Shadow Lands: Book Two: Darius’S Choice

By J.R. Colson

He wanted to know what happened ever since Bridgette and Branwynn disappeared, only to return later completely changed. They were the same girls he remembered, yet they were different physically and emotionally. He wanted to know the real story, not the fantasy crap theyd told everyone. What Darius didnt know was that he was about to find out. Once the truth about the sisters disappearance came out, it was a whirlwind of a ride. Darius found himself ensnared in a world hed only read about in books and made a startling discovery about himself hed only thought about in his wildest dreams. Now he was on a mission to do anything he could to save a world hed only just found out about and the life of an exotic woman whod made him feel more alive than he ever had before.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 28, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524528935

J.R. Colson

For as long as she can remember, J.R. Colson has loved to write. She has written numerous poems and even a few short stories during her college years. J.R. Colson is a self professed bibliophile who cannot pass up a good book and is addicted to the written word. She lives in a small farming community in Northwest Kansas with her family and close friends.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

D ARIUS COULDN’T BELIEVE that a week had gone by since Branwyn and Bridgette had returned. Everything about their disappearance and subsequent reappearance sounded odd. Branwyn had never once said anything about having a private investigator looking for her par ents.

He didn’t believe any of Branwyn’s story and he was going to find out the truth. He hated secrets and he didn’t trust Branwyn’s new boyfriend He didn’t even trust Bridgette’s boyfriend and he barely knew Bridgette. There was something different about Ashkar and Dorian. The whole thing didn’t make any sense and it was out of character for Branwyn. Hell, he could be wrong. He’d only know Branwyn for a month or two before she disappeared. He could be wrong, but he knew he wasn’t. Something was up and he was going to find out what it was.

Why so serious Darius? Did someone piss you off again? Darius looked up to see Lilly watching him closely. She was frowning and looking worried. Lilly had taken Branwyn’s disappearance hard.

Why so serious? Darius smirked as he copied the Joker from Batman the Dark Night. Heath Ledger was really good in that movie. Too bad he died. He was a really good actor. Darius was brought back to the present as Lilly hit him across the chest before she folded her arms and glared at him. Not funny Darius. If I had wanted a smart ass remark I would have asked for one. Now answer my question.

It’s that whole story Branwyn gave us about her disappearance. It’s total bullshit. I know she’s lying and I don’t like being lied to. Doesn’t she have the balls to tell us the truth?

Lilly walked around the bench he was sitting on and plopped down next to him with a sigh. She sat her books down beside her and slid her purse off her shoulder (which she always had at school) and stared at the kids on the other side of the school grounds. Darius studied the profile of her face while he waited for her to talk. They had dated once, but had quickly realized that they were better off just being friends. She was to high maintenance for him and he was too much of an asshole for her.

I agree with you Darius. So does Beor and Violet, but what can we do. Branwyn has a reason for not telling us the truth. Maybe we should just mind our own business.

You don’t honestly think I’ll mind my own business. Remember who you’re talking to. Too many things don’t add up and Branwyn’s been acting weird. Very jumpy and on edge; as if she expects something to happen. Her boyfriend keeps a keen eye on everything and seems ready to beat the shit out of any guy that comes near Branwyn. Shit, he almost decked me that first day they came back, remember.

I remember Darius and you’re right. Something is going on. Both Bridgette and Branwyn have changed since they came back. For one, Branwyn has lost weight and toned up. I also noticed that Ashkar has the exact same schedule as Branwyn and I find it curious that no one remembers Darius after he’s left the room. Have you noticed that?

Darius gave a grunt of agreement and leaned back against the tree that the bench was sitting under. He didn’t bother to talk because Lilly was busy talking about how Branwyn has changed. Something was going on with Branwyn and it was bugging him. He had a bad feeling that something bad was going to happen and he knew that Branwyn would be a part of it somehow.

Darius stretched his legs out and crossed his ankles. He crossed his arms across his chest and watched out of half closed eyes as kids raced across the school grounds headed towards class. He smirked as he watched two kids collide. Books and papers went everywhere and it was entertaining watching the kids chase after papers that the wind had caught.

Aren’t you going to class Darius? Lilly was standing with her books in her arms looking at him expectantly.

