Fated Desire: A Paranormal Romance Novel (The Twisted Destiny Saga Book 1) (15 page)

Shaye hesitated as she looked between him and their enemies. “I…not in front of them.”

But before anything more could happen, a blinding, silver light swept through the forest, obscuring everyone’s vision.

And then everything disappeared.

CHAPTER 27

Seconds later, the blinding light dissipated and Cora, Ryan, and Shaye found themselves inside a massive room made of, what looked like, ice.

“We are here,” Shaye said. “The palace of the White Realm.”

“What? How? We didn’t even pass through the gates!” Ryan exclaimed, his eyes scanning the room urgently.

“Welcome,” a deep, male voice boomed from behind them.

They all spun around to see a man striding into the room. He looked to be in his sixties. But, just being there in the White Realm, meant he was far older, really. His stark white hair flowed down to his shoulders and matched his long beard, which was as silky as his hair. He wore silver robes, akin to that of a priest, that brushed the floor as he walked, giving the appearance that he was floating towards them.

Immediately upon seeing him, Shaye dropped to her knees and bowed politely, murmuring submissively, “Your majesty.”

Cora hesitated.

Ryan barked, “You’re him? King Vazra?”

“And you are Ryan Winters, King of the Wolves.”

Ryan eyed Shaye, who was still on her knees, bowing before the king.

“I appreciate you allowing me into your kingdom, but let’s get one thing straight: I’m not fucking bowing at your feet. I bow to
no
one,” he told King Vazra.

King Vazra smiled as he said, “Just like your father, Ryan. Blunt, abrasive and cursing like a sailor.” He moved closer until he was just inches from him and added, with a wink, “Everything I liked about him.”

Ryan was taken aback and failed to stifle a laugh. “Really?”

“Indeed. Your father and I were close friends for centuries.”

Ryan’s eyes widened in surprise. “He was King of the
Dark
Realm.”

“There was a time when our two realms weren’t so divided.”

“And my mother? You knew her, too? She was a member of your court.”

“More than just a
member
, as you put it. She was my chief advisor on all matters of the realm.”

Ryan wanted to ask more, to find out exactly what had happened to his mother. Was she still alive, like the rumors claimed? Did Vazra know where? But he knew now wasn’t the time. Cora was in pain and they were on the eve of war. Too much was happening in the present. The past would have to wait for a little while longer.

“Shaye, please make yourself at home in the palace. I can feel the vampires still at the gates. It is not safe for you to return to the human realm yet,” Vazra said, turning to her.

“I may stay here, your majesty? In the royal palace?” she asked, incredulous.

“Of course. You aided my daughter. You are always welcome now as my honored guest.”

Shaye nodded excitedly and left the room to explore the palace. Ryan smiled inwardly. Shaye had finally got her centuries-long wish—she had been accepted into King Vazra’s fold.

The King turned his attention back to Cora and Ryan. He reached for Cora’s hand and she hesitantly accepted it. He held it gently between them as he said, “We have much to discuss, my daughter.”

Cora pulled her hand away hastily. “I don’t know you. Not as my father. Not as anyone.”

The King’s expression was pained as he told her, “I know and I am sorry.”

Cora turned away, breaking Ryan’s hold on her. “Was it you who saved me from that dream?” she asked without looking at him.

“In a manner of speaking, yes. It was your proximity to the White Realm gates. It dispelled the dark magic that the Vampire Prince and that misguided vampire, Michael, were using to keep you there. It also eased your pain, your proximity to pure white magic, soothing it, which enabled your strength to return.”

She spun back around in surprise. “You know about my pain?”

“Yes. And I must teach you now about your power.”

“And that will cure it?” Ryan asked.

Vazra nodded. “And she will be your key to winning the war ahead of you.”

“That’s why you pulled us in through the gates?”

Vazra shook his head at him and approached Cora. He reached out and laid his hand gently on her belly. “No. It was because I had to protect all of you.”

“
All
of us?” Ryan asked, confused. “You mean, Cora, myself and Shaye?”

“No.” His gaze then held Cora’s. And then he smiled and said, “She is with child.”

Ryan failed to stifle a gasp. “What?”

He looked at Cora and her stunned reaction mirrored his.

Begin book two,
Fated Betrayal
.

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* * * The Redemption Series * * *

Over The Line

Undertow

Reckoning

Salvation

* * * Twisted Destiny Saga * * *

Fated Desire

Fated Betrayal

Fated Ties

Fated Love

Fated Blood

About the Author

Franca was born in Surrey, England and currently lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and her two mischievous bunnies, Cinnamon and Cola.

She is a long-time lover of erotica and romance novels and decided to try her hand at writing her own. This project quickly evolved beyond her expectations into a full-blown erotic romance-thriller series, The Redemption Series.  Franca has also penned a paranormal romance series, The Twisted Destiny Saga and erotic thriller series, The Bleeding Love Series.

She loves hearing from her readers, so please feel free to stop by and visit her.

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