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    Frozen Paws - Part 10: The Crush Saga, #10
    Frozen Paws - Part 10: The Crush Saga, #10
    Frozen Paws - Part 10: The Crush Saga, #10
    Ebook276 pages4 hours

    Frozen Paws - Part 10: The Crush Saga, #10

    By Chrissy Peebles

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    About this ebook

    This is book 10 in The Crush Saga. 

    The Crush Saga continues with Julie’s story.

    Julie leaves Big Bear Lake when she is chased by evil that wants to consume her powers. She dyes her hair, packs her stuff, and goes on the run… She hooks up with a werewolf pack that is branched off from The Ice Pack. They vow to help her. But can she really hide from her enemies? 

    Julie is eighteen years old, discreetly going about her life as the daughter of a witch. Her biggest concern is trying to convince her mother to let her marry her boyfriend, a werewolf. 

    Everything changes when, after a fight with her mother, Julie goes for a drive and ends up in a car accident. The other driver gets out of his car and attacks Julie with inhuman strength. She is forced to use magic to defend herself, and accidentally kills her attacker in the process. A few short hours later, the same man walks out of the hospital without a scratch on him. 

    Julie goes on the run, hunted by a coven of vampires long thought to be extinct. Even in a town full of Immortals, Julie is not safe. The only way for her to stop running is to defeat the vampires that hunt her. With help from two new friends and fellow vampires, Julie goes on a journey to find three rare ingredients to use in a potion that will destroy the entire coven that hunts her. 

    She constantly battles not only against vampires, shape-shifters and ghosts—but also with herself. Can she learn what it means to be part of a pack? The answer will determine her success or failure. 

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherDark Shadows Publishing
    Release dateNov 16, 2015
    ISBN9781516393954
    Frozen Paws - Part 10: The Crush Saga, #10

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    • 3/5
      Young adult story, very cliche but holds your attention well.

    Book preview

    Frozen Paws - Part 10 - Chrissy Peebles

    Chapter 1

    JULIE HAD MET THE MAN of her dreams, tamed the untamable bad boy; her very own dark, mesmerizing hero. Their love was eternal and knew no bounds. Grant was the perfect guy, everything she needed and wanted for the rest of eternity. Sure, he was a little rough around the edges, but that was one thing among many that Julie loved about him. He didn’t indulge in the craziness of the classic werewolf, ripping people to shreds beneath a full moon like some kind of uncontrollable, furry psychopath. Grant had self-control, and he held the reins on the monstrous beast inside, just like she did. The two of them had been through so much together, so many near-death horrific circumstances, yet they’d managed to triumph, clinging to one another in the process.

    The only trouble was that her mother simply couldn’t or wouldn’t accept what they had. Julie and her mom had always been so close, and she didn’t want her love for Grant to divide them.  

    She grasped a warm ceramic mug in her hands and inhaled deeply, hoping the fragrance of the lavender tea would soothe her senses. Unfortunately, it didn’t.

    Her mother wanted to talk to her about something, and she didn’t seem very happy. Based on the sound of her voice, Julie feared she had somehow found out about their upcoming marriage.

    Julie could feel someone approaching, even though there was not a sound to be heard. She could feel suspicion and resentment pulsing through the air, coming nearer and nearer, until her mother, Abigail, opened the kitchen door and peered inside. The resentment she projected turned for a moment to panic, then to anger.

    If you set foot out of this kitchen without cleaning up that mess, young lady—

    I won’t, Julie said, cutting off the threat. Heaven forbid I leave the place looking like someone actually lives here.

    Her mother’s beautiful blond hair hung in wisps around her face, so soft and doll-like, in direct opposition to her narrowing eyes that looked at Julie in disdain. She just stood in the doorway staring like that, clenching her fists as if she was furious enough to punch a hole in the wall. 

    Julie took a sip of the tea and let the taste roll over her tongue a few times before swallowing. She raised her eyebrows questioningly and brushed a strand of straight blond hair out of her face. I know this is about more than a mess in the kitchen, Mom. You’re fuming, and... Look, I just can’t take it anymore. Please, Mom. Can’t you just tell me why you’re really so mad at me?

    Abigail gave Julie that inherent mom look that caused her to swallow hard. You’re engaged to Grant, her mother whispered. "You’re engaged to a werewolf. Why?"

    Julie shrugged. Animal magnetism?

    So it’s all about lust?

    But he’s just so tall and strong, Mom. Gosh, haven’t you ever see Grant without a shirt? He’s all tattoos and muscles, just oozing sex appeal.

