by R. L. Wilson
Eternal Darkness
The Urban Fae Series Book 4
R.L. Wilson
Copyright © 2020 by R.L. Wilson All rights reserved. No parts of this book reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher.
This is a work of fiction names characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the authors imagination or used in a fictious manner. Any resemblance to actual person living or dead or actual events is purely coincidental.
Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Cover Designer: Gombar Sonja
Editing: Theresa Schultz
Proof Reader: Cassie Hess-Dean
Formatting: R.L. Wilson
R.L.Wilson Eternal Darkness, The Urban Fae Series, Book Four.
March 2020 ASIN:
R. L.Wilson/Exquisite Novelty Publishing LLC
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.rlwilsonauthor.com
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Thank you for purchasing Eternal Darkness
Thank you to all my supporters, friends, Arc group, and beta readers for encouraging me, even on the days when I wanted to throw the towel in.
Special thanks to Kelly your mentorship is invaluable. You kept me motivated, gave me advice, and never asked for anything in return. The world needs more people like you.
Special thanks to my husband and kids who stayed up late listening to my ideas and being alpha readers. I hope to make you guys proud of me.
Last but not Least I have to thank God for for giving me the strength and the courage to keep striving.
R.L.Wilson
Once the darkness penetrates your soul there's no escaping.
I'm going to murder the devil.
I don't know how because he has extreme magic. Making him too powerful for anyone to destroy. But I've sworn to get my revenge. What mattered to me most was stolen by him. The only options left for me are to be forever enslaved, or killed by him. A fate shared by Detroit as well.
Armed with my supernatural gang and black magic I'm hot on the devil's trail. But time is not on my side. Ongoing chaos and constant battles derail me from my destination.
Finally, I find the answer, which is a chilling one.
Embrace the darkness.
To beat the devil, I have to let my heart become as foul as his. I'm crossing over to the dark side, now there's no stopping me.
Read the dark magical conclusion of the Urban Fae Series and see for yourself why this series is loved by fans of Charlaine Harris.
Contents
1. Eternal Darkness
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Sneak Peek of: To claim a bear
Also by R.L. Wilson
Chapter One
Eternal Darkness
Revenge is mine.
“Prentiss has to die.” I glare at Kato. “He killed my mom and now claims he has my dad,” I shout, and clench my teeth tight as anger flits within my being.
“We know that can’t be true.” He grabs the knob and lowers the music on the radio. “Your dad died several years ago, right?”
“I’m not so sure, Kato. After learning the truth about my mom, I’m not sure who my actual father is.” I blink back tears. I’m lost, a shell of myself. Nothing to call my own.
Kato hits another pothole, causing my head to jerk forward, nearly hitting the windshield.
“I’m sorry,” Kato says. Riding in the car with Kato is an adventure. But we have to get to Momma’s house. I’ve got to pack my clothes and head to Detroit. Before that, I pack away Momma’s life. Her personal belongings fit in a small suitcase. I’m not sure of the next time I will return to this hellhole. I’m so angry I could spit fire.
I came to New Orleans mission driven. Find Momma at all costs. I completed my task, but I failed Momma. “How could I be so stupid?” I pound my fist into the dashboard. Anger slices through my heart.
The truth is finally being revealed. Momma’s death is only half the battle. There are still hundreds of shadows missing.
He shoots a sharp stare at me, his eyes taking a moment to flicker with compassion. “Don’t beat yourself up about this. It’s not your fault.”
I comprehend what he’s saying, but my primary job was saving Momma and then helping whomever else.
Glancing out the window, I observe the sun shining bright. Sunny days usually make me smile. But not today. I can’t smile when I’m so gloomy inside. I will always remember the way Momma loved rainbows after a storm. The storm I’m in will never end. I’ll never see the rainbow.
Why do I have such a terrible life? I’ll never understand. I don’t have either parent, and now no job.
Prentiss will hurt just like I do.
“You’ll never understand the pain that’s crushing my chest.” It’s a constant gnawing at my lungs.
“I understand.”
“I want blood, do you understand?” A couple of tears race down my face. It’s like I’ve been hit by a two-ton truck.
“We’ll get Prentiss. I’ll devote my life to helping you get revenge,” Kato promises.
He swivels the car into the driveway of Momma’s house. I imagined her running out of the door screaming this was all a nightmare. “I’m fine.”
But she doesn’t. The house is as dark and pale as it had been. Morgan went home to Detroit. No one is here except a faint memory.
I slip my hand in my bra and grab the key. Staring at the key, I brace myself for the brewing anxiety. Opening this door could send me into a panic attack. I have to get Momma’s important things, knowing that she’ll never return.
