Dragon
Reign
A Paranormal Love Tale
Pressley James
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Dragon Reign
Copyright © 2017 Pressley James
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission from the author.
Cover design: Asha
SelfPubBookCovers.com/Asha
Author’s Note
This book is dedicated to those who truly believe
in the power of love, forgiveness, and redemption.
Chapter 1
“I’m sorry,” Dr. Peters murmured, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. I know there aren’t any words to describe your disappointment---”
“Disappointment?” she broke in with a trembling voice, and couldn’t disguise the rising bitterness in her tone. She disengaged her hand from his, denying herself what little comfort he sought to offer. “Even you can’t say it out loud, can you, good doctor? Well, I will. I’m never going to see again, am I?”
The doctor paused. “Admittedly, this surgery has provided some setbacks---”
“Could you just stop lying to me for one minute and tell me the cold ugly truth!” she yelled, and surely, her voice was echoing past the sterile hospital room. “I’m never going to see again!”
“Hey, watch it, you moron!” the taxi driver yelled in a thick Slavic accent, slamming on brakes, and then blared the horn at the other driver amidst a string of curses. “You’re going to kill someone!”
As the taxi lurched forward, Nicole Williamson gripped the back of the seat, and the movement was enough to jar her from the state of open misery.
But, was there really any possible way for her to run away from the truth of her reality?
“Sorry about that lady, but we’re here at Landing Park,” the taxi driver said, breaking into her thoughts again, and probably, he was peering over the seat. “I need the fare.”
“Certainly,” she murmured in a shaky voice, still struggling to compose herself since departing the hospital thirty minutes earlier. Frowning she dug through her purse, but still she found it difficult to focus. “How much is it?”
“$12.50. Need any help lugging your shit inside? I’ll help you, but it’ll cost you a few more bucks,” the driver rambled on. “Not trying to jack you or anything---gotta make a living in anyways that you can. You know how it is.”
“Thanks, but no thanks,” she said, finally composed, and slapped the bills into his hand. She grappled the overnight bag from the floor before reaching for the guide dog’s leash. “Macy and I can manage just fine.”
The street sounds greeted her as she left the taxi. Pausing briefly, she held onto the door and inhaled a breath of the city air. The sun’s rays beat upon her light brown face, and for a scant moment, she felt some sense of peace. Finally, Macy gave a soft whine, urging her to move forward. “Sorry, love, I just needed to collect myself,” she sighed, reaching down to give the golden retriever an affectionate pat. “I’m good now.”
Gripping the overnight bag in her hand, she slammed the taxi door shut. Then, with perfect precision, she tapped the cane against the sidewalk before following behind the guide dog.
A few minutes later, they were sailing into the apartment complex, and as usual, the first thing they were greeted with was the super’s voice.
“And finally, she shows up! Where have you been? You know the rent’s due, right?” Mr. Jones muttered between gum smacks, and she imagined him leaning against the counter with a sneer. As he’d been described, the Caucasian super stood at 6’2 and packed over 300 lbs. in fat rather than solid muscle. But, it was his demeanor and attitude that made him displeasing. “Hell, you’re a day late, and you know what I think about late rent, don’t you? That’s grounds for eviction. Read the fine print on your lease, baby doll---oh fuck you can’t, can you? Ouch that didn’t come out right, did it? I forgot that you need some of those bubbly dots to understand it.” The super gave an ugly laugh. “Remind me to update the memo.”
“Still the same dumb asshole, I see, and unfortunately, there’s no remedy for such a casual illness. Born a dick, stay a dick, right?” she murmured dryly, shaking her head with boredom. “Do you have nothing better to do than harass the tenants here? Oh, right, you don’t. If the only thing I did all day was lie around on my fat ass, watch TV, and feast on stale chips and soda, I’d be out of my wits, too.” She gave him a saccharine sweet smile, one that didn’t resonate. “Guess you have to find excitement some kind of way.”
“You’re really something, you know that? What does it take to get a little respect around this place?” Mr. Jones spat, obviously insulted. “I don’t have to take your insults you know.”
She frowned purposefully. “Why don’t we hit remind on this scene, Jones? I come in, you start with the insults, but yet, you’re insulted?” she scoffed in disbelief. “Give me a break. Have you ever heard the adage, ‘give respect and you’ll get it in return’? Obviously not.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever,” Mr. Jones muttered irritably, slapping her mail on the counter. “Take your shit and go. I don’t want to talk to you no more or look at that smelly mutt. Get out of here.”
“Don’t worry, I’m more than eager to leave. The least I have to deal with you, the better,” she said smartly, snatching the mail, and then grasped the dog’s leash time. “Come on, Macy, let’s go.”
With that retort, she left the counter.
“Don’t forget my rent,” Mr. Jones called behind her. “I haven’t forgotten about it, so don’t think that I have.”
“You’ll have it first thing in the morning,” she said, not even bothering to turn around, and headed for the elevator. “A fresh check with my pretty little John Hancock scribbled on it.”
