The Sun and Moon Series: Passion Healed: Book 4

By C Zinnia

Final book of Sun and Moon Series. This is a lesbian fantasy series. Part of the storyline includes emotional and physical abuse.

From the moment Prisha met Alura, she is pulled into a world of shifters, ghosts, and an attack that leads her to one of the greatest transformations of her life. Through it all, she and Alura learn what it means to build a healthy and loving relationship.

Mel had ignored red flags in hers and Viola’s relationship for too long and she has learned the hard way is Viola is not her soulmate. Through heartbreak, Mel is forced to heal traumas both old and new as well as learn what it truly means to love oneself. And she needs to do it fast because she and her friends are about to have their final battle against a group of hunters led by a magical nemesis known as the Master Hunter.

• Language: English
• Publisher: C Zinnia
• Release date: Jun 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463198247

Book preview

183

The Sun and Moon Series

Book 4: Passion Healed

By C Zinnia

Copyright ©2019 by C Zinnia

All rights reserved.

Smashwords Edition

Chapter 1

Mel’s throat burned and her head pounded from holding in her tears. She furiously blinked as she walked through the city. She struggled to breathe. Don’t panic now, Mel, she told herself. Now is not the time to lose it.

Jesse reappeared after Mel was out of sight of the woman. She walked the whole way back with Mel. You’re safe now. No one is around, she kept repeating as she looked around them.

Did Viola ever hit you? Mel asked numbly.

Jesse hesitated. Yes. And I’d hit her, she said.

Why didn’t anyone tell me? she whispered.

No one knew we were violent. They only suspected, she said. And we heal fast, so bruises don’t show up and- Jesse winced. She hadn’t realized how bad it sounded until she said it out loud. I don’t know, Mel. At the time, it almost became normal. It was what couples did. Jesse looked away. It’s humiliating to admit that I was in a relationship like that. And that I stayed. And that I missed it.

Don’t be so hard on yourself, Mel said.

Do you think less of me for it? Jesse asked.

I wish you had been able to get help to break the pattern of being the abuser and the abused. I don’t think less of you for staying in it or missing it. Who am I to judge why people end up or stay in those situations? All I can do is hope that I can help anyone who comes to me to escape when they’re ready, Mel said.

She felt a wave of gratitude when she saw her house in the distance. She had to fight the urge to run to it. No need to look like a lunatic, she thought.

Tell them what happened, Mel, Jesse said. She vanished.

Janna was in the living room reading when Mel walked in. She looked up from her book and frowned. Where’s Viola? Are you okay? she asked.

Mel took a moment to compose herself. Eli’s picking her up, Mel said. She felt a swell of sorrow rise into her throat. We broke up. She hated that she sounded hoarse. She looked away as she cleared her throat. She wanted to tell her more, but she held back. She wasn’t ready to talk about it.

Janna jumped up and hugged Mel. I’m so sorry, sis, she said. Are you okay? Do you want to talk?

Mel appreciated Janna trying to comfort her, but at that moment, the hug was too much. It made Mel feel like she was being confined. Janna’s energy was too surrounding, like a box. Mel knew it wasn’t Janna, but Mel’s interpretation of the act because she was so overwhelmed and hypersensitive from her heartbreak. She needed to get away. I don’t know how I am, but I don’t want to talk right now, she said. I’m going to go upstairs.

Okay, Janna said as she pulled away. I’m here for you if you need me.

I know, Mel said. She winced as the pounding in her head formed into a headache. Thank you. Mel rushed upstairs and went into her room. She closed her bedroom door. She didn’t want to deal with anyone at the moment. She just needed time to process everything.

She sat down on her bed, dumbfounded and hurt by the sudden turn of events.

Tears welled up, but she swallowed them back down. No need to cry, she said angrily.

She glanced over to find Viola’s bags in the middle of the room along with Silvia’s bookbag. Mel panicked, worrying she would have to see Viola again. I’ll hide at Grandma’s house. I never want to see her again, she thought.

