Deep Web: The Crush Saga, #5

By Chrissy Peebles

This is book 5.

The dreaded night, the first full moon of the new year, has finally arrived. Will Taylor survive when evil threatens to destroy her life forever?

Taylor relocates back to Big Bear Lake not trusting the people who signed a treaty to keep her safe. Being with her family and friends is wonderful, but knowing that she is a sacrifice is beyond unsettling. Tired of everyone trying to control her fate, Taylor fights to gain control.

Tabby and her friends hunt for a way to stop the impending ceremony. At the same time, they dig for clues into the mauling of tourists. Relations are on shaky grounds between the witches, werewolves, and vampires, and Taylor tries to keep a war from breaking out. When secrets are exposed and traitorous alliances are revealed, Taylor is thrown into a deep web.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dark Shadows Publishing
• Release date: Mar 14, 2015
• ISBN: 9781507069103

Book preview

Chapter 1

I’M LIVING IN A WHIRLWIND, spiraling out of control as the magic inside me floods through my veins. I know my enemies still seek to destroy me, and I trust nobody at this point, but at least I’m home now, back in Big Bear Lake. Part of me is relieved about that, but another part is frightened. I know the witches here will stop at nothing to get their powers back, and that’s what scares me the most. For over ten generations, they have sought to destroy my kind, to sacrifice us for their own gain. I’m a tenth-generation petal, but I wasn’t born to die. Yes, a grim, macabre destiny was handed to me, but I will fight that unjust death sentence. This is my life, and I’m going to live it the way I see fit, with Jesse at my side...

ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE for all of us. Jesse went back with his mom and siblings, Julie went back to her mother, Grant resumed talks with his own clan in the hopes that all was forgiven, and Cynthia went with Tabby. Unfortunately, our brilliant plan for Fred to return as his dead brother was now out the door, because his brother was actually alive and living with Fred’s mother because he was taking the place of Fred. He was now Fred’s backup petal.

I still can’t believe I have a twin brother, Fred said.  

Yeah, I said. We kept hearing different rumors. Some said he was dead and some said he was alive. We didn’t want to tell you more until we learned the correct information.

Does he know about me?

Jesse nodded. Your mom told him everything. He wishes he could’ve met you before you passed away.

Fred ran a hand through his hair. I feel so guilty. He took my place. They only reunited him with my mother for sinister purposes. That’s the only reason why they brought him back to Big Bear Lake in the first place.

Julie bit her lip as she slowly delivered more bad news. I hate to tell you this but...well, they also killed his adoptive family so he’d come back here to his real mom.

Fred sucked in a deep breath, then let it out slowly. They’re cold and heartless. 

I touched his arm. Nobody knows that more than any of us.

We all tried to comfort Fred through the news. He refused sanctuary, though, and ended up living with Tabby, like Cynthia.

We had everything figured out, but we didn’t feel secure about having Fred walk around town. Yes, he was safe for the time being, since Drake had canceled his hit, but everyone thought he was dead. We wondered what would happen if his mom or his other friends or relatives ran into him, but Fred promised to keep low.

Jesse came into my room with movies, a large bucket of popcorn, a box of Sno-Caps, and two cans of soda. Surprise! Movie night! he said with a grin.

Movie night? But I just signed the treaty today, and we have that big meeting tomorrow, so I need to—

Slow down, he said. "We’re gonna watch a movie and eat popcorn and candy, because that’s what normal people do on a Friday night. They indulge in laughter, chatter, and lots of kissing, and—"

But—

Taylor, we have problems nobody our age should have to worry about. Please, for just one night, can’t we forget about it and try to act like regular teenagers?

I waved my hand, and the red bucket of popcorn slowly levitated in the air and moved toward me. I can’t do normal.

He smiled. Floating popcorn. No, you can’t do normal at all.

It smells delicious though. Is it movie style, with extra butter?

You know it.

My gaze shot to the DVDs in his hand. Tell me you don’t have a bunch of old eighties slashers or horror films. The last thing I need to watch are Freddy claws and psychos in hockey masks and Blair Witch stories.

He grinned. Why would we need to watch those when we’re already living the sequels? He looked at me fondly. I miss your laugh. Think comedies. 

