Nightmares of the Queen (The Brajj 2)

By Jacqueline Patricks

Deceived...Betrayed...Trapped...

Dr. Cass Baros discovered the truth of her dreams when she opened the wormhole. Though it cost her more than she imagined, it also gave her the love she’d been searching for with the Brajj, Jeamon. Meanwhile, as Jeamon continues to fight for his people's survival, he remains unaware of who she has become.

Their love will be tested by betrayal and deceit.

The mysteries of the Brajj revealed, Captain Lewis and his remaining soldiers returned home with heavy hearts only to find more treachery.

Lewis’ strength will be tested.

And Ta‘mat--who wields the greatest power in the multiverse--needs their help.

Cass, Jeamon, Lewis and Ta’mat are all trapped by circumstances beyond their control, created by their choices. Each want more than they have.
Each have their part to play in the game of...

Ultimate Power or True Love?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Crazy Bird Publishing
• Release date: Mar 30, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310247309

Jacqueline Patricks

Functionally insane writer with military and medical experience. "So, I know how to draw blood, patch you up, and hide the evidence," she says with straight face.YOU DON'T READ A JACQUELINE PATRICKS STORY, YOU EXPERIENCE IT!#whatsyourexperienceBe hot shit, subscribe to my exclusive content list: http://eepurl.com/TXJUz

Book preview

Book Two of The Brajj Trilogy

Jacqueline Patricks

Crazy Bird Publishing at Smashwords

Fresno, Texas

Copyright © 2014 by Jacqueline Patricks

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher. This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely accidental.

Jacqueline Patricks/Crazy Bird Publishing at Smashwords

Cover by: Crazy Bird Publishing

P.O. Box 24

Fresno, Texas 77545-0024

www.jacquelinepatricks.com

Nightmares of the Queen, The Brajj #2/

Jacqueline Patricks —1st ed.

9781310247309

You don’t read a Jacqueline Patricks story, you experience it!

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THE BRAJJ TRILOGY

#.5 Captain Lewis’ Broken Dreams – prequel short story, rated mature

#1 Dreams of the Queen – full novel, rated mature

#2 Nightmares of the Queen –To be published March 2014, full novel

#3 Destiny of the Queen - TBA

THE VERGE SERIES

#1 Fairytale Apocalypse – full novel, to be published late 2014

#2 To be announced

OTHER SHORT STORIES

Downgrade

Dr. Frank’s Sunset

His Last Gift – Forbidden Love

Dog Days of Dying

Eclectic Jackie – Anthology of short stories plus bonus extras

Chapter One

Back to the World

Lewis unlocked the door to his randomly assigned Fort Bragg apartment.

"Captain Charles Lewis, this board of inquiry has decided…"

He stepped inside and shut the door behind him, making sure to lock it.

"…that due to the lack of supporting evidence, the massive loss of life to your unit…"

He ignored the wilted leaves of the philodendron—chosen by whoever had arranged his living quarters. Only the kitchen interested him, specifically the refrigerator’s contents.

"…and the loss of the entire team of scientists who were highly regarded in their fields…"

As he stood staring into its bright belly, the fridge’s handle was cool and hard in his palm. He’d only have one beer, just to take the edge off. His right hand tightened on the plastic and metal handle while his left reached forward, shaking.

"…you will be reassigned to administrative duty and subject to regular evaluations—psychiatric and professional…"

His tremors calmed, instantly soothed by the icy glass bottle against his skin, and he had yet to open it.

"…until such time that you have proven capable of assuming another field command."

Another field command, right, as if a secret board of inquiry would ever grant him clearance to command again. If that was remotely possible, they would’ve held it in an open forum. They wanted to bury him, all three of them of actually. He, Lars, and Mathews were dangerous because they knew things the government wanted to pretend didn’t exist, secrets over a decade old.

Being released from quarantine straight to administrative punishment was nothing more than a bullshit set-up for something worse. Hell, he’d take a live firefight any day rather than this hurry up and wait for a slow death. The target on the back of his head made him twitchy. Head to toes, his skin felt two sizes too small and every loud sound made him jump.

