Raging Chaos: The Vampire & Werewolf Chronicles, #4

By Chrissy Peebles

This is book 4. 

A curse is unleashed upon the land. When the vampires can't feed, they are ravenous with hunger. A war breaks out between the vampires and the wolves, and raging chaos ensures. Can Sophie stop it before all is lost?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dark Shadows Publishing
• Release date: Feb 26, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386648499

Book preview

Hear songs that helped inspire this series while I wrote it.

Listen to this song list on Spotify!

https://open.spotify.com/user/chrissytheauthor/playlist/6NMWCdbfTI497PsGraR9HH?si=p8IoFt_TRc6OHA2-SV5pog

Playlist For The Series

Chapter 1

My mission was over and I was now home at the castle, and it was the next morning.

How could an entire town of werewolves just...vanish? I asked. Are they in captivity or, um...dead? The questions haunted me. My gut feeling told me they were still alive, just hauled off by someone for some sinister reason. I was certain no one would go to all the trouble of moving them just to kill them in the end. What I couldn’t figure out was why they took the children and babies too. Why would they take whole families, innocent kids? My heart ached, and I couldn’t make sense of the sad, senseless kidnapping as Cindy and I sat outside in the gardens behind the castle.

Logan and Fred had immediately left the scene to search for clues, interrogate other immortals, and use any Immortal Council resources they could to find them. They didn’t come home all night.

I thought it was best to just let them go, Cindy said. Fred is the only one who can calm Logan down right now.

I know. That’s why I didn’t press the issue of going with them. Logan is crazed with grief, just beside himself.

Yes, he takes all werewolf issues very seriously and personally.

Who would kidnap the entire town like that?

I don’t know, Sophie, Cindy said, shaking her head. No one seems to have any idea why this happened, and everyone is shocked. The Immortal Council doesn’t take things like this lightly either though. They’re on top of it already. Whoever did this will be sorry.

It’s baffling, to say the least, like the plot of some insane sci-fi movie, a small town in the middle of nowhere suddenly vacant, I said with a shudder. That’s some spooky stuff. If I didn’t know better, I’d blame the little green men from Mars.

Cindy somehow managed to laugh at that. They couldn’t have just vanished off the face of the Earth. There has to be some kind of clue, and we’ll find it. You know Logan won’t give up till we do.

I know, but as usual, I’m afraid we’re running against the clock. If they are still alive, who knows how long we have to help them? Do they have any known enemies? I asked.

As far as we know, they’re a very peaceful pack, and they have always kept to themselves. I can’t imagine who would want to hurt them.

Cindy and I couldn’t just sit around and do nothing, so we hopped in my car and drove back to the place where the abduction happened. Maybe we could see more in the daylight. We’d already combed the area under the moonlight, but we thought we might see something the second time around.

On the way there, I only half-listened to Cindy’s rambling; I had too many thoughts in my head to pay much attention to what she was saying.

Anyway, are you glad you joined up with us? she suddenly asked.

Huh?

The group. You’re part of a team now.

Oh, that. Well, the truth is, I’m not sure I fit in, Cindy, I admitted. See, I’m living in a world most people don’t believe in, a world that barely exists in the minds of many. It was hard to hang out with my friends and relatives when I couldn’t talk about my new life, and I sometimes envied them.

Why?

Because they only have one life to live, not a confusing double-life like mine. They had the luxury of disbelief. While all my friends were worried about what was on sale at the mall or which football team was going to win, I had to think about battling Falcar. While they were off watching movies about sparkling vampires or TV shows about teenage witches or two hot brothers driving around in an Impala hunting monsters, I had to accept that there are real beasts in the world, some far worse than anything Hollywood can ever drum up. It’s like they live in a black and white world, but mine’s psychedelic, almost blinding.

It is a lot to learn and a lot to accept, Cindy said. You are doing fine, Sophie.

I know, but I’m a rookie, so new to all this. I mean, everyone else—all of you—are old pros. I’m just not up to speed with you. I can’t flap my wings and fly like you. I can’t transform into a wolf like Logan or a lethal vampire like Fred. All of you have earned the respect of the Immortal Council because of the dangerous missions you’ve been on. You’ve got killer résumés, so to speak, and I’ve got nothing to boast about.