How could I have fallen for someone so fast only for it to end up as a disaster? Mel thought.

The question prompted a fresh wave of sorrow. She whimpered as her headache screamed at her from unreleased emotions. She leaned forward and placed her head in her hands. She tried to massage her scalp and neck, but it did nothing to abate her pain. Her back and abdomen hurt as she leaned forward, reminding her of her recent injury.

And with a werewolf at that? Mel thought. She looked around her room again. It felt too small and cramped. She felt like she was trapped. At the same time, the thought of leaving her room prompted a wave of fear. She never wanted to enter the world again. Werewolves and hunters and magic exists.

How can I go back to a normal life? She halfway expected to suddenly wake up and find out it was all a dream. Maybe I’ve been in a coma. I could have gotten into a car wreck on the way down to Ferrum. How would I know?

Mel didn’t feel like the coma was likely. I fell for a werewolf and it didn’t work out. That’s all, she thought. And now I need to keep moving forward.

There was a knock on the door. She jumped, startled by the noise. She hadn’t sensed anyone coming upstairs. Mel, it’s Eli, he said through the door. Can I come in?

Mel’s heart pounded in fear. Sure, she said, her voice higher than normal.

Viola is at the hotel with Cindy right now, Eli said reassuringly. Mel slightly relaxed. She said her things were here. We’re leaving in the morning, so I figured coming over now to get her things would be best.

I’m sorry for ruining your weekend getaway, Mel said as she looked down at her hands.

You didn’t, he said. He sat down beside Mel. Relationships are tricky business. Sometimes, we think a person is our forever, when they were just a lesson for right now.

Mel glanced at him. You don’t seem surprised that we broke up, she said. She studied him. How many nights did you book your hotel for?

Eli was embarrassed. He cleared his throat. One night, he said finally. You two had important lessons to teach each other. But it seemed like both of you were looking for a relationship for the wrong reasons. You viewed yourselves as halves making a whole instead of each of you being whole on your own. And it seems like neither of you have healed old traumas. Viola came to you to put you on a better path and you were doing the same for her.

Did everyone know? Mel asked.

Eli contemplated not telling her the truth, but opted to be honest. We all knew it was a huge possibility that you wouldn’t come back to Ferrum, he said. And we all think it’s for the best.

Mel groaned. I’m so stupid. How could I have been blind when all of you saw our relationship for what it was? she asked.

Eli laughed. Because we weren’t involved in it, he answered. You two were in the middle of it, so you miss out on all of the signs because of emotions playing such a huge role. And all of the drama and trauma y’all went through together helped bring y’all closer together. Being a third-party observer means you don’t have emotions influencing what you see. Imagine, what we see is merely our perception based on our history and baggage. It doesn’t make it true. Eli patted her shoulder.

Eli froze. He was alarmed as he looked at Mel. What happened during the breakup? he asked.

At that moment, Mel’s prepaid phone pinged. She dodged Eli’s stare as she picked up the phone. She opened a text message to find it was from Viola.

THIS IS ALL OF YOUR FAULT. YOU LIED WHEN YOU SAID YOU LOVED ME. YOU-

Message after message from Viola flooded Mel’s phone.

Without realizing it, she whimpered as she put the phone down.

Eli gingerly took the phone and looked at the messages before looking back to Mel. I wouldn’t recommend reading them, he said. He put the phone on silent. Now, what happened?

We broke up, Mel said.

Eli looked over her body. He reached down to touch her abdomen, but Mel moved away as she flinched. I see, he said angrily. I’ll speak to Bruce about this.

No, Mel said with a cry. Please don’t. I won’t want her to get in trouble.

Mel, Viola is a grown adult who is responsible for her actions. She had no right to touch you. It’s assault, he said. And it’s unacceptable.

Mel rubbed her arm as she looked away. But-

No buts, Mel. It’s not up for discussion, he said. He stood. Promise me you’ll continue meditating and working on yourself. And keep scheduling sessions with May. Their work can be done over the phone. Or get them to recommend someone in the area.

I promise, Mel said.

