Watch Over Me (Guardians Book 1)

by Shane Morgan

  GUARDIANS BOOK ONE

  SHANE MORGAN

  Copyright © 2020 Shane Morgan

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in articles and reviews. Please do not partake in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials. Purchase authorized editions only.

  This is a work of fiction. The characters, places, incidents, and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Ebook ASIN: B085HMCDNX

  Paperback ISBN: 9798620867837

  Stock Images © Shutterstock, Canstockphoto, and NeoStock.

  The Guardians

  Watch Over Me

  Keep Me Safe

  Other Fantasy books by Shane

  The Unresisting Trilogy

  Unresisting

  Unfearing

  Unending (coming soon)

  Open your eyes to the beauty around you, open your mind to the wonders of life, open your heart to those who love you, and always be true to yourself.

  -Maya Angelou

  SUMMARY

  Calissa Stewart has sought answers her whole life. Then one night, something unimaginable happens. She couldn’t believe that right before her eyes, stood the kind of creatures you only read about in books.

  A monster attempts to take her, hurting her in the process. But the mighty and alluring guardian, Lars, swoops in to rescue her.

  Calissa becomes tainted and is told she would turn into a dark one. When that doesn’t happen, and she wakes to find her body healed, and the creatures gone, she dismisses the events to that of a strange dream. But sadly, nightmares have a way of coming true, and Calissa is yet again the target of the same frightening monsters.

  To keep her safe, Lars ignores his laws and brings her to his world, opening her eyes to a magical kingdom filled with beauty and wonder.

  In time, Calissa learns the truth of her existence, and her importance to the monsters. Amid this incredible awakening, she develops an admiration for the otherworldly beings and even starts to find love that is not only forbidden, but is truly one of a kind.

  When her newfound sanctuary is threatened, Calissa must decide whether to stay for her love for the kingdom and Lars, or accept her birthright and protect them all.

  Contents

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  8

  9

  10

  11

  12

  13

  14

  15

  16

  17

  18

  19

  20

  21

  22

  23

  24

  25

  26

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  1

  Loud flapping caught my ears. Like the sound of wings beating against the wind.

  I twisted on the bench, checking for the source. Nothing. I squinted up at the bright blue sky. There were no large birds in sight. But the rustling trees around the park were tall, so maybe I just couldn’t see them.

  The sounds continued, making me unable to keep reading. Uneasy, I stood and gripped my bag and the book at my stomach to prevent them from falling.

  All of a sudden, it went quiet again. The fluttering had stopped. It still left me on edge, though, adding to that I had a hunch I was being watched.

  “There you are!” Shari called out, strutting across the grass toward me with two coolattas. She looked cute in her coral chiffon blouse, white pants, and wedge heels.

  My body relaxed, and I stuck the book inside the bag and fixed the strap on my shoulder. “Hey, how was the audition?”

  She handed me one of the coolattas. A frown contorted her face, the subtle makeup and golden undertone of her skin luminous in the sunlight. “It sucked. Don’t think they’ll be calling my agent anytime soon.”

  I wrinkled my brows and asked, “Why not?”

  Shari released a deep exhale then shook her head, ponytail swinging in her back. “I was too nervous. I messed up a few lines.”

  “Oh, hey.” I gave her arm a gentle squeeze. “I’m sure they saw how great of an actress you are. Don’t worry, they’ll call.”

  She shrugged. “We’ll see.”

  Offering a hopeful smile, I looped my arm around her, and we started walking along the concrete path, heading toward the exit of the park.

  “What time is your shift tonight?” she asked before sipping her drink.

  “Early. At six.”

  Strangely, I felt chills, and it wasn’t from the coolatta. I slowed to a stop and glanced over my shoulder, peering around the park.

  “What is it?” Shari looked around as well while squinting her auburn eyes.

  The stone fountain in the distance caught my attention. “Is that new?”

  “Huh?” She drank a bit more and snorted. “Girl, the fountain’s always been there.”

  “No.” I pointed to the pale stone structure on the ground next to the fountain. It was large. Some sort of creature. “The, um, gargoyle? I think that’s what it is.”

  Shari twisted her mouth in thought. “Probably. I noticed it for the first time when I walked past just now. I’ve never seen one that tall, or with such a human-like face. They’re usually ugly, right?”

  “Yeah…I guess.”

  I felt enthralled. It was as if the statue was staring straight at me. Its beautiful structure seemed new; clear and unvarnished pale stone that hadn’t experienced any rough weather.

  “Let’s go,” Shari said, nudging my arm. “I’m in the mood for retail therapy. We’ll grab a bite afterward before you head to work.”

  “Yeah,” I muttered, still staring at the gargoyle’s alluring features and bulged arms and frame. Something about its man-like appearance intrigued me. I couldn’t describe the tingly feeling snaking across my body.

  “Come on.” Shari tugged me along, and we continued from the park.

