Shadows and Stars

by Becca Fanning

  What? Soraya’s getting teary-eyed? I’ve never seen her this way. Pulling her close, I whisper in her ear, “I love you, and I know you love me. Just no more secrets, okay?”

  “You got it. No more secrets,” she says.

  We stay close for a few seconds before I kiss her cheek and shuffle back.

  “I’m done with all the apologies and what ifs. Let’s get it together. We have things to do, both here and in the real world. Too, it’s time we address the balance of our universes and get back to the other realm. And somehow, vessel or not, I’ll figure out a way so that none of us will be trapped here.” I already have a spell brewing. It’s time for me to make this happen.

  My mind is brimming with knowledge of the past and present.

  When I was younger, mother used to say, “With knowledge comes great responsibility.” I just never thought it meant being a superhero and having to save the world.

  It is time. I need to see if I really am this vessel.

  EPILOGUE

  THERE’S a heaviness on my left side. Either I’m losing it, or I’ve gone through a real transformation. Internally, I feel different, more alive. Energy is heaving through me and I wish I could work some of it off. I look over and find Soraya lying on my shoulder, asleep, which explains the extra weight. I’m about to wake her when gravity does it instead. We hit a road bump and she tumbles forward, hitting her head on the back of the seat in front of her.

  “Ouch, shit.” She’s holding her head and mumbling some obscenities.

  I don’t say anything. Instead, I’m waiting for her to say something to confirm it was or wasn’t a dream.

  I’m subtly following her every movement, or so I thought, when she looks over at me.

  “What?” she asks, frowning and rubbing her head. “Why are you looking at me like that? Shit…” She reaches for her bag, starts to dig inside, and comes out with a mirror. “I’m going to have a huge-ass knot. It’s already coming up.”

  She turns toward me. “Do you see it?”

  I couldn’t care less about the knot on her forehead. My mind is elsewhere, and I’m considering outright asking her if the whole werebeast and her being a wolf is real. But if it isn’t, she’ll laugh me into another world.

  Anyway, I’ve been looking at her the whole time. And it doesn’t matter what I say—she won’t believe me. “There’s nothing there, Soraya.”

  I push my head against the headrest and turn my attention to the homes we’re passing, decorated with colorful lights and other festive decor. That’s when I see the large Santa on the roof and conclude, I must have been dreaming. We’re still on the bus.

  She nudges me on my shoulder.

  “Come on, look again…here.” I do. But this time, instead of turning to look at her directly, I look through the compact mirror she’s holding. My gaze falls on the lady sitting across from us. It’s Rose. She smiles. Not even two rows behind her, Caleb’s wearing a pair of shades sitting next to Roman. I gasp, bringing my hand to my chest. Roman winks at me. I ditch the mirror and turn completely around. He’s really there and so are the rest of them. Hot damn, it was all real, which means the spell I did to bring us back really worked.

  I place my hands flat against my thighs and look at them, considering the amount of magic I have in each one of my fingers. I’m itching to make sure it’s still there. If I could move just one thing, I’d be satisfied. The urge is strong, and my fingers start to tremble.

  The bus is slowing down. I turn to the window where my gaze settles on the fallen leaves and then up to the tree branches. Raising my hands, I think about moving a small patch of the fallen leaves. Seconds later, they’re floating in the air. I rotate my finger around and watch as they spin but stop when I hear the whispers coming from passengers. It’s a good thing no one knows I was the one making them move. Still, I’m completely satisfied, and the suspense is gone.

  Soraya places a hand on my knee. “You all right, babe?”

  I smile and nod. “I’m good.”

  She smiles back and snuggles against me. “I’m going to get some more sleep. Wake me when we get home. And just so you know, if Roman is moving back in with you, he’s going to need a trash bag for his clothes. I’m not sharing my side of the closet.”

  Giggling, I rest my chin on her head and release a long breath. “You know we’ll be home in a little while, right?”

  “It’s fine.”

  I’m grateful to have her as my best friend. And I’m even more pleased to know regardless of what form she takes, she’s on my side.

  This could have very well been the best yet worst trip of my life. It was certainly an interesting one. I lean back and turn my attention to the window. I can see Roman’s reflection and it comforts me. I’m drifting off into thought when the driver’s voice starts to come through the loudspeaker.

  “We’re less than twenty minutes from our destination of Melbourne, Ohio. Thanks for traveling Greyhound. I hope you’ve enjoyed your trip.”

  We soon arrive home. I can’t wait to get off the bus and wrap my arms around Roman. I’m looking for him when he comes up behind me, slides his arms around my waist, and whispers, “Whether in this world, or in another, I’m never leaving you again. We may not have as much drama here, but I’m certain I can keep you entertained.”

  Soraya whispers in my other ear, “And if he can’t, I can always bring you back to Paranormal Realms to experience more adventure.”

  Narrowing my gaze at her, I say, “You know, I kind of do see that bump now.”

