Shadows and Sorcery: A Collection of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance Novels

by Adkins, Heather Marie

  Shaking my head, I glance up and take in the icy streets of Boston. I moved here hoping to leave my past behind me — my family, my pain, and the one person who was there to offer me advice when I needed it. Reid. Wishing the pain and agony would ease, even though after all I’ve been through, I realize it’s impossible.

  As I make my way down the frosty road, a shiver races down my spine. Shoving my hands deeper into the pockets of my jacket, I try walking faster, but the ground underfoot is slippery. Winter has hit, and the snow leaves everything icy cold and void of any color. Like my life. A year ago, on my twentieth birthday, I didn’t foresee the change that’s taken hold of my life.

  The cold seeps into my bones as I walk toward the skyscraper where I’m meant to be starting my first job as an intern. It was the first offer I received which was the farthest away from home. My surprise at being chosen had me wondering why they wanted me when I had little to no experience. But even though I had my doubts, I wasn’t about to let the opportunity go, so I accepted it without a second thought.

  After working so hard during high school, taking the extra college courses paid off, and I was able to graduate early. I was focused, and I knew what I wanted. This was my one chance to leave the past pain behind me and try to live a normal life.

  My folks weren’t happy that I wanted to leave our home in Ohio, but I couldn’t bring myself to stay. To see him everywhere I went. Even though I’m far away, the memories still haunt me.

  I know he’d want me to move on and be happy, but I can’t bring myself to do it. To smile. To enjoy life. How can I when his life was so short? When he was ripped from me before he even had the chance to live. To see what the world has to offer.

  Stepping into the reception area, I take in the elegance of Montgomery Limited, which reminds me of a formidable tower rather than an office building. Those fairytales where the princess is locked away, and her prince comes to save the day. That’s the feeling I get when the whoosh of the sliding door closes behind me.

  Warmth attempts to thaw my rigid frame, but the cold isn’t only in the air outside; it’s in my bones, in my heart. The reception desk is decked in white. Glancing around, I notice the walls, floor, and furniture are all white or silver. The lack of color makes me shiver involuntarily — as if the outside has followed me indoors.

  My black pants and boots, with the charcoal-colored top and jacket, are a stark contrast to my surroundings.

  “Hello, can I help you?” A prim, elegant woman smiles up at me from a faux leather chair. Her silver blouse shimmers under the low lights, and as I near her, I notice her beautifully manicured nails. The image of perfection — blonde, beautiful, happy. The complete opposite of me.

  “Yes, I’m the new intern. Talia Craven.” I offer a small smile. It’s the only one I’ve forced in weeks. Her big blue eyes match the sparkly personality as she grins from ear to ear as if I’ve just told her she’s won the lottery.

  “Great. I’m sure Mr. Montgomery will be happy you’re here early. He normally doesn’t get in till about ten, but he arrived at seven-thirty this morning. I’ll have one of the ladies from HR come down to collect you,” she informs me while lifting the receiver and punching in numbers. “Please, have a seat in the meantime.”

  Turning, I head toward one of the armchairs to settle into. People filter into the foyer and make their way to the bank of elevators, which sits just past the reception desk. What little I know of Montgomery Limited is that they represent some incredibly famous people, from actors and rock stars to models and politicians. With offices in London, New York, and Sydney, they’ve become the go-to company for legal representation.

  Their head office, which sits in the city of Boston, is where everything started. Where Mr. Montgomery Senior started practicing. Kade and Killian Montgomery are known for their expertise both in the political sphere as well as among the entertainment industry elite. Their father, Kristopher Montgomery, passed away years ago from a fight with cancer, and his wife not long after, which left the two brothers to take over the company. I’ve never seen Killian before, but Kade has been on every front-page tabloid, even before he stepped up to the plate as CEO of Montgomery Limited.

  Killian’s been in Europe since after his father’s death, or at least that’s what I’ve read about him. He’s permanently based in the London office. His preference to stay in Europe has left a rift between the two boys. But instinct tells me there’s more to it. When two brothers are set to take over an international enterprise like this, and only one gets named CEO, it’s bound to cause some animosity.

