First in Series Collection

First In Series Collection Table of Contents

The Steve William Series Book 1: Dark Reckoning

The Games Thriller Series Book 1: Survival Games

Night Hawk Series Book 1: Night Hawk

The Ryan Chronicles Series Book 1: Angel Grace

Magick Trilogy Series Book 1: Magick

The Death Chronicles Series Book 1: Don’t Fear the Reaper

The Paradox Files Series Book 1: Silencing the Siren

Fire Cursed Series Book 1: Fire Cursed

Fractured Fairy Tales Book 1: Red

DARK RECKONING

Asadistic killer stalks the secluded college town of Brooksfield, New Hampshire. With bodies piling up and rumors of the murders being part of sacrificial hazing rituals, the FBI plants Special Agent Steve Williams in a fraternity at Brooksfield University. His investigation takes a ninety degree turn into the bizarre when he’s introduced to Jennifer, a clairvoyant co-ed who swears the killer isn’t human.

Steve considers the plausibility of the extraordinary, the unspeakable, even the inconceivable, when his notebook starts bleeding cryptic messages. Messages that indicate Jennifer is at the heart of the darkness in Brooksfield.

When she describes her latest vision, a trail of violent deaths, including his, Steve asks the million-dollar question:

Is Jennifer trying to help... or is she actually the one responsible?

J E Taylor writes a thrilling and engaging paranormal horror, DARK RECKONING. The absorbing, fluid plot builds slowly towards its divergent terror-driven climax. As sturdy, forthright characters convey the story’s age-old message; stay out of the woods...and while you’re at it, the water too. DI do love a great horror story, so I’m adding this beauty to my ebook collection. Marking it for a repeat read too. Pamela Jenewein – Romance At Heart Reviews

J.E. Taylor has penned a tale of terror worthy of Lovecraft. The strong characters, edgy atmosphere and unflinching narrative hooked me from the first and kept me riveted all the way through to its horrifying conclusion - a solid piece of storytelling! Ty Drago, Editor of Allegory and author of PHOBOS

I loved DARK RECKONING - always had a soft spot for demon type horror/thrillers and this is fabulous. Just the right mix of terror and calm so I didn't have a heart attack while reading but came close! Excellent read for anyone who loves horror and a good love story. Cat Connor author of killerbyte and terrorbyte

Dark Reckoning Chapter 1

The instructions fluttered on the ground under a new rubber mallet, ignored.

She tugged on the hem of his shirt. Daddy, you promised.

Just a minute. He lifted his hands from the canvas. Poles swayed and metal scraped. Before he could catch it, the tent imploded. Again. Muttering a few choice words, he picked up the fabric and the aluminum frame.

But Daddy, you said we’d take a walk when Mommy went to the store.

Can’t you see I’m busy? Amy’s father glared sideways at her and tugged on the canvas again. Just stay out of my way until I get this up. He turned his back and continued to fiddle with the tent poles, swearing under his breath.

Amy slipped to the edge of the campsite blinking back tears at her father’s harsh words. Stupid tent, she said and glanced in her father’s direction.

He yanked the canvas over the unstable rods yet again, cursing as the tent tilted this way and that.

She stepped into the woods, swallowed by the forest.

That had been hours ago. Now she stumbled through the underbrush, sobbing, searching for the campsite, wishing she had stayed by her father’s side.

She turned in frantic circles, but dense brushwood blocked her path in every direction. Blueberry bushes, barberries and prickly thistles pulled at her clothing and scratched her legs. Evergreens reached high, mingled with century old maples and oaks, dimming the last of the evening light.

Amy’s hoarse voice persisted, yelling, Daddy! over and over and over. Her cries fell on the deaf ears of the New Hampshire forest.

Fighting through a thick clump of bayberry, she fell onto crunchy dried moss in a clearing bordering a small pond. She scrambled to her feet. The still black water rippled, and Amy froze, her eyes glued to the malignant form rising from the surface.

What climbed out of the water was far worse than any Pokémon she’d ever seen, and fear locked down her ability to function.

She couldn’t move.

She couldn’t breathe.

She couldn’t scream.

The staccato beat of her heart thrummed like the wings of a hummingbird and she shivered despite the summer heat, her sweaty tie-dyed t-shirt not enough to keep her warm in the damp clearing.

When it stepped onto the shore, the ground sizzled and the stench of burning moss and rotting flesh blanketed the cove.

Her paralysis broke. A shrill cry of terror, like a lamb at slaughter, barreled from her throat and she turned, fleeing through the woods.

She ran as fast as her little Keds would take her.

But it wasn’t fast enough.

THE SEARCH PARTY COMBED through the dense forest, each member clutching a picture and calling Amy’s name.

The young FBI agent halted, the child’s name swan-diving from his lips in a silent rush of air. The earth in front of him was painted reddish-brown with pieces of cloth, flesh, bone and blood-streaked hair scattered through the red sludge. But the sneaker caught his attention.

A single, blood-splattered Keds.

He took a step back, his gaze bouncing between the photograph in his hand and the carnage before him, trying to reconcile the bloody remains on the ground with the happy child in the picture.

Bile rose in his throat and he gulped, forcing it down his already burning esophagus, willing his churning stomach to settle.

He looked down, surprised to see the snapshot crumpled in his clenched fist.

His eyes were drawn back to the gruesome scene, scanning the massacre and snapping back to the bloody sneaker.

I swear I’ll find you, you son of a bitch, he promised.

He pushed the button on the radio clipped to his shirt, his voice rumbling in his tight chest. I think I found her.

Dark Reckoning Chapter 2

The apartment door swung open. Afternoon sun bleached the picture window, streaking the room with slivers of light.

Jennifer Curtis scanned the expansive living room from the rich mahogany bar to the oversized entertainment center and everything in between. Her jaw dropped, and pressure built on the back of her eyes. Oh, my God, this is fantastic!

She set the carton down on the tile entry and walked through the living room, sliding her hand over the deep brown velour chairs, relishing the soft lush fabric against her fingertips, mesmerized. Kneeling on the couch, she glanced at the balcony and the magnificent view of Mirror Lake beyond.

