Deadly Darkness (A Death Walker Novel - Book Three)

By Sarah Dieng

Now that Danielle has found out what she is, she now has to find out why she keeps dying and how to prevent it from happening again. Mitch and Alex are the only support she has and Mitch especially won’t let her give up. Her nightmares are progressively getting more violent and taking over her waking moments as well and she can’t seem to hold the darkness back for long. Exams and a surprise invitation to the prom finish off the school year in a big way. Even a visit to the town where her birth family lived is overshadowed by darkness and grief. It’s a race against time and time is not on their side. When the rattle of bones sounds in her ear and the shadows grow even darker she knows that she may not have any time at all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sarah Dieng
• Release date: Dec 11, 2013
• ISBN: 9781311748744

Sarah Dieng

Sarah Dieng is a Creative Fiction writer from Michigan. However, she has lived in Florida, Kentucky, and Ohio longer than she lived in Michigan. Her first book, Deadly Dreams, was self-published in 2011 under the YA Paranormal/Romance genre. Since then she has put out two others in the Death Walker Series and is working on the fourth of six books in that series.She began writing when she was just a child, handwriting a story about a boy and his dog, then reading it to an elderly disabled neighbor after every little bit that she finished. She once worked as a Feature Writer for a small-town newspaper, also taking her own photos and developing them in a darkroom. Sarah has always been an avid reader, reading Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys mysteries when she was young, to currently reading Laurell K. Hamilton, Patricia Briggs, and Rachel Vincent, among many others.Sarah has a sarcastic sense of humor and it reflects itself in some of her writing that is not yet published. Although she prefers the more serious, darker side of writing, she has ideas for other books and have even begun writing them. Her vivid imagination along with the support she received from her family, finally persuaded her to write a book, which then turned into four. She writes in images, ones that she can see as she writes. One reviewer of her first book pointed out that it felt like she was there with the characters when she was reading it.Sarah’s hope is to not only write books that allow the reader to disappear from the real-world for a short time and enter a new one, but to “see” what she does when writing the story. Her goals are to finish the Death Walker Series and then move on to the ideas she has for several Adult Paranormal/Romance novels. Her long-term goals would to become not only a full-time author, but to also become a professional free-lance writer, which follows one of her minor studies.Sarah currently is an online student at Southern New Hampshire University. She is working toward a Masters in Creative Writing. Her other areas of study are Minors in Professional Writing and History. She currently lives in Columbus, Ohio with her beagle mix rescue dog Buddy.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

"There is no one for me but you," he whispered.

She looked into his eyes, saw the sincerity, the pure love, and even the sadness and heartache that her death would bring him. They both knew she was dying, but it somehow felt wrong, like it wasn’t supposed to happen this way.

"Alexander," she began, stopping with a gasp, pain wracking her body. Closing her eyes tightly she couldn’t hold back the whimper as the pain sliced through her like a knife. She felt the cool touch of his fingertips brushing over her cheek and up to her temple.

"Breathe my love," he whispered.

She didn’t know how he did it, and she wasn’t about to question him. Just the brush of his fingertips brought immediate and much needed peace and comfort. With just the touch of his hand she felt whole again.

She breathed deeply, expecting pain, but all she felt was a soothing warmth spreading over her body, and she smiled up at him. She knew it wouldn’t last, but she would take whatever comfort she could get.

"Alexander, she began again. You shouldn’t tie yourself to me. It isn’t good for you; you need to be free...and happy." The last came out more quietly and strained than she had planned.

She wished she could live her life with him. She loved him with all of her heart, but couldn’t help but feel guilty that he was here spending time with her now. She was just holding on and he was just watching her die. The time he spent with her could be time he spent with another, and actually living a joyful and rewarding life.

"Meggie, he admonished softly. I love you and no other. I am here because there is no other place for me to be but by your side. Teasingly, he added you are just too stubborn to believe it."

She smiled with relief. She knew he wouldn’t leave her, but she was still compelled to free him, it was more for her own peace of mind, because she still couldn’t believe that he was hers, body and soul. He told her as much, but at first she didn’t believe him. The way they had met and the following days and months after were still fresh in her mind. She would not allow the pain and sickness to take those joyful memories away from her. She wouldn’t!

She had been walking back to the orphanage outside of town when he’d stopped her. She had of course been wary of him. He was dressed in much finer clothing than hers, and even finer than some of the wealthiest town people. She knew quality when she saw it.

