Reese also went back to school, and by the end of the week, managed to strike a balance between maintaining a social life, improving her archery skills, and catching up with all the schoolwork she missed. Her life would never be the same again, but it was getting back to normal.
After her first week back at school, Reese and Ollo settled down on the couch in order to watch some television. She had just gotten out of the shower and was wearing her fluffy pink robe her mother had gotten her for her fourteenth birthday. It was already over here due to her training sessions from a couple of months ago. She would shower when she finished so she didn’t come home sweaty and smelly and cause any suspicion in her family. Her blonde hair was wrapped in a towel.
It was odd living with a man she was in love with, especially considering he slept on the couch they were sitting on so she could sleep in his bed. He would take her shopping for new clothes after school despite his hatred of malls. He stocked the fridge with her favorite foods. On a particularly rough day, he had drawn her a bath so she could relax and be alone.
How could she ever doubt wanting to be with him? How could it have taken her this long to figure it out?
“Ollo,” she said, turning to face him. She briefly entertained the thought of changing into a cuter outfit before she said anything, but on second thought, decided to get this out now since too much time had already passed. “I wanted to talk to you about—”
Except, something interrupted her. Something important.
“… the person responsible for the bomb at Underwood Mental Institution is none other than Bombshell, Noir’s partner,” a reporter said over shaky footage of an explosion probably taken off a phone. “As you can see, the bomb goes off … now, killing three people and injuring several others.
“But that’s not even the most interesting part. See the standoff here?” The video was fast-forward to cops surrounding Noir and Bombshell at gunpoint. “Officers begin to fire, and in the blink of an eye—Horace, slow this down, would you?—you see Noir sacrifice himself for Bombshell. Now, the minute the bullet hits him where his heart should be, he’s gone. Disappeared.” Reese watched the surprised look on Keirah’s face before using the moment to her advantage and running before getting caught by the gob smacked officers. “Is Noir gone from Onyx? Is his reign of terror finally at an end, or is this one of his games? And who is Bombshell? We don’t know—”
Ollo turned off the television before the reporter had a chance to finish her thought. “That’s it,” he said.
“What’s it?” Reese asked, turning to face him.
“Noir just sacrificed himself for Keirah,” Ollo replied. “An Excom chose Purgatory over a human’s probable death. For a human.”
“So …” Reese quirked her head to the side, still not understanding the significance.
“So that’s it,” Ollo said. “That was the start of the war. The catalyst.”
Epilogue
White. No, not white. Nothing.
Nothingness expanded as far as the eye could see.
It would seem he was … stuck.
He turned to explore his new surroundings and saw a mirror. He hadn’t seen his own reflection in … Well, he couldn’t remember. It didn’t matter what he looked like, it only mattered that everyone saw.
He craned his neck to the side, at his usual forty-five degree angle, and hunched his shoulders, eyeing the mirror as though it was his prey. He took a step toward it, and then slid his other foot, following the first. One movement after another until he was directly in front of the mirror. But instead of his marred face, he saw …
Her.
The woman who haunted his dreams.
The woman he died for.
The woman he both hated and loved simultaneously.
She looked perfect, too perfect for his taste, but his J stained her cheek like her fingerprints stained his heart—if he had had a heart. Her deep chestnut brown hair was up in a bun, errant strands framing her full, square face. Her deep-set brown eyes were looking directly at him, penetrating his very existence so even he —a demon, Satan’s creation—believed in the prospect of souls. Because she certainly was looking at his if she looked at him in such a way. Her neck was long and sloped and his lips yearned to place brutal kisses along it, marking his territory, making her moan. Her shoulders were bare and ripe, a peachy-pale color he now believed was the definition of a perfect color.
And that was it. That was all he saw. The mirror curved out, preventing him from seeing anything more.
“You desire her.”
“Wha-t?” Noir drawled, slowly turning back around and positioning himself in front of the mirror, as though protecting Keirah’s image from everyone else’s eyes.
“This mirror reveals your heart’s true desire.” A man walked through in a sharp grey suit tailored to fit his body. “And your desire is that woman in the mirror.” He nodded his head at the silver-framed mirror. “She’ll be the one to save your soul.”
“Hummm … I don’t have a sssoul,” Noir said before smacking his lips together. He hardened his gold eyes, taking the man before him in. Copper colored hair, midnight blue eyes, stocky and strong but shorter than Noir. Handsome, sure, but nothing special.
“Ah.” The man nodded as though he understood. “No wonder you’re here then. I don’t get a lot of you. Normally, you just die and then pfffft, goner. You don’t exist anymore. But you, you’re here.” He pointed at Noir. “You’ve got a savior, my friend. Thank your lucky stars. I’ve never heard of one of your kind having a personal savior.”
Noir narrowed his eyes, cocking his head to the side once more. “Um, who are you?” he asked.
