Shadow to Jazzmine’s Heart: Conquer the Darkness Series, #3

By Kelly Jean Taylor

She is an outcast in a town that has deemed to call her a beast and monster. Jazzmine Levant keeps to the shadows where she uses her talents to blend in with the darkness she welcomes as home. Her life turned upside down years ago when one mistake ended her in the hands of a monster, but one person made it all bearable until she was rescued and he fled. The pain and fear rush to the forefront as she is reunited with the man she needs to live, but refuses to see.

Brady, finally reunited with his family after so many years has been sneaking out to communicate with his team of highly trained hunters. He relies on them to have his back until he realizes they have been using him the whole time to get close to those that were affected by Dr. Simonson's experiments. What they want, he must find out before he can resume his life beside his woman. 

From the beginning, they had a connection deeper than friendship. The events in the lab slowly tore them apart as the experiments continued. His blood now running through her veins and his power now flowing through her. Will he be able to save her as her body struggles to cope with the intrusion or will their pasts ruin them forever?

Schedule

Schedule

Schedule

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kelly Jean Taylor
• Release date: Nov 6, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386903598

Book preview

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Author’s Note

Excerpt From Blessing

For more Information

About the Author

Copyright © 2017 Kelly Jean Taylor

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form whatsoever without written permission from the author–except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine, newspaper, or on the web. This novel is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events; to real people, living or dead; or to real locales are intended only to give the fiction a sense of reality and authenticity. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and their resemblance, if any, to real-life counterparts is entirely coincidental.

Visit the author’s website at www.kellyjeantaylor.com

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I dedicate this story to all those going through a tough time and feel there is not end in sight. Just remember to continue your journey... it isn’t a journey without the ups as well as the downs. Continue on your path and you will succeed!

A warm breeze flittered across her skin as she strolled along the alleys of town. Jazzmine became familiar with the back-ways since coming to live here years ago. Although the small city became crowded during the day, she made sure there remained no pedestrians toward the evening hours. Darkness became her solitude, her refuge. Memories plagued her of a time years ago, a time of pain and deceit, a time of destruction. Unable to use her ability once she was captured, if she surrendered to her desire to escape her life would have gotten much worse had she gotten caught.

The moment they rescued her from that lab, she traveled back home to experience the rejection of the only family she had left. She remembered the harsh words and disgusted stares as she walked back into a home she didn’t recognize. The experience caused her to reach out to the only comfort she’d known, her shadows. The only thing that kept her from leaving this earth forever, the one thing her brother Jordon said as she walked out the door. I’ve always admitted you were special, but now you are no-thing.

You would expect those words to be the opposite of encouraging, but the way he emphasized it told her he didn’t believe his parents’ views. She was not this thing she had become, she remained special in his eyes. He secretly keeps in touch with her. The old saloon owner, so unlike the rest of the town with his old ways, remained kind and gentle toward her. Even allowing her to run errands for him at night and paying her so she could leave payment for what she took. He was also nice enough to allow her to have whatever mail delivered to the saloon and he hid them near the trash for her to pick up. Receiving letters from her brother always perked up her dismal existence.

The world seemed against her but her mind wouldn’t allow her to leave. She made an unlikely friend in the saloon owner and didn’t desire having to try again. Her life may not be perfect, but it was... hers.

––––––––

As she continued her stroll along the alley, her ears picked up the sound of chatter not far off. Her leather boots quiet as she headed to the shadows. She slipped in, winding her way to where the chatter became discernible while catching a view of the owners. As she peered around the corner her enhanced eyes caught a glimpse of blue as the couple passed.

The newcomers stopped at one of the merchant doors to read the posted sign. Her ears picked up their conversation, discussing the beast.

It’s not late, would you assume it is some sort of town holiday?

I don’t think so. He glanced at the door to a cafe examining the sign. He gestures to the note posted in the window. Closed early due to Beast, come back tomorrow.

Beast? What would you suppose that means? She turns to look up and down the road in search of some mysterious creature. You don’t expect it could be her, do you? If her situation is worsening, we need to find her soon!

I don’t know. Perhaps we will meet someone who can tell us as we search for an open establishment.

She wondered if the person they searched for were one and the same. That would mean they were searching for her.

Why on earth would they be searching for her... unless they were in league with the ones who tortured her years ago.

They didn’t seem the evil henchmen type, but that could all be show. The darkness surrounding her glided from one shadow to another as she followed the couple further along the walkway.  Her jumping from shadow to shadow somehow caught the other woman’s attention. She prayed she would keep moving, but no such luck. Even with her companion nagging at her, she continued to investigate. Finally the man relented and walked with her to see what she viewed down the alley.

The loud click of her boots sounded as she reached the end of the alley where she proceeded to glance left then right, Jazzmine growled, but remained still in the shadows a short distance away.

What was that?

Good question. Hello, is anyone there? The woman scanned the area with an observant eye as did the man, but lingered a few seconds longer on specific areas.  Looking straight in her direction, the woman’s eyes widened with recognition, but took no move toward her.

Blessing, my eyes detect noting out of the ordinary here.

I’m sure I caught something moving within the shadows. You didn’t see anything? She studied the man without breaking eye contact.

No, love. Nothing. We’re not going to find anything, let’s go get some dinner.

