A Rose by Any Other Name: Unbound

By Kara Baxter

Rose receives an ominous warning from a vampire she has never met. Not only that but the fate of the world now rests on hers shoulder. However, Rose has been a witch, a mortal for nearly a year. Attempting to escape the memory of the one and only human she has killed in her many years. But if Rose wishes to save the world, stop her city from being turned to ruin by a mysterious and powerful being, she must once again embrace her immortality. The only thing that can stop this creature. That can stop the dark forces invading the place she calls home.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kara Baxter
• Release date: May 9, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005165260

Kara Baxter

My name is Kara Baxter. I enjoy writing obviously, randomly quoting my favorite heroines ("It is a sham, but it's a sham with yams. It's a yam sham" - Buffy), hanging out with anyone who is cool and or interesting, especially LGBT+. Besides that I say to each their own. And do what makes you happy, or alive if your idea of excitement is anything like mine.

Book preview

A Rose by Any Other Name

Unbound

Kara Baxter

Smashwords Edition

Copyright ©2021 by Kara Baxter

All rights reserved.

Chapter 1

"Meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice, but falling in love with you was beyond my control."

I took a big bite from a slice of cold pepperoni pizza, a food I had come to love over the months. The soft touch of a hand on my shoulder was followed by arms affectionately wrapping themselves around my waist. I turned my head and kissed Julia on the cheek. I had meet her shortly after I switched powers. It had been around a year since I last felt my thirst for blood.

Good morning baby. She whispered into my ear.

Morning darling. I responded

Do you love me? She asked.

My transformation from vampire to Wicca was not only a physical transformation, but also a psychological one. I was much more prone to being carefree, affectionate, and caring.

Yes, darling. I love you. I replied.

Julia let go of my waist and taking my hand, gently spun me around.

Love is love. Julia stated emphatically.

After breakfast I walked Julia to her car. Hugging her and kissing her cheek. Afterward stopping in front of my dresser, Slowly pulling out the top drawer and eying the vials of red liquid. One would arrive on my doorstep every week like clockwork. Always signed with Q. With it I would no longer have to harm mortals, a part of my life I had been glad to leave behind. I thought about the happiness I had found, the fact that I had become so carefree and had no need to worry about hiding. I wasn’t sure if I ever wanted to switch my powers again. It seemed so much easier to turn a blind eye to the horrors I had witnessed as an immortal. To forget the blood on my own hands. I glanced away from the vials. Shutting my dresser drawer while pressing my lips together.

I grabbed my jacket and left the apartment. Deciding to take another walk. On my way I passed a department store. I eyed the pumps and a new dress I had not seen before. As I was approaching an alley a woman stepped out of the shadows, nicely dressed and making me stop in my tracks. I could tell by her eyes that she was one such as I.

Who might you be darling? I asked.

I’m Angelica. She responded in a matter-of-fact way.

I bent my elbow, raising my palm to chest level. Drops of water rose from my very skin, creating a small, shimmering ball of water. Angelica looked upon it in awe and wonder. Taking her hands out of her pockets. Stepping closer to get a better look.

I hope you mean me no harm darling. I can be a bit of a witch.

I’m here to help. She replied, her preoccupation broken by my voice

Angelica

I had only heard stories of what she could do. Whispers from other vampires about a witch, a champion of the light. Who could also transform. Becoming a black knight who fought against the very forces that created her. Now I have seen it for myself. She was incredible.

Her voice brought me out of my childlike wonder. Brought on by the shimmering ball of water floating in her palm.

I’m here to help.

How so? She replied

I’m here to warn you. Something is coming. Vampires have been flocking to this city for a reason. And it’s not because the mortals here are especially tasty.

She seemed to be intrigued now.

This city is an epicenter. Cursed and destined to be a gateway for the forces of darkness. What your seeing now is nothing compared to what is coming next.

She shifted her weight.

This is a matter for Amelia.

I glanced at a passing couple with a frown.

Right, the vampire hunter. I replied with a hint of disdain.

I must be on my way darling.

She took a step forward but I didn’t let her get any farther. I moved in front of her, blocking her way. She glanced at me with annoyance.

This one is on you. You’re the only one who can stop it. I continued.

Are you saying I’m the hero? She asked skeptically.

Why is that so hard to believe?

Darling, when I was turned I took a life. Then spent years afterward harming mortals without remorse.

But you cared about them. I don’t think you even drained another mortal after that, your too pure of heart. That’s what is going to win this fight. Not your fangs or fists.

I could see that she was taken back. Her expression softened.

I need to go.

She pushed past me.

What’s your name? I called after her.

Rose. She replied.

Rose didn’t bother to turn around or even look over her shoulder as she said it. She just kept walking forward. As determined as ever.

Tiffany

As I finished politely correcting the woman who had misgendered me my thoughts went back to the life I lived as a guy, to the gender I was assigned at birth. I may have a penis but to me it didn’t count. I knew who I was inside. On this particular night I was wearing a dress, make-up, and feeling sexy