Driven by Night Read online

  Table of Contents

  Legal Page

  Title Page

  Book Description

  Dedication

  Trademarks Acknowledgement

  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

  New Excerpt

  About the Author

  Publisher Page

  A Totally Bound Publication

  Driven by Night

  ISBN # 978-1-78430-584-0

  ©Copyright Aliyah Burke 2015

  Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright May 2015

  Edited by Rebecca Douglas

  Totally Bound Publishing

  This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Totally Bound Publishing.

  Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Totally Bound Publishing. Unauthorized or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

  The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

  Published in 2015 by Totally Bound Publishing, Newland House, The Point, Weaver Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QN

  Totally Bound Publishing is a subsidiary of Totally Entwined Group Limited.

  Warning:

  This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Totally Sizzling and a Sexometer of 2.

  Astral Guardians

  DRIVEN BY NIGHT

  Aliyah Burke

  Book five in the Astral Guardians series

  Sometimes we need to step from the shadows.

  Tiarnán Malone is one of the best warriors of the Guardians. Sent to meet a woman to pick something up for his mentor, he saves the woman who is to be his mate. And his artifact. Circumstances throw them together, but while he knows they are meant to be, she isn’t as easily convinced.

  Calida Michaels can’t complain about how her new savoir and companion looks. However, she’s not so quick to buy this ‘mates forever’ talk, especially when there’s another woman who takes precedence over her, time and time again.

  Despite all that’s going on around her and her feelings for him, Calida eventually leaves, unable to withstand the pain. Will Tiarnán reach her in time or will she be gone forever, relegating him to a world completely driven by night?

  Dedication

  To Valan, Clarke, & Isis.

  I miss each of you so much. Thank you for keeping from the dark while you were part of my life.

  Trademarks Acknowledgement

  The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

  Taser: Taser International

  The Twilight Zone: Rod Serling, CBS

  Gator: John Deere Corporation, Deere & Company

  Miracle Whip: Kraft Foods

  The parts to waken the world’s hope have been scattered far and wide to the winds and throughout the stars.

  It is from there the chosen ones are marked, becoming Astral Guardians.

  Alone their individual defeat has a greater chance than when paired with the amaranthine and genuine love of their mate.

  Those Guardians must find, defend and bind the pieces to call forth the hope of the world.

  It will take courage, strength, love and sacrifice.

  If the Guardians fail, swift death will arrive to the one who calms the beasts.

  With this outcome, the world shall descend into darkness, chaos and anarchy.

  Chapter One

  Tiarnán Malone sniffed, wiped his hand under his nose, and shifted only to still as his advocate leveled a glare at him. He scowled up at the judge who matched him glower for glower.

  “Not pleased to see you back in my courtroom again, Mr. Malone.” The judge rested his arms on the smooth wood and leaned forward. “I believe last time we agreed you wouldn’t be back here.”

  He altered his weight, fearlessly holding the man’s assessing and disappointed look. Like I want to be here standing before you. Get real, dude. “I’ll leave.”

  The judge frowned and readjusted his glasses. “Not quite yet, son.” He glanced at the sheets before him. “More stealing.” A pointed look. “What do you have to say for yourself?”

  His attorney nudged him. “Answer His Honor.”

  “Ain’t got nothin’ to say. He’s gonna believe what the others tell him anyways. Why speak?”

  He shoved his hands in his pockets only to rock back on his heels. Peering over one shoulder, he swept the courtroom with a disinterested gaze, pausing when his stare landed upon a rail-thin black girl sitting in one of the rows behind him. Tears streaked down her face but the fear in her expression was what truly set him on edge. He didn’t like it. Before he could—even had he wanted to, which he wasn’t sure he did—offer a smile of encouragement, she averted her face and stared down toward her feet.

  Tiarnán remembered his first time before a judge. Tears had threatened him then. Now, whatever. He’d stood here so often it was almost becoming a second home. Adults believed other adults, not children. He was considered a troublemaker. Thug. Delinquent. And other words along those lines.

  At the nudge from the man by his side, he faced forward with a low snarl. He truly hated being pushed around. A hollow thunk trailed by a light, tinkling sound overshadowed all other noise. Including the judge’s booming voice.

  What was that? Am I hearing things? No one else seems to have heard it for the judge never stopped talking.

  “Pay attention!” Harper, his attorney, snapped under his breath.

  “Did you hear that?”

  “That’s my point. You need to listen to the judge.”

  So not what I meant, dude.

  It came again. And a third time, which had him looking around the room. To see where it had come from and if anyone else had heard it. That black girl stared over her shoulder at something and he moved along her line of sight.