You have a gift, Mel, he said. Don’t hide it anymore. You can help so many with your talents.

Thank you, Eli. And thanks for all of your help. She hesitated before adding; I do still want to help with finding the Master Hunter. I don’t want- She broke off, overwhelmed with grief. She thought of Trixie’s dead body and shivered. She took a moment to regather herself. I want all of you to be safe. I don’t want the Master Hunter to win and hurt you all. I can’t go back to Ferrum, but I can help you from here, right?

Eli smiled. I appreciate that, he said. He handed Mel a slip of paper. Here are mine, Bruce’s, and Dana’s numbers. You can contact us whenever you want. If you are serious about helping with the Master Hunter, message me and I’ll let Bruce and Silvia know. But Mel, take time to think about it to be sure it’s what you want to do. You are under no obligation to help. All we ask is that you don’t tell anyone what happened during your time in Ferrum.

I won’t, Mel said.

Eli pointed to the shopping bags. Are those Viola’s? he asked.

Yes, she said. And that bag. Mel grabbed a bookbag and emptied her few items from it. This bookbag is Silvia’s. Please thank her for me.

Eli gathered everything. Take care, he said. Give yourself time to mourn.

Mel nodded. I’ll be in contact with you soon, she said.

Eli left.

Mel sat in a daze. What do I do now? she thought.

Come on, Mel, it was only a week-long relationship, she reminded herself. You’ll be over it before you know it.

A week long relationship that involved passionate sex, werewolves, hunters, explosions, and abuse, she thought. Yeah, I’ll forget all about it in no time.

She didn’t want to sulk, so she went downstairs.

Janna was still reading her book. She glanced up at Mel. Hey, she said.

Hey, Mel said. I’m going to go over to Grandma’s.

Yeah, Janna said with a kind smile. Grandma’s has always bene our safe haven, right?

Mel tried to smile back, but it didn’t feel quite right. Always, she agreed.

Mel went outside and walked the short distance over to Grandma’s house. She went inside. Yoo-hoo, she called.

Yoo-hoo. I’m in the bedroom, Betty replied.

Mel walked into Betty’s room to find her lying down for her afternoon nap. Mel crawled into the twin-size bed beside her. She didn’t say a word as she curled beside her grandma. She wanted to tell her grandma everything, but she held back.

Betty patted Mel’s arm. I’m sorry, honey, she said. Breakups are always hard.

I just feel so stupid for feeling like this, Mel said. We didn’t know each other that long.

"Time only plays a small piece in a relationship. You have friends from college that you feel closer to than people you grew up with. You have some relatives you are closer to than others even though you’ve known them all for the same amount of time.

You got really close to Viola really fast. One look and I could tell you were besotted by her. You fell in love. There’s no shame in that, Betty said. We’ve all had someone come into our lives for a short time who had a significant impact. And all of the drama from the fire probably brought you two closer together too. Disasters naturally lead us to creating strong bonds with those who experienced it with us.

And the hunters, assault, magic, Jesse’s drama, and my nearly dying all strengthened our feelings for each other, she thought. It must have fed into that ‘us against the world’ bullshit so many romances sell, she said aloud bitterly.

Betty laughed. Yes, that’s probably played a role, she said. First loves are a powerful thing because it’s the first time you realize you can feel that way about someone. You’ll see that, when you’re ready, you’ll find love again.

I have to learn to love myself first, Mel said.

Well, isn’t loving Viola proof you have it in you to love? If you can love Viola, then you can certainly love yourself, Betty said.

Mel was floored by her comment. She’s right. If I can love Viola, then I can love myself, she thought. I hope I’m as wise as you someday, Mel mumbled.

Betty laughed again. You’d hope after eighty-eight years of life, I’ve picked up a thing or two, she said. Just remember we all love you and are here for you.

I know, Mel said. Thank you.

Grandma turned on her television. The sounds of her programs playing soothed Mel enough that she dozed off.

~ * ~

Prisha walked into the gym. She had called that morning and found out Daren would be in that afternoon.

