Chrysalis Trepidation

By M.L. Lacy

A rollercoaster ride from beginning to end, the saga continues as Bree races against time to save the human and magical realms from the evil plans of her arch nemesis, Esmeralda. Esmeralda isn't letting any dust settle as she gains another's help in her quest to capture the last, and most powerful, Chosen One. A traitor becomes known as another becomes an ally. One's life is uncertain while another's ends. And the fifth of Bree's Special Seven is revealed. in this fast paced continuation of the captivating series, Chrysalis

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.L. Lacy
• Release date: Aug 17, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476163031

M.L. Lacy

M.L. Lacy is the author of the Chrysalis Series (The Awakening, Tribulations, and Trepidation) and the upcoming Starburst Series. M.L. Lacy was awarded the first place in the Rebecca's Read's 2010 Written Art Award for her book The Awakening in the Fiction: Science Fiction/Fantasy Category.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Hall of Elders

Odessa stood in front of the centuries-old sycamore tree waiting for her companions to arrive. She pulled the gray hood of the robe she wore down to cover her face, and then blew a breath of air on her hands to warm them. Winter had come to the ancient forest, and the air’s chill was biting.

The cold wind swirled the falling snow, and she folded her arms across her chest in an effort to protect herself from the cold. She shivered and briskly rubbed her hands along her arms, and then chuckled as it came to her what she was doing. With a shake of her head, she admitted her mistake. Why am I standing here freezing? I guess Aubrey isn’t the only one that needs to be reminded, she mumbled in a soft voice just in case the forest ears were listening. She held both hands in front of her and a little fireball appeared. That’s better, she said as she began rubbing her hands together.

The forest, which held all sounds a forest makes, suddenly went quiet, and awareness began to seep into her thoughts. The muscles at the base of her neck tightened as she felt she was being watched. She shifted her stance to stay relaxed, giving the impression that she didn’t sense danger, and lowered her head, allowing her mind to explore the area around her as she continued rubbing her hands in front of the fireball. An evil presence filled the atmosphere, but she saw no one.

At the sound of a twig snapping, she raised her head, and with a quick snap of her fingers, the fireball disappeared. She turned toward the sound as her violet eyes narrowed to look through the dense canopy of pine.

Holding one hand in front of her, she slowly moved it from left to right. A beam of light in the trees followed the direction of her hand, allowing her to see what the darkness hid. A deer’s eyes caught the light. It stood frozen for a short moment before retreating into the forest.

A tentative smile came to her as the evil ebbed. Her shoulders relaxed, and the hard stare of her eyes softened. Once again, the forest was alive with sounds, the wind lightened, and the sun began to break through the gray sky. The threat was gone.

Another sensation struck her senses, but this time she smiled and turned to her right and awaited his greeting.

Odessa, his velvet-smooth voice called to her as he stepped out of the opening of the space in front of her. You’re looking well.

Robert, she held her arms out for the hug she knew she would receive. Thank you. You’re looking well, too. Celeste, how are you? she asked as a short, plump woman stepped out right after him.

Oh, I can’t complain. Well, I could, but who would listen? Celeste laughed, batted the air with her gloved hand, and then drew her cloak around her tighter.

How’s your Chosen One? Robert asked as he placed his arm around Odessa’s waist. He smiled as he remembered traveling with her to the hillside to explain to the Chosen One what her destiny was. He knew she was going to be a challenging charge, and he was glad she wasn’t his.

I am very impressed with her progress. I’ve hardly had to do anything—just a few reminders here and there. She still struggles with her emotions, but she’s trying. Her human side silently reminds her of her deepest wish—one love for all of eternity. She doesn’t fully understand that she already has her one love with Steven. Their bond is so very strong; I don’t ever recall one this strong. She just has others to love as well. Odessa gave a soft laugh. She has her whole life before her, and she already has four of the seven. They do love her dearly.

What of the others? Celeste questioned. The Elders had several, and most of the Chosen Ones had many loves. She is only allowed seven, why? Do you think there is something wrong with her?

Odessa gave a hearty laugh. No, there’s nothing wrong with her. She loves Steven completely, but she has a very hard time dealing with our ways. I think it’s because we had to keep so many secrets from her. She is so very different from her sisters. They grew up knowing about this realm. They were prepared. She will handle it, of that, I am very sure. Let’s go inside and get out of the cold. Hear what I have to tell the Elders; I think you will be impressed.

Odessa walked up to the sycamore and waited for the shimmering to develop. Then she and her two companions walked into the tree and disappeared inside.

