If You Die Before I Wake

By Alden Bauers

Eleven years after the events of Beast of River Falls, Natalie Fitzsimons is a successful attorney. Hoping to make partner, she agrees to defend accused rapist Paul Deaver. Despite damning evidence, his alibi is air-tight. Not only is Natalie's career on the line, but her freedom, reputation, and even her life are in danger.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alden Bauers
• Release date: Mar 18, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463390979

Alden Bauers

Alden Bauers was born and raised on Long Island. He currently resides in Spartanburg, South Carolina where he works as a computer technician. He's married and has two young children. When he's not writing or spending time with his family, Alden enjoys modeling the Pennsylvania Railroad in N Scale.

Book preview

If You Die Before I Wake

Copyright 2020 Alden Bauers

Published by Alden Bauers at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Author’s Note

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Epilogue

About Alden Bauers

Other books by Alden Bauers

Connect with Alden Bauers

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the following people for helping make this book possible. First and foremost are KG McAbee, Steven A. Gentry and CH Babb, whose editing, insights and tough love was invaluable.

Author’s Note

The story you’re about to read contains a graphic depiction of sexual assault. This may be triggering to certain readers. All characters depicted at 18 years or older. Any resemblance to any real-life individual is strictly coincidental.

One

Samantha Collins looked up from her textbook and rubbed her eyes. The clock on her desk said 10:30. She’d been at it for hours and decided it was time for a break. She pushed her desk chair back and spun around. Her blood ran cold.

How the fuck did you get in here?

The sandy-haired man standing in the shadows said nothing.

He leered at her

Samantha rose from her chair.

Her satin nightgown felt like sandpaper against her goosebumps.

Get out!

His lips curved into a malevolent smile.

He stepped towards her.

Samantha scanned the room for any makeshift weapon.

I mean it! Get the fuck out!

The man took another towards her.

Samantha froze, her heart pounding in her chest.

He pulled a bowie knife.

She opened her mouth to scream. She found herself muted by fear.

Samantha was a mere two steps from the door. She ran. Her fingertips grazed the cold metal handle.

The man lunged and grabbed her by the arm. He yanked her into the center of the room

She flailed at him.

She missed most of the time.

One lucky blow struck his lip, drawing blood. A few drops landed on Samantha’s knuckle.

Unfazed, he slapped her face and flung her onto the bed.

Samantha tried to get up and run, but he pounced on her.

He forced her legs apart and laid down on top of her.

Get off me!

The man spoke, pressing the tip the knife’s blade to her neck.

Knock it off! Or I’ll fucking kill you!

The knife made short work of her nighty. The feel of the cool air on her exposed nipples was sickening. She trembled.

Help! Somebody help me!

He clapped a hand over her mouth and pinned her wrists down.

She felt nauseous at the heat of his body against hers. Samantha tried to steel herself for what was coming. She came close to puking when he rammed his cock into her. And then, all went dark.

When Samantha came around, the man was gone. Still in shock, she grabbed for her phone and dropped it. She scooped it up and dialed 911.

***

Natalie Fitzsimons woke up screaming. She sat bolt upright, clutching her blankets. Her long auburn hair was a frizzy mess; her alabaster skin coated in a sheen of sweat.

Her husband Marty groaned, being jarred from a restful sleep. His bedside clock showed 3:53. He sat up and took Natalie in his arms. She leaned into his embrace, resting her head on his shoulder.

Bad dream?

Yes.

Did it involve werewolves?

Yes.

Want to tell me about it?

No.

None of these answers surprised Marty in the slightest. This had been a regular occurrence in the Fitzsimons house for the past decade. Natalie may have been cured of lycanthropy, but the physical and emotional scars remained. If you’d just talk about it, maybe you’d feel better. But hey, what do I know?

They're just dreams, Natalie. They can’t hurt you.

Before Natalie could reply, her alarm clock sounded.

Marty, as much as I would love to snuggle, I have to get ready for work.

Natalie slipped out of bed and went to the window.