Courage & Defiance: The Vampire & Werewolf Chronicles, #9

By Chrissy Peebles

This is book 9. 

Can Sophie win this lethal and dangerous game? With courage and defiance, she will fight the immortal enemy with everything she has. 

Sophie, Logan, and the gang launch their official plan to take down the Falcar forever. Can they keep the indestructable sword, the skull, and the heart from falling into the wrong hands? 

Despite the dangers all around them, can love, courage, and hope conquer all?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dark Shadows Publishing
• Release date: Jul 4, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386623410

Book preview

Before The Werewolf and Vampire Chronicles,

there was...The Crush Saga!

Meet Taylor, Julie, Fred, Cindy, Tabby, Violet, Dylan, and Drake in The Crush Saga! See how Fred and Cindy fell in love! See how Fred became a vampire! See how Julie became a werewolf! See how Taylor became a hybrid! See Cindy get rescued from a gargoyle clan on top of a mountain in France.

Like zombies? If you do, you might want to try this series.

Val was bitten by a zombie and now she’s scheduled for lethal injection. Breaking all the rules, eighteen year old, Dean Walters snags an experimental serum. But it can’t be tested until Val turns into a zombie: something authorities won’t allow. Her execution is scheduled to happen before transformation is complete, giving Dean only hours to break her out. 

When their helicopter crashes straight into the heart of Zombie Land, his rescue mission becomes a fight for survival...and giving up on Val is NOT an option.

Like Time Travel Romance?

Never pretend to be a princess.

Never marry a stranger...even if he is a drop dead gorgeous immortal king.

And most importantly...never slip on an ancient wedding ring you know nothing about.

Sarah Larker returns to a cave where her sister disappeared ten years earlier. She walks through a portal, and is mistaken for a runaway princess by a dangerous immortal king in medieval times. Her plan is bold as well as daring; become this princess, wed the king, and slip on an ancient wedding ring that will unlock the portal back home. Then find her sister, and run as fast as she can out of Dodge. But taking on the identity of Princess Gloria comes along with dangerous consequences; and slipping on the ruby ring comes with an even higher price.

This is a paranormal romance, fantasy adventure, and time travel novel.

First there was

The Crush Saga

Then there was...

The Vampire & Werewolf Chronicles

Chapter 1

AL CAUGHT MY ATTENTION as soon as I pulled in with a car full of groceries. I couldn’t help staring at him through the windshield, watching him skillfully hurl knives and axes at targets next to the huge oak tree. He whipped them in from every angle, at every distance, and he never once missed his mark. It was impressive, to say the least.

Look at Al! I said as I exited the car. He’s spot on! And that combat skill...

Eve peeked over the green carrot leaves sticking out of the top of her brown paper bag. Wow! He’s crazy awesome!

As I made my way up the sidewalk, I was greeted by honking, and it wasn’t coming from a vehicle. I peered over my own grocery bag, only to see a goose blocking my way, with his bill wide open and his pink tongue flicking around as he hissed at me. He clearly wasn’t happy to see me, because the feathers on his neck were ruffled, and he was flapping his wings violently. Another honk erupted at my left, and I realized that birds of a feather had literally flocked together.

Well, well. Take a gander at that, sis, I joked.

Why are we being assaulted by geese? she asked, stumped.

They’ve obviously taken up residence here and now think they can storm the castle.

Are you sure they aren’t, uh...shapeshifters? Eve questioned, always paranoid and suspicious. I couldn’t really blame her, after all we’d seen and been through. Weird was our new normal.

C’mon, Eve. They’re really just overgrown ducks.

But they’re not! she argued. Listen to those things. They’re loud and vicious! And think about it. It’s not springtime. Birds migrate away in the fall and winter. They must be shapeshifters or something, but how’d they get past security? She paused to shudder, which only agitated the angry birds more. What if they can shapeshift into flying ninja warriors or something? You know as well as I do that this castle can’t take another attack.

Yes, I’m aware, I said with a smile. I don’t think we have another siege on our hands though. These are just innocent animals, regular birds. For some reason, they chose our castle as their nesting grounds. And, for the record, not all birds migrate south for the winter. Only the ones who eat bugs and nectar and stuff and can’t get it here in the cold.

