Mystery Falls

By Marilyn Phillips

Secrets. Lies. Deception. For the past six years, Samantha Hunt has lived with the belief that the untimely death of her parents was the result of an unfortunate accident—that by the cruel hand of fate, she had been left an orphan. But it was a lie, a terrible lie told to her by those who wanted to keep her in the dark. And the truth... when revealed, will change her life and haunt her forever.

Suddenly plagued by a series of events which find her in danger and in need of a savior, Samantha is repeatedly rescued by the mysterious and elusive Shadow—a stranger who seems to know more about her past and the tragedy which befell her family, than she does. Drawn to him despite the antagonism she feels whenever in his presence, Samantha soon discovers that Shadow is not what he appears to be. Determined to learn his true identity and why he has come to Mystery Falls, the small town in which she has spent all of her seventeen years, Samantha not only uncovers the secrets he refuses to share, but also the truth about her own past. A truth which forces her to acknowledge that things are not always as they seem, and sometimes, not even those close to you can be trusted.

Resolved to seeking justice for the unwarranted death of her parents, Samantha embarks on a journey which brings her perilously close to her own demise. Can Shadow use his angel powers to save her yet again, or this time, will he be too late.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marilyn Phillips
• Release date: Jul 3, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476286853

Marilyn Phillips

Marilyn lives on the outskirts of Melbourne with her husband and two children. A fully qualified Secondary School Teacher, she spent thirteen years in the classroom before taking leave from her profession to become a stay-at-home mum.Since early childhood, she has been an avid reader. Growing up with books like, 'The Wishing Chair' and 'The Magic Faraway Tree', as some of her most treasured favourites, she has always had a fondness for fantasy and the mythical world. Moving into her teenage years, she developed a highly active imagination and often created stories which she liked to share with her friends. However, with a focus on her studies, she never seemed to find the time to commit those stories to paper.Now, many years later, inspired by authors such as Stephenie Meyer,Becca Fitzpatrick and Claudia Gray, Marilyn has finally fulfilled a lifelong dream to write and publish a novel of her own.For those of you who take the time, she hopes you enjoy reading it as much as she enjoyed writing it.

Book preview

Mystery Falls

By

Marilyn Phillips

Copyright 2012 Marilyn Phillips

Cover Design by Marilyn Phillips

Cover Photo provided by Mihai Tamasila

Smashwords Edition

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Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Disclaimer

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be distributed or reproduced in any form whatsoever without written permission from the author.

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Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty One

PROLOGUE

*

IN THE FOREST SURROUNDING MYSTERY FALLS

MID-AUGUST 2011

Crouched down on a ledge high above the small clearing, the angel watched in silence as a young girl emerged from the trees. Each day now for several weeks, he had waited patiently for her to arrive. And each day... she had come. Following her with his dark eyes, as she slowly made her way to the fallen log lying by the edge of the stream which traversed the tiny glade, his focus became intent.

Aren’t you supposed to stay away from her? Speaking in a voice not audible to human ears, the angel beside him reminded him that he was not alone. That today, he had been accompanied by a friend.

Without altering his gaze, he answered, Yes.

Then why are you here?

He sighed softly. Sounding almost apologetic, he replied, I wish I could answer your question in a way that made sense, but unfortunately, I can’t. All I can tell you is... I’m drawn to her in a way that I have never been drawn to anyone throughout my existence. And right now, there’s nowhere else I would rather be, than here, watching her.

The air around them fell silent, as for a moment, each took the time to ponder his own thoughts.

Then, in a gentle whisper, his friend said, You know he will condemn you to hell if he finds out.

Forbidden to be with her, I’m already in hell.

Chapter One

*

IN THE FOREST SURROUNDING MYSTERY FALLS

ONE WEEK LATER

Fool! Fool! Fool! I chastised myself repeatedly as I stomped angrily back and forth beside the stream. How could I have been so stupid? How could I have allowed myself to be drawn into yet another argument with Claire, especially over something as trivial as to whose turn it was to do the laundry? I should have known better. But overcome by my emotions, I had not paused to consider the consequences before responding to her taunts. And as usual, our quarrel had ended in the same way they always did—with Claire reminding me of the loss I had suffered six years earlier. A loss so devastating that my heart still ached today.