A pop, a snick and the metal cap flipped off to clatter on the countertop, spinning and dancing to the edge. Lewis swallowed half of the beer before the cap fell to the tile floor. Too bad he couldn’t enjoy the river of cold foam rushing down his throat. He hadn’t enjoyed anything since they’d stumbled through that damn wormhole two months ago. How could he?

Between the horrible things they’d left behind in the Brajj world and what they’d found when they returned home…

Lewis frowned, his grip contracting around the bottle. The darkened lab had been abandoned—boarded up, most of the equipment and furniture removed, the wormhole chamber stripped of its components, a thick layer of dust covering the remaining objects, and the airtight doors mangled beyond repair and unable to shut properly. Damage of this nature took longer than the week they’d been in the Brajj world.

Silently, they’d carried Brown’s body through the empty lab in search of a working phone, trepidation increasing with each step since the rest of the Physics building looked much the same. Dust, grime, silence, and sorrow filled the air.

They reported in and soon regretted it. Taken into custody by military police and transported to a quarantine center none of them recognized, they were subjected to rigorous questioning and debriefing. Technically, civil rights at the level that civilians received didn’t exist for soldiers since they are property of the U.S. government, and their legal matters are handled by Uniform Code of Military Justice. The old nickname G.I. Joe came from Government Issued, and they weren’t kidding. Once you signed the contract, the government owned your ass.

Still a fucked up way to treat us. He rotated the bottle. Condensation rolled over his hand, soaking his palm until the skin wrinkled. He glanced around his new home. Bland, thinly painted sheetrock greeted him. He sighed.

This was only his second time in the apartment since they’d released them from quarantine yesterday morning. Having been dropped off by two nondescript Fort Bragg MPs, he’d stood in the parking lot with a pathetic, half empty duffle bag in one hand, a single key in the other, and an apartment number in his head. What a lovely homecoming. Where the hell Lars and Mathews had been taken, he had no idea, and they refused to say.

Certainly generous of them to allow him to move in a mere twenty-four hours before the closed door inquiry and having a home rather than a tiny cell didn’t help him sleep any better. His first night alone consisted of staring at the ceiling, deliberate forgetfulness, fighting the urge to drink excessively, and a whole lot of conversations with dead people.

Dead bodies dressed in civilian clothes, piled one atop the other, condensing darkness, the stench of fear rendered in human body fluids, Brown’s empty eyes and bifurcated body, hordes of inferiors shrieking their rage with righteous revenge.

Human, they were humans, once upon a time…

Another gulp while he studied the walls of his kitchen. He’d always hated lifeless beige paint—hated it even more now that he’d been subjected to its quarantine cousin light puke green. Craziest thing though, he’d never known how to liven it up, how to decorate it.

Not like Caroline.

Fuck! Lewis threw the mostly empty bottle at the offending paint. Brown glass and golden froth exploded over the stove and countertop. Stumbling backwards, Lewis’ back hit the far wall of his narrow, hall-style kitchen, and he slid to his butt, legs bent in front of him. Being brand new, the soles of his dress shoes slipped, and his feet splayed out until his legs smacked the floor.

The corded edge of his beret dug painfully into the back of his head. He’d forgotten to remove his cover indoors—just like he’d forgotten at the inquiry and been reprimanded by the officer leading the investigation, a two-star General Neville. The stodgy man’s gray brows had arched at the perceived disrespect and he’d glared until Lewis recalled his mistake and snagged his beret off his head with a low ‘Sorry, sir’.

What a rookie mistake. Maybe they’re right. Maybe I am unfit for field command.

Lewis balled his hands into fists, and tried to force the tension from his body. Bitter ale clung to his tongue, distracting him from his misery and inciting a craving for something stronger. Eyelids drifting shut, he inhaled slowly and thought about happy things. Running on the beach, a rare ribeye steak, sleeping late, Caroline—

Sir?

No! You’re not real. He covered his face with both hands.

Sir? What happened?

You’re dead. His hands muffled his gruff voice. You’re all dead.

