Aconite
CHRISTINE ALVAREZ
Copyright © 2015 by Christine Alvarez
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Christine Alvarez
First Printing: January, 2015
ISBN-13: 978-1505579185
ISBN-10: 150557918X
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
First, and foremost, I would like to thank my husband, friends and family who put up with my constant mood swings, incessant need to bounce ideas off anyone who would listen and who never let me give up. My children, my babies, they deserve a very special thank you. They cannot give me opinions or listen to me ponder over scenes and structure, but they still offered support where they could. They cheered me on through each personal goal I met or fell short at and gave me the small push when I couldn’t find the words. I love you all.
I have to give a huge shout out to Super Bree. I walked into this world not having a clue and was lucky enough to meet her straight out of the gate. Without her I would probably be running in circles and you all would still be waiting. The endless e-mails, text messages, and Facebook back and fourths helped create my beautiful cover and make sure it was perfect before I sent it out into the world. You are not only a business partner but a true friend and I hope you know I feel truly blessed.
My betas; you put up with craziness trying to get through my first manuscript and I couldn’t thank you enough for the ideas, fresh eyes and time you put into reading Aconite. You all are a huge part in putting quality books out there. I see you all as friends and I couldn’t image handing over my baby to anyone else.
The Indie community deserves mad props as well. I threw myself into their world and expected nothing and received everything. I met fabulous authors like Kellie Coakley. She has always been just a private message away never letting me fall into the abyss; answering all of my questions no matter how off the wall they were. You helped point me in the right direction when I had wondered off the path. Thank you, Doll!
Last, but most definitely closest to the top, I want to give a huge advanced thank you to all those that have invested there money and hours into reading my debut novel. You all are the reason that I write and will continue to write. Please don’t hesitate to give a constructive review. Authors learn from you and your reviews count. Not for numbers, bragging, or complaining rights, but as a helpful tool into creating a better reading experience for those who love to read.
Christine
CHAPTER ONE
I couldn’t run fast enough. Twigs and brush caught against the many layers of my dress as I ran through the night. A tree trunk that had fallen long ago almost caused me to fall well before I was clear of the mounting danger. Dense trees worked to provide security; but something was out there; stalking me, playing with me, turning that attempt against me. The sane part of me knew that outrunning it wasn’t an option, but I couldn’t give up; fighting was my only option. A gust of warm, rank air crested along my exposed skin whirling me around to scan my surroundings. I was alone, completely alone. My fear became my only company. A crash too close for comfort caused me to stumble and fall into a bed of wolfsbane. I recognized it, not from knowledge, but from a memory that I couldn’t place. I lay on the forest floor feeling my heart hammer against my chest.
I tried to hide in the small patch of flowers. I let them hold me; keep me safe from whatever was out there. I prayed that the petals and vines would be enough to protect me from the monster that stalked me. The unmistakable sounds of footsteps grew softer as whoever it was grew nearer to my hiding place. The beating of my heart was loud in my own ears. I held my breath as it was the only other protection I could summon. Maybe if they couldn’t hear me they would keep going. But I knew my time was up.
That dream and others like it had consumed my nights as far back as I could remember. But the last one felt different. It felt real. Faceless creatures and things that go bump in the night are the classic definition of a nightmare. I relished in those nightmares. Outside of them I felt like constantly searching; waiting for something just beyond my reach. But this time I woke up drenched in sweat and out of breath, almost as if I had actually been running. I even confessed as much to my parents who brushed it off as nothing but a bad dream. They wanted me to focus more on their dreams rather than my own. I had even enrolled into a local community college to placate them. My father, Ben just knew I would get my doctorate and one day take over the family practice. My mother, Rhonda, was content with her own ideas. In her vision I would graduate from college, settle down with an accountant and move into the house next door. I didn’t want to do any of that. They were far from thrilled when I came home after quitting my job and putting college on hold to go on a journey to find out exactly where I was supposed to be. They would never understand that the price of staying was too high; because they were where they wanted to be.
**********************************
The wolfsbane from that dream had seared itself into my mind; giving it a permanent place on my body didn’t even warrant a second thought. The idea felt more like a necessary compulsion. I hadn’t even felt the pain as the needle sliced into my skin.
The Ocean View Inn in Reedsport, Oregon was perfect, just like the postcard had promised. I held up the postcard comparing the two. Reedsport was picture perfect right down to the little wooden welcome sign that sat out front. I absently ran my hand along the still bandaged tattoo that now donned my chest. What had I gotten myself into? What does it say about someone who chose their destination based off a truck stop postcard? All I knew was rural Missouri just wasn’t hacking it.
As I entered the Inn, a tall willowy lady that had to be in her late sixties manned the front desk, greeting me with a warm smile.
