Blue Flames

Book 2: Ember Series

by Madilynn Dale, Arash Jahani, Ms. K Edits

Genres: Fantasy Romance; Romantic Fantasy

Synopsis

With the chaos of her escape from Hell and loss of a mate, Ember attempts to focus on her pack. More is coming for them with Alpha Gale keeping secrets and Greed building an army. It’s only a matter of time before she must return to claim her place as princess of Hell and train as a hellhound. Still, having spent her entire life thinking she was a latent shifter, she doesn’t want to leave those she loves unprotected.

In her pursuit to bring Alpha Gale down, Ember must reach out to other packs. With Adam’s lead, and all their friends by their side, they devise a plan to stop Alpha Gale and have him removed once and for all. No more sacrifices, arranged marriages, or hidden agendas.

When Ember is forced to leave before their plans can take effect, she must depend on her vampire mate, Zeke, and her friends, as she begins to learn how to lead Hell. What Lucifer didn’t expect was having to prepare her for an all out war so soon. The balance of power and time are now on her shoulders. Will Ember buckle under pressure or will her unrealized power be able to bring down those seeking to conquer them all?

 

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Release date: January 31, 2023

Print pages: 223

Sample

Chapter 1

The smell of garbage fills the air around me as I run on four paws toward Corey, while he struggles to fight back a winged creature. Bloody gouges cover his side where it’s gotten him, but it won’t hurt him much longer.

Stupid Imp, why don’t you pick on someone your own size? I send out my thoughts and it whips its head toward me, letting out a snarl. I try not to panic, as more fly from the trees, but instead push my fear down. With a roar, I launch myself at it, snapping my jaws around its head. With a yank, I rip it off and spit it on the ground.

Corey shakes himself, the wounds already starting to heal along his wolf’s coat.

Thanks, Em. Did you bring backup? I found a nest of them.

Yeah, Adam and Zeke were right behind me with a few other Betas.

I snarl at the Imps gathered around us before sending out a pulse of power that pushes them back. It surprises them, causing several to stumble and fall over, but the Imps recover quickly. They know better than to push a hellhound too far.

A group of wolves and two vampires burst through the trees, pulling the Imps’ attention away from us momentarily. I keep my eyes on the group as they grab the Imps closest to them, tearing them limb from limb. The wolves move past the vamps and snag the Imps attempting to fly off with their massive jaws. This gives Corey and me time to regroup.

Once he’s ready, we launch into the attack ourselves. The Imps scream and screech as our group works through them, tearing them to pieces. As the last Imp is taken out, a light breeze lets me know Zeke is at my side. He rests his hand on my shoulder as I continue to glare at the bodies lying around us.

“You could probably torch them all now, love,” he states, patting my side as if I were a puppy.

I shake my fur in response and turn my head to look at him. The Imps have continued to terrorize our pack more since I’ve been back. I can’t help but wonder if it’s not one of those triplet generals pushing them on us. I know only one of them was taken down in my escape from Hell.

Okay, I will. Everyone step back so you don’t get hit by my flames.

It’s convenient you can do that, you know? Seth, one of our packs, lead Betas, says from somewhere in the clearing.

I have to agree. It’s made things a lot easier since you’ve gotten back. Adam huffs from where he stands across the clearing.

I appreciate the support, guys, but let’s get this over with. I huff and call my magic up. I plant my paws into the soft earth at my feet and glance around to make sure I won’t set any trees on fire. I let my flames loose. The black fire bursts forth from my jaws and eats the Imps’ bodies away to black ash that drifts to the earth in seconds. It leaves scorch marks where they once were and thankfully, it’s nothing too bad. Grass will one day cover it.

Well, that’s done, Corey says cheerily and I huff in response. They act like using my magic is some easy feat. Really, it exhausts me, and my energy reserves are now on E.

I let out a yawn, wishing I could be done with this day, but knowing I can’t be.

Yes. Let’s head back. Is there anything you guys want me to teach you today?

