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    Evil Unleashed
    Evil Unleashed
    Evil Unleashed
    Ebook299 pages4 hours

    Evil Unleashed

    By Kelly Hashway

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    About this ebook

    Kaylan Bradford thought having her boyfriend decide her future for her was the worst thing ever. She couldn’t have been more wrong. Discovering the truth about her past sets in motion a slew of events that unleash evil on the world.

    Determined to fix her mistakes, Kaylan resorts to traveling through time, but every move she makes only creates new problems for her to deal with. People are dying, and she’s to blame.

    She’ll need to figure out how to battle the ultimate evil...even if it means battling herself.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherKelly Hashway
    Release dateApr 3, 2018
    ISBN9781370628025
    Evil Unleashed
    Author

    Kelly Hashway

    Kelly Hashway fully admits to being one of the most accident-prone people on the planet, but luckily she gets to write about female sleuths who are much more coordinated than she is. Maybe it was growing up watching Murder, She Wrote that instilled a love of mystery, but she spends her days writing cozy mysteries. Kelly’s also a sucker for first love, which is why she writes romance under the pen name Ashelyn Drake. When she’s not writing, Kelly works as an editor and also as Mom, which she believes is a job title that deserves to be capitalized.

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      Book preview

      Evil Unleashed - Kelly Hashway

      Chapter 1

      There’s nothing worse than a guy deciding he knows what’s best for you. But that’s exactly what Reese did. He decided my life is better without him in it. He decided I shouldn’t be the key to unleashing Hell on Earth. He decided I was worth saving, even if it meant sacrificing himself.

      What he didn’t realize was that he also decided to send my future to Hell with him, because he and I are destined to be together. How do I go on without him? How do I stay here, half of what I’m meant to be because he abandoned me?

      I can’t. It’s as simple as that. I won’t live on Earth while he rots in Hell. He might think he’s sealed the gates forever, but he hasn’t. I’m the key. My destiny is to open the gates and free every demon and creature down there—to bring Hell on Earth. The only thing Reese really decided for me is that I’ll fulfill my destiny. I’ll burn this world to the ground if it means saving him. Let’s see how he likes me deciding what’s best for him. The jackass is lucky I love him.

      Kaylan? Riley’s hand is warm on my shoulder. I didn’t even realize he was still here. I thought he’d be whooping and cheering as he scooped up my future self and took her back to his time to celebrate defeating Reese.

      What do you want? I turn on him, my eyes mere slits because the sight of him is making me sick. If not for Riley coming back here, Reese wouldn’t have left me. This is his fault. I don’t even know if I believe anything he’s told me anymore.

      His eyes scan my face. I’m not the girl he falls in love with in the future. I’m nothing like her. Are you going to be okay?

      I laugh, surprising us both. I’m not the one you should be worried about.

      His head jerks back. What are you saying?

      What? Worried I’m plotting my revenge? Worried I might take out the girl who doesn’t love you back? Why are you even trying to save her? All she did was break your heart and destroy the world as you know it. You should want her dead.

      She’s you. Why do you keep forgetting that? He steps closer to me and reaches for my arm, but I yank it away from him.

      Don’t touch me. You don’t know me, Riley. If you did, you’d—

      Kill you so you don’t open the gates to save your demon boyfriend?

      Maybe he does know me. So this is how it’s going to be then? We’re going to fight? I shrug. Whatever, that’s fine. I’ll make sure I’m positioned over the gates so when I bleed, you’ll actually be helping me free Reese.

      He shakes his head, but it’s not an act of defiance. He pities me. Nothing could make me want to punch him more. It doesn’t work that way, Kaylan. Reese sealed these gates forever.

      No. You’re lying. I’m the key. I can open it.

      Not from here. The gates move. It won’t be here anymore.

      I wasn’t expecting that. I thought the term ‘gates’ was metaphorical. You know, like two sides of a gate swinging open. I didn’t think there was more than one way to enter Hell.