They followed the well-lit staircase down into the earth as they listened to the soft music playing through the holes in the rock walls. Robert whistled softly with the tune, and Odessa smiled as she listened to his perfect tone. She had always found comfort in his voice.

The steps flattened into a wide room with luminous mushrooms adorning the walls giving the room its light. Carved into the earth were faces of woodland creatures. The Guardians sat on a bench and waited.

Their wait was not long as the soft earth, directly under the carved figure of a badger, started to crumble into an opening. A plump badger waddled out, and as he moved toward them, he began to change into a portly old man.

Even though he’d changed, some of the characteristics of the badger remained. Rough, gray whiskers covered his face and his eyes were small and beady. His hair was parted straight down the middle, he was dressed formally in a crisp, sharply creased suit, and reading glasses were perched on the bridge of his pointy nose. His movements were slow but precise, and when he finally stood in front of them, he cleared his throat, looked down at the pocket watch he held in his hand, and spoke his acknowledgment in a rough, raspy voice.

Guardians, the Elders have gathered. Follow me, please. He replaced the watch back into his pocket and turned, expecting them to follow. He walked toward the back wall, and as he neared, the wall opened into another room. Twelve large eagles were perched at the table.

The Guardians entered the room as the birds of prey morphed into the Elders. All were present, and they were eager to hear of Odessa’s progress.

Robert and Celeste took their seats while Odessa walked up to the podium. She stood poised as she began her recount of the last few months.

It’s an honor to be here, she began. Let me start by telling you that Bree was told of her path at the reunion. She was reintroduced to her clan and her intended, and she accepted everything surprisingly well. I must say I was very surprised to see how strong she was. Any other human would not have accepted all that was told and shown to them as calmly, as she did, and I think it has even surprised her clan and family. Odessa looked at each Elder as she spoke.

Bree has become a leader. She is now the Alpha female of her clan. She took charge and saved Sandy’s life when she was attacked in Yellowstone during a hunt. Sandy is Richard’s mate, she advised them.

The Elders knew Bree’s clan, but it made Odessa more comfortable to be thorough in her report. Bree was also capable of removing a spell that… she paused, took a deep breath, and said, Esmeralda had placed a jealousy spell on Madalyn, forcing Madalyn’s need to bond to Steven before their time. It was a strong spell. Madalyn most assuredly would have ended her existence because Steven was not affected by it. He had no…ah…urgent desire to fulfill their bonding.

Ah yes, Esmeralda, spoke one of the Elders. Didn’t take her long to rear her demon-filled head, did it, Odessa?

No, my lady, it did not, she answered. Her eyes did not meet the Elder’s gaze.

Hmmm, yes, she will be a problem, I’m sure, spoke the same Elder as she appraised Odessa’s reaction.

How is Aubrey handling this bond between Madalyn and Steven? asked another Elder.

Surprisingly well, she said politely, regaining her composure. Bradley is the Alpha male of the clan, and he has taken her under his wing. They work well together. She smiled then laughed at her thought. Bree is very protected by her men, so much so that she struggles making them listen to her when she needs to be heard. However, I think after recent events, they will be more willing to listen.

Explain, commanded another Elder.

When Esmeralda’s newest henchman, his name is Marcus DeLeon, ambushed Thomas Halsing…

An Elder interrupted, Wasn’t he employed by Esmeralda?

Yes, my lord, but it was all a ruse set up by Count Wentworth, the head of the Fourth House. As we have learned, Thomas is Count Wentworth’s son-in-law. His duty was to protect the Chosen Ones. He managed to become employed by Esmeralda in order to watch over Bree, but when he defied Esmeralda, she had him taken prisoner, along with a member of Bree’s clan, Richard. Bree saved both their lives as well as another member of the rescue party, Gary. He works for Stanley, Bree’s cousin, she continued to explain. Marcus threw a dagger at Bree that was saturated with vampire venom and poison. Gary pushed her aside and took the stab. Bree saved his life. Her mind took control, and she was wise enough to let it teach her what she needed to do. She accepts the Elder’s teachings through her mind without any hesitation.

Wasn’t her little cousin taken?

Odessa was aware that the Elders knew what was happening in Bree’s life. Of course they would monitor events, but she continued with her report as if they didn’t, giving them all the information as she knew it.

Yes, her young cousin Timmy was taken by her ex-husband, Nick. He knew Bree would give herself up to save Timmy. Not only did Bree save her young cousin from the clutches of her ex-husband, she also saved a man by the name of Ted and his mate Tina. Her compassion for those two, I think, will cause them to change their allegiance from Esmeralda to Bree.

What happened to her ex-husband? Is he still a problem?

