Angel Bonds Read online

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

  Angel Bonds

  Copyright © 2019 Lexi C. Foss

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. This book may not be redistributed to others for commercial or noncommercial purposes.

  Editing by: Outthink Editing, LLC

  Plotting Consultant: Heart Full of Ink

  Initial Content Review By: Allison Irwin

  Proofreading By: Barb Jack, Joy Di Biase-Giachino, Katie Schmahl, & Laura Schoenfelder

  Cover Design: Covers by Julie

  Photography: Wander Aguiar Photography

  Models: Thom Panto

  Published by: Ninja Newt Publishing, LLC

  Digital Edition

  ISBN: 978-0-9993709-5-7

  To Bethany, for tolerating the insanity in my head and all my mishaps with deadlines and for being the most thorough editor in existence. I love working with you! To many more books and punctual manuscripts… Cheers xx

  * * *

  Also, to Matt, for helping me stay alive during deadlines ;) I promise you still have a wife somewhere. When I find her, I’ll let you know. And then we’ll go on a very long holiday. <3

  Contents

  Glossary

  I. Holiday Bonds

  1. Stas

  2. Stas

  3. Issac

  4. Issac

  5. Stas

  6. Stas

  7. Issac

  8. Gabriel

  9. Issac

  10. Stas

  11. Stas

  12. Issac

  13. Issac

  14. Stas

  II. Alis Volat Propriis

  15. Stas

  16. Stas

  17. Stas

  18. Issac

  19. Amelia

  20. Issac

  21. Issac

  22. Stas

  23. Issac

  24. Stas

  25. Issac

  26. Stas

  III. Seraphim Bonds

  27. Stas

  28. Stas

  29. Issac

  30. Stas

  31. Tom

  32. Issac

  33. Tom

  34. Amelia

  35. Stas

  36. Issac

  Epilogue

  Blood Seeker

  Immortal Curse Series

  Music Playlist

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Also by Lexi C. Foss

  PRETERNATURAL BEINGS

  Fledgling (noun): The child of a male Ichorian and a human female, who has not yet been reborn as a Hydraian; they do not typically possess supernatural or psychic gifts until their immortal rebirth.

  * * *

  Hydraian (noun): An immortal offspring of a male Ichorian and a human female, who possesses two supernatural or psychic gifts and does not require human blood to survive.

  * * *

  Ichorian (noun): An immortal being of unknown descent who possesses one supernatural or psychic gift and requires human blood to survive.

  * * *

  Immortal (noun): A general noun designating a being who does not age and is immune to natural human death.

  * * *

  Seraphim (noun): A being who belongs to the highest order of angelic hierarchy.

  KEY TERMS

  Arcadia: Notorious Ichorian club in New York City that also serves as the primary meeting location for the Ichorian government.

  * * *

  Blood Laws: A series of ordinances created by the Ichorian governing board in response to the Treaty of 1747.

  * * *

  Catastrophic Relief Foundation (CRF): A global humanitarian aid organization headquartered in New York City with a secret paramilitary unit designed to destroy rogue supernaturals.

  * * *

  Conclave: The Ichorian governing board.

  * * *

  Edict: A law or rule issued by the High Council of Seraph.

  * * *

  Elders: The original Hydraians who also serve as the Hydraian governing board.

  * * *

  Fated Line: Seraphim who can foresee the future.

  * * *

  High Council of Seraph: Seraphim governing board.

  * * *

  Nizari: Ancient Ichorian assassins who hunt and kill fledglings.

  * * *

  Nizari Poison: A green substance notorious for killing fledglings and preventing their rebirth.

  * * *

  Sentinel: A soldier in the CRF unit designed to slaughter rogue immortal beings.

  * * *

  Treaty of 1747: An armistice between Hydraians and Ichorians to cease fire and live in their designated areas. Those who opt to cross these boundaries do so at their own risk.

  1

  Stas

  “Well, that was certainly eventful.”

  Stas Davenport arched a brow at the handsome man beside her. The sarcasm in his tone wasn’t lost on her. “Be nice.”

  “Is that a command, love?” He cocked his head to the side, an alluring smile playing over his lips. Stas loved this side of Issac Wakefield. The playful one that only came out when they were alone.

  She slid into the passenger seat of their rental and buckled her seat belt while he watched. Those blue eyes seemed to trace every inch of her. “You realize I’m wearing four layers, right?”

  He laid a forearm on the top of their SUV and leaned in to press his lips to hers. “I’m looking forward to taking them off piece by piece later. Something I would have done already had you allowed us to travel my way.”