      You’re not thinking at all, Kaylan. He turns away from me and walks to the spot Reese disappeared. He drags his sneaker over the ground.

      Insult me. That’s a great way to get through to me. He must know pissing me off will only make this worse. So what’s his end game? Why is he still here? There’s only one explanation. "You don’t trust me. You know I’ll continue to choose Reese. It’s what I’ve always done, what I’ll continue to do. God, why are you in love with me—her? I correct myself, because thinking Riley loves me now is too much. I feel sorry for you."

      So do I. He lets out a small laugh that almost sounds more like a whimper. You don’t control who you love. I think you can agree since you probably don’t want to end all of humanity, right? If you didn’t have to do that to save Reese, you would never consider it, not even for a second.

      He’s right. I’m sentencing my parents and my friends to early graves for the guy I love. It’s insane, yet I have no doubt in my mind I have to do it. What’s your plan then? Are you going to kill me? Would he be able to kill the girl he loves? This version of me is his past, and killing me would eliminate the Kaylan in his time. I’d be dead.

      He stops dragging his foot along the sand and turns to face me. I could never kill you. It would be like killing myself.

      I swallow the lump in my throat before it suffocates me. He can’t love me that much. It’s not possible. How close were you two? I ask, determined to keep separation between me and future me.

      He sighs and fidgets with his hands. As close as you’d let me get when your heart clearly belonged to him. At the mention of Reese, Riley’s head turns back to the former gates to Hell. Physically, you were mine, but emotionally and mentally…

      Physically… So then, we… I swallow the rest of my words.

      His eyes rise to meet mine, and his tone softens. I don’t like the way he’s looking at me because it’s not me he’s seeing. It’s her. Is it really that shocking to think of yourself being with me?

      Don’t do that. I turn away and wrap my arms around my midsection. The guilt in my gut is overbearing. Even after everything, I don’t want to hurt Riley. I don’t love him, but I do care about what happens to him. Go home, Riley. Take her back and be with her.

      For how long? His feet shuffle across the sand as he closes the distance between us and places his hands on my arms. You’re going to free him, Kaylan. We both know it. You won’t stop until you find a way to do it.

      Tears burn my eyes, but I don’t pull away from his grasp. Then enjoy the time with her while you can.

      He spins me around and grabs my arms again so I’m forced to look into his eyes. Pick me.

      What? I try to push him away, but he’s too strong and doesn’t let go. Stop it. Let go of me. Now!

      No. Look at me. Look me in the eyes and really see me. See that I love you and that you could love me too if you just let him go. He left you. He chose to leave you, but I’m here. I won’t ever leave you, Kay. His right hand releases my arm and caresses my cheek.

      He can’t seriously be doing this. Let. Go. Of. Me. The words are muffled through my clenched teeth.

      His hand moves to the back of my head and his other arm wraps around my waist, holding me in place. My body shakes in protest.

      Riley, get your hands off me or so help me God, I will kill you. I know my words are useless. He has too much height and muscle on me. I can’t stop him, but I’ll go down trying.

      Kay—

      I’m not her. I’m never going to be her. Whatever happened in the future, it’s not going to happen this time around. I’m changing everything. Tears are streaming down my cheeks. I don’t want to hurt you, but you can’t do this to me. If you… I can’t bring myself to say kiss me, but I don’t need to because we both know that’s what he’s intending to do. I’ll hate you for it. Do you understand me?

      His eyes close, and he breathes in so deep our chests touch. I count the seconds, praying he’ll release me. If he doesn’t, he’s getting a knee to the groin. And that’s just for starters.

      Do you realize you made a really big case for me fighting for you now?

      I told you that you don’t stand a chance. How is that making a case for you staying? I press my hands against his chest again, pushing with as much force as I can. Let go of me!

      He opens his eyes. Let me guess. You’re going to knee me if I don’t.

      I cock my head to the side. How—?