  She chatted about store sales and plans for the rest of the week. Though I’m listening, I still had the strong inkling I was being watched, followed even. There was also a scratchy discomfort building at the back of my throat that I couldn’t get rid of, no matter how much I swallowed.

  I liked waitressing at the Middle Eastern lounge. My co-workers were cool people, and tips were always more than generous. Perhaps because it was a place frequented by affluent businessmen and women.

  I told Shari I’d get her a job there, but she reveled in the freedom of being a model and social media influencer until landing an acting gig. I didn’t blame her. She made decent money and could contribute toward bills for the apartment she shared with her boyfriend.

  Honestly, if I wasn’t so uncomfortable with social media and opening my life up to all those different opinions, I’d probably do the same thing and work from home. It could even help with my search of finding my birth parents or relatives. But I was too uneasy about it. For now, I’d stick to checking in with the family services.

  While retrieving an order of cocktails from the bar, the sensation I’d felt at the park that afternoon cascaded over me again. It made my stomach queasy, and a bitter taste rose in my mouth.

  I rolled my shoulders. Breathed deeply.

  Kyle wrinkled his thick brows while studying me with his dreamy russet eyes. “You all right, Calissa?”

  Blinking the feeling away, I managed a small smile and replied, “Yeah, uh, just a little light-headed.”

  “Take a quick break after
this,” he suggested, then moseyed to the end of the bar to serve a gentleman who just walked up and sat on one of the cushioned stools.

  He wore a black pantsuit, matching shoes, and had long bony fingers with a creepy gothic-looking silver ring on his index, which had a beast etched on it.

  After ordering a cocktail, the man shifted on the stool and looked at me when Kyle turned around. White-grey strands fell over his menacing gaze, dark irises causing me to shiver. A smirk curled his thin red lips.

  Okay…then. I quickly spun away and carried the tray of drinks to the table. I served the customers and hurried to the back of the lounge, stepping outside to calm in the fresh evening air.

  Kyle was right. That was all I needed.

  My heart started to settle, along with the strange overwhelming feeling.

  I waited a little longer and went back inside to tend to tables before my boss noticed.

  As time passed, I realized that the man at the bar was still watching me. And going to Kyle to fill drink orders felt awkward. I considered saying something but decided against it because men stared at me often at the lounge, and it wasn’t like he was spurting anything inappropriate or trying to touch me.

  My body finally started to relax when he got up from the bar and headed to the exit. He glanced at me once more, flashing a sneaky grin before going out the door.

  What the hell?

  I stalled after taking a table’s order and watched him through the window. He disappeared in the traffic of the sidewalk. To my dismay, a sigh of relief surged from my lips.

  Fortunately, I didn’t feel the odd vibe again for the rest of the night. As one o’clock came around, I stayed behind with the other waitresses to clean up before leaving.

  Hardly any traffic was on the street, except for club patrons and employees heading out.

  “Want me to walk you home?” Kyle offered when we stepped out of the lounge. He stuck his hands in his pants pockets, pearly whites visible as he smiled sweetly at me.

  “Uh, thanks, but it’s cool. My apartment’s just five minutes away,” I said politely.

  The outside lights of the lounge went off. The hostess and another waitress came out, waving to us as they sauntered by.

  “See you, guys.”

  “Night,” I replied, waving back.

  They continued down the sidewalk, going at a slow pace while chatting and laughing.

  Kyle twisted to go in that direction. “Are you sure you’re okay?” He was such a nice guy, handsome, too. Tall and toned in the fitted shirts he always wore, flawless-looking tan skin, curly blonde hair shaved at the sides with a few strands dangling in his forehead; a five o’clock shadow, and a sexy smile that turned heads and made women bat their lashes shyly.

  In the six months that I’d been working at the lounge, I’d only noticed recently that he’d developed a thing for me. It was in his charming gaze. The way his warm brown eyes lingered a bit longer whenever he stared at me.

  But I’m not into him like that.

  I nodded and motioned to leave. “Yeah, I’m all right. See you Saturday.”

  Before he could insist, I waved and turned around, walking down the side of the lounge in the direction of my apartment.

  The air was colder than it was today, reaching my bones. Good thing I had my denim jacket because my sleeveless midi dress wasn’t keeping me warm at all. I took it out of the tote and slipped it on, hugging myself as I continued walking.

  Oddly, that sensation from earlier rose within me again. Bile burned my throat. Adding to that, a sudden wind whooshed past me, carrying a startling sound with it.

  “Jesus!” I yelped. My heart picked up speed, and so did my steps. My apartment was visible up ahead. I just had to get by these trees and lonely streets.

  I’m such a dumbass.

  Why didn’t I accept Kyle’s offer to walk me home?

  Ugh.

  “What the…” I halted my steps when a dark shadow started to form in midair a few feet from me. My voice hitched, eyes widened in fear when hands started coming out of it, followed by a man’s body.

  It was the pale-faced guy from the lounge with the threatening gaze.