I kissed him on the lips and tasted butter; obviously, he’d sneaked a few kernels before carrying the bucket in. Mmm. Butter, sugar, laughter...and you. That’s the best recipe I can think of for a perfect movie night.

Right. Who doesn’t love Jim Carrey?

I levitated a piece of popcorn, and it floated straight into his mouth.

He caught it, then pulled me in for another kiss. Hey! What happened to normal? he asked, laughing as we broke apart. Then again, that was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.

I cupped his face. Normal is so overrated.

Well, I hope this isn’t, he said, kissing me again.

Talk about a blockbuster, I said, winking. And for the record, Jesse, a date with you is definitely the best medicine ever.

We snuggled, laughed, kissed, and enjoyed each other’s company like any normal couple would. While it might have seemed mundane to anyone else, for me, it was one of the best nights I’d had in a long, long time, and I would never forget it.

JESSE AND I TOOK A walk around town to kill some time before the meeting of the witches, vampires, and werewolves.

We walked past the high school, and my stomach fluttered. I missed school, and so many memories over the years came flooding back. I was eager to get back to my studies, and I was happy his mother had volunteered to start homeschooling us, even though I was a bit unnerved about being around her. Jesse told me she was pretty ticked off at me for taking him on the run when he was transitioning into a vampire. And I couldn’t blame her. Jesse needed to be with his family at such a fragile time. They knew how to help him more than we ever could. I was shocked that my parents were okay with me getting homeschooled, since it meant Jesse and I would be spending so much time with each other, but I was almost eighteen. Fittingly enough, my birthday was on Valentine’s Day.

I stared up at the overcast sky. It was as dark as I felt at that moment. While we had survived so many close calls and I was happy that some things in my life seemed to be improving, I was still undeniably haunted by a deepening gloom, a fear that I might die in Big Bear Lake before we even put the candles on my cake. 

I’m tired...and nervous, I said. The last few months have been too much, so physically and emotionally challenging. I’m not sure how much more I can take.

Jesse pushed a strand of hair from my eyes. It’s understandable that you’re upset and uneasy, he said. I mean, look what we’ve been through. But don’t worry. Now you’re the one holding all the cards, he reassured me. That gives us the advantage.

Yes, the ball’s in my court since I hold their magic, but you know how sneaky they can be. Sure, they’ve given me sanctuary for now, but I’m sure it won’t last.

He pressed his lips into a grim line. I know. That’s why I didn’t think we should have come back.

I know you were against it, but we really didn’t have a choice. Those pissed-off gargoyles were after us. We had to get out of there, pronto.

By eliciting Drake’s help? he questioned.

I looked down at the ground and pushed my boot into a pile of slushy, dirty snow. We really had no other option.

I know. I guess you’re right.

We continued walking, but I stopped and swallowed hard when I realized everyone we passed was looking right at me.

What’s wrong? Jesse asked.

I stopped and looked up at him. They’re staring at me.

He smiled. Well, can you blame them? You do look beautiful today. I haven’t been able to take my eyes off you myself.

Thanks, but that’s not what I mean. They’re staring at me like I’m...some kind of freak.

A lot of those live here, like me. There are more vamps, wolves, and witches than you know.

Yeah, I see that now. They’re whispering behind my back.

Just ignore them.

She has uncontrollable and dangerous powers, a woman said as she passed by with a short man. She needs to be locked up.

I’m the talk of the paranormal world, I said, of this town.

You have their magic. Of course they’re gonna talk about it.

Well, if they can retrieve it without killing me, they can have it back.

That’s what the meeting is about. They want to come to an agreement, something that will make everyone happy. He looked down at his watch. As a matter of fact, it’s time.

My heart fluttered. Already?

Yeah. We’d better start heading that way.

Um, can we take the long way, just so I can get my nerves together?

He wrapped his arm around me. Sure.

Besides, I’ve never been known to be very punctual.

It’s okay to be fashionably late, he said, winking at me. The important thing is that you’re always willing, always ready to stand up for someone who needs help. That’s why you’re fighting for these petals’ lives...and it’s one of the things I love about you.

Awww. Thanks, baby.

We slowly made our way to the courthouse, and I braced myself to face the supernatural community. I was led down a long flight of stairs, into a huge room where people were seated at a long table, whispering amongst themselves. I knew right away who the vampires were, because they all had daylight rings on their fingers, like the ones Fred and Drake wore.

