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    Rising Darkness: The Vampire & Werewolf Chronicles, #8
    Rising Darkness: The Vampire & Werewolf Chronicles, #8
    Rising Darkness: The Vampire & Werewolf Chronicles, #8
    Ebook286 pages4 hours

    Rising Darkness: The Vampire & Werewolf Chronicles, #8

    By Chrissy Peebles

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    About this ebook

    This is book 8.

    The Saga continues as the gang battles for the future of our world and fighting against evil. 

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherDark Shadows Publishing
    Release dateNov 14, 2018
    ISBN9781386877639
    Rising Darkness: The Vampire & Werewolf Chronicles, #8

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      Book preview

      Rising Darkness - Chrissy Peebles

      Before The Werewolf and Vampire Chronicles, there was...The Crush Saga!

      Meet Taylor, Julie, Fred, Cindy, Tabby, and Drake in The Crush Saga! See how Fred and Cindy fell in love! See how Fred became a vampire! See how Julie became a werewolf! See how Taylor became a hybrid! See Cindy get rescued from a gargoyle clan on top of a mountain in France.

      Chapter 1

      I TOOK ALL THREE OF my dogs for a quick walk outside before I left to get a bite to eat with Beth and Julie. We hadn’t done lunch in a long time and we were eager to catch up. It was a last-minute idea we came up with while chatting on the phone. The birds chirped and the sun shone brightly. Suddenly, my dogs took off across the well-manicured lawn. I’d give them a couple of minutes before reigning them back in. So I sat down on a concrete bench and enjoyed the lush garden that burst with vibrant color all around me. I loved the gorgeous fragrance, it was like I was running in a field of flowers. The fountain and reflective pool Al had installed were so calming, tranquil, and relaxing.

      My gaze drifted off in front of me. I stared at my magnificent castle. I couldn’t believe how happy I was. While fairytale castles are more often associated with medieval Europe, I had my very own right here in the good old USA. I lived in a safe, impregnable fortress that had stood longer than the United States had been established. I was truly blessed. Slayer barked. I laughed as my dogs gleefully romped and rolled around in the soft grass to their heart’s content.

      I’ve never been so happy.

      I sent a text to Logan, then looked down at the time on my phone. I better get the dogs back in and check on Beth.

      When I stepped back inside, I called up the stairs to Beth. Are you ready yet? 

      Almost.

      C’mon, girl. It shouldn’t take this long.

      That long? You only told me we’re heading to lunch what, twenty minutes ago?

      A little spontaneity never hurt anyone, I hollered up at her with a shrug.

      Don’t lecture me about being come-what-may. You know the things I’ve seen! I’ll be down in a minute.

      Okay.

      Hey, did you let your hubby know you’re going to lunch?

      He’s helping Mr. Peterson put up some drywall in his shop in town. The poor guy is seventy years old and doesn’t have anyone to give him a hand.

      Aw. That fella of yours is a saint, she said.

      A grin spread across my face. And that’s why I love him.

      A flash of yellow light brightened the room as our friend teleported in. Hello, ladies!

      My little dog, Slayer, barked as his nails clicked across the marble floor. My hellhounds just wagged their tails. They all greeted Julie with a warm welcome.

      I rushed over and gave her a hug. Julie! It’s so great to see you.

      It’s wonderful to see you too.

      Hmm, I said, staring curiously at her camouflage attire. Is this some sort of new trend I didn’t know about?

      Oh. About that... she said, looking down at herself.

      Before she could finish her explanation of the military garb, Beth walked in wearing a cute dress with ruffles, looking like she’d just stepped off an episode of Overgrown Toddlers and Tiaras.

      Uh, I’m sorry, but that frilly frou-frou is just not gonna work, Julie said, shaking her head.

      Beth frowned. Why not, Miss G.I. Jane?

      My brow raised. What, exactly, do you have planned? I was told we were just going to grab a quick bite somewhere in town.

      She handed us some power bars. There’s been a change of plans. So here’s a snack.

      But I wanted real food.

      Beth smirked. What was that you just told me? A little spontaneity never hurt anyone.

      Hush, you, I scolded, pretending to be irritated.

      No worries, girls. Munch on these snacks. We can get a bite afterward.

