Shadows and Desire

  Pittsburgh Vampires Vol. 23

  B.A. Stretke

  Superiorland Publishing

  Copyright © 2024 B.A. Stretke

  All rights reserved

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

  ISBN-13: 9781234567890

  ISBN-10: 1477123456

  Cover design by: Art Painter

  Library of Congress Control Number: 2018675309

  Printed in the United States of America

  Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  PROLOGUE

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  EPILOGUE

  About The Author

  PROLOGUE

  The Hadden Coven of Pittsburgh successfully relocated nearly three-quarters of its membership to the mountain retreat located just south of Pittsburgh. Two units of soldiers, led by Killian Frey and Noori Hasan, remained in Pittsburgh.

  The Cyprian Knights also remained within the city, holding back the tide of the abhorrent shadows. Nathan's hex plagued the Hadden Center but was also bleeding out into the city, affecting hearts and minds.

  Master Hadden settled his people in the mountain lodge and assigned Josef McQueen, his second in command, to care for and protect their people. He traveled between the two sites, spending the majority of his time in Pittsburgh with his soldiers.

  It soon became clear that splitting his forces between Pittsburgh and the mountain lodge would not be sufficient in the long run. It was unknown how long it would take to find a Charmer to reverse Nathan's hex, and in the meantime, the negativity and hopelessness continued to grow within the city.

  He called his leadership together and ordered them to put out a call for soldiers and warriors looking for a coven and a cause and prepared to fight. It was not without risks, but Nik trusted the knowledge and skill of his leadership to sign up only the best. Those chosen would become full members of the Hadden Coven with all rights and responsibilities in accordance with their rank and station.

  The first unit of recruits, numbering thirty-five, arrived at the mountain lodge within days of the call to begin their training. When finished, they would take their place beside their fellow soldiers in Pittsburgh.

  After approximately two months of recruiting and training, Master Hadden had an army prepped and ready, and among their number, to his great pleasure, was a hellhound. Their strength, tenacity, and imperviousness to magic, among other things, made the hellhound a valuable addition to the team. Many highly skilled men and women joined the Coven from across the nation, some looking for a home and some looking for a cause. All were welcome.

  Soldiers were stationed at the Imperial Club an exclusive and luxurious club located downtown and owned by the Hadden Coven. It used to be the home and the command center for the Hadden Coven before the move to the Hadden Center. The Imperial continued as the elite nightclub and maintained a coven presence, but the power center had shifted to the financial district and the Hadden Center.

  Now the Master and his army had come home, and the Imperial was brought back to her previous level of power and importance, and she was more than up to the task. It remained open as a working club and appeared as nothing more than that to the locals but beneath the glitz and the glamor was a finely tuned and battle-ready army of vampires and a hellhound.

  CHAPTER ONE

  Kannan Lieth finished his training at the mountain lodge and was then transferred to Pittsburgh. He’d never been to this area before but was finding it similar to the Boston area apart from the waterfront. This was the beginning of a new life under a new Master, and it felt right. He hadn’t served a master in decades and he missed the connection of a master and the security of a coven.

  He entered through the back with his duffle and waited as instructed. "Kannan Lieth?" A man a little shorter than him, wearing a suit and carrying a clipboard, walked up to him.

  “Yes.” He responded evenly.

  "My name is Andrew, and I'm Master Hadden's personal assistant. Follow me, and I will take you to your quarters." Andrew smiled and turned away. Kannan could smell wolf on the young vampire, but it was common knowledge that several of Hadden's people were bonded to wolves. Which was the least odd of many of the pairings present in this Coven.

  He found this refreshing since his old Coven disavowed any bond that wasn't a vampire. Individuals who found their beloved outside the vampire race were forced to deny them or leave.

  Not many in his old Coven ever found their beloveds and it was thought to be Fate's punishment for ignoring her plan. The leadership refused to hear it and held fast to their outdated ideas even as membership continued to dwindle, and morale disappeared.

  This was a good place, and he felt the positive vibe the second he met Master Hadden. The man was honest, driven, dedicated to his people, and powerful. He was more powerful than any vampire Kannan had ever met, and yet he did not use that power for personal gain. Everything he did was for the good of his people.

  Kannan settled into his new home and his position as one of ten surveillance specialists assigned to patrol the south section of the lowlands. Pittsburgh had been divided into many sections each being guarded, surveilled and patrolled by Hadden soldiers. The south section of the lowlands was one of the more problematic locations and required specialized skills.

  Kannan was considered a sensitive and had the ability to sense thoughts, feelings and intents. It served him well in his prior Coven as he worked security for several of the Coven owned businesses. His ability to read people on a deeper level allowed him to avoid many potential problems. It also helped him to see the end coming when his Coven began to splinter tearing people apart. He made his departure before things completely disintegrated.