Daren had just finished a training session. He saw Prisha and beamed at her.

Do you ever rest? she teased. Imagine my shock to find you were going to be here after a full day at work.

Daren laughed. Sometimes, I rest, he said. In all fairness, today is unusual. I’m training some of V’s clients while she’s in Arlington. He walked with Prisha to the front desk. He picked up a towel and mopped the sweat off his face.

That’s kind of you. Just don’t burn yourself out. We need you at self-defense class because you’re the best, she said. And that’s your complement for the month.

He laughed again. I’ll take what I can get. So, what brings you by? he said.

My aunt, she said. She quickly handed him a small bag.

What’s this? he asked. He rummaged through the bag and pulled out a couple of glass bottles. One of them was a jar that was greyish-brown in color and thick like a cream.

Juhi made those for you. There’s some oils and creams Juhi made herself for skin and sore muscles. She said you’re going to be fighting soon, so you need to start training for it, she said.

He raised an eyebrow as he opened the jar and smelled it. He closed his eyes as the smell of earth and a light pungent odor he couldn’t define reached his nostrils. This smells amazing. Tell Juhi ‘thank you,’ but I’m not going to fight any time soon.

Prisha shrugged. Well, you never know, especially if Aunty’s predicting it, she said.

He thought it over and couldn’t help but agree. That is a good point, he said.

Oh, and this one is an oil in there for your mom to rub on her feet. Juhi said it’ll help with her pregnancy? She picked up a glass bottle and held it up to him as she gave him a searching look for confirmation.

His mouth dropped. How did she know Mom’s pregnant? he asked.

She laughed. That’s how Aunty is, she said. Are you excited?

He grinned. I am. Between being a big brother and having a godchild, my world will be filled with baby laughs soon enough, he said. He lightly took the bottle from Prisha and placed all of the jars and bottles back in the bag. Speaking of news, you’re glowing. What happened? I want all of the details.

Prisha’s face heated. I may have met someone, she said shyly

Daren nodded as though she merely confirmed his theory. That’s fantastic, he said. You deserve to be happy.

Prisha’s fears bubble to the surface. But what if I’ve made a huge mistake and she’s just like my ex? she blurted out.

Just bring her into the gym and I’ll let you know. I’m an excellent judge of character, Daren said proudly.

Prisha didn’t feel comforted, especially since Daren was friends with Viola.

Daren picked up on her feelings. Just for you to know, I never would have tried to set you up with V. I’ve had a couple friends who’ve been interested in her, but I deterred them from trying to date her. I tried to get Mel to leave her alone too, but once they met, it was out of my control, he said.

Prisha hadn’t expected Daren’s admission. His comment angered her. Isn’t doing nothing taking the abusers side? she snapped.

Daren was taken aback by Prisha’s anger. I wouldn’t say she’s abusive, Daren said slowly.

Her eyes narrowed on him.

Daren gulped.

You do realize that a person can be psychologically abusive, right? Being controlling and domineering is a form of abuse, Prisha said flatly.

Daren sighed. He couldn’t argue against her statements. You’re right, he said.

My ex’s family and friends knew what she was like and they said nothing. Honestly, they preferred I take the brunt of her issues so they didn’t have to, Prisha said. I’m tired of people not holding others accountable for their actions just because it doesn’t directly affect them.

Daren nodded. I know V was never physical with Mel . . . but I also know she wasn’t always treating Mel with respect. I tried to bring it up a time or two during training, but she wouldn’t listen. With her previous ex- He hesitated. Let’s just say they were both explosive. But what would you suggest? V’s been in therapy. She’s tried to face her demons. She’s grown so much compared to where she was. What am I supposed to say? What can I say?

That’s great that she has grown, but just because she’s improved doesn’t mean Mel should have to be subjected to a ‘lesser’ form of abuse. Mel doesn’t deserve that, Prisha said. "No one deserves to be mistreated. And if Viola can’t be in a relationship without being abusive, then she shouldn’t date. It’s not fair to her partner.

