June Rose Book 2 of the Dark Month Series

By Brittany Chandler

June Olsen knows hard times and good times. Upon losing her family she discovers a hidden brother in Ireland. Even when people flock to her and wish to follow her every move she still feels out of place on a primal level. Is it June or is it those a round here that cause this feeling of difference? She discovers the answer when she meets a stranger who steals her soul with one small glance, an experience she can't understand but needs. When her final change takes place and she joins her spot as equal to her unknown sister, it all makes sense on a deep level to her. Joining the ranks of the Forbidden Ones never felt so good as June can finally take the power of fate and control of the lives around her into her own powerful hands.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 10, 2014
• ISBN: 9781493154784

Brittany Chandler

I currently live in Milan located in Bradford county Pennsylvania with my African Albino black clawed frog named Freddicka. I’ve always been passionate about writing, and have always had so many story lines with characters just waiting to be spoken of inside my brain, since as long as I could remember. I grew up reading many different types of books but the ones that drew my eye the most was always the horror-fiction section, and was inspired by Stephen King, John Saul and V.C. Andrews until I started to write myself. They were my favorite authors that I always read first before anything else, and once I knew I wanted to make writing a career to show my passion and stories to others, I already knew what type of books I wanted to write. So I hope you like my stories and the stories of the characters that I bring to life in front of your eyes, and hope you enjoy the stories of there lives and adventures.

Book preview

JUNE ROSE

Book 2 of The Dark Month Series

Brittany Chandler

Copyright © 2014 by Brittany Chandler.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013922812

ISBN: Hardcover 978-1-4931-5477-7

Softcover 978-1-4931-5476-0

eBook 978-1-4931-5478-4

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Rev. date: 12/19/2013

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris LLC

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

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CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Epilogue

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I ’D LIKE TO thank all those who encouraged me to continue writing, and believe in me without doubt. I love what I do, and as many great minds quote, If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life, which is very true. I would like to thank my pre-editor Bryanna Kellogg, who I have a strong belief will be an amazing author in her bright future. A thank-you also goes to my friend Richard Chapman, who is a lover of the arts himself, and has encouraged me since our school years together. Once again, I’d love to thank my readers, because it’s the readers who read the stories we create in worlds we love to write about. Our characters, creations, and the stories of their lives speak for themselves, as any of our lives. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I enjoyed creating it, because a well-enjoyed story has truly lived its purpose.

PROLOGUE

J UNE STARED DOWN at her left hip and smiled as she traced her new tattoo gently. The tattoo was a scarlet, bloodred rose with the thorns sticking out slightly, and tiny water droplets in the petals. Toward the bottom, a rose petal lay still where it had floated down as if in slow motion and settled in the light, making its gray and black tones stick out beautifully. She totally loved it, and her brother knew about it but didn’t even care since he had plenty of his own. He was her estranged half brother, but had adopted her right away after being told of her parents’ death in a car accident four months previously. This morning, they had settled into the house her brother had bought in Ulster, Ireland, where Josh’s mother lived. June had been miserable about the idea of leaving everything she knew behind at first, but she had to get used to it. Josh was all she had left for any form of family in the world.

Letting out a frustrated huff, she dropped back in her moon chair and propped her feet up on her nightstand. Leaning back, she gave a sad smile to the ceiling, wiping away the single tear that had slid down her cheek, as she heard a knock at the door and headed down to answer the door.

Josh looked up at the ceiling and blew a smoke ring as he heard his sister’s television blasting with American music channels. Everything about the girl screamed American, especially the attitude. He was still getting used to her clear-cut Alaskan-accented husky but smooth voice. He honestly found it quite cute. Taking another puff of his cigarette, he thought on the tattoo she had gotten, but then again, what American teenagers today weren’t getting tattoos? He’d said nothing and allowed it, only to help her take the change and everything more easily, being so far away from anything she knew. Plus, it wasn’t as if anybody could see it on her hip, and if anybody did, he’d have something to say about it. Putting out his cigarette, he realized he was worrying, and how easy it was to love somebody so quickly. Grinning, he went about the unpacking that was left to be done, losing track of time until he heard footsteps and a knock on the door.