    Abigail frowned.

    Julie continued, C’mon, Mom. You know it goes way deeper than that. I’m not that shallow.

    I know he’s a strong protector and a strong mate, but... Julie, we both know there are many, many reasons why you need to let him go.

    What reasons? Are you worried he’ll hurt me? We might’ve started out rough, but I know now that Grant is in this for the long haul.

    Abigail placed her hands on her hips. Really? Because your father told me the exact same thing.

    Grant isn’t Maurice, Mom...and wolves mate for life.

    Abigail just shook her head, unclenched her fists, and sighed.  

    Can’t you see I love him? Julie pleaded. I love that wolf of mine more than anything in this world. It’s just so...romantic, so deep, so amazing. He’s my heart, Mom, my soul and my life.

    Baby, why didn’t you tell me? Abigail retorted, now sounding more hurt than angry. I’m your mother, and getting engaged is a big deal. You’ve never hidden things from me before, at least not things as important as this.

    Because I knew you’d react exactly like this. Julie felt her heart sink, as she’d never intended to hurt her mother. What blabbermouth gave it away anyway? She glared suspiciously at Franco, the black cat hiding behind her mother’s legs.

    The animal mewed, wound his body around Abigail’s ankles, and ducked away guiltily.

    "It was supposed to be a surprise, said Julie, regaining her composure. Aren’t you happy for me?"

    "You’re going to marry him after he betrayed you? He only started dating you because the werewolves told him to, so they could get information about Taylor. She stepped farther into the kitchen and put her hands on the counter beside Julie. Besides, witches and werewolves just don’t make a good cocktail. There are some things that just shouldn’t be mixed. You know that, honey."

    Maybe you’ve forgotten that I’m part werewolf. I’m really kind of a mutt myself, Mom.

    Abigail offered a half-smile and walked over to stroke her daughter’s hair. I know, but you’re still a witch, and you were born one. You should marry one of the witches here in Big Bear Lake. Even your father agrees.

    "Maurice? You’re taking advice from him? Did you forget he tried to kill me?"

    Your father means you no harm. He was brainwashed by the witches, taught from birth that it is an honor to be the parent of a petal witch.

    And what do they do with petal witches? Sacrifice us! Luckily, we put a stop to that little ceremony.

    Yes, and I am grateful, but that’s all behind us now. The witches have their powers back, and that will never happen again. She gazed at Julie. You told me that you’ve forgiven the witches. Was that a fib, dear?

    I have forgiven them, but... Look, Mom, I really don’t wanna talk about this. This is supposed to be a happy time for me. Please don’t make me regret not running off to Vegas to get married by some Elvis in a drive-thru chapel. It was really tempting to be married in a hurry by a guy who hands you your marriage license and asks, ‘Do you want fries with that?’

    Ignoring Julie’s attempt at humor, Abigail shook her head and said, I really don’t think you should marry a werewolf.

    It’s kind of like one of your magic potions, Mom, Julie reasoned calmly, taking another sip of her lavender tea. You can’t make magic without adding more than one ingredient. What good do bat wings do if you don’t throw in a dash of ground cricket?

    Marriage is not a potion! Abigail retorted. And just when were you going to tell me about this? Hmm? Ever? Also, where’s your ring? Surely he could have visited a vending machine or something.

    Julie slammed her mug on the counter. Why must you be so insulting? Of course Grant gave me a ring! she lied. I just haven’t been wearing it because I had to keep it a secret till—

    Until what? You gave birth to my first grandchild, some kind of were-witch? Tell me, Julie, do you potty-train a child like that, or take him out on a leash? she spat.

    Anger surged through Julie, rolling up and down her limbs and prickling her skin. Now it was her turn to clench her fists and inhale deeply. She took a moment to gather herself, and managed to speak calmly again. You know what? she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. You seem stressed. Maybe you need this lavender tea more than I do.

    Her mother warily folded her arms over her chest.

    You’re mad at me for getting engaged to Grant, but what about when you secretly dated Maurice?

    "He’s your father, young lady! Show some respect and quit calling him by his name."

    "He’s my biological father, a sperm donor at best. He left when I was only a baby. Please don’t forget that."

    He was young and foolish, but he’s changed now. We didn’t tell you we were dating because we knew how much it would upset you.