  A moment later, a woman about my age strolls up to me with a smile on her face. “Hello, I’m Rebecca. I’ll be showing you to your new office.” Her sleek, chestnut hair that curls just under her chin shines under the lowlights. Small, black-framed glasses frame pretty green eyes, and her sharp features would look severe, but it’s her smile that softens her face.

  “Hi, I’m Tali.” I introduce myself by offering my hand, which she accepts and shakes happily.

  “Let’s go.” She turns and heads toward the silver elevators and pushes the button to call the car. “So, they tell me you’re from Ohio?”

  Nodding, I meet her inquisitive stare. “Yes. Columbus.” As the doors slide open and we step inside, I calm myself by taking a deep breath.

  “You’ll be okay.” Rebecca glances at me with a kind smile.

  “Yes, I’m sure I will be.”

  Silence falls around us, and I’m thankful for it. I’ve never been one to make small talk, and this is no different. I’m not here to make friends. I’m here to work. To move on. Even as I think the words, I know they’re a lie.

  As soon as we’re deposited on the seventh floor, the noise that comes from the staff milling around is enough to distract me, even for a moment. Which is exactly what I need. “This is your floor. I’ll take you to the office you’ll be sharing with one of the other interns. I’m not sure who Mr. Montgomery will put in here, but for now, you’ve got it to yourself.” I follow her down the hallways, left, right, straight to the end until we reach a set of double doors. When she pushes them open, I step inside and take in my new space.

  The plush black carpet, three walls filled with bookshelves, and two beautiful, steel and glass desks greet me. The fourth wall is floor to ceiling windows with an impressive view of the whole city sitting below me like a sleeping dragon. Waiting, biding its time to unleash itself on me.

  Shaking my head from the dark thoughts, I hoped to start fresh, but I always get this… feeling. As if something is about to happen. “Mr. Montgomery loves the view as well,” Rebecca murmurs from beside me. Casting a glance at her, I take in the blush on her cheeks. Recognizing that faraway look as the same one I used to get about Rhys. She’s got feelings for him.

  “I can understand why.” My response is low as I drag my eyes back to the window, taking in each building. It’s beautiful. And for the first time since I left, I feel a sense of freedom. From my parents’ watchful eyes and from the pain I’d lived with for far too long.

  “I better get back. Your log in details for the computer should be on your desk. The phone can dial out, but try not to overuse the privilege, and if you need me, my extension is on the list.” She points a bright red fingernail toward the sleek new iMac sitting on my desk.

  “Thank you.”

  With that, I’m left alone. Slipping into the black leather chair, I revel at the comfort of the back rest. I reach over to turn the computer on and wait as it powers up. There are two small notes on the desk, one with my log in details as Rebecca mentioned, and the other is a handwritten Welcome.

  The screen lights up, and I’m asked for my details, which I type in easily and hit Enter. The desktop is a generic image of mountains, and when I click on the email app, it bounces as it opens. Before I can do anything more, the inbox floods with welcome messages and introductions.

  One in particular stands out amongst them. One from Kade Montgomery. Fo
r some reason, my heart rate speeds up at his name. For a man who has so many staff, I find it strange that he’d take his time to email an employee directly on her first day. Also since I don’t report directly to him. At least, that’s what I took away from the employment contract.

  Clicking on the message, I open it, and my eyes scan through the almost generic sounding text. Perhaps it’s an automated message sent to all new email addresses set up for staff. Nothing about it stands out or is personalized, so I hit delete and continue through the few hundred other messages.

  It’s only an hour later when my office door flies open that I jerk up from the computer and notice a statuesque blonde standing in the entrance. “Hi.” Her voice is cool, confident, and indifferent. “I’m Presley, your boss for all intents and purposes.” She steps farther into the room, and I take in the casual attire, which doesn’t seem to fit her personality.

  “I’m Tali.” Standing, I round the desk and offer a hand, which she doesn’t accept. Instead, she stalks toward the window and stares outside for a long while.