“Oh, and one more thing,” he called out again, and there was no denying the smirk in his voice. “You’ve got company---a new neighbor in fact.”
Whoah…
Now, that fact was suddenly worthy of her attention.
Stopping, she whirled around. “What?”
“Yeah, finally gave you some news to knock the wind out of your snooty sails,” Mr. Jones muttered in satisfaction, and was obviously gladdened at her shaken expression. “Thought it’d be something that you’d want to hear.”
“But, in our agreement, it states t-hat,” she stammered, floored, and clenched Macy’s leash tightly. “…that I’m to be the sole occupant due---”
“Your free ride is over, baby doll,” Mr. Jones gave an abrupt laugh. “Besides that stipulation in your lease was temporary, and you know that. Don’t worry, the bum’s pretty much a recluse. Good news? He’s just as weird as you. So, you should get along famously.” He gave another giggle, not even bothering to hide his glee at her discomfort. “Now have a good day now.”
“Go to hell,” she muttered in annoyance, turning away again.
But, the sound of the closing elevator doors did nothing to stunt the force of the super’s words. Now, in her little private world at Landing Park, there would be some intrusion.
She blew an exasperated breath. “Damn you, Jones.”
Was tormenting her the pesky landlord’s only purpose?
By now, she should be accustomed to his insulting talents, she frowned. But, still, she couldn’t resist returning the jab whenever they clashed which was too often.
Yet, tolerating the irritating super was a necessity, she mulled,
especially since Landing Park was specially equipped. At one point, the building had served as a health facility for the deaf and blind. So, it was fashioned with Braille and other things, and these added perks made life easier to manage. But, five years ago, due to the illegal dealings of its manager, the government had shut the facility down and put it up for sale. As a result, the place had been purchased and renovated into an apartment building.
Ten stories high, the apartment complex held only two units per floor. It’d been the very safety haven she sought when the place had been recommended, and she’d eagerly jumped at the chance of moving here.
And now, she mulled, stepping off the elevator onto the 4th floor, that very privacy was being invaded.
She frowned.
Not that she planned on socializing anyway.
As a matter of fact, she’d make it point not to even breathe the same air space as this new so-called neighbor.
The scent of rich vanilla met her as she pushed the apartment door open. She’d always felt safe here. Still, though, she tensed while hovering in the open doorway.
As always, before venturing inside, she embarked upon the ‘Macy safe test’. The retriever’s actions or inactions in situations always determined hers.
With an excited yelp, Macy trotted into the apartment.
Well, it was a definite pass, she smiled, closing the door behind her, and dropped the luggage on the floor.
She flicked the lights on.
Subconsciously, her world didn’t seem as dark any longer.
She journeyed in the direction of the 65” plasma TV, and once reaching it, she turned it on. At once, the news anchor’s clear distinct tone flooded into the room.
“It looks like it’s going to be a wet and windy one in our beautiful southern city of Atlanta today. So, get out the boots and rain gear because you’re going to need them,” the anchor relayed. “Ramping up to be a good cold soak for the remainder of the day…”
After falling lazily onto the plush armchair, she sifted through the mail. Trailing her fingers lightly over the Braille, she read the inscriptions.
Electricity bill…
Well, that was important, she noted, placing the opened envelope back on the table. Along with the rent, it’d be paid first thing…
A fake advertisement declaring that she was the winner of a new sedan if only she’d visit the auto lot…
“File thirteen,” she said, giving a fast laugh, dropping it into the waste basket by the chair. “Who’s crazy enough to believe such nonsense?”
But, as she read the next letter, her merriment died.
John and Mary Williamson…
213 East Shorter Avenue…
Atlanta, Georgia 35893…
Suddenly, the letter seemed like hot fire in her hands. But, rather than dropping it, she crumpled it into a tight ball. She closed her eyes against the burning tears and swallowed hard. “How dare you?” she whispered, sucking in a tormented breath, and then hurled it into the trash. “You don’t have the right.”
But, wasn’t the crumpled paper symbolic?
For didn’t it represent the state of her life since the horrible accident that’d claimed her sight?
But, dwelling on that fact wasn’t about to change anything.
Taking a steady breath, she straightened in the chair.
Then, reaching over, she turned on the answering machine and began listening to the missed messages.
Beep.
“I can’t believe you haven’t called me. It’s been two weeks! I know you need your space and all that, and I’m trying to respect your wishes. But, you could drop a dime and call a sista. You know that, right?” Leslie’s voice echoed in the room. “Anyway, just calling to let you know that the concert has been postponed until next month, and I’m so thrilled about that! It wouldn’t have been the same playing without you. Listen, call me as soon as you’re back in town, okay? Love you, girl.”
Back in town, she mulled as guilt surged her.
Well, she’d never actually left.
In fact, she’d been across town at Cedars Hospital, foolishly believing that another surgery would restore her sight.
She bit her lip.