I thought you might like it.

She turned and smiled at her best friend, running her hand through her ebony hair. I had no idea this is what you meant when you said a nice little apartment.

Tracy added her carton to the building pile of boxes in the entry and brushed her honey colored bangs out of her gray eyes. Daddy bought the building this summer and it took some convincing, but he finally crumbled and gave me the penthouse for the year. She crossed the room. Wait ’til you see what we’ve got. She swung the doors of the big mahogany cabinet open, revealing a state-of-the-art entertainment system culminating with the fifty-inch plasma television in the center.

Holy shit! Jennifer stared at the high-tech system—knobs for this, buttons for that, and all the bells and whistles a girl could ask for.

This is our dream place. Tracy’s eyes danced with childish joy. Her hair shimmered in the sunlight. Look around, she said over her shoulder, and disappeared from view.

Jennifer wandered through the apartment. In addition to the sprawling living room, a kitchen that could only be categorized as a chef’s wet dream sat to the right of the entry and monogrammed nameplates adorned the bedrooms in the hallway on the left. At the end of the hall stood a common dressing room and a bathroom torn right from the pages of Architectural Digest.

She ran her fingers over her gold monogram and a chill crawled up her spine. Her vision transitioned to a shaded red, like blood dripping over the lens of a camera. She shuddered, shaking the bizarre hallucination away, and blinked at the glimmering script that mocked her sudden wave of fear.

Drawing a deep breath, she closed her eyes and swung the door open. Jennifer let her breath out slowly and stepped inside, opening her eyes.

Definitely over the top. Smooth cherry furniture, canopy bed, satin and silk in shades of powdered blue adorned the bedroom, sprinkled with accents of pink here and there, including light sheer curtains billowing gently in the breeze of the open windows along the back wall.

She crossed to the door in the far corner, opening it with curiosity. Cedar drifted from the large walk in closet, enveloping her, reminding her of the woods in northern Maine.

Thick and fragrant and dangerous.

Standing in the entrance, Jennifer imagined how easy it would be to get lost when the closet was full of clothes and other things. Icy fingers tickled the base of her neck sending tingly sensations over her skull. She swung the door closed and a red flicker in the far corner caught her eye.

What the hell was that?

She yanked the door wide, her eyes scanning the closet again, but she couldn’t locate the source of the flare. The air shifted, sending a cool draft into her room. She closed the door and rubbed the newly formed bumps on her forearms, chalking up the nip in the air to an over-active air-conditioner.

She glanced out the window. Brooksfield University and the surrounding mountains filled her vision and a slow smile spread across her lips. God, it’s good to be back at school. She tossed herself onto the bed with her arms spread on the lush fabric.

Nice view. Tracy leaned against the doorway.

The best. She propped herself on her elbows. This is really ours?

Yup. After we finish bringing our things up, I’ll show you my room.

I gather that’s a hint?

Tracy nodded and turned, walking out of the room.

Jennifer climbed off and followed her to the foyer. A dozen moving boxes lined the path to the door. Have I really been gawking this long?

Tracy grinned over her shoulder and pushed the button to the elevator.

An unsettling vision gnawed at the edges of Jennifer’s mind, but it was lost the moment the elevators opened. This is going to be a fantastic year, she said.

The whir of the descending elevator lulled them in the silence and they both watched the numbers on the display.

How’s Billy? Jennifer looked away from the bright digits crawling through their countdown.

Tracy’s face lit up. Billy is wonderful! She grinned like the mad hatter. And we’ve got someone we want you to meet.

Come on, Tracy, you know I hate it when you play matchmaker. Jennifer stepped off the elevator and pushed through the lobby doors heading toward her car.

This wasn’t my idea, it was Billy’s. Tracy caught up with her with eyes wide and sincere. He’s really a nice guy.

Jennifer sent a warning glance, grabbed one of the two remaining boxes, and started back toward the building. The trunk slammed, and Tracy’s hurried footfalls followed her into the lobby and the waiting elevator.

Jen? Tracy broke the silence as the doors closed.

I’m not ready yet. I know it’s been almost two years since Tom died, but... The engagement ring he gave her the night he died still sat in the little velvet box on her bureau at home. Open, dust ridden, like a shrine. Not yet. Tears filled her eyes and she blinked them away, willing herself not to cry.

You can’t keep mourning him forever. Tom wouldn’t want that.

I know. Jennifer edged around the clutter in the entrance of the apartment. Are you going to show me your room, or what? She changed the subject to something Tracy would latch onto like a fighting bulldog.

Tracy beamed and led her down the hall. Ready? She swung the door open. Tah-dah!

The room was decorated in soft shades of yellow and lavender and, apart from the colors, it was a mirror image of Jennifer’s—with one exception. The view.

Jennifer crossed to the window.

The mountains stared back neutrally.

Mirror Lake, she whispered. When she turned, Tracy’s arms were laced with goose bumps, and her face was a peculiar shade of pale. Are you okay? Jennifer asked, and in a blink, the room disappeared.

A little girl chased a butterfly and stood perfectly still when it landed on her outstretched hand. She looked up and her smile disappeared. Her eyes darted at the thick woods surrounding her and she slowly turned, searching for the path she had followed running after the winged creature still on her hand. She bit her lower lip, and the butterfly took off. She followed, mistaking a clearing for their campsite. When she stepped from the thicket, soft moss cushioned her feet and the butterfly fluttered into the open sky.

Water shimmered, reflecting the butterfly’s winged journey against the clouds from above, the small cove lush and fragrant with spring flowers lining the edge of the pristine pond.

Curious, she wandered to a flat rock resembling a clover, crawling until she was peering over the edge at her mirror image.

The reflection altered, aging from the six-year-old to that of a young adult. A beautiful woman with honey blonde hair and grey eyes smiled back at the child on the rock.

Blinking, her mind came back to the present and her gaze landed on Tracy, the spitting image of the reflection in the water. Jennifer’s hand shot to her mouth, covering the short gasp of air. She pretended to yawn, covering up the initial shock of her vision. Usually her visions were unpleasant, but this one had held the carefreeness of a child.

