Untamed Dreams- A Dangerous Beginning Volume IV

By Christy Frazier

Ending the curse was only the beginning...
Conrad has left his life on the sea and has settled into the modern world. His new life is going well until blood coins from the old world begin to surface at different crime scenes.
Brenna finds herself transported to a strange world where odd looking carriages move without horses and the people wear strange clothes. She is living with murderous and thieving pirates from an old world. Doing everything she can to survive, she strives to get out of the bad situation she is in. A glimmer of hope surfaces when she meets Conrad. But nothing is ever easy...
Can Conrad, Brenna, Kayli, and Colton stop pirates from the old world from entering our modern world or is it too late?
Fans of the Untamed Dreams series will be captivated by this continuation of an already riveting story. Untamed Dreams- A Dangerous Beginning is an enticing blend of danger, mystery, and forbidden romance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christy Frazier
• Release date: Sep 25, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311504050

Christy Frazier

Christy Frazier has been in love with words ever since she learned how to write her name with red finger-paint in Kindergarten. Christy mainly writes young adult urban fantasy novels. Her Untamed Dreams series is no longer a trilogy due to her fans reaction to ending the series. They wanted more, so she wrote more! She is has also written a self-help book for parents and their children currently titled: “All Kids Are Smart”. Which was inspired from her 18 years of teaching elementary children. Her newest novel, The Bench, took her nearly six years to write. She began writing it to help her cope with the passing of her mother from cancer. She feels that the time to publish it finally felt right. She currently has published nine novels, 3 self-help books and several children’s picture books. About the author Christy Frazier, is an internationally published writer and award winning photographer. She received her degree in “Art Commercial Photography” from Weber State University. She lives in Utah with her husband, two kids, two point five cats, one of which fetches like a dog and a vegetarian yellow lab dog. She has been teaching advanced learning children, grades K-6 for over fourteen years. Her combined passions of writing, photography, and teaching children have inspired her to write and photographically illustrate many stories including her latest novel, Untamed Dreams- A Dangerous Beginning. “Imagination is a powerful tool.” - Christy Frazier

Book preview

Untamed Dreams- A Dangerous Beginning

By Christy Frazier

Published by Christy Frazier at Smashwords

Copyright 2015 Christy Frazier

Cover Photo and Design Copyright 2015 Christy Frazier

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold 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.

Discover other titles by Christy Frazier at Christy-frazier.com.

This book is dedicated to everyone who loves a good pirate story.

Chapter 1

Brenna stood in front of the bathroom counter. She finished washing and drying her hands and looked at herself in the mirror. Her long thick black hair was pulled back into a ponytail, only her straight bangs framed her face. Her dark brown eyes and thick lashes were marred by the dark circles under them. She brushed her fingers under her eyes. The dark circles disappeared for a moment then quickly returned. She let out a long sigh, before she straightened her apron over her jeans and t-shirt then left the small room. Her shift was almost over and she couldn’t wait. Then again maybe she could wait since the real work was going to begin once she was off work.

She walked into the kitchen and looked at the long counter lined with dishes of food. Order up! shouted a thin older man with a graying mustache and beard. He walked over and handed Brenna a large tray with several dishes on it. Table four’s order is ready.

It’s not my table, she began.

I know but Charlotte isn’t feeling well so I sent her home. Can you stay and finish her shift? I know you are almost finished with yours, but we are slammed and I could use your help.

John was the owner of Tyke’s Café, which was located next to the City Creek Mall in downtown Salt Lake City. Brenna was grateful for John and felt she owed him a lot. She didn’t have any kind of I.D.

or work experience she could list, so nobody would hire her. John had given her a job when nobody else would, and he paid her cash every week, ‘under the table’. He didn’t ask questions as long as she did a good job and showed up for her shift.

Brenna picked up the large tray and left the kitchen. She wove her way around several tables then stopped. She set the two plates with burgers and fries down in front of the two gentlemen sitting at the table. My name is Brenna, and I’m taking over for Charlotte. May I get you anything else? she asked.

She looked down at the two men and waited for their answers. They quit talking and looked up at her. She quickly sucked in her breath. One had short dark ruffled hair and dark blue eyes, and the other was blond with piercing green eyes that seemed to look right into her soul, which startled her causing her to drop the tray. In her attempt to retrieve the tray, she knocked a glass of water over and it spilled into the blond man’s lap. Embarrassed she quickly grabbed some napkins and tried to dab the water from the table and handed some to the blond, since he was now standing and brushing ice cubes off of his legs.