He had a bright smile and was very nice. He was a little hesitant when asking her name. Naturally, she was reluctant to give it, as he was a stranger, but deep within she felt warmth build inside as she studied him. She’d felt a kinship that pushed aside any concern for her safety. She had a feeling that she knew him somehow and that she would always be safe and protected in his presence.

In her study and admiration of him, she had taken too long to answer, which left his bright smile a more diminished grin. After a small bow he apologized for the interruption in her day and then turned to leave.

Not wanting him to go, she reached out, putting her hand on his sleeve, stopping him. His eyes lifted to hers, studying her in return. She had given him a small smile and told him her name. He then took her work callused and berry stained hand, lightly kissing her knuckles.

She cherished that day and all that followed. When she had fallen ill, he moved her from the orphanage to the hospital, only wanting her to rest comfortably regardless of the cost.

"Meggie love."

His voice brought her back to the present and she focused on his face, a face that was now showing concern. She lifted her hand to his cheek...her caress bringing him comfort as well, she knew, allowing him to close his eyes at just her touch.

"I’m fine Alexander...just thinking of when we first met," she admitted with a smile.

He opened his eyes studying her face; it was then that he was able to smile in return. You are so beautiful, he whispered, lightly touching her lips.

She chuckled in response growing still while he memorized her face by touch. She watched his eyes follow his own fingers as they caressed her cheek. His touch resonated deep into her being and right into her soul.

"I love you Meggie," he said as he lifted his eyes to meet hers.

No one had ever said those words to her; not even the women at the orphanage, so it still came as a shock whenever he said them. There were just so many kids and not enough caregivers. She had never known love until Alexander. It was him that made her realize all she had been missing.

She took a deep breath, eyes welling with tears, one escaping and trailing down her cheek only to be wiped away by a fingertip. She watched him lift it to his lips and taste.

"I love you Alexander," she whispered back.

His eyes changed in that instant and he slowly lowered his mouth to hers. She would not shy away; this is what she wanted from the beginning. She felt the light press of his lips on hers and she sighed. He pulled away after a moment and rested his forehead against hers.

"There is never enough time," he said softly before kissing her again.

She had a hard time understanding some of the feelings she had when she was with Alexander, but she knew that they were right. They felt right and she pushed aside her wary nature to accept them all as they came.

Closing her eyes as a sudden sharp pain shot through her body, she couldn’t help the small cry that escaped her lips. Sweat broke out on her brow as her body stiffened and convulsed at the intrusion.

She heard Alexander say her name through her agony, before feeling his hands grasp and pull her to his body. Her breathing came in small gasps as she tried in vain to push the pain away. It didn’t work and tears that she had no control over trailed down her cheeks in a steady stream.

She faintly heard the door to her room swing open and the soft footsteps come near. She felt movement then a glass pressing to her lips. She didn’t want the liquid because that would take her away from Alexander, and even for a short time, was not wanted.

"Please my love, he pleaded, drink."

Slowly opening her eyes she looked up at him. His eyes were full of pain and sadness. She knew she was going to die soon; reluctantly she parted her lips and let the cool liquid slide down her throat, all the while looking into his eyes.

After she was finished he set the glass aside and brushed her hair from her face, wiping away the tears. It’s too soon, he whispered.

The liquid worked too quickly because she could already feel herself floating. As she floated she quickly said, I love you Alexander, smiling and touching his face. I always will.

A lone tear trailed down his cheek and this time she caught it bringing it to her lips. She never awoke...

CHAPTER ONE

A Death Walker, I mumbled. It really shouldn’t surprise me. My dreams ended in death, heck in all my past lives it was me walking through sixteen years of life only to die. It was a fitting title.

Sitting with Alex’s arms holding me, Mitch watched me as if waiting for me to fall apart so he could pick up the pieces.

Okay, I began, running my hands smoothly over Alex’s arms until I felt him start to relax. So, now we know what I am...how can we stop my dying? I looked over at Mitch. I must have surprised him because he looked shocked.

I’m not going to fall apart, I chuckled and then continued. I will admit it’s not exactly ideal or flattering, but it is what it is. I’m really tired and possibly a little delusional, but for the most part I’m okay.

