Immortal Silence: The Guardians of Dacia, #4

Spiridus Publishing

Immortal Silence

This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2015 by Loni Lynne.

Cover Design: Jenji

Cover Photograph: DepositPhotos.com

Editor: Judy Roth

All rights reserved.

The uploading, scanning, and distribution of this book in any form or by any means—including but not limited to electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the permission of the copyright holder is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized editions of this work, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

Spiridus Publishing, Publisher

First Edition: September 2015

DEDICATION

To those who believe in fantasy, paranormal and love

I salute you, My Friends.

Author’s Note

The Guardians of Dacia Series

Romania has been called the mystical land of paranormal beings and creatures of the night. Before the Romans conquered the land, Dacia was a mystical land of magic and folk-lore until one man and his army destroyed the closely woven fabric set by the gods between man and beast.

Now, cursed by their gods over two thousand years ago, one immortal clan struggles to maintain their private world while still learning to live and protect their mortal brethren, as their enemy seeks power to destroy the new world.

As the immortals face possible extinction, a new generation of Dacian blood emerges to unite the clans once more. The world as they know it may never be the same.

Reading Order of the Guardians of Dacia Series:

Immortal Heat

Immortal Wounds (Novella)

Immortal Angel

Immortal Silence

Chapter One

Annapolis, Maryland—United States Naval Academy Chapel

December 20

Jack Tabor fidgeted in his Navy dress blues. It had been over forty years since he’d worn them, and they still made him itch. But he was here for his friend. One of two best men, basically witnesses, for his friend Mike Linder’s wedding.

Smiling tightly at Draylon Conier, a recently married fool himself, he turned his attention back to the alter where Mike had just taken his bride’s tiny hands in his.

Tina Johnston truly looked like the angel she was. The shimmering layers of sheer material clung to her like silk handkerchiefs layered over each other in strategic patterns. Tiny diamonds actually dotted the material.

He had the urge to sneeze and snatch a piece of her dress just to see if it would all fall apart. Mike wouldn’t be amused...but then, nothing much amused his old friend anymore. He’d become too staid and depressing in his old age. Thank God Tina was around to help him lighten up.

He waited, trying not to fall asleep during the ceremony as the Navy chaplain droned on about love and eternity...hell, the man had no idea. Jack couldn’t even fathom a mortal’s unending love and marriage much less that of what a couple of immortals had to deal with. Eternity was just that—forever.

The vows were spoken poems of flowery drivel both had written to one another. Jack pasted on what he thought was a sincere smile as he watched Tina’s mother, Kaye, crying and the sappy feminine gush of awe from the matron of honor, Marilyn Conier, Draylon’s wife. He glanced down the line to the other females standing for the bride. Major Pamela Griffith...Tina’s bridesmaid and her eight year old daughter, Lucy—the flower girl.

The major looked as uncomfortable as he felt. The satin green dress only accented the length of her sexy legs in the spike-heeled matching shoes. He’d love to have those legs wrapped around his head...

The little girl glared at him, giving him the evil eye...as if she knew what he was thinking.

Sweetheart, you don’t want to know what goes on in this immortal brain.

Yeah whatever, dude. Keep your sick thoughts about my mother to yourself.

Jack’s eyes widened at the impish voice snickering in his head.

Smirking, Lucy tilted her head and stuck her tongue out at him from across the aisle.

#

The horse drawn carriage pulled away during the snowy December night. The Naval Academy Chapel bells pealed as Jack remembered the times of his youth. The bride tossed her bouquet of red and white roses over her shoulder to the single ladies standing along the curb. Tina Johnston-Linder’s veil was so sheer, it would have floated away if not for the floral wreath surrounding the crown of her head.

When he’d been asked by Rick Delvante to test her abilities as a possible candidate for a Shield, Tina had unknowingly knocked out every immortal warrior he’d trained over the years. The leader of the Dacian clan hadn’t told him who or what she was at the time. When he’d told the man she had the ability to beat the shit out of his strongest warriors, Rick told him the truth. Tina Johnston was the pre-ordained Immortal’s Angel, a creature of such beauty and kindness, her heart and soul were made to take suffering souls on to heaven or lead them into immortality. Once a mortal, she now shared the darkness of night with her husband but brought illumination to Mike and all the lost souls she touched. She was an Angel. And if Jack ever wished for a lifetime of happiness with a particular woman, she would be the kind of woman to share it with.

