A New Beginning: Carson Manor, #3

By Candace Dowds

Jaxon and Skye have finally left Carson Manor, but life isn't quiet for long. It never is. Now that Skyler is a Vampire, she spends her days and nights adjusting to her new life and abilities and trying to control her blood-lust with her husband's help, but soon enough, a rogue who threatens to out the entire supernatural species, takes Jax away and Skye is left to deal with a ghost. A ghost that shouldn't be able to come to her now that she is no longer fae.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Candace Dowds
• Release date: Sep 28, 2016
• ISBN: 9781537363271

Candace Dowds

Candace began writing after the passing of her son in 2009. It has been an emotional release for her. She is supported by her family and friends. Other than the time she is writing, she sits back for hours reading books by her favorite authors, Tijan Meyer, Rachel Vincent, Richelle Mead, Colleen Hoover, Claudia Gray, Jay McLean and so many more. That or she will go for a calming drive while listening to Eminem, Slim Shady, Marshall Mathers or The Rap God, whichever you would like to call him. Her kids are just like her, sarcastic, but fun loving. The rules she lives by 1 Don't take life too seriously 2 Don't live up to others ridiculous expectations 3 Surround yourself with people who love you for you 4 If life becomes too much, have a stiff drink and start again tomorrow.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Skyler

Al, Lila, Skye and I managed to find a four bedroom, two-story home on ten acres, an hour and a half drive from Carson Manor. We thought that we should have semi-separate living quarters to the others now that we’re married. Actually, it was more so Lila’s idea. She is sick to death of hearing Skye and me in bed. Now that my wife is a vampire too, we don’t hold back. It can get quite loud and never boring.

We still share a kitchen and a main living area, but we also have a smaller library. Skye chose an amazingly comfortable chaise that fits just her and me and that’s where we go to lay back together and read. The whole house has a shabby chic feel to it. At first, I wasn’t overly thrilled about it, but I compromised with Skye because she hates houses that have perfectly straight lines and feel as if no one lives in them. I have to admit, her style does make the house feel like a home with the cream and lemon accents and not to mention the crazy comfortable overstuffed sofas.

Skye has stayed out of school and has been spending most of her time trying to control her blood lust. She has been working so hard, I’m so proud of her and I know she will have the courage and restraint to be able to go out alone soon. The only other issue we were trying to work through was the fact that last night, a ghost came to see her, seeking help.

Skye was thrown because none of us thought that the dead would be able to come to her now that she had been turned.

Lila and Pete are still going strong. He drives out here on a Friday afternoon and doesn’t leave until Monday considering the fact that he doesn’t have class until Tuesday.

Albie, well, Albie is still a man whore that always has a new woman hanging off of his neck, I guess nothing ever changes with him.

***

Hey you, I say to Skye when I roll over in the morning and see that she’s already awake reading a book. I’m guessing she didn’t get up when she woke because my arm is tucked under her head.

She places the book down on the bed and rolls over onto her back. Hey, you sleep okay? her smile is the reason I get up in the morning.

I shift until I am hovering over her. I slept great after you’d finally finished with me, I chuckle as I lower my head down and press a kiss just above her collarbone. This girl wore me out last night. I literally had to tell her that I was too tired or she wouldn’t have let me sleep whatsoever. I’m still trying to get used to the fact that she isn’t fragile anymore. She’s stronger and faster than me in all ways.

Her breath hitches as my lips trail down to the valley between her breasts, Skye’s hands are already lost in my hair, but then there is a banging on the door and I groan, resting my head on her chest.

What? I calSkye wraps one of her legs around my back and tightens her hold on me.

Skye, stop fucking Jax. We have an appointment this morning, remember? Lila calls from the other side of the door.

I’ll get up now and meet you in the kitchen in ten, Skye calls while I groan against her sexy tits.

There is something very wrong with the pair of you. Skye, ten minutes or I’m kicking this door in.

I promise, I will be ready. I won’t even let Jax come into the shower so I’m not late, Skye laughs as I groan again.

I hear Lila skip down the hallway. Just give me five minutes, I beg.

I can’t baby, I promised Lila I would go with her. You know how lonely she’s been since we moved out here. She will make new friends soon, but until then, I need to help her, Skye explains.

I want to be selfish and lick every single inch of her skin, but I know that Lila is having a rough time now that Pete is only able to be with her on weekends. Where are you guys going? I kiss just below her breast.

Her leg tightens again. She made us nail and hair appointments. She wants to look hot for when Pete arrives tonight. I hear her breath hitch again when I lick and kiss her skin.

My head keeps telling me to stop being selfish and pull away, but when I look up and see her blue eyes on mine, her long blond hair running past her shoulders, I want to be that asshole that doesn’t let go, but in the end, I do.

As I sit up, she lifts to her knees in front of me. Why couldn’t you have wrapped yourself in the sheet and run to the bathroom instead of sitting naked in front of me? I pout.