  “You’re never going to let this go, are you?” Her adoptive parents had sent them plane tickets for the holidays, a gift Stas knew cost them a minor fortune. Hence the reason she’d begged him to just fly commercial. “We compromised by upgrading to first class.”

  “Business class,” he corrected.

  “And there’s a difference?”

  “Oh, Aya.” He just shook his head and closed the door.

  Spending the holidays with Issac in Montana would be interesting. Of course, he’d insisted on renting a house in Kalispell after her adoptive parents mentioned staying in a hotel. Fortunately, they’d been thrilled with the change in plans and were meeting them at Flathead Lake. Seeing as they lived in Havre, it was easier and cheaper for them to drive.

  Issac buckled in beside her and started fumbling with the fancy controls. Stas had no idea how he managed to rent this brand of SUV in Montana, but it sat waiting for them as they exited the Glacier Park International Airport. At least it had seat warmers, an amenity they would need.

  Issac muttered a curse just as the back doors popped open on either side. “Go home,” he demanded as two familiar men made themselves comfortable on the plush leather seats.

  “Yes, I believe we are headed to your new residence,” Luc said by way of greeting, causing Stas to frown.

  “New residence?” She flashed Issac a look. “I thought you were renting?”

  “Peanut?” Luc held out a bag toward the front passenger seat.

  Issac ignored the Hydraian King and smiled. “I said I acquired a residence for the holidays.”

  “You said you rented one.”

  “I definitely used the term acquired. You just inferred it to mean I rented it.” His lips twitched. “It also happened to be a worthwhile investment opport
unity given the rising costs.”

  “How did you even find one to buy?” Kalispell was one of those areas where the homes were traditionally handed down through generations or purchased by mega celebrities.

  “Money speaks, darling,” he replied.

  Right. Billionaire boyfriend.

  Sometimes she forgot that detail with everything else going on in their lives.

  “I guess they don’t want a peanut. B?” Luc held the bag out to his sidekick beside him, reminding her that they had unexpected company.

  “What are you two even doing here?” Stas stared back and forth between the muscular blond and too-attractive brunet. If she brought them to meet her parents… Oh God. Her father would be going to the nearest gun store to pick up a new item for his extensive collection and offering to play target practice with their heads.

  “Celebrating the holidays,” Balthazar replied with a grin. “Amelia and Tom are already at the lake preparing the holiday home with the others, but Jacque dropped us off at the airport to ride with you.”

  Issac pulled out his phone to begin dialing while Stas gaped at the intruders.

  “Define ‘others.’ ”

  “Germanic in origin, it refers to those remaining in a group or not already mentioned,” Luc replied. “Or it can be used to refer to a person or thing that is different or distinct from another. Assuming you meant the pronoun, of course.”

  She blinked. “What?”

  “This is unacceptable,” Issac said to whomever he’d called. “Well, tell them all to leave.” He pinched the bridge of his nose while Balthazar smirked from the backseat. “Amelia…” The female voice rose over the phone, suggesting Issac’s sister didn’t approve of his request, and the grins in the backseat grew.

  “You’re both trouble,” Stas whispered.

  Luc popped a peanut into his mouth and shrugged. “I’ve always been a fan of the pagans and their traditions.”

  “What does that even mean?”

  “Christmas, sweetheart,” Balthazar explained. “Sometimes we forget how human you are.”

  “Used to be,” Luc added without apology.

  Stas grimaced, not wanting to think about her current fate. This holiday was meant to be an escape. A way for her and Issac to truly determine their future together, but it seemed the immortals in the backseat had other ideas.

  Most humans would envy her bloodline because it meant she would live forever. Unfortunately, it also meant she couldn’t be with the Ichorian beside her. All because of some ancient laws and genetic bullshit that pitted the two supernatural beings against each other.

  “It’s a lot more than that,” Balthazar murmured quietly.

  Stas shot him a look. The mind reader heard everything. Always. He meant well, but sometimes she just wanted to keep her thoughts to herself.

  “Yes, all right,” Issac said softly. “Well, they believe he’s dead, remember?” His head fell back on a sigh. “Yes, Amelia. I will.”

  A masculine voice came over the line.

  “That should work. I’ll talk to Aya. Put Amelia back on, Thomas.” The last statement was said through gritted teeth, which unclenched when his sister started talking again. “Yes. Sounds lovely.” He looked ready to punch something. “See you soon.” He hung up the phone and glowered at the rearview mirror. “I will kill you both for this.”

  Luc finished off his peanuts. “A unique take on the whole ghosts-of-Christmas legend, Wakefield.”

  “Can we call him Scrooge?” Balthazar asked.

  “Absolutely.”

