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Frostbite
Frostbite
Frostbite
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Frostbite

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Read 7 fantasy, supernatural, paranormal stories that will leave you breathless…Each woman has a destined fate and an extraordinary story to tell.

BOOK 1 – FINDING FOREVER
By Melisa Hamling

BOOK 2 – ETERNAL VOWS
By Chrissy Peebles

BOOK 3 – RAE OF HOPE
By W.J. May

BOOK 4 – Awakening
By Samantha Long

BOOK 5 – THE ANGEL SHE LOVED
By Irene Kueh

BOOK 6 – CRUSH
By Chrissy Peebles

BOOK 7 – Seventh Mark (Part 1)
By W.J. May

BONUS CONTENT

1. The Zombie Chronicles by Chrissy Peebles
2. Radium Halos by W.J. May
 

Some stories have been previously published. Some stories are novellas and some are full length. WARNING: ***Most stories are part 1’s to other series*** All your questions won’t be answered without purchasing book 2.

LanguageEnglish
Release dateDec 10, 2014
ISBN9781502289490
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    Book preview

    Frostbite - Chrissy Peebles

    BOXED SET DESCRIPTION

    ***Click on title to be taken directly to book!***

    Finding Forever by Melisa Hamling

    Finding Forever cover

    BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU wish for, you may just get it. Morgan Masters is about to find out that what you wish for doesn’t come in a perfect little package. Plummeting off the side of the mountain wasn’t the escape Morgan had planned. Or was it?

    Disconnected from who she was, where she came from, Morgan knows she’s in a hot mess when the lines blur between two worlds. What is real and what is imagined? Her inner struggle to find herself and to learn the truth, leads her into the arms of Ben, the perfect little package she once wished for, but doesn’t remember it.

    Ben is Morgan’s solace, her guide through her state of confusion, offering comfort and love to degrees she is certain she has never known before. Longing to stay in the heavenly bliss, something keeps pulling her back, a little at a time. When Morgan’s world crumbles, she endures weeks of heartbreak. She must decide between this life, or go in search of the unknown, in search of reestablishing the love she had for the man who helped her survive. What must she sacrifice to find him? Does he really exist? What will she uncover when she goes in search of Finding Forever?

    Eternal Vows by Chrissy Peebles

    EternalVows_ChrissyPeebles

    NEVER MARRY A STRANGER...even if he is a drop-dead gorgeous immortal king. 

    Never pretend to be a princess.

    And most importantly...never slip on an ancient wedding ring you know nothing about. 

    Sarah Larker returns to a cave where her sister disappeared ten years earlier. She walks through a portal and is mistaken for a runaway princess on the run by a dangerous immortal king in medieval times. Her plan is bold as well as daring—become this princess, wed the king, and slip on an ancient wedding ring that will unlock the portal back home. Then find her sister and run as fast as she can out of Dodge. But taking on the identity of Princess Gloria comes along with dangerous consequences; and slipping on the ruby ring comes with an even higher price.

    Original Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/n_w-eZwPJbA

    New Book Trailer:  https://youtu.be/DOEYISF-06s

    bannerRubysaga with Eternal Conflict

    Rae of Hope by W.J. May

    RoH

    HOW HARD DO YOU HAVE to shake the family tree to find the truth about the past? 

    Fifteen year-old Rae Kerrigan never really knew her family’s history. Her mother and father died when she was young and it is only when she accepts a scholarship to the prestigious Guilder Boarding School in England that a mysterious family secret is revealed. 

    Will the sins of the father be the sins of the daughter? 

    As Rae struggles with new friends, a new school and a star-struck forbidden love, she must also face the ultimate challenge: receive a tattoo on her sixteenth birthday with specific powers that may bind her to an unspeakable darkness. It’s up to Rae to undo the dark evil in her family’s past and have a ray of hope for her future.

    Wanita tmp-NEW-250614-6ArSoWoNdx2sz0L4

    Awakening by Samantha Long

    Awakened 2

    WHEN SOPHIE MOVES TO Boston to get away from the people who ridiculed her for her psychic talents, she wants to start fresh.  But when a demon attacks her study group at the library, she has no choice but to reveal her abilities to warn the others.

    She learns the attacks won’t stop until she’s dead. To stay alive she joins forces with the other students and a secret society that has battled the demons for centuries. 

    The last thing she wants to do is be a pawn in the war of good and evil. When her visions start showing events from a past life, she can’t ignore the connections it shows.  She has no choice but to acknowledge the bonds that tie her to the other students, even if some of them refuse, to have the strength to defeat the demon that hunts them down.

    Will she survive long enough to stop the demons from destroying everything and everyone she loves?

    The Angel She Loved by Irene Kueh

    Angelcover2

    THERE’S NOTHING MORE beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline, no matter how many times it’s sent away. – Sarah Kay 

    When Elrenia Kitrusen celebrates the first day of summer at the beach, she doesn’t expect her life to be changed forever. Andrew Gritt, the picture-perfect surfer, not only saves her day, but becomes her Angel. 

    A week later, Elrenia and Andrew meet again at a birthday party. During a Game Finale of fighting Zombies in the Forgotten Forest, a bond is formed between them. Although it’s just a game, the Voices send out warnings to Elrenia whenever danger lurks around the corner. Through the Voices, Elrenia saves Andrew multiple times. After spending the night in the attic, magic sparks fly, and they become inseparable. Yet, three years later, Elrenia moves to Chicago and receives shattering news that Andrew is marrying another. 

    Will Elrenia be like the persistent ocean in pursuing her Angel? Or will she give up and watch him go from the shoreline?

    Crush by Chrissy Peebles

    By Chrissy Peebles

    Crush new cover by Kellie

    The Crush Saga Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/LbfIsKTsPhw

    There’s more to come after Crush!

    Jump into this adrenaline-packed, supernatural thriller from USA TODAY bestselling author Chrissy Peebles.

    The Crush Saga Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/LbfIsKTsPhw

    His precious touch could prove deadly...

    The Crush Saga (a 9 book series) 

    Synopsis of the series:

    I was born to die... But to defy fate is to control your own destiny. Little did I know that I was entering a world of ritual and magic and that my blood needed to be spilled so the witches’ legacy could be complete. 

