Devil's Playgound: Night Hunters, #4

By Helena Shaw

She finally thought she was free.

Dawn Garrett has been on the run from her past since the day she turned eighteen. A new name, a new life, and a new love have kept her safe from the one man who will stop at nothing to get her back.

Together with Jase Byrnes, Dawn has stood up against werewolves, witches, vampires, and so much more. She’s learned to be a hunter and with Jase by her side, she’s finally found the strength she’s been looking for.

But the man she’s spent so long running from is hot on her trail and Dawn is out of places to hide. She’ll need to stand and face him, but she’s trapped in his playground and he’s got more tricks up his sleeve than she ever thought possible.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Helena Shaw
• Release date: Aug 21, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386187486

Book preview

Prologue

Fear. Even as she woke, Dawn could sense the fear all around her. Before her eyes even managed to open, her heart clenched in her chest and her breathing was sharp and shallow. It was more than fear that was claiming her. It was terror.

She didn’t want to open her eyes. She didn’t want to see what horrors awaited her when she forced herself to look around. What she wanted most was to hide in the darkness and hope that if she didn’t see what was hunting her, that maybe, just maybe, it wouldn’t see her either.

But she knew that wasn’t possible. Whatever it was, it was out there and if she stayed where she was, it would find her. It would follow her no matter where she went, but as long as she kept running, she might be able to keep a step ahead of it.

Slowly, she forced her eyes to open. She wasn’t sure what she expected, but when Dawn opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was light, falling snow.

No, she realized as she looked around. It’s not snow. It’s...

Ashes.

Somewhere nearby, something must have been ablaze and scattering countless flecks of ash through the air. The air was so thick with them that Dawn could barely see twenty feet in front of her own nose, and it took her a moment to realize where she even was.

New York, she whispered, and then she slapped her own hand over her mouth. Something was out there, and any sound she made would only lead it toward her.

How did I even get here? she wondered to herself as she forced her legs to start moving. She was at an intersection that she swore she’d seen before, but couldn’t place. Wherever it was in the city, she was a sitting duck and she had to get moving if she wanted any chance to escape.

The last thing she remembered was getting on a plane at Heathrow Airport. When she’d woke, she was back in New York and everything was wrong. Smoke filled her lungs and she had to fight back choking coughs to keep from making a sound. With each step, the ashes crunched lightly under her feet as she moved through the city.

And she was entirely alone.

This isn’t right, she realized as she made her way deeper into the city center. Times Square was just ahead and she was starting to recognise where she was. The Square, even with the ashes, should have been packed to bursting with tourists, but there wasn’t a single other soul to be found.

She wanted to call out to someone, anyone, but she couldn’t. She wanted to scream Jase’s name from the top of the Empire State Building in hopes that he would find her, but even without knowing for sure, she had it in her head that he wasn’t coming. Not now, not ever.

Instinctively, her fingers moved to her wrist to stroke her old charm bracelet for comfort. It was the same bracelet she’d worn as a child, the one her father had given her and that she’d discovered in the final remains of her childhood home. The same bracelet that Jase had gotten repaired for her and added a charm of his own to.

And it was missing.

Without the comforting and oddly warm silver around her wrist, she knew she was truly lost. Deep down, there was something in her that knew she needed that bracelet. That it was protecting her from something, though she couldn’t say what. All she knew was that when she was without it, she was vulnerable.

Her feet picked up speed as Dawn moved toward the park. Despite the smoke in her lungs and the ash making it hard to see, she was making nearly impossible time as she made her way through the city. She was half running, and half looking to find anyone so that she knew she wasn’t completely alone.

What if it was another attack? Dawn wondered to herself as she got to the entrance of the park. It had been two and a half years since she’d last traveled through it. That was the night she’d left her old life behind. The night that Jennifer Waters ceased to exist, though it would take a long time before Dawn Garrett came to life. Even with stops along the way, she hadn’t stopped running since the moment she’d entered Central Park and now she wasn’t quite sure that she could go in there again.

Though stopping went against every instinct inside of her, Dawn slowed her pace and looked up at the buildings around her. She looked for flames and strained her ears for sirens, but heard nothing and only saw more smoke.

She’d been just a child when the planes hit the Twin Towers. It had been just another day in school, and New Jersey had felt like a million miles away from Manhattan. Her father was still alive, her parents were happy, and her charm bracelet was around her wrist.

And yet, even as a child, she had seen what was going on. She saw it on the news. The smoke, the ash that coated the city, it was all so familiar and now it was happening again.

But this time she was in the middle of it.

Somewhere in the distance, the ground rumbled and cracked and sent her running again. The park was an old, haunted memory to her, but she forced herself inside and kept running until she reached the fountain in the middle of Central Park. She’d been there a hundred times before and she’d never been there alone, but this time was different. There was no one else and the ground was coated with ash, but she knew in the distance that something was watching.

And the air was getting hotter.

