by Elisa Leigh
A Hauntingly Romantic Halloween Novella
Written by ELISA LEIGH
Copyright
Hunting Lucy
By Elisa Leigh
© Elisa Leigh 2018.
All Rights Reserved
By the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, the scanning, uploading, and electronic sharing of any part of this book without permission of the publisher is unlawful piracy and theft of the author’s intellectual property. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for brief quotations used in a book review.
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously, and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, locales, or organizations is entirely coincidental.
The use of actors, artists, movies, TV shows and song titles/lyrics throughout this book are done so for storytelling purposes and should in no way be seen as an advertisement. Trademark names are used editorially with no intention of infringement of the respective owner’s trademark.
This book is intended for adults only. Contains sexual content and language that may offend some. The suggested reading audience is 18 years or older. I consider this book Adult Romance due to language and sexual situations.
ASIN:
Cover created by Karlee Fast using Picmonkey. Photo from Adobe Stock.
Table of Contents
Copyright
Table of Contents
Dedication
Prologue
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
Meet the Author
More books by
Dedication
This one is dedicated to my ARC Team. Thanks for being there cheering me on and reading my books. I love you ladies!
Prologue
Nineteen years ago
Balor Fitz
“What the fuck is going on with you Balor? I used to be able to count on you. You used to hold such promise.” Lucifer asks from behind his desk, he’s clearly pissed. He demanded my presence when I wasn’t able to go through with the last job he put me on. I’m not surprised to be sitting here now. I’ve known this conversation was coming for some time, in fact, I’m curious as to why he’s waited so long to have it. The problem is, I don’t know what to tell him is happening because I don’t understand it myself. For months my will to serve my Dark Lord has been waning and with that came the freedom to explore the world I’ve never considered myself a part of.
“I’m sorry that I’ve let you down my lord. Things inside me are different.” I say, staring out the window at the birds flying from tree to tree, completely free.
Lucifer slams his hand down on the large onyx desk, and the birds drop to the ground immediately. This brings my attention back to him. “Get your shit together Balor. I don’t want to get rid of you, my child. You have been with me the longest.”
I stand quickly, frustrated it has come to this. “I’ve been by your side for a millennium. I’ve proven myself to you time and time again my lord. But what? I have a few off months, and now you’re threatening me with death?”
He moves quickly, faster than even I can, and pins my neck down to the desk, my face smashed against it. “It is because of your loyalty that I have not killed you, yet.” He hisses in my ear. “It has been more than a few off months Balor. Your insubordination will not be tolerated any longer!” He warns and squeezes my neck making it hard for me to breathe. “You couldn’t even torture the souls that have been damned to hell. You never asked questions and didn’t care about the why or the who of what you were doing. I commanded, and you obliged. It was simple. It’s as if you’ve grown a conscience. Marcus had to step in for you. The Balor I’ve known for all this time would never let another do his job for him. You may be my most trusted and valued child, but not even you can get away with what you’ve been pulling lately. Don’t you dare let me down again.”
He releases me, and I fall to my knees. “I understand Father.” I gasp as a searing pain grows in my chest. Something is wrong. I grab my chest, tearing my shirt from my burning flesh. I catch my reflection across the room and see my eyes have gone from black to a fiery red. It feels as though flames are consuming my soulless being. “You just said…” I roar on my hands and knees, staring up at Lucifer.
He walks over and looks down at me with little more than passing interest but does nothing to help me from this torture.
“Make it stop!” I scream in agony.
“I’m not doing this Balor,” he says in frustration.
“I don’t understand.” I gasp in pain.
“The next time I see you, you’ll be dead, damned to hell for all eternity. Then the real fun can begin.” He laughs before walking out, leaving me lying on the floor of his office. I know what he considers fun, I’ve been the one doling out the punishments for a thousand years.
One second I’m lying on my back clutching my chest, fire consuming my body and the next I’m lying in the middle of a dark forest the moon shining down on me. The cold earth starts to cool my heated skin providing me some relief. I lay here for hours in pain and eventually pass out from it. When I wake again, It’s daylight. I’m lying naked in the dirt, and for the first time in my existence, I feel as though my life is connected to another. Yes, I’m cold and hungry, but I’m engulfed in a budding sense of hope.
I stand on shaky legs and walk to the edge of a river where I clean myself off. I test my link with Lucifer, but our connection is severed. Today feels like the first day of my life. I transport myself from the forest back to my place in seconds, then dress quickly. If he hasn’t sent his men here already, they could be here any minute. The things I have amassed over my rather long life mean nothing to me, they were only there to pass the time until my next job. I pack everything into a duffel bag. I just take my clothes and the essentials. I leave everything else behind, knowing I will never be coming back here.
With everything I’m taking with me in my hands, I transport myself to Manchester, New York. It’s time to figure out what in the hell is happening and why I suddenly look forward to my future.