Tracy dragged her eyes away from the lake, her face still pale.

Are you okay? she asked again.

Tracy nodded, and the color crept back into her cheeks. Her eyes looked too bright, too intense. Her gaze drifted toward the window again. The lake is haunted.

Jennifer burst out laughing, but it quickly dispelled with an ‘I’m-not-kidding’ look from Tracy. Really? She parked herself on the bed, ready for another convoluted story, one that would explain her vision.

There’s an old Abinaqui Indian legend about a rock that hangs over the water in Paradise Cove. They say if you kneel on it and look at the surface, you can see your future.

No shit! Jennifer folded her leg under her.

Dimples made a brief appearance in Tracy’s cheek and she pressed on. That part of the lake is practically impossible to get to and has been for as long as I can remember.

Then how’d you get there?

Tracy’s forehead creased. What? Her smoky gray eyes shielded something behind them.

Never mind. Jennifer waved away the question. Tell me more about the cove.

Tracy glanced at the lake and the edges of her lips dragged into a frown. The legend says if you touch the water while it’s showing you the future, the mirror breaks, and you see beneath it.

And? When Tracy didn’t answer, she asked the nagging question, What’s beneath the surface?

Shaded by her bangs, Tracy’s eyes flashed to the window and back. With an inhale of air, the words tumbled in a rush. There are all sorts of stories. From the boogeyman to the devil himself, but the Abinaqui legend says people see a glimpse of their own death. She paused and chewed on her bottom lip for a second. The legend also mentions a beast that will wreak havoc on the town if it isn’t given an annual sacrifice. Maybe that’s what’s happening lately. Why some folks have disappeared, and others have been found in pieces.

Chills caressed Jennifer, blooming into visible bumps over her exposed skin and she shivered. She read the papers. She knew about the violent deaths near the lake this summer. Now you’re just trying to creep me out. She crossed her arms.

Tracy’s lips twitched into the kind of smile earmarked for psychopaths. Come on, we’ve got a lot of stuff to put away. She left the room.

Jennifer looked at the lake. Ever since they were thirteen, Tracy enjoyed freaking her out. The girl was warped, truly warped.

She walked into the living room, finding Tracy busy putting CDs and DVDs into the entertainment cabinet.

Is there really a legend or was this just another elaborate story of yours to scare the shit out of me?

There really is a legend. Google it. She put the last of the DVDs away and tossed the empty box in the direction of the entry hall.

Just out of curiosity, how do you know so much about Paradise Cove? And why haven’t you ever told me about it before?

My father grew up here. Enough about the lake, let’s finish unpacking.

She studied Tracy. Her eyes darted everywhere in the room except to meet Jennifer’s and she kept repetitively rubbing her palms on her hips.

You’ve been there, Jennifer said.

Tracy looked away in the direction of the lake. No.

In the distance, evil laughter mingled with the wind. A metallic taste filled Jennifer’s mouth and she ground her teeth against the sudden swell of fear.

Tracy headed for the kitchen. Her steps hurried, as if fleeing from the questions in Jennifer’s eyes.

We need to put the food away before Billy gets here, Tracy mumbled with a frazzled edge.

Jennifer stared at the lake wondering why Tracy had just lied.

Dark Reckoning Chapter 3

They worked together , stocking the freezer, refrigerator, and moving on to the cabinets once all the cold items were put away. A knock at the door interrupted the silence and Tracy exchanged a glance with Jennifer.

With a grin, she grabbed Jennifer’s wrist and pulled her into the living room.

I’ve been knocking for a while, a disgruntled voice announced from the doorway.

Billy! Tracy dropped Jennifer’s wrist and flew into his arms.

At least a foot taller than Tracy, Bill picked her up, twirling her around in a big bear hug, their lips locked in a more than friendly greeting.

His hair was lighter than Jennifer remembered, but then again, he had worked all summer as a lifeguard. He smiled at her with his soft brown eyes and put Tracy down. Hey, Jenny.

Hey, she replied, and her gaze fell on the man standing behind Bill. Warmth spread in her belly and she had to suppress a grin. Dark hair shaded the piercing blue eyes she remembered from her youth, but the rough stubble was new, and it gave him a rugged bad-boy look. He leaned on the doorjamb and crossed his arms. He stood just shy of six feet and the tight powder blue t-shirt accented the well-defined muscles of his chest and abdomen. The slow easy smile spreading across his lips formed perfect crescent dimples at the very edges. The heat in her belly turned to a tingling chill.

His smile alone could charm the pants off Mother Teresa. Her cheeks bloomed with hot crimson flames and she smiled back.

Jenny, this is Steve Williams. Steve this is Jenny Curtis, Bill said, and walked into the living room.

Hi, they both said at the same time, shaking hands as if they had never met before this moment. A hint of humor reached his eyes and then it disappeared.

When his skin touched hers, the chills his smile created turned to molten lava in her veins and she took a deep breath to quell the inferno before it devoured her. Instead, she focused on his grip, firm and solid. Disappointment flooded her when he pulled away and walked past her into the living room.

Want a beer? Tracy asked. Both Bill and Steve nodded, and Tracy grabbed a pair of Coors from behind the bar.

Thanks. Steve glanced around the room. This sure beats the frat house, he said, and headed onto the balcony. Leaning against the railing, he popped open the beer. Great view.

Jennifer stood at the sliders just taking in his full grown form, wondering at the wisdom of their game. When Tracy pushed her gently from behind, she shut down her doubts and glared over her shoulder.

Jennifer stepped onto the terrace. So, you’re in the same fraternity as Bill.

Yes. Steve glanced at her.

Hey, want to go swimming? Bill asked from behind them.

Jennifer turned. Isn’t the lake closed for the season?

No, it’s open until the end of September, Steve said, drawing her attention back to him. He drained his beer. I’m up for it if everyone else is.

Come on, Jen. It’ll be fun! Tracy said.