I turn and feel Zeke stay at my side. His warmth and scent are calming. The others fall in line behind us as we make the trek back to the pack house.

I’m thankful that so far, the Imps have kept to the woods. It’s helped us keep it a secret from normal humans. They might think the apocalypse was coming if they saw all these demons. Even I question it sometimes with the amount of them showing up. Corey and Adam swear it wasn’t

this bad until I got back.

Maybe just a few drills to help the younger ones some more? Your sisters have been showing excellent advancement compared to the others. I may move them up soon, Seth voices. He’s taken over training us all more in depth since I got back. He received special permission from Alpha Gale to step off patrol duty to do so. Alpha Gale approved reluctantly. He’s been awfully standoffish since I returned. He’s also stopped pushing the contract between Adam and me, yet he won’t destroy it.

I refuse to acknowledge the contract, and Adam respects my wishes. He also chooses to ignore it. We agree it holds no sway over us anymore. I’m a completely different person after being dragged to Hell against my will and making a narrow escape.

I’ve only been back a few days, but it seems like forever ago that I was there. I know my days are numbered and I’ll have to return soon, but I’m pushing to do all that I can before I go. This pack needs to be strong for the divide that’s coming.

Adam has been looking into past records regarding pack occurrences and titles dating back to the time when he was born and his mother’s death shortly after. It turns out that Corey’s dad was still in training at that time, so he’s off the hook for being involved with his mother’s sacrifice.

I still find it hard to believe that Alpha Gale sacrificed his mate for power. Who in their right mind does that? Mates are supposed to be a forever thing. It had to have been painful in more ways than one. Losing a mate is like losing half of your soul.

Also, strangely, there were only a handful of Betas close to Alpha Gale at that time. Most of them are dead, but two remain. One is Beta Ralph Ward, who continues to guard the pack house, and another is a male who left the pack shortly after the time of the sacrifice. His name is Onyx Lane, and he lives a couple of states over in Louisiana. The records don’t list a town, but we’re working to find him. With as much technology in existence today, there has to be some way to track him down.

I’m pleased they’re doing so well, but I’m worried my family may be targeted more after my escape, I say, and several growls fill the air. We’ve kept the bit about me being Lucifer’s daughter on the down low as much as possible. We told Seth in hopes that we could trust him with the secret. He’s vital in keeping everyone safe and has vowed to do everything he can to teach the pack what it needs, for when the time comes that there will be a massive attack. The vamps, on the other hand, know who I am. With Zeke being their prince, he made them vow to tell no one. They are very loyal to their kingdom.

Half of the pack was on board for the more intense training at all levels. Those who aren’t for it were given the option to stick with the lighter schedule in place before. That way, they’re still learning what they need to, but they won’t be the pack’s main attack and defense.

With the new training plans in place, Corey, Zeke, Adam, and I have tried to keep our eye on Alpha Gale, but it’s been difficult. He disappears at random times and we’re not sure where he goes. Does he know that we’re on to what he’s done? We still don’t understand why he needs so much power or if he is even still com

so many things we don’t know, but we have to find something to take before the elder council, to get them involved. If we could get an eyewitness account of the sacrifice, that would be the best, but getting one of the two Betas to confess what they saw may be another issue.

You know we will keep them safe, Ember. As future Alpha, I can promise you that. Adam’s words are reassuring, but in reality, if a group of higher-level warriors from Hell showed up, this pack wouldn’t stand a chance by itself. It’s nothing against them, but fighting those trained warriors of Greed’s was brutal. Hell, they got strong hits in on an angel and vamp who have been around for ages.

I nod my head to let him know I heard his words but remain quiet. With all the things I have to worry about right now, I need to do my best to focus. Seth, have you been writing down some of the training plans I shared? I ask, ignoring the headache forming.

Yep, I’m making quite the nice little booklet. Your angel friends sure know their stuff, Seth says as he trots up beside me. His dark fur is all ruffled still from the fight.

Okay, I want to look those over again tonight and add some things. I want to make sure we have as much down as we can. It’ll be helpful.