You belong here with us, Cindy consoled. Things are changing, and so are you. Don’t worry if you feel a bit off balance.

I do. I mean, I’ve accepted my fate, and I know I’m on a new journey. Instead of heading off to college, I’m in warrior princess training, like some kind of newbie X-Man just learning to control my extraordinary superpowers. Instead of hanging out at the movie theater or mall with my normal friends, I’m surrounded by a bunch of freaks.

Freaks, huh? Cindy said with a wink.

The good kind, I quickly corrected. It’s just... Well, I never expected to personally know any gargoyles, vampires, or werewolves, and I sure as hell didn’t think I could actually talk to my dearly departed sister. I know everything has changed, and I’m doing my best, but I’ve been rerouted to a long, hard road, and I have no idea where it leads.

You’re adapting well, Sophie, and we all adore you. Why, you’re the sweetest thing invented since the Twinkie! Plus, the last time I checked, cream-filled sponge cake couldn’t conquer Falcar or summon blazing fireballs.

Thanks, Cindy. It’s so nice of you to say that.

I do not say things I do not mean, she said.

Am I too sweet to be a bad ass?

Nope. You’re the best of both worlds, like Taylor. She is a dear friend of mine and one of the sweetest people I know. On the other hand, she’s also a powerful Petal witch, potentially lethal and dangerous in action. You’re very similar to her.

I take that as a compliment.

You should. In time, Sophie, you’ll be a kickass superhero like the world has never seen. Just be patient with yourself.

That means a lot, especially coming from you.

Change is scary, but it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. You have to decide what’s important, then build your life around that. I know how you feel though. I felt the same way when I first arrived in the States.

I cocked a brow, surprised that a gargoyle could ever feel inferior in any way. You did?

Yes. The modern world was new to me. Did you know I’d never even eaten a hamburger before I got here?

Really? Wow!

Nope, she said, shaking her head, but the immortals took me in, and I found a life here.

A life and a McDonald’s! I teased.

Yes, of course, she said with a smile. In time, I proved to be a valuable asset to the team, and they grew to respect me. I’d been searching for my tribe for a long time, and I realized that here, I have peace and happiness. It takes a while to gain their trust and for everything to fall into place, but if I did it, so can you. Look how far you’ve come already.

Thanks, Cindy. As weird as all this is, I’m so glad I got a chance to meet all of you.

Scary stuff, huh?

Maybe at first. You guys were a little intense, kidnapping me and all.

I’m still sorry about that, but we knew you wouldn’t come willingly if we would have said, ‘Hey, little girl, the gargoyle has some candy. Get in before some freaky vampires stab you in the heart.’

You have a point, I said. I was taught not to talk to strangers, and you people are stranger than most!

We did what we had to do to save your life.

Just for the record, you might’ve gotten me in the car with some creamy chocolate Lindor truffles.

She laughed. So now I know your weakness.

I’m sure it isn’t the only one, I said, blushing a hit as I thought about Logan.

Well, anyway, we’ve grown on you, haven’t we?

Yes, you have.

Good. Then my mission is complete. Also, I’ll make a mental note of the truffles, so when Logan asks what your favorite candy is, I can tell him.

I smiled. Does that mean he pisses girls off a lot, needs a lot of peace offerings?

No, silly. I just want him to bring the right thing when he takes you on a date.

A date, huh? I shook my head. That Lycan is a whole other subject.

Hmm. I didn’t realize we were limited to one topic. You can talk to me about anything, you know. In fact, I think I’d make an excellent immortal therapist.

You would.

Please continue. I charge by the minute, she joked.

I smiled. It’s just that I don’t feel normal, even if I look that way at first glance.

Can’t we all say that? You may look over here and see a blonde in the driver seat, but underneath that façade, there’s a monster that is the stuff of nightmares. Normal is overrated, Sophie, and I don’t think anyone really knows what it means. We can’t control or change what we were born to be. All we can do is make the most of who we are and try to make the world a better place.