Wow. Aren’t you Little Miss Twitcher? What did you do, Google that?

Um...what’s a twitcher? I asked.

A birdwatcher, silly.

Oh. What’d you do, Google that? I snarked.

Very funny.

One of the geese squawked again and stretched his neck to full length, interrupting us squabbling siblings. He threw his head back and peered at Eve with one eye.

Innocent, huh? Eve complained, taking a step back. These things are anything but. Where are the hellhounds? Aren’t they supposed to be our guard dogs? You need to conjure up some fireballs for these shapeshifters! Like right now!

Don’t! Al screeched, rushing toward us with axe in hand. No fireballs! They’re not shapeshifters.

Told you so, I said to Eve, sounding quite like a 5-year-old, though I resisted the urge to stick my tongue out at her.

She shrugged. We never really know, do we? Better to be safe than sorry.

Al smirked. I see you’ve met the geese.

I’m not entirely convinced that’s all they are, Eve said.

Of course they are. What else would they be?

Evil shapeshifters, sent here to spy on us.

Al, my sister thinks they are teenage mutant ninja birdies, I remarked, with a roll of my eyes.

He chuckled. Eve, you really need to quit watching so many movies. The geese are only being aggressive because they fear they are in danger. They’re completely normal.

Eve let out a breath. You know there’s no such thing as normal in our lives. I mean, I’m a ghost standing here talking to an elf, for goodness sake. Think outside the box, man.

I swear they’re just birds, but I must admit they, uh...

When Al trailed off, Eve manhandled her bag of groceries in one arm to place the other hand on her hip. But what, Al? They’re not just birds, are they?

Well, actually...

Her gaze narrowed. Mm-hmm. Spill it, Pointy Ears.

There is an old fairytale about a goose that laid golden eggs, is there not?

Yes. What about it?

Well, let’s just say the local jeweler might find these geese very interesting, Al answered, with a gleam in his eye.

Oh! I knew something was off about them! Eve said.

I cocked a brow in confusion as Al continued, These poor creatures were in need of sanctuary, from the hunters who have been chasing them. Greed is a foul thing.

Don’t you mean a fowl thing? Eve joked.

Very funny, the elf said. This place seems to be a refuge for those who need it, so I didn’t think you’d mind. You gave me sanctuary once, and I wanted to pay it forward.

How do you know all this? Have you seen these golden eggs yourself? I asked.

No. They told me, in a sense.

Sounds a little quacky to me, Eve chimed in.

Stop. Please, I said to my perpetually punning sister.

I’m a nature elf, Al went on. I am able to read their minds, in a way. I saw what they’ve been through, and I know what it’s like to be hunted.

Doesn’t that officially make you a bird brain? Eve said, then immediately looked at me and shrugged. Hey, I can’t help it! They’re just, uh, flocking into my head!

Anyway, the mama took a stroll on the grounds and floated in the pond out back for a while. Then, um...well they laid eggs in the bushes by the front door, and they won’t leave till the eggs hatch. They want to protect them.

So Mother Goose is protecting golden eggs? I asked.

They do not produce golden eggs when it is time to bear young. They will incubate them and guard the hatchlings with their lives. The hunters want the babies to sell to immortals.

Al, you have such a big heart, and of course I want to help if I can. We won’t let that happen, I said.

After the goslings are hatched, maybe Mama and Daddy will leave some golden eggs for all your trouble, Al suggested.

We don’t need gold. That won’t be necessary.

Speak for yourself! Eve said with a chuckle.

Eve, you can’t even use money.

No, but it’d be a cool trinket to have.

No golden eggs.

Fine, she laughed, then returned her attention to Al. Since you speak goose, can you communicate that we won’t hurt them and that they need to be nicer if they want our help?

I’m afraid that’s not possible. Once the eggs are laid, their natural instincts take over. They’re aggressively protective. For now, we’ll just have to put up with it.

The papa goose snaked his head from side to side, then up and down, honking unceasingly, determined to drive us off.