“Are you ready?” Kato questions.
I nod and hold my breath.
I open the door and a cool breeze races up my legs. Morgan left the central air running.
Kato scuttles in behind me. I’m doing well so far, then I glance at a picture of Momma on the coffee table and I fall to my knees. I let out a screeching cry that I can’t control. It rocks me like I’m having convulsions.
“Why my momma?” I cry.
Kato takes a seat on the floor next to me. He wraps his arms around me, and his warm embrace soothes my heart for a second. But the tears continue to flow from my eyes. I’m vulnerable and in need of love, from anyone.
There’s a void in my life where my parents should be. “How do I move on alone?” I ask while burying my face into Kato’s chest.
He grabs my arms, peeling me away from him. “Look at me.” I narrow my gaze on his green eyes. A lustful expression flashes across his face. “You’re not alone; I’ll always be here for you.”
I cry harder out of gratitude because he sounds sincere. Morgan and Kato are as close to a family as I’m going to get.
“I’ll never let you go.”
I nod as Kato wipes the tears from my face
. At this moment I feel so loved. I sniffle and rise to my feet.
“We’ve got to get going. We have a plane to catch.”
I grab a cardboard box and go to Momma’s room. I stand there for a moment, consumed by the essence of her presence. And I feel her standing here right next to me.
Running my hand across her bed makes me uneasy. I grab her comforter from the bed, close my eyes, and take a sniff. Momma is here—I can smell her, touch her. Pain tugs at my heart like strings on harp. I have to fight through this.
Her jewelry box lies on her dresser. I take the box along with an envelope labeled important papers. I grab her favorite black dress and take a seat on the bed. This is the reality.
The floor creaks with Kato’s footsteps as he re-enters the room. “Only grab a few things. We can come back later to pack.”
“I know. I’m ready.” I never want to return here. Tackling all my fears, I push them down in the box with Momma’s belongings.
I grab my luggage and roll it out to the door. As Kato grabbed the box full of Momma things.
“How much time do we have?” I question.
Kato glances down at his watch. “About ten minutes.”
“I’ll grab me a bottle of water. Do you want one?”
“No, I’ll turn off all the lights,” Kato says before walking toward the bathroom.
I grab a bottle of water and glance out the window when I hear a screeching tire sound coming from the front of the house.
I race to the living room and open the blinds to find two all-black SUVs with tinted windows.
“KATO! KATO!” I scream.
He races to the front with wide eyes. “What’s wrong?”
“Look,” I yell, pointing to the cars outside.
He walks closer to the window with a glare of defeat on his face. His facial expression makes my stomach flip. Are we doomed?
Three men in suits jump out wearing sunglasses. They march towards the front door.
“What should we do?”
“I have no clue who they are, but judging by their attire, they’re not from around here.”
The jingle of the doorbell makes me jump. But I’m sure they know we are here. The car is in the driveway. The blinds are partially open.
I swing the door open. “Can I help you?” One tall man with a slight tan stands at the door with navy blue eyes.
I gasp and glance at Kato. There’s a dazed expression of fear on my face.
I shift my attention back to Mr. Blue Eyes. He smirks and says, “Hi, Harmony.”
My breathing becomes more labored as I step back from the door. How the hell does he know my name?
Kato steps in. “Hi.”
The two other men step within view, each with an angry snarl upon their faces.
“We’re here for Harmony.” He clears his throat. “We’ve been instructed to drive her to the airport,” he mutters.
“What? No the hell you are not,” I growl from the shadows of Kato.
“Can we come in?” the man asks.
“Hell no,” I yell.
Cutting me off, Kato says, “We’re on our way to catch a flight.”
“We have a private jet for Harmony, no need to catch a plane,” he explains with a faint grin.
“Listen, I’m not going anywhere to meet Prentiss. So, get away from my house,” I scream.
“Ma’am, we don’t work for Prentiss. We represent important people who want to meet you.”
“Meet me for what?”
Chapter Two
This must be how the rich live.
A bottle of champagne on ice with strawberries on the side sat on the small table separating me from Kato. I sink into the oversized tan leather seats. The seats were better than my Sealy at home. I’ve never been on a plane this nice. Soft music plays in the background, drowning out the man in black’s loud snoring. What is this all about? I'm going to enjoy the luxury plane. It’s the quiet before the shit show.
I glance out the window of the private jet. My eyes widen in horror and I shiver as we pass by huge white clouds. While flying thousands of feet in the air. I have a fear of heights. I refuse to glance out the window on planes. With last night’s supper suddenly quivering in my abdomen, I remember why.
