The Shadow: The Dream Slayer Series, #5

By Jill Cooper

As a paladin champion, it is Natalie’s job to deal with the undead with quick judgment or else run the risk of major casualties. 

But when evidence surfaces that some demonires don’t want to feed off humans, Natalie is faced with a moral dilemma that goes against her closest ally and the moral code of the position she holds. 

With human foes and demonire allies, Natalie Johnson is about to make a decision she might never be able to take back. Meanwhile a deep-seated anger threatens to destroy the principles she holds most dear. 

In the tradition of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Shadow contains mature themes balanced with humor and quirky situations

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jill Cooper
• Release date: Mar 6, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524216238

Book preview

Shadow

As a paladin champion, it is Natalie’s job to deal with the undead with quick judgment or else run the risk of major casualties.

But when evidence surfaces that some demonires don’t want to feed off humans, Natalie is faced with a moral dilemma that goes against her closest ally and the moral code of the position she holds.

With human foes and demonire allies, Natalie Johnson is about to make a decision she might never be able to take back. Meanwhile a deep-seated anger threatens to destroy the principals she holds most dear.

Chapter One:

The Slayer

Mimes!

Why was it always stinking mimes?

It was dusk outside the Vermont National Bank. The wind howled over the town as footsteps stomped the slick pavement thanks to the April Showers.

The burglar alarm buzzed. Men in black and white shirts exited the building carrying purple bags with the $ symbol on the front. They jumped into two old cars that backfired as they sped away.

The slayer’s current position didn’t exactly allow her to lend a hand.

How did she get herself into these things?

A giant birdhouse big enough to house a woman was her current prison. As she pulled on the bars with her magenta colored gloves, it rocked back and forth on the towering scaffold beside the old Magic Bean. Every time she moved, tensed, or took a sharp breath, the birdhouse inched closer to the giant spikes below.

Inching closer to a certain death.

Escape wasn’t happening, but waiting to be rescued wasn’t really Natalie Johnson’s style. She was the slayer, after all... The one and only chosen one.

You are evil as your name, Maniacal Jones! Derek ‘Death’ Chaser fired his shot gun and the bullet went wide. He was a gruff, angry man with a five o’clock shadow and a long, billowing trench coat. As Maniacal’s henchmen charged after him, Derek dove behind a rusted green dumpster.

These new guys sure were interesting and Natalie had no idea where they came from. A week ago, Derek showed up with his very own arch nemesis. How that happened, Natalie had no idea, but it sure kept things interesting. These guys were bumbling all over town getting in the way of her investigations.

And now Maniacal had captured her inside a stinking birdcage—a pink birdcage, like something right out of the Barbie Dream House catalog, but a birdcage nonetheless.

Maniacal, in his black cape, matching fedora, and mask, laughed. You will never get her down. She is mine. Forever! He thrust his fists in the air and laughed, well, maniacally.

Even for an evil nemesis, you are over the top. Natalie shrugged, her long hair cascading down her shoulder. Hashtag, just saying.

In the dream world, where Natalie and her crazy flock of enemies lived, there was no Internet, no Twitter or Facebook, but thanks to her creator, Natalie knew all about those things and she loved using the hashtag shortcut to explain herself even if she was the only one who got it.

Maniacal scowled with confusion and Derek leapt into action, tackling his rival to the ground. Uggh! They went rolling down the alley away from her.

With arched eyebrows, Natalie watched with confused bewilderment. It was as if someone threw a comic book convention and instead of inviting readers invited the comic book characters. Except for the birdcage, Natalie had to admit the show was amusing, but Derek did give her the perfect chance to escape and she had to take it.

If she could just find a way to do it.

She stomped her spike heel boots on the floor of her birdcage and the cage shifted in the breeze. It might not have easily come apart, but it did move. Almost like it had a false floor.

Something snapped. She fell down to her knees and felt around, peeling back the outer layer of pink shag carpet with her super strength. Screws!

And if something could be screwed it could be unscrewed.

She checked around to see if it was safe. Off in the distance Derek said, Ugh! and plummeted his fist into Maniacal’s face. You haven’t left me alone since ’03! You will pay for what you did to my half-sister!

Well, they were still busy.

Natalie reached into her pink leather pants and pulled out a small dagger. She used it to unscrew the bottom platform. As it bottomed out, she grabbed the bars and gave kicked back her legs in a swing.

The birdcage rapidly descended toward the pit of giant spikes below. Natalie kicked and pulled her knees up to her chest to build up speed. The spikes grazed her bottom and she silently cursed.

Leather pants were not cheap!

She landed on the cobblestone sidewalk below in a crouch position and surveyed the landscape. The bank was still standing. Granted, it was on fire, but everyone inside was evacuated,  the police wearing round bowler hats as they ran after the robbers.

What was up with that new fashion statement?