It’s so hard to fit in though. I feel like I can’t be myself. I don’t want to appear as weak and pathetic as I feel. Everyone expects me to take down all Falcar, so I have to put on this tough persona that is really not me.

"When I first got here, I talked too much about ancient books and artifacts, a love of mine. I used to scold myself, Shut up, Cindy! Quit being such a nerd. Try to act more normal! I spent way too much time worrying about what others thought of me and trying to hide the real me. Fred gave me the best advice. ‘What the world truly needs is you. Be yourself. Be confident in who you are. We are all our own person,’ he said, and he was right."

I love that, I said.

"I do too, and I listened to him. You should heed that advice as well. Why hide your personality and try to look and sound like everyone else? Don’t change just to get others to like you, Sophie. The right people will love the real you, even if it is a bunch of crazy supernaturals. My gargoyle heritage makes me who I am, just as being an Ankh witch makes you who you are. You shouldn’t want to fit in. You should only want to belong. Fitting in means adjusting to meet the expectations of others. Belonging means being accepted for who you really are."

I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle at the motherly tone of her voice.

We’re here for you, so don’t be a lone wolf, okay? She shot me a quick smile. Besides, that title belongs to Logan.

I chuckled again.

Oh! I love this song! Cindy squealed. She excitedly turned up the music and sang along for a moment, then shot me a side glance. See? This is me being me, and I don’t care one tiny bit about my hideous croaking voice.

I smiled as we drove on, and I joined her in the off-key karaoke.

Okay, we’re here, Cindy said as she parked. Let’s take a second look and see if we can gain a new perspective on what happened.

I grabbed my purse, then stepped out of the car. I doubt we’ll find anything new, I said, and we didn’t, even after looking for hours and hours. It was beyond frustrating that we didn’t turn up any new leads, but at least I had an opportunity to get to know a good friend better. We didn’t find hide nor hair of the werewolves, but I was starting to find my place in the world, and that felt great.

Chapter 2

The next day, a bright ball of light flashed as Julie and Taylor teleported into the kitchen with two men.

Julie waved. Hi, Sophie. It’s just me.

Yeah, Werewolf Barbie, Grant teased.

Stop calling me that, or I’ll go wolf on you all right, Julie snarked.

Grant shrugged. Fine. Barking Blondie?

Julie sighed and rolled her eyes. Anyway, this is Grant, my not-so-funny husband, and this guy here is Jesse, Taylor’s ball and chain.

Hmm. I didn’t know Taylor was into chains, Grant joked.

Hush, you, Julie scolded, then gave her equally blond spouse a loving peck on the cheek.

Julie stepped toward me. You’re, uh...mopping?

Yes. It’s a chore that must be done, whether you live in a castle or not.

Well, you need to trade your apron and rubber gloves for some pants and hiking shoes, buddy. We’ve got a mission to go on. Of course, it’s your choice to join us or not.

Right now? Where?

Somewhere hot.

Um, Florida?

More like Arizona.

And exactly what’s in Arizona? I asked chirpily as I wrung out the mop.

The Grand Canyon, for starters.

Look, a tour of the Seven Wonders of the World might be fun sometime, but I’m not sure we have time for sightseeing right now.

Don’t worry. No mule rides to the bottom, Julie said, trying to hurry things along by grabbing the bucket of dirty water and dumping it into the sink.

What? No donkey tours? Grant asked, jutting his bottom lip out in the most adorable pout. But, babe, you promised adventure.

Acting like a jackass won’t land you a free ride on one, she teased. Anyway, you get to go whitewater rafting instead, she said, turning her attention toward me.

Whitewater rafting? Seriously?

Trust me on this one, Sophie. We’re going to visit an ancient lost civilization, this secret underground city below the canyon.

"A subterranean metropolis? Wow. I guess I should check out the History Channel more often. Then again, that Ancient Aliens show always sounds like a bunch of Hollywood hooey."

You didn’t used to believe in vampires and werewolves either, my friend pointed out.

Right. Look, I admit I’m learning new stuff all the time, so maybe you’re right. Maybe there is something down there.

There’s no maybe about it. It’s there.