Black Hollow: Mending Love: Black Hollow

By Cassidy K. O'Connor

What would you do if you met your mate and found out she knew nothing of the supernatural world and only had days to live?

Dr. Jonathan Larson lived to serve the residents of Black Hollow. It wasn't until his mate shows up in need of help that he learns the town would do anything to help him.

Irelyn Danvers was almost two thousand miles from home trying to check items off her bucket list. After multiple battles with cancer she has accepted her fate and was going to make the best out of her time left. When her car breaks down in Black Hollow it turns out to be her greatest adventure yet.

Jonathan only has days to reveal the supernatural world to his mate and convince her to let him save her. He didn't expect her to refuse his help. Could he respect her wishes and say goodbye or would she accept the offer of love and salvation the town was offering her?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cassidy K. O'Connor
• Release date: Oct 28, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215327197

Cassidy K. O'Connor

Cassidy K O'Connor is a born and raised Floridian who loves to travel but never forgets where her roots are. She married her high school sweetheart, they have 3 kids and a crazy dog. Travelling and reading are her two favorite hobbies. Cassidy loves all things Ireland and has been lucky enough to visit twice. Her first book 'The Evolution of Sam' was published August of 2014 and she has plans for many more.

Book preview

Chapter One

February in Black Hollow was one of Seraphine’s favorite times of the year. Love was in the air and the cupid council hosted the annual Valentine’s Day ball. As she strolled down Main Street enjoying the crisp early evening air, she made sure to smile at everyone who passed by.

She raised her hand to wave at Tanner James, one of the fallen cupids, when sharp pain radiated through her chest. She clutched her chest, intense emotions flooding her senses. Oh, my poor Jonathan.

Large, warm hands grasped her shoulders. Ms. Seraphine, are you okay?

Swallowing the grief that threatened to strangle her, she cleared her throat and turned to thank her rescuer. Ah, Tanner, I’m okay. It was actually a vision. She blinked back the tears that had filled her eyes. I need to see Sebastian right away. Do you think you could help me to the station?

Tanner swiveled left and right, likely wishing he hadn’t stopped to help her. Most single people in town were afraid to be alone with her. She couldn’t imagine why. Her meddling always ended with people blissfully mated.

He held his cell phone out. Should I call him to save you the trouble?

Seraphine tsked. I had an intense vision, not a heart attack. Walk with me.

The poor cupid reluctantly held out his arm and escorted her the short walk past the ice cream shop and around the corner to the station.

Reuben, the joyful panda shifter who was obsessed with donuts stood excitedly as they came in. Ms. Seraphine, it’s so nice to see you.

Hello Reuben dear, is Sebastian in?

He held open the small wooden half-door and pointed behind him. Sure, the Sheriff’s in his office.

As Tanner escorted her to the back, Sebastian Thayer - gargoyle shifter and Sheriff - poked his head out his office door. Confusion etched his features when he noticed who her escort was. What did he do now?

Tanner rolled his eyes at the slightly larger man. "I’m actually here helping her. I didn’t do anything."

He’s quite right, I had a vision that needs your intervention and he was the poor soul closest to me when it overcame me.

Come inside. Tell me what’s happened.

Tanner tried to pull his arm away. Well, I’ll be going now.

Seraphine shook her head. I’d feel so much better if you stayed.

She was playing up the old woman vibe, knowing it would play on his conscience.

Fine. He plopped down in one of the chairs facing Sebastian’s desk. Seraphine smiled serenely as she sat next to him. No one ever appreciated how many threads of people’s lives she watched over and nurtured to keep them from entangling. While the vision wasn’t for either of these men, there were always reasons certain people were chosen to help in her quests. It’s sometimes wasn’t obvious for a while what those were though.

Sebastian sat behind his desk and grabbed a pen and paper. Okay, what new fresh hell is coming down on us?