"No, she killed him and his two helpers. She knew all three were of the Dark Creatures Esmeralda created. Bree gave the Dark Creatures a name. She calls them the DC. Odessa started to laugh, but as she looked at the somber faces of the Elders, she turned her laugh into a cough and continued. She understood how the DC had taken control of those three long ago. She knew the human Nick was already a dead soul, so she ended the evil’s existence. In doing so, she released years of anger, anger that she thought could consume her with bitterness."

"She’s correct, more than she realizes. She must learn to control her anger, or it will consume her," an Elder reminded the others.

I don’t understand how her anger is dangerous to her. Anger was never an issue with the other Chosen Ones, and Bree has always been full of love and forgiveness, Odessa reminded them. Robert and Celeste nodded in agreement.

How quickly you forget, my children, smiled an Elder. She sat poised in her seat, her thick gray hair piled in a bun on her head with soft ringlets of curls framing her beautiful face. Her eyes were green, and her smile was comforting. "It’s true; she does have a forgiving nature and she is full of love. She has endured much growing up—more than any Chosen One, human, or magical that too is true. All of her instincts are magnified. All of our powers are with her, as well as our sentiment. Anger and hate are extremely powerful feelings and to have those two emotions magnified by the twelve of us… she tipped her head to the side as she tried to explain the danger. Aubrey must learn to control her anger. She needs to find a balance between love and forgiveness along with her anger and hate sides. If she doesn’t, then it is a very real possibility her anger could destroy her."

I must bring this to her attention, Odessa said.

No, softly spoke another Elder.

My lord? Odessa questioned.

She must learn and understand that control on her own—no one is to interfere.

Odessa bowed her head in acknowledgment of his order.

What do you assess of her magical abilities? asked another Elder.

I am concerned. Her powers are growing rapidly even though she is still human. She tires easily, and I fear her strength is weakening, but her mind remains strong. She is content to let her powers develop at this pace and is eager to learn. Hortense schools her now, but I don’t think Bree will need her much longer. Bree has realized she has the knowledge deep within her; she just needs to understand how to ask the right questions. She has learned through trial and error and, as I have noted, she is an avid student. Her dreams help her.

Dreams? an Elder questioned.

"Yes, my lady. One of the supernatural gifts has developed. She has the Gift of Dreams. Unfortunately, the demon Esmeralda harbors knows this and uses it against her. Bree is managing."

What is your evaluation of our Chosen One?

Odessa exhaled a slow cleansing breath, and said, I’m very impressed. You have imprinted your powers and your knowledge well with this one, but I do fear for her. She is growing too fast, and I fear all of the events that are happening to her are accelerating her growth. Her body is not ready for it. She tires, and I worry she will not be strong enough to survive the crossing. Her clan worries, however they won’t tell her. Now, with this new bit of information, I worry she will struggle to find her balance with love and hate. I am sure she will have more challenges in the coming months, but she remains strong and knows you are with her. You embolden her.

With everything that has happened, it’s no wonder she tires, an Elder chuckled causing several others to laugh as well. We selected her mates carefully, Odessa. They will help her find the balance.

Stay with her, Odessa, said another Elder. She is your strongest hope. When she has crossed, her strength will grow and benefit the other Chosen Ones, and they will watch over these two realms, hopefully righting as many of the wrongs as they can along the way.

Odessa tipped her head in acknowledgment of their order. The Elders morphed back into eagles and flew up through the ceiling of the earthen room into the winter’s night sky above and out of sight.

Chapter 2

Christmas at the Cabin

The kitchen in the clan’s cabin was bustling with activity two days before Christmas. All five women were busy making enough holiday food that would feed several large families.

I have never spent this much time in the kitchen, Madalyn said as she filled the cookie sheet. Aubrey you do realize most of this will go to waste. You have a cabin full of vampires. She tucked a wayward strand of hair behind her ear and huffed an angry breath of air in her frustration. This was not her idea of a good time. A vampire’s need for food was minimal. Traditionals gave up the ritual of consuming cooked food once they had crossed into the magical realm, preferring to chew their food raw, but Non-coms still dined just as they did when they were human. However, as Madalyn looked over the trays of cookies, brownies, pies, cakes, and fudge, she knew there was no way their clan could possibly eat all of it even if they weren’t vampires.

Not true. Bill, Gina, and the kids need food. I need to eat, Bree said as she continued placing cookies onto the cooling rack.

This is still too much food. We haven’t even started Christmas dinner. You can’t be serious, Madalyn said trying her best to persuade Bree to her come to her senses.