Ah, there she is, Drake said. Thank you for joining us, Taylor. Please have a seat.

I looked at Drake and then all the others. My hands began to shake, betraying how uncomfortable I felt, but I tried to smile at them anyway. As I sat down, all eyes focused on me, and the smile quickly left my face.

Jesse sat next to me, and Kierra and Sam waved at us. We smiled and waved back.

They’re here to represent the Leyna, Jesse said.

And me too, a man said, standing next to me.

Hello, I said.

I’m Anthony, leader of the Leyna.

He was dressed very casual with brown wavy hair and he had those same beautiful eyes Jesse had.

Just wanted to say hello and meet you in person.

I shook his hand. It’s nice to meet you.

The pleasure is all mine.

Jesse met the man’s gaze. Is Jeanie coming?

No, she’s meeting with some fey over recent attacks with the king of the immortals.

He then returned to his seat. I wondered if Jeanie was fey and just learned of her true heritage as I had. I was hoping to get a chance to meet with her sometime.

Oh, hey, is your mom coming? I asked Jesse.

No. She hates these meetings more than anything. She says there’s way too much drama.

I get that. I wonder where Julie is.

She is tainted, the woman next to me informed me. And she doesn’t belong to a pack, which makes her unaligned. Julie will not attend these proceedings, but I assure you that she has been given sanctuary as well. No harm will come to her in Big Bear Lake, at least while the Tala is underway.

I looked at Jesse. Tala?

The temporary treaty all the leaders signed, he said.

You mean the werewolves, vampires, and witches?

Yes. Nobody can touch us while the Tala is in play.

Okay. That’s good. When does it...expire? I questioned.

That’s yet to be determined. For now, we have a month, free and clear.

Thirty days, huh? That’s something, I guess.

A woman with her hair pulled back in a tight bun stood. Since Taylor is not a member of the board, she must be represented by a trusted board member. No one has been named officially, and we cannot continue without following proper procedures.

I will serve as her representative, Drake said in an authoritative tone.

Jesse jumped from his seat. You will most certainly not!

You are not a member of the board either, Drake said, glaring angrily at the interruption. Someone must stand in for her, and I am on her side. Like you, I only have Taylor’s best interests in mind.

Laughter came from the back of the room, and a woman shouted, Drake sticking up for a human? He definitely wants something from her.

The man next to her nudged her. Think he’s after her petal blood or her magic?

Obviously both, she said.

I wasn’t a paranormal creature, and I shouldn’t have been able to hear them, so I could only credit that power to the strong magic coursing through my body. For a moment, I wished I couldn’t hear them at all, because the whole thing had my nerves so on edge.

Drake, Jesse said, your services are not required. Thank you for your kind offer, but we have Tabby in our corner.

The woman who had spoken before spoke up again, and her gaze narrowed suspiciously at Jesse. And she agrees? She is not here to speak for herself, and that’s not like Tabitha.

Jesse glanced toward the door, wondering where she was. Yes, she agreed, he said. 

She placed her hands on her hips. Well, where is she then?

I’m right here, Tabby said, walking in with a pile of files in her hands. She was dressed in a contemporary business suit and heels, and her hair and makeup were flawless.

You’re late, the woman snapped.

Tabby turned to Drake, and her eyes burned into him. That tends to happen when a mysterious group of vampires attacks my car. I sent them back to Hell as fast as I could. You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you, dear Drake? she asked.

Of course not, he retorted.

She smoothed her skirt with one hand. Are you sure? I mean, with me here, Taylor doesn’t exactly need you. I suppose that is somewhat of a blow to your exaggerated ego.

Drake rolled his eyes.

Tabby smiled. Thought so. Then she pulled the woman aside and began showing her the documents in the files.

Meanwhile, a man with a long blond ponytail and dark eyes approached me. He obviously hadn’t been near a razor in a few days, so his chin was peppered with unkempt stubble. He was dressed far more casually than the others, in a flannel shirt, jeans, and brown boots, but I truly loved the leather bracelet on his wrist.

I’m Ivan, he said with a friendly smile.

Taylor, I said, holding out my hand for a shake, though you probably already know that.

Yeah, but it’s nice to meet you in person, he said, firmly shaking my hand.