“Good afternoon and welcome to Ocean View Inn. How can I help you?” She didn’t stare at the bandage that covered my cleavage nor did she give my shorts and t-shirt a second glance. It was refreshing after all the questioning stares I had received getting here.
“I’d like to rent a room for as long as you would allow it—Linda,” I said, glancing at her name tag. I never like asking anyone for anything without first knowing their name.
“Of course, I have only one room left, and it is yours for as long as you would like.” Linda tapped at her desktop inputting all the information on my driver’s license.
“What brings you so far from home, Ms. Alexis Davis?” she asked, handing back my cards. I just spent the majority of what I brought securing a place to stay.
“Not sure,” I answered honestly. That was the truth as far as I could tell. How sane would I seem if I told her that a random postcard had brought me here? Her never wavering smile and a nod made my answer seem normal. She acted as if my answer was the most logical thing she had ever heard. I grabbed the key and the complimentary Reedsport Gazette and made it to my room in desperate need of a shower and food.
The room was just like any other hotel room with its generic flowered wallpaper, a single bed that faced a small desk, and TV. I was grateful for the mini fridge and coffee pot. Coffee is a must in my book. The Inn even had a deal with Papa’s Pasta and Subs that sat right next door. With limited funds until I found a job, discount
s would have to do. I ordered dinner and took a quick shower while I waited. The delivery man still hadn’t arrived, so I scanned the help wanted section. It was teeming with job openings and I had my list narrowed down in no time. But one ad in particular had my name written all over it. Antiques and Oddities was looking for someone who could catalog and organize high-end antiques. There is nothing mundane about history. The only requirement was experience; being an ex-office secretary and college dropout wasn’t exactly top notch hiring material, but here was to hoping that luck was on my side.
When my food finally arrived I twirled the noodles around my fork unable to eat. I closed the lid on the takeout container and tossed it into the waste basket. The box popped open causing my leftovers to cover the bottom of the basket. So much for saving money, I thought. I couldn’t eat a thing. Instead I filled my mind with thoughts of what tomorrow would bring and drifted off into a restless sleep.
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I woke from an unusually dreamless night that had filled me with more energy than I’d had in months. I scrounged through my clothes, finally settling on a slightly wrinkled pantsuit that covered my tattoo. I didn’t know how many employers would look past it long enough to even consider my resume. I stood in front of the full length mirror that hung in the bathroom. The four inch heels and small amount of makeup had me feeling great. I could even overlook the plain as day creases in my top. The high ponytail let my sandy blond hair flow down my back and the smoky eye shadow had actually put a sparkle in my eye that I had never noticed before. Even the freckles that sat on my cheeks didn’t feel so childish. I wasn’t well endowed and my genetic makeup didn’t give me the good graces of having an ass to fill out my jeans but I wasn’t ugly by definition. Just plain compared to other women my age. I couldn’t tell if it was the extra sleep or my new adventure but I was feeling confident as I grabbed my list and resumes and headed out the door.
I hadn’t given myself enough time to make coffee but Linda knew the best place in town to get a cup. A girl cannot start out the day without her coffee. The Inn stood smack dab in the middle of town that only expanded a mile each way. You either hit the ocean or forest so I chose to walk. September in Oregon was perfect walking weather, and it gave me a better opportunity to get to know my temporary home. It turned out walking was the general mode of transport. The sidewalks were teeming with people coming and going from shops and restaurants. Trucks hauling their catch to the local markets were the only vehicles that occupied the streets. The lack of exhaust and the breeze coming off the Pacific Ocean kept the small town smelling of salt and sea.
I finally made it to Shore Side Cafe. Going through the door I noticed a help wanted sign. After ordering a large caramel macchiato and blueberry scone to go, I left my resume with a stout brunette at the counter. While I ate and walked I took in the place that was plastered on the post card. Seagulls, fisherman, and giggling children all accented the large forest scenery that sat in the distance.
Apparently I was so engrossed in the scenery that I wasn't aware of anyone until I slammed into a man, slinging my coffee all over his white designer shirt and outrageously expensive black slacks. I scrambled to pick up my scattered papers, having never felt so utterly mortified. All plans of apologies died instantly when I craned my neck to look directly into the brightest blue eyes I had ever seen. A husky was the only other thing I could compare them too. Those eyes flashed in irritation against his flawless caramel skin. Jet black hair woven into a braid lay across his shoulder and the tick in his high cheek bones gave greater definition to his growing annoyance. His full lips put a sexy twist on the entire situation. Realizing I was standing there stupidly appraising the man that was currently wearing my coffee, I felt a blush of embarrassment creep up my face.
"I'm sorry. I will pay for the dry cleaning," I said.
The look in his eyes was overwhelming; like a predator would study his prey before he attacked. He ran those sexy eyes up and down my even more wrinkled pant suit, my ponytail which now sported quite a few fly-aways, and my Wal-Mart special heels. He produced an amused smirk as his eyes swept over my now coffee stained resumes.