I stopped pacing.

Finally regaining some control over my anger, I sat down on a fallen log beside the running water. Resting my elbows on my knees, I buried my face in my hands and tried hard not to think of the past, of that awful day when my life had changed so significantly. But the memories refused to be ignored.

As they slowly forced their way back into my mind, I recalled the summer following my eleventh birthday. Determined to spend two weeks at summer camp, Claire and I had pleaded for hours, eventually managing to persuade our parents to allow us to attend. However, it was a vacation which had not had a happy ending.

Several days into the second week, Claire and I had been hiking in the woods with a number of the other campers. Distracted and not watching where I was going, I had lost my footing and tumbled down an embankment. Injured and no longer able to participate in the camp activities, I was left with no choice but to call my mom and dad, and request that they bring me home.

Setting out on their journey through the mountains to the camp site, neither one of them could have foreseen the tragedy that would befall them, the tragedy which had rendered me an orphan.

To this day, I still didn’t understand how the accident had happened. How my father, an extremely capable driver, could have lost control of my mother’s car and driven over a cliff so easily. Many times I had asked my uncle to explain, but the response he gave was always the same, "Accidents happen, and sometimes, it’s best not to ask why". I shook my head. It was a senseless answer, one which had always left me dissatisfied.

Removing my hands from my face, I stared down at the ground beneath my feet, and not for the first time, wished that I could change the past. For years now, I had lived with... ‘If only’. If only I hadn’t insisted on attending summer camp. If only I hadn’t fallen. If only my parents had taken a different route. But they hadn’t. And now they were gone. And no amount of ‘If only’, would bring them back.

Tears began to fill my eyes and drift down my cheeks. As I reached up to wipe them away, a disturbance in the undergrowth caught my attention. Turning instinctively, I watched as a small rodent scurried out from underneath a bush. Catching sight of me, it hesitated for a moment before darting quickly out of sight.

I sighed and slipped from the log onto the grass. Hugging my knees to my chest, I balanced my chin on the peak they formed and stared into the stream.

Mystery Falls, the small town in which I had spent all of my seventeen years, was situated on the edge of Clearwater National Park, Idaho. With a population of just over four thousand, it was a relatively small community, one where the inhabitants were open and friendly, and cared for one another in a way that was usually only reserved for family.

Prior to my parents’ death, I had reveled in this warmth, but afterwards, I had found it suffocating. And now, apart from my closest and dearest friend Mia, I rarely associated with my peers. It was due to this self-imposed isolation, that I had found this tiny nook in the forest beside the stream—a place where I could come when I needed to escape from Claire and her spiteful remarks.

Watching as the water bubbled over the rocks, I once again began to ponder the past. As children, Claire and I had been inseparable, more like sisters than cousins. But after the death of my parents, all that changed.

With no other family remaining, Uncle Mike—my father’s twin brother—had not hesitated to welcome me into his home. Unfortunately, Aunt Carole had not shared his sentiment. Treating me with animosity I never understood, she soon made it clear that I would never be accepted as a second daughter. That for reasons known only to her, she would never be able to open her heart to me. At first, I had tried to ignore her hostility, making every attempt to win her approval. But when it became obvious that I would never succeed, I stopped trying and simply chose to stay out of her way.

Then one day, without any kind of warning, she packed her bags and left.

Claire had been devastated. Not understanding why her mother had abandoned her, and needing someone to blame, she had chosen me. Somewhere in her mind, she had decided that I was the one responsible for her mother’s departure. And it was from that moment on, that the bond we had shared began to crumble.

A strange rustling of leaves disturbed my thoughts for the second time. Thinking that it was only the rodent returning, I ignored it, until a low deep growl caused me to look. Not more than twenty yards away from where I was huddled, stood a large black bear. I had always known that they existed here in the forest, but up until now, I had never encountered one.