We all always continue to grow. Try different types of therapy to deal with an issue from different angles. None of us every truly stop growing. If you hear her say something or acting inappropriate, point it out. And if you think she shouldn’t date, tell her. It may cause some tension, but you two have a sibling relationship. You can get away with reprimanding her. Otherwise, I don’t know, Prisha said.

Those are good ideas, he said as he picked up his cellphone. His eyes widened as he looked at the screen. He opened his phone and read a series of text messages. Not that it matters anymore. He looked sad and relieved at the same time.

What do you mean? she asked.

V and Mel just broke up, he said as he looked through his texts. V is coming back home tomorrow.

Prisha was grateful, but did her best to hide it. Breakups are difficult, she said.

That they are. It was for the best, Daren said.

Well, I’ll leave you to contact Viola, she said, turning to go.

Not so fast, Daren said as he put down his phone. He placed a hand on his hip as he looked at her. So, what’s her name?

Prisha blushed. Alura, she said.

Daren blinked. Alura, he repeated. Tall Asian woman with short dark hair and some scars?

Yeah, she said. She lives in Giles County. Do you know her?

I do, he said with a smile. She’s a really good person with a big heart and she has been able to overcome her baggage. And she’s funny. He nodded. You two make sense.

Prisha relaxed. I’m glad. Is it okay if I tell her I know you? she asked.

Sure, it is! You tell her I said she is lucky to date a wonderful woman like you, he said.

Thanks, Daren, she said. She hadn’t texted Alura yet out of fear. Shukr hai, she thought. I received a good sign. Well, I better get going. I’ll see you at class.

Okay, and congrats again, he said as he hugged her.

Prisha walked outside as she texted Alura. Hey, this is Prisha. Just spoke to my friend, Daren, and he had a lot of good things to say about you

By the time Prisha was home, Alura had replied; Hi Prisha! I’m glad Daren said good things. And I’m glad you’ve been talking about me

Prisha blushed at the response and giggled. She stared at the screen, unsure of what to do. She sighed. How should I respond? she asked herself. Do I play it cool? Do I ignore it? Crap, what do I do? Her head thumped against the headrest.

Her phone chimed.

Alura had texted again. Would you like to meet up for coffee or tea? My treat to help you warm up

Prisha smiled. I would like that When and where?

Chapter 2

Mel went into her bedroom after taking a long, hot shower. It didn’t remove the chill from her heart, but she hadn’t expected it to. She had left her bedroom door open, so the family cats, Nutmeg and Daisy, had commandeered her bed.

Hey guys, she said as she petted them. I’ve missed you two.

Daisy, the half-Siamese, half-calico, languidly stretched before looking up at Mel with her bright blue eyes. She meowed in agreement. Nutmeg, the tiny calico, jumped into Mel’s lap to demand more attention. Mel hummed softly as she petted them, enjoying listening to their purrs.

You made the right decision, Cam said.

Mel glanced down to find both cats alert and staring in the direction Cam stood. Mel was relieved by their reactions. She was halfway convinced Cam was a figment of her imagination.

I know you don’t feel that you did the right thing now, but you’ll recognize it with time, Cam said.

It was because of Prisha, Mel said. Her conversation with me had been eating at me along with the dream I had about her ex. I couldn’t shake it off. And then the vision of my future just made it worse.

And Jesse helped, Cam pointed out.

And Jesse, Mel agreed. I’m surprised she was willing to help at all.

She’s slowly changing for the better. She’s realizing things that she was wrong about during life, Cam said.

That’s good. Will she pass on? Mel asked.

I can’t, Jesse said, appearing in the middle of Mel’s room. She sulked as she plopped down on the bed beside Mel.

Mel was unnerved to feel the bed dip slightly from Jesse’s movements.

Instead of running, Daisy purred as she rubbed herself against Jesse.

Jesse smiled at the cat, giving her an obligatory head scratch.

Why can’t you? Mel asked.

