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    Conspire: The Crush Saga, #9
    Conspire: The Crush Saga, #9
    Conspire: The Crush Saga, #9
    Ebook336 pages6 hours

    Conspire: The Crush Saga, #9

    By Chrissy Peebles

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    About this ebook

    This is Book 9.

    Taylor and Jesse's baby fights for his life from the curse Taylor tried to cure. They hold out hope for a miracle. 

    When people start turning up dead, Taylor digs deep into a mystery to figure out what's going on. When she finds herself in the midst of dangerous werewolves, she must fight for her life.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherDark Shadows Publishing
    Release dateMar 13, 2016
    ISBN9781524258276
    Conspire: The Crush Saga, #9

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      Book preview

      Conspire - Chrissy Peebles

      I wanted to share something very personal to me. This is my personal song list and my inspiration as I wrote this series! These are songs about motivation, victory, triumph, survival, the supernatural, love, and perseverance in the face of challenge.

      OVER 300 songs!

      Listen to the song list on Spotify that I listened to while writing, The Crush Saga and its spinoff series!

      https://open.spotify.com/user/chrissytheauthor/playlist/6NMWCdbfTI497PsGraR9HH?si=p8IoFt_TRc6OHA2-SV5pog

      1. CRUSH – MANDY MOORE

      2. I Want You To Want me – Letters To Cleo

      3. Crush – Yuna/Usher

      4. Freaks Like Me – Joe Nichols

      5. True Colors – Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick

      6. It’s The End Of The world As We Know It – REM

      7. Bad Moon Rising – Creedence Clearwater Reviva

      8. How Far We’ve Come – Matchbox Twenty

      9. Road to Nowhere – Ozzy Osbourne

      10. How to Save a Life – The Fray

      11. Avril Lavigne’s – Keep Holding On

      12. Firework – Katy Perry

      13. Stronger – Kelly Clarkson

      14. What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger – Kelly Clarkson

      15. Survivor – Destiny’s Child

      16. Titanium – David Guetta

      17. Win - Brian Mcknight

      18. When You Believe – Whitney Houston duet with Mariah Carey

      19. Hall of Fame – The Script

      20. Beauty and the Beast – Ariana Grande and John Legend

      21. Rise – Katy Perry

      22. My Immortal – Evanescence

      23. The Climb – Miley Cyrus

      24. I Believe I can Fly – R. Kelly

      25. P!nk – Just Like Fire

      26. If You're Goin' Through Hell – Rodney Atkins.

      27. Warrior – Demi Lavato

      28. Beautiful – Christina Aguilera

      29. Roar – Katy Perry

      30. F**kin’ Perfect – Pink

      31. Who Says – Selena Gomez

      32. Fight Song – Rachel Platten

      33. Confident – Demi Lavato

      34. I Am Changing – Jennifer Hudson

      35. I’m Coming out – Diana Ross

      36. Break Away – Kelly Clarkson

      37. Burning Gold – Christina Perry

      38. Can't Help Falling In Love – Twenty One Pilots

      39. We Found Love – Rihanna

      40. Bonfire Hearts – James Blunt

      41. I Can Love You Like That – John Michael Montgomery

      42. It’s Your Love – Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

      43.  Just The Way You Are – Bruno Mars

      44. Crazy For You – Adele

      45. With Ur Love – Cher Lloyd

      46. No One Compares – Jessica Sanchez

      47. Fall Into Love – Wrathschild

      48. Echosmith – Bright

      49. What It Takes – Aerosmith

      50. So Into You – Tamia

      51. Bleeding Love – Leona Lewis

      52. Hands to Myself – Selena Gomez

      53. How Did I Fall In Love With You – Backstreet Boys

      54. To Be With You – Mr. Big

      55. Enchanted To Meet You – Taylor Swift

      56. Fallin' For You – Colbie Caillat

      57. Can’t Fight This Feeling – REO Speedwagon

      58. Beautiful Soul – Jesse McCartney

      59. Into You – Ariana Grande

      60. Crush – David Archuleta

      61. Fallin' For You – Colbie Caillat