  “I know who you are. I’ve emailed you a client profile. I’ll need a report by tomorrow lunch time on your views of how best to represent him. Your insight into the case will be a test to see how you interpret the situation and what kind of legal leg we have to stand on.” All the while she talks to me, her eyes stay glued to the window. “I’d like to see if you’re worth the time and effort it will take to train you up. For some reason, the boss thinks you are. Prove it, and I’ll make sure you’re compensated fairly.”

  With that, she turns and walks out of the office without so much as a goodbye. That was strange. So goddamn strange. Sighing, I head back to my desk and open the said email. Scanning through it, I notice it’s a high-profile politician who was caught with his pants down. This should be easy enough; however, it depends on who photographed him. If it was a private investigator or journalists.

  Getting comfortable, I start my research and allow my mind to focus on work instead of the ache that resides in my chest.

  2

  Kade

  Rolling over, I slam my hand down on the alarm clock, effectively silencing the shrill sound. Silence envelops me in its cocoon, and I savor it for a moment before I realize what today is. Her first day at work. I can’t wait to look into those dark eyes, to see what she holds in her mind. Her brokenness called to me when I saw her photo. As if her soul was captured in the image, clawing its way out of the darkness.

  I received the agreement for little Talia Craven four-and-a-half years ago by the source who begged me to guide her, care for her. The only reason he asked me was because he knew he wouldn’t be around to do it. I’d allowed the folder to sit in my desk drawer for weeks before I finally snatched it up, and when I opened it, admonished myself for not taking the chance sooner. By now, she’d have trusted me.

  But, now that she’s here, I’m going to enjoy every moment I have to learn about her. To find out about this girl who’s been tethered to me. Bonded. My father told me about the soul I’m meant to find. He was adamant she would be born in this generation, and when he told me who she was, took me to see her when she was younger, I knew the moment I laid my eyes on her. Destiny took hold of me, and it’s not let up since.

  Anger surges through me that I’m forced to adhere to a centuries’ old tradition, but there will be vengeance. My plan to take down the Order will only be able to be done if Talia is by my side. At first, I wanted to break her, to tear her down, and not allow the Order to win. But over the years, the more I thought about it, the more I realized I had a chance to beat them.

  I want to shatter her. Tear at her sweet, innocent soul. Watching it break, fragment by beautifully alluring fragment. Then I’ll piece it back together. Why? Because of our history.

  Our families. Our souls.

  Also, that’s what I do.

  My gift allows me sight into the most intimate parts of a being. Those hidden depths that they’re all so scared to show. And as soon as I come face to face with Talia, I’ll be able to read hers, to delve into her mind and find what she hides and bring it to the forefront. To learn not only her fears, but also her aspirations, dreams, and desires. For far too long, I’ve wanted to consume her light, mesh it with mine, but I wonder if we joined, would we be stronger than any coupling before because of Talia’s mixed blood?

  Swinging my feet over the edge of my bed, I head into the kitchen and turn on the coffee machine. After last night’s tossing and turning, I need an hour at the gym to calm down before I head into work. Dealing with Presley, or Ley as I like to call her, when I tell her my plans have changed for the beautiful Talia will be a challenge. One that I’m willing to bet will end in blood. Hers.

  But the thought of that meeting pales in comparison to what I have waiting for me in the research department. In the office with the view. Seeing her is the only thing I am looking forward to today. I created the position to keep a close eye on her. When Presley questioned me, I ignored her blatant attempts at pulling information from me.

  My phone buzzes on the counter, dragging me from thoughts of blood. As soon as I glance at the screen, I groan at the lit-up name mocking me. A phone call from my client’s assistant this early in the morning is definitely uncalled for.

  “Ms. Gregory, to what do I owe the pleasure?” I murmur into the phone.

  “Mr. Montgomery, I’m sorry to bother you this early, but Mr. Finnegan has informed me that he would like to meet with you tomorrow at midday. There’s a case he needs assistance with, and he doesn’t want to see anyone else.”