Seraphine chuckled at the grim look on his face. It was true with a town of paranormals there was always something brewing. You’ll be relieved to know the only person about to go through hell is Jonathan Larson. Although, the rest of us are going to need to support him through this situation.

Both men sat forward, concern etched on their faces. This is what she loved about their small town, they supported each other unquestionably.

Sebastian waved his hand in a come-on motion. Well, what is it? What’s going to happen to him?

Seraphine didn’t answer. She turned and studied Tanner for a few seconds. "I was wondering if you could confirm my vision for me. I believe Jonathan’s mate is going to find Black Hollow this evening."

Tanner didn’t say a word but she could see the anger starting to boil in his eyes.

She wasn’t afraid of a disgraced cupid, he’d get his happily ever after sooner than he thought. A part of me hopes she isn’t his mate. Do you think you can confirm for me they are in fact destined to be together?

Tanner pushed out of the chair. His fists balled at his side. You know I can’t do that anymore. They took my powers from me. Without another word, he stormed out of the office.

Seraphine turned back to Sebastian. I’ll be so happy when that boy is finally settled.

Sebastian’s mouth gaped open. 

She let out a deep breath. Anyways, here’s the problem. Jonathan’s mate is a human and an extremely sick one at that. As in, I’m afraid if she sees a dragon flying down Main Street it could kill her.

Sebastian leaned back in his chair. Your vision did show her surviving and mating to Jonathan though right?

Seraphine stared out the window over his shoulder. Interpreting visions was always more art than science. Between you and I, I’m not so sure. I think her time on this Earth is almost up.

Jesus. This is going to kill Jonathan. His leg bounced up and down as he contemplated the situation. He leaned forward excitedly. I can have my guys set up perimeters so she can’t get into town. It will be better for Jonathan to never meet her, right?

Seraphine was taken aback. No one should come between mates finding each other, whether it was for days or decades. We can’t say what the future will hold but he deserves to meet his mate. Sebastian’s shoulders sagged in defeat. She understood his desire to save Jonathan from the pain - it just wasn’t their place. I’d like you to spread the word that Jonathan’s mate is coming into town this evening and is too ill for any surprises of the supernatural kind. For Jonathan’s sake, ask everyone to tone it down for a day or two until we can tell her the truth of our kind.

Sebastian nodded grimly. Of course. We’ll start telling everyone immediately.

She knew the gargoyle would do everything in his power to help a friend out. Black Hollow was a safe place where paranormals of all kinds could be themselves but she knew no one would take offense to being careful for a couple of days to help one of their own.

I knew I could count on you. Now I’ll leave you to your task. I’m going to spend some time delving more into this vision. I want to know if she’ll survive as much as you do. I have a feeling the next few days are going to be rough on anyone with even the slightest empathic abilities.

Jonathan and his twin brother Jason had been the town Doctors and Veterinarians for the past eighty years. He spent his every waking moment taking care of the citizens of Black Hollow. Now in his darkest days ahead, it was their turn to be there for him.

Chapter Two

Dr. Jonathan Larson shut off the lights to the From Head to Tail Clinic as he walked his emergency patient out the door. Reuben, we’ve talked about this before. You have got to limit yourself to two donuts a day. Eventually, we need to work toward two donuts a week.

The pander shifter rubbed his large belly. I know but they’re just so good and people love giving them to me.

Jonathan shook his head at him. No, you love doing people favors in return for donuts. He grabbed the clinic keys out of his pocket. You were lucky the chest pain this time was just indigestion. You need to get serious about your heart or I’m going to make you bring Martha to your next appointment.

Reuben shook his head furiously. No need to get the misses involved. I’ll try to do better I, swear. He hurried out the door before Jonathan could say any more.

Jonathan chuckled as he shut off the main lights by the door. Mentioning the wives always got the men flustered. If women understood how much power they had they would be ruling the world.

His stomach growled as he stepped outside. Rubin’s emergency call had come right as Jonathan was sitting down for dinner. At least med school had prepared him for many nights of food left forgotten then