      62. (Song for Eve) The Lonely – Christina Perry

      63. 1000 Times – Sara Bareilles

      64.  Lovestrong – Christina Perry

      65. Supernatural – Oh Death - Jen Titus

      66. Renegade – Styx

      67. Animals – The House Of The Rising Sun

      68. Bad Company – Bad Company

      69. Highway to Hell – AC/DC

      70. Just Breathe – Pearl Jam

      71. Charmed – How Soon Is Now?

      72. Bring Me To Life – Evanescence

      73. I’m a Believer – Smash Mouth

      74. Lifehouse - You And Me

      75. The Edge of Glory – Lady Gaga

      76. All Kinds of Kinds – Miranda Lambert

      77. Hero – Mariah Carey

      78. Hero – Enrique Iglesias

      79. Black Sheep – Gin Wigmore

      80. Imperfect is the New Perfect – Caitlin Crosby

      81. Born This Way – Lady Gaga

      82. What Make You Beautiful – One Direction

      83.  Send Me An Angel – Real Life

      84. I Need A Hero – Bonnie Tyler

      85. Love of a Lifetime – Firehouse

      86. (Song for Logan) Carry on Wayward Son – Kansas

      87. I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing – Aerosmith

      88. Amazed – Lonestar

      89.  Secret Garden – Bruce Springsteen

      90. Falling Slowly – Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova

      91. Everybody Hurts – R.E.M.

      92.  Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley

      93. How to Disappear Completely – Radiohead

      94. Transatlanticism – Death Cab For Cutie

      95. Mad World – Gary Jules

      96. Love – Lana Del Rey

      97. Perfect – Ed Sheeran

      98. Hide and Seek – Imogen Heap

      99. Fade Into You – Mazzy Star

      100.  Wicked Game – Chris Isaak

      101. It’s Not Over – For King and Country

      102. I Want to Know What Love Is – Foreigner

      103. (I Just) Died in Your Arms – Cutting Crew

      104. You Are So Beautiful – Joe Cocker

      105.  Crush – Jennifer Paige

      106. Crush – Dave Matthews Band 

      107. Freak the freak out – Victoria Justice

      108. Rise Up – Andra Day

      109. Angel Theme - The Sanctuary (Darling Violetta)

      110. The Lost Boys - Soundtrack - Cry Little Sister (Theme From The Lost Boys) - By Gerard McMann

      111. Love Me Like You Do - Ellie Goulding

      112. Wherever You Will Go - The Calling

      113. Iris - The Goo Goo Dolls

      114. In The Air Tonight - Alex Midi - Delaney

      115. When The World Ends - Joshua Micah

      116. Thunder - Imagine Dragons

      117. Human - Christina Perri

      118. Toxic - Britney Spears

      119. Hot N Cold - Katy Perry

      120. How Far We’ve Come - Matchbox Twenty

      121. People are Strange - The Doors

      122. Flightless Bird, American Mouth - Wedding Version - Iron & Wine, Breaking Dawn Part 1

      123. Girl On Fire - Alicia Key

      124. Complicated- Avril Lavigne

      125. Hungry Like The Wolf - 2009 Remastered version - Duran Duran

      126. Timber - Pitbull

      127. Wolves - Selena Gomez

      128. Beautiful- Bazzi

      129. Never Be The Same - Camila Cabello

      130. Inside Out - Camila Cabello

      131 Consequences - Camila Cabello

      132. In The Dark - Camila Cabello

      133.  Into It - Camila Cabello

      134. Him and I - G-Eazy ft Halsey

      135. Love On The Brain - Rihanna

      136. Close To You - Rihanna

      137. XO - Beyonce

      138. Unconditionally - Katy Perry

      139. Best Mistake - Ariana Grande

      140. Bad Decisions - Ariana Grande

      141. Can’t Help Falling With You - Haley Reinhart

      142. Marry Me - Jason Derulo

      143. If I Ain’t Got You - Alicia Keys

      144. Breathe - Tony Braxton

      145. Dusk To Dawn - Zayne featuring Sia

      146. Abracadabra - Remastered 2017 - Steve Miller Band

      147. Crazy Train - Remastered - Ozzy Osbourne

      148. Dress – Taylor Swift

      149. End Game – Taylor Swift

      150. Out Of The Woods – Taylor Swift 

      151. Stay – Taylor Swift

      152. Sweet Sacrifice – Evanescence

      153. Canvas - Imogen Heap

      AND MORE! Over 300 songs!