      I saw you do it to a guy at a frat party. He wouldn’t take no for an answer. He laughs, but it fades quickly, and he steps back, releasing me from his grasp.

      I back away from him before he has second thoughts about letting me go. Go home. There’s nothing for you here.

      You’re here.

      Like I said, there’s nothing for you here. I can see the pain my words cause him. It’s all over his face, but if I back down, he might take it as a sign that he should stay and fight for me. I can’t let him think he has a chance with me because he doesn’t. My heart belongs to Reese—the bastard who left me and locked himself in Hell. I could never love you, Riley. I was created to be with Reese. I love him. Go back to your time and move on with your life. I’m not worth it. Not now and not in your time either.

      I know you better than you know yourself, Kaylan. I know what you’ll do because I’ve already seen you do it. He’s moving toward me again. Damn it!

      Fine, you’re so sure we’re meant to be together? Then take her back to your time. If she’s stays here, she’ll kill me and then you’ll never have a chance to be with me.

      He stops, and his head cocks to one side. Are you asking me to save you?

      That might be my best angle to play, but will he really believe me since I used the same line on him before Reese closed the gates? Yes. I clear my throat. I really suck at lying. That’s exactly what I’m asking you to do. If you…love me, then save me from her. Save me from myself. I look away so he can’t read anything in my eyes, but he steps closer and raises my chin with his index finger.

      "Do you mean that? Because you know I’d be saving you so we could be together."

      Please don’t try to kiss me. I can’t pull this off if he makes a move on me. I won’t be able to keep it together. I think you’re probably the better choice for me, but not now. I’m not ready, and you’re not from this time. Go back with her. That’s were our future is. I hold my breath, waiting for his reaction.

      How do I know you’re telling me the truth?

      You said you know me better than I know myself, I challenge him, but on the inside I’m shaking.

      He tilts his face toward mine, challenging me right back, and I tense. That’s what I thought, he says, pulling away.

      I let out the breath I was holding. I told you this isn’t the time for us. You have to know that.

      Promise me one thing.

      I’m not sure I can promise him anything at this point, but he takes my silence as an invitation to go on.

      Don’t lie to me. Whatever you say to me now, let it be the truth. I think I deserve that much.

      The truth won’t make him leave. Not all of it at least. Fine, I say, determined to keep the conversation brief.

      He nods and crosses his arms. Are you going to try to open the gates the second I leave?

      No. I have to find another entrance to Hell before I can free Reese. That might take a while.

      Do you really think I’m better for you than Reese?

      This one I have to think about because the truth would send him over the edge. I think…it’s in everyone’s best interest for me to choose you. But my heart doesn’t give a damn about what’s right.

      Will you keep an open mind about us and allow yourself to think this through before you do anything rash?

      I promise I’ll give everything a lot of thought. Just maybe not before I free Reese.

      Does the thought of kissing me really make you sick? He lowers his arms and shoves his hands in his pockets, a gesture that makes him look so vulnerable.

      The thought of being with anyone other than Reese makes my insides tear to shreds, but I can’t tell Riley that. I can see why my future self chose you.

      Why?

      Damn him for making me say this. You’re fishing for compliments. I scoff so he knows I’m disgusted by his need for reassurance. You’ve seen your reflection, Riley. I’m sure you have girls throwing themselves at you all the time.

      I’m more than my looks, Kaylan.

      I squeeze my hands into fists and count backward from ten before saying, You obviously care a great deal about the future me and probably even this version of me. You’ve saved my life, and you think you’re looking out for my best interest.

      You say that like it’s a bad thing.

      I thought you knew me so well. I step forward. "When have I ever liked anyone telling me what’s good for me?"

      He laughs. Point taken. But if you really think I’m all those things, why are you so opposed to me kissing you.

      Because you’re old. I shrug like it’s the most obvious reason.

      Right. I’m ancient. He shakes his head. I’m a few years older than you are now, and I’m the same age as you in the future. Poor excuse, Kay.