  “Hello, again,” he said smoothly, chuckling.

  Panic soared. “Oh my god…”

  My feet began backing away as a reflex action.

  “Come here,” he urged.

  “Ah!” I bolted down the dark street on my right, screaming for help, though it was no use in this neighborhood. No one would risk getting hurt by responding to cries. But they’d call the cops, right?

  The air rushed from my lungs as the man landed before me suddenly, forcing me to stagger and fall to the ground.

  That smirk stayed on his face as he edged closer. Letting go of my bag, I crawled backward on my elbows with my palms scratching against gravel.

  “Help me!” Tears pooled down my face as cracked whimpers seeped out. “Help!”

  Huffing, he crossed the distance and dropped down, snatching my feet. “Shh,” he hushed. “I won’t hurt you, Calissa.”

  My eyes bugged out from new shock.

  “How the hell do you know my name?”

  He reached out a hand to touch my arm, black eyes voracious as he observed my face.

  Something settled inside my chest instantly, quieting my cries and compelling me to lift my hand toward his opened palm. A part of me knew it wasn’t right. But it was as if my mind was split into two, a darker side fighting to win.

  I’d almost caved to his waiting hand, but then flapping echoed in the air and snapped me out of the weird trance.

  Alerted, the man shot to his feet.

  He jumped back just as a large winged creature lunged over me.

  “What…” I murmured, baffled by everything.

  The creature glanced back at me and huffed; pallid face scrunched up. Crazily, it had a masculine appearance and wore fitted black attire with sizeable slits in the fabric for its wings. It surely wasn’t human, and it wasn’t angelic. But it made me feel safe.

  “You best not intervene in my master’s work, guardian,” the man warned, drawing back the creature’s attention and mine.

  Guardian?

  They growled and leaped for each other. The creature knocked the man to the ground and reached over its shoulder, yanking out a long silver spear with a blade at the tip.

  “Ugh!” The man sputtered and hopped to his feet, dusting off his jacket. He reached inside and took out a small blade with strange engravings.

  “Oh…God,” I gasped as his black eyes turned scorching red, and his human face transformed into a stomach-twisting monstrosity.

  “She’s ours!” he barked in a guttural tone that sounded like several voices.

  I winced and backed up more when he charged at the creature.

  My eyes must be deceiving me, I thought. This couldn’t be happening. Is this shit real?

  Wanting to escape while they were distracted, I pushed up from the ground and started to run.

  “No!” the devilish-looking man shouted. “I can’t let you go!”

  Hysterical, I tripped over my legs as he ended up before me again. “Leave me alone!”

  He waved a hand behind him, and another dark shadow began to form. He gripped my arm, fingers digging into my skin while trying to pull me inside.

  “Let go of me!” I shouted through clenched teeth, struggling to free myself from the monster.

  My body stiffened as the creature’s strong arm curled around my waist all of a sudden then dragged me back, tossing me aside like a ragdoll.

  “You will not take this human,” the defiant voice roared.

  So, it’s really a male.

  He swung for the monster, who appeared frustrated, aiming the spear for its chest. He flipped his body swiftly, dodging the struck of the weapon.

  They battled like people from medieval times. It was a scene straight out of a supernatural movie.

  More fluttering erupted around us.

 
Trees rustled in the wind.

  “Ugh,” I yelped as two more creatures landed from the dark sky, dressed in dark warrior clothing just like the other.

  “Pests!” The bizarre monster huffed in panic while backing away from all three of them. He passed erratic gazes as if wondering who he could take on first. Then his fiery eyes landed on me, quivering on the ground.

  Shit!

  He charged once again. The first creature tried to stop him, but he evaded successfully, twisting over the spear and landing close to me.

  “I will not leave a complete failure,” he grunted.

  “Ahh!” I cried out as he sliced through my jacket at the left side of my shoulder with his blade. “God!” Indescribable pain jolted my body. Like fire under my skin.

  A triumphant grin formed on his devilish face. It fizzled when a spear suddenly ripped through his chest.

  Painful shouts gushed from his mouth.

  His body convulsed.

  Fire encapsulated him, and he burned into ash and disappeared before my eyes.

  I twisted into the fetal position on the ground, crying and shaking in agony. “Make it stop…God! Someone help me!”

  “She has been tainted,” a woman’s voice stated evenly. It came from one of the creatures standing behind the one who had saved me. He lowered, steel-grey eyes gliding over my trembling body.

  “You know what you must do,” chimed the third creature. Another male.

  Their voices were mesmeric with an accent I had never heard before.

  But what are they talking about?

  “Help…me,” I whimpered, voice barely coming out through my suffering. I could feel my body weakening bit by bit. “Please…”

  The creature before me pointed the spear toward the middle of my chest.

  Terror reverberated through me, merging with the pain. I managed to plead, “Please…don’t kill me.”

  The creature angled his head, magical eyes studying my face. After a sharp breath, he slowly moved the spear, settling it at his back again.