  He was having lunch in the dining hall when Gage, one of the men in his unit came to sit with him. He and Gage had developed a tentative friendship. Gage was also a new recruit from a coven out west. “We’re going to check out the Ruby Light tonight and I think it would do you good to come with us.” He announced and leaned on the table giving Kannan his full attention.

  “Who is we?”

  "Remi, Mael, and Micheal said he might stop by along with his beloved Cole, and a few others talked about coming as well." Gage was a friendly guy and easy to be around. Kannan liked him, and so did many others.

  "You convinced Mael to join you? I'm impressed." Kannan laughed. Mael was the only recruit who was not a vampire. Mael was a hellhound referred to the Hadden Coven by former pack mates who were currently members of Coven DuCane and mated to one of his soldiers. Mael was looking for a cause and a purpose, and he found it in Pittsburgh. From what Kannan had heard, Master Hadden was very pleased with the addition of a hellhound, as was Killian Frey, Mael's commander.

  “He’s ready for a break just like the rest of us.” Gage expounded. “We’ve been trained and tested and tested and trained but I got to say this is the finest coven I have ever worked with.” Gage was speaking the truth. Kannan had some doubts about the Hadden Coven when he first heard of their call for membership, but he took a chance and he’s glad that he did. Nikolas Hadden was an exemplar leader as were all those in leadership.

  “We’re meeting at the Ruby Light at nine, be there.” Gage emphasized and Kannan gave him a nod. “Good.” He said before jumping up and moving to another table. He was gathering as many people as possible for this night at the Ruby Light. He was a good man and excellent for morale.

  "We're all going to the Ruby Light tonight." He whined. "You have to come, Eric. It won't be any fun if you're not there." Eric glanced across the room at Ron but did not comment. Ron tended to be overly dramatic, and this supposed party at the Ruby Light could very possibly be a figment of his imagination. Ron was Chester's boyfriend, and Chester was Eric's friend and roommate. Ron started to whine audibly and threw himself back on the sofa. Eric didn't like Ron. There was something about him that gave him the creeps, but Chester was in love, so Eric kept his opinion to himself.

  "You have Chester and your friends from work." Eric reminded him. "You don't need me there." It sounded terrible. Eric hated bars and nightclubs, and he had a suspicion that was the only reason Ron was insisting he go.

  The man had an odd controlling streak that was quite distasteful. He enjoyed forcing or manipulating people into doing things they did not want to do. He was tired of listening to his relentless badgering, so he got up and went into the kitchen to get himself a glass of water.

  "Can't you just show up for a few minutes at least?" Chester had followed him into the kitchen. "I know he's a lot, but he really means no harm. Do it for me." Chester was completely bamboozled by this guy, and he didn't even know it. Eric finished his water and set the glass aside, leaning back on the counter as he regarded his friend.

  “There is no reason for me to be there.” He stated clearly. “You two go out and have a
good time.” Eric turned his back and grabbed a package of cookies from the cupboard. He was a stress eater and Chester, and his boyfriend were stressing him out.

  “Ron will drive me crazy all night discussing you and your lack of social life if you do not come along. You won’t have to stay just one drink and then leave.” Chester was adamant, and Eric believed him when he said that Ron would drive him crazy. He didn't like it, but he agreed to go and have one drink and one drink only.

  "Good, good." Chester was relieved. "I'll tell Ron." He was smiling when he left the kitchen. Eric wasn't smiling, and he was growing tired of Ron's constant interference. Eric and Chester had been roommates for about three years, ever since graduating high school, and Ron had been on the scene for only about eight months. Chester's previous boyfriends couldn't give two shits about Eric, and he liked it that way.

  “Meet us at the Ruby Light at nine.” Ron stuck his head into the kitchen and gave Eric the orders.

  "Nine thirty." Eric just needed to be contrary and exert a little power. Ron narrowed his eyes for a split second and then agreed. When those two finally left, Eric gave a deep sigh of relief. He really liked Chester, and he was an easy man to live with, but Ron made everything difficult and uncomfortable. The man complained about everything, had issues with everyone, and constantly demanded his own way.

  He wasn’t Eric’s boyfriend, and it wasn’t his job to coddle him. This was the last time he’d bend to that guy or give into Chester’s pleas. The whole thing was ridiculous and unnecessary. Eric worked from home, designing video games and freelance graphic work.

  He spent a lot of time in the apartment in his room because that’s where his job was located. All his equipment was in his room because he had the largest bedroom with an ensuite. When he left, he could lock the door and not worry about some rando that Chester let in messing with his equipment. Just because he spent a lot of time at home didn't mean he had no social life, and besides, it was not Ron's business.

  He checked himself in the mirror and realized he needed to do some preparation before heading out later. He'd worked a lot of hours the last few days, and it showed. He wondered if he had time to get a haircut. He had several hours, so he probably had time. Damn, he wished he could have said no to those two, but maybe he'd have a good time or at least a tolerable time.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Master Hadden put in a call to his second in command, Josef, to check on the situation at the lodge and to update Josef as to the status of Pittsburgh and the quest to find a Charmer.