Oh, I’m so sorry, she stammered out an apology. She could feel her cheeks reddening. I didn’t mean to be so clumsy. I’ll go to the kitchen and get a towel to dry your pants with.

The blond man bent down and picked up the tray and handed it to her. Don’t worry, it was only water, he said. They will dry. He looked at her, causing her cheeks to redden even more.

Their eyes locked. A warm tingly feeling rushed through her. Neither of them moved until the dark haired man cleared his throat breaking the moment.

Trying to get her composer back, Brenna smiled weakly, Now that I have provided you with some entertainment with your meal, can I get you anything else, like another drink? All she really wanted to do was leave and hide in the kitchen and not have to face these two again.

My drink is fine, stated the dark haired man who was grinning.

The blond didn’t say anything; he just smiled at her and shook his head no. My soda is still full and I really didn’t want the water anyway.

Okay. Enjoy your meal. Brenna quickly walked away then scurried into the kitchen, once she was out of sight of the patio. She went into the mop closet and hid while fanning at her face wondering what was wrong with her. She had never acted so foolishly around anyone, much less a man.

Brenna, is everything okay? John asked, as he peeked inside the closet.

Yeah, I just spilled a customer’s water all over him and I’m feeling very stupid right now. I just need a moment to compose myself.

John smiled. It happens to the best of us. Don’t let it get to you. If you would like, go out and offer everyone at the table a complimentary dessert.

Okay. She would do this because it was the right thing to do, but inside she didn’t want to go out and face them again. Taking a deep breath she left the kitchen and walked over to the table. When she got there, the table was empty. She quickly looked around for the two men and began to panic, they hadn’t paid their bill.

Gina, one of the waitresses, was a tall and slender blond, rushed up to her. Don’t worry, they paid their bill. They asked me to get it for them.

Relief washed over Brenna. Good, I’m glad, she stated but surprisingly a part of her was disappointed too.

One of them asked me to give this to you. She reached into her apron pocket and handed her a folded napkin. Brenna unfolded the napkin; inside was a twenty-dollar bill and a note written on the napkins surface.

Brenna,

Don’t worry about the water, it didn’t damage my clothes. Thank you for your service too. Please accept this tip as my friend and I had to rush off before we could ask you for the bill.

Conrad

Brenna read the note again and shook her head as she looked at the twenty-dollar bill. She was confused and Gina saw the look on her face.

Are you okay? she asked.

Yes, I mean no. I mean I’m not sure.

Gina took the napkin from her and read it. Wow that was nice of him. Most people just leave and never say anything and some don’t even leave a tip. This guy left you a twenty-dollar tip and a message. You must have done a really impressive job.

I dumped his water into his lap on accident, she stated flatly.

Oh. Well he must have liked you anyway to leave you that big of a tip. He isn’t here either so you may as well keep the money.

Brenna looked at the twenty then figured she would never see him again so it was okay to keep it.

Yeah I guess so. She tucked the bill into her back pocket then followed Gina into the kitchen to retrieve another order.

***

It was 10:30 when Brenna looked at her watch. She was going to be late getting home and she knew she would have a lot of explaining to do. Hatch didn’t like it when she wasn’t home by the 9:00 curfew. She quickly slipped into the café’s restroom and wound her hair into a bun and pinned it. Digging through her backpack she pulled out a baseball cap and put it on to cover the rest of her hair. Pulling her tip money out of her pocket, she put half of it in the inside pocket of her backpack. The remaining half she put into a small pouch she had. She changed out of her work t-shirt and jeans, and put on another t-shirt then covered it with a large worn plaid shirt, and pulled on a pair of jeans that were worn with holes in the knees. Next, she removed her tennis shoes and replaced them with an older stained pair. Folding her t-shirt and jeans up she placed them on top of her good tennis shoes inside the pack. With her head down, she quietly slipped out the back door of the café and into the ally.

Getting down onto her hands and knees she crawled behind a large dumpster that was behind the café. With her fingers she pulled a metal grate off of the brick wall and leaned it against the dumpster. She quickly stuffed the backpack into the vent then placed the grate back over the opening. Crawling back out, she stood up and dusted herself off. Quietly she emerged out onto the sidewalk and blended in with the few people who were still out on the darkened streets. Three blocks down she turned the corner then hastily dashed across the street to the other side and slipped between two buildings. The alley was dark and long, then it opened up to an old abandoned building.