He nodded slowly still watching me. I haven’t found anything yet, but I won’t stop looking, he promised. Can I use your laptop to do some research? He asked Alex.

Of course, help yourself. Alex pulled me to his lap so he could look into my face. Are you sure you’re alright with all of this?

Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, I solemnly asked, Do I have a choice? I keep asking myself if there is a way to stop the imminent end. Is there a way for us to be together? Stopping and sighing I continued more softly. If there is a way, what has to happen? Is there an ending somehow besides death?

There has to be, he whispered pulling my head to his shoulder and running his hand over my hair. What’s the purpose of all we have gone through if there isn’t a way?

We sat, with him holding me as I rested lightly. I sighed in contentment and moved my head against him, kissing the underside of his jaw. I felt his quick deep breath and the tightening of his arms around me. I could stay this way forever.

Dani? Mitch called. His voice sounded strained.

I leaned up slowly and looked over the back of the couch. Mitch was staring intently at the computer screen with a frown on his face. I looked down at Alex and shrugged as he helped me to my feet. We walked over hand in hand and Mitch got up from the desk chair holding it out for me. Looking at him curiously I sat to look at the webpage he had brought up.

What am I looking at? I asked, after noticing the webpage sported the name of a vaguely familiar newspaper. However, I couldn’t place it. The date was from years past; sixteen years and one day to be exact, the day after I was born. After seeing that, I froze. Did I actually want to see proof?

There, Mitch pointed at the screen. You know the list I gave Alex? I decided to break it down even further.

I looked up and saw he was looking at Alex. I did the same as Alex glanced at me. Did he tell you about the list? I nodded and he continued. Some names I was able to eliminate because the dates didn’t match and that left only a few remaining. Those that are left may not be anything either, but it was worth looking into.

I think I found something, Mitch said quietly.

Looking back at him I noticed he was watching for my reaction, so turning my head I then saw the headline "Local Teen Found Dead". Then I read the article slowly.

This morning, a local teen named Jacqueline Waters was found dead when her body washed up on the bank of the Jackson River, less than a mile from town. An out of state fisherman found her and reported it to authorities. Local residents say the family was not often seen and kept to themselves. The cause of death as filed by the coroner was drowning, but also on the report was that she had recently given birth. The teen’s body was the only one found. We tried contacting the family, but they could not be reached for comment as of this printing.

Pushing back from the desk I just stared at the screen. The article was published from a paper in the town where I was raised by the sisters of a church orphanage. I wondered if the sisters had seen this article and made the assumption that I was that baby. Did they even make an attempt to locate my grandparents or report an abandoned baby to the police? Of course not.

Sister Alice mentioned in her letter that she had a feeling Mother Superior had known who my family was. If not reporting this was truly the case, then she must have known that they were unfit or unable to provide a decent life for me.

Click on the next tab, Mitch instructed.

When I did, another article popped up. The date was a few years later so I skimmed the article. My grandparents also both died in a car accident after being hit by a drunk driver. The article mentioned their car had gone over the side of an embankment, rolling multiple times before landing in the same river where my mother had drowned.

I sat frozen in the chair, staring at the screen. Was this all there was? I felt Alex’s hands on my shoulders, then him pulling me out of the chair and into his warm, loving and tight embrace.

I’m sorry beloved, he whispered in my ear.

I accepted his warmth and sympathy, but I felt nothing. Okay, I wasn’t being completely honest with myself; I was a little sad. I didn’t know any of the circumstances my mother was in so I didn’t know the reason why she had given me away. I knew nothing of my family and it wasn’t looking like I would ever know, but I told myself I was fine not knowing.

I had Alex and Mitch. They were the only family I needed, but I still had that feeling that I needed to find out more. I decided early on that I would do whatever it took to just find a small glimmer of my past, anything that could help me put all of the pieces together in order to hopefully understand why...why I am the way I am.

Pulling away from Alex and looking up into his face, I let him know that I was okay. Studying my face then lifting a hand to touch my cheek softly, he asked What do you want to do?

Sighing deeply I closed my eyes and leaned into his healing touch. I knew what I wanted to do; I wanted to stop dying. I wanted to live a full and complete life with Alex, but what I said was, I want to go back to where my family lived. I turned in Alex’s arms and looked at Mitch to get his reaction.

