Zinnia: My Shtriga Consort

By Justin CP Kelly

Experience a tale of forbidden love, shattered illusions, and the indomitable human spirit in "Zinnia: My Shtriga Consort" by Justin CP Kelly. Delve into a world where boundaries blur and the pursuit of truth becomes a matter of survival.

Junior, a Kistune-Wendigo Hybrid, discovers that his true mate, Zinnia, believed to be dead, is alive. But her revelation sends her spiraling into madness, adding complexity to their already tumultuous relationship. In a quest for self-discovery, Junior must confront his loyalty and untangle the web of deception woven by those closest to him.

As Junior's reality teeters on the edge of chaos, he embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the mysteries surrounding his lineage and the lies that shattered his world. Joined by Zinnia, he traverses treacherous terrain, encountering mythical creatures and uncertain alliances, all while questioning his own identity.

Justin CP Kelly expertly blends supernatural allure with emotional depth, immersing readers in a realm where life and death entwine and the pursuit of truth becomes paramount. "Zinnia: My Shtriga Consort" is a testament to resilience and the enduring power of love, even in the darkest of times.

Prepare to be captivated by this enthralling paranormal romance as Junior and Zinnia's destinies entwine, leading them through heartache, revelation, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Justin CP Kelly invites you to immerse yourself in a world of enchantment, where love is tested, illusions are shattered, and profound discoveries await.

Embark on an extraordinary odyssey within the captivating pages of "Zinnia: My Shtriga Consort" and unlock the magic that lies within. Lose yourself in a world where truth challenges perception, and love stands as an unwavering force.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kalalea George
• Release date: Jan 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311744913

Justin CP Kelly

BiographyI've always loved fantasy and paranormal books, TV and movies. It started out simple enough with Tolkien long before he was fashionable to love. Then I moved on to Jean Auel and finally Ann Rice and from there the sky was the limit.Those books along with great TV like Star Trek and Dr. Who, Buffy, Vampire Diaries not to mention the awesome movies like Star Wars became my favorites.I tried many times in the past to write but always came up short. Finally after years of mediocre I think I've finally hit my stride. Please consider joining me on facebook and/or emailing as often as possible. I love to write and read but my favorite of all things is to read what people are thinking about what I've writtenIf you ever have any questions on anything I written feel free to inbox me or email at [e-mail] me on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jcpk115Hey - - -If you want to read one of my books but don't have the funds... Email me... Tell me what you can pay and I will work it.PS: All my books are in Canadian English so they are not spelled wrong.... :)True Mate SeriesDahlia Book 1Zinnia Book 2Lily Book 3Lilac Book 4Lavender Book 5Laurel Book 6Azalea Book 7Camellia Book 8

Book preview

Chapter 1: It Started With a Lie

In the realm where love's fate intertwines with the supernatural, a tale of star-crossed beings was etched into the tapestry of destiny. It was a tale of Junior, a crossbreed between a Kitsune and a Wendigo, and his true mate, Zinnia, a Sentinel Shtriga who had succumbed to madness upon learning of their unique bond. Sentinels were the oldest and most feared Shtrigas, with Zinnia herself having spent millennia hunting, killing, and tormenting Kitsune—the very creatures Junior was part of. The conflicting nature of their love made Zinnia's descent into insanity understandable.

Junior's family, convinced that it was in his best interest, chose to hide the truth, leading him to believe that Zinnia had met her demise. His mother, Dahlia, often reassured him that it was for his own good. According to Dahlia's account, Zinnia had been shattered upon discovering Junior's mixed heritage as a Kitsune and a Wendigo. Overwhelmed, she had taken Junior and fled, without any support from friends or family. As Zinnia's pursuers closed in on them, she found herself without a safe haven, her sanity slipping away. In her desperation, she reached out to her dear friend Ina through their telepathic bond.

Ina, time is running out. I have made grave mistakes, and I cannot let my true mate suffer any longer. See what I see, feel our surroundings. I will leave him here, hidden within the embrace of this ancient tree. Hurry, Ina, save him. There is no hope left for me, Zinnia pleaded, her voice tinged with sorrow and remorse.

Touched by Zinnia's desperate plea, Ina, a loyal confidante, raced against time to rescue Junior. Meanwhile, burdened by the weight of her choices, Zinnia devised a plan to deceive her enemies and ensure her true mate's safety. Drawing upon her ancient knowledge of illusions and the dark arts, she crafted an intricate spell. With painstaking precision, she infused the clay figure she had molded with her essence, breathing life into it and imbuing it with a semblance of reality. As she stepped back, the clay figure slowly crumbled and transformed into ashes, carried away by the wind. Every detail was carefully orchestrated—the ashes, the remnants of her presence—creating the illusion of her tragic demise.

