Forbidden, The Bittersweet Vampire Chronicles, Book 1

The

Bittersweet Vampire

Chronicles:

Forbidden

-the first of five books in Ava Ivy’s new series.

You can skip ahead to chapter one now

or

for reference and story insight, here is a basic

Character List for Book 1

MACDONNEL’S…

Ariel

-long, pale blonde hair, with big, bouncy curls and ever-changing violet eyes

-Kaid’s best friend and half-sister

-was in a secret relationship with her oldest brother’s best friend, Bran, for several years

-her odd, powerful abilities seem to strengthen and grow with each passing year, but Ariel only reveals a new ability if she is desperate. She doesn’t like being considered different

- the name Ariel uses when she travels to the Fraser stronghold… Elizabeth MacEwan

-Secret longing: to marry her aggressive, antagonistic ex-boyfriend…which seems impossible since Bran is still furious with her, his smoldering anger more than apparent every time he glances her way.

Kaid

-the oldest son and future leader of Clan MacDonnel

-shoulder length, dark blonde hair, a strong jaw and bright blue eyes

-huge, broad-shouldered warrior with a highly competitive personality

-Ariel’s BFF and oldest half-brother

-Bran’s BFF

-has earned a reputation throughout the Highlands for being an amazing fighter but he’s extremely volatile, with an explosive temper if Ariel is not near enough at hand for him to ensure her safety.

-Most important things to Kaid: Ariel and breathing…in his mind he unconsciously believes, without the first, there would be no reason for the last. He coddles, protects and utterly adores her.

Philip

-Ariel’s older half-brother, the second son of the MacDonnel leader

-looks like Kaid but with a thinner build

Priscilla

-Ariel’s hateful, younger half-sister

-pretty with dark hair and blue eyes

-the only child produced from the MacDonnel leader’s second marriage

-Secret desire: to possess anything that is Ariel’s

Brandos (Bran)

-a huge, dark haired warrior with intense, emerald green eyes

-one of the top warriors in the clan, he’s known for being exceedingly aggressive and unpredictable in every sword fight or battle

-his grandfather is the leader of another clan, but he and Bran’s father are not on speaking terms

-Kaid’s BFF

-was in a secret, intensely devoted relationship with his best friend’s little sister, Ariel, for several years

-Obsession: neatness and well-made tunics

-Secret obsession: anything to do with Ariel

-Publicly despises: Ariel and snakes

-Resents his grandfather who’s the leader of another clan

-Secretly hates: the scar on his face and the way his traitorous heart aches every time he sees his fickle ex-girlfriend smile or hears the addictive sound of her laughter.

Lauren

-one of Bran’s pretty, short-term girlfriends after he broke up with Ariel

Alec

-a serious, good-looking young warrior with brown hair and warm brown eyes

-great fighter

-one of Bran’s good friends who is always very nice to Ariel

-secretly has a huge crush on Ariel, covertly watching her every moment that he can, hoping to see her gaze light up…like the night she’d secretly saved his life by killing his father with one touch, freeing both he and his mother from a lifetime of drunken beatings. She had been eight years old.

Murphy

-Ariel’s huge, mangy, brown dog that she’s had since she was a small child

-he disappears for long periods of time but always returns

-previously named Muffin

-origin unknown

FRASER’S…

Randolph

-oldest of three vampire brothers

-Warlord of Clan Fraser--a very secretive, dangerous group of warriors who impart swift and brutal retribution for any slight against the Fraser family

-known as being forbidding and cold-hearted

-good-looking in a very cruel, brutal way with black, shoulder-length hair and golden eyes

-Although he appears quite young, he’s over 200 years old

-Hates- the MacDonnel clan because they allegedly killed his adopted son’s mother

Connor

-the handsome, charismatic middle vampire brother who is the official spy for clan Fraser

-he is an expert stalker, patiently waiting and silently watching in the shadows of enemy dwellings as he curiously gathers pertinent information about that clan’s occupants, their habits and who’s important to them.

-Obsession- he wants a family of his own

-Secret obsession- a few years ago, a witch informed him of the existence of a very young girl who had randomly been by to visit her. The old crone predicted that this unknown young female was one of the rare few who could bear vampire children. Filled with renewed hope, Connor began his discreet search that very day, vowing that no matter what he had to do or how long he had to wait, she would eventually be his.

