Kingdom of Venom, page 1
Kingdom of Venom
Quinn Loftis
Copyright © 2024 by Quinn Loftis
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Cover art by KKeeton Designs
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Contents
Prologue
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
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Quinn’s Bookshelf
Prologue
Almost Getting Killed Makes You Re-evaluate Things.
“We reptiles are a long-lived people, and Azure is the most powerful among us. I always assumed he would live forever, or eventually have his own children, and one day one of them would assume the throne. I would, unless I died in battle, serve him or her as I served their father. As merely the nephew to the King, I never dreamed I could be considered for the Kingdom of Venom’s throne. Apparently, I should have dreamed bigger.” ~Talbot
Link watched briefly from just outside the room as Talbot, Slick, and Myron packed up to move to a safer location. He focused on Talbot. Judging by the consternation in the man’s face, his mind was struggling with his newfound responsibilities. Talbot was no youngling. He’d been a kid when they’d come through the portal, and he’d grown into a powerful male with integrity, despite having Azure as an uncle and ruler. Talbot had never shown any desire for power. But he was not a fool. He knew with Azure’s crimes and desertion, the monarchy had to change hands. Since Azure had no children, there was no other in line for the throne. That meant Talbot, or a challenge amongst the males to choose a new ruler. A challenge would bring chaos the Kingdom of Venom didn't need, something Azure could take advantage of.
It would be better if Talbot had a mate so that he would have full access to his beast, but beggars couldn’t be choosers. As the KOV Shaman, it was Link’s duty to perform the coronation of a new king. He blew out a breath and then stepped into the room. The three males turned to look at him. “How are things going?”
“Fine,” Talbot answered. “How goes the hunt for Azure and Zeena?”
Link shook his head. “Slow. The Kingdom of Claws has taken over the search.”
Talbot frowned. “Why is that?”
“The girl Azure hexed is the best friend to Callon’s mate,” he explained. “They will keep us posted. I’ve already let the Shaman Council know that the Kingdom of Venom will have a new king in two days’ time.”
“And what about the declaration of Visata?” Slick asked. “The animi females are supposed to be going to their marked kingdoms. Is that still happening?”
Link nodded. “For now, we will house them in several of our homes throughout the French Quarter.”
“Do we have any idea how many females are coming from the other kingdoms, Link?” Myron continued to pack the few things he kept in his suite in the KOV mansion. Like most of the warriors, he had other places he stayed when he needed to get away from the politics—AKA King Azure. Not to mention, their home had been damaged severely in an explosion, courtesy of the Kingdom of Claws, while Gage had been rescuing his female.
“Not a clue. As soon as I know more, Talbot, I’ll let you know.”
Talbot gave a slight bow of his head. “Thank you.”
“The sooner we get you on that throne, the better. The minute it was confirmed by Gage that Azure was hurting females, Azure’s crown was removed. Two days, Talbot, and you’ll be King.” Link headed back to the door. “I’m going to assist the others who are relocating. Myron, can you get in touch with the construction agency KOV has used in the past?”
“Will do.”
“I’ve called a meeting in thirty minutes to announce your coming kingship. After that, the next time I’ll see you, Talbot, will be in the binding garden when the moon has reached its pinnacle in the sky. Between now and then, I need to notify all the other kingdoms.”
“Thank you, Link. We will see you in two days.”
Talbot stared at the empty doorway for at least a minute after Link had left. The thought of assuming the throne was still a shock. He was plenty old enough, but with the longevity of their kind, he never considered that he’d actually ever be king.
“You nervous?”
Talbot hesitated a moment before answering Myron. “A little, but not just about becoming king. I don’t know how many in our kingdom were aware of what my uncle was doing or how many are still loyal to him.”
“They’ll show their true colors soon enough. I am more concerned about all the females that are on their way. I don’t want them to feel unsafe or regret choosing to stay in our world.”
With raised eyebrows, Myron nodded at Slick. “Good point.”
Talbot had been friends with the two vipers since they were young, and they were mostly inseparable. But as of late, Azure had been keeping them all busy, and they’d been unable to hang out as they used to.
“Do you think any of them might be our mates?” There was a glimmer of hope in Myron’s voice. Talbot sometimes wished he had the younger male’s optimism, but he’d been around too long. He’d watched females come and go, none giving him more than a second glance.
Talbot leaned against the doorframe, watching his friends pack. “Hard to say. But if your mate is among them, you’ll know it the moment you touch her.”
Myron shot him a wry look. “Not all of us can be mind readers like you, Tal. It’s the mark that reveals her to us.”
It was true—Talbot’s mental abilities were unique, even among their people. He could glimpse into minds and sense emotions when he touched a person. It was a gift from Visata, though lately it felt more like a burden. The darkness he’d glimpsed in his uncle’s mind haunted him.
“Either way, you should prepare yourself,” Slick cautioned. “It could be dangerous getting your hopes up.”