      Listen to this song list on Spotify!

      https://open.spotify.com/user/chrissytheauthor/playlist/6NMWCdbfTI497PsGraR9HH?si=p8IoFt_TRc6OHA2-SV5pog

      Be resilient!

      Never give up!

      Be strong and courageous!

      Be a champion!

      Be you.

      Stand tough.

      Life is a struggle...but keep fighting!

      When life and death were on the line, I didn’t become a victim, I became a WARRIOR.

      Chapter 1

      MY BABY WAS FIGHTING for his life.

      He was such a beautiful miracle. All I ever saw was that baby, whether he was in the room or not, whether my eyes were opened or closed. Not knowing whether or not my baby would survive was the scariest thing that had ever happened to me. Because of him and my love for him, I developed an even greater appreciation for the people around me—not just for Jesse and Julie and all my friends and family, but also for the nurses at the immortal sanctuary. They managed to show me kindness, even in such a stressful time, when I wasn’t always rational or polite. They were utterly diligent and breathtakingly kind, and I couldn’t have been more grateful for all they did for us.  

      My son was so weak, but that did nothing to deter how beautiful and miraculous he was. It ached to see him like that, especially since I was only able to hold him under the strict supervision of the nurses, who were quick to correct any small misdemeanor I inadvertently did that might bring harm to him in any way.  

      All parents think their baby is perfect, but I knew my little man was. Even his cries sounded like a chorus of angels, and I listened to each with the same earnest appreciation, right down to the last; every new, indignant protest was important, because as long as he was crying, he was alive.

      My cell phone rang and I picked it up.

      Tabby, I said. Where are you?

      In Egypt with Fred, Cindy, Grant, and Violet.

      Egypt? Last I knew you were in Brazil.

      That didn’t pan out. We’re now checking out a new lead to get an artifact to help our precious bundle of joy. How is my darling boy?

      He’s sleeping. My mom’s holding him.

      Text me some more pics, okay? She suddenly paused. Oh no!

      What? I asked.

      Listen, I’ve gotta run.

      I heard a scream from Cindy.

      Wrong spell! Fred said in the background.

      Reverse the spell! Grant shouted. 

      Violet! Use your magic. Distract it! Then throw me the book! Cindy yelled. I’ll try something else.

      On it! she replied.

      What’s happening? I asked frantically.

      Nothing to worry about, Tabby said coolly. We’ve got this!

      Tabby!

      We found this ancient papyrus scroll and... Um, it didn’t quite go according to plan.

      Does it ever?

      Ha, ha. Anyway, we kind of resurrected a mummy king by accident. No biggy, really. A long, deep groan rang out and Tabby continued. "He doesn’t look very happy. Listen, I gotta run!"

      Click.

      She hung up and I blew out a long breath. I knew how hard she was looking for something to help break the infertility curse to help my son.

      Is everything okay? my mom asked.

      What’s going on? my dad chimed in.

      It’s just Tabby. She’s uh, resurrecting mummies and... She, Fred, Grant, Violet, and Cindy are investigating another lead. But don’t worry. I think she had it under control.

      I wanted to talk to her, Jesse said. To tell her about a lead I have.

      She had to run...and I mean that literally. If she’s running from mummies...

      I think the mummies would be running from her, Jesse said. Are you forgetting how tough Tabby is?

      You’re right. She knows what she’s doing.

      Yes, she does, my mom said.