    Vampires. Witches. Werewolves. Supernatural Creatures. Dramatic Revelations. A Ritual Sacrifice. Ancient Artifacts. A Cold-hearted Serial Killer. Spilled Blood. Secrets. A Hidden Heritage. A Love So Deep. Supernatural Bloodlust. A Dangerous Curse. An Uneasy Alliance With A Dangerous Vampire.

    Legends of vampires and shape-shifters have been around for centuries, so Taylor Sparks isn’t too worried when the rumors start to fly. When Taylor learns secrets that are beyond terrifying, they threaten to destroy her entire world. She is born to die... But to defy fate is to control your own destiny. 

    She warns her crush to leave. But how do you forget someone who is aligned with your soul? They fight against the witches, the vampires, and the werewolves. They know the consequences. They know the risk. But they don't care. Nothing will get in the way of these two star-crossed lovers. 

    Taylor finds out she’s a KEY player in a dangerous game created 1,000 years ago that will give the witches and werewolves the upper hand against the vampires. Blood will be spilled and secrets will be revealed in this action-packed thrill ride and paranormal romance. 

    Will Taylor dive into a paranormal world she knows nothing about to be with the one her heart can’t live without? Or will her life spiral out of control when she learns her blood is needed, just the serum necessary to lift an ancient curse from a group of supernatural beings and give the witches back their magic? Werewolves will serve as her guardians and protect her until the first full moon of the new year, the night of her sacrifice... 

    Will she accept her destiny?

    Or will she refuse to let evil swallow her up? 

    Seventh Mark by W.J. May

    Description: Wanita Book 1 7th Mark Part 1 3D Image of Book Cover

    LIKE MOST TEENAGERS, Rouge is trying to figure out who she is and what she wants to be. With little knowledge about her past, she has questions but has never tried to find the answers. Everything changes when she befriends a strangely intoxicating family. Siblings Grace and Michael, appear to have secrets which seem connected to Rouge. Her hunch is confirmed when a horrible incident occurs at an outdoor party. Rouge may be the only one who can find the answer.

    An ancient journal, a Sioghra necklace and a special mark force life-altering decisions for a girl who grew up unprepared to fight for her life or others.

    All secrets have a cost and Rouge’s determination to find the truth can only lead to trouble...or something even more sinister.

    *WARNING: There are werewolves in this story... and they are not friendly*

    Description: Banner

    Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-_vVYC1gvo

    FB page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-WJ-May-FAN-PAGE/141170442608149

    BONUS CONTENT

    2 Bonus Stories!

    The Zombie Chronicles by Chrissy Peebles

    The Apocalypse Infection Unleashed Series Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/ociUHiL1g70

    *This is a young adult book series. Each chronicle will feature Dean's struggles as he tries to survive in this new world. And thus the name, The Zombie Chronicles. I hope you enjoy this series, and thank you for giving book one a chance.* 

    Welcome to the Apocalypse The Zombie Chronicles. 

    PREQUEL: VAL

    Book 1 – The Zombie Chronicles 

    Book 2 – Race for the Cure 

    Book 3 – Deadly City 

    Book 4 – Poisonous Serum 

    Book 5 – Undead Nightmare 

    Book 6 – Revelation 

    Book 7 – Trepidation  

    Book 8 – Impact  

    Book 9 - Siege

    Warning: Mild violence. For mature teens or older. 

    Val was bitten by a zombie and now she’s scheduled for lethal injection. Breaking all the rules, eighteen year old, Dean Walters snags an experimental serum. But it can’t be tested until Val turns into a zombie: something authorities won’t allow. Her execution is scheduled to happen before transformation is complete, giving Dean only hours to break her out. 

    When their helicopter crashes straight into the heart of Zombie Land, his rescue mission becomes a fight for survival...and giving up on Val is NOT an option. 

    Radium Halos by W.J. May

    RadiumHalo'sE-Book

    Everyone needs to be a hero at one point in their life. The small town of Elliot Lake will never be the same again after Zoe, a high school senior from Elliot Lake, and five of her friends take shelter in an abandoned uranium mine during a violent thunderstorm. Over the next few days, Zoe’s hearing sharpens drastically... to supernatural levels. She tells her friends, only to learn that four others have an increased sense as well. Zoe is determined to use her new power for good, while trying to keep her growing feelings for Kieran, the new Scottish boy from their group, under control. 

    Fashioning themselves into superheroes, the group tries to stop the strange occurrences happening in their little town. Muggings, break-ins, disappearances, and murder begin to hit too close to home. It leads the team to think someone knows about their secret – someone who wants them all dead. 

    An incredulous group of heroes. A traitor in the midst. Some dreams are written in blood. 

    This is the end of this introduction. Book 1 will start now. Thanks for joining and giving each series a chance.

    FINDING FOREVER

    Book 1 of the Finding Forever Trilogy

    by

    MELISA HAMLING

    Finding Forever cover

    Through the splinters of glass, I see his face, the one who has this hold on me, on my soul and I know he holds the key to something I have yet to learn.

    BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU wish for, you may just get it. Morgan Masters is about to find out that what you wish for doesn’t come in a perfect little package. Plummeting off the side of the mountain wasn’t the escape Morgan had planned. Or was it?

    Disconnected from who she was, where she came from, Morgan knows she’s in a hot mess when the lines blur between two worlds. What is real and what is imagined? Her inner struggle to find herself and to learn the truth, leads her into the arms of Ben, the perfect little package she once wished for, but doesn’t remember it.

    Ben is Morgan’s solace, her guide through her state of confusion, offering comfort and love to degrees she is certain she has never known before. Longing to stay in the heavenly bliss, something keeps pulling her back, a little at a time. When Morgan’s world crumbles, she endures weeks of heartbreak. She must decide between this life, or go in search of the unknown, in search of reestablishing the love she had for the man who helped her survive. What must she sacrifice to find him? Does he really exist? What will she uncover when she goes in search of Finding Forever?