Nah, I think I’ll skip first hour today. I’m comfortable right here and nothing is going to make me move.

Lilly shook her head at Darius as she shifted her books. Fine, but don’t expect me to feel sympathetic towards you if you get sent to Mr. Reeds office.

Darius laughed, It takes more than an ex-drill sergeant to scare me.

Nothing scares you does it Darius.

I haven’t found anything or anyone that scares me yet.

Darius heard the bell ring and watched as kids started filing into the stark dungeon that was called school. Lilly dismissed him with a flip of her hair as she headed towards first hour. She paused at the door and cast a look back at him before she disappeared inside.

Darius leaned his head back against the tree and closed his eyes. He needed sleep more than he needed to sit in class and learn pointless bullshit that teachers taught students. Darius pulled out his Ipod, put his headphones on and cranked up the volume. Darius let himself relax as the music of Five Fingered Death Punch blared in his ears. He was almost asleep when he felt himself being watched. Opening his eyes, he glanced around the empty school grounds. Seeing nothing he shrugged and closed his eyes again. He was jerked awake when someone kicked his boots.

Shooting to his feet he shouted, Damn it! Who do you think you are? Darius was ready to rip into whoever had disturbed him, when he caught sight of the woman who stood in front of him. The sight of her made him pause. He’d never seen a woman like her before. She was almost as tall as he was and he stood 6'5".

She looked like a model out of a high fashion magazine. She had the sculpted face that rich bitches killed for with full lips, perfectly arched brows, high cheekbones and small nose that many people paid to have. Her features were almost perfect, but there was a bleak harshness to her beauty. Darius couldn’t decide if it came from the way she stood or if it came from the scars that lightly marked her face.

Darius let his gaze wander over the rest of her. Her hair was red, a deep rich red. The kind of red that was natural. Not the kind that comes out of a box or bottle. The one thing he couldn’t stand was all of these girls dying their hair red. In his opinion, red hair only looks good on those who were born with it. The woman wore her hair loose and it fell clear down her back.

His gaze moved forward and focused on her eyes. She had the most amazing eyes he’d ever seen. They were as blue as the sea. Looking closer, he realized that they were different shades of blue. Surprised, he realized that her eyes had no pupils. Her eyes were entirely blue. She must be wearing contacts he thought. He dropped his gaze from her face and took in the rest of her. She had a very shapely body with all the right curves in just the right places. It also helped that she had decent sized boobs. She was dressed in dark clothing and had on some edgy biker boots.

If you are done looking, my eyes are up here boy, the woman said in an accented voice.

Darius took his time raising his eyes to meet hers. He made sure to check out her assets before he met her eyes. He met her gaze and smirked. I’m done looking, for now.

She narrowed her strange blue eyes and crossed her arms over her chest before she pinned him with a glare. I’d be careful if I were you boy. If you insult me, I won’t think twice about killing you, she growled in a rough voice that was filled with power.

Darius raised his eyebrows at her as he swept his gaze over her body. He couldn’t help but snort. Even though she looked fierce there was a delicate look about her. Forgive me if I’m not shaking in my boots.

The woman frowned and cocked her head at him. She stood motionless as she studied him. Do you not know fear boy?

Darius laughed bitterly before he gave the woman a hard stare. I grew up with an abusive alcoholic father and a mother who was too scared to do anything. Fear and pain were my constant companions.

***

Phoenix blinked in surprise at the bitterness that she heard in the human boy’s voice. He couldn’t have been more than 17 or 18 winters old. He was too young to be so bitter, but then humans don’t live very long she mused.

A word of caution youngling, do not let bitterness rule you.

Why should I listen to you? What could you possibly be bitter about? Look at you. You have the look of someone who grew up with everything handed to you on a silver platter.

Phoenix shook her head at what the boy said. Looks can be deceiving boy. Very few things were handed to me on a silver platter, they were mostly gold, and I have experienced things that would make your life look nice and comfy.

The boy snorted and said, You can fuck off lady, before he sat back down on the bench, leaned back against the tree, and closed his eyes ignoring her.

Tell Branwyn and Ashkar that I stopped by, Phoenix said as she turned and started to walk away.