      After what? Beth said with a nervous laugh.

      Oh, nothing much, just a little raid, Julie said.

      This time Beth sighed. Look, my stomach’s growling, and I’m dressed to kill in this cute little number I found at that boutique. I’m not doing any raids unless it’s a boxer shorts raid at the local frat house.

      Julie laughed. It’s not exactly fitting for taking down a house deep in the woods and arresting all the occupants.

      Arresting them? What for?

      They’re vamps who’ve been feasting on humans, breaking immortal law. The Council thought it might be good for both of you to accompany us, for a little training and experience.

      I’m intrigued, she said. Let me just change really quick. And grab some wooden bullets.

      Change quickly? That’ll be the day, I whispered to Julie.

      Hey! I heard that, Beth said before she ran up the stairs. I may not be immortal, but my ears still work, you know.

      I laughed and clapped Julie on the shoulder. I’ll be right back, I said. I then hurried upstairs to my room, threw my hair into a high ponytail, and changed out of my little skort and tank and into my trusty camouflage skinny jeans and boots. When I ran into Beth in the hallway, she was wearing an army-green jacket, black skinny jeans, boots, and a hat.

      Much better, you two. Now you really are dressed to kill! Julie said.

      We said goodbye to our furry friends, then we were transported to California, where we were briefed about the upcoming mission.

      LUNCH WAS DEFINITELY postponed. The next thing I knew, I was lying on my belly in the bushes, peering through the riflescope and watching for any signs of movement in the house in front of us. I felt like some sort of military sniper. I’d even been fitted with a bulletproof vest, and I had a tactical earpiece headset to allow me to eavesdrop.

      Got satellite on the house? a voice asked.

      Yep. Our drone’s up and running, and there are definitely signs of life in there.

      You sure about that? the voice said. I mean, technically speaking, vamps are—

      Yeah, yeah. You know what I mean.

      Anyway, how many?

      Four total, one on the south side, two on the east, and another on the west...er. Hold up. They’re moving. Looks like they’re movin’ the party to the living room.

      "The living room? Nice."

      Very funny...but there’s nothin’ nice about it. We’ve been made!

      All right. Proceed as planned.

      I peeked through the bushes and watched a smoke grenade sail through the air, right into the open window of the family room.

      Go time, girlies, Julie said, then tapped Beth and me and motioned for us to follow her.

      With weapons drawn, we crept behind her.

      Julie pointed at the door. Sophie, why don’t you do the honors?

      I nodded and grinned, then gave it a swift kick, splintering it down the center. Sometimes, I didn’t know my own strength. But I was super strong, maybe even stronger than one of these immortals here with us. 

      Once again, Julie took the lead and leapt in, sweeping her gun back and forth in the smoky house. With my heart racing, I followed, with Beth right behind me. Windows crashed, and more immortals from our team flew in, bursting through the smog and commotion. Shards of glass peppered the floors.

      Watch out! Julie yelled, giving me a shove to save me from doom as glass flew past me.

      With a shuddering breath, I stumbled against the wall. Thanks. That was a close one, I said.

      More gunfire filled the air, coming from friends and enemies alike. Chunks of plaster separated from the wall, and screams echoed around me. I blinked and coughed, trying not to inhale too much of the sulfuric stench.

      While I was trying to breathe and ignore the burning sensation in my eyes in the aftermath of another explosion of bullets next to me, a vampire pounced. The undead thing growled like some rabid beast as it savagely bit the neck of a nearby police officer. Beth’s ammo hit it more than once, but it was too strong and powerful to be taken down so easily, and it quickly turned its attention to her. Fearing the worst, I ran over to help, but by the time I got there, Beth had everything under control and emptied her clip into the vampire. It fell down, twitching, then closed its eyes.

      A burst of machine gunfire was next on the menu. Fortunately for everyone on my side, I could give Superman a run for his money when it came to being faster than a speeding bullet. I simply held up my hands, and the shells stopped in midair, then clattered to the floor.

      While I was disarming the spray of gunfire, strong arms wrapped around me and lifted me high in the air. Before I could even turn to see who it was, I was flying over the table and crashing into a mirror. Stunned, and with pain filling my body, I jumped to my feet. My head spun, and I couldn’t seem to force my eyes to focus.

