humans, and no longer agreed in trading children as assets. It was not his decision. Their children would find themselves married. Aristocratic parents always shaped their children’s destiny. You cannot fight destiny and win.
Chapter One
A year ago, I received my inheritance. I didn’t receive money, or property, but power, nearly limitless power. As if high school wasn’t awkward enough, I had to hide my true self from everyone. There in the horizon loomed college, a chance to start fresh and perhaps learn to blend in again. And, if it is too hard, well I am a witch I’ll find a spell and fake it…
I chose to attend Central Washington University, in Ellensburg Washington. It is in a small town, with a very charming, well-kept campus. The University of Washington is more prestigious, and considering my family’s money, that might have made more sense, but I was attracted to the personal attention students received from their instructors at Central. Perhaps it was an odd choice for someone wanting to blend in, but I was pulled to this university.
So, that is how I found myself standing in front of one of the ugliest buildings on campus, or maybe anywhere, and this was going to be my home for the next nine months. Well, at least I wouldn’t be living with my sister and her family anymore. Instead, I would be in this square, plain, brick building with brown paint peeling off all of the woodwork. And, I would have my own room, which was essential for keeping my secret. Now, if I could magically get these boxes into my room on the third floor without getting caught… no, it’s probably best to carry them.
“Do you need help bringing in your stuff?” A deep melodic voice asked from behind me. Wow, I really need to be careful what I wish for. I turned around slowly, and time stopped, I think my heart stopped, I’m sure I at least stopped breathing. What I saw was the most beautiful man, over six feet tall, thick dark black-brown hair, piercing deep blue eyes, and sharply defined features, talk about gorgeous. Get it together… am I staring at him? Wow, I really can’t think.
“Thanks, I really could use some help bringing some of this stuff up to my room. My name is Chloë, by the way.” He was smiling, I couldn’t decide if it was good, or bad. Right, he’s human, so it’s bad…sooo bad. “I’m Finn, and it’s no trouble.”
Hmm, that’s what you think. “Well that is actually a life saver, there was no way I was up for carrying all of these boxes.” Absolutely no way I was carrying them, using magic certainly, but carrying, uh uh. “So have you been inside yet? Is it as bad inside as it is outside?” “Well, prepare yourself if you think the outside is bad, the inside is worse.”
“I fail to see how that is possible. Is there, toxic mold?” “Close, asbestos, and signs telling you not to poke holes in the walls or ceiling. Oh, and cover your mattress, they aren’t new and well…they get around as much as the students do.” Gross!” “Come on lets go see if your room is as pleasant as mine.” Finn reached over and grabbed my room assignment out of my hand, and I could swear I saw sparks. “Hmmm, now this is convenient. You’re in room 307 that is right next to mine. Let’s go.”
Chapter Two
Finn was right when he said the inside was worse than the outside. This building hardly inspired a “homey” feeling; exposed brick, waiting room style furniture, and seventies era linoleum flooring doesn’t exactly shout “make yourself comfortable.” Oh well, must make the most of it, besides at least the view from my room (because of its location to Finn’s) would be good.
“Ehhmm, you day dream a lot don’t you?” “Just taking everything in, and… yes I…I guess I do,” I stammered. “Don’t be embarrassed, I can’t help but notice things about you,” he winked. “Uhh… the stairs are behind that door, and then we just keep going up until we get to the top.” Finn tried to conceal blushing. Maybe, (hopefully) I wasn’t the only one enjoying the view.
“Have you met your roommate yet?” he asked. “I don’t have one,” I answered with a shrug. “Really? Why not?” he pressed. “Well, I really like to have privacy.” Because I have too many secrets. I continued babbling, “And I don’t think I could share my bedroom with my best friend of all people, and it is as large as some people’s apartments. I think I would go nuts in a small room with a stranger.”
“Your bedroom at home is as big as some apartments?” he said with surprise. “Yeah, uhm, I didn’t mean to add that part in. I forgot for a second no one knows me here, so can we just forget that part?” I asked panicked.
“So you’re rich,” Finn teasingly bumped my shoulder. “My family is, but don’t tell anyone please,” I begged. “Your secret is safe. Here is the third floor. Our rooms are at the end o
f the hall by the girl’s bathroom. What is wrong with being rich, exactly?” “Nothing. I just want people to get to know me for me, and not for my family or my money.” “I understand. I’m comfortable myself, I mean, you know, my family is. You keep that secret, and I’ll keep yours.” “I meant what I said. My family has money. I won’t have access to it until I am much older.”
That was partially true. I didn’t have access to the unlimited funds spread out around the world, but I did have a trust fund, one most people would find obscene for an eighteen-year-old girl. It just wasn’t unlimited.
“I’ll set this box in your room and let you get settled in. Do you want to go to the dining hall with me tonight?” “That sounds perfect,” I replied, trying not to smile like an idiot. I placed the large key into the door, turned, pushed, and walked into a nightmare.
The room was the size of a walk-in closet. Stuffed into the claustrophobia inducing space were two twin beds, matching wardrobes and a built in desk the length of the room. The walls were exposed brick, the ceiling had a popcorn texture, the wood was scuffed and worn, and everything else had an ugly green laminate on it.
The bed next to the window was made up in black and red linens. There were books on the self, a laptop on the desk, and she stood in the center of the floor. She looked like a cross between Jessica Alba and Penelope Cruz, only more beautiful, in an unearthly way. Her teeth were bright white, and her skin had an odd tone. It seemed to radiate a deep golden, and a pale porcelain glow at the same time. She turned to look at me, and when the light hit her eyes they shone an odd mixture of bronze and florescent yellow-green like an animal at night. Great, she was a supernatural creature, but what kind?
“I thought you didn’t have a roommate?” Finn said, looking puzzled. “It must be some sort of mix up. Let me sort this out, and I will come and meet you around dinner time, say six thirty?” I wanted to get him out of the way before I confronted this person. “Sounds good.” He was noticeably uncomfortable by her presence. That is never a good sign. Humans have a great instinct when it comes to dangerous supernaturals, but they tend to ignore it.