Look out!

Natalie rocked back on her heels to avoid the crazy pack of demons charging in her direction. Grabbed by the waist, Natalie flew high up onto the rooftop of the building across from the bank. All thanks to the zip line traveler, Tristan Miller.

Tristan. Natalie was never so happy to see him. And her insides melted to be in his arms again. His strong arms held Natalie’s body close as they bent their legs and made a smooth landing.

I thought maybe you could use some saving. Tristan wore a high neck leather jacket and his jeans were tighter than ever. The beard on his face was permanent these days, but Natalie wouldn’t have it any other way. He was all man in a city filled with vampires, ghouls, and villains.

And she was beginning to think maybe, just maybe, part of him was hers.

Saving? Natalie cocked her eyebrow as she pulled him close. She nuzzled her cheek against his beard. Since when have I needed saving?

Tristan shrugged. Has to be a first time, right? Besides, if we’re going to be a team... He hooked his fingers into her belt buckle and pulled her against him. They were hip to hip.

Natalie thought she could get used to that, when she heard a squeak behind him. Get down! She pushed Tristan to the ground, grabbed her wooden stake, and slid it straight into the vampire that just about made Tristan lunch.

The vampire glanced down at its wound for a split second. Oh man. Just when I— His body dissolved into black blood.

Natalie stepped back as it pooled to the ground. She offered Tristan her hand and pulled him to safety right before the blood squirted in what some called the fountain of death.

But Natalie was not one of those people.

Who needs saving now?

Funny, Tristan said. It’s a good thing I like you so much, or my ego would be bruised.

Like. Fond. Four letter words, but not the one that had been on Natalie’s mind lately.

But if Tristan didn’t say it, maybe he didn’t feel it. Maybe they weren’t meant for happily ever after. Their romance started because of her creator’s feelings. And the passion in the real world oozed into the dream world.

Now Natalie didn’t know if what she felt for Tristan was real or just a case of lust. She thought it was real. It felt real. So how could she tell the difference?

You are totally over thinking this.

Natalie smiled at the sound of her creator’s voice. She was glad her creator didn’t mind that she was smooching a different version of her boyfriend.

She tucked her hair down behind her ears and surveyed the ground. Everyone was gone. Even Derek Chase.

Come on. Natalie took Tristan’s hand. If we’re going to find out what’s going on, we’re not going to do it here. Think you can give a girl a lift?

Tristan tugged her closer, his hands settling on her lower back right above her jeans. I’m pretty sure that can be arranged for the right fare.

Natalie cocked her head to the side. Fare?

Turns out the fare was a simple kiss.

Sweet and gentle. Perfect and joyful.

A few months ago, they nearly tore each other’s clothes off in a fit of lust. Now things were ... simpler, and Natalie was almost too afraid to wish for their happiness to last.

She gripped his neck tight and they whizzed back down in the air across the zip line. They landed just past the block where the bank was; the sun was shining brightly.

Gaining solid footing, Natalie scowled. She peered down the street to where the bank was and it was still nighttime. Huh, she said and tested it out. She walked back and forth.

Nighttime. Daytime.

Nighttime. Daytime.

Whatever was going on there, it couldn’t be good. Natalie was afraid it would get in the way of her plans for prom. Maybe she didn’t have any girlfriends to hang around the water cooler with, but at least she had a smoking hot date.

What do you think that means? Tristan nodded his head down the street toward pitch darkness.

Natalie didn’t know and the confusion churned her stomach. She watched the scene reset. The bank was no longer on fire. Everything was calm outside. Then, almost like a VCR that unpaused, Maniacal Jones and Derek Chaser popped back on the scene.

You’ll never get away with this, Jones!

It was like watching a movie on instant replay.

Whatever it is, I can only think of one man who might have the answers, Natalie said.

Tristan sighed. Oh man. Not the principal again.

It was no secret how nervous Charles Buckle made Tristan. Natalie thought it was cute but having him ‘um’ and ‘ahh’ all over the place was just going to get in the way of what she needed to do.

Natalie took his hands in hers and gave him a squeeze. How about you go get things ready for tomorrow night and I’ll head over and see what I can get out of Mr. Buckle?

You sure? Tristan asked, his eyes twinkling. He was a faker, but an adorable faker.

I’m sure. Natalie went on tiptoe to plant a kiss on his cheek. Unless this is your way of trying to get out of taking me to the prom.

No way. Wild horses and all that. I can’t wait to see you in your dress. His hands pulled her closer to him.

Natalie let out a relieved breath. Part of her didn’t expect it to happen. She didn’t think Tristan would really take her. She was the slayer and not worthy of doing something so normal as going to prom.

I better go before this gets more X-rated. Natalie pulled away from Tristan, her fingers clinging to his. This is a G rated world, you know.