The lake is beautiful this time of year. Steve leaned against the balcony looking back at Jennifer. And I won’t bite. He flashed a winning grin. I promise.

Jennifer’s resolve melted. I guess we’re going swimming. She headed back toward her room with Tracy in tow.

Well? Tracy whispered.

Jennifer met Tracy’s inquisitive gaze with a sharp glare and shut the door on any further conversation. She leaned against the door and closed her eyes. She hadn’t been prepared for his overwhelming presence or the feelings she had locked away for ten years. He still left her tongue tied with her heart palpitating in her chest like a runaway train.

She changed and took a deep breath, getting back into character before heading out to the living room where they all waited for her. When she stepped into the foyer, Steve raised an eyebrow. His slow, obvious survey made her nervous, and his lips curved into a smile the moment their eyes met.

Jennifer’s heart skipped a beat. There’s definitely chemistry here. Let’s go.

They waited in awkward silence for the elevator.

What are you studying? she asked Steve when the doors opened.

Criminal Law.

Jennifer clamped her lips together in a smirk and offered a derogatory huff.

What? Steve asked.

You look more like a criminal than a lawyer.

Steve smiled, stepping out of the lobby into the bright sunset. I never said I was going to be a lawyer.

Jen, do you mind driving with Steve? Tracy didn’t wait for an answer. She pulled Bill toward her shiny, souped-up Jaguar, handing him the keys.

I guess not, Jennifer replied under her breath. Turning to Steve, she offered a half-hearted smile.

Really, I won’t bite, Steve said, and led her to a beautiful BMW roadster, opening the door for her.

Jennifer slid into the passenger seat and glanced up at the sky. The first hint of starlight sparkled against the deep blue canvas. Fifteen minutes later, they pulled into the beach parking lot next to Tracy and Bill and it was showtime.

Jennifer bolted before the car completely stopped. You arrogant son of a bitch! She clenched her fists and stalked off toward the water creating small sand sprays with each stomping step.

STEVE WATCHED HER FROM the car, amused at her little display. He wiped the smile from his lips and stepped out of the car. Tracy and Bill stood with slack-jawed stares.

What’d you do? Bill’s glance moved from Steve to Jennifer standing on the beach, shifting from foot to foot and muttering loud enough to be heard from the parking lot.

I said a few things about her, ah, career choice, he explained, selectively choosing the words.

Tracy rolled her eyes and headed in Jennifer’s direction.

What are you, a fucking idiot? Bill snapped.

Acting, Steve grunted.

Dude, she’s a hell of an actress. Bill shot a sideways glance in Steve’s direction.

Steve shrugged like he didn’t have his own opinion of her very convincing skills. He really didn’t give a damn what Bill’s opinion was, not with his incessant insistence on playing matchmaker. She does have quite a temper. Steve attempted to suppress his smile.

Oh, yeah, Bill said, as the two of them watched the girls on the beach.

JEN, ARE YOU OKAY? Tracy asked.

That jerk had the nerve to laugh at me because I want to be an actress. She glared at Tracy. Nice! You said he was a nice guy. He’s an asshole!

Shush, Tracy whispered looking over her shoulder.

I don’t care if he hears me. You’re an asshole! she yelled over her shoulder. She closed her eyes, calming herself.

Sorry, Jen, just forget it. Let’s go swimming.

Jennifer peeled her shorts off, dropping them on top of her flip-flops. I guess in his arrogant way he did pay me a compliment, she said, wading into the water behind Tracy. He said I have a pretty face and a decent body.

Tracy laughed.

Steve and Bill headed toward the water. Bill dove in and came up next to Tracy, wrapping his arms around her and whispered something in her ear. She smiled and nodded.

Jennifer sent a cross glance in Steve’s direction when he approached. Dimples flashed before he glanced away.

I’m sorry, he said, scanning the lake.

Look at me when you apologize, Jennifer snapped, her tone yanking his attention back to her.

He blinked and his baby blue gaze met hers. I, ah, I said I was sorry.

Fine. She dove under the water to stop the grin from forming.

Tracy and Bill retreated, leaving Jennifer and Steve alone.

Steve pressed his lips together in a thin line, watching Tracy and Bill disappear into the woods. When they were out of hearing range, he turned toward Jennifer and started to clap, his scowl turning into a genuine smile. Good performance, Jen.

Jennifer stifled a laugh under her hand. God, Steve, they’re going to kill us when they find out.

I had to call you when Bill told me who he wanted to set me up with.

I’m so glad you did, Jennifer said. I didn’t even know you were coming to Brooksfield. I thought you already graduated.

Well, we kind of lost touch there for a while, he said, his intense gaze captivating her.

Jennifer’s smile faded. I’m sorry about that.

I’m sorry about what happened to Tom.

Her throat tightened at the sincerity in his eyes. She nodded and dunked under the water to get her bearings. When she surfaced, movement on the shore switched on her acting skills. She pressed her lips together and crossed her arms, sending a sideways glare at Steve.

Steve smiled with his back to the shoreline, but he got the hint. He swam to the raft and hoisted himself up on the surface.

Jennifer turned towards Tracy as she approached.

Would you mind going home with Steve? Tracy eyed him on the raft. We want to go to that new place down the road... unless you want to come dancing with us?

I’ll pass on dancing.

Then would you mind catching a ride back to the apartment with him? She waved her hand toward the raft.

Jennifer glanced over her shoulder. He was lying on the raft on his back looking up at the sky. She tightened the muscles in her jaw, letting a beat of silence descend before she turned her head back in Tracy’s direction. Instead of meeting her pleading stare, she opted to focus on her hand making slow trails in the water.

Please?

Jennifer sighed and raised her eyes to Tracy. Fine, but you owe me.

I promise I’ll make it up to you. Tracy dragged herself from the water and joined Bill on the beach. She waved just before she ducked into the passenger seat of the car.

Jennifer waited until Tracy’s car pulled away and then swam to the raft.

Steve rolled on his side, propping his head up on his hand.