One
Lucy Quinn
I stare out the large window of the bookstore I work at and sigh. It’s the middle of the afternoon, and people are walking around town enjoying the day. I’m completely jealous. I freaking love fall in New England. Like, no joke, I absolutely love it! It’s my favorite time of year. I’ll paint you the picture, pretty fall leaves scattered on the sidewalks and forty to fifty-degree days. Not to mention I get to wear sweaters and scarves, and leggings, and knee boots. Helloooo, I’ll give you two words. Pumpkin. Spice. Yeah, I’m basic, but I’ve claimed it, so it’s okay. Right?
I’ve been working at Hodges Books and Coffee since I was a sophomore in high school. Because I decided to stay home and go to college online, there was no reason for me to quit. It’s the perfect job for me. When there aren’t any customers, I get to sit around and read books while drinking coffee, my two favorite things. Mr. Hodges acts like he doesn’t like me, he’s just a cranky old man, but he pretty much lets me do what I want as long as everything gets done and the customers are happy. So, me staring out the windows in la la land is nothing new to him.
“What are you smiling about over here?” Jeremiah asks from beside me, scaring me out of the reverie of my favorite time of year. Crap, I didn’t see him coming. He swipes some hair that fell out of my bun behind my ear and lets his fingers li
nger against my neck longer than I would like. I back away from his touch, not liking the creepy feeling I get whenever he is near. I don’t know what it is about him, because he’s always been super nice, but he puts me on edge. “Nothing, just enjoying this weather.”
“Me too. That’s why I’m here in fact. If you don’t have any plans tonight, I thought we could enjoy it together? Maybe grab a cup of coffee and talk about these books you love so much.”
That is the last thing I would want to do. Don’t get me wrong, Jeremiah seems like a nice guy, but I have to listen to my gut, and it’s telling me to keep far away. Literally, it’s warning me to back up and never be alone with him. I’m suddenly thankful that my friends are dragging me out tonight, even though it’s something I would usually pass on. “I’m sorry Jeremiah, I can’t. I’m going with Chrissy and Ellie to the Halloween party at the Oakes Mansion.”
He frowns, but quickly covers it up with a tight smile. “I heard that would be, fun.” The way he says it makes me think that fun is the last thing he thinks it will be. What is it with this guy? I mean he showed up out of the blue a couple months ago, and it’s like I can’t shake the guy. “I heard they haven’t had one before. Word is around town that the girl who’s throwing it is some kind of a freak. She’s about your age, isn’t she? You must have gone to school with her. What do you know much about her?”
I frown. “I know that Luna is one of the sweetest and most misjudged people in this town!” I say, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Easy there Lucy, I wasn’t trying to upset you.”
“She was always nice to me in high school. I assume that’s because I didn’t bother her like the others did. Luna didn’t talk much, but I guess that’s what we had in common. People stayed away from her because of where she lived, but that didn’t stop them from calling her a freak or making high school a living hell for her.”
“You’re right. I shouldn’t have said that” he says like a chastened schoolboy.
“I hate when people judge others without knowing them.”
“You’re one of the good ones Lucy Quinn. Maybe I’ll bump into you tonight, and we’ll see what you can do about making me a better person. One who doesn’t judge others without knowing them first?”
He smiles at me, and I can tell he’s trying to flirt, but it just leaves me feeling gross and pressured into doing something I’m not interested in. “Maybe…look I have to get back to work now. I’ll see you around Jeremiah. Have a great day!” I turn around and continue stocking the shelf with the new releases we just got in. I can feel his presence behind me, lingering, but I refuse to turn around and acknowledge him.
“See you later Lucy.” Jeremiah sighs and finally walks away. The moment I hear the jingle of the bell above the door I relax. My shoulders drop, and I lean my head against the bookcase I’ve been standing in front of. When will he get the hint that I’m not interested? I’m not a very forceful person, but I think with him I might need to be.
“That man is not good for you Lucy. There’s something odd about him.”
“He's just nice Mr. Hodges. Besides, you have nothing to worry about, I’m not interested, like at all.”
He harrumphs and goes to the back where his office is. That’s where you’ll usually find him unless Jeremiah comes around, then he’s out here doing “inventory.” I don’t mind it though. I’m comforted to know he’s there in case anything, God forbid, were to happen.
This all started about six months ago when I had the strangest feeling like I was being watched. Then Jeremiah showed up in town out of nowhere a few months later. Since then he’s been coming in at least once a week. At first, I thought he was lonely since he was new in town. Lately, over the past month or so he’s been coming in more frequently, even Mr. Hodges is beginning to notice. I tried talking to my friends and parents about it, but they think it’s cute and that I’m being a prude.
Everyone seems to think that because I’ve never dated, not even some middle school, week-long boyfriend, that there’s something wrong with me. I tried telling them differently, but they don’t listen. I’ve known since I was a little girl there is one perfect person out there for me. He’s the only man I’m going to give my heart and body to. Giving it to anyone else would only betray the love we will one day have.
