Slaying Monsters (Book 3) (Legacy of Terror Series)

By Wayne Tripp

Grim Island is going to hell. At least that is how it appears at this point. Lacey has returned; pregnant. Gerald wants her to have his babies, even if that means she dies screaming during the process. Jamie can’t forgive her betrayal, but ultimately he doesn’t want to see her die. Can Jamie put his feelings aside long enough to save Lacey?

With the help of his band of misfit allies set out for the abandoned asylum, Jaime must try to defeat Principal Gerald Sweetling once and for all. The only thing they hadn’t counted on getting in their way was an ancient flesh-jumper called Mercy Dyer, the Matriarch. Making matters worse is the treacherous storm dubbed Calamity heading straight toward their island.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wayne Tripp
• Release date: Dec 3, 2013
• ISBN: 9781311135452

Wayne Tripp

Author Wayne Tripp lives in New England and therein lies his passion for writing. "Allure of Siren's Song" is his first historical adventure novel. In addition to his writing and his long-time avocation as a skilled SCUBA diver, Wayne enjoys spending time with his beloved wife, other family members, and his adorable Siberian Husky. A strong believer in his childhood notion that love always triumphs, he manages to keep the darkness that threatens to crawl out of his creative closet at bay . . . most of the time. Once in a while, something wicked finds a method to claw its way out, and those are the stories that Wayne Tripp enjoys telling.

Book preview

Riding the late summer updrafts, the fish hawk got a beautiful view of Grim Island as the morning fog evaporated. From where she soared, the New England osprey could watch most of the island as its remaining inhabitants began to face another day. Riding the air currents, she could see two of the island's lighthouses; the round tourist-friendly Wolfhead as well as the sinister, dark tower at Lost Hope Point. The burnt -out shell of Principal Sweetling's mansion, and the abandoned asylum squatting close by that evil reminder of a recent time of terror. The feathery raptor adjusted her wide wings slightly, reducing the flare to her long primary feathers, enabling her to dip down for a better look at the short serpent of vehicles winding its way away from her brother's home. As the osprey dropped, she spied a lone pickup at the tail of the snake suddenly pull out of line and stop. Jamie's truck. Clamping shut her wings, the fish hawk dove towards the pickup, and trouble.

Two days after Lacey's return

Oow! Oh God! Lacey's trembling hand flew to her throbbing temple, even as she lunged toward the passenger window. No! Not Now!

You all right? Pulling out of the small line of vehicles, Jamie jerked to the side of the road, shooting a concerned look at his ex-lover. Almost fiancée; the woman he'd saved, the woman, in spite of everything, he still loved.

No–I'm sick, you idiot! Lacey punched the power window button, waiting impatiently for an opening big enough to shove her head through. Migraine–a really bad one! As soon as the window lowered, she shot her head outside, still scolding him. Morning sickness–remember? Oh shit–I'm going to throw up!

Jamie tried to ignore the retching sounds of Lacey being violently ill. He was still trying to wrap his mind around the things she'd hissed through her pounding headache seconds before she grew sick. How she desperately missed her cat, Allegro. Missed him. This from a woman being wrung dry by morning sickness, brought on because she'd opened her thighs to another man. Her boss, Anthony Napoli., or more precisely, the fully resurrected Gerald Sweetling.

Finished, Lacey Rodriquez pulled her head back inside, wiping her lips on her sleeve. Silently, she flopped against the pickup's door, staring at the man beside her.

Yeah, it's me, Jamie thought, the chump whose life you turned inside out, put through hell. And I'm such a pathetic loser, I took you back.

Bugger this.

W-what? she said, cringing as though she half-expected him to hit her.

Missing her look of dawning fear, Jamie lashed out, Maybe if the babies were mine, I'd have remembered. For several moments, Lacey said nothing; just sat staring at him, her look of sorrow slowly deteriorating into one of unbearable shame and regret. She started to shake. When she looked at the bitter man across from her, her dark eyes were filled with tears. She stared at him a long time before speaking; her prickly eyes already pleading for his understanding and forgiveness. She barely managed a few mewling tear-drowned words before she flung herself towards the barrier of his crossed arms.

Sorry Lacey–I'm not ready! No way!

"Oh God–Jamie! Do you have to be so loud? My head feels like it's going to explode!"

Sweetling–trying to gain control again?

God–I hope not! I-I'm hoping it's just one of my usual 'I want to die' migraines. Say you forgive me–you've got to know how sorry I am.

Stunned, half expecting another kick in the nuts as she made a fool of him again, her usual sharp tongue stabbing him through the heart; Jamie sat like a lifeless zombie, remaining totally unresponsive to the affection Lacey had shown him since returning.

Claiming she'd broken free of Principal Napoli's enchantment, Lacey had fled back to the man she'd torn apart. Keening her sorrow at ruining everything, her hormonal roller coaster ramped up for a wild ride into emotional hysteria.

