Resolve: The Dream Slayer Series, #6

By Jill Cooper

The epic two book finale starts here. The stakes are higher. And the enemy is one of their own. 

It's all come to this. This moment in time. Everything Natalie Johnson has fought for. 

Newly promoted paladin commander Natalie Johnson is about to bring the demonire tracking system online. If she's successful Meadow's Creek may finally be safe from bloodsuckers. If not, the egg on her face will be enough to make a gourmet omelet. 

But when old friends and foes begin showing up in town under questionable circumstance, it's clear something new is on the horizon. The murder of a prominent official threatens to cripple the brittle peace Natalie has brought to town. 

Alternate realities and timeline jumps all converge revealing truths, deceptions and worst of all, roads not taken. Natalie must face her worst fears, her biggest regrets, and most of all a deep longing that nothing will ever be the same again. 

Meanwhile a long sought after ally brings them all to the brink of madness. And his betrayal? Could be the biggest heartbreak of them all. 
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jill Cooper
• Release date: Mar 6, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524267001

Book preview

Resolve

It's all come to this. This moment in time. Everything Natalie Johnson has fought for.

Newly promoted paladin commander Natalie Johnson is about to bring the demonire tracking system online. If she's successful Meadow's Creek may finally be safe from bloodsuckers. If not, the egg on her face will be enough to make a gourmet omelet.

But when old friends and foes begin showing up in town under questionable circumstance, it's clear something new is on the horizon. The murder of a prominent official threatens to cripple the brittle peace Natalie has brought to town.

Alternate realities and timeline jumps all converge revealing truths, deceptions and worst of all, roads not taken. Natalie must face her worst fears, her biggest regrets, and most of all a deep longing that nothing will ever be the same again.

Meanwhile a long sought after ally brings them all to the brink of madness. And his betrayal? Could be the biggest heartbreak of them all.

Chapter One: Jordan

Jordan stood on the mouth of the cliff overlooking the forest below. The trees bellowed in the breeze and the leaves sang their song. Head back with the wind cascading her dark brown hair in a wave, their melody surrounded her in a giant hue like blanket. It breached her skin and tickled her soul.

It was just the kind of lame touchy feely crap Jordan detested, at least aloud, but when it came to wielding magic, things were different.

Everything was connected.

Her magic came from the dirt and the roots of the trees. It extended up to the breeze in the sky and stretched toward the heavens through the branches of the trees. When Jordan was channeled deep in the earth, she could see the colors swirling around. Even the netting as it reached deep into her soul.

Enough with the touchy feely crap. It was time to get the party started.

It was black and peering down below at the trees, Jordan could see shadows rustling through the leaves. Her vision would never allow her to, but her third eye, the one deep inside her soul could see them. It was instinct and not real vision. CB, or Charles Buckle to everyone else, was teaching her to trust her instincts. Her ability to see what could not be seen. An entrigual part of magic was trust an using your gut.

Jordan didn't know why she trusted him. She hadn't trusted any guy since her dad died, but something about him put her at ease. And hell, it wasn't like she was the only one that felt that way. The paladin commander too had her own daddy issues even if her damn dads were multiplying.

Okay, enough talk, Jordan silenced. Herself. It was time to act.

She jumped down off the cliff toward the ground. Arms outspread and her hands cupped toward the earth, the magic flowed through her fingertips at the same time it flowed up from the earth. Jordan's black cape like dress fluttered behind her and by the time her combat boots crunched into the rock, her eyes shined red. Her long black hair billowing behind her, their tips beginning to turn white, voiding of color as she consumed every bit of energy in her to fuel her magic.

We've got your back. Her ear chipped with the sound of Marcus' voice and her heart skipped a beat.

Incase she failed. That's what Marcus meant. Incase she couldn't kill the target practice vamps. Real vampires, not demonires, but total yesterday, mindless drooling monsters. Kinda cool, in a studying the evolution of blood suckers kind of way.

The sounds of the forest, the movement of beats and tempo came to life all around Jordan. She went deep into a runners lunge and planted her fingers into the grass. Pushing further until her fingers were one with the dirt and an earthy natural smell permeated her senses. With a gasp of breath, her eyes opened wide and the crystal she wore around her neck for protection shimmered until it glowed.

Jordan chanted and around her, they tightened. The vampire shadows against the trees advanced and the trees cried their warning. A sound so magical, in a language so unique, Jordan couldn't believe people could miss it's hum—it's beauty. Almost like a damn Elvish song from Lord of the Crap that Marcus was always going on about.

The power built.

The power grew.