I sort of made a deal with the Master Hunter, so they did a spell that has linked my soul with Chris,’ she said. While he’s alive, I remain alive. She was embarrassed to admit her unfavorable predicament to Mel, but she needed her help. I’ve realized how much of a mistake it was, but I don’t know how to break it. You’re a witch. Can you help me?

Mel stared at the woman who only days ago tried to kill her. She couldn’t determine which part of Jesse’s predicament was the most shocking. Should I help her? She did try to kill me, she thought.

Due to her jealousy over Viola, she reminded herself. And she was killed for it, so we’re kind of even.

I wish I could help you Jesse, but I don’t know how. I may not have the ability or power, Mel said as she glanced at Cam. What can I do?

Cam shrugged. You’ll have to reach out to the werewolf witch for help with that, they said.

Eli? Mel said.

No, not Eli, Cam said as they looked pointedly at Jesse.

Jesse cringed. Please not Tish. I can’t face her, she said.

Who? Mel asked.

Tish is the one who told me to leave you alone or I’d die, Jesse said.

Isn’t she the one responsible for Alura’s scars? She sounds dangerous, Mel said wearily.

Hardly anymore, Jesse said. She’s had a change of heart and whatnot. She sounded disgusted by Tish’s growth. Her eyes widened as she had an epiphany and she laughed. I guess I shouldn’t be throwing stones at her over it. It appears I’m having a change of heart about it all too. At least Tish was smart enough to change while she’s alive. She stroked Daisy’s chin. "I thought power was the answer. It’s what I learned from my mother. I had romanticized what her life must have been like after she left us. I was convinced it was glamorous and that she had power and the life that I wanted. Cam here took me to see her and . . . I was mortified and ashamed that I came from her. I don’t want to be like her. Her life is empty and meaningless. Her face contorted in grief. And after seeing Daddy and my grandparents and how my death affected them and seeing the love your family has for you . . . it reminds me of all the love I had in my life that I turned from. And for what? This? Jesse gestured to her ghostly form. She looked at Mel. The answer in life is love. I just wish I realized it sooner."

Not all love, Mel said.

You and Viola weren’t brought together by love any more than she and I were, Jesse said matter-of-factly. It was an attraction of baggage that fed off of each other. Y’all two ended up loving each other to the best of y’alls abilities, but that wasn’t what created the attraction to each other.

Mel glanced at Cam and found they didn’t argue Jesse’s statements.

She’s right. Don’t be so hard on yourself about it, Jesse. Hindsight is 20/20. Besides, while you’re alive you’re having to deal with physiological baggage along with environmental, physical, and emotional issues. You have your negative beliefs both inherited and personal that cloud your ability to see those sorts of things. And if you have a lot of negative beliefs, you’re going to be at a vibration that’s repulsed by things like love, Cam said.

Jesse was at a loss. Vibrating? she said.

It’s all energy. We’re all energy. It’s just some energy is denser than others. The Master Hunter’s spell made your energy denser, hence why you can pet the cat. Energy vibrates. Each combination of energy vibrates differently. Air vibrates differently than water and differently than bone and so on and so forth. An emotion like anger vibrates differently than an emotion like love. Because each vibration is different, its frequency is going to be different.

Frequency? Like sound? Mel asked.

Yes, Cam said. Some frequencies, we can’t physically hear. So, imagine you have a lot of negative beliefs like ‘I’m unworthy of love’ and a lot of emotions like shame, guilt, and anger stored in your body. Your body is emitting those negative frequencies. If your body is like an instrument, what frequencies are you going to look for? The ones that match yours or work well with yours because frequencies that conflict with yours are going to be uncomfortable.

Like, if my body is not tuned and I hear its pitch, I’ll search people who aren’t tuned in a similar pitch because our notes together will sound ‘right’ to my ears, even though we’re both off? And if I try to hang around people who are tuned, I won’t like it because their note and my note conflict, so it’ll sound ‘wrong’ to my ears? Mel said.

Yes, Cam said.

Huh, Mel said. "So, Viola and I both have negative beliefs that matched well enough that our notes sounded