  "Zac has networked with covens throughout the nation and beyond, and so far, no one has information on a charmer. Battiste believes he may have a lead, but it is not in this realm." Josef informed and then added. "Everyone has stepped up, and they're doing their absolute best and more. The membership is exemplary. We could not have a better bunch of people to be going through this with, and that includes the new members."

  “I agree we have been very fortunate in the caliber of people who answered my call. An extra two hundred strong and capable soldiers will help maintain this city and hold back the insidious blight that threatens us. We are privileged in so many ways and I try to remember that.” Nik appreciated both the strength and resilience of his people during this crisis.

  “Walker misses you Nik, desperately.” Josef told him and waited a few seconds for Nik to be able to answer. Emotions were raw among those separated from their beloveds.

  "I miss him too," Nik finally said, his emotion thick in his words. "My entire body aches for him." He paused for a moment and then added. "I'll visit over the weekend. The new people are settled and have received their assignments. Tell him to pack because he's coming home with me. I need him here."

  “He needs you too. It will be good to see you, Nik.”

  “I’ll leave tomorrow and arrive sometime in the evening. I’ll keep you posted.

  “See you then. Safe travels.”

  Kannan walked into the Ruby Light and the first thing he noticed was the atmosphere. It was lighter and easier than most establishments and he attributed it to the number of people, his people inside trying to have a good time. It made him smile and relax knowing he was among his own.

  Gage quickly waved him over to his table, which was already nearly full. "I'll take a seat at the bar for now," Kannan told him. He headed to the bar to order and find a seat. He recognized most of the clientele and the staff, too, for that matter. The Hadden Coven owned the Ruby Light, and it was staffed by coven members. These members chose not to evacuate to the mountain lodge and volunteered to maintain the coven businesses.

  They were well protected and resided at the Imperial with the soldiers. Everyone resided at the Imperial Club and no one still within the city lived on their own. The threat of the curse and the power it gave to the darkness made it imperative that the members still in the city reside together in one spot that could be effectively defended in case of emergency.

  He sat and drank his gin and surveyed the room. The doors constantly opened and closed as people came and went in a sea of activity. Kannan closed his eyes for a moment and simply felt the energy churning around him. It was positive and hopeful and spiked with anticipation. He enjoyed the pleasant vibe of the room and the people and then suddenly something changed.

  He snapped his eyes open and searched the room, but nothing looked different. He felt a tightening in his gut that warned him that something was happening or was about to happen, and he always trusted his gut. Someone was there who hadn't been there before.

  Eric walked through the doors at nine-thirty, and the place was absolutely packed. He hated crowds, and this place was beyond crowded. Several people bumped into him, knocking him back and forth as he made his way deeper into the room. Chester came up to him and grabbed him by the arm.

  “I’m glad you made it.” He spoke loudly over the music that was playing. “We’re over here come on.” He kept hold of Eric’s upper arm and steered him over to a booth in the back. Ron was there and two men that Eric was not familiar with were also there.

  Ron jumped up and motioned for Eric to sit. He shook his head no since it would put him right next to one of the guys he didn’t know, and Eric didn’t want to get trapped in a booth. He grabbed a chair and pulled it up to the end of the booth and sat down.

  "You are so ridiculous, Eric," Ron whined and shook his head as he moved over to the other side of the booth and sat down next to Chester. "This is Cal and Rule." He introduced the two men who were obviously sizing Eric up. "Two new friends I met when we arrived." That sounded suspicious, and Eric suddenly felt his anxiety spiking.

  Ron then turned to the two men and introduced Eric. The one called Cal reached out his hand to Eric, and although his intuition told him to ignore it, his good manners had him taking the man's hand. "Pleased to meet you, Eric." The man said, his tone confusing, and the way he traded glances with his friend caused Eric's gut to tighten further.

  Eric abruptly stood and looked toward the bar. "I'm going to get a beer." He said and started toward the bar, and before he knew it, Cal was at his side.

  “I’ll go with you.” He said and fell into step beside him.

  Kannan was ordering a second gin and tonic when Michael, his commander, walked up and sat beside him. Kannan sat a little straighter in his seat and gave him his full attention.

  "Relax, man." Michael chuckled and patted his arm. "You're here to unwind." He noticed Michael's beloved Cole take the seat next to him and introduced himself.

  “Pleased to meet you Cole.” He was one of the few beloveds that resided at the Imperial. His computer skills and overall stellar intelligence were needed in the Pittsburgh location. Several other IT professionals also volunteered to stay but they weren’t bonded like Cole.

  “Gage would like for you to come to the table he doesn’t like seeing you sitting alone.” Michael told him and they both glanced over their shoulders at Gage waving him back.