      My dad nodded. Yeah. She’s one tough cookie. No need to worry.

      I watched my mom stroke my son’s beautiful face.

      He’s so beautiful, my mom said.

      My dad grinned. Yep. I’m going to spoil my grandson rotten.

      We all laughed. My parents had spent the entire day with Jesse and I, and it was wonderful having them here with us. When it was time to go, they both gave us words of encouragement. I hugged them tightly.

      Keep holding on, my mom said. You know your son was born for an extraordinary destiny.   

      I wiped a tear away. Don’t worry. I’m not giving up. I’ll keep smiling through the tears.

      Life’s funny with its twists and turns, and I know it’s been difficult, but we’re still cheering for you.

      You’re strong, brave, and courageous, my dad said. Your darling son couldn’t have a better mom. He then looked at Jesse. Or a better dad.

      Jesse smiled as I blinked back more tears.

      And when I come back tomorrow, my mom said. You better have picked out a name. I want to know what to call my grandbaby.

      We will pick out a name soon, I said. Promise.

      We hugged, and they left. 

      Jesse held our beautiful baby in his arms. What should we name him?

      It’s a huge decision, I said. After all, he’ll be walking around with it for the rest of eternity. And names can have profound and lasting implications, so we have to get it perfect.

      Picking his name is the first big decision we’re making for our child.

      I feel so grown up.

      We both chuckled.

      I spent hours poring over that baby name book Tabby sent over, but nothing jumps out at me.

      Then let’s start from the beginning, and go over them one more time, Jesse said.  

      We spent the next hour searching for the perfect name. And suddenly, it hit me. 

      Lysander, I said softly, then repeated, as if some sacred hymn or prayer, Lysander Winters.

      The name of a warrior, said Jesse, observing the gasping infant with the same tenderness I always did.

      Jesse smiled, and I laid my head back against the pillows.

      DR. RIVERS ARRIVED and straightened her white coat. She offered a little smile as she said, I’m glad to see you awake and talking, Taylor. How are you feeling?

      Awful, I said numbly, glancing down at the baby in my arms. I’m so scared.

      She squeezed my hand softly. We’re doing everything we can, and you know we’ve beaten curses before. Like the one my father had unfortunately received. The curse had plagued my family for so long, and you freed us from it. It claimed the life of my mother and other relatives, but you beat it. I know we’ll figure this one out too.

      Thank you for... Well, just thank you. 

      Smiling again, creating a gentle crease at the edges of her eyes, Dr. Rivers patted my shoulder, then walked around to check the clipboard at the foot of the bed. Are you experiencing any pain?

      I shook my head. Nope, other than worry about my baby.

      Another person in a lab coat came in and introduced herself as Dr. Samson. I tried to commit it to memory, but there were so many doctors and nurses that I had trouble remembering them all. I was just glad Dr. Rivers was there, because I knew and trusted her.

      How long are you going to be here? I asked Dr. Rivers.

      I have great news. I got my job back. So I’m officially a doctor once again at the sanctuary.

      That’s great! 

      Dr. Samson smiled. The place wasn’t the same without her. We begged her to come back. And we couldn’t be more thankful that she accepted.

      I love being back, Dr. Rivers said. I’ve always loved working here. Helping people is what I’m meant to do.

      I agree wholeheartedly, I said.    

      Dr. Samson quickly examined me. You seem to be healing nicely. Jesse told us a little about the world you came back from when you went into labor. He mentioned some sort of...infertility curse, correct?

      I nodded and just looked at her with a hollow expression, thinking back to the terrible ordeal I’d been through.

      The doctor signed and lowered the clipboard to look at me again. Well, medicine can only do so much to fight magic. We will do all we can for your son, but I’m afraid that without magic to fight the curse, his prognosis may not be good.

      Enough, Dr. Samson, Dr. Rivers cut in. We must stay positive.

      Dr. Samson’s gaze narrowed. It is best not to mislead patients or give them false hope, Dr. Rivers. That does little good and only makes the inevitable more painful in the end.