    Copyright © 2013 by Melisa Hamling

    FINDING FOREVER

    Melisa Hamling

    Copyright © 2013 by Melisa Hamling

    Smashwords Edition 2013

    Cover design by: Coragraphics

    http://www.coragraphics.it/index.html

    Interior Design by Angela McLaurin, Fictional Formats

    All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

    Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

    Hamling, Melisa

    Finding Forever / by Melisa Hamling

    p. cm

    Summary: A woman has to ask herself if the man she loves and the life she adores is real, or nothing more than a psychological retreat.

    ISBN-13: 978-1490305226

    ISBN-10: 149030522X

    ~Dedication~

    To anyone who has ever dreamed of a better world, a happily ever after, this is for you.

    There is a place I know of, a place where every part of me longs to be. You’re there waiting for me and when we meet, I know our lives will never be the same. I know I’d fly over a mountain, walk through a forest in my bare feet, and do it a million times over if every time it brings me back to you.

    ~Prologue~

    That first time, when he presses his lips against mine and kisses the words ‘I Love You’ right down into the very heart of my soul, that’s when I knew we were about to be ripped apart.

    TEARS TUMBLE DOWN MY CHEEKS AS I watch Ben sleep. My heart aches knowing this might be the last kiss I give him as I lean over and press my lips against his forehead. I love you, Ben. We’ll find each other. Never give up. It won’t be long—I promise, I whisper, uncertain of my own promise.

    He tosses, turns, curls up next to me, and traces my lips with his thumb. What’s wrong...? Why are you crying?

    It’s... it’s time. They’re pulling me out of here. The... the other people. I don’t want to go. I sob and exhale heavily. I can’t be without you. I-I just can’t. I’ll die if I go back! I can’t live without...

    Shh. He rises to his knees, bringing me up with him, and moves forward, lips almost touching mine. You have to get control of yourself. You have to be positive for both of us. How will anything we’ve talked about ever work if you can’t control your emotions?

    He speaks soft but stern before his breathing turns ragged. I’m not trying to be harsh, but I love you and I need to know you can do this.

    Inhaling his scent drives a passionate urge deep within me and in this moment, he sweeps me into the sweet bliss of a deep kiss. His touch is like no other, lifting the darkness, soothing my soul, he makes me feel whole, complete, and... I have to get a grip on my emotions. I need to be strong for both of us.

    You’re my life, too, and I’ll hold you right here. He places his hand over his heart; his head falls against my shoulder and he nuzzles my neck. Wrapping my arms around him, I squeeze and clench his shirt, entwine it between my fingers. I only wish this would be enough to pull him through with me.

    Remember what I said. He raises his head, his blue eyes hopeful underneath the disheveled mess of blond hair. Focus on details, even the smallest ones. More importantly, mark a path and make sure you’re—

    A chill sweeps over me like icy fingers clawing at the back of my neck. Ben? Oh, God! Ben. Ben! I can’t hear yyyooouuuu. The words echo and I know this is it, the end of it all.

    B-Beh— I cry again, but the strength of the pull feels like a weighted ball crashing against my chest, shoving me backward.

    A high-pitched wail pours into the very core of my heart. Ben! I see tears spill down his cheeks as he dives toward me. I think he reaches me, but he falls right through me, as if I were a mere shadow—visible but transparent, and then he disappears.

    Please, oh please, God, bring us back together. I can’t live without him.

    GREEN, RED, BLACK, purple and white colors flash before my eyes. Vibrating sounds buzz in my ears. My head thunders with explosions of pain. Each breath I take burns. I cough and retch with each force of the tug in my throat, poofs of air drawing upward with each wrench. I try to grab at it, but warm, callous fingers press against my cold hands.

    My eyelids flutter and I wake to a blinding light. Ben? Ben, where are you? I choke on the words. I search with my hands and pat frantically at the shadow standing next to me. I gulp hard at the deep burn of raw pain crowding at the back of my throat.

    Hey, hey, calm down, Morgan. It’s me, James. You’ve had a bad accident. Do you remember anything?

    The silhouette of a man with dark wavy hair leans over me. I blink several times before I notice his big, brown eyes staring at me. James? The name forms around my lips but I can’t say it.

    Where’s Ben... Danny... the mansion. Where are they? Hot tears trickle down my cheeks.

    The lines in James’ forehead deepen and his brows furrow. His eyes droop as if he’s sad.

    Do I know him?

    I cry relentlessly. "Ben! Danny. Everybody. The mansion. Where are they?"

    You were in a coma, Morgan. Maybe you were dreaming of people, but there’s no Ben or Danny... and no mansion. You don’t know anyone with those names. Maybe you were dreaming? I’m sorry, but this is me, James. Remember me, your boyfriend? He shoots me a hopeful smile.

    You? I whisper. You can’t be my boyfriend.

    I stare at him as he tucks his hands into the front pockets of his faded jeans, shaking his head and lowering it. Without another word, he turns and walks away.

    Who does he think he is, passing himself off as my boyfriend. Ha. Tall, dark wavy hair, copper eyes—he must be Italian. But to say he’s my boyfriend? No, no. I have a boyfriend.

    Ben? I need you.

    I let my head sink back into the pillow and examine the tubes and wires connecting to my arms, head and chest. Monitors beep and there’s the drip, drip, drip of the I.V. White walls, bright lights, medical equipment—I’m in the one place I hate, the hospital. I close my eyes wishing it all away.

    WAKING WITH A START, I glance around the room for any unwanted visitors. A dozen balloons float near the window and there are flowers with cards tucked into their forks. Thoughtful, but unnecessary.

    As I continue to scan the area, I see something familiar. My iTouch! And a crumpled hospital bag most likely containing my clothes.

    Without permission or knowing whether I can stand on my own two feet, I slide off the bed and grip the railing. Hmm. I’m steady

    enough and challenge myself by grasping the I.V. pole, and take a step forward. After a few more steps, I snatch the bag and my iTouch.

    Safely back in bed, I examine the iTouch. It’s covered in pink goo. I poke my head in the hospital bag and then dump the contents on my lap. The tattered dress has a thick layer of pink goo on it, too.

    What does this mean? What. Does. This. Mean!

    Frustration sets in. I close my eyes, and rub my pink gooey hands against my temples, and then...

    CRASH!

    BOOM!

    BAM!

    Explosions erupt in my head like a volcano... liquid oozing from it, flowing through my brain with bits and pieces of information.

    There was lightning.