Talbot understood Slick’s warning all too well. For two centuries, he’d struggled not to wish for the one female destined for him alone. And with each disappointment, the beast within hissed in agony. Some days, only his faith in Visata kept Talbot from giving up completely on ever finding his mate. He had to believe she was out there. That despite Azure’s crimes, their kingdom could still be redeemed.
“We all want the same happy outcome,” Talbot said quietly. “But mating is bigger than just finding ‘the one.’ It’s about two souls who complement each other perfectly, who together are stronger and wiser than either could be alone.”
Myron snorted. “When did you get so philosophical?”
Talbot grinned crookedly. “What can I say? Almost getting killed makes you reevaluate things.”
Just days ago, he’d narrowly escaped the deadly inferno that engulfed their former stronghold. Talbot was still coming to terms with the fact that his uncle had brought the kingdom to the brink of ruin... and that the task of restoring it now fell to him. Not just restoring it physically but regaining their honor and respect from the other kingdoms. It was a challenge he both welcomed and resented.
As if sensing his dark thoughts, Slick clapped him on the back. “Hey, we’re with you. KOV will rise again, and we’ll make sure it’s done the right way this time.”
“And we won’t be forced by Azure to abduct humans,” Myron added.
Slick nodded. “Also a good point.”
Talbot smiled gratefully. “I know. Just proves I can always count on you two troublemakers.”
Myron threw a balled-up shirt at Talbot’s head. “Who are you calling troublemaker, Mr. Goody Two-Shoes?”
Their laughter and banter eased some of the tension that had been coiled in Talbot’s chest. With his closest friends at his side, perhaps he could lead their people back into the light. If anyone deserved a fresh start, a new beginning, it was the innocents of KOV.
An image of the Dire Wolf’s brave mate flashed in his mind. Katy had shown true courage in the face of evil. Because of her selflessness, the entire supernatural world had been shaken awake. News of the sacrifice she’d agreed to make had traveled from one king to the next until all ten kingdoms had heard the story. And it was eye-opening, to say the least, that someone who’d been treated horribly by their kind would give up her life for others.
Things were changing. Talbot could feel it in the air as tangibly as an electrical current. The Creator was on the move, and woe to any who stood in the path of His justice. Visata was calling them all to walk the right path once more.
We will answer that call, Talbot vowed. The Kingdom of Venom would rise from the ashes. He only prayed that his mate, wherever she was, could sense that change was coming as well. That despite the darkness in their past, hope still lingered.
“We should get moving if we want to make that meeting.” Slick’s voice broke into Talbot’s thoughts. “Ready to go be all official as the new heir appar
Talbot took a deep breath and let it out. “I just want to help our people heal and move forward, not get mired in politics.”
Myron grinned. “Gage told us to think of who would make a good king. You’re the first one that popped into our minds. You care more about doing what’s right than power or status. That’s why you’re the right reptile for the job. And of course it helps that you’re related to the current king, next in line to the throne and all that.”
Talbot hoped Myron was right. The burden of leadership weighed heavily, but he would bear it for the chance to show the supernatural world that KOV could become a force for good. They would no longer be bound by the sins of the past. The road ahead would not be easy, but Talbot would walk it with faith. And someday, he prayed, fate would finally lead him to the female meant to rule at his side.
His one true mate awaited him out there. And when they found each other at last, it would be the start of an epic love story generations would tell. A story of courage, sacrifice, and redemption. Visata had seen fit to give them a second chance. This time, they would get it right.
Chapter One
I’ll Find Another Way. I Swear It.
“If I never hear the word ‘sacrifice’ again, it would still be too soon.” ~ Gage
“Have you lost your ever-loving mind?” Katy practically shouted into the phone. “Don’t answer that question,” she quickly added. “I already know the answer because only a crazy person would kill a part of themself that they only just discovered.”
“So only you get to decide to sacrifice yourself?” Lola’s voice came through so loudly that Katy pulled the phone away from her ear. “The world doesn’t revolve around you, Katy. There are other people who are going to be affected by your choice.”
Katy stood from where she sat on the bed and paced. She forced herself to remember that she loved the person on the other end of the call. Finally, after biting her tongue several times, she responded. “You don’t think I know that?” The words were growled so low that Katy couldn’t believe the sound had come from her. “Don’t you think that I’ve thought this decision through from every angle? That I haven’t agonized over what it will do to my dad, or you and Maddie, Gage, or Otto?”
“I’m trying to prevent you from having to do that,” Lola pleaded. “This way we both live, and so do those women. Why can’t you see that this is a better solution?”
“Because any solution that requires you to give up a part of your soul is never a solution.” Katy’s tone softened. “I would never in a million years allow you to do such a thing, and I won’t allow it now. And I swear on all that is holy, Lola Katz, if you do this behind my back, I will never forgive you.”
“Katy,” Gage’s deep voice rumbled into the room, laced with warning. “Be careful what you promise.”