Why criminal law if you don’t want to be a lawyer? she said, climbing the old iron ladder and folding herself Indian-style in the small space between Steve and the outer edge of the raft. She tried to ignore the heat that seemed to develop in the space between them.

He shrugged, the setting sun reflected in his eyes and his lips curved into a sexy smile that she remembered from their youth.

Stop grinning at me like that and answer my question, she said.

Law enforcement.

That’s much more believable than you being a lawyer.

His eyebrow rose, and he pushed her off the raft.

You bastard, she said when she broke the surface. She skimmed her palm on the water, sending a wave over the raft, drenching him.

Steve stood and launched into the air. He arched over her in a perfect dive, spearing into the water a few feet beyond her, his entrance clean enough to produce almost no splash.

Seconds later, a tug on her ankle closed the water over her head, cutting off her sudden yelp.

Steve wrapped his arm around her waist, pulled her against him, and surfaced. His laughter rang out over the lake, creating a musical echo filling her ringing ears. He grabbed the side of the raft to stabilize them in the water and met her gaze.

The flash in his bright blue eyes made her heart skip a beat and being this close to him lit a fire in her that had been dormant for the past two years. Whatever witty, scathing response had been ready to come out as they surfaced faded away into oblivion. The urge to close the distance and taste his mouth took hold. Jennifer licked her lips.

I’m hungry, he said and released her. He started toward the shore.

The moment he pulled away, disappointment flooded her, weighing her down, and for a second, she thought she’d be dragged under the surface again. She reached out, clinging to the side of the raft, and watched him slice through the water, his strokes powerful and full of grace. Sighing, she followed the path he cut before her.

He walked up on the sand and ran his hands through his wet hair, sending water down his well sculpted back. He glanced back at her with a playful smile.

Staring at his gorgeous profile, Jennifer felt the breath leave her lungs in a silent rush. The sunset played off the droplets on his body, his muscles glistening as he turned toward her. The intensity of his stare made her knees weak and she almost stumbled onto the sand.

HIS SMILE FALTERED. Watching the water slip off her body stirred a long latent heat within him and his gaze lingered on her ample curves above and below her tiny waistline before taking in her shapely legs, the whole ensemble enough to make any man drool.

Ten years, he whispered stepping closer. God, you grew up to be a beauty. Gently, he wiped the wet hair away from her cheeks, his fingertips throbbing with the sensation of her skin. Steve squashed the urge to take her face in his hands and kiss her beautiful lips.

This can’t happen.

He retreated and looked out over the water, trying to put some distance between him and Jennifer’s powerful magnetic pull.

JENNIFER STOOD STILL. Her cheek still burned where his fingers had touched, and her hand rose, swiping the same warm path. Blowing a slow stream of air, she reached down and grabbed her shorts and flip-flops, slipping them on. His profile remained distant and unattainable, and she slowed her approach, wondering what exactly was going through his ruggedly handsome mind. The muscles in his arms flexed and he glanced in her direction, but his eyes never left the sand near her feet.

What’s wrong? she asked cautiously stepping closer.

He met her gaze. Nothing’s wrong. Where do you want to go?

I don’t think we’re exactly dressed for a sit-down meal, Jennifer said, spreading her arms.

What are you in the mood for?

Her eyes swept over him and she smiled, imagining being skin-to-skin in a more compromising situation than out by the raft. She stopped short of fanning herself to cool the inferno that bloomed in her belly. Chinese sounds good.

Works for me. He headed toward the car, tossing her a towel and grabbing one for himself. He folded it on the driver’s seat and Jennifer followed his lead.

Last I knew you were supposed to be getting married. What happened?

Any trace of a smile on his face disappeared. She killed herself the day before the wedding.

His answer shocked her into silence. I’m so sorry, she said once her damn mind-stall ended.

He kept his eyes on the road as he drove. The muscles in his jaw jumped and he sucked his lower lip between his teeth like he was contemplating what to say.

After he shut the car off in the parking lot, he turned to her. I haven’t been able to let it go. I never finished school. I put my focus into restoring this car and when I finished, I decided I’d shut myself off from the world long enough. He ran his hand over the dashboard. This car kept me sane.

She studied his profile, torn between throwing her arms around him and asking the flurry of questions assaulting her mind. He was five years older, so he should have graduated long before two years ago. She tilted her head, taking a closer look, but all she saw were layers of pain and anguish.

And here we are, he added, reaching to grab his t-shirt on the floor in front of her. You don’t have a shirt, do you?

No.

So, to go, then. What do you want?

Spicy chicken with fried rice. She looked into his eyes. The hurt was still there under the surface, and more than ever she wanted to wrap her arms around him and make it disappear.

Steve’s lips pressed together, and fire filled his eyes. Don’t look at me like that, Jen. I’m not a charity case. He slammed the driver’s door and headed into the restaurant without waiting for a response.

At the door, he stopped and glanced over his shoulder. Their gaze locked and warmth spread through her. She sank down in the seat, closed her eyes, and drifted back ten years.

She hugged herself on the front stoop as he waved goodbye from the back seat of his parent’s car. Salty tears slid into the corners of her lips and she flicked them with her tongue. A hollow feeling grew in the pit of her stomach with each yard the car traveled. By the time they drove out of sight, her chest had constricted with sobs.

He had promised he would write. And every day she checked the mailbox. When that first letter arrived, her heart beat so hard that her hands shook. She ripped open the letter, devouring every word.

He wrote often at first, and then the excitement turned to sour disappointment when nothing arrived for weeks on end. As time wore on, his letters became more sporadic and then non-existent.

By the time she got to high school, her boy next door had become just a precious memory.

Jennifer opened her eyes and stared at the man who had made such an impression on her as a child.

Steve dug his wallet from his back pocket and peeled off the cash. Handing it to the cashier, he grabbed the bag, trotting back to the car.

I didn’t know how much I missed you until I saw you today, Jennifer said.

This time, the smile touched his eyes. He handed her the bag, started the car, and glanced over his shoulder as he backed out of the parking spot. The heat from his arm’s proximity to Jennifer’s shoulder gave her a peculiar tickle in her stomach.