Brenna hesitated as she approached the chained up door with its stained and tattered ‘No Trespassing’ sign nailed onto the middle of it. Turning she walked farther down the building until she came to a basement window. Bending down she slid inside through the glassless frame. The basement wasn’t lit, but she knew her way around the area in the dark. She came to a door and cautiously opened it, then slipped inside and carefully closed it behind her. A slight glow of light filtered down the stairs in front of her as she proceeded to climb them. At the top was a small room that was dimly lit with candles and an old campfire lantern.

Where have you been? hissed a young man. He jumped out in front of her.

Get out of my way Jerome, she shot back. It’s none of your business.

The young man stood and looked at her. His dark hair was unkempt as were his clothes. Dirt was smeared across his darkened cheeks and his brown eyes bore into hers. Hatch isn’t happy with you. He’s been asking everyone where you are.

I had a chance to make some more money and wasn’t about to pass it up. We all have to eat you know. She tried to go around Jerome but he wouldn’t move.

You’re up to something and Hatch will figure it out, he always does, Jerome warned.

Brenna moved around him and started to walk down the hall. "Jerome, I’m late because I had to be.

It’s none of your business, do you understand? She looked directly into his eyes and repeated, It’s none of your business."

Jerome stepped back and blinked a few times. It’s none of my business. He turned and walked away.

Relief washed over her. The last thing she wanted was a confrontation with any of the men. It always turned into trouble and trouble turned into talking with Hatch. This was something she hated doing.

Chapter 2

Brenna slowly walked down the hall until she came to a partially opened door. She hesitated before entering. Maybe Hatch would be in a good mood or maybe she could change it when she showed him how much money she had earned for the day. Quietly she walked in.

The large room was a stark contrast to the darkened rundown foyer and hall Brenna had just walked through. It was gaudily decorated with old furniture and a few old paintings on the wall, but it was better lit with more candles and several battery operated lights. The windows had been covered with cardboard to keep the light from seeping out to the street. There was a large gray couch with a coffee table in front of it. Underneath the table was an animal skin rug that had several stains on its tattered surface. Across from the couch was a worn brown recliner that faced the door. Sitting in the recliner was a thin pale man in his thirties, with long blond dreadlocks. His pale blue eyes intently watched Brenna as she walked in.

Where’ve ye been lass? We’ve been worried about ye, he casually stated.

Brenna knew the sincerity in his voice was just an act. Hatch didn’t like being challenged or disobeyed in any way. Those who did paid with a heavy punishment.

She moved forward towards him. I had a chance to make some more money so I stayed out late. There wasn’t any time for me to come and ask you first, she began.

His arm was resting on the recliner and he raised it slightly and moved his fingers around in a small circular motion. Enough with the prattle. Show me what ye’ve brought home and I will let ye know if it was worth ye disobeyin me.

Timidly Brenna walked over and handed him the brown pouch she had. Hatch opened it and pulled out a wad of bills and dumped the change out into his lap. Lazily, he counted the cash and coins. Hmmm, fifty-four dollars, not bad for a long day’s work. He reached out and took her arm pulling her closer to him. But ye and I both know that ye can do better than this, now don’t we.

Brenna did her best not to let him see the revulsion she felt for him. Yes, but it was a slow day and I wanted to–

Shhh, don’t say anything, just listen. He reached up to remove her hat but she flinched and moved back. Are ye afraid of me lass?

Brenna shook her head no.

I think ye are. Why I don’t understand since I saved ye from the depths of hell ye were livin in. Ye were just a street urchin when I rescued ye from the violent streets of Cozumel. Do ye remember?

Silently she stood in front of him and nodded her head.

I was hopin with time ye might trust me a bit more.

I do trust you Hatch, she whispered.

A cackling laugh escaped from his large red lips. No ye don’t lass, don’t lie to me.

I’m trying. Maybe it’s this new strange world you brought me to. There is so much of it that I don’t understand that it can be frightening. She had to admit that this world was strange. People didn’t use horses to move around in. Instead they used machines they called cars that moved without horses. Lights without wicks would turn on from a switch that was placed on a wall and not from fire. The people wore strange clothes too. The women wore trousers and dresses, but the dresses were so short, they would be considered indecent in her old world.