      The thudding of heavy boots and the crunch of glass underfoot alerted me that someone or something else was coming my way. I squinted through the swirling smoke and made out a man with long, red hair and razor-sharp teeth. With a look of disgust on his face, he raised his automatic rifle at me and fired. As a shiver ran up my spine, I threw up a wall of energy to defend myself. I was highly relieved when the bullet bounced back and embedded itself deep in the wall.

      Furious, the redheaded vampire picked up the table, as if it weighed nothing at all, and violently swung it around in the air. His wicked gaze never left me, not even when he sidestepped to avoid the blazing energy ball I hurled his way. The wall exploded behind him when the fireball hit, but I concentrated on conjuring up another one. I took better aim with the second onslaught, and that time, I didn’t miss; with all the accuracy of an NFL quarterback, I knocked that creature right on his end zone, slamming him into the china cabinet.

      Drop your weapon! Julie shouted at him. Now! Then, as soon as he complied, she threw the vampire up against the wall and cuffed him.

      I was on my way over to help her with the brute when a woman came out of nowhere and clamped her hand around my throat. Her black nails were so long that I felt them graze my earlobes, and she came at me with such momentum that it sent us both rolling, till we collided with the dining room table. I lifted my arm and threw a fireball at her, and she let out the scream of a banshee in labor as she flew back and connected with the wall.

      I got her, Beth said, then quickly pounced on her and attached the cuffs.

      Let’s get these fiends processed and loaded up in the vans, then haul ‘em downtown, a man next to Julie said.

      Sure thing, Julie replied, obviously pleased with our success.

      We dragged the arrested vampires outside and roughly threw them up against the side of the house. As we did, I gulped the fresh air I just couldn’t get enough of. A few of our guys followed, providing backup in case our captives tried anything funny.

      We’ll start with this guy. We need his prints, picture, DNA, and retina scan, Julie explained, pulling something out from a large silver case. This device will capture his prints electronically, she said. One of you take his mugshot while I work on this.

      Beth reached for the camera in the case and pointed it at him. Smile, she said.

      Smile yourself, you dumb b— the vampire began but was quickly shushed by Julie, who very tightly squeezed his fingers.

      Come on, now, big fella. I wanna hold your hand, she sang.

      While I was laughing at that, a voice in my headset caught my attention: All suspects apprehended. Two out front, and we’re bringing two more out.

      I felt a cold chill. And I was sure my senses were picking up on something. I wasn’t sure what it was, but something didn’t feel right, so I made my way to the house and peeked inside. Cold sweat beaded my brow as I watched the CSI, crime scene immortals, smashing furniture and overturning couches, looking for any evidence they could find.

      When the vision struck me, I saw two dozen people hiding under some kind of silver thermal blanket, as if to camouflage their heat signatures. I also saw the man in charge, the one barking orders, a bulldog of a man with a scar that ran down the left side of his face.

      I blinked once, and it was all gone. Just like that, it was over, but I had learned what I needed to know. Oh my gosh, I thought in a panic. There are so many more of them! In a flash, I ran over and told Julie about my vision.

      Oh no. We have to tell the commander, she said, then pulled me by the elbow to go with her to find him.

      A scar? the commander asked, his face lighting up. Are you sure?

      Yes. Down the left side of his face, I assured him. Who is he?

      The leader of the rebels. I bet this is a rebel safe house! he said.

      That’s a good thing, right? I asked.

      Exactly, he said. We’ve never lucked out like this before. He held up a finger as he made a call on his cell. Get me a plane and a bomb laced with guardian poison right now! We need to light this place up.

      My jaw dropped. Wait, what? You can’t just kill them! Maybe they can be rehabilitated.

      He clicked his phone shut. This is none of your concern, Sophia, and it’s definitely not your call. We’re in the middle of the woods, so there won’t be any risk of innocent casualties.  Nobody will get hurt except for the predators who insist on stalking mortals in the night.

      The man seemed like a good man. He just wanted to protect humans from the monsters lurking in the night. But I didn’t think murder was the answer here.