Wait!

Phoenix stopped and looked back at the boy. He was sitting upright and staring at her. She arched an eyebrow at him.

You know Branwyn and Ashkar.

Yes. Tell them that time is running short and to be on their guard. They are no longer safe.

Phoenix turned and left the boy sitting under the tree. She hoped that the boy would do as she asked. If not she might have to hurt him.

CHAPTER 2

D ARIUS SWORE AS he watched the strange lady walk away. He could care less about what she said, but she seemed to know Branwyn and Ashkar and that made him curious. Maybe she had the answers to the secrets that Branwyn was kee ping.

With a growl of frustration Darius picked up his book bag and slung it over his shoulder as he headed into school to find Branwyn. He was pissed that he had to go inside. He was planning on skipping the first few classes he had in the morning. They were just so boring and he had better things to do than learn useless information that he’d never use.

Darius knew that Branwyn had geometry first hour and he was on good terms with Mr. Klein. Maybe he could get Branwyn out of first hour without getting in trouble. He knew Branwyn was smart and hopefully Mr. Klein would let her out early. Darius got to Mr. Klein’s class 20 minutes before the bell was supposed to ring. He looked in the window to see where Branwyn was sitting and he could see her sitting in the middle row. She had her head down working on homework. Her head was propped on her hand and she looked bored.

Darius opened the door and stepped in. Several kids looked up. He ignored the looks he was getting and walked over to Mr. Klein’s desk. He had to wait, rather impatiently, since Mr. Klein was helping a student with a math problem.

Finally, after what seemed a long time Mr. Klein turned his attention to Darius. What can I do for you Darius? I hope you’re not in trouble again.

Darius smirked at the stern look Mr. Klein gave him. No sir. At least not yet, but that could change in a few hours. I’m here for Branwyn. I need to talk to her about something.

Mr. Klein looked over at Branwyn and I followed his gaze. Branwyn was looking at me with a quizzical look. She then turned and looked at Mr. Klein. I’m already done with my homework Mr. Klein.

Was the homework too easy today Branwyn?

Darius watched as Branwyn shrugged as she shoved her notebook in her book bag and stood up. Some of the problems were, but I went ahead and started working on the problems while you were still explaining them to the rest of the class.

Branwyn walked up and handed Mr. Klein her homework and looked at Darius. She offered him a smile as she walked out of the room. In the hallway she turned and looked at Darius, Thank you for getting me out of class. I was bored out of my mind. What is it you need to talk to me about?

Darius looked at Branwyn from the corner of his eye. We need to talk, but not here. Tell your boyfriend to meet us in the boy’s locker room.

Branwyn opened her mouth to deny that Ashkar was at school. Darius cut her off. I know he’s here Branwyn. He’s hardly left your side since you got back. I’m not in the mood for your secrets today. You are going to tell me what happened when you disappeared and you’re going to tell Violet, Beor and Lilly too. They are tired of your secrets, but don’t want to say anything.

Fine, I’ll text Beor, Violet, and Lilly to meet us in the locker room.

Darius grunted as Branwyn pulled out her phone and texted the others. He knew that Ashkar had no phone, but somehow he’d be there. Ashkar always seemed to show up whenever Branwyn was in need of him.

Darius snuck them into the gym without anyone seeing them. No one had gym until 3rd hour so they had plenty of time to talk. Ashkar was already there when he and Branwyn slipped into the locker room. Darius watched a little disgusted as Ashkar pushed himself away from the sink he’d been leaning against and walked over to Branwyn. As soon as he reached Branwyn he pulled her into his arms and gave her a kiss before he asked how she was.

Hey, how about you two go get a room, Darius said mockingly.

Branwyn turned and glared at him. You don’t have to be sarcastic Darius. It was a kiss. We weren’t making out or anything.

Darius shrugged and said whatever, before he went and tossed his book bag on the floor before leaning his shoulder against one of the lockers. He hated to admit it, but he was jealous of what Ashkar had. How he longed for a girl to look at him the way Branwyn looked at Ashkar.

He tried to ignore Ashkar and Branwyn. It was very hard since they were snuggling and whispering to each other. Blek! How he hated public displays of affection. He had never understood why girls always wanted to be shown affection in public. Isn’t it enough that you take them out to dinner and buy them things? Is it really necessary to hug and kiss in front of everyone?