I still remember how cute you looked in that little yellow dress, like you got all decked out just for me, he said.

I did. The heat bloomed in her cheeks.

He took a deep breath and pulled to a stop in front of the apartment building. His eyes scanned her briefly and then he turned away.

Jennifer noticed his quick inspection and it reminded her of the way Tom used to look at her when they had a block of alone time. What were you thinking just then?

How green your eyes are, he said, opening the car door and taking the bag of food from her.

She bit her lower lip while they waited for the elevator. Standing close was like being an inch away from an electrical fence, the current between them alive and twisting and dangerously close to ignition.

The elevator started its climb to the penthouse. They let the silence fill the space between them until they were in the apartment. This really is a nice place. He headed onto the balcony with the food.

Jennifer followed and sat on the lounge chair next to him, watching as he arranged the boxes on the table between them. Their fingers brushed when he handed her a pair of chopsticks, and his slow lazy smile made her heart flutter. Oh, what I wouldn’t give for a taste of those lips. Remembering Tom, she brushed that thought from her mind.

I still can’t believe Tracy’s father did this for her. She glanced back at the apartment.

Steve nodded. The benefits of money.

She plucked the spicy chicken from the white box using the chopsticks and slid it into her mouth.

You’re pretty good with these things. He held up his own chopsticks and awkwardly grasped a piece of chicken from the same box. Halfway to his lips, the chicken shot from between the sticks, bounced on the balcony and rolled off. He glanced between the chopsticks in his hand and the edge of the balcony with raised eyebrows before he slid his gaze her way. Oops. I hope no one was walking into the building.

Jennifer giggled. I can’t wait to see what you do with the rice.

Steve reached into the bag and pulled out a plastic fork with a grin. Yeah. That’s not happening. He put the chopsticks down and began to eat with the fork.

Jennifer roared. She held her stomach with one hand and covered her mouth with the other, trying not to let the food spout with the laughter.

Stop laughing at me. His smirk was enough to keep her giggling.

She swallowed. I can’t help it, she said, winding down. That was too damn funny not to laugh. When she took a healthy portion of rice on her chopsticks and put it in her mouth without dropping any, she started to giggle again.

Now you’re just showing off.

She nodded and swallowed. You want a beer?

That’d be great, he said, and put another fork full in his mouth.

AFTER SHE RETREATED inside, he let his eyes drift to the magnificent scenery. A three-quarter moon rose over the mountains reflecting on the surface of the lake below. By the end of the week, the moon would be full and the view would be breathtaking.

Music blared in the living room and he jumped, spilling rice all over the table. His gaze shot from the scenery to the room behind him. Jennifer frantically turned knobs, her profile screamed panic and he chuckled. Not one of her attempts decreased the volume and Steve stood, stepping inside to lend a hand.

I don’t know how to turn this down, she said over the music.

Steve crossed the room and scanned the hardware in front of him. After a few seconds, he reached down and turned a knob. The music lowered to a respectable level. That was... interesting. He headed back toward the balcony, on his way out, he grabbed the beer Jennifer had left on the bar.

The entire day had been interesting so far and he laughed under his breath. You’re about as good with that as I am with these. He pointed to the stereo and the chopsticks respectively.

Jennifer blushed and sat, opening her wine cooler. After they finished eating, she leaned back in the lounge chair, looking out over the moon-drenched lake. The lake is beautiful.

Mhm, Steve agreed, glancing at her profile. Not as beautiful as you are. I like your choice of music. He leaned back in his chair as Nickelback piped onto the terrace.

When do you think we should tell them?

Let them sweat it out for a while. Steve took a sip of the beer. I don’t like being set up, and what they pulled tonight pissed me off. You don’t pull that kind of shit on a friend. Not after the fight we staged. I sure as hell wouldn’t have left my best friend in that situation. That was just shitty. He took another swig.

She hadn’t seen him for a couple of weeks, Jennifer said.

Steve huffed. You’re actually making excuses for their behavior?

Jennifer shifted in the seat and shrugged.

Let them sweat for a while.

I’m not sure I can keep this up for very long, Jennifer said.

Steve smiled. You’re the best actress I’ve ever seen. You’ll do just fine. I’d be more worried about me. He returned his attention to the scenery. Yeah, I don’t know how long I’ll be able to keep my hands off you.

A blush crept into her cheeks and she stood. I’m going to change. She tilted her head and tapped her lips with her finger, her eyes drifting over him. I think I may have a pair of shorts that will fit you if you want to get out of your wet clothes, she offered with a sheepish grin.

You have something that would fit me? he asked, raising an eyebrow.

I might, she replied.

Okay, he said, curious to see what she brought for him.

She returned in dry clothes and hesitantly extended a pair of faded cut-offs to him.

Steve stood, reading the melancholy expression in her eyes and the slight tension in her arm as if second-guessing the offer. These were Tom’s, weren’t they? When she nodded, he took them from her outstretched hand. Are you sure?

Yes, she said. Her eyes met his. I’m sure. The bathroom is at the end of the hall.

He walked away, turning once to look at her before he disappeared around the corner.

Steve inspected the soft well-worn fabric and then his reflection in the mirror. I can’t believe she did this. His thoughts drifted to Peggy and the full closet at the cottage. If the situation were reversed, could I do the same? He didn’t have an answer, at least one he’d admit to, and he shrugged the questions out of his head. Stripping out of his wet suit, he slid the shorts on and raised an eyebrow. They fit.

He picked up his wet swim trunks and walked into the living room. What should I do with this?

Jennifer had her damp clothes in her hands already. I’ll take that. She stared at him. They fit. She took his wet shorts, turning and heading toward the kitchen.

Why are you going in the kitchen with wet clothes?

I’m going to put these in the oven. She smiled sweetly holding the wet clothes up and hesitating in the doorway.

His mouth dropped for a split second. His mind going blank for a response.

Seriously, our laundry room is off the kitchen. She disappeared, and then the dryer turned on.

She got you, dude!