I want to see if we can find anything. Maybe someone knew them personally. Maybe we can find out where they lived, I stared at Mitch as he studied me. I know there’s a lot of maybes, I said softly to him but I want to know. And then wonder of wonders, a tear trailed down my cheek. Good Grief! Couldn’t I go a second without drowning them both in tears?

Mitch’s face softened and he walked over to me, wiping away the tear. Whatever you want Dani, he told me.

I smiled at him and then watched as he turned away with a frown. Studying the computer screen another moment he then stepped over to the window, looking out. Something serious was on his mind and from the set of his shoulders he was going to explode sooner rather than later.

Alex then turned me and pulled me into his arms, hugging me tightly against him. I wrapped my arms around his waist and held on tight, breathing his always calming scent, feeling myself relax, until Mitch spoke again, causing me to tense.

There has to be information somewhere, Mitch angrily mumbled. I turned in Alex’s arms again to look at him. I mean...Alex you had monks and all of these books, Mitch continued, gesturing toward the wall of books behind us. And probably a lot of hearsay that told you who you were.

Alex nodded in agreement. I did.

You even have books and accounts for what I am. Why not Dani? Why is there only one reference, in this hand me down book, which alludes to what Dani is? Mitch ran his hand through his hair pacing away from the desk.

"It hasn’t escaped my notice that if you think about it...we are trying to find a way to stop Dani from dying. If she stops dying, you stop, he continued, pointing at Alex. Then I suppose there would be no need for me to keep repeating life as well. I am here to help Dani in whatever life she is in. This life is the only life where I have been able to really help her." I started to protest because I didn’t believe that to be true.

He waved it away though. This one is the only one I remember Dani, he reminded me. Truly, it’s the only one that matters now.

So Danielle is the catalyst in all of this, Alex summed up. We have to find what it is that will let her live a full life.

Then you live as well, I added unnecessarily, but his life was more important to me than my own. Kind of ironic I know.

Smiling at me then looking back over at Mitch, I have been through every book more than once for hundreds of years, he said considering. He frowned suddenly and slowly moved away from me. Making his way over to the bookcase he stood scanning the titles. I looked over at Mitch as he closely watched Alex.

Alex reached up pulling down an old leather bound book. He took it to the desk laying it on top, carefully flipping through the pages looking for something.

That is really old, Mitch observed.

Alex looked up at him and smiled. Not as old as the original I assure you. This is just a translated copy.

He continued to turn pages until he found what he was looking for. I walked over and leaned my hip against the front of the desk. He picked the book back up, eyes scanning the text. He looked over at Mitch then at me when he finished.

I don’t know why I hadn’t thought of it before now. Probably because that name wasn’t used, he told us, handing Mitch the book. "I only found the one reference in this book. The name they used was Dreamer of Death."

"Who are they?" I asked him.

Whoever it was that told the story in the beginning. The monks only translated the texts and kept the records, he told me. I’m sorry love.

I gave him a wan smile and he came over to me wrapping me in his arms again. No one said it was going to be easy, I said snuggling into his chest.

I heard Mitch mumble something then I heard the turning of delicate pages. Alex helped me back to the couch and settled me onto his lap, pulling a blanket over me. Rest beloved, he whispered before kissing me lightly on the lips. I wanted to lose myself in his kiss, but I was too tired so I snuggled into him and closed my eyes.

It was awhile before my mind shut down enough to let me rest. I needed the calm because I knew that the storm was on its way.

CHAPTER TWO

I think I slept and rested too much during the day. I was finding it hard to fall asleep. Mitch and I had gotten home just before dark and we had gone our separate ways to do our own thing before he would come up to my room and keep me company. Truthfully, he would be here to wake me up or keep me breathing if I had a nightmare that went wrong.

I was fully prepared to have one tonight and every night for the next week. I was sure history would repeat itself, only ten times over; it was just my luck.

I thought about the information that Alex and Mitch had uncovered about my family and my decision to go and try to find more. I wanted to go next weekend, but the guys thought it would be better after school was out, that way we had more than enough time to go and stay as long as we liked. I talked them into going early Saturday, they reluctantly agreed. I wanted to find out now. I didn’t want to wait and I didn’t want to think that I might not have that much time. I could almost hear the ticking of a clock counting down.