FORBIDDEN

The Bittersweet Vampire Chronicles,

Book 1

Written by Ava Ivy

Chapter 1

The Highlands

A long, long time ago…

Kaid -the future warlord of clan MacDonnel- vividly remembered that long ago day when his whole life had changed for the better… when his six year old heart was ripped from his body and willingly placed into the tiny hands of its new owner —a sweet but mischievous little girl with an easy, infectious laugh— who had apparently been sent to save him from his life of sickness and misery.

The keeper of his heart was named Ariel and she had looked to be around two years old when she officially became a member of his clan. Her mother, who had been born into another clan, had recently died.

So, it was deep in the heavily forested highlands, late one afternoon, when Kaid’s father had accepted responsibility for her --a small, gorgeous child with a thick, shining fall of soft, pale ringlets and unusually bright, almost luminous violet eyes.

As the handsome chieftain continued to kneel down on the forest floor, gently questioning and comforting his newest clan member, Kaid had warily started to push his way through the deep foliage from behind which he had been curiously eavesdropping on the pair of them.

The rustling of bushes and crackling of branches had the other child immediately turning to see who was behind her. When the young girl’s vibrant eyes met Kaid’s sky blue gaze, her sweet face lit up with such happiness and she gasped in delighted surprise at the blond-headed boy who was the mirror image of his attractive father, only much, much smaller.

Her luminous eyes bright with joy, the pretty child turned and hurried over to Kaid, stopping right in front of him. With her head tilted back, she gazed up at him in almost anticipated delight as her eager little arms stretched up in the air like it was something she did every day, obviously wanting a very young, very withdrawn Kaid, who was still grieving from the loss of his own mother, to pick her up.

Lord MacDonnel smiled indulgently and let out a soft, knowing chuckle, obviously amused by the sweet child’s instant fascination with his oldest son. Unfortunately, his grumbling offspring did not seem to feel the same way.

Disgruntled by the girl’s absurd request, Kaid --who was six years old, but big for his age-- mutely shook his head in silent dismissal and backed away, wanting absolutely nothing to do with a silly little girl child, no matter how cute and charming she might appear. Plus, he had already observed her speaking with his father. She could barely say any words, a fact that had classified her in his mind as a baby.

Sighing at his oldest son’s weak and sullen ways, Lord MacDonnel leveled him with an admonishing look. Watch Ariel for a moment, Kaid, he instructed. It was a casual order, but there was steel beneath the surface. After giving the boy another meaningful glance, the large warrior turned away, silently moving through the wall of trees to ready their horses.

Still looking genuinely surprised and somewhat hurt by Kaid’s blatant refusal to pick her up, Ariel hesitantly lowered her arms. Her beautiful eyes were wide with a confused expression which was swiftly starting to change into a slightly stubborn look in which her brows furrowed, her cheeks flushed, and her full, little mouth pinched together in displeasure.

Intrigued by her abrupt change in demeanor, Kaid perked up, watching in fascinated wonder as a shaft of sunlight through the overhanging leaves made the girl’s eyes appear abnormally bright.

Soo strange…

Her determined look should have warned him that something was about to happen, but Kaid was far too distracted by the myriad of emotions playing in Ariel’s expressive gaze and was totally caught off guard when the small girl let out a low, challenging growl and unexpectedly took a step, leaping forward. For such a small child, she was obviously used to playing rough with other children. She confidently plowed into him, tackling him to the ground with quite a bit more force than he would have ever expected from such a wee, little thing.

Wincing as his back hit the forest floor, Kaid lay there, completely dumbfounded for a few heartbeats as he haphazardly drew in loud, ragged breaths to try and fill his sickly, air-starved lungs.

Then, under the shelter of the overhanging trees, the little girl popped her head up from where she now lay atop his chest and peeked down at Kaid’s face. With a smile of startling sweetness, her violet eyes twinkled adorably into his bewildered bright blue gaze. Giggling at his startled expression she cinched the noose around his heart by abruptly poking his chest with one tiny, stubborn finger, and mutinously declaring, "Mine!"

In the next instant, Kaid was almost paralyzed by the force of his body’s reaction to her simple touch. It was as if a gentle warmth rapidly spread out, blooming inside his body and he suddenly felt as if the permanent, restrictive band of tightness in his chest --which had always caused him to wheeze and struggle to catch his breath in the small confines of his lungs-- had finally snapped and now he could actually expand his chest up and out and breathe deeply for the first time in his young life.

He was truly amazed by this transformation, this new sense of freedom. He could actually draw in deep breathes without jagged pain lancing through him. He could truly breath.

His shocked, unwavering gaze continued to watch her, his jaw slack.