Three minutes later

Noon

June

I’ll get it, Josh, June called as she hit the last step, knowing her brother most likely hadn’t heard the knock at the door the first three times. Opening the door, she saw the face of a pretty woman with dark hair and green eyes. She was short compared to June.

Well, hello, lass, we decided to welcome you to our lovely town. We’re right glad you both chose our little Ireland town, and this lonely old house. Such a lovely house to be empty for so long… The lady kept going on, as June tried keeping up with her accented words; she stared at the woman, blinking. June didn’t realize when the woman had stopped talking, because the lush green field and bright sky in the distance had stolen her attention as if she were in a coma.

Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t catch all you said, I’m not used to so much nice weather this time of year. Alaska could be kind of rainy and dark at times. Come in, won’t you? June asked politely, allowing them in as she stepped to the side then shut the door. Heading into the living room, she motioned for them to follow her.

Josh, these are our new neighbors, and this is my brother Josh. I’m sorry I didn’t catch your names, June said as she sat in a empty armchair and crossed her legs underneath her, pulling a cigarette out of her pack lying on the table.

Oh, it’s lovely to meet you. I’m Josh, and this is my younger sister June from America, Alaska to be exact, Josh said as June blew a smoke ring and grinned at him as her nose ring gleamed in the lighting. Then the television caught her attention as the Redskins, who were playing the Giants, were winning by forty points.

Americans and their sports, the woman said, snickering at June’s disappointed expression as the Redskins dropped the ball, before a touchdown.

Oh, right, sorry, I forgot not many follow the American NFL, though if you do, the Eagles are really good, usually, June said with a charming smile as the woman smiled back as if she couldn’t help it.

Charming lass, the older woman said, smiling gently at June, as June smirked and turned back to the game to watch the quarterback get tackled hard and she snapped the television off quickly afterward.

They should have trained harder, I can’t stand it when professionals slack off like they’ve already won or something, June muttered to herself and set the remote on the coffee table gently.

Do you play any sports, love? the woman asked her, as her husband grinned behind her at June’s expression.

Yes. I actually did, before I moved here, that is. I was a cheerleader. I also played volleyball, tennis, golf, track and field, basketball, and sometimes softball. You could say I was an all-around sports jock of sorts, but then I started dating Bryan and quit them all, June said in a matter-of-fact tone, looking at them.

Why ever did you quit? Did this Bryan not like that you were an all-around jock, as you said? the woman’s husband asked with curiosity.

Bryan—good god, no, he didn’t mind that I liked sports, he used to be captain of the swim team. He quit to sell pot with his father, so I figured why not work with my boyfriend so he wouldn’t leave me for a pothead he sold to, June said, seeing the stunned faces.

June, Josh said strictly as the shock wore off and he watched her grin and wink at the couple.

I’m just playing, but seriously, I quit so I would have more personal time instead of all sports, work, and school. My—I mean, our father didn’t approve at first but got used to it, because I had refused to rejoin any of them, she responded, trying not to laugh, like the others, at Josh’s facial expression.

12:40 PM

Josh

June was back in her room, finishing the school forms she needed to enroll within the next two weeks; Josh smiled, remembering what she had said to shock them all.

Damn girl, he muttered fondly, getting back to unpacking the living room, happy over the thought that his sister might just be able to be happy here.

Midnight

June

June looked in the mirror of her old bedroom back home and smelled the stench of burnt flesh, as the graphic images in her nightmare haunted her sleep. The nightmare was always the same, and always brought her awake with cold sweats. The girl named Sara was always screaming, and June was always called Daniela Goodwin. As Daniela, she had a twin named Rogue Goodwin. They, along with ten of their sisters, were accused of being witches, and the villagers had decided to burn them to death. Rogue, who was the leader, and Daniela would always calm them all down, before they’d follow Rogue’s lead and lay an eternal curse on everyone in the village. The twelve would all die instantly afterward, as the flames licked and burned at their bodies.