The man kept smiling. “Wilson,” he said with a firm nod. “Tucker Wilson. You might also know me as Hades. Pleased to meet you. Welcome to Purgatory.”
Acknowledgments
I dedicate this book to my readers, and without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. This is my first official sequel, and without the love you had for Awaken, there would be no Catalyst. In fact, without the love you’ve shown for Saving Smiles, Brighter than Anyone, Fatal Attraction, and Closer, there would be no Awaken. So thank you for sticking with me, reading, and reviewing. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
My mom and my brother. Patrick, you’ve taught me more than I could ever imagine, and you challenge me to be a better analytical thinker.
Italy and Barcelona, where the majority of this book was written. You were beautiful, unforgettable.
Desi, for her amazing cover design. As usual, her designs take my breath away.
Melanie, for taking the time to go over my work, giving me your comments, and having a conversation about this story and characters. I trust you implicitly. Thank you.
Frank, as usual. My husband. My soul mate. My everything. Thank you for being exactly who you are and making me a better writer with your millions and millions of questions and points. I love you.
Kylee, my love. Jacob, my bae. Josh, my smartypants.
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I
Sacrifice
Book 3 of The Dark Paradise Trilogy
To Patrick
Without you, this series, these words, would not exist
For that, I’ll always be grateful
Prologue
February 15
Onyx City, (Onyx Star, Julie Bent)
All eyes were on Jack Phillip and his date at the Valentine’s Ball. He looked sharp in a tuxedo, while she looked beautiful in a silver gown that tumbled all the way down to t
he ground. Our source tells us the couple kissed at the stroke of midnight, and claimed the dance floor for the majority of the night. This is quite different from the usual brooding Jack Phillip! Can it mean he has found a girl that makes him happy? Oddly enough, we have no idea who this woman is. She is not an actress, a singer, or a supermodel. However, it would be keen for one to note that she is, indeed, the same woman he attended his charity Christmas Eve party with, whom we have never seen before. Mr. Phillip rarely dates the same woman. Can this mean something? We’ll be sure to let you know!
February 21
Onyx City, (Trendster magazine, Erin Martin)
Everyone wants to know who Jack’s new mysterious woman is. And I, Erin Martin, have found it out for our loyal readers.
Take a look at this picture of Jack Phillip at his Halloween party of last year. Let me set the scene; a local burlesque group has just preformed with an unknown singer. She is the woman leaning towards Jack in the picture. Notice the sharp jaw line and the very small, upturned nose. Our picture analysts say that this is, indeed, the same woman. What do you think? Sadly, however, we still have no idea who she is. Any tips would be helpful.
March 1
Onyx City, (Onyx Times, Jeremy Starr)
Guess no longer at who Jack Phillip’s mystery woman is. Two different sources, which have both chosen to remain anonymous, say that her name is Andrea Shepherd (although she prefers to go by Andie). Our first source, a female, claims that Andie is “not as sweet as she seems” and actually punched our source in order to get closer to Jack. Our second source confirms that her name is, indeed, Andie Shepherd, and that she has been “fucking that asshole Phillip for a while now.” A little crass, of course, but it was later found out that he is an ex-boyfriend of hers, locked up for two years on kidnapping.
Well, Andie Shepherd. Good luck with the elusive Jack Phillip. This reporter is quite surprised they have lasted this long.
March 15
Onyx City (Onyx Tribune, Kara Lemon)
Gasp! Can it be? Are Jack Phillip and Andie Shepherd over already? Every woman in Onyx is hoping the answer is yes, while many of our male readers have expressed an interest in sweet Andie Shepherd.
Let’s start from the beginning, shall we? As everyone knows, the Esteem hotel threw their annual business party, honoring acclaimed businessmen and women in Onyx. Apparently, the happy couple seemed to get separated by a milling crowd. Andie ended up speaking to somebody–that somebody being Seeley Bronson, Jack’s only competitor. Bronson recently took over his father’s company Bronson & Bronson. Bronson seemed quite charmed with the woman, as we all are, when Jack found them. Suffice to say, he was not happy.
Our source tells us that Phillip and Shepherd went into a separate room, where guests could hear “yelling and shouting.” It was Andie who emerged first, and slipped her usual charming smile on her face before disappearing into the crowd. Jack, who has always been known for brooding until he met Andie, delved back into his usual habits. Though the two were separated at the party, our source tells us Jack’s eyes were always searching, as though he was trying to keep tabs on his date.
Things escalated after dinner. The two seemed to be having an argument they tried to keep in whispers, but apparently, Jack said something crisp and cold, which led to Andie slapping him and then walking out. He followed shortly after.
Onyx City is holding their breath. This reporter is actually rooting for the couple, and hopes things work themselves out.
March 18
Onyx City (Onyx Star, Julie Bent)
A collective sigh has gone out through Onyx City, as well as a herd of groans. Jack Phillip and Andie Shepherd are not breaking up.