I hate to admit it but, Bree, she has a point. Even in Rick’s human years he couldn’t eat all of this, Sandy laughed. Even though she was agreeing with Madalyn, she was enjoying her time in the kitchen.

Not all of this is for us, Bree said.

Then who’s it for? Madalyn asked as she banged the spoon against the bowl.

Bree is doing what she does every year at Christmastime, Gina said. She and Becky would bake all of these delicious treats, and on Christmas morning, they would deliver them to a homeless shelter in Fort Worth. Then they’d go by the mission and help serve food.

Oh no, you aren’t expecting us to do that, are you? Madalyn whined.

Oh, come on Maddie. Where’s that holiday spirit? Kristin asked as she put the finishing touches on the chocolate cake she was frosting.

I have spirit, Madalyn said defensively.

The mission has enough volunteers this year. Bradley asked if he could take something to the staff at the hospital for those that have to work on Christmas day, so a third of all of this is for the hospital, another third is for the shelter, and the rest is for us.

Their conversation was interrupted when Steven came into the kitchen with Bree’s grandmother, Mildred.

My heavens, I could smell this all the way to my house, Gran said as she hugged Bree. She looked everything over trying to decide what she wanted to try first.

What brings you out this way, Millie? Gina asked.

Christmas shopping.

A little late for that now—Christmas is in two days, Madalyn said.

Oh for Pete’s sake, Kristin mumbled. There is still plenty of time to shop. Where is your holiday spirit, Madalyn?

I thought I would take my granddaughter shopping.

Oh, but Steven said he was taking me, Bree said.

I was, but Millie has always wanted to take you shopping to some unique places. He handed Bree a slip of paper. I jotted down a few items. You know, just to give you some ideas in case you can’t think of what to get me. Rick and Brad added theirs, and all Bill said was anything but ties.

***

You don’t know how many times I had wanted to bring you here for Christmas shopping with you when you were growing up, Gran said as they stood on an extremely crowded sidewalk in a magical shopping district in Canada known as The Wizard’s Emporium.

To human eyes, the district held nothing but old abandon warehouses with broken glass windows and boarded-up doorways, litter-filled streets, and streetlights that no longer lit. The humans never saw the magicals hurrying from shop to shop or the colorful window displays in those warehouses. They couldn’t hear the street trolley that cruises up and down the many streets that zigzag the shopping district. They never witnessed the laughter, the music, or the conversations from restaurants and bars that gently floated in the air. It took an enormous amount of magic to keep this remarkable place hidden from their eyes.

Shopping was never one of Bree’s favorite things to do, but that was because she had found it uninteresting and tiresome. Now, that she could wander through an extraordinarily different assortment of shops, her excitement grew.

Several stores offered a wide variety of potions and special dusting powders, herbs, spices, teas, and incense. There was also a large bookstore. She browsed the aisles and saw they had everything from books on magical spells and potion making, to romance series, mysteries, murders, travel, foreign language tapes, and children’s books. There were several more stores for magical implements, such as special sands, cauldrons, crystal balls, scyring mirrors, rune stones, and magical bones. Things needed for the most sophisticated seer one sign read. There were beauty and massage spas, special cloaks, clothing and hat stores, and a wand shop, and that’s where Bree headed first to begin her Christmas shopping—to the wand shop to buy a wand for each member of her clan.

Let me handle the sales clerk, Gran said as they made their way through the throng of shoppers.

Why? Bree asked.

Well, you want the best for your clan correct?

Yes, that’s the idea.

There are different levels of wands. It’s the clerk’s job to match the wand to the correct level of ability and most view vampires’ abilities to be on the lowest rung.

Why?

"Oh dear, we really do need to brush up on your teachings. Vampires and werewolves are not as fortunate as most magicals. They need to use a wand to cast spells or do magic, and there are those in our realm that would prefer they not get their hands on the higher level of wands. And because I know this, she’s not going to be able to pull the wool over my eyes. They ask a multitude of questions for a reason, and if you don’t know what you are doing, she’s liable to sell you a wand for beginners, and my dear, your men are well above that level. I know the lingo, let me handle it. You watch, listen, and learn," she said as she swung the door wide and strolled in as if she owned the place.

It took Bree a few minutes to adjust to the expanse of the shop. From the outside, it looked small, but once she stepped inside, she saw how different this shopping trip was going to be. She stood captivated as she viewed the field of shelves that expanded before her. The store was enormous, and the aisles were wide.

A sales clerk met them with a smile. She snapped her fingers and a small sofa appeared. Bree followed her grandmother’s lead and sat next to her on the sofa.