  Her mouth gapes as she brings her hand to her forehead.

  “So not funny, Winter. Now, just for that, we’re putting up a Christmas tree, doing the decorating thing, and having everyone over for a huge holiday dinner.”

  I huff, probably out of habit more than anything, before looking at Roman. Considering what we’ve been through, the idea doesn’t seem so bad now that he’s here and we’re together.

  Caleb and Rose come up.

  “What’s so funny?” Rose asks.

  “Oh nothing. Just the knot on Soraya’s head,” I say playfully.

  Soraya pokes out her lip. “Keep it up and you’ll be baking too.”

  “I’d like to see that one.” Roman smiles slyly and winks.

  I point a finger at Soraya. “Not happening.”

  “I’m going to leave you folks to it. It’s not been fun. And I hope we don’t have to do it again anytime soon,” Caleb says. He’s about to turn and walk away when Rose stops him.

  “Hold on. I’m leaving as well, so we can split the bill on a ride.”

  Caleb rubs the back of his neck. “Cool.” I’m still sensing some tension coming from him as far as I’m concerned. We’re going to need to clear the air soon; maybe have a one-on-one chat.

  “Tomorrow, we need to get together and talk but today I say we get some rest. Things will be different—”

  A stranger comes from nowhere and cuts Rose off before she can finish.

  “Excuse me, are you Rose White?”

  Rose looks at him suspiciously. “I am.”

  “Then this is for you.” He hands her a letter and walks away.

  We all wait patiently as she reads it.

  “Umm, guys, I don’t think we’ll be getting any rest tonight. It looks like we’re being called on by the Paranormal Realms council.”

  I’m not sure what that means but judging by everyone’s faces—things just got real.

  * * *

  The End

  * * *

  The Paranormal Realms Series Continues with Caleb’s Destruction. www.evawinters.com/paranormal-romance

  Get your FREE copy of Arms of Danger at https://www.evawinters.com/pnr-subscribe

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Eva Winters is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes compelling paranormal, mystery, suspense, and contemporary romance stories. Although her works are fiction, some of her stories may be based on actual events. Her stories will do more than entertai
n you, they’ll leave you wanting more.

  Get other paranormal books by Eva Winters at www.evawinters.com/paranormal-romance

  PARANORMAL TOWN

  CATE FARREN

  Paranormal Town © copyright 2018 Cate Farren

  * * *

  Copyright notice: All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, 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, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely 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.

  PARANORMAL TOWN

  Evil lurks in the unlikeliest of places.

  Fiona’s husband has been murdered. Everyone keeps telling her that he was killed by wild dogs, but she knows different. It was a vampire.

  As Fiona investigates she discovers that her town isn’t quite what it seemed. It is a hotbed of secrets and conspiracies that will do whatever it takes to make sure Fiona keeps quiet.

  * * *

  This short story of about 15,000 words is a prequel to Summer’s Deadly Kiss, the first book in The Vampire Inheritance Saga.

  ONE

  WEREWOLVES. Vampires. Demons. Witches. They were all real.

  "What do you want with me?" Fiona demanded. "Are you going to have me killed?"

  The bars of her cell were as ice cold as the grave. Strobe lighting on the ceiling flickered intermittently. The floor was concrete, hard and as freezing as the rest of the tiny space in which she was imprisoned. It was like being trapped inside a giant freezer. She could even see her breath, misting in front of her.

  "I hadn't realized it was so cold down here," the demon admitted, looking around the basement. "It even makes the heat rushing through my veins shiver." There was a giant box labelled "show hair." He opened it and pulled out a curly ginger wig. "This must be from last year's production of Annie. I really wanted to stop that girl from singing. She was awful. She sounded like a cat with its paw caught in a mincing machine." He put the wig back, glaring at her. "If I killed everyone who sang badly there wouldn't be many people left, especially in this town." He stared at her again before saying, "I know you. You used to be in the town shows. You were in Mary Poppins or Sound of Music or something. You were good."

  "What does a thing like you know about such things?" Fiona asked.

  "I'm just making conversation before I start on the threats and interrogations...and tortures."

  Fiona looked away for a moment, trying to control her breathing. She felt suffocated.

  I have to stand up to this thing. I have to look it in the eye.

  "Are you going to kill me?" Fiona asked again.

  "Killing you would be the best thing to do," said the demon. Its clawed hands gripped the bars, staring at her with some sort of wild hunger. "It would sort out so many problems. It might be fun to see an interfering human suffer too."

  Fiona's voice shook as she said, "You look like Satan."

  "He looks like me. I should've sued for copyright infringement."

  "Are you...are you Satan?"

  "There's no such thing."

  Fiona laughed. "I don't believe you."

  The demon grinned wickedly at her, baring his rows of razor sharp teeth. It was unholy, an amalgamation of horns, red flesh and evil. It was hellish and it looked at her like it wanted to drag her by her feet into the underworld.