  He located a man seated on the bench closest to the door. Asian. Dressed impeccably. His black suit screamed wealth and the man appeared to be looking between him and the girl. Then he stared directly at him, lean fingers resting upon a cane between his legs. The hairs on the back of Tiarnán’s neck stood up.

  The man’s gaze remained steadfast before he lifted then set his cane down. Again the hollow sound followed by the chiming. Tiarnán felt weird and wanted to take a seat.

  “Am I boring you, Mr. Malone?”

  The judge’s tone rang loud with admonishment.

  He ignored the muttering from his attorney and slowly, as if he had all the time in the world, faced the front. Along the way, he winked at the girl who, it seemed, had been the only other person who’d heard what he had.

  “Yes.”

  The judge apparently hadn’t expected him to respond thusly. Nor did he approve. Thick, graying eyebrows rose minutely then converg
ed.

  “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

  Tiarnán shrugged. “I answered your question.” He tossed his head to move his hair, which had fallen forward over his eyes. “You’re boring me.”

  Laughter and chuckles burst sporadically throughout the courtroom from the younger children in occupancy. He knew this sentence handed down would be more severe than the previous ones. The faint laughter echoed in his mind and he turned in time to see the older gentleman leaving the room, the door swinging shut after him.

  Prob comes in to get his rocks off on watching children get into trouble. Whatever. He didn’t care. Adults couldn’t be trusted.

  * * * *

  Fourteen years later

  “I’m sorry, you want me to do what?” Tiarnán stared at Lian Yang from where he stood in the back of the room, arms crossed as he leaned against the wall.

  “I did not slur my words, Tiarnán. Nor did I stutter. You heard me just fine.”

  Lian sat ramrod straight at his large desk, in typical fashion. Tiarnán didn’t believe the man had it in him to slouch. The dark wood, lined with intricate scroll work, had a surface so shiny he could see his reflection in it. A lot of time and energy went into keeping it in such shape.

  I should know, I spent enough hours doing it. He sighed and shook his head, focusing again on the man who’d taken him in and not only given a roof over his head, but a home. And a family.

  Lian didn’t look any older than when he’d brought Tiarnán here. Neither did those eyes miss anything, though years had gone by.

  “Come sit.”

  Tiarnán didn’t ignore the summons. Yes, he was grown, but this man was as close to a father as he would ever have, and he respected the hell out of him. Passing one of the large windows, he stared out over the Oregon vineyard. It bustled with life even this early in the morning. The mist still hovered above the ground, adding a mystical quality to the view. He enjoyed this time of day, normally was out walking with the one closest to him here, Dracen.

  Lian took in kids and raised them. Some troubled, others not. He helped them find their way. Taught them how to respect themselves and others, as well as assisting them in finding what it was they did best. He encouraged them to pursue their dreams. But he also demanded a lot from them. It helped to know he expected as much from himself in helping each child as he expected from them.

  Seated in the leather chair, Tiarnán waited for Lian to speak again. This man just couldn’t be rushed. He wanted to push and pry but he forced himself to remain silent.

  “Why do you insist on making things harder than they need to be?”

  “How is my asking a question doing such things?” Tiarnán countered. At Lian’s expression he sighed. “What do I need to do?”

  “Off to the east you must travel. Until you reach the place where the twin falls pour into the lake of crystal.”

  “A riddle. You’re giving this to me in a riddle?”

  “Combined with what I told you before, Tiarnán, you have all the clues needed. When you get there, find Mrs. Chen. She will have something to give you for me.”

  He wanted to argue so much but merely nodded and stood. “Very well. Heed me well, old man. One day, these riddles will not turn out the way you want.”

  A sad smile crossed his face. “Sometimes they are all we have left.” He lost all expression. “You will not be the only one after this item, Tiarnán. Be alert, and cautious of who you trust.” Lian waved his hand. “Leave me. Say goodbye before you embark on your journey.”

  Tiarnán kept his counsel. Nodding, he headed out of the door with only a slight hesitation. Needing time to think on what he’d been told, he strode outside. There was still a chill in the air and he lifted his face to the breeze. Then he began to run. It was what he did to clear his head.

  When he slowed and walked around the large lake on the property, Dracen joined him. He didn’t jump, for he had expected the company.

  “You look lost, Tiarnán.”

  “He’s sending me to pick up another item from a woman.”

  The strong grip on his arm halted him and he turned to look at his companion. Her hair was drawn back by a simple barrette, showing off her high cheekbones and regal features—which at the present were full of concern.

  “You will be careful, right?”

