Phoenix Rising: Black Hollow

By J.C. Layne and Black Hollow

Fire Chief, Liam Holland, has settled happily into his comfortable, solitary life in Black Hollow. After all, that's what phoenixes are, solitary creatures. Or are they? After a conversation with Seraphine, Liam is floored to find out phoenixes are actually meant to be social creatures that mate for life.

Well, Liam doesn't have to worry about that nonsense about life mates. He doesn't know any other phoenixes, except for a few family members in Europe. But in her infinite wisdom, Seraphine throws Liam another curve ball, announcing that she has a friend who is a phoenix and will be moving to Black Hollow.

While setting up for the Halloween festival, Liam saves the new town dentist, Dr. Emma Dunning, from a nasty fall from a ladder. Upon meeting the new dentist, Liam is immediately attracted to her.

While getting to know the lovely dentist, an ancient evil arrives in town with the sole mission of ridding the world of phoenixes. As Liam attempts to stay safe from the evil out to vanquish him, he finds that there is much more to Dr. Emma Dunning than meets the eye.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.C. Layne
• Release date: Sep 27, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215384381

Book preview

1

Liam Holland stuffs his hands in his pockets as he strolls down the sidewalk toward Main Street in Black Hollow. It’s just before dawn, Liam’s favorite time of day.

The streets are empty, the air is crisp and clean, and he doesn’t have to chit-chat with anyone.

It’s not that Liam doesn’t like people. People are great. It’s just that Liam doesn’t like people all the time.

Lately, Liam has been thinking about why he prefers being alone so much. He believes it’s the solitary nature of his kind. Liam is a phoenix.

While there are phoenixes in the world today, they aren’t typically flock birds. Mostly, they live as single-family units or perhaps a small commune, but usually never in big cities or really crowded areas.

Liam is the fire chief of Black Hollow. This town has been his refuge. Paranormals can be themselves in whatever form they want without fear and judgment.

As Liam passes Sticky Fingers Candy Shop, he glances inside, surprised to see Alizon Bishop already filling the display cases with chocolates. That woman sure makes some great chocolates.

Alizon glances up, smiles and waves.

Liam waves back.

Alizon wipes her hands on a towel, picks up a small box, and rushes to the door toward him. Oh no, he’s going to have to talk. Man, it’s early for that.

Opening the door, Alizon says, Good morning, Chief. I know how you love my orange chocolates and I just made a fresh batch.

Wow, thank you so much, Alizon! This is very kind of you, Liam replies.

What are neighbors for? she responds with a smile, Well, better get back to it. We have a lot of orders today.

Thank you, again, for the chocolates. This made my day, Liam says, grinning.

My pleasure, Alizon says as she opens the door of her shop, have a great day, Chief.

You, too, Liam replies.

For a few moments, Liam stares at the box of chocolates in his hand. That was completely unexpected and kind. Black Hollow is a great town full of amazing people, both paranormal and human.

He continues his walk down the sidewalk past the Foot and Hooves Shoe Store and around the corner toward the town.

Wow, he still can’t believe Alizon gave him his favorite candy. She is such a nice woman. She’s dating Lucan O’Brien, who helps her out at the candy store and also at the florist that his cousins own. They make a great couple.

---

Up until recently, Liam hasn’t ever really thought about having someone in his life. He’d been just fine on his own. No one to make him watch chick flicks or interrupt him during football games.

It’s never bothered him until recently when he goes to town functions, and everyone is there with someone except him. That’s, of course, an exaggeration- not everyone has someone but it sure as hell feels like it.

Even when he goes to the Town Council meetings, he noticed that everyone on that Council is either married or in a serious relationship. Boy, that was an eye-opener.

It’s not that he’s lonely. It’s just that he’s – oh, who’s he kidding, he is lonely.

As Liam rounds the corner, he wonders what it would be like to have someone in his life. Someone to come home to every night.

Truthfully, he isn’t sure he’d know how to be with someone. It’s been so long since he’s been in a relationship.

Liam grumbles under his breath. What the hell is your problem?

Mornin’ Chief, a deep voice says, breaking him out of his head.

Liam looks up to find King standing at the door of Hell’s Brew Coffee Shop sipping a cup of coffee.

Good morning, King. How’s it going today? Liam says.

Pretty well so far. You?

No complaints so far, Liam says with a smile, I’ll be much better after my caffeine.

Well, don’t let me stand in the way of a man and his caffeine, King says with a chuckle.

Liam laughs. Say hi to Frankie and Hitchcock for me.

Will do, Chief. Have a great day, King replies.

2

After Liam orders his usual, large coffee with cream and two pumps of hazelnut flavoring, he thanks the cashier and heads back out the door. He continues his stroll around town as he enjoys his hot coffee.

The sun is breaking the horizon as he turns down Main Street on his walk. He takes a seat on a bench to watch the sun rise.

Smiling to himself, Liam breathes in a deep breath of crisp air. This is a perfect moment.

He crosses his leg at the ankle and sips his coffee. The hot liquid slides down his throat with soothing warmth.

Liam closes his eyes and lets himself take in the pleasing sensations of the morning. The cool, crisp air, the hot coffee, the sweetness of the hazelnut flavor on his tongue, and the warmth of the sun as it shines on his face.

What a lovely morning, isn’t it, Chief? A female voice says.

Liam startles, opening his eyes. He finds Seraphine sitting on the bench next to him. How does she do that? She’s so damn quiet.

Seraphine grins at him, her one violet eye and one emerald eye seeming to flash in the morning light.

Good morning, Seraphine. Yes, it is a lovely morning. Fall is my favorite time of year.

Mine, too, she replies, also sipping a coffee from Hell’s Brew.

How are you doing? Seraphine asks.

I’m doing well. How about yourself? Liam replies.

I’m doing well, too, Seraphine says as she takes a sip of her coffee. So, how is everything going at the station?

Just fine. Black Hollow is generally a pretty quiet town. We’ve only had a few minor calls this week. A lost oolet and one of the dragon children accidentally setting a trash bin on fire.

Chuckling, Seraphine replies, It’s wonderful to live in a mostly peaceful town, isn’t it?

Yes, ma’am, it sure is, Liam says with a chuckle.

Seraphine turns in her seat to face Liam. I’m going to be honest with you, Liam, I’m worried about you.

Worried about me? Why? Liam asks, eyebrows raised.

I’m concerned you’re becoming…well, a hermit, she says.

He looks at her with surprise. A hermit? Really?

Seraphine nods. Yes. I haven’t seen you out at any town functions. I rarely see you out to dinner. Do you ever go out? Do you ever have any fun?

Liam is completely taken aback by Seraphine’s questions. How does she always seem to be one step ahead of everyone?

Well, I-I, I go out sometimes, Liam says, knowing he isn’t convincing.

Seraphine chuckles. Is that right? When did you last go out?

Liam feels heat flooding his face. He’s busted. With a loud sigh, he says, Seraphine, I just- it’s just easier this way.