This is your fault. Why didn’t you save us?

A short sob escaped Lewis, and he bowed his head. I’m sorry! I’m sorry. His upper body slid sideways, his shoulder thudded against the wood cabinetry. Trembling, Lewis tried to restrain his emotions as they swirled and buckled for escape.

You owe me, sir.

Lewis stilled, then removed his hands from his face. Brown?

I looked out for you when you needed me. You owe me.

I…I tried, Sam.

You weren’t strong enough.

Nodding, Lewis pulled his legs to his chest. I know. I’m sorry. Everything got fucked up.

You shouldn’t have trusted her.

I know.

How naïve he’d been. Sure Ta’mat had opened the wormhole, and it had taken them back to the MIT lab, but the world had not been the one they’d left. Initially, Lewis feared Ta’mat had sent them to a different Earth, another parallel world, but after reporting in they’d all learned the truth. And it was, in a way, far worse.

Sudden music woke him from his spell, and Lewis’ head jerked up and back, smacking the wall so hard his vision whited for a second. He groaned and rubbed the back of his head, already feeling the tendrils of a fresh migraine spreading through his skull. The music shrilled again, and he realized it came from the inside breast pocket of his class A uniform jacket.

With a frustrated sigh, Lewis readjusted his position so he could reach his new cellphone. When had he taken it off vibrate? Everything this morning blurred. He remembered walking out of the inquiry, stiff and emotionless, and then parking outside his apartment, but the time in between…nothing. At least thirty minutes was missing. How the hell did I drive home without killing myself or anyone else?

Hands sweating, he read the display and considered allowing it to go to voicemail, but it was an old Special Forces buddy. Figures.

Lewis’ lips twitched in spite of himself, funny how this friend always had a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Once Frank quit field work years ago, he’d put that talent to good use working for in counterterrorism at the Pentagon. He’d claimed it was the best decision since candy makers combined peanut butter and chocolate.

The touchscreen momentarily foiled his attempts to answer the call. How the hell did people work these things? He much preferred his old flip phone with real buttons. Seems the world had leapt ahead without him.

Shaking off his emotions, Lewis steadied his voice. Hey, Frank.

"Charlie, man, how you doing?

He tried for nonchalant. Okay.

That’s not what I hear.

Lewis groaned mentally and laid his head back against the wall. Really? What’d you hear?

That you’ve gotten yourself assigned to desk duty.

Lewis snorted. I had no idea Fort Bragg’s grapevine was so efficient. I just left the inquiry.

Yeah, well, I’ve got my own grapevine.

Chills erupted over Lewis’ still overly taut skin, and he sat up straight, head clearing. What do you mean?

Frank’s sigh was obvious through the speaker. Look, I can’t talk about it over the phone.

Damn.

Why don’t you take your days off and come visit me in DC, I’ll tell you all about it. Besides, you could use the drive to blow the dust off and get some sun. Quarantine must’ve been a bitch.

Lewis rubbed his face. ‘Bout went stir crazy. Convenient how you just happen to know my reassignment doesn’t start until next week.

Charlie, he said grimly, this is bigger than you.

And why doesn’t that comfort me?

Frank laughed. Because you’re smart and you’ve been in the military too long. Just get your ass up here. It’s important.

That’s what I’m afraid of.

Ha! You remember that burger place I love?

It’s still there?

Yep. I’ll see you tomorrow morning, eleven o’clock. Dead air followed Frank’s upbeat sign off, and Lewis scowled at the smooth surface of his phone until it blacked out.

I guess I’m going to DC I hope the roads aren’t too bad anymore.

Chapter Two

Starting Over

The aroma of frying eggs and bacon awoke Cass. She loved homemade breakfast, but couldn’t remember the last time anyone had cooked one for her. Usually in too much of a rush, she just drank coffee and maybe grabbed a vending machine snack at the lab. Not the healthiest option, but she shoved that knowledge under her mental rug to deal with later. A lot tended to collect under that rug.