It nestled inside her belly like a seed. And it churned and grew into a powerful sphere, spinning in size like a giant snowball that picked up snow as it went. Jordan's breath could not be steadied and when their claws were all around her, Jordan's eyes went white and a trail of blue ink seeped from her lids.

Scared her the first time, but so far her eyes hadn't stayed white so it wasn't something she worried about.

The power surged through her and made her heart beat faster than it ever had before. Jordan sucked in a breath, squeezed her eyes shut and gave a shrill battle cry as the power exploded from her in a blinding white light. It hung like a giant orb in the sky, right above her head.

The orb glowed in a blinding light and the vampires cowered away from it. Jordan extended her hand above her head to touch it. She had to go on tip toe and stretched her fingers as tall as she could, to swipe at it. When Jordan's fingernail rocked the core like piercing an overripe piece of fruit, the electrical current shot out from her into each of the vampires.

They cowered, but Jordan missed what happened next as her body was rocked backwards through the trees.

Her body slammed into a trunk of a massive tree. Everything ached despite the mossy grass collected at the bottom that cushioned her fall. Jordan grimaced and smelled the iron tang of blood, but it wasn't hers. It was vampire and her hands were covered in it.

It worked. The vampires exploded.

Gnarly. Jordan whispered and tried to push herself up. But her limbs were shaking. There was nothing she could do yet about how exhausted she was after magic. They had tried different crystals and incantations, but so far nothing worked. Charles thought it was something she needed to grow into, but Jordan was ready for it to be done. Over.

Jordan was ready to be fully grown. She was ready to feel this sort of power all the time. She sat up and leaned her back against the base of the tree. Footsteps and rustling were coming f or her and there was nothing she could do. Her power wasn't strong enough to be tapped into again, her hair was even white from her shoulders down to her waist.

She was drained and needed a cookie.

Jordan wasn't strong enough to use a stake. Her crossbow skills were completely lame. She grabbed a rock and wound her arm up. When the figure crossed her path through the branches, Jordan threw as hard as she could.

It hit whoever it was, right between the eyes.

Ow! Melvin!

Jordan's eyes went wide. Marcus? Why the hell didn't you say it was you?

He rubbed his nose. The crazy guy with the shaggy hair and his funky shirts and jeans that fit more into 1950s along with his high stylin' slang from yesteryear. Well, I was going to. He offered Jordan his hands.

She took them and her heart galloped away in her chest. Every time they were together he seemed to take another piece of it. But she couldn't think about that. Or even say it. Marcus was only recently unattached and his ex-girlfriend? One of the paladin commander's closest allys. Jordan didn't need that kind of angst.

Plus she had no stinking idea how Marcus felt. If he felt anything at all. He just never said. Never even hinted. Jordan was on her own with this one.

Marcus pulled her up to her feet. Nice job. The whole area was lit up. Those vampires really just exploded. Your power did that.

She was relieved to hear his words as they stepped out into the open. It was nice, to have friends. A true support system in everything she did. And with that, Jordan was growing more confident in her power.

Did any get away this time? Jordan asked.

Nah. There was a straggler, but Rick took care of him.

Rick. Jordan's face flashed hot and red. She couldn't stand that guy or his brother, so why was he always cleaning up her messes?

Don't look like that. Marcus went to touch her arm, but stopped short. It's not your fault your magic didn't get everyone.

I can't control it yet. Jordan admitted under the moonlight. I need to be able to control it if anyone is going to count on me. She sighed, frustrated and made two tight fists. How much more training can I do? What else can I ask CB that's going to help? Nothing! If the commander was here—.

Marcus' face went soft and he stroked her arms. Jordan moved in closer with her forehead bent. She'd tell you the same thing I am anyway. Awesome job. You're getting stronger. Don't be so hard on yourself.

Jordan gazed up into his face. For a split second she thought he was thinking of kissing her. Yeah, right. Yeah well, she ain't here to say all that.

I wouldn't bet on that, actually. Natalie Johnson, Paladin Commander, cleared thetrees with her arms crossed. Her curves were hugged by black clothing designed to keep her out of sight and on her feet were tall boots.

Except for one blue curl that framed her face, her hair was a long wavy brown. Instead of glasses she wore contacts and Jordan found her way more intimidating than she used to without them. More adult and in control, her big warm eyes stood out.

Jordan held her breath. Hey.

It was a good job, Jordan. Natalie's stance relaxed. I think you might be ready to start going out on actual patrols and not rigged ones, Natalie said.