Staring at the animal in fear, I felt my heart begin to race as tiny beads of sweat formed on my skin. I wanted to run, but recognizing how foolish that would be, I forced myself to remain seated. Pausing to consider my options, I finally decided that my best chance of survival was to move out of sight before it became aware of my presence.

Keeping my focus on the creature, I slowly edged my way around the log and towards the rocks where I had left my backpack. Inside, I knew there was a can of pepper spray, and for once, I was grateful that Uncle Mike insisted that both Claire and I carry them for protection. Even though Mystery Falls had a below average crime rate when it came to physical attacks, he had been adamant that we would be able to defend ourselves should the need ever arise. Although I was sure it had never been his intention that I use it on a bear, I was certain that he would not object to my doing so now.

Reaching the rocks undetected, I carefully slid the zipper on my pack open and pulled out the can. Shaking it to check its contents, I held it in a position ready to use. With no knowledge of what effect, if any, the deterrent would have on such a massive creature, I could only hope it would stop the bear long enough to provide me with a chance to escape.

Watching the animal closely as it bent to take a drink, I tried to remember what I had learnt on the Discovery channel. Recalling that bears had a keen sense of smell, I began to pray fervently, hoping that I was downwind.

Unfortunately, luck was not on my side.

As a gentle breeze drifted past, I could see the bear sniff the air. Observing the beast as it turned to face in my direction, I knew immediately that my worst fear had been realized. That it had caught my scent and my presence had been discovered.

With its dark brown eyes focused squarely on the place where I was hiding, it took a step forward... and then another. Pressing myself into the large rock against which I was leaning, I tried to inhale. My chest felt heavy, constricted. Unable to move, unable to breath, I began to feel my surroundings close in around me. Sensing that it was only a matter of time before I would lose all consciousness, I desperately tried to hold on as the bear moved closer still.

Then, quite unexpectedly, a shadow crossed the sun’s path. Casting my eyes upward to see what had blocked the light, I stared in disbelief. Perched on a rocky ledge directly above me was a silhouette... a silhouette of a man. But he was no ordinary man. With large magnificent wings extending from his back and high into the air above him, he was undoubtedly—an angel.

Strange thoughts filled my head. Was this it? Was I about to die? Had my short life come to an end? Had the angel come to take me to heaven? And then, before any of my questions could be answered, the darkness claimed me.

***

Gradually returning to consciousness some time later, I wondered if I was dead. If maybe the bear had succeeded in killing me? But if he had, then why did the ache in my head, and the cold ground beneath my body, feel so real. Surely this couldn’t be heaven.

Deciding that I was still very much alive, I slowly began to open my eyes. Blinking several times as they adjusted to the light, I was startled to see a stranger kneeling down beside me. Momentarily frightened by his presence, I tried to move away, only to be stopped short by a sudden sharp stab at my temple.

Gazing down at me with the deepest blue eyes I had ever seen, he placed a hand on my shoulder. Speaking in a soft gentle voice, he said, You hit your head pretty hard when you fainted so I suggest you take things easy for a little while, or at least until the pain and dizziness subsides.

Anxious and uncomfortable under his gaze, I stammered, Who... who are you?

He sat back on his heels. Allowing one corner of his mouth to tilt upwards, he replied, I guess... you could call me your savior.

Savior...? I whispered with some confusion.

Yes. Don’t you remember what happened before you passed out?

I thought for a moment. As an image of a large black furry head and brown beady eyes drifted into my mind, I murmured, There was a bear.

Yes, the stranger confirmed.

Lifting my head with extreme caution, I rose onto my elbows and searched the stream and surrounding woods for the beast which had threatened my life. But it was nowhere to be seen. Directing my eyes back to the man, I asked, Where is it?

It left.

You chased it away? I gazed at the stranger in disbelief. Even though he appeared to be strong, I didn’t think him a match for a large angry bear.

With a slight smile playing on his lips, he replied, No. I think when you collapsed it lost interest and wandered back into the woods.