Tristan laughed. Doesn’t explain why I’m thinking what I’m thinking. I’ll see you tomorrow. Call me if there’s any trouble tonight.

Oh, how she would. Natalie counted the ways she could make trouble just to see him again. Her heart was fluttering with delight and her mind was soaring on cloud nine. So distracted, she plowed right into the bus driver standing on the curb.

Oof! Natalie fell down to her butt with a resounding sigh. It didn’t get more ungraceful than that.

I’m sorry, miss! Are you all right? He offered Natalie a hand and she accepted it, dusting off her pants.

It’s okay. I should apologize. I didn’t see you. She stared up at the red bus. It wasn’t a city bus, but one of those massive double decker buses she saw pictures of. The ones she saw pictures of in the books from London that Charles kept in his office.

A bus like that isn’t going to Killington, is it? Natalie asked.

Killington, in this thing? The bus driver laughed and pointed his thumb at it. Hell, no. Didn’t you hear? The highway has finally been finished. That thing has been under construction for three years! Tourism is back. We can leave Vermont again!

The bus driver shoved a pamphlet in her hand before he stomped back up the steps to his bus. Natalie was numb as she flipped the red and yellow pamphlet over. There were specials to Boston, New York City, Florida and even as far away as California!

Natalie’s mouth flew open. The dream world was always small. It didn’t extend past the borders of Meadow’s Creek. If the dream world was now the size of the United States that must have meant her alter’s powers were growing.

All the possibilities that just opened up left Natalie reeling. It meant she could leave Meadow’s Creek, maybe one day for good. She could go anywhere she wanted after graduation. Maybe even leave the monsters behind. So many choices made her overcome with dizziness. It was just too much to comprehend, but it made sense.

Her fight with Surach put her parents in danger. If she wanted to keep fighting evil, Natalie needed to do so in a way that protected her family. That kept everyone safe. It wasn’t their fault she was the slayer.

The time for life decisions would come later. For now, Natalie drove across town to the lovely two-story home that the Buckles now inhabited.

They purchased it shortly after Natalie returned to the dream world with baby Jenna in tow; effectively the Buckles’ adopted daughter. A few days later, a social worker from the city stopped by to make sure Jenna was adjusting properly. Even Natalie was amazed sometimes at her creator’s power to make crap up.

Of course, Regan could claim Jenna at any time and Natalie didn’t know how she felt about that. She loved having a distant niece to visit and the Buckles were great parents. If Regan ever recovered and took Jenna away, Natalie’s heart would break.

It was a simple cranberry house with white shutters lined with a dark stained fence. The stone pathway leading up to the front door was lined with paisley flowers that hadn’t bloomed yet, but Natalie didn’t doubt Vanessa’s gardening skills.

She knocked and twisted the knob to step inside.

Half the living room was a family room now dominated by Jenna’s toys and things while the other half looked like a library. Rows of bookcases covered the walls and there was an old, green, ratty recliner in the corner that Charles refused to part with.

Asleep on it now was their new baby kitten, which they had gotten for Jenna, so they said. It was gray and white and named after Charles’s favorite sandwich, FluffnNutter.

Behind the blue sofa, Charles’s face poked up from his place on the floor. His face was that of a kind, gentle man. Oh, hello Natalie. We’re over here.

She returned the greeting and went over to him. On your lunch break I see. He was sitting on the floor with baby Jenna who was now over six months old.

She was a curious baby dressed in frills and ruffles. Today her outfit was pink and a stark contrast to her full black eyes and jet-black hair covered in a pink headband.  They still were not sure what consequences the virus would have on her, but she seemed a perfect, happy baby as she tried to crawl along the floor toward her teddy bear.

Hi, Jenna! Natalie plopped down on the floor. Jenna squealed at hearing her voice, but that didn’t deter her from pulling up on her knees and crawling around. She’s getting so strong. Is she supposed to be able to do that so young?

Charles could barely keep his eyes off his daughter. Um, I’m not sure to be honest. I’m not really a baby expert.

Natalie grinned. You’re just a Jenna expert.

Charles gave a hearty chuckle. You all right? You look ... a little rattled.

There’s a bank down town that’s being robbed on a loop. It’s even nighttime there.

Pardon? Charles asked, straightening up. Natalie could see why he would be confused so she launched into her entire story. I know I’m your go to research guy, Natalie, but I haven’t a clue where I should start.

She had been afraid that might be his answer. Well, try. Maybe call a friend? Maybe it was that mad scientist from last week. The one who made the bouncing flab.

You mean flubber.

Yeah, that guy. Hey, you don’t think he’ll be able to escape prison do you, using that stuff?

I highly doubt it. At least, I hope not. Charles’ eyes darted off to Jenna to make sure she didn’t get into anything she shouldn’t have. He glanced at his watch. My lunch break has gone decidedly over one hour. When I get back to the school, I’ll see what I can think of to crack this thing. Do you think people are in danger?