She turned to look at him and wished she hadn’t. His face was partially shadowed by the lack of light in the hall behind him, and what she could see were sharp lines and cold eyes. Katy pressed her lips together, barely reigning in the furious words that begged for release. She was tempted to tell Gage exactly where he could shove his warning, but the thunderous look on his handsome face gave her pause.
Shooting him a quelling glare, she ground out, “Lola, give me a sec.” Before her friend could argue, Katy hit mute and rounded on her mate.
“Don’t you dare try to police what I say to my best friend,” she snapped, jabbing a finger at his chest. Her earlier sympathy vanished in a flash of temper. “You don’t get to control me or my choices, Gage. Back the hell off.”
His eyes turned flinty, a muscle in his jaw ticking. But instead of rising to the bait, he drew in a slow breath and said in a lethally calm voice, “I will do anything to keep you safe. Even if it earns your hatred.”
The quiet declaration took some of the wind out of her sails. Katy searched his stoic face and saw the maelstrom of emotions he was barely keeping leashed. Fear for her warred with desperation to protect her, even from herself.
Katy’s anger deflated, leaving her tired down to her bones. She understood his terror of losing her all too well. Because the thought of losing him after just finding each other gutted her as well.
Rubbing her throbbing temples, she said wearily, “I get why you’re scared. But you can’t ask me to trade innocent lives for my own, Gage. Either choice ends in a pain I can’t bear.” Her voice broke on the admission.
“This path Lola suggests might break the spell, or it might fail and cost you both your lives. Magic this twisted is unpredictable.” His eyes flashed. “We will find another way that doesn’t put Lola or you at risk. You must trust me in this.” Gage’s severe expression softened. Reaching out, he gently drew her into the shelter of his powerful body. His large hand cupped her jaw, tilting her face up to meet his intense stare. “You bear a heavy burden, Little Wolf. Do not add guilt to it needlessly.” His thumb brushed away an errant tear. “We cannot control what others choose to offer, only what we accept. Your friend acts from love, even if it is misguided.”
Katy nodded, drawing comfort from his nearness. If only she could stay here in the shelter of his strength and forget about vindictive snake kings and impossible choices. She sagged against him, soaking up his warmth and strength. Then she buried her face in his neck, breathing in the scent of cloves and pine.
“Forgive my harsh words earlier,” Gage rumbled, regret lacing his gravelly voice. “Watching you in such torment, I just…” He shook his head helplessly.
Katy lifted her head to meet his pained, green eyes. “I know,” she whispered. “But we have to trust there’s a way where everyone wins. We can’t lose hope.”
“Whatever comes, we will face it together. You won’t carry this alone.” He pulled back just enough to meet her eyes. “But I swear to you now, I will not allow your life to be traded, come hell or high water. We will find another way, even if I must tear apart the veil between realms. Your fate is with me, Katy Dire. Never doubt it.”
His fierce conviction, the glint of violence in his eyes, should frighten her. Instead, it fortified her flagging spirit. Gage would move heaven and earth before losing her. For the first time, she truly understood the intensity of having a wolf for her mate.
Katy traced the hard line of his jaw tenderly. “We’re in this together then, Gage No-Last-Name.” She echoed his words back to him. A watery smile broke through her turmoil. “I guess I won’t be checking out permanently after all. You’ll just have to put up with me a little longer.”
Emotion clogged her throat. Standing on her tiptoes, she brushed her lips over his in a feather-soft kiss. His arms tightened, keeping her close as the kiss lingered, speaking what they could not—that they would face whatever came side by side and somehow find a way through the shadows, together.
When she pulled back, blinking away tears, Katy managed a tremulous smile. “Can you give me a few minutes to finish talking to Lola? I need her to understand.”
Gage nodded and stepped back reluctantly. His hand lingered a moment, squeezing hers. “I’ll prepare us some lunch. You need to keep your strength up.”
His protectiveness made her heart twist even as it warmed her. She watched him disappear down the hall before taking a bracing breath and unmuting the phone.
“Still with me, Lo?”
“I’m here,” Lola said softly. Katy could hear her friend’s remorse and knew her anger had faded. “I’m sorry. I’m just desperate not to lose you.”
“No more reckless talk about sacrificing yourself,” Katy said sternly. Then her voice gentled. “We’re in this mess because of Azure’s selfishness. More sacrifice just adds to the pain.”
“You’re right. I hate feeling so useless.” Lola huffed a weak laugh. “This mate bond is turning me into a crazy lioness.”
Katy smiled sadly. “Love makes us all a little crazy sometimes. We’ll figure this out, but the right way.”
She heard Lola take a shaky breath. “I trust you, Kat. Just don’t give up, okay? We’re going to find a way to save you all.”
The fierceness in her friend’s voice brought tears to Katy’s eyes. But she blinked them back, clinging to Lola’s faith.