Judging by the picture that was taken of them on the beach just yesterday, it is obvious that these two are still in love. Though it is still winter, Andie Shepherd and Onyx’s notorious playboy were walking along the beach. They were dressed for the cold, but the cold didn’t seem to deter them. Andie was riding piggyback on Jack’s back, and the two were laughing and enjoying themselves. At one point, Jack dropped Andie in the water, which caused the young woman to screech and drag him back inside the cold body of water. Neither was perturbed, however, as their laughing continued.
So, as of now, this couple is definitely on.
March 29
Onyx City (Trendster magazine, Erin Martin)
No wonder Miss Shepherd looks so familiar! Look at this picture we have obtained from the Onyx Tribune. Notice Black Wing, of course. But the mysterious woman he is kissing is none other than our sweet Andie Shepherd. Is Miss Shepherd leading a double life? Does Jack Phillip know about this?
April 28
Onyx City (Onyx Times, Jeremy Starr)
We have the exclusive interview with Jack Phillip! Here, he talks about business, life after his parents, and his relationship with the sweet Andie Shepherd.
JS: How is life now, Mr. Phillip? You recently turned 22 January 30, correct?
JP: (laughs) Don’t remind me! No, but seriously, I’ve never felt better.
JS: Any good gifts this year?
JP: Oh, of course, but she’ll kill me if I went into any detail.
JS: How is Miss Shepherd? You seem much happier now than ever, if you don’t mind me saying.
JP: Oh, she’s great. I feel happier, to be honest. She is quite a woman.
JS: She is. Many of our male readers have taken a keen interest in her, actually.
JP: I feel very flattered at that. But I must digress that I am very protective of the people and things I love.
JS: Of course, of course. How is Phillip Enterprise?
JP: Well, in this economy, everyone’s taken a hit. But we’re pulling through it. In fact, we have plans to open up Onyx City’s first animal shelter in hopes to rescue stray animals and keep them for as long as they need, instead of sending them to the pound. We have horses, dogs, cats, even a couple of pigs, actually…
JS: What inspired you to open an animal shelter?
JP: That would be Andie. She has a soft spot for animals and has already adopted two horses for us to go riding with. She’s never been, so we’ll see where that goes.
JS: Speaking of Miss Shepherd, a recent bout of controversy has followed her when it was found out that she was the one in the photo with Black Wing. Do you know what I am referring to?
JP: Of course. Andie attracts… a lot of different people. I find it quite flattering.
JS: Who do you think would win in a fight? You or Black Wing?
CM: I guess it really depends… I mean, a guy who dresses up as an angel is kind of insane, right? But I think all of us, to a certain degree, are insane.
JS: Christmas marked the fifth anniversary of your parents’ death. How are you coping?
JP: Well, as best as can be expected. I can only hope that my father and mother are proud of me and what I’ve accomplished.
JS: I’m sure they are. Do you intend to start a family any time soon?
JP: (laughs) I’m not sure about soon, but I, personally, would love four kids. Growing up as an only child was kind of lonely.
JS: Four kids. (whistles) Well, you can definitely afford it. What does Miss Shepherd think of it all?
JP: She wants four too. We’ll see what she thinks after she has the first one, though.
JS: So she’s a keeper then?
JP: Oh, definitely. No doubt about it.
At that point, Andie Shepherd herself walked in, and let me tell you, she does have a beguiling smile. Jack immediately placed her in his lap, and kissed her neck. For a man once so private, he seems to be opening up. The two left soon after, holding hands.
April 30
Onyx City (Onyx Tribune, Kara Lemon)
Who is Andie Shepherd? We’ve been getting many questions about her, especially since she’s managed to tie down a former elusive bachelor. And how did we miss her? It is obvious that she is naturally beautiful, and quite charming. In fact, one of our sources tells us that upon f
irst meeting Jack Phillip, she called him an asshole. It would seem Mister Phillip doesn’t always sweep his women off of their feet.
Andrea Shepherd grew up on the outskirts of Onyx, and went to the elementary, junior, and high school there. Her parents divorced when she was ten, and she and her older sister Keirah (and recent Noir victim) stayed in Onyx with her mother while her father now lives with his new wife and step-children in a small town in Michigan. She applied at Phillip Enterprises as part of an internship program through her high school. It would seem that he was intrigued with her bluntness.
When asked why he fell for her, he told us, “Because she’s completely herself.” And it would seem that he is right, that Miss Shepherd is quite comfortable being honest. In fact, to win over Mister Phillip, she showed up in “sweatpants and flip flops. Not the most attractive, come-hither thing to wear,” she recalls. “But it worked.”
And asked about wedding bells? “We’re both very impulsive people,” Phillip said. “Who knows when we’ll get married?”
“If we get married,” Andie put in.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Phillip asked her. “You don’t want to marry me?”
The Dark Paradise Trilogy Box Set Page 61