Stunned, I mouthed, Oh. Then, as his words sank into my brain, I sharply added, What! Wait a minute. Are you saying that the bear left because he thought I was... dead?

The man shrugged. I can’t say for sure, but it certainly seems that way.

Huh... I grunted.

You sound disappointed. Would you have preferred if the creature had mauled you instead?

No! It’s just... if I’d known that playing dead was all it would take to make the bear leave, I would have done so as soon as it saw me.

The man grimaced in a way which suggested that my response had displeased him. However, instead of commenting, he rose to his feet and walked to the edge of the stream. Staring into the rippling surface, he appeared to become lost in thought.

With the ache in my head having subsided to a dull throb, I carefully pulled myself into a more vertical position. Resting my back against the wall of rock directly behind me, I took the opportunity to study the stranger through my lashes.

He was tall, lean, with thick dark hair which fell to just above his shoulders. His face, almost flawless, portrayed confidence mixed with an air of arrogance. Gazing at him, I couldn’t help thinking that there was something different about him—something unique—something which made him stand apart from every other human being I knew. Wondering what that was, who he was, and where he had come from, I didn’t notice that his focus had changed until he spoke.

So, do you like what you see? Clearly aware that I had been observing him, he made no effort to hide his amusement.

The heat flooded to my cheeks. Directing my face down with the hope that he had not noticed, I stammered, W...what?

You were staring.

Although he had made no sound, I could sense that he had moved closer. Unwilling to risk meeting his gaze, I kept my eyes averted and whispered, No I wasn’t.

Yeah, you were.

Annoyed by the smugness I detected in his tone, I repeated more firmly, No. I wasn’t.

Either aware of my discomfort, or deciding that the argument wasn’t worth the effort to gain my confession, the stranger breathed out a sigh. And then surprisingly, he turned the conversation in an entirely different direction. You know, a young girl like you shouldn’t be wandering through the forest alone.

Casting my embarrassment aside, I looked up and saw that my senses had been correct. He had moved closer. Sitting on a rock only a few yards away with his elbows resting on his thighs, and his chin supported by the steeple his index fingers formed, he was watching me with an intense stare.

Determined not to show the unease his open gaze caused, I said, I can take care of myself.

He nodded towards the cylinder which was lying on the ground beside me. Adopting a cynical tone, he inquired, What, with a can of pepper spray?

Guessing that it must have fallen out of my hand when I had fainted, I glared at if for a moment before snapping back, Yes, with a can of pepper spray.

And do you think it would have worked?

I don’t know, but under the circumstances, I was willing to try anything.

His lips twisted into a grin. Including passing out, so it would seem.

I frowned. In a tone that was quite demanding, I repeated a question I had asked earlier, Who are you? And why are you here?

The smile vanished. I don’t think knowing who I am, or why I’m here, is relevant.

Why? Do you have something to hide? I shot back. I knew I was being incredibly rude, but I couldn’t seem to stop myself. There was something in the stranger’s demeanor which set me on edge and made me behave in a way which was not normal.

After a lengthy pause, he replied, Maybe...

His response sparked my curiosity. Opening my mouth with the specific intention of attempting to satisfy that curiosity, I hastily closed it. Something in the dark blue eyes warned that it would not be wise to pursue that which the man did not want to reveal. Diverting my attention back to the stream, I began to wonder what he could possibly be hiding. What secrets did he possess that he did not wish to share.

I was not far into my thoughts when he interrupted. Why do you come here by yourself?

It was not a question I was expecting. Answering truthfully, I said, I like the solitude.

You don’t think it’s dangerous, being out here all alone?

I returned my focus to the man who was starting to feel less like a stranger, and more like a distant friend. If you’re referring to the bear, that’s the first time I’ve ever crossed paths with one.

Actually, I wasn’t thinking of the bear... he paused, and then very slowly added, I was thinking... of myself.

Caught off guard by his words, I gasped.