  “That won’t be possible,” I bite out, running my hand through my unruly black hair. “I need to leave the office by eleven tomorrow for another appointment. Tell him if he wants to see me, he’ll have to come through earlier tomorrow morning.” The coffee machine pings, and I grab the cup, now filled with dark, hot java.

  “Okay, I am not sure if—”

  “Did I ask if you’re sure? No. If he needs me, he’ll make a plan. Inform him that I have many clients on my books, and he isn’t the only asshole in need of our services.” My tone is low and gravelly, and I can tell she’s fumbling for a response. This asshole is one of our smaller clients, and if I didn’t know any better, I would have to guess he’s in shit with his wife and the divorce again.

  And my plans for tomorrow are imperative. I’ll be learning all I can about my beautiful little Witch. Soon, she will be all mine for the taking, and I plan on taking. It’s going to be fun to see her break.

  “Yes, sir,” Hayley mumbles meekly, and I know I’ve made my point. Hanging up before she can say anything more, I take a long sip of the Brazilian dark roast. Enjoying the hit of caffeine straight to my bloodstream. Most humans don’t flinch at coffee, but for me, my sensitivity to anything harsh gives me a rush, similar to that of a person shooting up. There are a few things in life I enjoy, coffee being one of them. The other . . . seeing pretty little girls unravel from my skilled touch. Even though Talia isn’t technically a girl, she’ll be the next one on a long list.

  I make my way into the bedroom and grab my workout gear. The showers at the private gym will suffice this morning. I need a clear head when I finally see her in the flesh, or I’ll lose all control and show her who I really am.

  I cut a glance in the full-length mirror, taking in the tattoo that covers half my chest and shoulder, a reminder of what I am. Of my bloodline. It was something I got after the biggest mistake I made. So, whenever I’m on a job, I keep myself in check with the blatant reminder that screams at me. My powers were passed down through the generations of the men in my family. I can’t afford to lose this gift. This ability.

  My reflection in the dim light is enough for me to take in every inch of the ink. The raven spreads its wings in an intricately designed position to fit on the left side of my body. It’s mythic status as a mediator between life and death makes it even more beautiful. It’s such a fine line. One I’ve walked, and one I’ve made t
he choice to cross too many times. Not because I wanted to, but because I had to.

  Watching someone’s life flash in their eyes as they leap over the edge into the next life is a powerful thing to hold in your hand. Yes, I’ve killed. I’ve also watched others die. At first, it was difficult coming to terms with what I was, but as time passed, as the months morphed into one, and the years melded, I’ve become accustomed to eliminating a life. Whether it’s with my hands or with my mind. Both as lethal as the other. Weapons are for amateurs, at least that’s what my brother would say.

  Killian is worse than I am. He would take Talia without regard for anything but quenching his thirst. She has to perish if we’re to survive. There’s no other way. This is what Father told me when I turned sixteen. The Princess will die by my hand. He would’ve done it, but it has to be either Killian or me, or my father would’ve killed her a long time ago.

  Pulling on my sweatpants and T-shirt, I sit on the edge of the bed and slip my feet into a pair of socks and then my sneakers. Excitement courses through my veins at what this day holds. It’s been a long time coming. I’ve waited patiently for her to finish her studies before I made my move and had Presley offer her a position.

  I could’ve done it, killed her a long time ago, but my curiosity with her stopped me. Each time I’ve seen her, watched her, I’ve been enamored with her innocence. She doesn’t know what she is, and that’s something I could use to my advantage.

  Granted, we’ve had interest in hiring interns from Ohio State University for a while, but I never took the chance. I didn’t trust myself to come face to face with the woman who owned half of me. Half of my soul.

  Even though Ley asked me why, all I could offer was that this girl had abilities which will be beneficial to us. Presley has been by my side since I came into my powers. A friend, a confidante, but also, her abilities to see the future has firmed up her position in the company. I need to keep her close, so whenever she sees something fatal, she’ll inform me before it happens.