But he wasn’t that kind of man. Never had been, and too set in his ways to ever change.

So where are they going on their honeymoon? Pamela sauntered up to him, nodding with her chin towards the white and gold trimmed carriage turning the final corner.

It was a big secret. No one in the wedding party or guests seemed to know.

Jack shrugged. I’ve heard rumors that Draylon and Marilyn gave them a week at their retreat, Eskardel in Austria. Some say they’re heading to Dacia to take on their new identities as Immortal’s Angels now that Mike is one, too.

You don’t know and don’t care, do you? Pamela rolled her eyes and walked away.

Hey, it’s not my place to pry. What does it matter where they go?

She turned back. I just thought you’d be a bit closer to your buddy after all the years of being apart.

Life moves on, Major. You can’t sit and dwell on the past.

Weary, sapphire eyes swept over him and then looked away. No, I guess not.

Pam walked down the steps, her body ridged and proud. Jack watched as she stooped to touch her daughter, Lucy’s, cheek and talk with her in sign language. The little girl was born without the ability to speak, but Jack sensed an intuitive, almost adult-like being within the adolescent. There was no doubting Lucy was her daughter. The dark black curls, vivid blue eyes and determined carriage matched the major’s character to a T. And both could stab him with a look of pure intrigue or disgust.

Heading back to Texas?

Jack came out of his reverie as Rick Delvante, the head of not only the Dacian immortal clan of wolf-shapeshifters but also the CEO of one of the largest, most secretive research facilities in the world, Livedel Enterprises, placed a hand on his shoulder.

Yeah. Nothing more for me to do here. And Trenchfoot has Timothy and a few new recruits taking care of the European clans now. He doesn’t need me.

You two make a great team though. We’ve managed to get a handle on the European sector thanks to you, Mike, Tina and Trenchfoot. Getting to the leader of the rogue Vamiers was essential to helping us out.

At what cost though?

Tina had lost her mortality and Mike, nearly his mind as Tina was forced into sudden death at the hands of a group of Nazi Vamiers led by one of Aiden Vamier’s henchmen, Gerlich. The former Nazi had started an offshoot of his previous World War II leader’s party. He’d wanted to be a god like Hitler himself. The man was an ass. But his trial in Dacia would be his undoing.

Sometimes we must make sacrifices so that others can advance. Rick rocked back and forth on the heels of his Italian leather dress shoes.

You are so full of shit, Rick.

Why is it that you and Mike seem to think you can get away with talking to me in such a manner? You do realize I am the ancient leader of the immortal world.

And you have the power to do what? The same thing we can do to you. You’ve just got more clout and age on us. Jack’s lips quirked. Besides, I know for a fact you won’t do a damn thing to us. We are your only source for regulating the Vamier rogues your dear brother created over the centuries. There aren’t enough mortal Shield’s at your disposal who could take out a band of rogues without us.

Still, you should respect your elders.

Elders? Rick Delvante didn’t look any older than he did. Jack had stopped aging physically at thirty—back in the jungles of Vietnam. Rick, however, was ancient. He hadn’t aged since before the Romans conquered the ancient land of Dacia, what was now known as Romania. At least a millennium or two. The man had been alive through the time of Christ, the Roman Empire, the Crusades, every war known to the history books...but he was still an ass.

Respect earns respect, Rick. He narrowed his gaze on the elder. Respect and the truth. All we would like is to know what to expect, what is really happening in Dacia.

I can’t, the gods have their reasons and I must follow them. Rick shook his head sadly. Trust me, it puts me in an awkward position, too.

Rick was not one for revealing much of the truth, and lately a whole new generation of immortals was affected by the lack of truth. That was why the gods were getting pissed, and the guardians were coming out to defend not only the immortals but the human world. It was up to this new generation to keep the gods from destroying mankind.

And Jack realized recently he was part of the new generation of protectors. Unfortunately, he had no idea how in hell he was supposed to fight a god.

Chapter Two

Dallas, Texas- June 16th

If you are looking for Mr. Tabor, I’m afraid he’s not in, Caroline Morgan stated from behind her desk. Mr. Tabor works from home most days.