    And thunder.

    And!

    And, something eerie.

    Like a twilight zone.

    I recall the voices.

    The creepy voices that whisper-shouted my name. Moooooorrrrrrgaaaannnn!

    Oh, god! I’m there and I don’t know where ‘there’ is.

    Where am I, where am I!

    My pulse pounds against my ears and my head is spinning.

    Splattering, splattering, splattering!

    I see myself.

    I’m splattering at the bottom!

    No, no, no, I say breathlessly as I slowly open my eyes...

    and scream.

    1 - Sense and Sensibility

    In my reveries you’re here, and I see you, I think I fear you. And yet, you’re nothing but a dream.

    ONE MONTH EARLIER...

    SIXTH SENSE: AN EXTRASENSORY PERCEPTION. ESP, clairvoyant, telepathic, or psychic by definition. The other five methods of senses: hearing, sight, smell, sound, and taste.–Wikipedia.

    I’m working on my own hypothesis of the sixth sense. According to scientific belief, the sixth sense is the ability of the mind to move into the unknown. Things not yet explored. A part of the brain in which science has yet to unlock, or so they say.

    Nevertheless, I believe it’s something deeper—an innermost connection between the body and soul. I’m not sure if I believe that clairvoyance, telepathy and psychic ability come from a sixth sense. However, I do believe each is associated with some other entity.

    I cup my head in my hands and attempt to ward off another angry assault of the horrible voices and the headache that comes with them. It all started around the same time I began my research project on senses.

    rap, tap, tap on the door cancels out the static of voices whirring in my head, but the headache remains.

    Oh, man. Not another one of those headaches? Morgan?

    I nod.

    Tell me, again, how long has this been going on? Cory, one of my colleagues, a neuroscience major and a friend of my iffy boyfriend, James, asks.

    Still pressing my palms against my throbbing temples, I raise my head slowly and blink several times against the nuisance of bright lights. No worries, Cory, just a tension headache.

    "Liar. You’ve said that for the last six weeks. Are you still experiencing the static with each of those ‘tension’ headaches?" He draws out the word tension.

    No, Cory, just some voices and pain. Okay?

    Cory tilts his head. Masters? He has a habit of calling me by my last name, and I address him the same way.

    Busfield? I already know what he’s about to say.

    You need to have that MRI... He arches a single brow. And don’t give me that oh-so-innocent look. You know damn well if there’s a tumor, the odds are better the earlier it’s discovered.

    It’s not a tumor. I’d know. I entwine my fingers and play thumb wars with my hands, hoping he’ll drop the subject.

    I ought to tell James. Maybe he’ll talk some sense into you.

    I glance at him and give him my best scowl. Ha. James is a real talker... sometimes a real sweet one at inappropriate times. Oh, and did you know, Cory, that he often reeks of sweet and sour? That nasty smelling perfume he claims to be his mother’s? And he thinks I believe him. Psh. Idiot.

    Cory drops his arm from the metal doorframe and marches forward. He slides a chair over and sits beside me.

    I shake my head.

    He places his hands on top of mine, ending my thumb war. His green eyes are set under thick, dark brows that match the color of his hair, and he’s casting his ‘guilty’ verdict at me.

    Look, just because I talk to James, doesn’t mean I tell him everything. He’s somewhat of a distant friend, an acquaintance. He pauses to clear his throat. Can I ask you why you stay with him?

    Do I really have to answer?

    In a barely audible voice, he says, No. But I don’t get why you stay with him.

    Need I remind you how James reacted the last time I broke it off with him? He followed me everywhere, begging and pleading until I finally caved. I slide my hands out from under his.

    Speak of the devil and the devil comes calling. Damn.

    Knock, knock.

    I glare at James. His arms are folded across his chest and his brows are furrowed, his lips in a tight, straight line. He’s obviously pissed.

    There is a long uncomfortable silence.

    He steps into my office. Well, well. What do we have here? He nods at Cory.

    Hey, buddy. What’s up? Cory plays all cool and casual as he drums his fingers on the heavy oak desk.

    Just stopping by to see my girl. James throws an accusatory glare my way, at Cory, and then back at me.

    I give him my best evil stare, and I can’t help calling him out in front of Cory. You’re the untrusted one here.

    Ten shades redder, fingers curled tight into his palms, James grits his teeth. Why do you always kid around, Morgan? It’s really not amusing.

    Why do you always appear unannounced? Why do you BS your way out of the truth? Why—

    Cory slips out of his seat. My break is over. He nods. James. Good to see you.

    Yeah, sure, James grumbles.

    As Cory exits, he stops and glances over his shoulder at me. You really ought to do something about that little issue, Morgan, he says and winks before he disappears in the hall.

    Nice. Thanks, Cory. You’re a real hero. I’ll be sure to pay you back!

    I turn toward James. His arms are still folded across his chest.

    Shut up before you say something foolish, I say.

    Don’t speak to me in that tone, if you care to continue this relationship. His lips knit together in a tight line.

    Get out. Just get out because I, I pat my chest, I don't care what you do. Go find your stupid little whore for all I care. Just get the hell—

    James pounds both fists on my desk as he leans toward me. Stupid little whore? Why, I’m standing in front of her now, he shouts and spit flies from his mouth.

    I scoot forward, closer to him, and I really want to laugh. His statement has no backbone and mirrors his own behavior. If I were a whore, I would have slept with you by now.

    He lifts his hands and rakes his fingers through his hair. I think he’s taken aback by my rebuttal. Good.

    James shakes his head as he often does. Unbelievable. Maybe you should expound on Cory’s last statement. You know, your ‘little issue?’ And what little issue do you need to take care of? Are you sleeping with him? Is that why you’re on the defense, why you won’t sleep with me?

    I offer no explanation. He can stew over the answer. I push back, stand, and walk toward the door. Waving my hand in the direction of the hallway, I say, Get. Out.

    We’re done! Through. Over! He bangs his shoulder against mine as he storms out of my office. Of course, he can’t leave without getting in a few more digs. He points a finger and his eyes have little red devils dancing in them. You’ll regret this!

    I round on my heels, and before shutting and locking the door, I say, I seriously doubt it.

    James and I... well, we’re like an inferno to a deluge. Totally incompatible.