Her head tilts as her lips come to mine. Because I can. She presses a quick kiss to my lips and stands, moving to the bathroom.

I’ll get coffee, I groan as I stand and pull on my jeans.

Our kitchen is huge. All of the cabinets and islands are made from a dark wood with cast iron handles. It’s light and welcoming. As I said before, I have always loved a home that has clean lines and everywhere is white, but this style is definitely growing on me. It’s a home. It’s a home you don’t want to leave because of how comfortable it is. Al and Lila told me that they wished they had let Skye decorate the last two homes because they were sick of living in an operating theatre.

When I enter the kitchen and Lila spots me, she puts her coffee down on the table and begins to clap her hands together. Well, well. Look at that, Al, he turns to see what is going on from where he is seated beside her. I’m so proud of Skye. She didn’t let you go in the shower.

My head shakes from side to side. I don’t know why you bitch at us all of the time. From the minute Pete gets here, to the minute he leaves all the pair of you do is bump uglies. Leave us alone, please. I move to the counter, grab two mugs and pour Skye’s and my coffees.

When I finish, I place them on the table and take the seat opposite her. I know that the only way to understand a relationship like ours is to actually be in one yourself. I know that’s not possible, so all I can do is try to explain in terms that may help them understand. Okay, I have to explain some stuff to you. I get that you don’t fully understand what it is we have, but you knew that we were closer than any normal couple before she was turned, right?

I can see that the sarcasm Lila was wearing before has lessened. Yeah, she frowned.

My brain is ticking over. I need to explain things so that she can understand why we are the way we are. My eyes meet her black ones and I can see that the small black haired Pixie looking vampire is giving me her full attention.

The bond between us was strong before, no doubt, but because I was the one to turn her, it is now tenfold. I thought shit was serious before, but now. I take a breath and press on, I’m trying to find the words, but they won’t come. I lift my head and meet her gaze again. It actually hurts my insides when I know she’s far. It hurts when I can’t be close to her. We’ve talked about it and it hurts her too. It’s more than love and sex, Lila. I want and need you to know that there is so, so much more to it than just being a pair of newlyweds that can’t take their hands off of each other. Before I can press on, I sense Skye behind me. Her arms come around my shoulders and my hands reach up for them.

It’s just too fucking hard to explain for anyone else to understand, Skye’s voice is low as she leans in and tucks her face in the nook of my neck, her long blonde hair falls, brushing against my chest.

I’m sorry, Lila started. I have no idea what it’s like and I will try and keep my mouth shut. I’m not going to lie, though. When I see how cute you two are together, it really makes me miss Pete.

Skye’s grip tightens. She feels bad for Lila, but knows how hard it would be for us to try and hold back. Yes, when we’re together, even away from the house our hands are always clasped or we are walking awkwardly with our arms wrapped around each other. I love our bond, but I hate it when we are apart. You feel as if your insides are twisted. It hurts.

––––––––

Skyler

My heart does ache for Lila, but it isn’t something anyone else will be able to understand. Let’s get out of here, I say to her.

Lila nods. I’ll just grab my purse. Your car or mine? My smile is wide. God, I should have just grabbed my keys. You scare the shit out of me when you drive that Charger. I always feel like I’m in that damn movie, Tokyo Drift, she laughs and goes to get her purse. I’d tell you to take your Chevy, but I know that my life would be in danger, regardless.

I lean forward and pick up the mug of coffee in front of Jax and scull. He stands as I do and takes the now empty mug out of my hand and places it down on the table.

When his eyes meet mine, I know what he is thinking before he even says a word. I love her, but there is no way that I can stay apart from you. I shrug.

He takes me in his arms and kisses my cheek. I couldn’t either.

You ready? Lila chirps from the hall.

Coming, I call. I duck my head and stare into his eyes, I’ll see you soon. Love you, this time his lips meet mine.

Love you too, baby girl.

***

Lila survives the car ride out to the salon. When we walk through the doors my body goes ridged. This is the only public place I have attempted and succeeded in not letting the blood lust take control. I have been here a few times since the move and it does become easier and easier to cope with. Hopefully, in the near future, I will be able to go out and mingle with the humans on a broader scale, but until I know for sure that I am not a danger to them, I will stick to only coming here.

Look at these two sexy sluts, Cammie, the owner of the salon says as we enter.

Cammie is a bundle of laughs and is so goddamn inappropriate that I swear, she is related to Jessica. God, I miss Jessica. Cammie, let me tell you, I am not a lesbian, but if I were ever to swing that way, Cammie would be the girl of my dreams.

She’s tall with long, dark brown hair, defined cheekbones, perfect lips and brown piercing eyes. She must work out at the gym for hours a day to keep her figure so damn trim and sexy. ‘Shit, maybe I do have a crush on her.’ I think.

Good to see you too, Cammie. Where do you want us? I ask her.

Hair first?

I nodded. May as well. I want a change though and not just a trim, I explain.