Natalie was thoughtful with a mouth twist. Maybe only if they want to make a deposit or withdrawal. Speaking of finances, I saw a double decker bus on my way over. Vacation season is back on. She handed Charles the pamphlet.

Charles took off his glasses as he studied it. You mean ... we can leave the city?

Would seem that way. I heard they finished repaving the highway too. It would seem the invisible gate has been opened.

Astonishing! We can go on a road trip! Charles looked over his shoulder. Vanessa, come here!

Looks like a small world, after all, just got a little bigger. Wonder if this means I can go to Disneyland. All the sports guys say they’re going after winning a big game. I see no reason why I can’t after slaying demons. I always wanted to meet a six foot mouse who can talk.

Remarkable. Charles’s was awed by his wide-eyed expression. Not that I doubt you or your creator. We saw how far reaching she really is when Jenna’s social worker came to check up on us. Oh, and you do realize there is a person inside the costume that looks like a six foot mouse, don’t you?

Natalie pouted. Of ... course I do. She cleared her throat.

Charles kissed Jenna’s cheeks and then placed her back on the floor beside her aunt as Vanessa came from the kitchen. She was wiping her hand on a blue dishtowel; underneath her arm was the newspaper.

Beautiful as ever, Vanessa had long, brown hair that she always wore loose around her shoulders. She was dressed in a long skirt with a slim fitting top. She always made Natalie feel welcome, especially at dinnertime.

Natalie watched the couple share a drawn out kiss before looking away. She didn’t know why she had such an elementary school reaction to their affection. Maybe part of her really did think of them like her parents, but that was crazy. If she did, it was her alter’s fault.

I thought I heard you out here. Vanessa smiled. Want to stay for dinner?

Talking about dinner already? I just had lunch. Charles looked at his watch. Oh, my goodness! Look at the time, I best be going.

Not tonight. I’m going to go home. But thanks for the offer. Going to see what my parents have cooking.

Before you go, look at this, Vanessa unfolded the newspaper of the Meadow’s Creek Chronicle. They all peered at the paper and Natalie read the headline. First Tourist Agent Opens Office in Meadow’s Creek Mall.

Natalie whistled. Look at that. I bet I could book a vacation to Jamaica there.

What happened to Disneyland? Charles asked.

That was so ten seconds ago, Mr. Buckle!

Vanessa smiled. Can we take Jenna on a vacation this year? Can we?

Of course we can. We can go anywhere you want to go...as long as we make the right precautions and develop an exit strategy. Just in case.

Natalie smirked and shook her head at him.

But it was like Vanessa didn’t hear the caution in his voice. She bounced on her feet throwing her arms around her husband’s neck. Natalie hoped one day she’d be as happy as they were.

She walked to her car while taking her keys out of her purse. The hair on the back of her neck rose and she looked over her shoulder. She expected to see someone there, or maybe even an undead something, but there was nothing. The slayer was experienced enough to know that just because she didn’t see something didn’t mean it wasn’t there. Perhaps it was just very skilled at not being seen.

There was nothing fishy or unexpected. Everyone she passed on the street seemed to be reading a tourism magazine or studying a map. She drove home, mindful of her surroundings, but wrote it off as paranoia.

Natalie expected to see her parents in the living room and be greeted with the smell of her mother’s cooking, but instead the house was dark and felt hollow like a tomb. Hello?  Natalie called out, and somehow it made her feel worse.

There was a note for her on the coffee table. On pink paper was her mother’s flawless handwriting:

Gone out for a movie. We left some food in the fridge for you. We love you to pieces!! Mom

Natalie placed it down while pulling her hair over one shoulder. It was nice her parents were enjoying life so much. Maybe being kidnapped by green demon mobsters was good for the soul.

Natalie’s room was pink, just like mostly everything she owned. She sat down on the edge of her bed and kicked off her shoes.

She glanced at her alarm clock and let out a long sigh. Her clock usually didn’t inspire such a reaction, but today was different.  Fizz, when did you get back?

The small gnome laughed, puffing on the end of his cigar. He sat on the edge of her clock and kicked his legs back and forth. Different from good Fizz, evil Fizz wore leather pants with a matching vest. Just a short while ago! Miss me, sweet stuff?

Not really. Natalie sighed. I let you go, you know. You can leave me alone. Go back to blowing stuff up, I give you my permission.

Nah, I don’t think so! Hanging out with you has potential for maximum violence. Why, I haven’t seen that much violence on such a grand scale in a long time. Not that I was there, but hey I heard your parents talking.

Talking?

Yeah, talking!

Who gave you permission to talk to my parents?

"Wasn’t talking, baby! I was eavesdropping. It’s what us mercenaries do. And talk they did! About how all the