Maybe we should just move the eggs.

Oh, Eve, we can’t, I said. If we tamper with them, the unhatched young might be abandoned, orphaned. The mother won’t recognize her relocated nest.

Al agreed, Yes, we should leave them be. The geese will be out of our hair soon enough.

How soon? Eve asked, snarling at the ferocious feathered visitors.

Less than a month. Just a few hours after the eggs hatch, the babies will leave the nest and quickly learn to swim. The eggs are big, and there are about ten of them.

Suddenly, the largest goose stretched his neck forward, hissed loudly, then put his head down and charged us in a ground assault.

Run for your lives! Eve shouted. Every elf and woman for him- or herself! she said, then disappeared into thin air, leaving her bag of groceries to drop to the sidewalk.

Don’t worry! I got the groceries, Al said.

We hurried inside, with the menacing beak nipping at our heels.

Are you telling me we have to put up with that for a whole month? I asked with a smile, behind the safety of the closed door but out of breath.

Looks that way, Al answered. I didn’t think they’d be a problem. Then again, I had no idea she was about to lay a batch of eggs. Please accept my deepest apology, Sophie.

I couldn’t help but grin at him. It’s totally fine. Besides, a few furry babies will just liven up the castle.

To make it up to Eve, I’ll help her unpack the groceries, Al offered.

That would be wonderful, I said. I’m gonna go check on our male version of Sleeping Beauty.

Oh, before you run off, I want to share something I learned. I think you’ll find it...interesting, Al said.

What’s up?

I met with Jeremy.

Your Falcar friend, the one who dropped you off on my doorstep when you were at death’s door?

Yes, that Jeremy. He told me Vincent is on a man hunt.

Or, more specifically, a woman hunt, huh? I shook my head and sighed. Gee, I really thought we’d have a little more time before he’d come after me again.

No, he’s not looking for anyone we know.

Hmm. Okay. So who’s got Vincent’s panties in a bunch this time?

Panties? Al asked, looking at me quizzically.

I laughed. I mean, why is he so fired up?

He’s after an ordinary human named Barry, a bachelor in his early thirties. Apparently, he’s really clueless about the supernatural world, but he accidentally got hold of something of Vincent’s.

A 30-year-old clueless bachelor? Wow. That sure narrows it down, I said sarcastically.

I’m afraid no one has much more to go on, not even a last name. Vincent’s panties are bunched because the lad has something he wants, and he’ll stop at nothing to get it. It must be important, because Vincent’s on a rampage. He’s deployed teams all over the place to find this Barry.

Trying to clear the disturbing image from my head of Vincent in wrinkled lacey lingerie, I replied, Hmm. In that case, we need to find out what it is that he so desperately wants.

Yes, but like you said, we need more information to go on.

So we’re in the same boat as Vincent.

Excuse me? the elf said, looking around. I don’t recall being in any sort of vessel with Vincent. Why, we’re not even in the water.

I chuckled. Oh, Al, you’re a riot. Anyway, you’re right. We’ve gotta figure out who this Barry is and why Vincent wants him so bad.

While you were out, I talked to Logan and Fred about it. I hope that was all right.

It’s fine, Al. It’s best that we’re all on the same page. I’ll pass the info to Cindy.

Thanks, Al said, and thank you for letting the geese stay.

Well, who am I to boss around Mother Goose? I teased, which only earned another confused brow arch from Al.

Upstairs, I quietly walked into Johnny’s room and gently tucked the blanket around my unconscious boarder. You hold the knowledge I seek, I whispered. I wish you would wake up.

Just like all the other days before, he gave me no answer.

I sighed in frustration. The doctor was still working on a cure, an antidote for the immortal poison Johnny had been shot with. I was glad for that, but I wished the process could be sped up somehow. Frankly, I was tired of trying to figure out Vincent’s game plan, of trying to get a jump on whatever chess moves he planned to pull on me. Even when I used my best guess, he always seemed to be one step ahead of me. As if that wasn’t annoying enough, I also had to deal with the fact that he liked that. He enjoyed keeping me in the dark, knowing that I was completely unaware of his true motives. I knew that when Johnny woke up, he could give me the intel I needed to finally catch Vincent off guard. For a change, I’d be the one with the huge advantage, because I’d know exactly what twisted, evil things he was up to.