    BY THE TIME I GET HOME, I feel another headache coming on. I pop a couple of Advil and drop on the couch. Thirty minutes later the headache is worse. The knifing pain strengthens and there’s an aura of shadows dancing down long, dark halls in some motel. I squeeze my eyes tighter, harder, as if I can force the images to dissolve.

    I stumble down the hall into my parents’ room and crash on their bed. Why weren’t they here? Mom would take the pain away. She always did. I know they passed away, but I’ll never stop wanting them.

    I clutch the pillow and rumple the sheets. Morgan Masters, you have to pull yourself together. I can’t lie in here. I need to get up and get ready. My friends want to celebrate Jen’s promotion, and I have to go to prove how normal and proud I am for her accomplishment. I head toward the bathroom to get ready.

    A NEON-BLUE MARTINI glass flashes in the background just beyond the entrance of the bar.

    I.D. The dark-haired bouncer holds out his hand.

    I slip my driver’s license into his open palm and glance up to discover he isn’t looking at my I.D. His blue eyes are fixed on my cleavage.

    He drops his hand on the counter, arches an eyebrow, and puckers his lips.

    The snorting giggles of my friends, Amy and Layne, erupt from behind. Out of the three, Jen’s silent. She isn’t the flirtatious type and by the sultry look on her face, she finds no humor in his actions either.

    Maybe his behavior won him one-night-stands, but not this time. I view his activity with unconcealed disgust. Mischief gleams in his eyes as I attempt to retrieve my I.D. His hand clasps over mine. I shake it free, retrieving my license in the process.

    A smile stretches across his lips. Wait! I didn’t get a good look.

    At what? My tits or my license?

    Neither.

    Too bad.

    Ah, a real spitfire. My kind of girl. He winks.

    Jerk. I flip my hair over my shoulders, raise my head, and march forward.

    Words continue to spew from his lips.

    Unfortunately, I have to turn back to locate my friends.

    The imprudent little prick licks his lips and blows me a kiss.

    My middle finger greets his advances.

    He thrusts his pelvis and pumps it several times.

    I turn away in total revulsion.

    Layne grabs my shoulder. Morgan Masters! What’s wrong with you? He’s the hottest guy here and a bouncer at that. She grins. He wants you! She speaks as if he’s some kind of prize to be won.

    Sigh.

    He’s all yours, Layne. Go get him, Tiger! He’s not my kind of guy—go work your magic. Just tell him I’m a lesbo.

    I love men, but not overconfident jerks, like James.

    Well, who is your type?

    I answer with a shoulder shrug.

    You’ll die an old maid, Morgan. You’re too picky and you’ll never find a Romeo riding in on a white horse.

    I grin. I didn’t know Romeo rode a white horse.

    Exactly. He doesn’t. You’re waiting for someone who doesn’t exist—not in this world. You know, Layne huffs. We all know James is Mister Wrong, but you’re going to turn into an old, dried up prune waiting for Mister Right.

    Humph. I’d rather die an old prune than a sour puss... if you catch my drift. I nudge her.

    Layne chuckles.

    There’s nothing funny about it. I find it repulsive. That no good shriveled up worm.

    She goes into a fit of laughter. Oh, Morgan. You really do crack me up!

    Dang, girl. Them jeans. Nice, tight squee— Jerkoff number...

    Eddie! I turn around and let my crazy, redheaded, green-eyed friend drag me into a tight embrace. And when I say tight, I mean I can’t breathe tight. You come here often?

    He releases me and when he smiles, his gums and big, white teeth are all I see. Nah, he says. I’ve just got Morgan radar and know when I’ll need to rescue you. Wanna dance?

    Nooo— And just like that, Eddie yanks me forward and hauls me out on the dance floor.

    Too bad, he says. You’re gonna have some fun while I’m here, dearest friend.

    Eddie and I go all the way back to kindergarten. He was the most annoying kid in my class and he targeted me. Pulling my pigtails... tagging me every time he was it and when I’d try to tag him back, he’d never let me catch him. But he grew on me and never let anyone pick on me all throughout our school years.

    THE SMELL OF SWEATY bodies and alcohol sours my stomach. Loud music thumps in my ears. People walk about, some with a single beer and some with two, while others slam shots of this or that. Why did I subject myself to this? Ugh! Oh, right. Jen’s promotion and to forget about James walking out on me. Not that it crushes me, but it isn’t over. He’ll come back begging, as usual.

    The night lingers and my only entertainment is watching the morons, the inebriated, and desperate girls who’ll stop at nothing for a little bit of attention. Despicable. I shift in my seat and watch Layne as she sidles up next to the puke of a bouncer.

    Another headache develops. I press the butt of my palms against my brows and close my eyes. Everything blurs, but I can see someone. They walk into a dark tree line. I feel a tug and I’m suddenly short of breath. Something cold and frothy touches my skin and then I realize the person in my head is... me. And I’m screaming, Help me! Please, oh please! The rest of my words garble. A massive shadow hovers over me. I feel a network of goose bumps rise along my skin.

    MM-mmorgan... I jump at the touch and it snaps me back to reality. It’s Amy and her speech is slurred. I raise my head to catch her stumbling in front of me. I... need zum alc O hal. She laughs and weaves toward the bar.

    Anxious over the headache and whatever message it carries, I want nothing more than to go home. Instead of verbally informing my friends that I’m leaving, I send them a text.

    The bouncer catches me as I head toward the exit, and he flips me that disgusting I-want-to-hook up-with-you smile.

    I stick a finger in my mouth, motioning a gag.

    He winks.

    I roll my eyes. No thanks, limp dick.

    Nothing limp here, baby, he says as he gropes his crotch. Come over here and I’ll show you the one eye of Jake.

    Huh? One eye of—ohh! He names his penis! That is so nasty!

    He continues with long strokes along his personal member. Jake with one eye... puh-lease.

    Take thy foot and shove it in thy mouth. I should have known better than to comment in the first place.

    I drive home wondering what’s wrong with the world. Please, God. Take me to the land of happily ever after!

    A little voice in the back of my head whispers, Be careful what you wish for.