I’ve felt like I’ve needed a change since we moved here. Nothing over the top, but something. What are we doing? Do you have any ideas? she came towards us. Here, take a seat at the stations and have a flick through the books. I’m sure there will be something in there that will catch your eye.

I drop into the black swivel chair and stare into the mirror. Sure, my hair is long blond and beautiful, even if I do say so myself, but it needs something. I want to keep the length, but maybe not the color. I figure that since I’m going to live forever, then I can experiment. What are you thinking? Lila asked from the chair beside me.

I don’t know. Suggestions?

Her eyes light up, I think you should go red.

My head snapped to the side, That’s a bit extreme, don’t you think?

She leans over and speaks so low that only I can hear, Why not? We have forever to try new wild things. Go for it, she then moved back in her chair and went back to flicking through the magazine Cammie had handed to her.

I pulled out my phone and text Jax.

Me: Lila is trying to make me change my hair to bright red. Please don’t hate me if I do come home with it. You know how convincing she can be.

My phone lit up within moments of hitting send.

Jax: That would be so fucking hot!

Me: What?!

Jax: You’d be my sexy vixen. Go for it, baby girl. I hope you weren’t messaging me looking for permission. I love you and anything you do. Never will you need to come to me for approval. No matter what, I’m all yours.

Me: Fuck, I love you.

Jax: Love you too, baby girl.

So, did you get the permission you were seeking? Lila chuckled.

He told me that I didn’t need permission and that I should go for it, I shrugged as I bent down, dropping my phone into my handbag.

He’d love you no matter what.

I know. I turned my chair until I was facing her. My hand lowered the magazine she was holding. I’m sorry. I’m sorry that my relationship makes you miss Pete. I’m sorry that since I was, I glanced around me before pushing on, That our new bond has made things harder on you. We don’t mean to make you feel that way and I will do my best to hold back when you’re around. It will be hard, but she is my closest friend and she needed support, not me rubbing her face in my love.

She moved forward, dropped the magazine and took my hands in hers. No, don’t fight the bond on my behalf, I was being a bitch. I was jealous, I was jealous because you two are so amazing together. I just miss Pete. I wish I could go back and stay with him, but I can’t really risk being seen. It defeats the purpose. She shrugged. My brain kicked into gear and I knew I was smiling like a moron. What is that look for? she questioned with a side glance.

You can go and stay there.

Her brows bunched, What are you talking about? I can’t let anyone near Carson Manor see me.

You don’t have to go anywhere near Carson Manor. You can go out to the cabin and stay there. It’s a thirty minute drive from Pete, but it’s better than it being an hour and a half. Nanna’s cabin sits there empty. No one has used it since me and Jax went out there to cover the furniture before we moved out here. If you want to, it’s all yours until Pete finishes college. God, I hope she says yes. I know deep down that Pete will one day become like us. I know because their love is pure and strong. They need to find a way to be together.

Her face relaxed and was replaced by a huge smile. Are you sure? It was your Nanna’s cabin.

If I wasn’t sure, I wouldn’t have suggested it. Get yourself all sexed up for your man and take him out for dinner tonight and tell him that you will be going back with him. I’m going to miss her. I know she’ll be home every other week, but I’m not normally separated from Lila for long periods of time.

Since the very minute I met her, we were friends, which grew into us being family. Lila is my family since all of mine is now gone, taken from me.

The moment my father and grandmother were ripped away from me, I didn’t think I would be able to continue smiling or laughing, but Lila, Jax and Al did their best to fill me with love and warmth. But at the end of the day, I still miss them.

My nanna Sophie took me in when my mother continued to neglect her motherly duties. She protected me and took me away so that the men that traipsed in and out of my mother’s life would stop doing the horrible things that they would do to me.

Lila was my support for the first ten months I lived with them back at Carson Manor. She helped me deal with what those men did to me. She helped me cope when I knew there was a strong connection between Jax and me, but he stayed away. Sure, he stayed away because he wanted to save me, to protect me from his life, but it hurt. It hurt so much and she helped me through that.

Thank you so much. I’m so sorry I’ve been such a miserable bitch, but then shock took over her delicate features. What about you? I’m the one that helps you with the whole lust thing. I can’t go and leave you while you still need help.

I let go of a chuckle. I have a husband that will be more than happy to help if it means that you will be with the man you love. You don’t have to worry about me. I have two pretty fucking amazing guys back at the house that will step up and help me through. You are my concern. I need you to be, my happy little pixie looking vamp that I fell in love with the minute we met. I moved so that my butt was on the very edge of my seat and pressed a kiss to her cheek.

Her arms went around me, Thank you, Skye, I could hear her tears.

You are more than welcome. Now, let’s get this red in my damn hair.

While I sat and waited for the dye to work, I turned to Lila once again. Hey, I hissed.

She looked over to me. What’s the matter?

I used my feet to shift my chair so that I was right beside her. I needed to talk to her about something I didn’t need any humans to