So many questions popped into my head: Why did Vincent let me live, at the very last minute? He was bent on destroying me and stealing my powers, just like he did to my sister. Now, he wants to keep me safe? Why? Vincent had been hunting me down like a dog, only to change his mind. I knew that if Logan and the others hadn’t stepped in to save me that night in the cabin, I wouldn’t have lived to tell about it. Vincent was dead set on killing me, on ending my life that day. My rescuers foiled his foul plans, and over the weeks that followed, the heartless Vincent somehow had a change of heart. What makes a madman change his mind? I asked myself, and only one answer came to mind: Vincent is selfish. If he wants me alive, it’s gotta be for some sort of personal gain. He needs me for something. I desperately needed to know his motives, why he’d gone from my would-be murderer to my bodyguard. I had no idea, and that unnerved me. I did not enjoy being an unwilling pawn in whatever ludicrous game he was playing.

If he was waiting for me to grow stronger, he was getting his wish a little more every day. Deep down, I knew I wouldn’t be who I needed to be if I stayed in my comfort zone. As time went on, I took on more challenges, and as a result, I became better, faster, and stronger. I felt like I was ready to take on any enemy who wanted to destroy our world. As much as I hated that my improvements put a smile on Vincent’s face, being strong was the only choice I had. Life never got easier, so I had to be resilient to face whatever came my way, for my own sake as well as for the sakes of my friends and our whole world. So much around me seemed grim, but I hoped it was just the storm before the calm. In the meantime, all I could do was keep trying, keep caring, keep fighting, and keep hoping for that brighter future we all wanted. I’d been knocked down a few times, for sure, but the harder I fell, the higher I seemed to bounce back up.

I looked down at Johnny. I promised to keep you safe, gave you my word, and I will. I won’t let anyone hurt you. Very few know you’re here, and it will stay that way if I have anything to say about it.

Eve materialized in a cute striped dress with her hair in a messy bun. Of course you won’t hurt him, Soph. You have a habit of taking in strays, boarding immortals we know nothing about. It’s okay, though, sis. I’ve gotten used to your quirks by now...mostly.

I smiled. And your favorite quirk is dropping in on me at any given moment.

Hey! It’s not my fault I’m a ghost.

A little knock can be very polite. Just sayin’.

Hmm. Now that you mention it, I have gotten pretty good at actually using my hands for things. In the beginning, I couldn’t, so I guess popping in without knocking is just a habit. Remember when my hand used to go through the door? But, anyway, quit trying to change the subject. I came here to talk to you about something important.

I sighed. What is it, Eve?

We need to discuss Dominic. You know, your first dangerous boarder.

C’mon, sis. Please don’t start.

What? I’m just stating the facts.

I’m sure it’ll be fine. He hasn’t tried to kill us yet.

Yet being the operative word, she said in a scolding tone.

I blew out a long breath. Listen, I think he genuinely has turned over a new leaf.

So he says. And not all leaves are good anyway. You’ve heard of poison ivy, haven’t you?

I crossed my arms and pursed my lips at her.

Think about it, sis. How well do we really know him?

Well, I don’t know. I just think—

I just care about you all so much, Eve interrupted, and I don’t wanna see anything bad happen to you. You’re just too trusting sometimes, and your big heart gets the best of you. I know I went along with it at first, she said, but the truth is, I don’t trust him, not one tiny bit.

I understand your reservations. I do. But what about my vision?

Yeah, yeah, I know. That little daydream where Demon-ick is suddenly Mr. Nice Guy. He could’ve manipulated that, you know.

Really? Stop calling him Demon-ick. And, for the record, he doesn’t have that kind of manipulation power.

That we know of, she said, then scowled at the unconscious guest. How about this one? Did he turn over a new leaf as well? He has a rap sheet a mile long. I saw his file on your desk.