If I didn't want to assist the people of my city, and save myself from a lifetime of misery, I’d avoid going back to Detroit. Too many painful memories. But Prentiss would rule, and no one would be safe. But for my city and revenge for my mother, I'm coming home, kicking ass, and taking names.
Kato grabs a white envelope from the table. “Your name is on this envelope,” Kato explains while handing the envelope to me.
I feel for thickness, but the envelope is thin. I put it to my ear.
“It’s too tiny to be a bomb,” Kato chuckles.
Flipping the envelope open makes my lungs stiffen. I fear what it might say.
“What does it say?” Kato urges.
“It says, ‘Thank you for accepting our invitation. Enjoy the champagne. We will talk when you land.’”
“Who can afford to send a private plane to pick us up?” Kato whispers.
I shrug. I’m trying to stay calm, but think this is a set-up. We don’t have a clue where this plane is landing. We are on here with complete strangers. One is snoring and the other with orange hair is listening to headphones, but I see the gun he has hidden on his hip. His long black jacket covers it, but the coat slipped to the side and a silver gun stared at me. Magic doesn’t stop bullets.
They insisted and wouldn’t take no for an answer. Besides, both of my parents are gone so if this is the end, it was fun while it lasted.
The plane ride flies by. I was expecting a four- or five-hour flight. There is no layover or lousy airport food. Straight shot, two and a half hours flat. I could get used to this.
The plane slowly loses altitude as we prepare for landing at an airport. I check the scene out to make sure we’re in Detroit. Judging by the snow piles and the thick ice on the ground, I am definitely home.
As we exit the plane a set of black cars come to a screeching halt in front of us. My gaze darts to Kato as I wonder what this is all about. The driver gets out, then opens the back door. He said nothing, but I guess this means he wants us to hop in.
Kato continues pushing the luggage to an unmarked vehicle. Then he turns to me and says, “Let the games begin.”
Slipping into my seat, a chill creeps up my spine from the cold leather. I rub my hands together trying to heat them. I’d been in New Orleans for a while and forgot the pain of frost slicing through your clothes.
“We might have to fight,” Kato whispers in my ear.
Nodding agreement, I whisper back, “I’m ready.” I grab the Chapstick from my purse as well as my bracelet. I snap the bracelet on my wrist just in case I need my witch dust.
I’m expecting to see Prentiss in the flesh. Horns protruding and fangs bared. When I see Prentiss, it’s always a brawl on sight.
The car parks and I scan the scenery. Where the hell are we? I dart my gaze to Kato.
“This is the mayor’s mansion.”
“What are we doing here?”
He shrugs with bugged eyes.
It’s Detroit, but I’ve never been to this side of town. I guess they keep the roguish souls together. I’m sure they don’t want supernaturals tainting the mansion.
I follow Kato out of the back seat, and immediately we are greeted by security. The mayor definitely got some security from the inner city; these men are enormous, with even bigger gold chains. The largest of the two even has his gun on display on his hip in a holster.
This could be bad. I don’t have enough stamina left to fight. My strategy is to not piss anyone off and walk out alive. Not in a body bag.
No one was born less prepared for this moment than me. I have a ton of flaws, and I get nervous when speaking in front of the wealthy. I always feel insecure around the snobbish types. They look down their noses at poor people like myself.
We stand at the double doors of a white mansion. Staring at each other, I sense the fear in his eyes. But I ring the bell anyway. The doorbell barely has time to ring before the mayor is standing there. No matter how many times I blink, there he stands, grinning. Why is he excited to see me? I’m sure Prentiss knows him, since Prentiss thought he was the mayor of the supernaturals.
“Welcome,” he says, gripping Kato’s hand and then turning to me. I’m not exactly thrilled about being here or shaking his hand. What’s his motive? No one sends a private jet to pick up a nineteen-year-old witch without reason.
He extends his hand and I sigh and shake it. I don’t want to. I should’ve sent a small bolt of electricity down his arm. Then he’d know not to start shit.
“Come on in.”
We enter and I’m expecting there to be an elegant aroma, something expensive. I'm disappointed to find there’s no expensive aroma of overpriced perfume. There’s no smell. Not even Pine Sol. Just plenty of ugly-ass flower paintings hanging on the wall and tall vases with gold trimming.
We get to a room with closed double doors. Sharp pains rattle through my lungs. Prentiss must be here waiting. The mayor’s security slides the doors open. I gasp; I thought Prentiss was here. Instead, there is a massive table filled with several of the paranormal gang leaders. Some I know personally, some I don’t. Even Big Sam is here.
They all rise to their feet and applaud. I grin, walking into the room stunned by all the excitement.
“What’s going on here?” I ask, overjoyed by the welcome home.
I twist back to see Kato smiling and clapping with the others.