As she stared into the woman’s eyes, the sense of something strange filtered into her being. The sensation  hit her so hard she became unsteady and nearly tripped over a discarded box behind her. Never faltering in her gaze, she forced her thoughts to focus on her shadow. She was unfamiliar with these newcomers, the more they stuck around the harder it was to keep her shadows in check. Their emotions so strong she struggled with her most basic talents causing them to faltered.

To her surprise the young woman gave her a slight nod and finally took her companions suggestion to leave and eat.

All right love. Let’s go feed you before you waste away. She turned on her heal, grabbed her man’s hand and led him away from the alley. Her sensitive ears caught one more comment as the couple rounded the corner.

I’m not sure that’s possible, but I’m famished. Let’s get some food.

What was that? And how was I feeling it? It was like she experienced a sense of love, anger and irritation... not like the initial time she received those sensations. Any time she came in contact with anyone the emotions would bombard her, but this was different. She didn’t need to touch them to experience the emotions pouring off them. So surprised by the force of their empathy, her focus slipped and the woman down the isle noticed her. Now forced back into the comfort of the shadows she hid from the newcomers pondering how to proceed.

That was a long ride. Blessing eased out of her car and stretched her cramped limbs.

Yes, but it was enjoyable. You were with me. She laughed at his attempt at humor.

Yes, I’m glad to be with you on this journey. Do you expect it will take long to locate her?

Of course not, if anyone can find her, we can. Besides, we have so much talent on our side, I would be impossible not too.

You’re full of confidence, but I doubt it will be quite as easy as that.

You never know. Brady has been very helpful with where to locate her. How he knows remains a question, but we require all the help we can get. Let’s go check in at the hotel, then we can grab something to eat.

That sounds divine.

They checked in at the desk, dropped their things in their room and headed out.The wind a soft caress at they took a stroll down the sidewalk.

This is nice. I’m glad we managed to get time with just the two of us.

Well, let’s make the best of the opportunity, shall we. He grabbed her hand and linked his fingers with hers. How about some dinner? I’m starved. Then we can return to the hotel for a relaxing evening in front of the TV. You can choose the movie.

Yes, please. As they walked, they realized many of the establishments were closed. It’s not late, do you assume it is some sort of holiday?

I don’t think so. He glanced at the door to a cafe examining the sign. He gestures to the note posted in the window. Closed early due to Beast, come back tomorrow.

Beast? what do you gather that means? She turns to peer up and down the road in search of some mysterious creature. You don’t think it could be her, do you? If her situation is worsening, we need to find her soon!

I don’t know. Perhaps we will find someone who can tell us as we search for an open restaurant. He slid his hand in hers to link their fingers as they walked on in search of a diner.

Along the way, Blessing glances around still unnerved by the mention of a beast in the neighborhood. Her gaze travels down an alley and caught movement along the side, but as she tried to focus the object disappeared.

Come on, Blessing, it looks like the saloon up ahead has remained open. Let’s see if they serve anything edible. He tugged on her hand and she followed behind still wondering about the mysterious shadow. As they pass another alley, she witnesses it again. The slight movement within the shadows.

Just a minute Knight. I saw something down there. Glancing down the alleyway Knight detected nothing out of the ordinary.

There is nothing there. Let’s go eat. I’m starved.

No, there is something there, something hiding within the shadows. With strength he wasn’t expecting, she pulled him toward her mystery shadow. 

Blessing, there is nothing here.

Yes there is. I saw something. I know I did. She strolled through the alley watching her step around garbage bins, boxes and random odds and ends.

Baby, are you sure you saw something? Her sudden turn and look of irritation caused him to pick up his pace. Ok, we’ll check it out.

Thank you. She strolled between the buildings, her boots clicking as she walked. A low growl caused them to stop in their tracks. What was that?

Good question. Hello, is anyone there? His eyes scanning the darkness along the alley. Blessing performed her own scan, landing on a shadow that seemed off. For a split second she witnessed a woman, there within the shadows and she didn’t appear happy to having been noticed. Blessing thought it better to let her be for now, giving her a slight nod of understanding. Blessing, my eyes detect noting out of the ordinary here.

I’m sure I caught something moving within the shadows. You didn’t see anything? Her peripherals picked up his searching the other side of the alley, but his eyes never focused anywhere for more than a few seconds.

No, love. Nothing. We’re not going to find anything, let’s go get some dinner. Blessing was surprise her mate could not detect the same anomaly within the shadows she did. It must have something to do with my cheetah.

All right love. Let’s go feed you before you waste away. With one more glance, she turned to grasp her mate hand heading out of the alley.

I’m not sure that’s possible, but I’m famished. Let’s get some food. He laced their hands and led her back the way they came.

They walked further down the road to the only open establishment and walked in to find a group of men deep in discussion. The minute they walked through the door, the men silenced and stared at the unwelcome guests. An older gentleman stood and walked over to assist them.

Uh, How may I help you?

We recently arrived in town and wanted to catch some grub before returning to our hotel. Are you open?

Yes, please follow me. The man showed them to the corner near the front, distancing them from the window and the group. What brings you to this part of the city?

We came to visit a friend, but it’s late and we decided to wait until morning to visit.

Well, a word of caution... head directly to your hotel after and don’t stop until you reach your room. There is a beast on the loose terrorizing everyone.

A beast? What kind of beast? The two sat down while looking toward the man relaying information as he handed them a menu.

"It’s been terrorizing anyone who ventures out at