Not for us.
Epilogue
Eighteen Years Later
"So... where are you taking me for my birthday tonight?" Zach smiled as he tugged at the hem of my dress.
I glanced down and jerked on my fishing pole as I let out a nefarious smile. "Well, I was thinking that since you've been avoiding me for the last seventeen years, that we could finally go to the old scary mansion at the edge of town."
"Awww... come on J. Not that again. The place gives me the creeps." He reached up and tugged again. "Come sit by me. You've been gone all summer and I've missed you."
"You have? Needed your bestie?" I moved to sit down next to him, careful not to knock over the can of worms beside me.
"It's been weird lately without you." He laid his pole down and turned, laying his head on my thigh like he did when we were kids.
"How so?" I ran my fingers through his shaggy, dark hair before leaning over and kissing the top of his head.
He stiffened slightly and I almost laughed. We'd been lovers for the last sixty-five years... how could he not see it? How did he not realize it?
Simple. He's still alive.
"I don't know." His eyes moved up toward me. "How's your mother?"
"She's fine. Why?"
"She doesn't look fine, J. You need to find out what's going on with her. Depression shouldn't whittle someone away." He reached up and tugged on a strand of my hair.
I needed more of him than he was giving. I'd been waiting for six long months to see him again. Leaning over, I covered his mouth with mine and kissed him the way we used too when we were married and living a real life together. We were going to change the world. And we did.
He breathed in deeply and sunk his fingers into my hair, lifting a little and kissing me harder. He'd never kissed me before in this life, but he seemed to enjoy it.
I broke the kiss and brushed my lips across his forehead. "I'm excited about your birthday."
"Why's that?"
"Because... it will be a night of new beginnings. A night to remember."
"Of course it will. You've been waiting your whole life to get me into that creepy-ass mansion. I just hope it satisfies your curiosity. There are no such things as ghosts."
"We'll see..." I chuckled and sat back up.
The water moved in front of us, a small wave lapping up on the edge of the dock.
It was almost time.
Zach jumped up and leaned over the edge. "What was that?"
"It's our sea monster who lives in fresh water and has to contend with a swap-like atmosphere."
He chuckled and glanced back at me. "What?"
"Nothing... you had to be there." I shrugged and looked down at my nails. Could I be strong like him? Could I take him through the horror of who we were to help him understand what he would be forced to do? I glanced over at him as he reached out and touched the side of my face.
"Do you think we're going to grow old together, J? You know, that we'll always be in each other's lives?"
"I don't know about growing old, but if something happens... I'll find you."
"You promise? No matter where we are?"
"Yes. Til death do us part."
Authors Bio – L.A. Starkey
L.A. Starkey is the author of the Soul Keeper Series, a supernatural young adult series, and The Liarus Detective Series, a supernatural middle grade series.
She is a fulltime writer, and loves spending time with her family and reading a good book. With more ideas than one person should be allowed, she is blessed to have a muse that doesn't seem to take a vacation and more energy that one might consider healthy.
She writes under the following pen name:
Kate Thomas - NA/Adult Paranormal (http://amzn.to/1SKV9ey)
Website ~ Newsletter ~ Amazon ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads
Other Books by L.A. Starkey
The Soul Keeper Series
The Soul Keeper Series, is a modern day love story about the implications of having more than one soul mate, and having to choose between the two of them. The decisions of the gods has left the next generation, their heirs, torn between fate and reality, and the balance of the future hangs in anticipation of what's to come. The stories are filled with adventure, high emotion and twist and turns that you will never see coming.
Howl at the Moon
Eighth graders, Ben, Jake and Leah need cash, and mowing lawns in the winter just isn’t cutting it. Their need for cash births the Liarus (Liars R Us) Detective Agency!
Their first client is Old Lady Smitz, who is said to have murdered her three sons and husband. She’s missing a family heirloom, but it’s not just any old trinket, it’s the crest of Lykoi.
There are only two rules: No girls are allowed and never seal a deal with the witch doctor.
Disregarding danger, these three discover that money is usually more trouble than it’s worth!
The Core, Equilibrium I
There’s something strange about David, something that goes beyond the way he makes Ellie feel. He’s wealthy, poised, and a complete enigma. With nothing to lose but her heart, Ellie goes in search of the truth—a search that leads her down an eye-opening path that reveals secrets about the world she thought she knew.
The world’s order is held in careful balance, the essence of good and evil tilting the scale. When the fabric of reality is stripped away, Ellie is forced to make a decision to follow the path David’s constructed before her or simply walk away.
The Core is missing and someone must step up and stand between the light and darkness, holding each back and maintaining equilibrium.
Resounding Desolation
The Hunters of the Great Circle of have been around since the beginning of time, the church having spawn them into existence out of necessity. With nothing more than faith and courage, these humans have fought back the darkest of creatures to spare humanity hell's wrath.