    AFTER A QUICK SHOWER, I stretch my arms wide and inhale the clean air of my bedroom. The refreshing smell of bed linens gives a sense of cleanliness after the stench of the bar. My body greets the fluff of the mattress and my thoughts drift. I wonder if Layne’s earlier statement is true. Will I ever find the man of my dreams? Was it too much to ask for a simple man who loves the outdoors and is not a drunken fool or a cheating, future lawyer? Am I too fussy for wanting the fairytale—a fairytale which probably doesn’t exist in this world? A perfect marriage, happy family, and love never ending? My parents, heaven rest their souls, seemed to have lived the tale. They couldn’t have been the only humans who’d lived the dream.

    God, did I ever miss them. Mom’s homemade meals every night, and always a very special one when dad would return from whatever secret mission his job led him to. Dad. He’d been somewhat of a mystery. His job was a super-secret, something we, or anyone else, could never know about. The only explanation my father gave was that he worked for some secret society, one that would someday benefit me.

    The memory angers me. When, Dad. When did those benefits ever help me? Just look at me, will you? Where’s the benefit? You died too soon. You and... and Mom. The aching pain in my heart grows with each thought of them dying. An unknown adversary had chased them into a large boulder where their car exploded on impact. The emergency workers and law enforcement said they’d been burned to ashes. I could never swallow the thought of what a horrible death it was. Just horrible.

    It left me bitter. The world had suddenly filled with a whole lot of ugly. Everything is bad. I hate this life, this world, and the terrible people committing crimes, selling drugs, but more than anything, I hate the stranger who had killed my parents, ending my once happy family. But I still have pieces of them all around me. Being an only child left me with our house and everything my parents had accumulated. Dad’s job had brought in a lucrative salary.

    My phone rings. DING, DING, DONG.

    James flashes across the screen.

    What do you want?

    Hey, baby. I just want to apologize, he mutters.

    Mm-hmm.

    Awe. Come on. You know I love you.

    He’s drunk.

    Mm-hmm. But I wish he didn’t love me.

    What’d you do tonight?

    Why don’t you tell me what you did first?

    Oh. The Zone. Yeah, some of the guys and I had a few drinks.

    He’s lying! The jerk was supposed to meet some ‘pals’ at The Golden Nugget, his usual hang out. Wait! No. No friggin’ way! I recall Terri telling me she was going to The Zone to meet up with friends. She hadn’t invited me, something she used to do until I introduced her to my boyfriend.

    Hang— James says and I can hear the static from his hand sliding over the speaker. And then I hear muffles, like someone’s kissing him before the sound of his phone clatters to the ground.

    There’s some shuffling and he finally gets back on the line. His voice now thick, he says, Sorry. I-I’m a little drunk.

    Freakin’ liar. I can hear her in the background, James. We’re definitely done. Get it? D-O-N-E. Done.

    But—

    No. Not going to hear it. We were through when you walked out of my office. It feels good to say that to him, even if I’ve said it a thousand times before, it’s even better this time.

    A voice too feminine to be James, whispers, Shh. Come on. You’ve got me.

    Yes, James. You have Terri. Tell the bitch congratulations and not to call herself my friend.

    There’s a startled gasp and I know it’s Terri.

    No, no. It’s not— I end the call before he can finish his lie, and place the phone on the nightstand.

    Hallelujah! We’re done. OVER. Ah. What an amazing feeling. I sink deeper into the pillows and stare at the speckles, visible from the glare of the street lamp seeping through my window, glimmering on the ceiling. My thoughts drift.

    What I want is some-kind-of-wonderful. The secret paradise my parents talked privately about. A place where two lovers could forever share a love so deep, nothing could take it away. We’ll never grow old and... I’ll never find it here. A dreamer, that’s me, and I’m slowly fading into the world of sleep.

    I’m standing in a large glass enclosure... in motionless water, but I’m not alone. I know I’m trapped in the four-foot section, not too far from the endless pool’s edge. I also know that escape should be easy, but I’m stifled by the intruder’s presence, and I stand erect, paralyzed by fear. My heart pumps harder—my nostrils flare.

    I try to be silent, but my breathing turns rapid as creases ripple across the length of the pool. I want to run, but I’m terrified, certain my legs are dead weight anchoring me to one spot.

    Wake up! Wake up or you’re going to die!

    The ripples turn to waves and swoosh past the long stretch ahead before slapping the wall and retreating. I sense his approach. My heart quivers. Blood rushes up my neck and thuds against my eardrums. Chills sweep in a feathery dance along my spine, and I shiver.

    My windpipes whistle.

    He hears it... the panic in my breathing.

    His energy radiates, sending a chain reaction of goose bumps to mix with the crosshairs of my skin as he moves closer. His shadow towers and spills far ahead. No need to turn around; I know he’s peering down at me.

    Escape is out of the question. He’ll never allow it. Before I can react, burly arms wrap around me and pull me tight against a massive chest. With the weight of his body, he presses into my back and plunges us into the water. The cement bottom gives away and a powerful vacuum sucks us under before the cement seals itself behind.

    I hold my breath until I can no longer—

    Huh-huh. I gasp as I wake and lap in some much needed oxygen. The image of the intruder is crowding my head, and the dream lingers.

    I toss and turn, hum a song, bury my head under the pillows, yank the blankets over my head, and still, the dream hovers. Who is the stranger and why a pool?

    I want to re-enter the dream, but fail as I fall into a peaceful sleep.

    2 - Over The Edge

    Deep in my soul I feel lonely. All hopes are fading away as I spiral down. If I had to make a wish, I’d wish for peace to befall me.

    DUST PARTICLES FLOAT ALONG A BURST of sunlight beaming through the split in the curtains. I don’t want to get up, but the sound of wind whistling through the leafy trees brings me out of the lonely king size bed. A cup of tea and reading the morning paper is the norm, but not today. I can’t concentrate on the paper when my thoughts linger on the dream.

    I poke my head outside and absorb the warmth of the sunlight as it kisses my skin. Leaves dance in circles, flipping back and forth until a wind gust swooshes them up and scatters them every-which-way.