Nothing in the dream ever changed, and the dream had been replaying for as long as she could remember; nothing ever changed. Looking away from the mirror, she tugged on a pair of warm black tube sweatpants that didn’t match her bright orange tank top, in one of the five spare bedrooms. Opening the door, she eyed all her art supplies by her easel sitting by the window. There was no curtain, so the light would shine in. Her eyes took in her paint, sketching pencils, canvas, and each of the supplies in the room that she held, with talented passion. Moving her stool near her easel, she grabbed water from the bathroom and gathered her brushes, a sketching pencil, and paint colors she wanted to use. Setting everything up, June sketched her artwork out first and became fully relaxed and entranced as she began painting with ease. Painting was always there for her whenever she needed it most, no matter what or who was around. Breathing calmly as the image flowed on the canvas, she relaxed her mind, and her hand and talent took over.

5:45 AM

June’s art room

Josh

Josh looked at June’s painting. As she was plugged into her iPod, all her thoughts centered on the painting in front of her. She had created a deep reddish-purple, almost see-through rose that was outlined in black, with a scene of an old village behind it. The town was old and creepy, some of the cottages spread out and some close together. There was even a bakery, blacksmiths, a church, and candle makers. The town looked empty and sad like a depression area, with darkened windows and a dark cloudy sky overhead. It was beautiful, but he’d have to buy her some smocks so she wouldn’t ruin her clothes with paint since she had paint smudges on her almost everywhere. It was as if she was so lost in the painting that she didn’t care for anything else in the moment. It was her passion. He wasn’t sure how long he had been standing there watching her paint, but suddenly she was looking at him with tear-filled eyes.

I miss them, Josh. It’s not that I mind being here with you, I’m even thankful for you, but I miss them. I feel like I was robbed of them, of my time with them, of my future with them, she whispered, setting her iPod aside as tears slowly slipped down her face.

June, love, it’ll all be okay. I’ll always be here for you. I know I just met you, but you’re my amazing, smart, and talented little sister. Nobody would ever willingly leave you behind. They’d miss you just as much, I’m positive of it, plus they’d hate to see you crying and hurting so much inside. How long have you been up, June? He hugged her tightly to him.

Since midnight—I woke up from a nightmare and couldn’t go back to sleep, so I got dressed and decided to paint, June whispered into his chest. He thought she spoke of a nightmare of her family’s death. He had no idea it was so much more. He would have no idea what would come to be later on. Not even June knew yet that the nightmares were from real events from her past, or had the slightest thought of a past life that could exist. Neither knew what it was that haunted her so deeply, but destiny would eventually let the truth be known. Comforting his sister was all he could do for now. He had no idea what lay at rest inside June Olsen, what she was, or who she would become. The same curse in her dream, the curse long ago, cast a curse for revenge that would very soon come to rise. Nothing and nobody could stop it from happening, for even though it was from memory, June would never acknowledge or admit it until her destiny demanded it, for it was locked away in a dark hidden place reborn again and again.

CHAPTER ONE

October 2nd, 2013

Noon

June

National College of Art and Design

J UNE OLSEN SAT in class tapping her foot swiftly, as edginess filled her and she knew she shouldn’t have stayed up all night. Why had she stayed up all night? Well, because she couldn’t sleep—she was restless, somewhat like a wild animal in a cage. Yawning silently, she stretched, not caring that Dametrie Parker watched her closely from the back of the room. Ten minutes left until lunch break, only ten minutes, slowly ticking minutes on the clock, then she could grab caffeine to fully focus on her work, completely awake, instead of fighting not to fall asleep.

Fifteen minutes later

Dametrie Parker approached June Olsen in the café and watched her as she placed her order. Putting on a smile, he walked up behind her in line to place an order as she moved off to the side, awaiting her own order. He kept watching her out of the corner of his eye, getting glances of her expressions. She looked so tired and drained. Maybe if she was tired, she would be easier to woo. He had heard she was a hard one to get a date with, and the few guys she’d dated were beyond higher standards. She didn’t really seem like a snob though, not even a little bit. He caught her yawning and covering her mouth as a man in a fancy suit watched her from the parking lot, with an intense look of heated interest. Turning his attention back to her, he kept watching her closely and decided it was his time to speak.