  He cupped her cheek in one hand and brushed his thumb along her skin. “If Cale, Billy, Aminta and Roz all got theirs and survived, I can do it.” The unspoken words were that they hadn’t known about their artifacts until they’d gotten to them. From Lian’s tone, Tiarnán suspected he was after his. Or Dracen’s.

  “They had help. We were there for them to lend strength. If this is yours, you’ll be alone.”

  He’d thought about that. “And I know you will be there for me if I need it, Dracen.”

  “What did he say?” She sat on the ground and he joined her.

  Repeating what he’d been told, he watched her reaction. That familiar furrow appeared in her brow as she tried to make it out. She drew her knees up and wrapped her arms around them. He knew the moment she came to an idea. Had he not been watching her so closely, he would have missed the look. But it came in a flash and was gone just as fast.

  “What are you thinking?” He leaned back on his elbows and tilted his head up to the sun.

  “It’s where you grew up. Where we are from.”

  His heart sank. He’d been afraid of that. “It was the twin falls into the crystal lake, wasn’t it?”

  “You know it was.”

  Turning his head, he looked at her. “Want to take a trip with me?”

  Her expression was sad when she faced him. “I will be there if you need me, all you have to do is call for me.”

  He touched her hand, lacing their fingers together and staring at the colors of their skin. Hers was darker than his but they made a great combination.

  “What’s wrong, Dracen?”

  “I’m scared. Lian won’t tell us everything that is going on. All he says is we each have a talisman to find. Or artifact.”

  “It worked out for the others. They found their soul mates.”

  “They did.”

  He heard the suspicion in her voice. She’d only admit her fear to him, this much he accepted. Leaning close, he brushed his lips along her cheek. “I’ll always love you, Dracen. It’ll be okay.”

  She stood and gave a soft smile. “Let me know when you make it there. Mrs. Chen was in the building next to the old theater.” She walked into the water, and he looked as she swam away.

  “Still sure I can’t persuade you to join me?”

  “Go after your pick-up, who knows what he wants you to retrieve.”

  He was pretty sure he knew what he was retrieving. “Bossy. Just like Lian.”

  “Yet, you are still here.”

  She broke connection, and he laughed as he got up and made his way to his room where he packed his bags. Leaving them by the door to his room, he went in search of his mentor.

  Lian sat in a large room in a tall wing-back chair by a fireplace. Before him, an ornate tea service set rested on the dark coffee table. Tiarnán sat opposite the man and poured the tea.

  “You know this will be dangerous.”

  “It’s been dangerous for all of us. Yet, you still won’t tell us what’s going on.”

  “Would it make you feel better to know the exact particulars of what’s at stake?”

  “Yes.”

  Lian sipped some tea and watched him. “I have told you plenty and you know the prophecy. Why?”

  “Why? Because if I have knowledge of what may be trying to stop me from attaining this artifact for you, I can keep a better eye out for them.”

  “And what would you have me tell you? Those who came after the others were all different. I can’t say they will be Asian and dressed a certain way. You are well aware of how members of The New Order appear. As well as demons. They will appear human—” A slight pause. “Then again, they may not
. I have prepared you the best I could. You have trained for this. All of you have. You have fought them, battled, won and lost.”

  Tiarnán drank his tea. The hot liquid scalded his throat, but he ignored the burn. “I will not fail you.”

  “Be safe, my son.”

  A short bow then he left the room, swiped his bags, and headed out to his vehicle. Slipping behind the wheel of his truck, he then paused and glanced up at the large mansion he’d called home for the past fourteen years. A slim silhouette was in one of the far windows and he knew it was Lian.

  As he drove down the long drive, he caught sight of a woman in one of the fields that lined the road. He waved at her and his heart felt lighter when she returned his wave. Dracen was his sister in every way but blood and he’d miss her. They’d arrived here together and had been almost inseparable during the years. At the end of the drive, he went right and watched her in the rear view until he could no longer see her.

  * * * *

  “Get back here, bitch!”

  Right, like I’m slowing down. Instead of listening to those shouting at her, she turned up the speed and bolted around the corner, hoping to blend in with the crowd she heard gathered there. Thankfully it was full of people mingling as they enjoyed the festival. Breathing hard, she slowed her steps so as to not stand out.

  Calida wiped her hands down her shorts and pasted a smile on her face. Moving at a slow speed, she took the time to look over the wares that were on display, all the while keeping her eyes out for the trio who’d been after her. Hell, she didn’t even know why they were chasing her.

  I suppose I could always ask them. Although I don’t really see that turning out the best for me.

  “Come here, child.”

  The wizened voice had her pausing. Glancing to her right, she saw a woman beckoning to her. “Excuse me?” She peered over her shoulder. Baldy was in view, so she didn’t hesitate much when the woman beckoned to her once more.