Ahead of her, off in the distance, faded flames of orange and red burst to life. Even through the thick ash, she could see the fire and it sent her running all over again.

But no matter where she ran, it was all around her and closing in. The heat stung her eyes and made it nearly impossible to breathe, but she had to keep moving. If she stopped, everything she’d fought for would be lost.

Just keep running, a voice inside her pushed her on. Don’t stop.

It was advice she’d been following for more than two years and she carried it like a mantra. If she kept putting one foot in front of the other, the darkness wouldn’t find her and she would be free.

Or free enough.

Ahead of her, deep in the park, the red and orange gave way to something soft, pale, and blue. Even without seeing it clearly, Dawn knew that whatever it was, it was there to help her.

Jase? she wondered as she ran. He’d always been there for her, he protected her, and better yet, he’d made her stronger. He’d taught her to fight, he’d given her a purpose.

And he loved her.

Jase! she let herself cry out as she raced toward the pale blue figure, but no matter how hard she ran, she couldn’t catch up with it. It was always just out of reach, and the smoke and flames made every step a struggle.

Please! she screamed. Jase! Help me!

Just as Dawn thought she was getting closer, that the spell had been broken and she could reach him, something grabbed her by the ankle. Without warning, she tumbled forward and barely got her hands up in time to protect herself from the fall.

Help! she screamed as she tried to kick herself free. Someone! Please!

She screamed and screamed as the inky darkness dragged her backwards and away from her salvation. Her fingers dug into the ground and she tried to run, but her legs were tangled and she was out of strength.

All she could do was scream.

Dawn! a voice echoed in her ears. Dawn, stop! Wake up!

What...? she mumbled as her eyes fluttered open. Her chest hurt and her eyes stung as she came back to consciousness. Her ankle hurt where it had been grabbed and her palms were sore from where she’d caught herself in her fall.

But none of it was real.

Dawn, are you okay? Jase asked as his green eyes met hers. Concern had painted deep wrinkles on his face and his hand was squeezing hers.

That explains why my hand actually hurts, she thought as she sat up in her chair.  Around her, other passengers were staring at her and a flight attendant was making her way toward where she was sitting.

Is everything okay? the woman in the sharp blue uniform asked in a pleasant voice that was betrayed by the annoyance in her grey eyes.

Um, yeah, Dawn forced herself to say. Just a bad dream. I’m really sorry, flying stresses me out.

That last bit was a lie. Dawn had always enjoyed flying and it was Jase who had trouble with it, but the tables had turned. It had been a struggle to get him on the flight to London, and it had taken a lot of soothing words to get him on the return flight to Washington, but now his worry had turned into concern for her.

I’ll bring you a glass of water, the flight attendant said. Is there anything else I can get you?

A shot of whiskey, Dawn sighed. Or whatever else you have.

Make it two, Jase told the woman and waited until she was out of earshot before he asked, Whiskey?

What? Dawn asked as she flopped back on her seat. Her fingers moved to her wrist and found her bracelet exactly where she had left it. It was a simple thing, but it reassured her more than any words could.

Nothing, he sighed. Just, you haven’t really drank much since we left Goosemont.

So? Dawn snapped and then immediately regretted it. Shit, she sighed. I’m sorry. I just... that dream really screwed with my head. I just need something to calm down is all.

And here I was thinking I’d be the one freaking out on the plane, he said. Would it...

Before he could finish, the flight attendant returned with their drinks. Whiskey was off the menu, but she did have vodka and left a small bottle of orange juice to go with it, though Dawn had no intention of touching it.

Sorry? Dawn asked once they were alone. What were you going to say?

I was going to ask if it would help for you to talk about it? Jase asked as Dawn sipped the vodka. It was harsh and reassuring as it passed over her lips and she sighed as she tried to settle the anxiety that was still racing through her.

I honestly don’t remember most of it, she said as she kept her gaze straight forward. I know you’re supposed to be able to remember your dreams better when you wake up in the middle of them, but it’s already going away.

Was it about what happened in London? Jase asked. Rhys?

No, Dawn mumbled. Jase’s question was vague, but it had to be. They were on a packed plane on their way back from a job in England. He couldn’t exactly ask out loud if the dream was about the vampires she’d fought in London. Her ribs still hurt from her fight with Marilyn, which would explain why it hurt to breathe even after the dream ended. She’d even had to use the last of her cheap foundation to cover the goose egg on her forehead from when she slammed her head on the stairs.

But none of that had been in the dream.

Anything that might jog your memory? Jase asked while his eyes still searched her for clues.

No, I... she began, but when Dawn looked out the window, something clicked. She could see flakes of snow as they passed over the Atlantic Ocean and they reminded her of what she’d seen in the dream. Ashes, she said. I think something was on fire.

That’s no good, Jase sighed.

Not really, Dawn agreed. Honestly, it’s probably some lingering effects from whatever Rhys was doing. That, and I’m pretty sure I’ve got a bit of a concussion.