      God, I wish he’d stop calling me that. It reminds me of Reese, which makes this conversation even more painfully difficult than it already is. I just lost Reese. I’m not the kind of girl who gets over one guy by hooking up with another. Plus, I’m not going to get over Reese.

      I know you’re not. He takes my hand in his, and as much as I don’t want to hold his hand, I don’t pull away. He brings my hand to his lips and kisses the back of it. I’ll be waiting for you. Don’t forget your promise, okay?

      He’s really leaving. He’s letting me go. I squeeze my eyes shut before looking at him again. Thank you.

      Don’t make me have to come back, he says, letting go of my hand and backing away.

      I don’t respond. I watch him walk out of the cave and out of my life—at least for now.

      I drop down on the sand and bury my head in my hands. The tears don’t need an invitation. They fall freely to the ground, soaking the earth that took Reese away from me. My entire world is upside down. I fell in love with a demon who has more good in him than most humans I know. I’m lying to a great guy who’s so desperate for me to love him back. And worst of all, I’m going to cause the end of the world.

      Chapter 2

      Where the hell have you been? Trisha bursts through my bedroom door, her hair a complete mess and mascara streaked down her cheeks. I doubt she’s stopped crying over Landon or that she’s forgiven me. The last thing she said to me was that she hated me.

      I sit up in my bed and hug my covers to my chest. I’m not ready to face her. Not yet. Trish… That’s all I have.

      I thought you were dead, too! Her hands fly up in the air. God, Kay, do you have any idea what that did to me? First Landon… She chokes on his name. I couldn’t handle losing you, too. You’re like family. Her whole body shakes, and I get up and wrap my arms around her to steady her.

      I can’t believe she’s here, that she doesn’t hate me. I don’t deserve her after what I did. Trisha, I’m so sorry. I never meant for Landon to get hurt. He was—

      She pulls away and wipes her eyes with the backs of her hands. Don’t talk about him in the past tense.

      I’m sorry. I clamp my mouth shut before I say anything else that will make her cry.

      She walks over to my bed and curls up with my blankets. What do we do now? Have you talked to Reese? I’m guessing you’ve been with him this whole time, right?

      I shake my head and move toward the window. I’d give anything to see a raven flying toward my house right now. Reese told me the only way to protect me from future Kaylan and Riley was to seal the gates to Hell forever.

      Is that possible? She sits up, banging my headboard against the wall.

      I nod. He already did it.

      So it’s over? All of it? You can’t unleash Hell, and there’s no reason for your future self to come after you anymore? She sounds so hopeful, wishing this is the silver lining in all the crap that’s happened.

      Sometimes it feels like I’ve already brought Hell on earth. The ache in my chest, the blood on my hands… Not exactly. I turn toward her and the tears come before I can get another word out. Reese was sort of the lock to my key.

      She cocks her head. Is this about sex?

      I laugh, which feels so good in light of everything that’s happened. No, perv. For a moment it’s like Trisha and I are back to the way things used to be between us, before I found out what I am, before I got her boyfriend killed. Reese has the ability to seal Hell forever. Or his blood does. He sealed the gates yesterday. He’s in Hell, and he’s locked down there now.

      My legs give out, and I’m in a heap on the floor. Trisha joins me, and we cry on each other’s shoulders, grieving together. We cry for over an hour, and neither of us says a word.

      Finally, we pull apart. Trisha’s eyes are puffy and red with big smudges of black all around them from her mascara. Wow, we’re really attractive right now, I say in a poor attempt to lighten the mood.

      Landon says I’m most beautiful when I wake up in the morning—all messy haired and sleepy-eyed. She pats her hair down. Or he used to say that, anyway.

      Somehow I find more tears to cry.

      No, Trisha says. We’re not weak girls who can’t function without their guys by their sides. Enough crying. We need to do something. Fix all this somehow.