Jordan was offended from the sound that expelled from her nose. Whatever, yeah. She shook her head. I don't, no. I mean. Maybe. Whatever. She rolled her eyes and turned her back.

Marcus stepped up. Where'd you find those vampires, babe? They were totally classic! Drooling, no talking, eyes rolling over silver, it was totally old school!

I know, eh? Makes you want for the simple days, Natalie said, but kept her eyes on Jordan's crestfallen shoulders.

Totally, but these days are mint in their own way. It was just so cute when they tried to kill me. I wanted to shake my fists and yell; you can do it little man, be the little vampire that could!

Natalie giggled. Marcus, sometimes you're just too much.

He raised his eyebrows. Except I didn't want to end up a juice pack. I'm no Melvin!

Are you on the jazz again? Natalie wasn't sure what the jazz was, but it was Marcus's latest saying and whenever he said it, Charles chuckled.

I am always on the jazz, babe. I live on the jazz. I better retire. I'll see you bright and early at work tomorrow. Marcus glanced back. Jordan?

I'll speak to her for a minute. Natalie patted Marcus on the back and approached Jordan. You know, just because you knew where the vampires were going to be, doesn't mean you didn't do a great job killing them.

I didn't. Jordan rubbed her arms and stared at the sky. One got away and I can't control the kick back. I can barely stand when it's over. You have any idea how long it's going to take my hair to get its color back? I can't just get a good night sleep like everyone else and roll back into it the next day. Jordan shook her head. Maybe I can't do it.

Natalie shrugged. Or maybe you're too hard on yourself and you'll get there. We all will, eventually.

Jordan's tongue piercing clicked against the roof of her mouth. Is this your pep talk?

Yes. Natalie stood taller. Is it working.

No. Jordan smirked and sat down on a rock. Kinda, I guess.

Natalie sat beside her. I know what you're going through. When I first used the crystal, the power consumed me. I...let vampires and demons, monsters, ghouls, all of it into Meadow's Creek. I know what it's like to want to conquer that power. To hold it. Taste it. Natalie sighed and folded her hands. But you need to relax. Sometimes the more you try to control something, the more it gets away from you. Sometimes the more it controls you.

Jordan nodded. It was good advice and she'd be an idiot not to take advice from Natalie, the commander and champion of their group. With the demonire tracking system coming online tomorrow, sometimes I don't even know why you need me or my magic.

Meadow's Creek is just one town. WOMP is always looking for people with your gifts. It's a rare talent and we should see where it takes you. Course, if you've changed your mind...

Hell no. Jordan snorted. CB says I take to it faster than anything he's ever seen. He's even found a new form of crystal to help my headaches.

Natalie stiffened when Jordan said his name, just like she often did. Have they helped?

Enough. Jordan admitted. You don't like that he's helping me, do you?

I don't own him. Natalie said but her eyes turned away.

If you don't want me to train with him—.

Her smile was forced and calculated, but Natalie patted Jordan's knee. Of course I want you to train with him. He's the best and I...I better get going. Bye Jordan. See you tomorrow morning bright and early.

Jordan gave a slight nod and as sadness spread across Natalie's face. Even when she was with groups of people, Natalie always seemed separate, like she wasn't part of the conversation. Jordan hadn't liked her at first, but she had come around. Now she really respected Natalie and wanted to be her friend, more than just her underling. She wanted to ask Natalie what was wrong, what was going on in her mind, but Jordan didn't.

She could never find the courage.

Chapter Two: Natalie Johnson

Natalie's security detail drove her home.

From the backseat, Natalie watched the city sweep by the windows. Inside her pocket was her wooden stake and she fiddled with it, mostly out of habit. She couldn't remember the last time she had been on a stakeout that involved her actually staking anything. Now it was all prep, planning, helping others hone their skills. Management had its perks, but it was kind of lame.

She missed the action and hoped after tomorrow things would finally relax a bit. Unless of course they brought the demonire tracking system online and it didn't work. Talk about egg on her face.

But if it worked... If it worked, maybe everyone could finally relax. Maybe Natalie could find a way to mend fences with Charles in ways that went behind work and finding a solution for a town. Maybe in a way where Natalie could feel like his friend again.

Her heart ached for it, her soul crave for it, but Natalie didn't know how to get there.

You're more quiet than usual, Ma'am. Agent Eric said from the driver's seat while his partner, Agent Andre, snapped his gum. Don't you want to comment on my driving?

Not tonight. Natalie rested her head against the window, listless. Tonight your driving seems perfect.

She didn't tell us not to call her Ma'am. Andre said.

Eric nodded in agreement. Maybe we should stop and by her ice cream. A pint.