      Emotion consumed me, and it triggered another quick vision. As I looked more closely, I saw that only six of the twenty-four were actually vampires; the rest, all humans, were just victims, probably a food source. "There will be innocent casualties, Commander, I argued. I saw them, humans, and you can’t just—"

      I can’t afford to let these monsters walk just because you’ve had a couple daydreams, he spat. I’ve heard about you and that big heart of yours. You’ll say anything to save them.

      You can’t drop that bomb!

      I can, and I will. Now, do I need to escort you off the property?

      No, sir, I said, humbled but furious.

      When I found Beth, I quickly brought her up to speed.

      A bomb? Really? How can they let innocent people die like that? she asked.

      Julie shook her head. I don’t know. The commander should send somebody in there to check it out first, but he’s stubborn. They’ve been looking for the leader of the rebels for a long time. This is their chance to squash the movement, and he’s going to take it, regardless of the cost.

      Does the Immortal Council want this, or is it just this commander? He gave the order without consulting anybody.

      Yeah, well, I think the commander’s going all commando, and I’m not talking about lack of underwear...or at least I hope not, Beth said.

      Again, Julie shook her head. That’s a visual none of us needed, she complained. He’s just a zealous man who has it out for the rebel leader.

      Who is this rebel leader anyway? I asked.

      He’s a Falcar, Julie said flatly.

      Oh, I said, slightly understanding the determination of the commander to rid the world of anyone who consorted with the likes of the Falcar.

      Soph, no offense, but are you really sure about what you saw? I mean, we searched the entire house, right? Beth asked.

      We did, but we obviously missed something, Julie said. If Sophia says they’re in there, they’re in there.

      I’m going in, I said. There are only six bad guys. The rest are kidnapped humans.

      Beth pulled her gun from her holster. Yeah, let’s go check it out, show ‘em a little girl power.

      We don’t have orders, Julie said. She hesitated and scrunched up her face. Wait. Did you hear that scream just now?

      I looked at her in confusion and listened carefully. No, I said with a shrug.

      Sure you did. She winked. Screaming is probable cause, right?

      Sure is. Beth pointed. Let’s go around back, so no one stops us.

      Time is of the essence, Julie said. They’ll have that immortal bomb here pretty quick, and it won’t spare anyone. It’s designed to kill, be it immortals or humans.

      Well, in that case, c’mon! I said and ran ahead of them.

      Chapter 2

      WE WALKED IN THROUGH a side door, and my boots crunched over broken glass and debris.

      Get out of there...now! a voice suddenly screamed in my headset.

      Not happening, sir, I said, as respectfully as I could.

      If you won’t obey my command, I’ll come in and drag your ass out! You’re going to ruin everything, including the element of surprise. If you don’t—

      Before he could finish, another voice broke in, obviously female. Look, I’m on your side. I don’t care about the rebel vamps, those murderers, but I do care about the humans.

      Thanks, I said. If I can strip that blanket off them, do you think you can locate them?

      Yes.

      Good. Here goes nothing. I closed my eyes, concentrated, and tapped into the deep magic. In an instant, the blanket swept off them as if it had been blasted by a hurricane.

      Got it! There’s a room upstairs, across from the bathroom.

      Keeping my gun aimed ahead of me, I made my way up the creaky stairs, my heart threatening to thud out of my chest. I didn’t see anyone or anything, not in any room we searched.

      There’s nothing across from this bathroom but the hallway wall, Beth said.

      I spread my hands over the wall, and Julie tapped on it.

      Hmm. Sounds hollow, she said, and I nodded in agreement.

      Watch out! the woman in my headset said. There’s a hidden room...and someone’s pointing a gun at you from the other side.

      With no time to think, I punched the wall with my newfound strength, then kicked it. Plaster crumbled around me as I threw a wave of electricity at the gunman.

      Guttural sounds emanated from the vampires as they stared us down as if they wanted to rip through our flesh.

      Bring it on! I said, shooting our enemies a cocky smile.

      My eyes locked on a vampire with glowing eyes, barreling toward me. With lightning-quick reflexes, I dodged to the left, and the vamp took out the ceiling light in the middle of the room. Another vampire came at me, swinging a bat. I punched him in the gut, and he crashed to the floor.

      I turned for just a second when I heard glass shattering behind me, and when I whirled back around,

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