Whatever you say. I’ll send it over with Adam tonight, he responds and I roll my eyes. The pack still thinks we’re going to be their Alpha and Luna. Adam hasn’t exactly started looking for another Luna, so we’ve just let them think what they will. Most also don’t realize that Zeke is my mate. The ruse has helped keep a level of civility with many of the pack, and we don’t want to upset that balance before we have to. Outing our Alpha will cause enough problems when it happens.

Great, okay, I’m going to run ahead and stop by the house. I’ll meet you all at the pack house for some more training. I shake my fur and take off, not giving anyone a chance to say anything else. Zeke stays at my side and I’m thankful for that. It gives me time to let my guard down. Once we’re near the house, I shift back from my giant black fiery wolf to my human body.

I let a deep sigh escape my lips as I turn and lean into Zeke’s open arms. He folds them around me and I let my emotions go. Tears stream down my face as everything presses down on me. Ulric’s loss weighs on me heavily. I still don’t know if he’s dead or alive because I can’t feel anything in the bond. I hate it, and it makes me assume the worst even though I’m fighting the thought tooth and nail.

“Let it all out, love. I’ve got you. I don’t know why you hold it in like you do,” Zeke says as he rubs circles on my back.

I sob for a few minutes before pulling it together enough to respond. “I have to be strong. You know we’ve only shared bits and pieces with everyone. I don’t want anyone to threaten Adam’s position if all the secrets get out. You know they will eventually. Once Kai shows up to take me back, word will be all over town about who my real father is.”

“Then we’ll deal with that when the time comes. Trust those you care about with everything, though. We will need them when shit hits the fan. We need to all be united. No secrets. Isn’t that what’s caused issues with

this pack to begin with?”

I wipe at the tears still leaking from my eyes. “I guess so. Ugh. It’s all just so heavy. How am I supposed to do this?”

“One step at a time, love. Now, what are you needing from the house?” Zeke steps back and looks down at me. He still towers over me. You would think that my human body would have gotten some height from my powers being unleashed, but nope.

I shrug. “I wanted to make sure my sisters were going to come to training and check on my parents. I want to use every free moment I have to see them. I missed them when I was stuck in Greed’s castle.”

“Okay, well, let’s see if they’re here.” He turns me gently and holds my hand as we make our way toward my parents’ front porch.

Since I’ve been gone, they gave it a touchup with fresh white paint and new flowers. There are even new boards in place where a few had rotted, making the entire porch look almost brand new. It needed a lot of work. I guess it gave my dad something to focus on while I was gone.

We make our way up the steps and enter the house. The smell of fried chicken fills the entryway and we follow it to the kitchen, where both my parents are making lunch.

“Oh hey, hon, did you guys take that group down?” my dad asks as he stands over the stove.

“Yeah, it was a large group. I was shocked at how many there were. Things could easily have gone south had we not arrived on time,” I respond and pull Zeke toward the table where my mom sits, sipping on a glass of sweet tea.

She stands quickly and pulls me into a hug. “Oh, sweetheart, I hate that you have to fight them. Is Corey okay, then?”

I pull out of her hug with a groan. “Mom, I’m the strongest wolf in the pack now. I can handle myself. He’s good. He was super lucky, and they only got a few gouges in on him.”

“Just because you’re the strongest doesn’t mean I like you fighting. Zeke, you took care of her?” My mom turns to my mate and I roll my eyes.

“You know I did, Kyra. I always do, even when she doesn’t need it. Did Tansy and Winnie go to the pack house already?” Zeke asks, changing the topic at hand.

“They did. I sent chicken with them. They left about an hour ago,” my dad says loudly as he pulls a large piece of chicken from the frying pan. My stomach growls in response.

“It sounds like you need to eat, love. I swear your appetite has doubled since you were gone. You eat more than any wolf in this pack.” My mom pulls me toward the table and pushes me into a chair before spinning around and going to the cabinet.

I watch her as she busies herself, making me and Zeke glasses of tea. “I mean, I did come into my powers and it does use a lot of energy when I use them, so I can see how my appetite would increase.”