Tears cascaded down Zinnia's face like crystalline rivers as she bid her true mate a silent farewell. She knew that vanishing into the night, becoming a mere phantom in whispered tales, was the only way to ensure his survival. Her heart ached, torn between the love she held for him and the sacrifices she had to make. Yet, she clung to the fragile hope that their paths would converge again, their love rekindled like the first rays of dawn piercing through the darkest night.

And so, Zinnia embarked on her solitary journey, her footsteps echoing the ache in her soul. Carrying within her the bittersweet memories of their fleeting moments together—the tender touches, the whispered promises, and the indomitable love that transcended the boundaries of their existence—Zinnia, a sentinel against the shadows, believed in the power of their love to defy time and space.

She understood that true love had the ability to rewrite destinies and forge paths unseen. As she dissolved into the night, her essence intertwining with the wilderness, Zinnia clung to the hope that her true mate, guided by Ina's unwavering devotion, would find solace, love, and protection. And perhaps, one day, their souls would reunite, their love emerging triumphant amidst the trials and tribulations of their extraordinary existence.

Chapter 2: Deception From the Start

Junior's heart shattered into a million pieces when he learned the truth. The betrayal stung like a thousand bee stings on a warm summer day, sending waves of agony through his tender soul. Zinnia, his ethereal Shtriga true mate, the one who had captured his dreams and stolen his breath with a single glance, was alive. The name Zinnia danced on his tongue like a sweet melody, filling his mouth with a taste as intoxicating as freshly baked maple syrup drizzled over fluffy pancakes.

As he grappled with the weight of the deception, he couldn't help but envision Zinnia's mesmerizing beauty. Her eyes, deep pools of amethyst, sparkled with an otherworldly glow that could rival the Northern Lights on a starlit night. The soft touch of her pale skin, as delicate as a snowflake, left an indelible mark on his fingertips, igniting a fire within him that burned brighter than the brightest bonfire in the heart of a Canadian winter.

The haunting memory of her voice echoed in his ears, like a dulcet serenade from an angelic choir. Each word she spoke, laced with a hint of mystery and passion, had the power to make his heart skip a beat. He longed to hear her whisper his name, that magical sound that sent shivers down his spine, awakening a surge of emotions he had never experienced before.

But it was not just his senses that were captivated by Zinnia. The air around her seemed to carry an enchanting fragrance, a blend of wildflowers and fresh rain that intoxicated his nostrils and intoxicated his every thought. Every breath he took was filled with the essence of longing, as if the very air conspired to remind him of the love he had lost, the love that was his destiny.

In the depths of his soul, he couldn't shake the image of her torment, the anguish etched on her face like a portrait of a broken spirit. The knowledge that she had been hunted by Kitsunes, those menacing creatures who cowered at her name, sent a chill down his spine. He could almost hear the sounds of the battle, the clash of fangs against claws, a symphony of violence that shattered the tranquility of the moonlit forest.

Yet, despite the pain and sorrow that threatened to consume him, he clung to a glimmer of hope. He dared to believe that love could still prevail, that destiny would intertwine their paths once again. The fierce devotion he had felt for Kathy, his childhood sweetheart, now seemed like a distant memory, fading into insignificance compared to the burning desire he felt for Zinnia. True love, he realized, could never be denied or forgotten.

With newfound determination, he set off on a quest to find his lost love, defying the lies and deceit that had torn them apart. He knew deep within his soul that no matter how long the journey or how treacherous the path, he would stop at nothing to be reunited with Zinnia. In his heart, he carried the promise of a love that defied all odds, a love that would conquer the darkness and ignite a flame brighter than the sun on a summer's day.

And so, armed with unwavering teenage passion and the undying spirit of a Canadian wolf, he embarked on an odyssey that would test his courage, strength, and the very limits of his heart. The road ahead was uncertain, fraught with danger and uncertainty, but he was willing to brave the storm, guided by the flickering light of love that burned within him.

For he knew, deep within his being, that true love was worth fighting for, even if it meant challenging the very fabric of his existence. The tale of a Kitsune and a Shtriga, intertwined against all odds, was destined to be written in the stars, a cosmic dance that would leave an indelible mark on the annals of love's triumph over adversity. And so, with every step he took, his heartbeat echoed a resolute vow: to reclaim the love that fate had cruelly stolen and to forge a future where their souls could intertwine once more.

Chapter 3: Ohh Snap!

Zinnia's soul quivered with an unrelenting ache that consumed her every waking moment. Her mind teetered on the precipice of insanity, the weight of her emotions threatening to shatter her fragile existence. The pain seared through her, a tormenting blend of longing and jealousy—a yearning to delve into the depths of her true mate's soul, to intertwine their beings in a symphony of love and passion. However, she was acutely aware that their connection was incomplete, and he was faced with life-altering decisions that could bind him to another woman.