We should have gone to the doctor before we left London, Jase sighed. They have free health care.

I don’t know if that works for tourists, Dawn told him. And I’ll be fine. It’s just a bump on the head, I’ll get over it.

And if it’s not just that? Jase asked. If it is Rhys?

Then I don’t know, she sighed. While they’d been in London, Rhys had made it very clear what his intentions were toward Dawn. A powerful vampire like him was used to getting whatever he wanted, but Dawn had rebuffed him at every turn and he’d taken to her dreams to try to convince her to be his.

But her heart already belonged to another.

London was hundreds, if not thousands of miles behind them though, and with it were the vampires. They’d been tricked into doing Rhys’s dirty work, and worse, the woman they’d gone to find had been turned into a vampire herself. One that Dawn had the misfortune of putting an end to.

A dark, paranoid part of Dawn was almost glad that it had turned out that way. If the heiress they’d gone to rescue was still alive and human, they would have had to return her to her parents in New York. Jake and Helen Morgenstern, a couple that Dawn had once met when she was a scared young woman named Jennifer. They hadn’t recognized her, not with her dyed hair, soft tan, and newly toned body, but she couldn’t escape the worry that it had all been pretend.

Going back to New York to return their daughter scared Dawn worse than she wanted to admit, even to herself. For all she knew, the wealthy couple knew exactly who she was and had reported back to her more-than-estranged stepfather that she’d been in the city.

But with the young woman not only dead, but a vampire, there was no need for them to return to Manhattan. They were going to Washington instead, and from there Jase had promised a trip south to escape the cold. There would be snow in New York, but Florida would be warm and Jase assured her that Seth would find them something to do down there.

Seth, the central hub of the world she lived in now, was the one who had the misfortune of informing the Morgensterns that their daughter had passed on. The official story was a drug overdose, and Dawn assumed that would satisfy them. The young woman wouldn’t be the first of the young and beautiful Manhattan elite to O.D. on an illegal substance, nor would she be the last.

You sure you’re okay? Jase asked her as he squeezed her hand again and brought her out of her own head.

Yeah, she lied. Just wondering about the weather. Normally we’re above it, you know? It’s weird for there to be snow this high up.

It’s probably just a bad storm, Jase said in an effort to reassure her.

You’re right, Dawn sighed. Most of it’ll be under us. A few flakes are nothing.

As long as it’s not like this on land, Jase laughed.

Dawn smiled and said, Then we could get diverted to Miami. Skip the middleman and go right for the beach.

No complaints from me, Jase said as he brought her hand up and kissed the back of it. Though neither of us is ready for beachwear.

True enough, Dawn said, and to her own surprise, she laughed. With her body being so bruised from her fight with the vampire known as Marilyn, to Jase’s scars from countless battles, neither one of them would escape a lot of stares if they went out in bathing suits.

It’ll be fine, though, right? Jase asked, his confident shell slipping some.

Oh yeah, Dawn said. They fly in this all the time. I wouldn’t worry.

But just as the words of reassurance left her mouth, the speakers above them crackled to life.

Good morning folks, or evening, as it is now, the captain said. This is your captain speaking. Due to the weather in Washington D.C. we have been forced to divert to LaGuardia Airport in New York. Shuttles will be available to hotels when we arrive and you’ll be directed to connecting flights from there. We apologize for the inconvenience.

A collective round of groans filled the plane when the announcement finished, but Dawn didn’t hear any of them. Her fingers only dug into the armrests of her seat while panic gripped her.

Chapter 1

In a previous life, Dawn had travelled through countless airports, but she’d never seen anything like the chaos at LaGuardia. Flights from all over the coast were being diverted there, and with so many stranded passengers, the staff were overwhelmed and everyone was lost and confused.

She and Jase were awash in a sea of other displaced travellers and yet she had never felt more alone. Anxiety coursed through her veins as she searched the crowd for familiar faces and tried to stay hidden behind Jase while they moved with the mass of people trying to get any kind of information out of the befuddled employees who were barely keeping up.

It was all she could do to fight back the strongest panic attack she’d ever known. Something about the whole situation made her stomach sink and deep down she knew there was a reason she was back in New York.

Stop it, she told herself as she squeezed Jase’s hand. Losing him now would be like losing a life preserver after being swept out to sea. Despite being jostled and pushed by everyone around them, she refused to loosen her grip and get torn away from her lover.

In the back of her mind, Dawn almost had to laugh at herself for the panic she was feeling. She’d faced off against monsters. Real, honest monsters, and yet New York scared her more than any werewolf or vampire ever could. Witches, ghosts, and ghouls, she’d seen them and knew they were real.

And they were nothing compared to the monster that lived in New York City.

He’s just a man, she kept mentally repeating as Jase moved to the luggage carousel. He can’t hurt you.

That much was a lie, and she knew it. He’d already hurt her more than