Her sense of humor was still a little warped, even after all these years. He chuckled dryly. When she stepped through the kitchen door, he said, I thought...well, never mind. You got me.

She laughed.

The musical tenor of her laughter set him into action and he crossed the distance, sweeping her into his arms. Her eyes widened; her laugh teetering into a gasp. The line of her body arched into his touch. As one hand tangled in her long damp hair, the other planted in the curve of her back, just itching to go lower, but he held it in place. Staring into her jade eyes, he forced a ragged breath and slowly leaned toward her luscious, parted lips, wanting to taste the sweetness of her mouth.

This cannot happen!

It was as if someone tazed him. He jerked away, startled by his silent admonishment. Her eyes were still closed, her lips poised in expectation. His breath caught in his throat and he fought against every fiber of his being, forcing his arms to loosen. He stepped away.

Her eyes shot open and a crease appeared between her eyebrows. Questions filled her eyes along with hurt. Her arms circled around herself as his rejection settled in.

He cursed under his breath. His heart thumped in his chest and his breath matched the electrifying experience. He focused on taking long slow breaths, trying to regain control over his wild libido.

I have to go. He took another step away from her, two years of not feeling anything in contrast to the overwhelming tornado of emotions was too much for him to cope with. He turned and headed for the door.

Jennifer caught his arm. Steve.

He didn’t look at her. You aren’t ready for this, Jen, he said as he opened the door.

How do you know? she whispered.

He met her gaze. Because I saw the way you looked at me when I came out in these shorts. He removed her hand from his arm. It was good to see you again.

But?

He gave her a little smile. I’m not ready for you. His voice was soft and gentle, and he turned, walking to the elevator, refusing to look back because if he did, he wouldn’t be able to leave. When the elevator doors closed, he rested his forehead against them, welcoming the cool metal.

He closed his eyes and for the first time in two years, the face he saw etched onto his eyelids was not Peggy’s.

Dark Reckoning Chapter 4

Jennifer stared at the elevator for almost a full minute thinking he would change his mind and come back. Hope fizzled with each second that passed. When he didn’t, she closed the door and inhaled, trying to ease the sting of his rejection.

She crossed to the balcony in time to see his car disappear from sight. Her chest constricted with emptiness. She thought she had read the same things in his eyes that she had experienced. A current living between the two of them, pulling her to him from the moment she saw him at the door, it had grabbed hold of her.

It couldn’t be just one sided. Could it?

On the heels of the question, guilt reared up. She had lent him Tom’s shorts and he knew the magnitude of that small gesture.

Damn him, she muttered with genuine frustration.

Her gaze dropped to the mess on the table and she started cleaning up. Her mind drifted, analyzing every look, every move in an attempt to understand why he pulled away.

Guilt singed the edges of her mind and the answer came with along with the buzz of the dryer. He had said as much in the car. He hadn’t let go. Neither had she if she was being honest with herself.

God help her, she had to let Tom go because the way Steve held her had felt like coming home.

With a sigh, she gathered the containers and dumped them in the garbage, taking the bag to the dumpster and destroying any evidence he had been at the apartment. When the dryer buzzed again, she retrieved the clothes, folded them neatly, and tucked them away on the top shelf of her closet.

Something in the back of the closet rustled and Jennifer jumped, spinning in the direction of the disturbance. Cold air engulfed her and the hair on the back of her neck bristled. Fear wrapped around her heart in a tight fist, constricting the sudden pounding in her chest. Air pulled from her lungs. Wheezing, she drew a thin breath and shivered. She shot out of the closet and slammed the door, but it did nothing to eradicate the feeling she wasn’t alone.

She backed away slowly, wishing Steve had stayed a little longer. With her eyes glued to the closet door, she changed into her nightshirt and grabbed her bathrobe. She retreated to the living room, slipping the floor length chenille around her as tightly as it would go.

Channel surfing and restless described the rest of the evening. Jennifer’s gaze kept drifting down the hall toward her bedroom every few seconds, before she forced it back to the television. She sank lower and lower into the couch. After a couple of hours of bouncing her attention between the hallway and the repetitive drivel on the television, her eyes drooped, closing slowly. She drifted off, despite her unease.

HANDS SHOOK HER.

Jen, wake up, Tracy demanded.

Her eyes fluttered opened trying to place where she was. She looked up at her friend and it all came back to her. What time is it?

Around two, Tracy answered. How did it go?

How’d what go? she mumbled and sat up, still half asleep.

Steve. Did he come up?

She shook her head awake enough to slip into the role. He’s an asshole. Jennifer got up and headed to her room. Night. She closed her bedroom door on Tracy’s questioning eyes, crawled into bed, and instantly fell asleep.

DURING THE NIGHT, THE closet door popped open and a pair of red shimmering eyes peered out. Jennifer shivered in her sleep and pulled the blankets tight.

Dark Reckoning Chapter 5

Jennifer woke at eight and wandered into the shower. She let the pulsating jets wash away the edges of sleep. Lingering, she enjoyed the massage on her back and legs. After what seemed like an eternity, she reluctantly shut the water off and wrapped herself in a towel. Her brow furrowed as fragments of a dream drifted into her consciousness—blood, pain, and fear.

She shivered at the image and shoved it down into her subconscious where it belonged, flipping on the hairdryer to take the chill out of her wet locks.

Tracy strolled in and yawned, wiping her eyes. God, what a night.

Mhm. Jennifer glanced at her roommate.

You ought to give Steve another chance.

Why? Jennifer turned off the hairdryer.

He’s really not an asshole, Tracy began. I still think you’re perfect for each other. She headed into the shower.

If you only knew, Jennifer thought and turned on the hairdryer again.

Thirty minutes later they stood waiting for the elevator.

I still don’t understand you, Tracy grumbled. He’s a nice guy.

Then you go out with him.

You’re impossible. Tracy threw her hands in the air.

Let it go, Tracy. Jennifer knew better. Tracy would never let this go.

But...

—But nothing. Leave it alone, I don’t like the guy.

Tracy pouted the rest of the way in the elevator, playing with her keys. She let the silence build between them until they stepped into the bright morning sunshine. Couldn’t you give him a chance?