Without taking his eyes off me, he left the rock and came to crouch down beside me. With a stare that could only be classified as intimidating, he asked, How do you know that I’m not dangerous? That I haven’t come here with sinister intentions? He leaned closer. That I’m not some crazed madman who’s biding his time while he decides what to do with you?

I swallowed deeply. And for the second time since arriving at my favorite hideaway, my heart rate increased. Only this time, it was not because of fear, but because of the stranger’s proximity. He was close. Too close.

A strand of my hair fell forward onto my face. Taking it between his fingers, he whispered, Are you afraid?

My pulse raced erratically. My breathing grew shallow. Emotions I had only ever dreamt about began to rise to the surface. Emotions, that I was sure, I should not be feeling for someone I had only just met. Trying hard to ignore the sensations running rampart in my body, I returned his gaze and said, No.

Well you should be. Letting go of my hair, he straightened and strode back to the water’s edge.

Relieved that he had put some distance between us, I took several calming breaths in an attempt to regain control. Sounding more confident than I felt, I said, You’re not going to hurt me.

He spun around on his heel to face me. Speaking in a voice designed to make me question my statement, he asked, Are you sure about that?

Chewing nervously on my lower lip, I waited a few seconds before I replied, Yes.

His eyes narrowed. Why?

"Because... if that was your intention, you would have done it by now." In all honesty, I had no idea what his intentions were.

For a long time, he glared at me. Finally, when I was beginning to think he would never speak again, his face relaxed. Grinning roguishly, he said, Well, you’re right Samantha. I’m not here to hurt you.

My eyes opened wide as I gaped at him in astonishment. Had I heard him correctly? Had he just used my name? But how, how could he know? I was absolutely certain that in the short time we had been together, I had not told him who I was.

Uncertain, I asked, What did you just call me?

Samantha. That is your name isn’t it?

Yes, but... I hesitated.

How did I know? he completed.

I nodded once.

"I’ve been watching you... studying you, and there’s not much about you I don’t know."

I eyed him skeptically. Was he serious, or just saying these things to unnerve me? Deciding to call his bluff, I said, I don’t believe you.

His expression changed. Appearing more solemn, he said, No? Then let me tell you what I know, and we’ll see if that convinces you.

Okay, I challenged. I was expecting him to flounder, but instead, he began to rattle off my life like he was reading it from a script.

Your full name is Samantha Hunt, but your friends and family call you Sam. You were born in Mystery Falls. Up until your eleventh birthday, your life was close to perfect. Then, due to a tragic accident, you lost both your parents. With no other family to take care of you, you were left with no option but to live with your aunt and uncle. Unfortunately, after less than a year, your aunt left, leaving both you and your cousin Claire to wonder why. Blaming yourself for all the misfortune you’ve suffered in your short life, you have shut yourself off from most of the world. The only person you trust now apart from your uncle is your best friend Mia. He stopped. Smiling smugly, he asked, How am I doing so far?

I stared at him in stunned disbelief. How could he possibly know all those things unless what he had said was true? That he had been studying me. But why... what possible reason could this stranger, a person I had never met before, have, for wanting to learn so much about me? Suddenly, I felt completely exposed. It was not a feeling I liked.

Determined not to show that he had finally succeeded in frightening me, I asked as lightheartedly as I could, Are you a stalker?

He laughed. Hardly...

Then...

Why am I interested in you...? he finished. "That, I can’t explain."

Why not, I demanded as I pushed aside my fear.

Because the explanation is not simple... and definitely not one you’ll accept without question. Returning to my side, he looked down at me. Now, if you’re up to it, I think it’s time I take you home.

Home... considering how much he knew about me, I was under no illusion that he would not know exactly where I lived.

Rising to my feet too quickly, I was overcome by a sudden wave of dizziness. In an attempt to stop me from returning to the ground with a thud, the stranger’s hand shot out. As his fingers circled tightly around the bare skin of my upper arm, I could feel a wave of electricity transfer from his body to mine—electricity that seemed to pulse into every cell and make me feel connected to him in a way I didn’t understand. Locked in each other’s gaze, we stood frozen.