Well, hello there, lass, you’re June Olsen, right? Dametrie asked, making her jump, before she turned to face him. He kind of regretted his choice of words, because she looked tired and too irate to be disturbed as she waited. She gave him a look that almost made him want to crawl away into a hole where he hadn’t bothered her and he might have a chance.

Do I know you? June responded with a confused look, knowing he knew damn well who she was. He was just playing a part he’d played with many women on campus before. He was simply a cad, the type of man she avoided dating. They were trouble. Why did he have to bother her on a day like this? A day when she’d had no sleep, no caffeine, and her stomach was starting to growl. And no some good-for-nothing cad was trying to be smooth. She didn’t have the essay for her next class done, but the students could hand it in anytime. She had great grades, and was an amazing art student. Yawning and not caring what the cad saw, she gave him a just say what you want to say or go away look, hoping he’d follow it.

I’m Dametrie Parker, we have four classes together. I was, um, just, well, um, I was wondering if you were busy tonight, he asked shyly, as she smirked with mischief. He wasn’t sure whether she’d play a game with him or just give him an honest answer, and she looked like she wished he’d just leave her alone already.

Ah, I see. It’s nice to meet you, Dametrie, and yes, I’m very busy tonight. I have a date with my paintbrushes, canvases, and then my bed. Believe me, I have no interest in what you’re offering, Parker, she said as he looked at her and frowned. Grabbing her order, she walked away without another word. Shaking his head in disappointment as she walked away, he frowned and didn’t see her again until class started up the next time.

Setting her cup down on her table in class, June rolled her eyes and ignored the sting of a confused stare at the back of her neck. Yawning, she rocked her chair back and forth, trying to stay focused as the lecture started. Not realizing it, she started to sketch on her notebook, still hearing the teacher ramble on. As soon as all her classes were done for the day, June left quickly and hurried to the parking lot where her sports car waited. Tossing her bag in the backseat, she slid in and shut the door quickly. Starting the car, she pulled out of the parking spot and headed home quickly. Once home, she left her bag in the car and locked the doors, heading around the house, out back to the pool. She was feeling restless, not the bored restless but the something-was-wrong restless. She’d been feeling like this for days now, not knowing why.

June, Josh and his friends called from the pool in unison, as they all appeared semi-drunk floating around on inner tubes.

Hello, she replied, only pausing a minute before she walked into the house and flipped through the channels as she sat on the arm of the couch. All the television did was make her feel more restless, and she was slowly becoming moody. She had no idea how long she sat there; the next thing she knew, it was dark and her drunken brother stumbled past, up to his bedroom. Tapping her toes, she flipped off the television and ran silently up the stairs, shutting her bedroom door quietly. Stripping down, she put on a short denim miniskirt and a new emerald green halter top tied about her neck tightly. Adding heels the same color as her halter top, she walked over to the mirror, brushing out her hair in soft waves and touched up her makeup. Grabbing her keys and purse from the bed, she left the room darkened and headed for her car. Maybe a good dose of the young nightlife would kill her restlessness; maybe a little fun was all she needed. Putting on a fake grin, she pulled out of the driveway, heading toward the clubs, not caring that the neighbors followed behind her. Maybe the club was just the thing she needed to relax and feel less restless. She was tired, but at this point she was so over-tired, there was no hope of sleeping. Why waste time on something that wouldn’t happen?

June knew the person was behind her, before she felt the hand on the back of her shoulder, touching her gently.

Father Dale Cartwright, kicked out of the church for eight different sins, including child molestation and stealing church donations, was it? June said with distaste, as shock filled the priest’s face. He removed his hand and she walked further into the nightclub, where she kept seeing a brutally handsome man in the back corner—watching her. Wearing all black, he watched her with heat in his eyes, as he ruffled his short, light brown hair. He had a golden tan, light blue eyes, and defined features. And then Dametrie Parker was in her line of view, blocking the man from her vision. Sitting at an empty table, June watched as Dametrie’s friends sat down with them and started talking, but she only saw their lips moving. She wished she could read lips. She didn’t know why, but she needed him to just look at her, even if just once.