      And how do you know what’s inevitable? Dr. Rivers argued. We have seen many miracles, and this baby is going to be one of them. He will not die. He can’t.

      Why can’t he? Even in an immortal sanctuary, life is not guaranteed.

      His is. The prophecy is his guarantee. He has a purpose, to help the Ice Pack, and he will be around to fulfill that purpose.

      Dr. Samson rolled her eyes. You are a doctor. You should not put your faith in prophesies and legends, in fairytales, she said.

      "This child is going to live, Dr. Rivers retorted emphatically. He’s meant to be someone great."

      I let out a low breath, trying to remain calm. How am I supposed to cure this? I was powerful with magic, but that didn’t mean I was capable of reversing the ramifications an infertility curse would have on a developing baby. I was utterly sick just thinking about it.

      I watched Jesse hold our precious son against his broad chest. I’m so tired, I said.

      Dr. Rivers smiled in a mild, sympathetic way. I’m sure you are, after all you’ve been through recently. There are some visitors waiting for you though. Are you up to it?

      I arched a brow. Who’s here?

      Julie, Dr. Rivers said, sliding her hands into the pockets of her lab coat. I can get her if you’d like. I wasn’t sure if you were ready for company.

      Yes, I wanna see her, I said quickly. In fact, she’s just the person I need to see.

      We’ll send her up, Dr. Samson said as she followed Dr. Rivers out of the room.  

      Lysander let out another cry, and Jesse sweetly soothed him by patting his swaddled back.

      I picked up a big, yellow Tonka dump truck from the dresser. What’s this?

      I saw it at the store and thought it was perfect for him, Jesse said, his voice wavering. I had one when I was little. I mean, I know he’s not old enough to play with it yet, but... His voice trailed off, as if he couldn’t bear to say what he was thinking.

      It is a little big for him right now, I said with a smile.  

      He might never get the chance to play with it, and I wanted him to have it.

      Those words, as true as we both knew they were, stung to my very core. I walked over and placed my hand on top of my baby’s, then looked at Jesse. There was no need for us to exchange words in that moment of coming to terms with the cruel reality. He softly touched my face, and we both struggled to fight back tears. Our eyes locked as we both looked for comfort in such a dire situation, one filled with heartbreaking pain and sadness.

      The priestess did this, Jesse said. Maybe her notes can fix it.

      Is that the lead you had?

      Yes. I need to go back and look.

      Biting my lip, I touched his arm. Let me come with you.

      No, he instantly said, his tone and expression both quite stern. You need to stay here and recover. Besides, Lysander needs one of us at his side.

      I took a shallow breath and glanced down at my baby’s face, my heart full of pain and terror. More than anything, I wanted to go to the portal world, to have some level of control over a situation in which I felt completely and horribly powerless. Nevertheless, I knew there was nothing my Jesse couldn’t do on his own. I knew the new king would allow him into the portal world and would help him in any way possible. My presence wouldn’t necessarily speed things up, and Lysander did need me. We could not just leave him alone, and he was too sickly to take with us. As emotionally empty and unstable as I felt, I knew I wouldn’t do Jesse much good anyway.

      All right, I finally said, nodding at my husband. Go. I’ll stay here, with our son.

      I’ll be as fast as I can, he said. I know we don’t have...much time. Are you going to be okay while I’m gone?

      I’ll be fine, and I’ve got Dr. Rivers and the others to watch after me. Just find something, anything to save our son.

      He nodded, then handed the baby to me and kissed his head. I won’t let you die, Jesse whispered into Lysander’s ear. Stay strong. You’re a fighter, just like your mama.

      My eyes welled with tears again, and Jesse wrapped an arm around me, kissed me on the cheek, and promised me that everything was going to be okay.

      Stay safe, I said as a tear rolled down my face, and hurry back.

      I will, he promised, placing another kiss on my cheek.

      Suddenly, Julie dashed through the door, whisper-shouting my name, then letting out a soft gasp at the sight of the baby in my arms.