His brooding thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Beor, Violet, and Lilly. They were breathless and Lilly couldn’t stop giggling. As soon as they got into the locker room they couldn’t contain their laughter anymore and it burst out of them. Lilly had to hold onto Beor to keep from falling to the ground. Violet went ahead and plopped down on the ground while Beor bent over double laughing and slapping his knees.

Are you guys done yet? We’re not here to laugh, Darius said sarcastically.

Beor frowned at Darius and Lilly looked hurt at what he said. Violet stood up, put her hands on her hips, and glared at him. What crawled up your ass and died?

Darius wanted to tell all of us something, Branwyn inserted quickly before Violet could pick a fight with Darius.

What’s so important that you had to take us out of class for? Couldn’t it have waited until lunch time? I was right in the middle of a test. I had to hurry through it. If I fail the test Darius, it’s your fault.

Of course Lilly would find something to complain about. That was one of the reasons why it didn’t work out between them when they dated. Lilly worried and complained too much.

I had a visitor after Lilly went to class, Darius sneered as he pushed away from the wall and went to stand in front of Branwyn and Ashkar. It pissed Darius off how Ashkar smoothly moved in front of Branwyn to protect her from him. Hurting Branwyn was the last thing on his mind. He thought of Branwyn as one of his friends.

Get out of my way, growled Darius as he clenched his hands into fists. He was spoiling for a fight and he hoped Ashkar would provide the insult he needed to hit him.

Ashkar crossed his arms over his chest. Whatever you have to say to Branwyn you can say, but you aren’t coming any closer to her.

Afraid I might hurt her or that you won’t be able to protect her.

Don’t press your luck Darius. You are nothing but a puny human and I can kill you easily.

That pissed Darius off and he swung at Ashkar. He grunted as Ashkar knocked his punch aside and punched him in the ribs making him stagger. Darius responded by twisting to his left and bringing his elbow smashing back into Ashkar’s face.

***

Branwyn staggered away from Darius and Ashkar as they fought. She nervously picked at her nails as she watched them fight. Ashkar was completely on the offensive. He was trying his hardest not to hurt Darius and to keep Darius from hurting himself. Darius on the other hand was going all out.

I forgot how good of a fighter Darius is, Violet remarked.

Branwyn turned and saw Violet watching the fight intently. Where did Darius learn how to fight, Branwyn asked curiously.

He learned how to fight because his Dad’s an abusive drunkard and gets a kick out of beating up Darius and his mother. That’s why Darius sometimes comes to school looking all beat up.

Branwyn gasped as Violet told her that. Ashkar don’t hurt him! Branwyn yelled as her eyes snapped back to the fight.

***

Ashkar grunted as Darius landed a telling blow on his chin. He was trying not to hurt the annoying human, but it was hard when he kept fighting. Ashkar threw Darius against the mirror causing it to crack. Darius came back up swinging so Ashkar did the only thing that he could think of to stop Darius from hurting himself. As Darius charged at him, Ashkar jumped to the left and tripped him as he went by.

Ashkar couldn’t help but give himself a satisfied smirk as he watched the human sail over one of the benches and plow into a locker. Ashkar drew his sword and walked over to where the human was crumpled. He was waiting for the human when he turned around. Ashkar took a step forward and held the sword an inch from Darius’s chest.

One wrong move human and I kill you. Even though I’d enjoy killing you, Branwyn would mourn your loss and I’d really hate to cause Branwyn grief. If I lower my sword will you promise to behave and act like a good little human?

***

Darius glared up at Ashkar. He had no idea in hell where Ashkar had gotten a sword. Darius knew that Ashkar had not had it when he had tackled him earlier. What Darius really wanted to do was grab that damn sword and shove it up Ashkar’s ass.

Get that fucking thing out of my face before I break it, Darius growled as he pushed the sword away from his face. He hated looking up the length of the sword and seeing Ashkar’s smirking face.

Ashkar moved his sword back and placed it against Darius’s heart. I’ll move it once you swear to tell us why we’re here and what’s gotten you in such a foul mood.