A few hours pass, and it’s finally quitting time. “Mr. Hodges,” I call walking to the back where he’s seated at his desk. “I’m heading out. I’ve already closed up and counted the till.” I say, handing him the money bag.
He grabs the bag but studies me for a moment over the brim of his glasses. His grey hair and wrinkles give away his age, but I bet in his prime he was a very handsome man. “You be careful out there tonight girl.” He warns in his gruff, baritone voice.
I smile. “See, I knew you cared. And of course, I’ll be careful. I’ll be with Chrissy and Ellie, what could go wrong?”
He shakes his head. “You know as well as I do that things around Manchester aren’t always as they appear. You best watch yourself tonight. I’d hate to have to hire a new employee because you went missing.”
“Geeze, way to freak a girl out Mr. Hodges. You don’t worry, I’ll be safe. You have a good night too okay?”
“Yeah, yeah,” he mumbles, and I walk out of his office laughing.
Two
Lucy
I bundle up in my warm coat and begin my short walk home from the shop. Everywhere I look I’m reminded that fall is here, especially since the town’s Fall Festival is in full swing. Mom and Dad bought the house we live in before I was born. It’s only a couple blocks away from the center of town making everything in walking distance, even my job. I haven’t even bothered getting my driver’s license because what’s the point?
It’s times like these when I’m alone that I feel like I’m being watched. I’ve convinced myself that I’m spooking myself because I’ve never seen or heard anything to indicate someone was actually watching me. Who would waste their time watching me anyway? I have to be one of the most boring people I know. Yet, there’s someone there. I’ve made up a dozen stories in my head like I’ve got some guardian angel keeping an eye on me, just in case anything was to happen. Damn, I’m a mess.
When I open our front door, heat from inside warms my chilled body. “Hey sweetie, how was work today?” My mom calls from the kitchen where I smell something delicious cooking. I swear my mom must have been a chef in another life, but in this one, she’s a secretary for the town doctor and takes care of my dad and me better than anyone else ever could.
I have the best parents. Because I’m an only child, we’re pretty close, and most of the time it feels like I’m talking to my best friends, rather than my parents. I know I’m fortunate to have grown up the way I did because a lot of people aren’t as lucky.
“Work was work Mommy Dear,” I tell her as I lift the lid of the pot on the stove and inhale all the yummy scents inside. She made baked potato soup, my favorite!
Leaning against the counter, she hands me a spoon so I can get a taste of her soup. “Did that man come to see you today?” She asks arching her eyebrow.
I roll my eyes. “He did, but there’s something off about his mom. I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s no way I’m going out with him.”
“If not him Luce, then who? You need to put yourself out there. Did you ever think that maybe you’re just nervous about going on your first date?”
I put the lid back on the pot and look at my mom. “I don’t see the point in dating someone I’m not interested in. It doesn’t feel right.”
She pulls me to her and gives me a big hug. “And what do you want it to feel like?” She asks, teasing me. I try pushing out of her hold, but she holds on tighter. When I finally manage to get away, we’re both laughing. “Your father and I only want you to be happy Lucy. I know you’re still young, but you also keep yourself shut away from the world. I’m surprised you’re even going out tonight.”
My smile drop
s, and I turn away from my Mom. “On that note, I’m going to get ready.” I leave the kitchen and walk to my bedroom where I close the door. Kicking off my shoes, I lay on my bed and stuff my face into a pillow and groan out my frustration. I know she means well, but it hurts. My whole life people have never understood me. It’s as if me being quiet is somehow offensive to them. Why can’t people accept me for who I am? So, what if I’m not going out on dates or partying it up with my friends. I like who I am.
Yet, here I am going out with my friends to a Halloween Party. Chrissy and Ellie begged me to come out tonight. I usually tell them no whenever they ask, but for some reason, I said yes, this time. I look up at my clock and see that I have less than an hour before I need to meet the girls. I guess I better do this thing and get ready. I go to my closet an look for an outfit to wear, hoping that some dark skinny jeans and a cute top will cut it. The girls will probably be wearing dresses, but I’ve never been into dressing up. God only knows why those two are even friends with me.
I start pulling my jeans out of the closet when there’s a soft knock on my door. When I open it, my mom is there wearing a sad smile and holding a dated but beautiful burgundy velvet dress and a pair of heels to match. “I’m sorry Lucy. All I meant was we’re happy to see you getting out there. We don’t want you to miss out on anything. We love you exactly the way you are sweetie.”
“I know you meant well, I just want people to accept me the way I am. I know you and Daddy do, it just struck a nerve is all. Anyway, what do you have there?” I motion to the dress, wanting nothing more than to see if it fits.
She grins, our silly mother-daughter drama already over. “This is a dress I wore a long time ago to some party your father and I went to. I found it out in my closet last week and thought it would look good on you. I had it dry cleaned. I thought you could wear it tonight if you didn’t have anything else.” She says pushing it into my hands.