Unfortunate Souls (Book 1): Unfortunate Souls Series (The Unfortunate Souls Series)

by Jade M. Phillips

  Brokenhearted, I continued walking backward, his form growing smaller in the distance. Our gazes stayed locked until a loud snapping flash spun me around and I found myself standing in a harsh white spotlight, squinting against the blinding lumens.

  “New recruit!” A man called out from somewhere up high on a watchtower and my heart pounded anxiously. The gates slowly creaked open and a small woman approached me. She looked young, about the same age as me. Her long brown hair tumbled over a brown cloak and her pale skin shone beneath her hood. Her nose was small and button-like and it scrunched when she smiled. She stood before me.

  “I need to see your fangs.” Her voice was soft and unthreatening but my pulse still raced and my legs shook. The skin of my face was tight from recently fallen tears and my lips quivered with uncertainty. I drew my brows together in concentration and bared my fangs to her, as Wilson had taught me.

  A smile peeled across her pale lips. “Sorry. It’s just protocol. Come on in.”

  She took my arm and guided me toward the dark entrance of the large wooden gate. I looked back over my shoulder to see that Guy had gone, and if at all possible, my heart sank a little deeper. My throat burned, another sob threatening to release. But I wouldn’t cry anymore.

  “What’s your name?” she asked, bringing my attention back.

  “Ruby.” I inhaled through my nose and exhaled out through my mouth. “Ruby Carter.”

  She smiled. “That’s a nice name. Welcome to Tombstone, Ruby.”

  I forced a smile in response. Ruby was indeed my name, but in my heart, I would always be Faith.

  THIRTY-NINE: GUY

  Seeing her walk away was like watching my own heart being torn from my chest. It was as if my skeleton had been ripped from my body and each bone shoved roughly back in. I thought I could never feel that way again. I thought I could never love again.

  After I’d lost Lilly, I vowed never to open myself up for fear of the tremendous pain that would likely ensue. But this was different. This was more than a college infatuation, more than a lustful love. This was global. It was like the universe had dropped Ruby in front of me that night at the warehouse, as though I were meant to save her, to protect her. And something about this beautiful vampire made the darkness in me fade. She had a light about her, a blinding radiance of joy and innocence. A light that cast my doubts aside. I’d felt alive again for the first time in years.

  Even before I bonded myself to Ruby, before I drank her blood, there was a connection between us, something I’d never thought possible. But if I asked her to stay with me, it would only attract danger and the last thing I wanted to do was put Ruby in harm’s way. Leaving her was the hardest decision I’d ever had to make in my entire life, but it was one that I had to face.

  I wanted to step forward to call out to her, to tell her I’d made a mistake, but that would only prolong the pain of losing her. She was like a beautiful bird, one that could not be caged, and I needed to set her free. The gates opened for her and my jaw clenched. I jumped into the truck and drove away for fear of being seen.

  In some other time, another realm, a distant past or parallel life, we were meant to be together. My love for Ruby Carter would never be forgotten, no matter any length of time nor distance of space. But as all great love stories go, there is always an end. And this was our end. Our time was up.

  I ran my hand down the back of her empty seat, as if in doing so I could touch her one last time. But she was gone and that was that. I dropped my hand in reluctant acceptance, the sensation of cool metal brushing against my skin. I grabbed the surprise item, holding it up in the dim moonlight and, upon recognition, I laughed. I laughed so hard my stomach ached.

  There in my hand lay a spoon perfectly bent in half, the curve so impeccable, I’d have sworn it’d been made that way. Its silver shone like a gem and warmth spread through my chest.

  She’d done it. She’d finally done it! My first instinct was to hug her and congratulate her but the warmth that had spread through my body at seeing the spoon went cold. She wasn’t there and I’d never be able to tell her what a good job she’d done. I would never be able to say the words I’d always wanted to say. I blew out a frustrated breath and tucked the silver token into my pack. It might be silly, but I would keep it always.

  The night was warm and I rolled down both windows to let the breeze cool my face. I flew down the highway toward Bisbee, toward headquarters, knowing it was time to either regain the position of my old life, or consider a change.

  I drove in silence, my mind muddled with questions. I wondered how I could ever continue my old life, knowing I could no longer protect Ruby. I wondered if she’d grown enough that she could protect herself. I hoped that was the case. I rolled my shoulders to relieve the tension in them, reassuring myself that she would be fine.

  But what about me? What would I do when I got back to headquarters? Her biological father would surely be there and I’d promised to help him. But how I would go about doing that, I hadn’t the slightest idea.

  I also wondered how I could ever rejoin the cause I’d pledged my life to, knowing what I knew now. I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d made a wrong choice somewhere along the way, if I’d blindly chosen a side I knew nothing about. But before I even had a chance to further ponder my doubts a loud bang hit the roof of the truck.

  Instinctively, I slammed the brakes, sending the vehicle swerving. I scanned the road to see if I’d hit anything but the highway was empty. I was alone in the darkness, except for the dim headlights of my truck.