My gaze narrowed. You snooped? I should’ve known.

Even if I didn’t, the others would have filled me in on it. You know we have no secrets in this castle. He might, but we don’t.

I stared down at Johnny. At least he didn’t try to kill me. Besides, I only need him for information, so the least I can do is keep him alive. It’s not my job to force him to join the winning side...or to grant him redemption either.

Fine, but Dominic is a different story.

Yes, I admit it. That’s a completely different ballgame. Still, I saw him. I saw him help us take down the Falcar. I can’t just erase that from my head.

So we need him?

I gazed at my sister. You know we do. He has the power to compel them, something no other immortal can do. We can’t win the war without him.

Well, I suppose that would be a huge advantage for us.

A game-changer, I said. Not only that, but his plan is brilliant. It will allow us to take them down once and for all.

"Yeah, a little too brilliant, if you ask me," she said, with undeniable sarcasm in her voice.

I cocked a brow. What are you saying?

What if he’s working with them? What if it’s a trap? Have you even thought about that?

C’mon, Eve! Dominic hates the Falcar. He wants revenge on them because they killed his entire family.

And you’re 100 percent sure about that? How do you know it’s true? Where’s the proof? You can’t just believe it because he said so.

"Tabby confirmed it, but even more than that, I felt his pain. It was real. Plus, a few days ago, I walked in on him and Logan. They were commiserating, talking about how devastated they both were over losing loved ones in a Falcar attack."

Boy bonding, huh? I don’t mean to sound insensitive, but...

But what?

Well, Dominic might be playing the pity card to gain information, too, like a good little spy. Now that he’s got his foot in the door, he could be very useful to Vincent.

Listen to yourself! It’s crazy to think he’d use a horrible story like that just to get us to let down our guard.

Vincent had a hit out on him, didn’t he?

Yes, but—

And surely Vincent would call his dogs off if Dominic joined him.

Probably, but—

Dominic desperately wants his freedom back. There are a bazillion Falcar on his butt, too many for him to even compel. He might win a battle or two, but he knows he can’t win that war. He’s no dummy. He knows it’s in his best interest to join Vincent.

I didn’t want to believe it, but I had to consider that there could be some truth in what she was saying. Vincent killed his family, but you’re thinking Dominic will forgive him if he joins Vincent’s side and Vincent protects him?

What’s a little murder between friends, huh? she said. Sure, Dominic’s pissed about Vincent slaying his family, but that happened a long time ago, if it even really happened at all. Now, he’s got to find some way to survive. All I’m asking is that you keep that in mind. We have to look at every angle carefully, because we can’t afford to be blindsided.

I’ve heard everyone’s arguments about Dominic, I said, but I’ll take it under advisement.

That’s all we’re asking, Eve said, then promptly disappeared.

Sure, I said, shaking a fist at the ceiling. Just pop on out of here the second you’re done with your side of the conversation. I wish I could do that!

I couldn’t be sure, but I could have sworn I heard giggling coming out of the thin air.

With another deep sigh and more on my mind than I wanted to admit to anyone, I adjusted Johnny’s pillow so he was comfortable, then walked back into the living room.

Chapter 2

FRED GREETED ME WITH a smile. Hey, I’m getting ready to go for a walk. Would you care to join me?

If you’re willing to brave the geese, I said with a laugh.

Al said you decided to let them stay.

As long as Logan is cool with it.

Don’t try to pass the buck...er, beak, Fred teased. Logan’s fine with it. Besides, he knows you’d have it no other way. He told me we’ll take it one paw at a time.

I laughed. He did not say that!

No. I just like to see you laugh.

I grinned. They need our help, and they’re really not hurting anything.

Yes, you big softie. Can’t let the hunters get their hands on the new babies.

Exactly.

A smile stretched across his face. I’m all in for letting them nest here. See? I’ve got a big heart too, he said, puffing out his chest. Even if you can’t hear it, you know, with being dead and all.

I laughed. Love that heart of yours.

So, are you gonna go for a walk with me or not?

And leave the safety of the castle grounds? I asked, arching a brow at him.

Yup.