Nice to meet you too.

Tabby spotted him talking to me and quickly approached. Did Ivan tell you he’s the leader of the werewolves now? His father recently gave up his position, she explained, looking at him disapprovingly.

Ivan shrugged. He held the position for hundreds of years and had tired of it. Everyone deserves to retire at some point. He left quite a legacy behind, but I’m happy to step into his—

Paws? Tabby said scornfully.

Boots, Ivan corrected with a scowl. Drake is the leader of the vamps, but I will be taking over the wolves.

It’s nice to meet the big boss, I said. I don’t see much of you guys.

He shot me a flirty grin. Well, you can plan to see a lot of me.

You do realize I’m a petal, don’t you? You’re supposed to want me dead.

He gazed at me, long and hard, and a pained expression came over his face, as if my words stung. For a moment, I wondered if Ivan was the white wolf I’d seen through the portal in Winterland. As I pondered that, images of the wolves barking at the ice dragon flooded my head. I wanted to ask, but I didn’t.

Next, a tall man with short, cropped hair walked over and shook my hand. I am Maurice, the leader of this coven of witches and warlocks in Big Bear Lake.

I shook his hand. Nice to meet you.

The honor is all mine.

Tabby sat next to me, then looked at the others. All this hospitality is wonderful, folks, but let’s get down to business, shall we?

Chapter 2

A WOMAN RANG A BELL and spoke, Today’s meeting is about Taylor and the Millennium ceremony, which will take place on January fourteenth, on the first full moon of the new year.

It’s been recorded, said a woman with short black hair, typing away.

Then let’s officially begin.

Millennium ceremony? Hmm. Finally, I knew the name of the ceremony I so dreaded, the ritual that threatened to take my life and blot me out of the universe forever.

Maurice crossed his hands on the table. So, Taylor, tell us... What do you know about your unique lineage?

I swallowed past a lump in my throat. Well, I know you are my people, I said. I admit, though, that I was very shocked to find out that I come from a line of, uh...evil, wicked witches.

Is that how you feel about your kind? he asked.

I just wish you would’ve left me alone, stayed out of my life and in the fairytales, where you belong.

Maurice laughed and looked over at Tabby. I do believe you’re rubbing off on her.

Sarcasm is my middle name, she replied with a shrug.

His attention shot back to me. You, Taylor, are far more special than any ordinary witch from any ordinary fairytale.

Yes, I know. I supposedly come from an elite witch bloodline, and you choose some of us to be petals.

Yes, but you’re more than that. You were chosen when the blood contract was written hundreds of years ago. You are...doppelgangers of the original witches in the contract, and you’re a tenth-generation petal of the Millennium ceremony.

Lucky me, bestowed the wonderful honor of being a petal. Am I supposed to be happy about that? Glad that I can serve as a sacrifice?

You are one of only a few remaining petals. After just one more ceremony, all the witches will be empowered.

And I will cease to exist, right? Yeah, I know the drill. You don’t care about my death. I’m just a means to an end.

The girl’s mother should be in attendance, a woman said. She would make sure Taylor will fulfill her obligation, just as the other petal mothers have done so in the past.

Taylor’s mother doesn’t know about her heritage, Tabby chimed in.

I’m sure she could be...convinced.

Tabby shook her head. No! As I survivor myself, I refuse to advise Taylor to go to the ceremony, and I’m certainly not going to let anyone try to talk her into her so-called duty. She owes you nothing, least of all her life.

Drake crossed his hands on the table. Please forgive Tabitha, everyone. She is weak and biased, as she has been through struggles similar to Taylor’s, and they both hold a grudge against the witches. Considering this, it seems only fitting to allow me the privilege of serving as Taylor’s advocate. I can remain completely neutral, and I will not take sides.

Humph, one of the men groaned. You’re far from neutral. You hate witches, and you despise werewolves just as much. You’re just better at hiding your homicidal disdain, and don’t even get me started about your feelings about the humans.

Why must we have vampires on the board at all? a woman rudely asked, arching her brow at Drake.

Because all supernatural races deserve to be represented, a woman in red said. Now, let’s stop squabbling like children and get back to the matter at hand.