Maybe so, he said as he leaned back into the recliner. Tomorrow, I want to see ye bring in more; the family is dependin on ye. He chewed on the nail of his index finger for a moment then spit out the piece of nail he’d bitten off. Don’t be late comin home tomorrow, he warned. We’re goin to go for bigger loot I’ve decided. Enough with the pick-pocketing, it only brings in small gains. Me crew has been takin from the businesses but they can’t do it alone anymore. I want to move on to bigger spoils, maybe banks and some of those mansions up on the mountain side. We need yer help and the others too. Now off with ye. He waved her away with his fingers.

Brenna quickly left the room. Once she was out in the hallway she ran back to the foyer then up the next flight of stairs. At the top of the stairs she ran down the long hallway and opened the door to a small room at the end. Once inside she shut the door and locked it. She let out a long breath. The room was dimly lit by the soft light of the moon that filtered in through the barren window. She made her way over to the small mattress that was on the floor in the corner. This was her room, which contained an old mattress and a small light sitting on top of a cardboard box that got its power from a battery. She used the light sparingly so the battery would last longer. She lay down onto the mattress and pulled a tattered blanket over her.

Her mind wandered to four months ago when she was living on the streets of the small town of San Miguel in Cozumel. Her parents had both died from scarlet fever several months before. The epidemic had taken the lives of many people in the last year and it left many kids homeless, including herself. Though she was of the marrying age of nineteen, she vowed that she wouldn’t marry unless it was for love, not for convenience as many did. Her parents had loved each other deeply and she wanted the same thing for herself. As time went on though, the reality of surviving on her own was making her desperate. She had been kicked out of her home by Mrs. Jeffries, their landlord, because she couldn’t pay the rent. She had offered to work for the old woman to pay for her room and board but the old woman didn’t want anything to do with her. She had lost everything and was living on the streets begging for food, and stealing when needed. She found small jobs to earn money, but they were only temporary.

Then one day, her life showed promise of changing. She was thin and starving, and down by the wharf next to the docks looking for food and work when she met Hatch. He was kind to her and bought her a hot meal, something she hadn’t had in weeks. He told her that he had work for her and that if she joined his family, he would see that she was taken care of. His family consisted of homeless boys and crewmen from his ship. They would spend the day begging for money or pick-pocketing the rich then pool their loot at the end of the day. At the time this felt like an answer to a desperate prayer and in the beginning it was. She had a bed to sleep in and plenty of food to eat. This worked well until a bunch of men began to storm the docks asking questions about Hatch. Hatch got nervous and announced that they would be moving to another location. This is when everything changed.

When Hatch announced that they were moving, Brenna assumed it meant traveling in his ship to another port where they would once again beg and steal for money.

***

Now don’t be afraid, Hatch coaxed his crew and the others. All ye have to do is lock arms with each other, hold the rocks in yer hands and rub them between yer fingers. When I tell ye what place to think of, do it and we will all go together.

Brenna thought that maybe Hatch had been drinking so she did as he bid. He had a temper and she knew it was best not to argue. Holding the rock she began to rub it with her fingers along with the others. The room began to sway so she quickly closed her eyes thinking that maybe she was getting sick. Hatch then told them to think of tall buildings and streets that were paved with one solid brick, not dirt. He then told them to think of a large city named after a salty lake.

As Brenna did this, she began to feel lighter and lighter and everything quickly turned black. She tried to break her arms free from the others but couldn’t. She began to panic when a small beam of light began to form and started to get brighter and brighter. She quickly opened her eyes and realized that they were no longer on Hatch’s ship.

What’s going on? she nervously asked. She threw the rock down onto the ground. How dare you use black magic on us, you have done the devil’s work! she spat out.

The others began to murmur the same thing. Jerome, one of the older boys, began to wail that he would surely go to hell for participating in this.

Hatch walked up to him. Quiet boy, ye are not in hell nor are ye goin to hell.

But Jerome didn’t listen. I’m doomed for eternity. First for stealing and now for participating in the devil’s work, he screamed.

Hatch raised his hand and brought it down across Jerome’s face knocking him to the ground. I will not put up with such insolence do ye all understand?

Jerome lay on the floor whimpering while holding his hand to his aching jaw. The others stood still fearing what would happen next. Brenna silently breathed in deep gulps of air, trying to calm her nerves.

Look around ye, this here is modern society. Hatch raised his arms out and moved around. "Look out the windows; ye will see a new life waitin for all of ye.