You know, I’m not sure it’s a good idea to take risks like that. We have to be careful. There’s a lot going on right now, and—

Pssh, he interrupted. Don’t be a wuss. I can protect you.

I placed my hands on my hips. Hmm. No offense, Freddie, but it might just be the other way around.

Love that confidence, he said with a wink, but I’m going with or without you. If what you say is true, can you really let me go without any protection? We wouldn’t want me getting hurt, would we?

Are you trying to guilt me into it now?

Fred laughed and shrugged.

Fine. Just let me call my dogs.

Eve took Slayer to John’s.

I giggled and shook my head. She’s always pup-napping him!

Can you blame her? That little fella has stolen all our hearts.

Yeah, he has, I said. Thunder and Lightning make better guard dogs anyway, I said, then called for my adopted hellhounds.

Hey, did you have any of Cindy’s fresh-squeezed lemonade? he asked. She worked on it forever, said it had to be perfect.

No, but I’ll try some when I get back.

I wish I could, Fred said, pouting.

Your time for pigging out will come soon enough. Cindy has a grand plan all lined up to find that immortal cure after we defeat the Falcar.

He nodded. Well, in the meantime, just let me know how it tastes.

I smiled. I will. I gotta admit that for now, I kinda like rubbing it in.

My mother used to make homemade lemonade on hot summer days, he said, no longer smiling. We sipped it on the porch, with all our friends and family. He paused, and a very sad look overtook his face. You know, it was such a little thing, but I miss Mom’s lemonade and those Saturday afternoons so much. If only I could go back.

I know you do, Freddie, I said, but we’re all glad you’re here with us now. What would we do without you? You’ve done so much for The Immortal Council, like when you took down that evil vampire who was feeding on a village in Kenya a few years ago. Because of you, so many lives were saved.

You know about that? he asked, looking at me in surprise.

Of course. Cindy couldn’t help telling me about it. She’s so proud of you. We all are.

Yeah, you’re right. I never woulda met her if I was still sipping lemonade on my porch back home, huh? I never woulda gone to France with Julie and Taylor, and Cindy might have been condemned to live forever on top of that mountain with a man she didn’t love.

See? You might have had to leave one life behind, but you met the love of your life. Now, you’re helping the world to be a better, safer place. In my book, you’re the very definition of a hero.

Thanks, Sophie. That really makes me feel good.

Now, c’mon, Mr. Hero, I said. Let’s take that walk.

He laughed as we strolled across the castle grounds, toward the gate. Hey, if I’m really your hero, maybe I should be doing all the protecting today after all, he joked.

How about we protect each other? I suggested. Especially since I don’t know where those hellhounds went.

He smiled. I like that.

When I noticed him scratching, I cocked a brow. Catch some fleas?

From Logan?

Very funny, I said with a smirk.

Sorry. I guess I should quit dogging your man.

Very funny, I repeated, with a smirkier smirk.

He laughed. No fleas. I think it’s just this sweater.

Speaking of that, why are you even wearing it? I asked as he dug under his collar. It’s not really cold enough for a heavy sweater.

I know, but Cindy bought it for me. I know it’s ugly and super itchy, but I promised her I’d wear it today. Any suggestions on how I can sneakily bid it a fond farewell? Just take it off and put it back on when she’s around?

Yeah, uh...no, I said. "I see that quickly turning into an I Love Lucy–style disaster. You can’t just pretend to like it. Just bite the bullet and be honest."

Miserable is putting it lightly. I feel sorry for sheep, he said as he scratched beneath the thick layer of wool. Still, I can’t risk making Cindy mad. You’ve seen her when the claws come out!

Oh, the joys of dating a gargoyle, huh?

Tell me about it!

We opened the gate and walked outside the castle perimeter, then followed the footpath into a thick copse of trees and dense brush. I couldn’t help but admire the natural beauty that surrounded us there, bathed in sunlight and serenaded by the playful chirps

Reviews for Courage & Defiance

[Jessica Baker · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Can't wait for more hopefully a little more erotica with it that would be awesome i read all of the books I can't get enough