“Are you getting snarky?” My mom pauses and turns around with a glare.

I shake my head. “No, Mom, just stating a fact. So, are Tansy and Winnie enjoying their training? Seth spoke highly of them today.”

“They are!” my dad exclaims and turns from the stove. “That’s all they talk about anymore. I love it. I want my girls to be the strongest they can be. They really look up to you.”

“I’m glad they enjoy it. I want them to know how to take care of themselves. Maybe they’ll develop some powers of their own? I know most of the time that it stays in the Alpha’s bloodline, but occasionally it shows up elsewhere.” I smile as my mom sets a plate of food in front of me and two glasses in front of Zeke. One is filled with blood and the other sweet tea.

“It’s a possibility,” my dad says as he takes a seat with his own plate. “My grandfather was an Alpha of this pack once upon a time. He was challenged by Alpha Gale’s father and was defeated.”

“What? I thought the Courser family has always been the Alpha line.” I gape at my dad.

“No, that only happened a few decades ago. They don’t like it to be known, especially since the pack has grown so much over the years. It’s strange really.”

I turn back to my food as my dad goes silent, and I contemplate the information he just shared with me. It would be amazing if my sisters developed something. Then I would feel a little better about not being around all the time. I have nightmares about them being taken like those shifters I helped rescue were. I don’t want them to go through what they did.

So many of the girls have struggled to adapt to life here again. They spook easily, but I’ve made sure they get everything they need and that a few of the males in the pack have kept a watchful eye on them to keep them safe. Some of them have even found their true mate since returning.

“Well, I guess we’ll have to wait and see. Things are changing around here again,” I finally say and dig into my food. I’ll need the boost for training.

Chapter 2

Zeke and I take our time walking to the pack house, our bellies full of fried chicken and potatoes. My parents have always done a fantastic job when cooking a meal. I’ve always thought more of the pack would like to hang out at our house because of the food, but thankfully, that’s never been a thing. It lets us have a bit more peace. I’ve always wondered if it was because of the contract that they kept their distance, but maybe not?

The sound of fighting meets our ears as we walk hand-in-hand. Seth has already started the training, which is good. They need all they can get. I don’t know how much time I have until Kai shows up to drag me back to Hell.

I smile and look over at Zeke, who returns it. “It makes you happy to know they’re working hard, huh?” he asks.

“Yes. I know they’ll be prepared when the time comes.” I turn my attention ahead of me and we make our way around the large white house.

The pack house has a huge porch, and the flower beds are always kept neat and tidy. It has many rooms and conference rooms for pack business and members. Most Betas stay at the pack house, but many have chosen to have their own home with their mates.

Growing up in the pack house was rough for Adam. His father has always been on his case about training and staying on top of pack business. I always thought it was a little obsessive honestly, but I’m starting to see things in a different light.

We edge around the house to the training area, which is set up behind it. Since I returned, we’ve made new practice dummies to mimic several types of demons and those akin to what I practiced on in Hell. They’re more durable than what we used previously and do better against my flames.

My heart soars as I see Seth working with my twin sisters. He has them double-teaming him and deflects their moves, but it appears that they’ve gotten a few hits on him. A bruise is forming on his left cheek. I instantly feel joyful and proud to know they’re kicking ass.

I walk over to the three and pause a short distance away to avoid getting hit. “Well, it looks like you two are the stars of the show,” I say a

nd they stop and turn to face me with grins on their faces. Seth smiles and steps back, trying to catch his breath.

My sisters rush to me and pull me into a hug as Winnie says, “Oh, Em, I’m so excited! Seth says we’re moving up to work with stronger opponents!”

Tansy pulls away from the hug. “We’re both excited. I got past Seth’s block and nailed him in the face. See his bruise.” She giggles.

I laugh as Seth saunters up and rolls his eyes. “It was a lucky shot. Don’t get a big head. I’ll be ready next time.”

Tansy turns to him and sticks out her tongue. ...

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