June, the redheaded guy said, staring at her. Staring at her as if he truly knew her, when he didn’t, as most didn’t. Most of the people were that way; they didn’t know her but would like to pretend they did, and it wasn’t just this area. It was worldwide. People everywhere thought they knew more about others than they really did, famous or not famous. It was a human weakness, the need to pretend to know people that you had no idea about. Then she frowned because human nature hardly ever changed. It had been a long search to find a person she found even reasonable in nature. Sighing, she knew she was only thinking like this from the lack of sleep; without sleep, the mind could play so many tricks, just like hers was at the current moment. Knowing she had to put up with Dametrie didn’t make them really any better, because he didn’t know when to give up. He was like a gnat and he was talking to her.

They said they’re shocked that I finally found me a woman who can control me, like a dog whining to be trained, that is, if you want to be my girlfriend. I thought you said you were busy tonight with your paintbrushes. But it doesn’t matter. I’m just happy you showed up. It gives us time to get to know one another. I’ve always wanted to get to know you. Your inner beauty just shines off you, Dametrie said, hoping she wouldn’t reject him, especially in front of everybody. He could already feel a blush start on his face, as he watched her face as a sign of her answer.

I don’t want you. I want him. It’s like he’s looking right through me. Did you really think if you tried to corner and ask me in a club I’d change my mind and say yes? I’m not one of those weak, desperate women you go for. I know of your reputation with the women, and I don’t want you. I don’t even find you attractive on the outside, let alone the inside, so what makes you think I’d even give you the thought of a chance with me? As I said, I want him. His eyes are so pure, June said honestly, then stood up and walked to the guy standing in the back, watching her. He was sipping rum and Coke and set it down as she got close, grinning at her heatedly. Still holding her scotch, she smiled back at him.

I’m June Olsen, but everyone who knows me calls me Rose. I haven’t seen you around here before. Who would you be? If you don’t mind telling me, that is, June said as he played with the rim of his glass, watching her, as her confidence never budged a bit. The man was eyeing her just as much as she was eyeing him, and she liked it.

Well, well, how bold and forward, but I like it. I would be Jensen Williams, but everyone calls me Sen. I really prefer Jensen, but friends will be friends. Have a seat, won’t you? Passing up the chance to talk to a beautiful woman like you would be the mistake of a lifetime, honey. Jensen pulled out a seat next to him as his friend watched. She was here and talking to him, after he’d been watching her for days. Trying to figure her out was like figuring out nature, it was nearly impossible. She truly fit her form, so beautiful and complicated and naturally upfront.

How truly enchanting you are, Jensen Williams, June said, not caring a bit when Dametrie and his friends stormed out of the club. She had her eyes set solely on the man sitting beside her, as they talked and talked. His eyes were eating her alive, taking in every inch of her as her personality shone bright to be seen by all around, and he was the one she was into. He was a truly lucky man in this moment; he hoped he would remain a lucky man for a long time, but that would first involve securing her at his side.

Dance with me, June. Dance with me and take my restlessness away, Jensen said near her ear, as he took her hand and led her to the floor for a dance.

You’re restless too. I thought I was alone in the feeling of late, June said as he wrapped her in his arms, making some of the restlessness go away.

Oh no, I felt it too. It’s what happens when your destiny’s nearing you, so close you can taste it on your tongue, but it can feel so far away. He paused. I knew you were my destiny when you walked through those doors, honey. You make my hazy world clear up like crystals in water, I could sink in those eyes of yours, and I want you to be my future, June Olsen. Jensen twirled her around slowly in his arms.

Then yours I am, Jensen Williams. You best treat me right, June answered as they danced on and on.

Giggling, June led Jensen to the swimming pool, not caring if anyone heard. Leading him to the pool house, she gave him some trunks and went into the other room to put on her own suit, and went to the poolside. The water was cold on her as she sank in and swam a lap quickly then stopped, just watching him as she went under, watching as he slid in the pool. Surfacing, she watched as he swam toward her; diving back under again, she swam to the deep end, and it went on for hours.

October 3rd, 2003

9:45 AM

June and