One huntress in particular has been given the gift of immortality, but it comes at a price. As Elsie fights her ways across the great lands of Europe in search of something taken from her long ago, she will discover that in the darkest hour, love has the power to conquer all.
This is book 1 in a long-running series and will focus on the Hunters of the Circle. Book 2 will tell the story of the Vampires.
Book 2: Witch Moth
By Kelly Hall
Witch Moth
Copyright © 2015 by Kelly Hall
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
The novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and plot are all either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons – living or dead – is purely coincidental.
First Edition.
Editor: Stephanie Stacker
Cover Art: Kellie Dennis at Book Cover by Design
Chapter One
Kitty’s bag made a thud as it hit the floor by her feet. She slumped back onto the sofa and released a deep breath. It had been a long, slow day, and it hadn’t helped that Jenna’s mom made three stops on the way home from school instead of the usual one. Kitty’s eyes followed Jenna across the room where the girl kicked off her shoes, plopped down in a recliner, and tucked her feet up beside her.
“I’ll be glad when school is over,” said Jenna.
Kitty, stretching out her tired muscles, couldn’t help but giggle. “It’s only the first week in October; but I agree, school sucks.”
Jenna grabbed a handful of chocolate covered peanuts from the candy dish on the table next to her and offered Kitty some. “You know, that project in homeroom might not be so bad. How lucky are we that we’re partners?”
Kitty took a handful of candies and then fell back into her seat as the first taste hit her tongue. “Yeah, I don’t think I’d want either o
f us to get stuck with one of those obnoxious guys. Is it just me, or does that whole classroom smell like a filthy locker room? I still can’t believe that with all those boys, Colt isn’t one of them. I miss him.”
“Miss him? You see him every day, not to mention we spent the whole summer together. You’re crushing hard, my friend. Are you sure he’s worth it? I mean, what if he likes someone else?” Jenna crunched another candy and turned to stare out the window.
“Who else could he like? I mean, we’ve always been so close and with the three of us spending so much time together, it’s bound to happen. I think he’s just afraid that us being together might ruin our friendship or make things awkward. You wouldn’t feel awkward would you?” She waited for Jenna to say something, but found her friend staring blankly out at the sky. “Earth to Jenna.”
“Yeah, Colt’s a nice guy,” Jenna said. “I think we should do something big for our report. Something no one’s done before.”
Kitty’s mind was still on her crush. Colt Thompson was gorgeous with long, strong legs, muscular arms, and a chiseled chest she longed to touch. The summer had darkened his golden tan and lightened his blond hair. She imagined his bright smile and how the tiny scar on his bottom lip only made him sexier. Those lips. “I think I’m going to kiss him. I mean, the next time we’re alone. Do you think that’s too forward? Maybe I should try to get him to kiss me again instead. What do you think? I mean he’s always holding my hand and flirting, but he hasn’t kissed me— just the one time. Maybe he’s waiting on me to make the next move.”
Jenna released a long breath and took to her feet. “I think you should let things happen naturally. If he likes you the same as you like him, I’m sure it will happen.”
“I wish I had your confidence,” said Kitty.
“Well, I wish I had your hair, so we’re even.” Jenna gave her a warm smile and then went to freshen up, leaving Kitty alone. She never understood why Jenna, who had the most beautiful mix of sable and gold hair and more curves than Kitty’s own tall boyish frame, would want her naturally bland, blond locks. Jenna’s style was much edgier, and Kitty had always wished she had the body and the nerve to wear some of Jenna’s darker fashions. As she sat there alone, she hoped she hadn’t made Jenna feel weird because the three of them were so close, but it wasn’t anything new that she was head over heels for Colt.
When Jenna returned, she was carrying a faded game board, and she placed it on the table where Kitty could see the moon and stars depicted, along with the alphabet. “That’s a spirit board,” Kitty said. “Aren’t those things bad luck or something?”
Jenna laughed. “Well some people think they work, but I’ve never used it. I found it in my grandmother’s attic and brought it home. I was thinking we should get Colt and take it out to Whisper House. I bet that place has more than enough ghosts. You’ve heard the old legend.”
Kitty’s eyes widened. Whisper House had a dangerous reputation, and so did spirit boards. “Who hasn’t, but I’m not so sure that’s a good idea this close to Halloween considering the more recent history.”
“Kitty, relax. We’ll bring Colt along. Besides, no one knows for sure that those girls went missing from the house—it’s just where they were known to hang out.”
“And where they were last seen.” Kitty held up her finger while making her point.
Jenna sighed. “I think it would be fun.” She placed a tear-shaped planchette on the table and then sat next to Kitty. “What if we did our video on Whisper House? That would be amazing. No one has ever done that before.” Her eyes plead to Kitty. Kitty was always the more sensible of the two, while Jenna had a tendency to get them both in trouble. They’d both only been off their last grounding for a few weeks after be punished for going off in Colt’s dad’s boat at night.