What did you just do to me? he demanded in an almost hoarse, fascinated whisper.

Before she had a chance to respond, a large, low-flying black bird suddenly glided right above their heads, loudly squawking as it went past.

The loud, ear-piercing sound had the girl nearly jumping out of her skin with fright as she squealed in surprise, immediately diving down next to Kaid’s side and practically burrowing her little form between him and the forest floor.

The little vixen that had just been filled with such laughing mischief was now visibly trembling in fear as she hid her face against him, her little fingers clutching at his tunic.

Lifting himself up on his elbows, Kaid slid her quivering form a curious look of amusement, unable to prevent a soft chuckle as he slowly sat up, protectively moving her small form onto his lap as she continued to clutch at his tunic and huddle close to him for safety.

In the back of his mind Kaid was silently marveling over how easily his chest was rising and falling with each breath he took.

It was truly a miracle.

Humor still teased the corners of Kaid’s mouth as he curiously surveyed this tiny girl named Ariel. Had his fall jarred something loose in his chest or had she somehow healed him with just one touch?

He openly watched her. She was a very pretty creature, delicate and fragile looking.

When she finally peered up at him, her bottom lip was trembling a bit and her big eyes were sparkling with unshed tears.

His heart clenched almost painfully, and he caught his breath.

The sight of those shimmering tears had Kaid suddenly remembering that this tiny lass didn’t have a mother to help her, either. That miserable thought had him instinctively pulling the quaking little girl a bit tighter against him.

It’s just a bird, he reassured her, a touch of caring in his low tone.

Lifting her head she cautiously peered over at the black feathered creature who was now perched on a low-lying limb nearby and then her uncertain gaze silently returned to Kaid’s face, obviously still wary.

You’re not scared of a silly old bird, are you? he taunted with mocking gravity, as if that was the worst thing he’d ever heard.

Ariel drew in a sharp breath and her face immediately sobered as she continued to silently stare up at him.

Clearly realizing that he’d just dared to challenge her level of bravery, her lips mulishly pinched together again. Obviously gathering her courage, the petite girl took a deep breath and then resolutely stretched her little arm out to the side, extending one small finger and scrunching her eyes closed, as if in concentration.

His sharp inhalation vibrated through the quiet forest and a spark of surprise lit his eyes as the sound of flapping wings made him turn his head towards the soft noise. That same black crow was now flying straight towards the two of them. Chills ran down Kaid’s spine as it circled over their heads for a moment before abruptly swooping down to calmly land on her outstretched finger.

Keeping her face as far away from the wild animal as possible --as if she were still a bit wary of the feathered creature-- Ariel slid a hopeful glance to Kaid’s face, the expectant light in her gaze indicating that this deed was definitely proving that she wasn’t afraid of silly old birds.

Whoa! That’s a really tame bird! Kaid breathed in amazement, reeling from the visual shock of such a lovely wild animal actually landing on the girl’s tiny finger. Then he touted, You see! There’s nothing to be afraid of... But as he confidently reached out to pet their new feathered friend, the bird’s sharp beak impatiently struck the back of Kaid’s small hand right between two fragile bones.

"Ouch!" he bellowed.

Ariel let out a long belly laugh that quickly faded away when she sensed Kaid’s panic suddenly increasing. Almost immediately, the black bird extended its wings up high, swiftly beating them downward, as it easily lifted into the air in a flurry of movement before flying away.

When Ariel then reached out to touch Kaid’s hand, he jerked back.

"Don’t touch it!" His words were nothing less than an order, his warning tone ringing with an impressive amount of authority for one so young.

Face growing pale, Kaid held out his hand and there was genuine distress in his voice as he tremulously whispered, "I’m bleeding!"

With grave dignity, Ariel obediently set her hands in her lap, obviously not understanding his fears as she patiently waited, curiously watching the crestfallen boy as he continued to stare down at the injury in silent horror.

It’s going to turn an angry red color soon. Then I-I’m going to die …just like my mother, he whispered, his eyes tortured as if Death was already whispering in his ear.

Kaid’s last statement seemed to make Ariel impatient enough to chance reprisal. Letting out what sounded like a low, rumbling growl, she reached out and firmly grasped his wrist. Though he tried to pull away, her strength felt like that of a full-grown man as she easily brought his injured hand in front of her face, putting her other small hand on top of his for a few heartbeats.