    Ya think? Why? I mean, could it have anything to do with the fact that the monster abandoned us all those years ago or, perhaps, that he tried to kill me? Mom, if that so-called father of mine had his way, I’d be dead. How can you date someone who wanted your daughter dead? Yes, I’ve forgiven him, but I don’t have to be his buddy, and I’m always gonna have trouble trusting him.

    That’s your bitterness talking.

    Far from it. I’m not bitter. I’m glad you’re happy, Mom, because you deserve it. I’m even glad he’s happy. Maybe you two can finally have that happily-ever-after for yourselves, but you can’t expect me—the daughter Daddy Dearest tried to murder on an altar—to be happy. I’m not gonna be roasting chestnuts with him on an open fire, smiling and opening Christmas presents like nothing bad has happened between us. If you’re hoping for some sort of Norman Rockwell painting, this family isn’t gonna be it.

    But your father loves you so much, Julie. He’s—

    Is that why he never sent us one letter, not even a Christmas card?

    You’re impossible.

    Why did we come to Big Bear Lake? Julie demanded. Was it because Maurice lives here, or was it really because you were offered a job at the hotel? As long as we’re spilling secrets, Mom, you may as well start telling me the real truth.

    It was...both.

    "So you knew he was here? I can’t believe this! You didn’t even tell me who my dad was. How could you keep that from me, and then scold me for keeping my engagement from you?"

    He asked me not to tell you until the time was right.

    Of course, because good ol’ Maurice, father of the year, was plotting my murder. He lured you here so I’d be within reach for the millennium ceremony. There was no love involved. You were a pawn in the witches’ game.

    Maybe at first, but in time everything changed.

    Oh please! Don’t give me that time-heals-all-wounds speech! I’ve still got plenty of wounds that will never go away, thanks to my biological father.

    If Grant can change as you said he has, why do you believe your father couldn’t change? You really have no room to talk. He was ordered to date you, and he gladly used you, feigned an interest in you as he collected vital information. He was a spy, toying with your emotions for his own gain. That’s pretty low in my book.

    Things changed, Mom.

    Her gaze narrowed. "See? That’s exactly my point, dear. Change is possible."

    Julie threw her arms up in frustration. Ugh! How do you do that?

    Abigail smirked. I’m right, aren’t I?

    Grant messed up big time, Julie confessed, and I was pissed for a while, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt. Time and time again he’s proven how much he loves me. He even deserted his own pack, gave up everything and everyone he loved, and put himself at great risk to be with me. With Maurice, it’s completely different.

    How so?

    Grant never plotted my murder in some ancient ceremony.

    So we’re back to that now?

    He never even told you he’s a warlock. He kept important secrets from you, too, Mom.

    "Honey, I didn’t even know I’m a witch! I was adopted."

    Well, what were the chances Maurice would just happen to find a witch for a wife? You’ve gotta ask yourself that question. It can’t be a coincidence.

    You’re out of line, Julie.

    I guess the truth hurts, huh, Mom?

    Abigail scowled.

    Julie inched backward, making her way toward the kitchen door. Cleaning up relaxes me sometimes, so I thought maybe you could, uh... Well, if you don’t mind, I’ll just leave the teapot and this mug for you to wash, okay? Then, without waiting for a response that she knew would not be a pleasant one, Julie bolted out of the kitchen, out of the house, and into the gathering dusk.

    Chapter 2

    NOTHING—NOT EVEN THE greatest fireworks display of all time—could beat the starry night sky in Big Bear Lake. Julie drove along an empty road in her sedan, with the windows down so the cold breeze could blow in, refreshing her face and swirling her blond hair all about. The mountain air was so clear, and the November chill was exactly what she needed to cool off from her argument with her mom.

    Abigail had gotten quite close to the witches; as soon as she discovered her true identity, she jumped right into that role, and they accepted her with open arms. Sadly, for Julie, her mother was again dating her father, the head of the coven. She was deeply involved with all of them, even working at The Sapphire Academy of Magic, learning how to control her powers and all kinds of spells.

    Julie’s mother wanted nothing more than for Julie to forget about her werewolf heritage and try to blend in with the witches, the witches who had hurt her so deeply. Much to Julie’s own surprise, she had managed to forgive them, and they had accepted her just as they accepted her mother. They even accepted her best friend Taylor and her mother as well.

    Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs’ Little Red Riding Hood echoed in the air as Julie’s cell phone rang from the seat beside her. She smiled and grabbed the phone and placed it against her ear. Hello? she shouted over the sound of the wind.

    Hi, babe.

    Grant! Hang on a minute. Julie put the phone on speaker, tossed it on the seat beside her, and rolled up the windows so she could hear him better. Can you hear me now?