"Madame, I bid you good luck on your journey for employment but your financial assistance will not be necessary." Instead of waiting for a reply he spun around and left me standing in the street. I didn't know if I should be offended or thankful that he didn't demand compensation for his clothes. Thank God, because my car would be where I slept if I had to pay for that outfit.
I managed to leave my remaining resumes at most of the businesses on my list including the library, another cafe, even a law office for yet another secretarial position because we all know that a lawyer I will never be. Finally, I made my way to Antiques and Oddities. I tried to smooth out as many of the wrinkles in my clothes as possible and redid my ponytail. I needed to make a good impression. With a smile plastered on my face, I entered to the sound of a bell tinkling overhead. At the counter a man sat hunched over, concentrating on papers laid out in front of him.
"I will be with you in a moment." His dark formal voice pinged against something familiar inside of me. I took in the smell of cherry wood cabinets and shelves, Victorian era furniture, statues, and rugs that seemed older than time. Bottles and bobbles sat on the shelves and hand painted art hung along the walls. The shop was immaculate; absent of anything that could take from the beauty of its contents. The store felt alive and singing with energy. I shivered with the odd sensation that this place gave me. I placed my resume on the edge of the counter as to not disturb the man while he worked; but once again I was stuck staring into husky blue eyes that gave off such menace that my breath caught in my chest. The attention was short lived before he continued with his studies of the pages in front of him. I edged my resume closer to him refusing to take his dismissal.
"Excuse me sir, but I see you have an opening and I thought I may be of some assistance." Politeness oozed from my introduction. If I wanted this job I could at least try to kiss up to my maybe boss, even if he was a serious pompous ass.
“No." The dismissal rang hard in that one single word.
"The position has been filled?" I tried for curiosity even though my short temper was being tested.
"No." With another curt response I was quickly failing that test.
"Listen if the…"
"Madame, if you do not have sense enough to simply navigate the streets of this small town without incident, how can I trust that you are able to walk through my shop without damaging antiques that cannot simply be dry cleaned?" Without even pausing in his work I knew my dismissal was final.
I stomped out of Antiques and Oddities while giving myself a mental ass chewing for not paying more attention and simultaneously squelching the urge to go back in there and throw one of those precious antiques at his head. But that would be childish and my parents raised me better. Was he perfect? Had he never in his life had an accident? He didn't even glance at my resume to be able to form any opinion on what qualifications I had. Granted my resume wouldn't help his opinion, but it was the principle of the matter. My resume—in my haste to get the hell out of there I left my resume and my list of stops sitting on the counter. My anger and embarrassment held me back from recovering what I had lost.
I was irritated and hungry by the time I made it back to the Inn. Linda was working again tonight. She greeted me with a smile that I was thankful for after my run-ins with, hell, I didn't even know his name.
"Ms. Davis, I have a message for you. A Mr. Jonathon Evans called from Shore Side Cafe."
With a warm thank you I took my message and headed to my room. I didn't even have energy for a shower. While waiting for my spaghetti and meatballs I decided to give Mr. Evans a call back. A hard masculine voice answered after two rings.
"This is Jonathon."
"Hello, Mr. Evans this is Alexis Davis, I left my resume at your cafe this morning." Silence met me on the other end causing me to wonder if the call h
ad been disconnected.
"Ah, yes, Ms. Davis. I went over your resume and wondered if you were available at six a.m. for an interview?”
I graciously accepted the offer as I tried to shoo away the feelings of annoyance at such an early time. A job was a job, even if it was just another run of the mill job.
CHAPTER TWO
Even before the sun made her appearance I was up and out of a necessary shower. I put on a knee length pencil skirt and burgundy V-neck silk blouse. My tattoo was plainly visible but I couldn't hide it forever. I put just enough product in my hair to give it bounce. After finishing off my outfit with my favorite four inch stilettos and a matching shawl, I applied a touch of base and eyeliner and checked myself out in the mirror before heading out the door. The morning air was cool and crisp as I chose, again, to walk. Not only was it beautiful here, but it saved on gas. Without the promise of a job I needed to save where I could.
I reached the cafe only to find a closed sign hanging on the front door. I was a tad early, maybe he just wasn't here yet. I peered into the glass that framed the front door. A dim light in the back of the building silhouetted a tall figure strolling towards the front. As he grew closer I could better pick out his features. His tall, lean build was reminiscent of a cat. His cream complexion was nothing I would have pegged for someone that lived so close to a beach. He kept his long blond hair loosely pulled back, exposing his rounded face. But the most striking feature was jet black eyes that glinted with mischief. His whole demeanor screamed of nonchalance and I was lost in his eyes when the door opened.
Aconite (The Elektita Series Book 1) Page 1