    The damn dream forces its way into my thoughts. Something about it has a tight grip on me—a warning of some sort, the same gut wrenching one I had once before. I smell it, taste it, fear it. Tears fill my eyes and drip simultaneously down my cheeks. I pinch my lids closed and swallow hard, an attempt to push the memory into the hidden files of my brain. It doesn’t work. The memory of that tragic accident, the one that brought death to my parents, comes crashing back.

    I recall the achiness in my head—my cloudy thoughts, and my once upon a time best friend, Terri, standing at my side as the news of my parents tragic ending was delivered to me.

    I wanted to abandon all hope and give up, but it was Terri who scolded me by saying ‘Mary and Joe Masters wouldn’t want to see their daughter become nobody, a loser.’

    I need to shake off the negative vibes; not dwell on postmortems.

    It’s Saturday and I have the following week off work—a merit well overdue.

    As an interning neuroscience major, my duties seem endless, forbearing, and I’m convinced I’m stressed, nothing more.

    After a warm shower, I thumb through my wardrobe, deciding a white sundress will be appropriate for taking a drive to the mountains. The day’s perfect and a scenic drive promises a grand escape.

    I hop into my BMW M6 convertible, the one thing I spoiled myself with, and open the garage.

    Shifting in reverse, I press a little too heavy on the gas and the car squeals out of the garage. It always perturbs my grouchy old neighbor who pretends he doesn’t like me, but I know he does. I’ve got a need to remind him of the spunky young woman living next door.

    A quick glance in the rearview mirror­—I slam on the brakes.

    What the hell? The wretched smell of rubber fills the air. Some redheaded, scruffy-bearded hobo with black rimmed glasses—much too big for his face—stands in my driveway. What does he want? Is he begging me to run him down?

    You idiot, I shout. The nimrod shoves his hands deep into his pockets and stares blankly at me.

    My heart races wild and furious as I bite back profane words about to spill from my lips. I’m hot because this fool has ruined my entertainment of pissing off the old man. I step out of the car and turn in his direction. It’s only seconds I turned my head, and when I snap my eyes to where he was standing, he’s gone. I walk out further, scope the area around the house, but he’s nowhere in sight.

    Freak show.

    A clattering noise next door startles me and I flip around.

    Dumped my tools, Miss Morgan. Sorry I scared yah, Mr. Bumble says. His lip curls and his eyes are mere slits. The old Butt wasn’t sorry. He dumped his tools on purpose.

    Did you happen to see anybody walking around the premises? I ask.

    Nope. Can’t say that I have. You lookin’ for someone, are yah? Maybe some young fella?

    No fella’s, just some weirdo wandering around the neighborhood. No worries, Mr. Bumble. Have a nice day. I wave and rush back to my car before he catches up to me. He’s still gabbling about this and that, and he’ll yack all day if I stay put.

    I can’t do it. I can’t engage in conversation with Mr. Bumble. He’ll bring up the painful subject of my parents. I don’t want to think about the days where my father often sat on Mr. Bumble’s porch, conversing with him. Or the times Mr. Bumble would work with my mother, each sharing ideas, and working together on their landscape. The neighbor isn’t all that grouchy, though the once young and naive me thought most elderly people were. He never fails to reminisce or mention how much he misses my parents. I miss them too, but to think about it brings back floods of memories.

    The days my parents spent together, when dad wasn’t on some secret mission, were always beautiful memories. My parents were perfect.

    Why can’t I find that special someone?

    I’ll never get over the feelings of guilt, for sensing something bad was going to happen. If only I had called them... and what? Asked them to stay home? But I had no idea why I was getting those negative vibes. If only I had known....

    I hop back into the car and shake off the ordeal. Strapping my iTouch to my arm, I poke the record button. I like to capture whatever surprises nature has to offer, often listening to the sounds when I go to bed.

    THE SUN GLISTENS THROUGH the damp trees in the mountain passes. As I reach higher altitudes, the temperature drops a few degrees. I hit the latch release button and the roof drops back. Inhaling the essence of mountain pine and earthy scents heighten my senses and reminds me there are still some good things left in this world.

    I stop to get out of the car and brave standing near the dropped edges to peer at the scenic stretch. I’m a little too close to the ledge and take a few steps back. The anxiousness of falling causes me to flip around and dart toward the shelter of my car. My reunion ends when a black sedan with heavy window tint drives by slowly. It disappears around an uphill curve. I didn’t put too much thought into it—until the same car reappears coming down the hill. The driver seems to deliberately slow to a mere crawl, aggravating the drivers behind him. I watch as the window slowly slides down and reveals the freak that was in my driveway earlier. He continues his slow pace and pokes his head out of the window as he drives past. Who the hell is he and why is he following me? Should I fear him?

    After a quick retreat into my car, I drive a little further before an uneasy feeling stirs inside my stomach. Little warnings are burning in my head as they had when I woke up this morning. What’s wrong with me? Nothing, nothing... you’re just anxious... and panicky.

    I feel like there’s an invisible intruder... watching and waiting for the right moment to jump out—and do what? Nonsense. Just plain nonsense. I shrug the thoughts by replacing them with ideas of James and Terri. Not much better. Ick.

    And then I dare to peek in the rearview mirror. Damn! The creeper is lurking, again! He’s behind me and this time there’s another creep in his passenger seat.

    Two psychos, great! Why the hell are they following me?

    I swerve onto the shoulder and slam on the brakes. The car screeches to a halt. I leap out. The two men following me drive so slowly, as if they’re riding on top of a turtle, and they stare with expressionless faces. I wave my hands and try to make them stop, although I’m sure I could cross the street and I’d look like the hare that jumped the turtle, but as I’m thinking of ‘The Turtle and the Hare,’ I’m suddenly breathless. What I see—

    POOF! The two men and their car disappear into a thick fog.

    I saw them. I know I did. I did. I’m not crazy. I get back into my car and get the hell off Freak Street.

    The clouds roll in and massive drops of rain come splattering down. The sun was shining minutes ago, the two weirdo’s showed up, disappeared, and now there’s a drastic change of weather. Am I driving into ‘The Twilight Zone?’ Something eerie is going down.

    Thunder grumbles with currents of lighting spearing through the cloudy sky.

    My gut aches. My heart pounds. I’m terrified. The calm-before-the-storm. The words scroll before my eyes.

    My limbs quiver. I can’t race fast enough down the mountain. I want to be home in my comfort zone.