Or two pints. Andre spoke into his collar. Someone pick up 2 pints of chocolate chip—.

Natalie leaned forward with a laugh. I'm fine, guys. Really. I don't need ice cream.

Oh c'mon, Nat-Two. Can you really say you don't need ice cream? What kind of a horrible thought is that? Ahh, her alter. It was always comforting to be in the company of her counterpart and friend. Thanks! It's always nice to be appreciated.

Tomorrow is going to go fine, Ma'am. Eric pulled the car beside the curb. You and the others have worked hard. I have no doubts that the demonire tracking system is going to work.

He said it, but her stomach rolled anyway.

When Andre opened Natalie's door, she smiled her thanks. I hope so. It could be our only step to final peace here. We finally may be able to put this whole demonire mess behind us.

And then what, Ma'am?

Natalie gave a shrug and gazed down at the diamond ring on her ring finger. A ring of promise that there would be an end to the death and the struggles. A promise of the future and not just one she made to Tristan, but one she made to herself. With Damien gone, maybe finally she could let him go.

Time will tell, gentlemen. Good night. She walked up the steps to her childhood home. Recently rebuilt thanks to the explosion that tore it apart, inside was remodeled and updated. But there were still towers of boxes in the corners. Slowly but surely they were getting settled, but Natalie would never get over the fact Ruth Johnson, her mom, wasn't there.

She wasn't there waiting for her. Instead she was buried at Meadow's Creek cemetery. And her mom's home was now so different inside with its sleek walls and contemporary trimmings, it didn't feel like home. But it was something Ruth would have wanted and she would have loved the cream walls and the lavish white rugs.

Natalie closed the door and latched it. Behind her, was stirring on the brand new gray sofa. I didn't mean to wake you.

Brian rubbed his eyes and shifted the old Afghan blanket on his lap. I was waiting up for you. Sorry to say, I fell asleep. How'd it go?

Good. About as good as I can hope for at this stage. Natalie sat down on the edge of the sofa and patted her dad's foot. Things weren't always so good between them, but now it was a grace Natalie didn't take for granted. But you didn't need to wait up, I'm fine. I'm not the one hunting vampires anymore.

Brian's eyebrows pinched together in a frown. Your my girl and I'm waiting up for you. No arguments.

Natalie's nose crinkled in a genuine smile. You'll get no arguments from me.

He closed the book that was on his lap and placed it on the coffee table. There's some left overs in the kitchen if you're hungry.

Not that hungry, but thanks.

Brian studied her. You've been saying that a long time. You have a lot on your mind, Nat, but you gotta eat. Just admit it, my cooking's that bad.

Natalie laughed. I grabbed a bite earlier, I'll eat a good breakfast. Promise.

Brian nodded and clearly accepted her response. Good. Natalie didn't want any more questions about what she was or wasn't eating. It was just one more thing. One more thing people watched and critized her for. Expectations. Natalie was sick of expectations.

Tristan stopped by. I guess he didn't realize you had a training assignment tonight.

Natalie's face fell and her heart skipped. I... just wanted to do this one alone.

Brian patted her hand. I know you love him, I do. But if there's something going on... Look, you'll be nineteen soon. You head this big organization. You're an adult so... if you want to move out, my feelings won't be hurt. You're young, in love, will be married someday. You're growing up and I can face it. Don't think I can't.

That's not what it's about, Dad. It was as far away from that as something could get. If anything, the problem was the exact opposite. Natalie didn't want to move out. She didn't want to leave her room. She wanted less responsibility, not more.

Brian's face was pained. You've been saying no to Tristan and if I'm the reason...I won't settle for it, understand? I've just got you back, really got you, and it's hard. But the truth is, I won't hold you back. I refuse to, Nat. So just tell me what the problem is.

Natalie shook her head and twisted the ring around her first. You're not the problem. There really isn't a problem. I'm just not there yet. Was all she could say?

Yes, she loved Tristan, but part of her was still clinging to the night of passion she had with Damien? Someone she hadn't seen in over two months? That no one would ever know that sometimes when she was with Tristan, she imagined he was Damien? She was despicable. Gross. Natalie didn't deserve anything she had.

She deserved dirt.

If you're sure. Brian studied her. If you're not ready, that's fine too. I'll keep making Mom's chicken pot pie and brownie recipe for you. Even the hot chocolate you like so much.

Natalie was relieved, living at home at least was something familiar. Something she could appreciate and fall back on. As long as you promise to tuck me in with my Carebear blanket.

Brian smiled. "Have a nice