Once they were seated, the sofa began to float and followed the sales clerk as she began asking all sorts of questions. They ranged from the obvious to the ridiculous as far as Bree was concerned, but she sat quietly and allowed her grandmother to do the talking. When the clerk was out of earshot, Mildred assured Bree they were legitimate questions, every one. So in the end, Bree was confident that her grandmother had selected the correct wands for each member of her clan.

Bree knew Billy, Gina, Andrew, and Dirk didn’t need a wand. Dirk and Andrew were considered true vampires, magicals that turned. They were wizards before their turning so they retained their magical abilities. Bill and Gina were still in their wizard state, although they had their hearts set on making the transition from wizard to vampire. The four of them were able to do magic without the need of a wand, but she had her grandmother select one for them anyway.

Each gift was wrapped in colorful holiday paper, and tagged with the appropriate recipient’s name when Bree arrived at the checkout area. She paid for them with the platinum Magic Express credit card Steven gave her and was extremely pleased that her name on the card did not spark any recognition with the cashier.

Next, she went to the cloak store and selected a new cloak for each of the men of her clan and velvet witches gowns for the women. Of course, she also bought the usual necessities from Bath, Bubbles, and Body Works. She’d always gotten those for gifts on Christmas morning, and now she knew where her mother had gotten them. She shopped a while longer, touching this and smelling that and finally settled on the right cologne or perfume for each member of her clan.

She made sure she picked something special for her parents, her aunt and uncle, her cousin Ryan and his family, and her cousin Stanley. When she was through paying for everything, her grandmother magically sent those purchases back to her house, promising Bree everyone would get their gifts Christmas morning.

She bought several video games for Billy’s boys, Timmy and Frankie, and infant outfits for the newest addition to his family, baby Todd.

It had been an exhausting day, and when her grandmother took her to a specialty bistro for an early dinner, Bree gave her grandmother her Christmas present.

Oh for goodness sakes! When did you get this? It’s beautiful, she stuttered and fussed as she pinned the dazzling diamond, ruby and sapphire broach on her jacket.

I saw it while you were buying the humidors. By the way, did you need that many?

Oh, heavens no. After I selected a humidor for Franklin, well…I had to get one for Thomas, and then your men. I got such a deal that I got your father, uncle, and cousins one too while I was there.

Bree enjoyed spending time with her grandmother; however, she was getting tired, but she didn’t want to let her grandmother know because the shopping trip was the most freedom her clan and Stanley had allowed her after everything that had happened last month.

***

Finally, it was Christmas Eve and Bree was more excited than she thought she would be. It had been a long time since she’d spent Christmas with family. She’d not been allowed to spend any holiday with them once she and Nick were married. Nick simply would not allow it. But she was right where she was supposed to be now, and it was all she could do to stay seated and not help members of her clan rip the paper from their gifts to see what treasures would be uncovered.

She felt like a kid as she watched, with all of her joy, their faces as they opened the beautifully wrapped boxes that held their unique wands. She smiled as they tested the balance, the length, the weight, and even the few spells they tried. She realized her grandmother had been right, the sales clerk chose the perfect wand for each member of her clan. She smiled with delight when she heard their reactions of oh my, or this is beautiful, or oh, you shouldn’t have, but finally when all of her presents to the members of her clan had been opened, it was Billy’s words of and no ties this time, that gave her the best laugh.

She had received a gift certificate for a year’s worth of spa treatments from Rick and Sandy. Bradley and Madalyn gave her a credit card to her favorite jewelry store. Billy and Gina had given her a magic carpet—straight from the same makers of the famous Aladdin’s Magic Carpet. Billy had figured since she wasn’t proficient at traveling the magical way, this was the next best thing. Of course, they had placed a spell on the carpet so it would not venture any further than her home.

Steven gave her quite a few small presents but still had one left to give.

This one was too big to wrap, so I’ll have to take you to it. And in the dead of the night, he whisked her away to her special present.

Bree’s eyes were wide with wonderment as she entered a barn that housed the Palomino and Appaloosa horses. She raced ahead of Steven and twirled to face him, walking backwards as her hands rose in questioning his intent.

Keep going, he said. He waved her toward the back of the barn.

In the last stall, stood the prettiest butterscotch Palomino she’d only seen one other time. His head was over the gate-door and his big, brown eyes watched her as she quietly approached. Bree held out her hand, and the Palomino nibbled at her fingers. Without averting her gaze from the horse she softly said, He looks just like Samson. She turned and looked at Steven. He looks just like the horse I had to give up. With tears that threatened to spill from her eyes, she said, He’s beautiful.

He’s Samson great-great-grandson.