Taylor must be represented by someone who is not biased, Drake continued. We all know Tabitha resents the witches for trying to take her life all those years ago. Frankly, I don’t understand why you witches are not onboard with me intervening here. I cannot see why you wish for Tabitha to lead her, considering how much she blatantly hates all of you.

Do not speak for me, Drake! Tabby said, angrily banging her fist on the table. I don’t hate the witches. I’ve forgiven them.

And will you forgive them again when they sacrifice Taylor? he asked.

Drake, this is uncalled for, she said. You’re trying to manipulate this council just to get your way. Will your power trip never end?

Give me Taylor, and I won’t say another word.

No, I said. I want Tabby. She has my best interests in mind, and I trust her completely.

The girl has spoken, said a man with a short beard.

Tabby smiled, as if flattered.

The woman in red looked at Drake. It is settled then. Tabitha will be Taylor’s confidante during this tedious process, and we will hear no more arguments on the matter.

Drake nodded. Very well.

A woman with blonde hair tied in a bun looked at me with her green eyes, then darted them at the others. I arrived in town today from Salem. Why was Taylor kept in the dark about her heritage?

Because witches are cold and sneaky, I said. They kept it from my grandmother, mother, and me, brought me here to Big Bear Lake thinking I wouldn’t find out anything. That way, on the day of the ceremony, they could easily snatch me up unaware and slice my throat. You know. All in a day’s work. 

It’s what you were born for dear, the woman said.

Careful now, I said. I can easily turn you into something you were not born to be.

A rat seems fitting to me, Jesse’s brother said under his breath.

Kierra elbowed him. Shh!

The woman clutched her chest and looked at me like the freak that I felt like I was, as if she was appalled by my threat and my powers. 

Please, Taylor, Tabby said.

Sorry, I replied. I was just having a little fun. I took a deep breath and tried to settle down. I actually felt sorry for the woman. She’s brainwashed, I told myself, taught that bullcrap her whole life. I just hoped I’d never be that foolish or jaded. 

You must do what you were born to do, the woman said. We all must.

Save your speech, Tabby said. Taylor’s heard it time and time again.

The woman looked at Maurice. Her mother should’ve been raised in our ways and traditions, the way it’s been done for generations. Then the girl would know and accept what she needs to do.

My mother never would have gone along with it either, I said.

Her grandmother and mother were put in hiding, Maurice said. We just found Taylor recently.

But according to the notes, her grandmother lived in Big Bear Lake.

We didn’t know she was from the petal line or even a witch, and since she had no idea herself, she had no secrets to spill. Her name was changed when she was young. Clearly, someone was trying to protect their bloodline, to hide them from us, and they did a good job of it. Her memory was even clouded by a spell, though we have no idea who cast it. Whoever it was, they went to incredible lengths to wash away any trace. The grandmother and mother are completely clueless. Maurice shot a cold look at Drake. And Taylor was, too, until she stumbled on the truth.

You witches crossed me, Drake said. Taylor had a right to know what she’s up against.

Maurice crossed his arms. It was forbidden for you to tell her.

He smiled. "Oh, but I didn’t. She never heard it from my mouth. If memory serves me correctly, it seems she read all about it in an ancient book she stumbled upon."

Stumbled upon!? You led her to it in some childish tantrum, because we refused to work with you, Maurice said. You didn’t care about helping her. You only told her as a way to cause mayhem for us, to pay us back.

Of course the witches wanted her to remain naïve and clueless, Tabby snapped. She was easier to control and manipulate that way, and she would have been easy pickings on the night of the ceremony.

Anyone who chooses wolves over vampires needs to be taught a lesson, Drake said.

Speaking of wolves, they have just as much blood on their paws as the witches have, I said. They protect us so valiantly, then lead us to our doom on the day of our sacrifice. How cold is that? It’s as despicable as the witches sacrificing their own just to get what they want. Sadly, if I respect anyone in this room, it has to be the vampires.

Thank you, Drake said.

I pointed a finger at him. Not you! You tried to kill me, too, ordered my execution.

"With good reason, my

Reviews for Deep Web

[Renee Collis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Omg another awesome installment of the series. I can't believe after all of the trails and tribulations that Taylor and Jesse have been through that it all comes down to a waiting game. Waiting to see if Taylor lives or if the moon princess will succeed in claiming Taylor's life. Can't wait to read the next book.