At least it was something, what the guys found. It was more than we knew before. I wondered about my mother. I knew she had been a teenager when she died, but what about her life? The article said that my family was reclusive. Were they outcasts? Did the towns’ people shun them? Who was my father? I groaned and shut my eyes, too many questions; questions that couldn’t be answered right now, maybe never. I set that aside for now; it was no use dwelling on something I couldn’t take care of this instant.

Snuggling down in the covers I reached up and lifted the necklace from under my night shirt. I ran my thumb over the smooth surface of the pendant. It felt smooth to the touch, but in my mind I could picture the elaborate designs etched into the gold on both sides. I closed my eyes and thought back to just hours before when Alex had given it to me.

I have something for you love, he whispered into my ear.

We made our way upstairs again and he had shown me the rooms that I had missed the first time. We had made ourselves comfortable in another armchair, this one a little more modern and definitely more comfortable. Victorian chairs, especially the originals, were not created to be comfortable. However, since I was cuddled in Alex’s lap, I was always comfortable.

I shivered as his breath caressed my ear. I pulled back a little to look him in the eye and they had changed to a dark forest green with little gold flecks in them. I touched his cheek with my fingertips and smiled in anticipation. Really? I asked.

He smiled at my eagerness. Really, he answered. With everything that has been happening, I didn’t give it to you yesterday when I should have.

A birthday present...but I didn’t get you anything, I protested. I didn’t even think...

Covering my lips lightly with his fingertips. You gave me your love Danielle, and that is enough, he assured me.

Pulling his fingers away. But Alex... I tried again.

It’s enough, he told me firmly. You will never know how much your acceptance and love mean to me, he continued more gently, stroking my hair. I didn’t have a clue how this life would progress. I didn’t know if you would accept me and love me or turn me away.

I couldn’t reject you, I told him. Every time you are near me...it feels like I’m home.

His eyes turned a shade darker just before he pulled me down for a kiss that made me forget everything. I clung to him like he was a life preserver out in the middle of the ocean and he held me like I was a piece of fragile glass.

He pulled away and we both fought for breath. He took my face in his hands, gazing into my eyes. I love you Danielle Waters, he whispered before kissing me lightly on the lips.

I felt the tear as it trailed down my cheek and he leaned in kissing it away. I love you too Alexander Haley, I whispered back.

We held onto each other for a while, letting our heartbeats slow. Alex reached over the side of the chair and brought up a small jewelers box and handed it to me. For you my love, he said.

I slowly took the box from him, as my heartbeat moved into overdrive again. I looked at him quickly and saw his smile as I lifted the lid. I looked down and gasped; the necklace was perfection and I was afraid to touch it. It was made of the purest gold and the flat round disc pendant was etched with tiny delicate flowers all around the outer edge. In the center of the circle was a perfectly shaped heart. I touched the pendant and found it was cool to the touch.

Turn it over love, Alex directed.

I did as he suggested, and on the back in script lettering were the words I love you etched around the cut out heart. I wrapped my arms around Alex’s neck hugging him tight. Thank you, I whispered.

I felt him take a deep breath of contentment as he held me to him. You’re welcome.

I pulled away from him and looked down at the necklace again in awe. It looks so fragile, I told him worriedly. What if it breaks?

He chuckled and took the necklace from the box. It is stronger than it looks sweetheart, just like you.

I smiled at him, held up my hair and turned so he could hook the necklace around my neck. When he was done he turned me back around in his arms and pulled me to him. I touched the necklace where it lay. I love it, it’s perfect.

I’m glad, he told me before he kissed me again.

~

There was a light knock on my door and I opened my eyes. I called out and Mitch came in. How are you doing? he asked me.

I’m okay, just not really tired right now. I feel like I slept the whole day.

You needed it, he said, sitting down on the makeshift bed I made up for him on the floor. We’ve learned a lot today, just not what I had hoped to learn, he added in a disappointed voice.

Mitch, everything will work out, I tried to reassure him, but in all honesty, I didn’t know that it would. However, I didn’t want him to think that I had given up.

He studied me silently for a few moments then nodded slowly. Mitch was ever the optimist and I knew he wouldn’t give up looking for a solution. I sighed; I really wished that I were normal.

I have something for you, he told me, getting up and coming over to sit on the floor next to the bed.

You do? I pushed myself up, sitting cross legged.

He smiled at me. Yes, I do. He pulled something from his shirt pocket and handed it to me. It’s not much, he began as I started to unwrap it.

I gasped when I finally saw what it