    Large shards of purple lightning discharge across the black sky.

    I hadn’t taken any medicine that would affect my sight or my mental status. I never drink or use illicit drugs. I slap my cheeks like they do in the movies to see if I’m awake. I’m definitely awake.

    There’s no logical answer for what I see.

    In the rearview mirror, bigger and darker clouds drop from the sky. They’re rolling forward, toward my car, gaining in size and speed. Well, Morgan Masters, you might get your happily ever after! Or is it happily NEVER after? I’m getting the latter, definitely the latter!

    A warm feeling kisses my skin. I figure this might be the last time I’ll get to pray to the one who created all humanity.

    Spare my life, Father. If this you cannot do, please forgive all of my sins... and please, make my ending as painless as possible... pretty please?

    Streaks of electrical sparks fly from my car and I lose all control. The flash of light blinds me. As my sight returns, the crisscrossed signs of Rock Ridge Road and Mountain Ridge Road blow past. The only thing in front of me—

    Oh, God! The calm is gone. Fear is the bullet ripping through my heart.

    The name of the bullet—GRAVE.

    The possibility of death—Imminent.

    To die alone in darkness.

    Have I been that bad?

    My pulse pounds in my ears and my head spins wild and crazy.

    DEATH!

    Splattering at the bottom of the mountain... a gruesome ending... Oh, please God, no. I’m not ready to die. Please... take me away—away from this horrible sentence!

    Gasping!

    Air! I need ai—

    Acid and blood taints my tongue.

    Please spare me from this horrible ending.

    The ground zeroes in.

    Faster.

    Faster and—

    I’m going to splatter over the jagged rocks.

    The car spirals. My head spirals with it—everything’s blurry before...

    A sickness swirls inside my gut. The horror of the death I’m falling toward

    My world... instantly hushes.

    3 - A Stranger Within

    Time stills in the shadows. Crude cries resound in the tomb of darkness as they bounce from tree to tree. A sudden raw memory of fear swoons in and overwhelms me.

    MY CONSCIOUSNESS SPIRALS DOWN INTO A dark tunnel until only a pinpoint of light is visible... then flickering from existence. Death. I wonder how I could be dead if I’m consciously thinking about death. Is my soul speaking? Is that even possible?

    Something hot oozes down my cheek.

    And I hear Lub-dub, lub-dub.

    Is that my... My heart is beating in a lovely rhythm. I can’t feel it, but I can hear it, and I know I’m not dead. I can’t be dead unless....

    No. I don’t believe in bloodsuckers. Vampires are stupid and don’t have hearts that beat. They’re not even real.

    Wait. Something new—a sharp, searing pain shoots through my gut. Don’t people see stars when they’re in terrible pain? I see black, green, and purple specks flickering under my eyelids.

    More creepiness.

    "PSs... PSs... PSs..." A million voices whisper and clash. Wind swishes through trees, shakes the whispers, and though I see nothing, I hear the whispers closing in.

    Closer.

    Louder.

    Clearer.

    "Come... Come... Come, come, come..." they cry, and cry, and cry, until—

    A loud "Shhhhuuuussh" quiets them.

    I wait, and wait, thinking death will take me.

    Lub.

    Dub.

    Oh, God, it hurts. My lungs... they’re on fire.

    There’s a long exasperating hiss. I’m suffocating.

    No breath, no heartbeat. Only the lingering echo of thought toys around in my head.

    I wonder if I’m dead now? Or... paralyzed? NO. Death would be better—

    Or would it?

    Just when I think death, everything spins and I feel like my body parts are being sucked out.

    There’s no pain.

    A peaceful calm fills the panicked voices inside my head.

    But nothing calm or peaceful seems to last, and now a forceful blow echoes with clicks and pauses.

    There’s a faint buzzing of overhead lights whizzing by. Streaks of fluorescence pierce the tiny slits between my eyelids.

    And then it all goes away, allowing nothingness to take hold once more.

    Time.

    I have nothing, but time.

    Time hangs in the shadows of darkness.

    Thug!

    HUP!

    Ugh.

    Huh-whew-huh-whew— I’m struggling to suck in air.

    But, I’m Alive!

    Inhale... exhale. It’s getting easier to breathe.

    I hear something.

    A whisper.

    I attempt to turn toward the murmur, but my cheek collides with something wet and sticky. Traces of dewdrops taint my senses. It’s a beautiful assault; one that brings me out of the darkness.

    I blink my eyes a few times. Everything blurs together. The hazy vapors clear after a few more blinks.

    Whoa—where the hell am I?

    MY MIND MOVES BLINDLY as my body goes nowhere. I try to lift my arms, but they refuse to respond. In fact, none of me responds.

    Here I lie on the flat of my back, staring through the abyss of trees at a small peephole opening to the sky.

    I close my eyes and focus on the sounds around me. A sudden whir, like a gush of wind moves nearer and louder.

    My heart races.

    It whooshes closer, too close.

    Words bubble up my throat. Oh, God! I don’t want to die! God, help me!

    A new silence envelops me, and it doesn’t make me feel better. I’m on the edge of life and death and I’m not sure I want to see what fate awaits me, but curiosity gets the better of me and I attempt to arch my neck to see what lurks behind me.

    "Do not look for what you cannot see. Close your eyes, Morgan Masters," he whispers.

    I shudder. W-Who are you? W-Where am I? W-What do you mean?

    "Close your eyes. Close your eyes and look into your heart, Morgan Masters, and you will see."

    Do I want to see whatever ‘this’ is? I could die either way, if I’m not already dead. Better to do it with my eyes wide shut.

    "Breathe in slowly and release."

    I follow his instruction. Inhale... Exhale.

    "Release your fear and I shall take you beyond your world. Do you remember your world, Morgan Masters?"

    My world. My what? I remember my name, but you already know it.

    Your world, Morgan Masters.

    I... I don’t know what that is. My world. What is it?

    Good, good. Nothing to fear. You will find your place in due time. Think not into the matter, but live for each moment. Are you still frightened?

    I think, hell yes! But I respond with an I don’t know.

    "Now keep your eyes closed as I gently lift you from the ground. Do not look back at me. Only look where you can see ahead.

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