She giggled and wiped her tears. He looks just like him. She put her arms around her new horse and nuzzled his neck. After he had whinnied, she turned to Steven. Take me riding.

***

This Christmas holiday had been relaxing for her. The clan would spend quiet nights by the fire in the main part of the cabin, and then she and Steven would retire to their wing for their private time together. She was still human so she still needed to sleep, and Steven was insistent on that. Her nights were dream-free, so they had been peaceful. No demon to coax her toward him, no dreams of Esmeralda and her motley crew—just sweet, peaceful slumber, and it was starting to make her nervous.

Chapter 3

The Hidden Forest

A mist covered the forest floor in a blanket of white and gray swirling clouds that hid the decaying leaves and twigs. All the innocent woodland creatures took refuge from the darkness and from the scene that was about to unfold. The fire that burned brilliantly in the distance was the only sound that disturbed the forest quiet.

A cloaked figure stealthily walked the landscape, careful not to break a twig or rustle the leaves that lie hidden beneath the mist. The cloaked figure paused inside the tree line, concealing itself from the small group that gathered around the fire to watch the blending ritual—or so it thought.

Esmeralda." A low, deep voice of the unseen sentinel emanated from the darkness.

She froze.

He stepped out from his hiding place. With his arms folded under his chest, a small smile across his lips, he leaned close to her ear and whispered, Curious?

I…I was invited, she stammered.

I know, he told me. I only want to know if you are—curious. His dry whisper tickled her ear.

She shivered. No Thetis, I am not. He invited me. He asked me to come, so I came. That’s all. Don’t go reading anymore into this.

He nodded. Hmmm, that’s it—nothing more?

Nothing.

Then why are you sneaking in here? he questioned.

I…I wasn’t sneaking…I was just being…quiet, she answered.

He chuckled as he placed his arm around her shoulder, nudging her into him. Okay, have it your way. He misses you too. You’ll find him over there. His cloaked hand raised and the alabaster finger pointed her in the direction she was to go. Silently, he stepped back into the inky blackness that hid his features from unsuspecting intruders.

Esmeralda turned toward his hiding place. All she saw were his cold yellow eyes staring back at her. She crossed her arms, rubbed the cold and the fear from her, and walked toward the circle.

***

The old crone shuffled from participant to participant until she stood before Esmeralda. Her lizard eye jerked and jogged as she took in the newest member’s appearance. She leaned in close and sniffed, her nostrils widened in contempt of the suspicious smell.

You ain’t been ‘ere afore, she smirked, glancing up at Esmeralda with a scornful look. You smell like witch.

You’re one to talk, Esmeralda defiantly spoke and stepped back to protect herself as the old woman thrust her wrinkled hand toward her.

The old witch sneered, slapped her hand onto Esmeralda’s chest, and began to feel along her breast and up toward her neck.

Esmeralda glared back at her. Take your hand off me, she commanded.

The old hag paid her no heed and barked a laugh as she shoved her hand into her basket and pulled out a roped necklace. You best be wearin’ this. She forced it into Esmeralda’s clenched fist. Wear it or not… but if ya don’t want to be ate… I’d be wearin’ it. Keep it out of the hollow ya got there between those two mounds. They needs ta see it, she said over her shoulder as she shuffled down the line.

Esmeralda didn’t want to appear scared or worried. After all, she was a member of the Council. She was power. She took her time examining the amulet the old crone had given her. Satisfied she had given the appearance of not being afraid, she placed the leather strap over her head, and left the amulet hanging on the outside of her cloak.

She looked toward the direction Thetis had pointed. She no longer saw her host. She would have to watch the blending alone.

***

The low, heavy drumbeat announced the midnight hour. Two individuals entered the inner circle and stood facing the flames. One was in blood red robes, the others in snow white. They turned and faced each other. The red-robed member slowly lowered the hood of the white revealing a woman of extraordinary beauty, and she removed the hood of the red revealing the Adonis face that lie beneath. They both turned toward the fire again and watched as four other couples entered, just as they had. Whoever wore the red robe, the opposite wore white robes. All were truly beautiful and handsome.

Five hand bound captives were led into the circle and were turned to face the individuals in white. If it were a woman in white, the captive was a male, the opposite held true for the other. The captives stood quietly with eyes devoid of any recognition to the ritual or their surroundings.

Must be drugged, Esmeralda thought.

Five more individuals came out dressed in blue tunics and sandals. They stood before the red-robed members holding a cushion with a clay bottle.

The drums started beating harder and faster. The flames rose higher as the coven leaders chanted and tossed powders into the fire. The red and white-robed males and females faced each other and passionately began kissing as the chanting continued.