But, lying or rather omitting facts was not a good way to sustain a friendship. These last few weeks, Leslie, her best friend, hadn’t even known where she’d been. But, she’d been protecting her, she rationalized, stiffening in the chair. Considering how things had turned out, she’d been right to say nothing. It was enough that she was reeling with disappointment and anger, and there was no point in involving anyone else.
Beep.
“Ms. Williamson, I was hoping that we could make an acquaintance and soon,” the stranger said. “Your performances---they’re quite compelling to the soul. I’ve never I heard such need and passion conveyed in such a poignant manner. And that passion of yours---it mirrors mine in ways that you can’t even imagine---”
“What the hell?” she muttered in disbelief, skipping to the next message, and then shook her head. “Creepy pervert.”
Definitely time to go unlisted in the phone book!
Beep.
“Nikki,” her mother said softly, and her voice was thick with tears. “Baby, where are you? You’re ignoring our letters. You won’t take our calls.” Finally, she broke into sobs. “Your father and I are worried. We know that you don’t want our help. But, we’re here for you with anything that you need.” She paused amidst her crying. “Nikki, we can work this out. We can talk about what happened, your feelings of anger--”
The distraught word left her mouth. “No!”
She jabbed the button angrily, skipping the rest of her mother’s message. Still, though, she couldn’t dispel the suffocating feelings of remorse, guilt, and anger.
In a million lifetimes, she’d never forgive her parents for what they’d done or the decisions that they’d made that dark fateful night.
The phone shrilled on the table.
Startled, she jumped in surprise before snatching the receiver. “Hello.”
“Nicole, Nicole, Nicole…” the male voice said in a raspy voice, and then expelled a breath of harsh breathing. “I….need…you…I…need…you….I….need…you….”
“Don’t call this number again,” she snapped, gripping the phone hard. “If you do, I’m going to have it traced right back to your psycho ass!”
The very second she’d placed the receiver down, it rang again. “Unbelievable,” she scowled, deciding to ignore it. “But, I’m not going to give this psycho another second of my time.”
But, the phone shrilled again and again.
On the twentieth ring, she snatched it up. “Who in the hell are you? What do you want?”
“Nicole, Nicole, Nicole…I…need…you…I…need…you…I..”
“What part do you not understand, you pervert? I don’t want you calling this number,” she retorted sharply. “If you call here again, I’m going to contact the cops---”
The phone died.
She expelled a breath of relief.
Hopefully, that’d be the end of it!
An hour or so later, she’d finished preparing the evening meal. But, as she settled in the dining chair, her earlier trepidation returned, and suddenly, she couldn’t evade the burning hurt any longer.
Just how could she endure this latest disappointment?
***
Hours later……
I’m sorry, Nicole. But, there’s a chance that you may never see again---
“No, no, no!”
Gasping wildly, drenched with sweat, she broke free of the recurring nightmare. She shoved the cover off before sitting up in the bed. But, as much as she tried, she couldn’t control the chills that racked her body.
She ran a hand through her mussed tresses. “Am I totally losing it?” she blew a breath. “It certainly feels that way.”
Suddenly, the clock spoke robotically. “2:00 am.”
With a groan, she fell back against t
he pillows. “Just great. I’m never going to get any sleep.” The fresh tears stung her eyes. “It’s not fair,” she whispered to the darkness. “Why doesn’t anything ever work out for me?”
She released another suppressed breath. “Feeling sorry for myself isn’t going to change anything.”
Sighing, she sat up, and then, after kicking the covers off, left the bed. Tugging on the thin nightgown, she stuck her bare feet into the fuzzy slippers. As she padded past Macy, the dog gave a soft whine. “Stay,” she said softly, padding towards the bathroom. “I have to take a little potty break.”
As she stepped into the bathroom, she bypassed the light switch and instead journeyed to the double sink. She twisted the metal knob and turned the water on full blast. Bending slightly, she splashed the cool water over her face. For a moment, she allowed the coolness to seep through her heated skin. Then, she wiped the excess water from her face with the hand towel.
Once more, she was crippled with the same questions that’d plagued her since she’d lost her sight. What was reality, and when did the past, present, and future collide within the convoluted question? Had the darkness seized hold of her very essence?
If she had her seeing eyes, she would be facing her mirror image, she thought, gripping the edges of the sink counter. Just who faced her now?
She traced along the edges of her face. “Am I now a perfect stranger or am I the same woman that I’ve always been?” To her shame, the hot tears stung her eyes. “I’d give anything to know that very thing.” Suddenly, she was filled with unwarranted anger. “Why am I doing this to myself?”
She turned away from the mirror and made way across the bathroom. But, once she reached the bedroom, she tensed. The hairs rose at her nape, and suddenly, the atmosphere was filled with an unbreakable tension. Still, though, she crossed the room, but stopped short of the bed.
A suffocating feeling came over her, one that she couldn’t suppress. “Macy?” she called out in a shaky breath. Still, the golden retriever didn’t respond which was highly unusual. “Macy?”
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