      We can’t bring people back from the dead, so I’m not sure how she thinks we can fix what happened to Landon. I’m not going to take all hope away from her though by voicing my opinion. Instead, I tell her everything that happened in the cave with Reese and then with Riley.

      So Riley’s really gone?

      I nod. It wasn’t easy to convince him to leave and I had to lie, but yeah, he’s gone.

      We have to find this other gate in order to bring Reese back.

      I can’t believe she’s even willing to entertain the idea. I mean, sure she was onboard before Landon died, but what’s in it for her now? We also have to figure out what the ritual is to open the gate. All I know is I have to practically die to pull it off.

      I don’t get why Reese sealed himself in Hell if you can just open the gates. She leans back against the foot of my bed.

      Reese assumes I can’t open the gates because I don’t know how. He also said I need his blood. That part I’m not sure how to fix, but I have to try.

      Yeah, that’s a pretty good assumption since we’re sitting here completely clueless. Her shoulders slump, and I sense all hope leaving her.

      But someone does know how. I perk up at the thought.

      Who? Riley? He went back to his own time, Kay. You have no idea how to travel through time. How do you propose to find Riley now?

      Find Riley now. In this time. What if I find him? He said he doesn’t live far from here.

      And do what? Even if we track him down, you can’t knock on his door and say, ‘How did your future self manage to travel back to this time after my future self who was trying to kill me?’ He’d think you were insane. Besides, he said he followed you back in time. You were the one who knew who to go to and what to do. He just hitched along for the ride.

      There has to be something I can do. I’m not leaving him down there, Trisha. I refuse to. Tears burn my eyes, but I hold them back. Talking to Trisha about losing the guy I love isn’t easy when the guy she was falling for is dead because of me.

      Don’t do that. She narrows her eyes at me. Don’t you dare give me that look or walk on eggshells around me.

      Landon is gone.

      Believe me I know. The hollow feeling in my gut won’t let me forget it. Won’t let me forget that he chose you over me.

      What is she talking about? He didn’t—

      He chose to sacrifice himself to save you. I asked him not to. Her voice lowers, and she looks down at her jeans. I’m sorry, Kay. You know I love you and I’d never want anything bad to happen to you, but he…

      Was your first. I still can’t believe Trisha slept with Landon before I slept with Reese. She barely knew Landon, but they were inseparable from the moment they met. So much alike. They fit together as well as Reese and I do.

      It’s not fair, but I’m not going to let you blame yourself. Landon made that decision. Not you.

      As happy as I am that Trisha doesn’t hate me, I have to be honest with her about what really happened. That’s not entirely true. I take a shaky breath, not sure how to tell Trisha the one thing she may never forgive me for—unless of course I succeed in freeing Reese and unleash Hell on Earth.

      She cocks her head, and for a moment, my best friend is gone. All that’s there is a questioning look with no empathy behind it. What did you do, Kaylan?

      I owe her the truth. I took the one guy she might have actually loved. She deserves to know what really happened. I asked Landon to help me…even after you asked him not to. He and the other ravens are sort of indebted to me. They have to protect me. It’s their duty.

      She stands up, her hands shaking at her sides. Are you saying you ordered him to go after your psycho future self? That he didn’t just die because you guys were attacked? That you initiated the fight?

      No. I wave my hands in front of me. I didn’t order him to do anything, and I didn’t initiate the attack. Well, not the me from this time anyway. God, this is all so confusing.

      But either way, you killed him.

      I jerk my head up and stare into her eyes. What are you saying?

      You killed my boyfriend.

      Future demon me did, yeah. But she’s not me. You know that, right?

      Oh, okay, so if I hurt you in the future, that’s okay because it’s not me right now?

      You know that’s not true. A few minutes ago she said not to blame myself or to treat her with kid gloves because her boyfriend died. Now she’s pointing her finger right at me. I might not understand her mood swings, but I deserve whatever she throws

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