Jennifer groaned. I don’t want anything to do with him.

Tracy slipped into the driver’s seat of the Jaguar and turned the ignition. Jennifer slipped into the passenger seat.

What did you do last night? Jennifer asked, focusing the conversation on Tracy.

We had fun.

I’ll bet, Jennifer said. Steve’s smile came to mind, making her insides feel like a pile of warm silly putty. She didn’t hear a word Tracy uttered, her mind miles away until Tracy turned onto Fraternity Row. Where are you going?

Sorry, Jen, I promised Billy I’d pick him up this morning. His car is on the fritz again. He said you could ride with Steve.

Jennifer looked at her. I wish you would have told me at the apartment. I could have driven myself. Besides, why can’t he ride with Steve?

Tracy shrugged and pulled up to the curb. I need to bring him to the shop before we go to get our schedules.

Great fucking friend you are, Jennifer said under her breath as she got out of the car.

Bill and Steve sat on the front porch of the frat house. Bill’s lips pressed into a thin white line and he shot to his feet, scrambling down the stairs at the first sign of Tracy’s car.

Thanks for understanding, Jen, he said as he slipped into the passenger seat the minute she vacated it.

I guess you need a lift, Steve said, approaching her.

Apparently. She glared at Tracy’s car as it pulled away from the curb.

Car’s this way. He turned, heading toward the parking lot. She followed Steve and sat in the passenger seat when he held the door for her. Sorry about last night. He shut the door and walked around the car, slipping into the driver’s seat.

No apology necessary, Jennifer said. How’d you hook up with the frat boys? She gestured at the house.

I was in the same fraternity at Yale. I figured it was probably better than off campus. At least I’d feel like I was a part of something again. He looked up at the house. Now I’m wondering if that had been a good idea or not. There isn’t much privacy here. He turned over the ignition but he didn’t put the car in gear right away.

A STORM OF EMOTION swirled within him, and being this close to her just increased the velocity. He stared at his hands, gripping the steering wheel before letting his eyes wander in her direction, taking in the tan legs and the hem of her white skirt, slowly taking her in until their eyes met. Electrifying heat took hold. With a deep breath, he dragged his eyes away and backed the car out of the parking spot.

Are you all right? she asked, her voice tentative like she felt the torment rolling off him.

He nodded but didn’t look her way.

Stop the car.

Her sharp outburst caused him to swerve. Steve jerked the steering wheel back in line, correcting the car’s trajectory and settling back on the proper side of the road. Why?

I don’t want to ride with you if you’re going to shut me out. The anger in her voice matched the spark in her eyes.

He glanced in the rearview mirror to see if Bill and Tracy were in view, but no one he recognized shared the road with them. Are you acting right now? he asked cautiously, not knowing where this aggravation sprouted from.

Stop the damn car.

He pulled to the curb and she shot out onto the sidewalk. He slammed the gears into first, set the brake, and ripped the keys from the ignition. He ran after her, grabbed her arm, and spun her around. What are you doing?

Leaving you alone. Jennifer yanked her arm from his grasp.

Steve grabbed her again and pulled her close. Maybe that’s not what I want.

What exactly do you want, Steve? She shot up at him, her eyes fiery and frustrated.

Without thinking it through, he kissed her hard and pulled away. You. He let her go and stormed back to the car, breathless and aggravated that he actually gave in despite every warning in the back of his mind.

You sure have a funny way of showing it, she called after him.

The car rolled away, leaving her standing on the sidewalk. He parked less than a block away, taking a deep breath to quell the storm. Get in, he said when she marched by the car, heading in the direction of the school.

No, she snapped over her shoulder.

What the hell do you want from me? he growled.

SHE STOPPED AND TURNED. The rightness of being with him hit her like a physical blow, silencing her because everything she wanted to say just wasn’t enough. His blue eyes locked with hers, knocking her senseless and at the same time fueled her, making her feel alive and vital.

He pulled the car up next to her. What do you want, Jen? he asked, softer this time.

A powerful combination of fear and wanting flashed in his eyes, making him seem vulnerable and sexy.

You’re not ready for what I want.

Then tell me, what the hell do we do now? He kept her intense stare. What do we do? he asked again, throwing the car in neutral and running his hands through his hair.

His tousled frazzled look yanked at her heartstrings. She glanced down the road and then opened the passenger door. I don’t know. She sat and took a deep breath before meeting his gaze. But next time you kiss me, you better make it last a hell of a lot longer than that.

He blinked and then a slow sexy smile spread over his lips, making her shiver and impossibly hot at the same time.

Steve slid the car in gear.

You’d better wipe that grin off your face before either Tracy or Bill sees it. That’s a dead giveaway.

He obliged and put on his moody expression. Better?

Yes and no. She suppressed a grin of her own. I like the sexy smile.

Ah, he replied. I’ll have to remember that.

Jennifer was quiet for a few minutes. Tracy isn’t going to let this go. She really thinks we are perfect for each other. She wants me to give you a second chance.

Steve glanced sideways. Bill said I was a fool.

They pulled into the student center and he put his game face back on. He opened the car door for her. His expression looked tight, annoyed but his eyes surveyed the parking lot before they landed back on her.

You’re quite the actor, you know. Jennifer said studying him.

I have to be in my line of work. His eyes went a little wide and then he spun towards the student center.

And what line is that? she asked stepping onto the asphalt next to him.

I’m a law student. He headed into the student center without waiting for her.

He studied his surroundings with sharp eyes, drinking in every detail, and it hit her. He’s not her to study law, he is the law.

Jesus, he’s here because of the murders.

Oh my god, he’s a cop?

She ran up to him and caught his arm. Are you working now? The steady glare he gave her made her drop her hand and step back.

I’m going to pick up my schedule. He opened the door, ignoring her question. His eyes never stopped moving.

Are you?

That is none of your concern, Jen. I’m enrolled as a student here, he answered, and breezed past her.

She stopped in her tracks.

Steve approached the desk and retrieved his schedule. He studied