  “Hello there, Captain.” A scratchy voice made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end and my eyes flew to the sound. A pair of black eyes peered at me from the passenger window and instantly I wasn’t alone anymore. Fear blackened my heart as the form of a vampire materialized next to me and I veered off the road.

  As the pair of fangs sank into my neck, I sensed Ruby’s fear, cold and dreadful. She was in trouble and I knew it then, I’d made a mistake. I should’ve never left her. I hardly had time to regret my decision when my body gave way to the darkness, my mind fading, and along with it, thoughts of my vampire Faith.

  FORTY: RUBY

  Within the gates of Tombstone lay a city beyond my imagination, a supernatural world where vampires walked freely and werewolf children played in the streets. It was a beautiful old-world community, connected and harmonious. It was a family.

  Family.

  The word permeated my mind like a soothing blanket, and I couldn’t help but think that’s all I’d ever wanted, needed. I supposed that’s all anyone ever wanted; acceptance, love, and a place to call home. And as I looked back on my long journey, I knew that’s exactly what I’d received— love and acceptance from the most unlikely of souls.

  I thought of my real father and how I found comfort in knowing he’d been there all along, finding he was the one who made me this way. I thought of Wilson and gained joy from his quirky smile and sound advice. And lastly I thought of Guy. My Captain. My love. There aren’t enough words to explain what he’d done for me and the adoration I held for him. But regardless of the place he held in my heart, it was time to move on. Time to join my new family.

  I followed my guide— the vampire girl who’d fetched me at the gates— through the crumbling, yet lively town. And I smiled. I smiled wider than I had in a long time. I was finally home.

  The girl latched a hand to my arm and stopped me abruptly.

  “I’m sorry.” She frowned, the kerosene lamps along the dirt road highlighting her distraught face.

  “Sorry?” I shook my head in confusion, narrowing my eyes on her. “For what?”

  “You’re going to have to come with me.” At her words, a sudden darkness seeped through me like a lunar eclipse. She brushed her brown hair away from her ageless face. “Until you can be questioned by the legion, you’re going to have to come with me. I’ll show you to your cell.”

  Cell? My heart hammered against the inside of my rib
cage.

  “Wait—what—?”

  Before I knew it, I was rushed away in a blur of colors, screaming out for the only person I knew could help me in my time of need. Guy Stone.

  ~THE END~

  Did you enjoy Book One of the Unfortunate Souls Series? Check out this next except from Book Two, Broken Souls, available for pre-order here. Also, don’t forget to sign up for my mailing list *here* to receive valuable information on future book releases and other goodies. And if you’re able, please leave a review of this book. I would love to hear your feedback!

  Jade xoxo

  SNEAK PEEK

  BROKEN SOULS

  ~ book two~

  RUBY

  My imprisonment blazed angry thoughts through my mind, but I was too weak to do anything about it. I opened my mouth to speak, but my throat crackled with disuse. I licked my lips, swallowing what little saliva I had left and tried again.

  “Ex— excuse me?”

  The two werewolves guarding my cell shifted, but remained rigid and silent. Well, they were in their human forms but I could smell their canine scent.

  “I’m thirsty, hungry. Can I please have some blood?” My voice rasped, dryer than the desert I grew up in. “Human blood?”

  I stifled a gag, knowing I’d never drink it. The stuff made me choke. And after Wilson’s discovery of me still being half-human, it was just wrong like a pig eating bacon. Gag. But I needed the female vampire to come back, the one who’d originally found me at the gates of Tombstone.

  Since my being locked up, she’d brought me blood every day and was the only one I had contact with. And I had a feeling she was the only one I would get any answers from. I sure as heck wouldn’t get anything from Humpty and Dumpty, that’s for sure— well maybe some grunts and snarls, and an odd lingering scent of wet dog, but who would want that?

  As if my prayers were answered, a door opened somewhere in the building, indicating that it was feeding time. Relief washed over me at the fact that I would yet again see the young vampire.

  Her footsteps padded down the hall, echoing like raindrops. A candle lit her face as she came into view with a cup in hand and a bundle under her arm. Her unkempt hair hung in gnarled strands and she wore the same clothes as the first night she fetched me from the gates. So many nights ago. Her ripped brown skirt and faded shirt looked little more than rags and I thought she resembled a peasant girl from one of the old black and white westerns my dad used to watch on TV. Disgust coursed through my veins at the sight of her.

  Humpty unlocked my cell and slid open the bars, allowing the female vampire to enter cautiously as if I would jump out and bite her. After being locked up for so long, I just might.

  Except for a deceptive greeting that welcomed me my first night, she’d yet to say one word to me since I was imprisoned, since arriving at Tombstone— The City of Unfortunate Souls. And for someone so stubborn in their resolve, she struck me as a frightened mouse, her brown hair hanging over her meek shoulders as she leaned down to place the cup next to my feet. She cast her eyes downward as if afraid I’d speak to her. Damn right I would.

