A Hunter For A Stormy Night: A Sidhe Hunters Story

By Sloane McClain

HUNTERS: Men and women who protect the world from things that go bump in the night.

 

Instead of the tranquility she hoped to find by moving back to her ancestor's homestead in mystical Somerset County, South Carolina, Auria Rainer finds something she never expected. She also yearns for a reconciliation with her first love, Luke Havelock; and when Auria's mother asked him to help her daughter settle in, Luke jumps at the chance to make things right between them. Once in Auria's modernized old farmhouse, he thinks they'll have a quiet evening to talk.

 

He couldn't be more wrong. Their reunion becomes a struggle for survival as a violent thunderstorm rages around them, pouring and ebbing at the whim of a powerful source. But it's not Mother Nature. Auria's Halfling senses tell her she and Luke are under attack by a malevolent spirit bent on holding them hostage until they meet its demands.

 

Will it snuff out Auria and Luke before their rekindled flame has a chance to burn?

Grab this fast-paced paranormal love story today!

 

Though part of a series, this short story is a stand-alone. No cliffhanger. HEA.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sloane McClain
• Release date: Aug 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201617998

Sloane McClain

Sloane has always loved mysteries. The first "book" she ever wrote was a mystery. Though at age eight, the "book" was only around twelve pages long. She's finally combining her love of mysteries, the paranormal, and some Southern charm in this new paranormal, cozy mystery series. Sloane currently has two very spoiled rescue dogs. She also loves photography. You'll often find her photographs on her social media pages. You can contact her on Facebook: SloaneMcClainAuthor BookBub: @SloaneMcClain BlueSky @ sloanemcclain.bsky.social Instagram: @pendragonsandhunters [e-mail]

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

AS LIGHTNING FLASHED and thunder seemed to shake the very air, Auria Rainer drove her car slowly along the overgrown driveway. Branches scraped the sides of her vehicle as if trying to stop its forward momentum. She hoped they didn’t leave scratches. Though, at the moment, that was the least of her worries.

Her great-aunt Devona’s small, single-story farmhouse, known as the Jerusha Maccallum House, had sat empty for a little over ten years. Her parents wanted to sell it, but after strange happenings sent all three potential buyers fleeing from the house in terror, no realtor would touch it. Not even ones familiar with the mysterious ways of Somerset County, South Carolina. Most of its residents were Daondasidhe, or Halflings, which meant part-fairy, part-human. The ones who weren’t—known as Pures—were well acquainted with the ones who were. Auria doubted a single soul was living in the county that didn’t know the score.

Next, her father and mother tried renting it. The results were worse. Something frightened the daylights out of them, but she didn’t know what. Her parents didn’t either. A few left in such a hurry, they didn’t even take their belongings. Since the last renter bolted, the building had been empty.

Now Auria was trying it. She purchased the house and the surrounding five acres from her parents. She was coming home, and she wasn’t about to be one of those grown kids who moved back in with their parents. Even if weird stuff was taking place at her new property.

Her mother assured her that the nearly two-hundred-year-old structure was in decent shape. Knowing her mom, any repairs or updates that were needed to not only make it habitable but up to modern standards had been taken care of.

At least, Auria hoped that’s what happened. Once the rain from the approaching storm arrived, it would highlight any weaknesses in the house structure if they hadn’t. It was after seven pm on a hot July night, and she didn’t want to deal with a leaky roof. Or worse, critters seeking refuge.

Finally, the driveway opened to a lawn badly in need of mowing. Considering her father, that surprised her. Looking more closely, Auria noted how dry the grass appeared. The birch trees, planted near the house specifically for their special protection properties, had even begun shedding their leaves. That usually only happened in early August when there was a drought. If the threat of a storm turned into a production of rain, that would be good for the growing things.

The drive wound in front of the old country home, now covered in white siding and with a light green metal roof. Continuing past the front porch steps, she drove around the left side of the house to a two-car metal carport near the backdoor steps.

Just as she got out of her car, the heavens opened. Rain poured down in torrents. Auria grabbed the smallest of her suitcases and her purse. With her keys in her hand, she made a dash for the small, covered porch. She’d just gotten the door unlocked when a crash of thunder shook the house, making her jump.

Hurrying inside, Auria flipped a switch, turning on the back porch light. It was still light enough out she didn’t need it, but it made her feel more secure. She set her suitcase on the floor, closed, and then locked the door. The light over the kitchen sink was already on, allowing her to see the room well. It also gave enough light to look across the bar to the dining room, living room combo.

She picked up her suitcase and carried it into the main living area and set it near the hallway to the master bedroom.

Auria had sent her furniture ahead. She glanced around. What filled a small, one-bedroom apartment seemed sparse in her new home. Still, it made it feel as if she was coming home, which Auria needed with the violent storm crashing all around her.

There was a blinding flash followed almost immediately by a ground-shaking crash of thunder. A second later, the power went out. Now the entire house plunged into darkness. At least another hour or two of daylight remained, but everything outside appeared as dark as night. The rainstorm was blocking all the light from the setting sun.

Unfamiliar with the layout of the furniture, Auria stood still through several more flashes and booms. The storm seemed to settle directly over her property and take up residence. She