  “Brilliant.” Balthazar smiled. “Shall we go, then? I have a date in the snow with a to-be-determined guest of honor.” He waggled his eyebrows at Stas.

  “No,” she and Issac replied at the same time.

  “You’re turning down playtime in the snow?” He gave Luc an affronted look. “Who doesn’t enjoy snowball fights?”

  “Apparently these two Scrooges.” He gestured to the pair of them in the front seat.

  Issac blew out a breath and glanced sideways at Stas. “I suggest you call your mom and warn her that a bunch of adult toddlers are joining us.”

  If her parents weren’t already on their way to Kalispell, Stas would have told them to stay home, and have Issac drive her to Havre instead. “How is this going to work? Where will everyone sleep?”

  Balthazar’s grin was absolutely wicked. “We’ll just share your bed, Stas.”

  “The residence has enough room.” He glared in the mirror again. “Lucian, the Christmas ghost you mentioned will become a reality if your second-in-command continues that train of visual thought.”

  The seductive Hydraian blew him a kiss while Luc produced another bag of airline peanuts from his pocket. Had Jacque snagged those for him midflight or something? “B, stop taunting Wakefield.”

  “Whatever you say, King Luc,” Balthazar deadpanned.

  Luc snorted and popped more of those damn peanuts into his mouth.

  “Let’s just go, Issac,” Stas said, tired from traveling all day. A nap sounded great right about now. Or copious amounts of alcohol. “It’s only thirty minutes.”

  “Right.” Issac navigated away from the curb, giving up on the notion of expelling the two interlopers from the back. “You need to warn your parents and also inform them that Thomas is indeed alive since they believe him to be dead.”

  She gaped at him. “And explain that how?”

  “By saying he was on a deep-cover assignment that required the ultimate camouflage.”

  Her brows rose. “You expect them to believe that?”

  “Thomas will help when he sees them. His gift for insinuating truth is begrudgingly useful.”

  “Right. Okay.” She had no idea if her parents would buy it, but what choice did she have? “You two better be quiet back there.” She needed as much focus as she could get.

  Balthazar saluted her. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Luc just held up yet another bag of peanuts.

  Well, at least it’ll be a memorable holiday.

  2

  Stas

  Thirty minutes later and Stas still didn’t know how to handle the problem in the backseat. She’d warned her mom that two of Issac’s friends—a comment that had earned her a cocked eyebrow from the driver—were with them. But she hadn’t exactly been able to add, Oh, and by the way, they’re abnormally handsome and are probably going to give Dad a heart attack.

  Having Issac home for the holidays had been challenge enough. Adding the entire gang? Yeah, well, hopefully everyone survived.

  God, they didn’t even know Stas lived in Hydria now. Or that she’d quit her job with the Catastrophic Relief Foundation (CRF). Or that Lizzie was pregnant and engaged.

  Right, so her parents literally knew nothing and thought Stas still resided with Lizzie in New York City. Good thing they couldn’t just drop by for a visit without a very long flight.

  Issac reached over for her hand and gave it a squeeze as he turned off the road onto a long paved drive lined in snow-laden trees. When he mentioned acquiring a home on the lake, she expected a quaint cabin-like structure with enough room for them and her parents.

  But no. That wasn’t Issac Wakefield’s style. Something she should have considered when he said there would be enough room to house the immortals as well.

  Her jaw dropped as the lodge-style estate appeared, framed by Flathead Lake in the rear. Oversized windows, wraparound decks on the second and third levels, large double doors, wooden siding in between, and beautifully decorated with trees all around the property.

  Issac backed into the garage off to the side, killing the engine. “As I said, it’s a good investment.” He smiled at her and lifted her chin. “Let’s go explore, shall we?”

  Balthazar and Luc were already out of the SUV, their chatter about snowballs, leaving Stas alone with her favorite demon.

  She narrowed her gaze as he unbuckled her seat belt. “An investment,” she repeated. “Are you planning to open a
guest lodge?” Because the property was certainly big enough.

  “The real estate agent suggested renting it out to celebrities or executive types.” He shrugged. “I figured it would serve as a reasonable place to visit when you want to see the Davenports, while also making a profit on the side.”

  “A reasonable place,” she parroted back at him. “My mother is going to lose her shit when she sees this.”

  “It’s not as if my wealth is a secret, Aya.” He kissed her on the cheek and opened the driver-side door. “Come on, I want to take a proper tour before Henry and Susan arrive.”

  She joined him outside, their luggage still in the trunk, and breathed in the cool, crisp air. Being in Hydria the last two months had not properly prepared her for the Montana winter, as was evidenced by the goose bumps trailing along her arm.