The venomous poison of jealousy coursed through her veins, intensifying her delirium. Her thoughts spiraled in a maddening loop, repeatedly echoing her desperate mantra. He belonged to her, her true mate, destined to be by her side. The cosmic threads of their existence had been interwoven since the beginning of time. Zinnia attempted to quell the onslaught of emotions using every method at her disposal, but nothing could satiate the hunger within her soul. Amidst the bustling city streets, she was engulfed in pervasive loneliness, her love for life all but extinguished.

Zinnia's heart had long withered, eroded by countless years of solitude. It fueled her hatred for Kitsunes and transformed her into a vengeful monster. Even the act of kidnapping her own true mate as an infant had been driven by her capricious desires. Believing herself unworthy of his love, she chose to punish herself, to suffer in eternal solitude. Her existence became an unending penance for her transgressions against the Kitsunes, her unwavering resolve to keep her true mate safe from the repercussions of their connection.

Sitting at a rickety table in a dingy restaurant, Zinnia awaited an old friend who promised to help her find the peace she sought. Suddenly, a surge of excitement rippled through her soul, igniting a spark of hope within her. Her senses tingled, and she cast wary glances around the restaurant, seeking the source of her brimming emotions. Frustration twisted within her until a delightful and indescribable aroma enveloped her, overwhelming her senses. In that moment, she knew the truth. That intoxicating scent belonged to her true mate.

Her gaze wandered through the room until it locked with his, and a gasp of admiration escaped her lips. Before her stood a man of captivating allure, his rich ebony skin radiant under the soft glow of the room's ambient light. His hair, a crown of tightly coiled curls, framed his face with a sense of regal elegance. Clad in hospital scrubs, he carried himself with a magnetic charm that drew the eyes of every woman in the vicinity.

Beside him stood a striking female Kitsune, her fiery red hair cascading in waves around her ethereal beauty. Zinnia's heart stirred with a blend of possessiveness and uncertainty. Was this enchanting Kitsune his chosen partner? The mere thought sent a pang of longing coursing through Zinnia's veins, igniting a fire within her that refused to be extinguished.

Her eyes, like pools of molten copper, fixated on the connection shared by the two, unable to tear away. They seemed to possess an unspoken language, a silent understanding that spoke volumes to Zinnia's heart. Yet, the depths of her love could not be denied, and she resolved to fight for the bond she believed was meant to be.

A surge of primal instinct urged Zinnia to rise, to unleash her fury upon the female Kitsune and demand that the human women divert their gazes. Her mind chanted a relentless mantra—Junior belonged to her, always had, and always would. But reason eventually prevailed, reminding her of the danger she posed to her true mate's safety. She had to flee, to remove herself from his life entirely.

With a violent sweep of her hand, Zinnia overturned the table, causing a commotion among the startled patrons who tried to halt her hurried escape. She bolted from the restaurant, her feet carrying her at otherworldly speed as she sprinted away, determined to put as much distance as possible between her true mate and herself. The Nevada wilderness of Algonquin Park swallowed her up, and she collapsed onto the cold sand, surrendering to the overwhelming flood of emotions that threatened to drown her.

Grief washed over her in relentless waves, followed by denial that such a coincidence could occur. Anger simmered within her, directed at Lorretta and Keanu for saving her life, at herself for her past actions, and at the universe for taunting her with unattainable love. But beneath the anger lay a deep-seated sadness, a profound melancholy that engulfed her being. This was the vicious cycle that had trapped her for centuries, an endless loop of suffering that refused to release its hold.

Lorretta had promised that once Junior bound himself to his chosen mate, Zinnia would find solace, and her fractured mind would begin to heal. But how could she let him go? How could she relinquish the longing that had consumed her for thousands of years? The battle between self-blame and unwavering devotion raged within her, each argument vying for dominance. The cacophony of voices reverberated through her mind, driving her further into the abyss of her own unraveling sanity.

Zinnia's past grievances with the Kitsunes had clouded her judgment, preventing her from seeing their individual innocence. She had lashed out without mercy, attacking every Kitsune that crossed her path, driven by the belief that they were all inherently evil. Yet, deep down, she knew that her anger had kept her from experiencing true love, from embracing the possibility of a soulful union with Junior. If only she had worked through her anger, she might have discovered a different path, a chance to understand the depths of true love.

The internal battle raged on, tearing at Zinnia's fragile psyche. The weight of her mistakes, the burden of her insanity, and the immense love she held for Junior intertwined in a tumultuous dance. She yearned for forgiveness and understanding, clinging to the hope that her true mate would come to accept her, to love her despite the darkness that consumed her. In that fleeting moment, Zinnia glimpsed a sliver of redemption and an opportunity to finally comprehend the true meaning of love—if only she could find the strength to release him and let him find his happiness.

Chapter 4: What a Wonderful Smell

The impulsive road trip to Toronto