Kitty didn’t want to get in trouble again, but she liked the idea. It would be something unique and interesting and probably a lot of fun too, especially when she considered Colt coming along. “I think you’re onto something, but you’re probably right. We should see if thing works first.” Kitty waited for Jenna to squeal with excitement, but instead she gave Kitty a warm smile and a hug.
“You’re the best, Kitt,” she said.
Kitty met her eyes directly. “Yeah, well let’s just hope this thing doesn’t work. I don’t need any monsters in my life.”
Jenna laughed and gave a teasing grin. “Relax, Kitt. I think it’s demons…not monsters.”
Kitty’s brows furrowed. “That’s not a comfort, you know. Let’s go get Colt and go to my house.”
Jenna’s face fell. “I can’t tonight, Kitt. I’ve got some things to do for my mom, but we’ll go to Whisper House tomorrow?”
“Sounds like a plan. I’ll see if Colt will come over. Who knows, maybe I’ll get that kiss.” She winked at her friend, and then giggled as she slung her bag over her shoulder and walked to the door.
***
The wind caressed Kitty’s shoulders as she boarded the window with an old portrait and settled the candle flame’s wild dance. Whisper House was littered with remnants from the past. Jenna lit more wicks and then joined Colt at the table. Kitty hurried over and took a seat, hoping to get the night over with. She had the strangest feeling all day that something was wrong, and as she glanced back and forth from Jenna to Colt, she thought her instincts were right. The two had been unusually quiet and exchanging nervous glances. Kitty tried to brush it off as nerves, but it was Jenna who was most excited to bring the board out to Whisper House. Colt was hesitant about the place, but she didn’t think it was the reason for their moods.
Settled dangerously on the edge of a cliff, Whisper House was a Willow Haven landmark. The old plantation home had been abandoned for years, and for some legal reason it couldn’t be moved. It was destined to fall into the lake someday, though no one knew when that might happen. The house had stood as is for years, threatening to take the plunge. Kitty almost felt sorry for the old house and that it could be lost. Its history made it the last place she wanted to be alone, much less with two people who were clearly up to something. For years it had been known as a source of misfortune for those who dared to enter. The older legends stated that the tragedies began when a young newlywed couple, were found murdered there. Kitty knew of many kids who frequented the old place more than she had. This was only the third time she’d had a reason or notion to go there, and it was only for Jenna’s curiosity and to complete her assignment.
Jenna wanted to try a spirit board in the house with hopes to communicate with the missing girls who had supposedly disappeared from it. Some even claim to hear their voices on the wind as it blows inside the broken windows, giving it the name Whisper House. Since the original murders, people had mysteriously disappeared or died on the property for decades, but it was the past disappearances only five years before that Kitty remembered. That Halloween, not just one, but two girls, were last seen in Whisper House with their boyfriends. They never showed up for their midnight curfews and sparked a month-long search and even a trial for the young men who’d last seen them. They were long acquitted from any wrong doing and had since moved away, but the town was still gripped with fear every Halloween. Whisper House was considered cursed.
The house creaked above her head, and she stilled herself, hoping she wouldn’t hear anything, especially if it came from upstairs. Wind whistled like a ghost through the busted windows in the back room and sent chills down Kitty’s spine. She rubbed the gooseflesh from her arm and swallowed hard. “How long will this take?” she asked.
Jenna peered up at Colt, and he shrugged casually. Jenna shifted her eyes to Kitty as she placed the planchette on the spirit board atop the table. “It will take as long as it takes, I suppose. It’s not like I’ve ever done this before,” she snapped.
Kitty frowned at her friend, but figured she was just tired. “Let’s just do this okay.”
At the head of the table, with Kitty to one side and Colt to the other, Jenna held out a
hand and placed it on the planchette and gave the others an encouraging glance. Kitty was hesitant, but as soon as Colt reached out, she did the same.
“What are we supposed to say?” Kitty perused the room, staring hard into the darkened corners. She noticed an open door that she could only imagine led to a kitchen, and hoped the room beyond it was empty. I hope this stupid board doesn’t work.
Jenna ignored Kitty and began, “Are there any spirits here that want to communicate with us?” The three waited and listened as the wind swiftly picked up through the door from the kitchen. Kitty sat up straight in her chair and watched as Colt scanned the room. Nothing happened on the board, but Jenna continued. “Did you die in this house? Are you here with us now?” Suddenly there was a silence over the house as the wind stilled and the planchette moved under their fingertips.
“Very funny, you guys!” Kitty pulled her hand off the planchette and glared at her friends, certain, as she had been all night, that something was up between the two of them. Since they were kids, they’d always teamed up against her to play pranks because she was known as the easier target.
“What? I didn’t do anything. I thought you got scared and jumped.” Colt picked up the planchette and studied it. “How do we know this will even work? And do we really want to talk to a bunch of dead people?” His eyes rested on Kitty, giving her an encouraging glare. She could see he didn’t want any part of this either.
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