When the spoken part of the ceremony had ended, the red-robed members removed the white robes of their consorts, revealing to all the nakedness beneath. As the crowd watched, those that wore the red robes took the clay bottles from the cushions, as their naked partners knelt in front of them. The five in red, raised the clay bottles in the air, and the drums sounded again.

As the naked ones tilted their heads back, their partners poured the gray, cloudy mist from the bottle into their mouths. Should the naked ones choke or struggle, loving sounds were heard from their mates, calming them to accept the offering. When emptied, the clay bottles were tossed into the flames, and cheers erupted from those assembled there. The five captives remained silent, oblivious to what would happen next.

The naked ones rose from their kneeling position and began to grow in size. Their arms sprouted wings, their hands and feet formed claws, and their bodies turned red with green, moist scales along their backs and down their pitchforked tails, and their faces elongated to that of a dragon. Their fiery red eyes glowed, and their teeth became sharp as blades.

The dragons, once again, are walking the earth, the man next to Esmeralda mumbled.

Esmeralda’s heart was pounding with her excitement as she realized what she could have. She saw the beauty in the beast before her and her heart ached for its touch.

The dragons turned to the captives and fed upon them as everyone watched. No screams were heard from the confined prisoners. No struggles were given. The only sound to drift out of the arena was that of teeth crunching bone, and it filled the night. Esmeralda felt a soft shiver of elation as she watched the dragons morph back into their magical form. Those robed in red wrapped the white robes around their naked loves and then they disappear into the forest.

Are you impressed? his throaty voice brushed her ear.

The ritual had captured Esmeralda’s attention, and she hadn’t realized the host of the night’s event was standing behind her. She straightened. Her hands smoothed the fabric of her cloak as she turned to face him. Her violet eyes reflected the fire’s light back at him.

David. Yes, I am, she said. Her eyes studied the man that once was her eternity. But her passion for finding her demon and his passion for finding his dragon had torn them apart. Where did you find them? she questioned.

He draped his arm around her shoulder, turning her from the crowd and began walking toward the darkness, away so others wouldn’t be privy to their conversation. When he was sure they were out of earshot, he said, We found two in the caves along the coast of France, one in Siberia, and two more in Africa. Many wanted to be chosen to blend with the demons. These five came highly recommended. She nodded as he spoke. Do you still have yours? he eagerly asked.

She smiled as she began to understand why he had asked her to come. She looked back toward the crowd and then back at David. He still had the powerful gray eyes that had held her spellbound on so many occasions. His sandy brown hair was streaked with a touch of gray at the temples, maybe a few speckles here and there, but his skin was still smooth and tanned. The touch of his lips still lingered in her mind—she would never forget his lips.

Is that why you asked me here? Because you want my demon? She hadn’t expected a straight answer, but he gave her one.

Of course I want your demon, but I want him for us, Essie. I’ve missed you. I’ve missed us. Let me bond with your demon. Think about it, Essie. Think how powerful we both would be.

I had planned having my demon bond with the Chosen One. The last Chosen One.

Even better. His smile widened as he put his arms around her, drawing her close. I will take the demon, and together we will take the Chosen One. We would rule, Essie.

Her hand rested on his taut chest muscles, a feeling she had indeed missed. She played with the button on his cloak.

If I should accept, and I’m not saying I will mind you, but if I accept, when should or could we do this? She had missed him, and her memories were drawing her dangerously close to accepting.

I would need two days’ time to prepare myself, to cleanse myself, for the ritual.

She nodded. And the Chosen One—when could we take her?

Ah, that should happen during a full moon. Blending with a Chosen One at that time would strengthen the demon beyond all measure. A blood moon is even better, but one isn’t due anytime soon.

She bit her top lip and teasingly smiled at him. David, times have changed, people change. How do I know you are still…as strong a lover as before?

He met her challenge. I’ll have to show you, and disappeared with her into the canopy of the woods.

Chapter 4

Bree’s Story Continues…

January 2008

The morning sunlight streamed in through the windows in my mother’s kitchen as I fixed our breakfast. Steven and I had the whole house to ourselves because my parents hadn’t returned from their winter cruise. Currently, I didn’t have a care in the world.

I was excited about our house-hunting trip today, and Gina had several listings for us to look at in their area. There was one home in particular I was most interest in seeing. It was a short distance from where Billy and Gina lived.

The house was set back into the wooded landscape. During construction, when just the shell of the house was going up, I wasn’t certain what it would end up looking like. However, after the stonework started, it began to blend into the woods with the help of the dark brown stones intermingled with large slabs of Texas limestone, and I fell in love with it.