  All the legends of vampires and demons and werewolves are real and they want me dead.

  "You know things," hissed the demon. It gave off the distinct aroma of brimstone, which was quite potent in the cramped basement area they were in. It made her want to gag. "You know things you shouldn't know. You know things a human shouldn't know."

  Fiona shook her head. "No! I don't know anything."

  "Why are you here? Why are you snooping?"

  "I don't have to tell you a thing. I want my lawyer."

  "Would it surprise you to know that all our local lawyers are vampires?"

  "What about the law? Do vampires have to respect the law?"

  "It depends what law you're talking about."

  She crossed her arms, defiant, despite the acrid smell of urine in her pants. She hadn't meant to wet herself. It was just a natural reaction at realizing she lived in a town full of supernatural creatures.

  "Perhaps if you told me your story I might be less inclined to tear the flesh from your bones," said the demon. His words were inviting, sweet even. "I like stories."

  "You're a demon so arrogant he thinks Satan's image was based on him. I will never believe a single word a thing like you says."

  "What have you got to lose?"

  "You promise you won't kill me?" Fiona begged.

  The demon smirked. "I'm not evil, despite my appearance. I grant mercy on occasion."

  Fiona knew a lie when she heard it, but she had to save herself. She had to live. What did she have to lose? Maybe the demon would go easy on her. She knew his assumed human identity and his past. He might actually relate to her story of loss.

  But it looks so evil, so vile...

  How can I trust it?

  She nodded, making up her mind.

  "Fine," she said. "I'll start at the beginning."

  "That's usually the best place to start," said the demon.

  "It all started on the day my husband, the love of my life, was murdered."

  TWO

  "MAMMA MIA TICKETS!" Fiona declared, squealing. "Really?"

  Donovan smiled. "You know I hate musicals, but I might be able to put up with this."

  "We could visit the Statue of Liberty while we're there."

  "We could make love on the Statue of Liberty while we're there."

  “How would we get time up there alone? Unless you’re joking.”

  Fiona smiled enigmatically. "Perhaps."

  The two of them sat outside Chapel Green's only Italian restaurant, Linguini Larry's. The summer of 2013 was shaping up to be a hot one, especially in Maine. The night sky was purple and the smell of flowers permeated the town. Crickets clicked and gulls played. Fiona only saw Donovan, the boy who'd asked her out when she was ten, the young man who'd taken her virginity when she was fifteen, and the adult who'd married her when she was twenty. He was her life.

  Fiona put the theatre tickets into her handbag. She couldn't wait. It was the perfect birthday present from the perfect man.

  He bites his nails. His feet smell. He falls asleep watching movies. He hates my mother.

  So he may not be perfect. He was perfect enough, and that suited Fiona.

  "So do you want to defile one of the park benches?" he asked slyly, sliding his hand under the table. She felt his fingers on her leg, delicately teasing her skin.

  It was something they did on their respective birthdays to keep the passion alive in their marriage. They'd have sex in a public place. They planned on leaving their mark on a wide range of places before they grew old together and couldn't walk without crutches. It was a fun game.

  "I think we did that two years ago," she reminded him. "We almost got caught out by that old man feeding the birds. He probably still has nightmares."

  "What about the gazebo?" he suggested.

  She grinned, taking a breath as his fingers tickled the edge of her underwear. If they could get away with it she'd have him pleasure her right at this table.

  "We haven't done that," she said. She grabbed his free hand across the table, almost knocking aside their empty pla
tes. "Come on. Let's go."

  When they were finished Fiona found herself feeling ecstatic. Donovan was a voracious but kind lover, always giving, and allowing her to pleasure him when it was her turn. Their marriage was never, ever dull. Even their arguments made her feel alive, the anger often fuelling heated passion.

  Fiona leaned back against the side of the band stand and grinned. "I think I pulled a muscle in my leg."

  "Let me massage it better," said Donovan, buttoning up his shirt.

  He pulled her in close for a hug, watching as a young couple holding hands walked by. The girl, about seventeen or eighteen, didn't seem too happy. The red haired boy who held her hand was all smiles, totally loved up.

  "She's going to dump him," said Fiona. "Poor kid."

  "Either that or she's pregnant," said Donovan.

  Fiona shook her head. "I don't think so. I know that look. My mother had that look when she was about to break up with my stepfather. Poor guy didn't see it coming."

  "Stan had a lucky escape from that woman."

  Fiona smiled, ignoring her husband's acidic comments about her mother. She knew the woman could be difficult, often infuriating, but she loved her all the same. Besides, sometimes her mother and Donovan could make her laugh with their silly arguments. It was extremely entertaining.

  "I feel old," Fiona admitted.

  "You're thirty," said Donovan. "You're hardly drawing your pension."

  "Do you remember when we were that young?"

  "I try not to think about it. When I'm with you all I think about is you, not our long lost youth." He cupped her face in his hands. "What's making you so maudlin?"