When she released him, Kaid slid her a grumpy, disapproving look for daring to touch his injury when he’d specifically ordered her not to, causing a guilty, almost sheepish smile to flit over her sweet features. But then he looked down at his wound and blinked several times, staring in stunned amazement at the smooth, unmarred area of skin on the back of his hand and then over to the clever, good-humored child, not quite believing his own eyes. "Now, how did you do that?"

Giving him a small, pleased grin, Ariel gently poked his chest again, inflexibly repeating, "Mine!"

Then the sweet girl smiled somewhat sleepily as she wrapped her arms around his middle and gently nestled her head against his young chest, causing him to draw in a quick breath as he felt the utter silky softness of her cool, pale curls against the side of his face.

Kaid remembered that his mother’s hair had been soft, as well, and he had adored playing with the long, smooth strands.

Overcome with emotion, he loosely wrapped his arms around her and then rested his cheek on the glossy curve of the small child’s head. Kaid had loved his mother so much and he missed her every moment of every day. He bitterly resented his new stepmother who was constantly sending him disapproving glares, only pretending to care about Kaid when his father was in the same room. She was not much friendlier to his two younger brothers, either. It was obvious that his father’s new bride could barely abide any of them.

In that moment, Kaid’s eyes slowly rounded in understanding and his small mouth dropped open in a silent gasp as his young mind suddenly made a desperately needed connection to the stunning child sitting on his lap.

Obviously, his mother was watching over him from Heaven. So, she’d sent someone special to heal him and to help him get stronger …someone who needed his help, as well.

Kaid drew in another sharp breath as that thought truly sunk in, causing his handsome little face to brighten.

All of a sudden, his heart was filling up with renewed hope.

But then alarm immediately wormed its way in, causing Kaid’s arms to abruptly tighten around the tiny child in a possessive, almost bone-crushing hold, as if he was afraid that Ariel would suddenly disappear just like his beloved mother, who had unexpectedly died, leaving a dark ember of bitterness and anger in his gut.

But the spell of fear was abruptly broken when the little girl gurgled out a long torrent of delicious giggles, as if she found his attempt to aggressively squash her utterly fun and hilarious. Kaid’s eyes warmed at Ariel’s easy sense of humor. She was definitely a happy little thing.

Rubbing his cheek against her sweet-smelling hair, Kaid whispered, I’m going to be in charge of protecting you from now on, alright Ariel? My mother is in Heaven with yours and I think they sent you to me so that we could help each other. So that makes you mine. He leaned back to look down at her, absently smoothing a wayward pale curl that hung in her face.

"Mine!" she mimicked in a playfully serious, growly tone, apparently very fond of saying that word.

Turning to point at Lord MacDonnel’s returning form, Ariel conspiratorially whispered, That Sephy’s! Then she softly laughed under her breath in an amused way, as if she’d just said the funniest thing. For such a clever, intelligent child, whose bewitching eyes seemed to assess everything around her, Kaid still found her lack of speech a bit odd… but he supposed that it was also rather endearing, especially now that he’d claimed her as his own.

Who’s Sephy? he demanded quietly. Is that the dog that’s with you? The one that’s bigger than my father? he half mocked.

Her eyes lit with excitement. My fin!

Muffin? Kaid repeated slowly, his eyes warily sliding to the huge, mangy-haired brown dog that sat in a soft spot of grass a few yards away. The beast’s assessing gaze seemed to be watching the two of them very closely. So, where’s Sephy?

At home, she explained cheerfully, blinking up at him.

Lord MacDonnel returned, his intelligent eyes warming and a faint smile tugging up the corners of his chiseled lips at the unexpected sight of Kaid carefully holding the small child to his chest.

Thank you for befriending Ariel, Kaid, he praised affectionately. She’s a sweet baby girl, isn’t she? All we have at home are boys. You’ve never had a little girl around to play with like Bran, with his three sisters. Bran was Kaid's best friend, who loyally waited with Kaid when he was having breathing problems and never ran on ahead to play with the other boys.

Moving towards Kaid, the laird of clan MacDonnell instructed, Here, hand Ariel to me and I’ll hold her on the ride back.

Kaid let out an alarmed gasp. N-no, he stammered, quickly rising to his feet with the yawning little girl still clutched almost desperately in his arms. Though he knew better than to openly defy his father in front of the clan, there were no other grown clansmen around at the moment and he felt very strongly about this situation. She will ride with me, he insisted, backing up a few steps to put more distance between himself and his father. The mere thought of the girl being taken away from him was evoking a strong, visceral fear.

Lord MacDonnel shook his head, his tone final. "She will wiggle,