Then, just as swiftly as he had grabbed hold, he let go, breaking the spell.

Frowning heavily, he took several steps back.

I waited.

I was expecting him to say something in relation to what had just occurred, but after what seemed like a full minute of silence, he simply asked, Are you ready?

Confused, dumbfounded, I stuttered, Um... yeah... I guess.

Without further comment, he bent to retrieve my backpack from where I had dropped it, and slowly began to lead the way out of the forest.

Following in a daze, I wondered why he had chosen not to acknowledge what had transpired between us. Was it possible that he had not noticed? That what I thought I had experienced, had not been real? That I had only imagined it? Replaying his initial reaction over in my mind, I knew that was not the case. We had both felt the strange sensation, of that I was sure.

Plodding along behind him, I pondered the idea of confronting him, of asking him to explain. But not sure what to say or how he would react, I opted against it. Shelving the memory, I turned my attention to the immediate future and asked, Are you planning to accompany me all the way? I had travelled this path many times before and knew exactly how long the journey would take. Within twenty minutes, I would be home.

Without breaking his stride, he gave a curt nod.

Why? I enquired further.

I want to make sure you arrive safely.

You don’t think I can manage on my own?

Waiting for me to draw level, he fell into step beside me. Actually, I think you can manage very well on your own. But if I were to read the paper tomorrow and discover that a young girl had been attacked in the forest while walking alone. And that that young girl happened to be you. Then I would find it hard to forgive myself, knowing that I could have prevented it.

I see. So you think the bear might return?

No. I don’t. But then again, anything’s possible.

Yeah, I guess it is.

We continued in silence. It was only when we neared the end of the track that he stopped and spoke again. Well, this is as far as I go.

Standing not far from the edge of the forest, the trees were thinner here. Through their trunks I could see the small three bedroom house I shared with my Uncle Mike and Claire. Recently painted a creamy white, it stood out like a beacon amongst the green foliage.

The man removed my backpack from his shoulder. Handing it to me, he said, Take care Samantha, and remember what I said, the forest is not a safe place for you to wander on your own.

As he turned to leave, I suddenly found myself wanting him to stay. That despite his being a stranger and someone I knew nothing about, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye.

Without pausing to consider my words or the possible consequences of them, I blurted out, Do you have to go? I mean... wouldn’t you like to come inside?

He grimaced. I don’t think that would be wise.

Why not, I demanded.

Regretting my tone instantly, I slid my eyes to the ground and tried to think of something to say which would delay his departure—something that would stop him from leaving. But nothing suitable would come to mind. Sensing that he was no longer standing before me, I looked up to see his retreating figure. Remembering that I still didn’t know who he was, and hoping that he would tell me at least that much, I called out in desperation, Wait! You haven’t told me your name.

He hesitated. Turning only slightly, he stared for a moment. Then, without responding, he disappeared into the dark shadow of the trees.

I gaped after him. And when it became obvious that he wasn’t coming back, I stumbled from the forest and trudged into the house.

***

Late that night as I stood by my bedroom window staring up at the stars, an image of deep blue eyes and a perfect smile floated into my thoughts. It was not the first time my mind had focused on the stranger since arriving home from the woods. Throughout the afternoon and well into the evening, his face had been there, drifting in and out as I moved through my Friday night rituals.

Initially, I had considered sharing my experience with Uncle Mike. But then remembering how protective he could be, I had chosen not to. If my uncle believed for even one minute that I was in any kind of danger, that this man whose name I had not learnt posed a threat, then he would insist that I never enter the forest again. Unwilling to risk losing my freedom, I had decided to keep the knowledge of the stranger to myself... at least for now.

Alone and able to take the time to reflect on the events which had occurred by the stream, I began to wonder what my savior—his word, not mine—was doing at this very moment. Was it possible that he was thinking about me in much the same way as I was thinking about him? Or was I already forgotten?

Suddenly recalling an admission he had made during our brief encounter, I stepped back from the window and out of the moonlight. If he truly was studying me as he had suggested, then he could be out there right now,