Her body anticipating the meal faster than her brain, she swallowed fresh saliva and her stomach growled as pushed the warm blankets aside and stepped from the perfect coziness of her bed. Her nightgown only reached mid-thigh and the shock of chilly air erupted goose bumps over her arms and legs. Her robe and slippers were nowhere in sight, so she padded barefoot over the carpet to her bedroom door.

Opening it, the delicious scent of sin hit her—frying bacon and fresh butter. Suddenly lightheaded, she grabbed the door jamb for support as regained her equilibrium. Holding the wall, she worked her way to the kitchen, the textured paint like braille under her palm. God, it smelled good! When was the last time she’d eaten a decent meal? Months? Why didn’t she indulge more often?

A blond man, dressed in a snug fitting t-shirt and jeans that hung just right on his hips, stood at the stove with his back to her. She leaned her left hand on the wall and rested her head on it. He was humming happily, and a wave of pleasure moved through her as she watched him sway to his music and flip something in the frying pan.

It’s been years since he looked so relaxed.

A sparkle caught her attention. She wore a stunning wedding set of rings on her left hand.

Huh? I never even wear my engagement ring.

Julian had given her a lovely solitaire when he proposed, but she never liked wearing it, or any rings. A point of contention between them that they’d eventually agreed to disagree on. Just like their lack of a wedding date.

Wait. When did we get married?

Oh, you’re awake. He sounded mildly disappointed. I’d planned on bringing you breakfast in bed.

Really? Why? She pushed off the wall and crossed her arms. What was he up to this time?

Setting the spatula down on the stove, he turned off the burner, then walked to her. Isn’t that what newlyweds are supposed to do? Silly romantic gestures for each other? He cocked his head as he took her hands in his. His left hand bore a matching men’s wedding band, shiny and new. Its glint matched the one over his eyeglasses, which hid his eyes.

She hated not being able to read his full expression. Cass’ heart squeezed painfully. I wouldn’t know, Jules. You know I’m no good at romance.

Smiling, he pulled her into an embrace. That’s why we get to learn together, darling.

Darling? A shiver raced through her, and the heat radiating from Julian suddenly turned cold. He never called her darling, always hon.

What’s wrong? His breath chilled her neck.

To avoid alarming him, she gently withdrew from his arms. Nothing, I just— Cass held a hand to her forehead. I think a migraine is coming on.

Oh no, want me to massage your shoulders?

She recoiled from his proffered hands, then grimaced at her jumpiness and his answering frown. I’m fine, really. She stepped away. Probably just hungry. Big day yesterday, right?

Yeah, he said slowly, eyes narrowing as he watched her retreat. I’ll just finish making breakfast while you rest.

Okay. Cass left Julian in the hallway outside their small kitchen and walked to their modest living room. Soon the sounds of frying resumed.

What’s wrong with me? Big day yesterday? No wonder he gave me such an odd look. I don’t even remember yesterday, or last week! Have I finally gone insane?

Head down and arms wrapped around herself, Cass paced the living room cramped by books and research papers piled on the coffee table and between the sofa, the single recliner, and the flat screen television—which they hardly used. One might say workaholic was too mild a term for both of them.

Eventually she ended up at the sliding door leading to the back patio. Resting her temple on the wall, she brushed the curtain aside to gaze at Cambridge’s old trees and older buildings. The view usually calmed her, but even the sight of antique, dappled landscaping did little to soothe her. Her chest felt heavy. She stared at the sun hanging midway in the clear sky. It warmed the glass of sliding door and despite the heavy tinting its intensity forced her to squint.

That’s weird.

She pressed her nose to the glass and studied the sun through her spread fingers. It appeared slightly ovoid, bulging on one side. She wouldn’t have noticed if the tint hadn’t filtered the UV so well and allowed her to stare a bit longer.

A hand fell on her shoulder; she jumped and spun. Oh my God!

Cass! Eyes wide behind his simple wire frame glasses, Julian threw his hands up. It’s just me!

Sorry, sorry, I don’t know what’s gotten into me.

You’re starting to worry me, darling. Married a week and you’re getting post wedding jitters.

A week? She feigned a smile and covered her heating face with a hand. Really. I’m okay.