I’d snuck in at different times during construction to see if I could imagine what the home would look like when it was finished. I love wraparound porches and this one was gorgeous with dark wood and large corner posts.

There were two beautifully etched, oval glass side panels by the door. Wide windows in the front and along the side, which I was sure would allow adequate lighting into the rooms that were hidden from me, and I could hardly wait to see it.

Steven walked into the kitchen just as I was magically applying the finishing touches to my own concoction of toast with peanut butter and banana. All the men of my clan, plus Stanley, Gary, Thomas, Sean, and Greg followed him. I was surprised to see them and even more surprised by the serious looks on their faces. I smiled, they didn’t.

Uh-oh, what now? I asked. So much for not having a care in the world. I could not imagine what had them in that state. Steven had been happy when he woke—I was positive about that, but now…

"Sit," Steven commanded.

That demand took me by surprise, causing the banana I had balanced in the air to fall onto my plate. What? I stupidly questioned.

"I said, sit!" he strongly stated again.

I calmly walked to the table and sat facing them with my hands folded on top of the table. I immediately went over the past few days in my mind. I hadn’t had any dreams, so there was nothing to tell them. I had been with Steven for the last two weeks, so I knew I hadn’t done anything out of the ordinary.

Okay, I’m sitting. Now what?

What the hell were you thinking? he demanded.

My eyes widened. What do you mean? You need to be a little more specific Steven, I have no idea what you’re talking about, I countered.

He yanked the chair next to me away from the table and sat down in a huff. He was royally upset and for the life of me—I was at a complete loss. His brow was creased, his eyes hard, his jaw was set tight, no hint of a smile, not even a little twitch of one. Everyone wore the same expression.

When you went to your grandmother’s for lunch, who else did you meet with? he firmly asked.

"Ohhh, oh boy! Now I knew why he was ready to explode. Well, so much for Count Wentworth keeping our visit a secret. I should have known they would find out. Steven let me explain…"

"There is nothing to explain. You are not meeting with Broderick. That’s final! His hand slammed down hard on the table, and I jumped. Of all the stupid, idiotic, childish, yes, I said childish, things you could do. Do you even know anything about him? Did you think he would walk in and meet you by himself? Have you not learned anything over these last few weeks? I’m asking you Aubrey—have you?"

I kept my composure, which was a difficult job I might add, but I was doing my best. Steven, I began calmly, "if you would calm yourself, we can discuss this in a reasonable manner. I did go to my grandmother’s for lunch. I had no idea Franklin was going to be there. We started talking, and the opportunity presented itself. I did ask to meet with Broderick, and I asked to meet with Señor Hernandez, as well. Someone has to intervene before the problems with their race gets out of hand. Esmeralda is planning to meet with Broderick because she wants him on her side. I want him on ours. I want to put my case before him, and Señor Hernandez. They have to learn to work together. We can’t keep only those we like on the Council. All sides, whether we agree with them or not, need to be heard. Everyone deserves a voice."

"You are not even on the Council yet! he scolded again. You have not even crossed into this realm and at the rate you’re going, you may not live to see it!"

Aubrey, Thomas said.

Thankful to have something to draw my attention away from Steven’s glare, I turned to Thomas. Yes, Thomas, you have something you wish to add to my reprimand?

Aubrey, he began again as he walked to the table and quietly pulled out the chair across from me, picking it up effortlessly so as not to scratch the floor. Franklin told me of this…ill-advised meeting you are requesting. We called your clan in to inform them of your wish. We all discussed it at length, and we have come to the same conclusion. It is very irresponsible of you to meet with this individual. You place yourself at risk. You place Señor Hernandez at risk. You don’t fully understand the scope of the issues.

I had looked back at Steven for a few seconds before I turned to look at the others. Rick’s eyes looked hard at me. The soft blueness I had always seen in his eyes had turned to an angry, deep blue. He lips were pressed tight. His arms folded across his chest. Billy stood in the same manner, as did Gary. Stanley shook his head at me when I looked at him. He closed his eyes and turned away from me. Sean was just as rebuking. Bradley wouldn’t even give me the courtesy of looking at me. Greg leaned against the counter looking at the wall of the

Reviews for Chrysalis Trepidation

[isisunit · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The third book in the series has resolved some questions, and opened up more.While there was more action in this book, which I enjoyed, none of the main points have yet to come to any sort of satisfactory conclusion for me. That is all I will say, as I don't want to give anything away for those yet to read the book.Rest assured, I am ready and waiting for the next installment - and hopefully some closure to at least one or two parts of the main storyline!