I understand but I need to see him...it’s urgent.

Pamela hadn’t slept in days. Two camouflage uniforms and her class A dress uniform in her duffle bag were the only things she had to wear until she had a chance to shop for something more. She hadn’t had time.

Running from vampires, finding her daughter missing from her brother’s house, and arriving at her apartment only to find the two room abode ransacked from top to bottom didn’t help her situation. And now this?

The one person she thought she could trust in a time like this, and she was being blocked from talking to him. She didn’t have time for this bullshit. She needed Jack Tabor’s help and she needed it now.

I’m sorry Miss...

Griffith. Major Pamela Griffith. If you could get a message to him immediately I would appreciate it. Have him call me on my cell.

I’m sorry but Mr. Tabor doesn’t handle personal calls. Is there someone else I can refer you to?

Pam had had just about enough. She knew the gatekeeper meant well and was doing her job, but she didn’t have time to screw around. Leaning over the woman’s desk she got in her face.

Look— she stopped and looked back at the nameplate on the desk. "Ms. Morgan, Caroline, if I don’t get in touch with Jack soon a little girl’s life will be in danger, and I really don’t think you want her pissed off mother coming after you because you were only doing your duty. This has nothing to do with loans, mortgages, financial gains or losses, this is a matter of life or death, and I need you to get on the horn as if your life depended on waking his ass up—because in the long run, your life does depend on it."

Caroline Morgan backed up in her chair and reached for the phone, never taking her eyes off of Pam. Letting out a breath, Pam didn’t care. She was just glad she would get Jack’s help.

Security, we have an issue—

Sonofa—damn it! No there is not an issue—I need you to call Jack Tabor!

Within seconds two MIB’s came out of nowhere and grabbed her arms, twisting them behind her back. She fought using every military tactic she’d learned in basic training and officer candidate school, but they countered with equal or greater force. Of course, Jack wouldn’t hire anyone but the best.

Her arms hurt as the goons tried to rip them from her shoulder sockets. They had her secure with just one guard, hauling her out of the executive lobby and down the back stairs, dragging her as she tried to get her footing under her. When she had the opportunity she kicked out at the other man leading the way down the stairs ahead of them, throwing him off balance by the blow to the back of his knee.

The man holding her physically lifted her off her feet, dangling her inches from the step and slamming her into the stucco covered wall.

Feisty bitch!

Damn straight I am, asshole, she turned her face from the wall. Let go of me!

Mr. Tabor doesn’t take kindly to threats. That’s why he hired us.

You don’t know who you are dealing with. She seethed.

Oh really, who are we dealing with?

He was being a smug smart ass. The man was pressed up against her, and her hands were still bound in his meaty grip behind her back, his muscled body pressing her flat into the wall. She swore her C-cups were smashed down into AA.

I’m a friend of Jack Tabor’s. I’m Major Pamela Griffith. She fumed as the side of her face was mashed into the cold stucco wall.

Let her loose, Tony...we’re not here to ruff up the crazy’s, just confine them until we can get to Mr. Tabor.

The voice of reason was the man she’d kicked. He’d recovered from his fall down the stairs and seemed none the pissed for what she had done.

Tony released her enough to get her to stumble the rest of the way down the stairs into what must have been the bowels of the building.

The walls were solid concrete with no sign of life. No bulletin boards with employee procedures or regulations. Just a long narrow passageway. A door at the far end of the hall was the only break in the monotonous décor. A steal door made for a dungeon or solitary confinement.

Panic set in and she fought for release. This was a nightmare. She had to be in a nightmare...nothing was going right. Both guys fought with her until they pushed her roughly into the room, closing the heavy door behind her...leaving her in the dark.

#

Taking his time, Jack never rushed anything in his everyday world. He believed in a routine. Even in the most chaotic times, there had to be a sense of order or nothing would be done properly.

Sipping through two glasses of the synthetic hemoglobin Delvante sent him on a regular basis was always his first priority upon waking from a long day. He enjoyed it like most people craved a cup of coffee upon waking.

USA Today toted the latest global news. Not much different from the day before, war in the Middle East, the economy teetered on the brink of uncertainty, and Congress still couldn’t agree on a damn thing as each party blamed the other instead of accepting blame for their roles and working together to correct them.

He read the