Sure?

Absolutely, I guess I’m just not used to the idea of being married yet. Really, really not used to it!

Julian smiled and pushed his glasses back up his nose. Well, don’t worry about it. Being married to me will be the best thing you’ve ever done. He held a hand over his heart. I promise to take care of you, forever.

Jules, I don’t think—

He took her hand, tugging a bit firmer than she expected. Breakfast is ready. Now stop worrying and come eat, okay?

Cass sighed, flattered he’d cooked for her, yet frustrated at his easy dismissal of her concerns. While she allowed him to guide her to their breakfast nook, her heart pounded so hard her chest tightened further, and she couldn’t quite ignore the nagging sensation that something was horribly wrong.

Chapter Three

The Hunt

In the darkness ahead and to Jeamon’s left, something rustled in the foliage. Hand signaling for his hunting party to halt, he lowered his boot and it whispered against the jungle floor. A faint swishing approached him from behind and Gren knelt by his side.

Jeamon pointed at the suspicious sound as he unfastened his whip from his belt, carefully allowing it to unfurl into the soft humus. By habit his thumb depressed the activation switch before he remembered it no longer possessed any power and he needed to rely on his new training. He squeezed the handle for a second, then relaxed, removed his thumb from the switch, and slowly exhaled.

I do not need the power of stolen human souls to power my whip. My skills remain unsurpassed.

Since Master’s death, they deliberately killed the poor inferiors until fewer and fewer crossed their path during each excursion. Caution during a hunt for food, however, could not be overstressed. No one knew how many roamed the land, or how long-lived they were, if indeed they truly lived at all. A significant number of years might be likely since it had been many years between Serlina’s fading and wasting and his discovery that she had survived as an inferior in the harsh conditions outside the City.

Jeamon realized the fingers and thumb of his free hand were rubbing together, and he shook his hand to stop the nervous tic. Banishing memories of his sister as a grotesque monster, Jeamon exhaled again and concentrated on the moving reddish leaves bathed in night’s blanket. She was free now. Free from all of her pain. Perhaps if he repeated that enough he might come to believe it.

The rustling grew louder, and Gren eased forward in a half squat. Moving from behind them, the hunting party shifted into a wide semi-circle with Jeamon and Gren acting as the center point. Gren paused, his blade raised in one hand as he inched forward and moved the hanging leaves and vines aside with his other hand.

Jeamon crouched, balancing his weight on the balls of his feet, hand tightening on his whip. Uncaring of being found, inferiors tended to be louder than this muted snuffling, yet if it were only one inferior rather than a jungle beast, named a hog by Cass, than the sounds might be similar.

Withdrawn foliage revealed light pink skin covered in short bristles. A grunt and a squeal, and then a medium-sized animal with long tusks exploded from its hiding place. Gren slashed his blade down, slicing the beast’s side as it streaked past him. It squealed again and thrashed its head at Gren who leapt clear of its tusks.

It growled, sounding frustrated, then veered toward Jeamon. He rushed back several steps, whistling and snapping his whip back and forth. The hog snorted, lowered his head, and sped up. The semi-circle of warriors closed in, blocking the hog’s escape.

Its long tusks, though not thick, were sharp. Already a number of warriors had been severely injured as they learned to hunt these hogs. Jeamon snapped his whip as he stepped back farther. Another line crisscrossed Gren’s, and blood poured down the beast’s flank. It tossed its head back, squealing with pain and rage and rushed Jeamon

Reviews for Nightmares of the Queen (The Brajj 2)