    Much better, he said, laughing. I take it you’re driving?

    Yeah, she said, flicking on her brights as a thick fog started to roll in.

    Where are you headed? he asked.

    Nowhere really, said Julie. I just had to get outta the house.

    Uh-oh, Grant said, his voice as soothing as warm honey on a sore throat. He had a way of putting Julie right at ease, even over the phone. What happened? he asked.

    My mother found out...about the engagement, she explained. She’s not exactly thrilled about being the mother of the bride.

    So who talked? asked Grant, as calm as ever, confident that Abigail’s opinion wouldn’t change anything between him and the love of his life.

    I don’t know for sure. Julie sighed. I think it was her cat.

    Oh. After a pause, Grant said, I keep forgetting that cat likes to rat on you. No offense, but witches are just...weird.

    You know one of my mom’s gifts is talking to animals, said Julie. We don’t all have that ability. If we did, I’d have a few choice words for that nosy fur-ball Franco. Anyway, she doesn’t think we should get married. According to her, I was born a witch, so that’s all I am, period. It doesn’t seem to matter that I’ve been a werewolf for over a year now. As far as she’s concerned, a witch is all I’ll ever be.

    There was another pause.

    Julie saw the glow of headlights through the mist, and turned her brights off so the approaching driver wouldn’t be blinded.

    Well, my parents found out, too, said Grant.

    Oh? Julie gripped the steering wheel nervously. And what’d they say?

    Pretty much the same, but—

    Before Grant could finish, and before Julie could even determine that the oncoming car was in the wrong lane, it whizzed through the fog, heading straight for her and approaching fast. Hey! she squealed. Watch out!

    In a flash and a crash, the two cars collided head-on. There was no screeching of tires, no honking of horns; there were only the banging, grinding sounds of the collision, coupled with the smell of smoke and fumes.

    When Julie opened her eyes, she was still looking forward, leaning on the inflated airbag. She briefly took inventory. Her nose was bleeding, and there was a nasty gash above her left eyebrow. Her midsection ached and throbbed, as if severely bruised, but nothing seemed to be broken. She couldn’t say the same about her car, though, which looked like it had taken a trip through the demolition yard; twisted metal, broken glass, and billows of smoke poured from under the hood.

    Julie unfastened her seatbelt and climbed out to make sure the wayward and/or drunk driver was okay. Please don’t let him or her be dead, she thought, rubbing her pounding head.

    The other driver was already out of his mangled car, heading toward her, and she was glad to see him up and walking. The thought of hurting anyone, whether it was her fault or not, really tore at her. She wondered if he was a bad case of DUI, but he seemed to be walking in a straight line, and she didn’t smell booze on his breath.

    He was tall—tall enough that Julie had to look up to see his face. His eyes were light brown, edged by dark eyeliner like some kind of rock star. There was a bandana wrapped around his head, black with a white pattern on it.

    The stranger looked frantic and upset. Are you...okay? he asked.

    I’m fine, Julie assured him.

    He sighed. His head was bleeding, and she knew she should call an ambulance. She could have healed him herself, right on the spot, but his injury didn’t seem that bad; there was no need to expose her witch abilities if she didn’t have to.

    What about you? Are you okay? Julie asked.

    Just a little bump on my head. No biggie.

    She clutched her chest and sighed in relief. What happened? she asked.

    I was texting. I know I shouldn’t have been, especially in this fog.

    Seriously? Can you say, Hashtag stupid? She wanted to punch him, but knowing she was immortal, she was sure that would cause him far more damage than the car accident had.

    The man moved closer. Oh my goodness! You’re bleeding. We should get you to the hospital. You might have internal injuries or—

    It’s okay. I’m fine, really.

    Well, we should at least try to stop that bleeding.  

    Suddenly, Julie sensed something sinister about the stranger, especially since he moved closer, holding a handkerchief in his hand. His smile of relief was very convincing, but she knew there was more to it than concern for her safety. It was as if she could feel a dark energy radiating off of him. Um...I’m good, she said, taking a step back. Let me just call the police.

    He blew out a long breath. There goes my insurance rate.

    I’m sorry, but we have to fill out a police report. My car looks...totaled.

    He halted his approach. Look, I’m so, so sorry. With all this fog, I didn’t even realize I’d crossed lanes.

    Yeah, and there was the whole texting thing.

    Yeah, there was that, too, he said sheepishly, looking at the ground in humility.

    Where did all that fog come from? I asked.

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