  “What’s your name?” I asked, causing her to flinch. I was so done. Done being sucked into the numbness and heartache that overcame me in the passing days, done letting the darkness seep into my mind, done being the victim. I would not let Wilson’s memory be in vain. Since I no longer had a family of my own, the old vampire became like a father to me, giving his life to protect me, as well as Guy had done in saving my life.

  Guy Stone.

  Just the name of my soldier caused an ache so bad I thought I might crumble from the inside out. Regardless of my unsated love and broken heart at having to separate from him— for our love was a forbidden one— he’d saved my life so I could live free here in Tombstone. Live safe without danger lurking around every corner.

  And for what? For me to waste away behind bars? I shook my head in anger, gazing at the bars in front of me making slanted shadows on the ground. Both Wilson and Guy wouldn’t want me to give up. I would never give up.

  Ignoring my question, the female vampire pulled the blanket from my side and replaced it with a clean one. I almost laughed. So, for countless days they locked me away with no shred of communication or glimpse of the outside world, with only a meager serving of blood, but laundry held priority? I held back a scoff.

  “Why am I in here?” I tried again.

  Her lashes fluttered as if resisting the urge to look up. But she did and her timeless eyes landed on mine for one long moment. The girl looked to be about the same age as me, seventeen, maybe eighteen. But who knew how old she really was for vampires hid the effects of age well with their immortality. She avoided my gaze yet again and stuffed the old blanket under her arm, indignant on not responding to me.

  “At least tell me how long I’ll be here. I’m getting weak.” That was not a lie. I hadn’t drank the offered blood since being placed in that cell, however long ago that’d been. And I was beginning to feel the effects.

  “Please…” I added, barely above a whisper. My resolve was waning.

  Her body tensed at my plea, but my heart lifted when she glanced over her shoulder at the guards. They were facing away, either unaware or uncaring of our exchange.

  “I’m sorry,” she breathed, dropping her gaze to the ground. “It’s protocol. You’ll be released after Horus questions you.”

  Fear slid through me like snakes. Questions me? That would be fine if I were just some normal vampire coming here to seek refuge. But I wasn’t. I had a past I could not reveal.

  “When?” I asked. “When am I to be questioned?” To my disappointment, the female stood and exited the cell without another word. I huffed with annoyance when the door closed with a loud clang. Great.

  The guards regained their positions, rifles propped up on their shoulders. God, was everyone around here like this— so cold and unwilling to talk? Not like I wanted them to greet me with balloons and fruit punch or anything, but I sure as heck didn’t expect to be thrown into jail like a common criminal. And with no explanation at that, just rigid silence. I wondered if all new arrivals were treated with such class, or if I was the only one to get the creepy-abandoned-ghost-town jail experience.

  Wilson’s warning instantly struck me. The old vampire had warned me not to reveal my secret to anyone— the secret that I was a rare half-breed who grew in strength faster than any other vampire. The secret that I still retained my humanity and compassion. And the secret that I was still half human.

  According to Wilson, somewhere in my family history a vampire mated with a human, and that gene was passed down through the generations landing on, you guessed it, lucky me. I wasn’t quite sure the science of it, something about my immunity to becoming a full vampire. But regardless, it had been activated within me when my maker bit me— my maker, who I’d recently found out was my biological father, and apparently the carrier of said vampire gene, though I’d never met him before.

  Is that why I was kept in here for so long? Did they know I was different? Did they sense it? The thought terrified me, making me want to shirk away and slip back into blissful numbness, ignorant of my scenario. Instead I sat up straight, vying to keep my wits about me. I would await my questioning by this Horus creature and, if all went as planned, I wouldn’t become a dead vampire in the process. I took the cup of blood and poured it down a crack in the floor like I’d done the past few days. I laid down on the wooden bench and rested my head on my arm.

  Time went by unaccounted for and I wasn’t sure if I fell asleep or not but the sound of a door opening down the hall had me jumping. I sat bolt upright, hearing the wolf guard’s nervous murmurs.

  “Horus,” one hissed.

  “Shut up,” the other one retorted.

  I wondered who this Horus was and by the looks on Humpty and Dumpty’s faces, he wasn’t someone you’d have a merry little chat about the weather with. Dread tore through me as the visitor approached, the fine hairs
on the back of my neck standing on end. If the guards feared Horus, maybe I should be too.

  ~*~

  To Be Continued:

  Broken Souls

  Available for Pre-Order Now!

  KINDLE

  ABOUT JADE

  Jade M Phillips writes in the Paranormal Romance and Fantasy genres and is the author of the highly anticipated Unfortunate Souls Series amongst other titles. Jade, aside from being an author, can play guitar, do a frighteningly accurate portrayal of a spider monkey, and has the magical ability to vanquish entire armies of supernatural creatures with a flick of her pen. When she is not writing about mystical beings and lovable characters, she’s having nightly dance parties with her kids, blogging about whatever tickles her fancy, and testing new recipes on the stove (which coincidentally, usually ends up testing her smoke detectors as well.) Jade resides in Arizona with her husband, two children, and her crazy cat, William Wallace Braveheart Fuzzy McFarland the Third.

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