      Hi, Julie, Jesse said with a smile. This is Lysander.

      Oh my goodness! She clasped her hands over her heart and gazed down at the infant, her eyes reflexively watering at the sight. He’s so beautiful!

      You can hold him, he said, taking the baby from me and carefully slipping him into her arms.

      Awestruck, Julie gazed down at Lysander’s face.

      We both laughed a little at the sight, and then Jesse turned to bend over me and kiss my mouth and forehead. I love you, he said, his thumb tracing my cheek. Stay strong. I’ll be as fast as I can, but even if it takes longer than I hope—

      Like I said, I’ll be fine, I assured him. I reached up to smooth the fabric of his shirt, then gave his hand a squeeze. I love you, Jesse. Just go, but be careful. Who knows what that woman has in writing? You may find something dangerous in there.

      Go? Where? Julie asked, looking at him strangely. And what’s all this about dangerous documents?

      Jesse turned to her and smiled. I’m going back to the Ice Pack portal world to see what I can dig up on this curse. I’m trusting you to take care of them while I’m gone.

      No problem, Julie said, holding the baby in her arms, doing a great job of keeping him calm. I’ve got it under control.

      Jesse nodded and turned to leave.

      Hey, Julie said softly, tapping him on the shoulder, will you tell Vespasian I said hello?

      Of course. Then, after one last distracted, pained look down at the baby, Jesse hurried toward the door. He turned his head only slightly on his way out, as if willing himself to go without looking back.  

      Julie watched him leave, then turned to me, this time wearing a forced smile. How are you doing, Taylor?

      I barely even know. I’m just...numb. It’s awful. All I can think about is Lysander.

      That’s natural, she said, cooing over the infant. It’s a scary situation, but gosh, he is such a brave baby. He’s so quiet.

      I nodded, then added with a staccato laugh, That worries me.

      Don’t let it, she said. All babies love me.

      Gee. Arrogant much, Supernanny?

      She laughed and cast a bright smile at me, then looked down to admire Lysander again. He’s just...concentrating. Look at that face! That’s the look of focus. He’s working hard so he can live a nice, long life and grow up to be as smart and strong as his mommy and daddy.

      Tears sprang to my eyes again, but I covered them and tried to laugh instead.

      Oh, Taylor, I’m sorry, Julie said. I didn’t mean to make you cry.

      No, it’s okay. I offered a half-hearted chuckle and wiped the salty tears from beneath my left eye, then my right. I’m just... I’m tired and worried and—

      Let’s just blame it on hormones. Immortals have those, right? Julie joked.

      I laughed, something she was always able to make me do, no matter how bad things were. Yeah, I guess, but you’re right. He’s strong. Of course he’s strong.

      She smiled at me confidentially. He is. He’ll make it. You’ll see.

      I wanted to believe her, but I was terrified that she was wrong, for once. Little Lysander was already two days old, and every day that passed brought us a little closer to a very grim, terrible possibility. Dr. Rivers had explained, as gently as she could, that Lysander had only two months before his health would begin to fail significantly. Until then, they would do everything they could, but the condition was not treatable through conventional means.

      Magic had done it, and magic would be required to undo it. Part of me wanted to scream at her to find a way, but I knew no amount of screaming, money, insurance, or medical science could fix my son. The priestess was dead, but in life she was powerful, and I’d spent my entire pregnancy in the midst of that infertility spell of hers. It was a miracle that my child was born at all, that I didn’t miscarry, and that was a true testament to how powerful my heritage and ‘petal’ DNA was, but even that didn’t give me comfort or assurance that everything was going to be all right. If nothing else, it only made me feel more helpless, as if hope was just a bitter thing meant to tease me.

      Chapter 2

      NO MATTER HOW FAR I sank into despair, though, Dr. Rivers and her staff tried to remain comforting. They were wonderful people who consoled me and tried to take my mind off my troubles at every opportunity.

      The next day, they gave me a tour of the sanctuary, showing me everything from the beautifully manicured

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