You don't believe me, do you? Even Reggie admits there was a period of at least four hours when the magic weakened. That's how your friends got through Sweetling's barrier. I don't pretend to understand magic; how Sweetling gained control, but as soon as I felt free, I ran back to you!

So you say. How do I know you're not still under his control and this isn't part of his plan?

Jamie—please! Believe me!

As her torrent of tears began to fall, and her tempting body begged him to hold her, Jamie almost dared believe Lacey still loved him. For the first time since they'd made love in the bowels of the ferryboat, On Time, he felt stirrings. Of hope, and other, more primal things.

Oh God, I'm such a fool! After all she's done, I'm so eager to take her back and tell her all is forgiven. She's pregnant, you damned idiot! With Gerald's brats.

Less than an hour after her sudden return, he'd sat in his kitchen with her, surrounded by a circle of family and friends, and listened as she confirmed what he'd come to suspect—what the second note had confirmed—Anthony Napoli was in fact, Principal Gerald Sweetling, hideously reborn.

Napoli or Sweetling, it really didn't matter. He was a killer, and now they knew he was something far worse as well. A rakshasa like Jamie, only an older, stronger one who smiled at the darkness. Pure evil. And something else. Something that had been written on the second note after Sweetling's name, pinned to the windshield of his Ford. Something everyone in their little invasion force now knew; something such a shock it threatened to tear Jamie apart, and rip out his soul, if only he'd had one.

Lacey tried to touch him again, flinging herself at his unwelcoming arms. Nowhere near ready to forgive, he shoved her away, and sat there glaring at her, steel glinting in his eyes as he struggled to bite back the darts of poison springing to his lips, ready for hurling.

Sudden movement outside the idling truck caught Jamie's attention, just as Lacey retreated back against the passenger door, sulking in crushed confusion. A large white and brown hawk with black markings fluttered by the windshield, and landed alongside their parked pickup. Recognizing the osprey, Jamie ignored it, his attention totally glued to his pouting passenger.

"What is this–you suddenly want me again? It's a little too late–babe!"

"Can't this be the gushy romantic movie part where you pull me into your arms, shower me with kisses, and tell me all is forgiven? Jamie! I didn't want this! You can't believe I wanted this! You and I were so happy together! Sweetling forced me! He seduced me with some sort of spell. I didn't want his babies, or him!"

When the passenger door opened suddenly, Lacey barely prevented herself from toppling out onto Jamie's sister.

Scoot! Blowing and picking small feathers from her full lips, Kali shoved Lacey toward her brother before hoisting herself into the motionless pickup. Good for you, Jamie. It's about time somebody whacked this bitch! My turn yet? Although Kali's voice had a teasing lilt, it held just enough venomous sting to really hurt. Lacey slid towards her ex-lover, now leaning against the driver's door, his arms tightly crossed across his broad chest like an unforgiving steel barrier.

Looking to Kali for a little compassionate understanding, Lacey shuddered; shocked at the swarm of icy daggers shooting from her crystalline glare. Crushed, she flopped back against the bench seat, and crumpled in on herself.

O-okay. I get it–I do. I messed up. W-what I've done is unforgiveable. Ow! Lacey's hand flew to her face, scrubbing at the throbbing area behind her eyes, pinching the narrow bridge of her nose. Her headache seemed to stick its tongue out at her, raging on.

You both believe I must've wanted it on s-some level. I should have fought Sweetling. But I couldn't–I didn't even realize what he was doing until it was too late! Why can't you see that?

"Do you even know what you've done to this man? Grabbing Lacey's shoulder, Kali shook her brother's ex-lover, some of her own demoniac nature bubbling to the surface. Kalini's sharp nails bit through Lacey's thin blouse, and her sneer flashed with the glint of small fangs. You disappeared for a month. A freaking month! Where the hell were you all that time?"

In hell, came a broken little whisper.

Kali! Stop. Jamie leaned toward Lacey, took her gently by the shoulders, and spoke to her in a firm resigned voice. "Lacey, you smashed things up pretty good. Why should I believe anything you say? He unfolded his arms, but didn't invite her into his embrace. The night you stormed out, you went running right back to Sweetling. For what? More of his loving compassion? He's a rakshasa, Lacey. Like Kali and I are, only he's a really bad one. With or without your consent, he impregnated you with his young. Yet, suddenly you’re free of his spell, so you come running back to me; throw yourself on my mercy. Why?"

He raised her chin, forcing her to look into his cerulean blue eyes. You want my forgiveness? Well, sorry Lace, but I'm fresh out. He shoved her face away and turned to glare out of the windshield. Pregnant. With Sweetling's brood. Under the circumstances he'd be damned lucky to save her life.

W-what’s this about some note you found? All of you are whispering about it. I gather it says something bad, but none of you—even your macho marine friends—will tell me what it says.

You don’t need to know, Lacey! Kali interrupted.

"Why—does it say I wanted Sweetling to rape me? That I wanted his damned babies? I thought he was Anthony Napoli, a new principal—a good guy, at least in the beginning. Jamie, I never wanted him! Ever!"