[isisunit · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I would like to thank author Jacqueline Patricks for the opportunity to read this e-ARC. Although I received the ebook for free, that in no way impacts my review. I gave this book 3.5 stars, but as many places do not allow for ratings other than whole numbers, I am rounding up to 4 stars in those places for creativity, particularly in the ending.WARNING!! If you've not read book one stop right here, as there are spoilers inherent to the review. I shall do my best to avoid giving any advance information for this book.Book 2 of The Brajj Trilogy Due out March, 30 2014Picks up shortly after Book 1- Dreams of the Queen Rated Mature for language, violence, and sexual situationsDeceived...Betrayed...Trapped...Dr. Cass Baros discovered the truth of her dreams when she opened the wormhole. Though it cost her more than she imagined, it also gave her the love she’d been searching for with the Brajj, Jeamon. Meanwhile, as Jeamon continues to fight for his people's survival, he remains unaware of who she has become.Their love will be tested by betrayal and deceit.The mysteries of the Brajj revealed, Captain Lewis and his remaining soldiers returned home with heavy hearts only to find more treachery. Lewis’ strength will be tested. And Ta‘mat--who wields the greatest power in the multiverse--needs their help. Cass, Jeamon, Lewis and Ta’mat are all trapped by circumstances beyond their control, created by their choices. Each want more than they have. Each have their part to play in the game of...Ultimate Power or True Love?This second book in the trilogy picks up not long after book one ends. If you haven't read the first book recently, I strongly urge that you take a few moments for a quick refresher. Ta'mat has taken over Cass' physical body after their psyches merged in the bid to defeat Master once and for all.The three remaining survivors of the original military/scientific expedition through the worm hole have since returned to their version of earth. However what Lewis, Mathews, and Lars find upon their return is startling to say the least. During the week they were at the other end of the wormhole, ten years had passed back home. And that wasn't the only change they discovered.The bulk of this book is about power and the different ways in which people respond to it. Be it having power, suddenly acquiring it, lusting after it - everyone has a different reaction to each situation. Those responses may be based upon the rest of their life and how content they are with what they have, be it material possessions, the more elusive things like love, passion for their work, their world, their dreams of what can be. . . Without giving away the story I can't really say much more than that, however I will say that it is a compelling read. Certain characters develop, or simply find, backbones, others gain clarity of sight about what is really happening around them, and some remain stuck where they began the story. As well there are other characters that make important appearances, unexpected, but important. And as with the first book the ending is certainly full of surprises. Definitely worth the read, and I'd be mightily surprised if it doesn't leave you anticipating the arrival of the final book in the trilogy.

[pardamustang · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

*This book was reviewed via Lola’s Blog Tours**Warning: graphic depictions of rapeSecond in The Brajj series, Nightmares of the Queen continues the captivating story of a world ripped asunder, a world that never should have existed in the first place. The storyline bounces between Captain Lewis on Earth, and, Cass and Jeamon on the Brajj world. It has been two months, and Captain Lewis is not doing so well. He has been placed on administrative duty, and he's begun to hear the voices of the dead left behind on the Brajj world. Meanwhile, Cass and Jeamon are learning to survive in a world radically changed by Ta’mat. Now, instead of facing the very human threat posed by Master, they face a foe far more implacable and unforgiving- starvation. To help her people, Cass reopens the wormhole and, with Jeamon in tow, goes through to seek out Captain Lewis. Things aren't quite what they seem, though, and hidden agendas abound. Can Lewis’ Earth withstand the fury of a crazed physicist wielding the 'magic’ of dark energy? Will the Brajj learn to adjust to their new life?Continuing from the first novel, the theme of interconnection is woven throughout. I'm a metaphysicist (as my physicist husband calls me), and I see another theme with Ta’mat. She has been disembodied, yet never alone, for centuries, and had the time and ability to learn to manipulate dark matter. Solitary confinement wreaks havoc on even the most introverted person. We are a social species. It seems quite likely that we would also need a physical body to keep us grounded and sane, just as we need mental and emotional connection. Ta’mat has been without a body for a very long time, and that chick is definitely a few french fries short of a happy meal. This second book affords us a deeper insight into both Lewis, and Jeamon by exposing more of their flaws. We get to spend more time with them. There was less skipping of perspective without clear demarcation, such as paragraph spacing, or the start of a new chapter. Another proofing would not be amiss, but the handful of typos doesn't take from the story at all. I'm really looking forward to the last in the trilogy.???? Highly recommended, especially if you are a fan of Dr Who or Stargate, or enjoy sci-fi that involves physics experiments gone awry.