Then why’d you go running back to him the night you ditched me? Jamie growled, unable to keep the hurt out of his voice.

I was drunk. He'd ruined our lives. I wanted to throw it all in his face—I told him I was going to get an abortion. He laughed at me; said that’d be impossible.

Is that all that happened?

She looked at him, paused as if weighing her words, wanting to say more, started to talk, sputtered to a stop and settled for, That’s all that I remember.

I think you’re lying, Kali snarled.

Shut up, Kali. Who should I believe, Lacey? Kali or you?

"Believe me, Jamie! I love you! Please–tell me there's still a chance for us."

Oh please–let me smack her now, Jamie? Please!

Shut up, Kali. Lace–I just don't know. Maybe. In time–I don't know. The main thing is these babies Gerry forced on you...

"If he forced them on her," spit Kalini, her venomous voice dribbling with bubbling acid.

Kali–get out! Now!

"What? You want me to leave? Jamie, I'm only here to support you!"

Get out! Within an eye blink, Jamie morphed, his handsome mug swallowed by a fang- studded rakshasa, fiery blue eyes seething with fury. Kali snarled back, flashing her own smaller fangs, as she fumbled her way out of the pickup's door. In a heartbeat, she was gone. Neither of the two in the pickup listened to the keening osprey's cry as Kali took to the air.

Forcing his shifting to continue flowing straight into his rakshasa form, Jamie seized Lacey's shoulders before glaring into her terrified eyes.

* * * *

The last time Lacey had seen Jamie's tiger-like demoniac face, she'd been dying, and he'd been trying to save her life. All she'd really wanted was for this man to fall in love with her, and when he finally did, when they'd finally found happiness in each other's arms; she'd allowed herself to be filled by another man's seed. Betraying Jamie filled her with self-loathing. She felt worth less than week-old dog shit.

"Is this the face you see staring down at you in bed? Is this how Sweetling smiles when he makes love to you?" As quickly as it flared up, he let his rakshasa form drain back towards human.

J-Jamie–why are you being so cruel? I had no choice! She stared at him, hot tears scalding her cheeks as he let the demonic face bleed away. Behind her aching eyes, her headache throbbed. She began to feel queasy again. Holding her head as though it were a half cracked egg, she began to speak softly, trying to defend herself.

"I only remember what he lets me–I didn't even recall what happened at the job interview until he made me remember. Her hands moved to touch him, but he pulled back, as though her touch might scorch him. Please, Jamie, you've got to forgive me! She forced herself to touch his face, grabbed his chin, to make him look at her. I never wanted him! I love you! Only you!"

Give it a rest, will you. I'm not sure I can forgive you! I brought you back to life– sacrificed Kat, and endangered my sister to do it. He stopped, seething with fury, yet letting the beast burn away completely until all that remained were the tips of his fangs. Shooting a glance forward, he verified the presence of the large osprey he'd known would be sitting on the truck's hood, watching every move he made. He had no doubt Kali was listening to every word, and wouldn't hesitate to give him an earful later.

After our time together on the ferry, I couldn't believe you were fucking Sweetling, and got pregnant doing it, but what hurt the most was knowing you went back to him.

Jamie, aren't you listening? I didn't know what he was doing! I don't know why I was able to escape now. She was crying again, writhing in agony over what she'd done. If what everybody is whispering about is true, when these babies are born, I’m going to die. Maybe, that’s a fitting punishment for what I’ve done to you; I don’t know. But I don’t want to die unforgiven. Please, I need you to forgive me.

In spite of himself, Jamie felt some of his ice cold surface begin to melt.

"Jamie, I never meant to hurt you!" She crumpled in tears and collapsed against him. Jamie scowled, but didn't push her away. He hesitated a minute, and then put his arm around her.

I know, he lied.

"Please believe me," she sobbed.

She's just an incubator. Brood bitch. Her babies would see to it she never lived long enough to be a real mother.

So I'm supposed to just believe you and welcome you back? Dammit, I want to, Lacey! I want to!

He shot a quick glance out his window, noting Kalini was gone. Turning back to Lacey, he cut down her faltering hopes. Maybe in a millennium or two.

So you're just going to let me burn in hell? Great. You can be such a cold asshole!

Guess so–for now. He grimaced at her curse. Who knows–maybe you'll go running back to Sweetling in the next fifteen minutes.

She sat silently, staring at him, her small teeth biting into her quivering lower lip, haunted eyes aching with shameful defeat.

"I do know we’ve got to do something about this spawn of his–soon. It'd be one thing if this brood of yours were normal kids, but these babies will kill you."

Before Lacey could say anything, she felt one of the wiggling devils inside thump against her womb's wall, and take a tentative bite. Grabbing her searing belly, Lacey screamed in agony.

Chapter 2

You’re sure there is a grimoire buried in all this crap, Gerald?

Mother was starting to whine again, digging into Sweetling’s flesh like a wasp sting.

"Grins swore when he and Barnes were ransacking her stuff he found a concealed door at the back