The Protectorate: The Protectorate: A Supernatural Suspense, #1

By K.D. Upton

Everything Anna knew was a lie.

Angels actually walk among us.
Time travel exists.
And Ancient family secrets can get you killed.

Anna's life turned upside down the day of the Jeep accident. Rescued by a mysterious man, she awakes to beeping hospital machines, a battered body, and her disheveled mother asleep in the corner of her hospital room.

But everything is not what it seems.

Anna's soon hobbling through dilapidated hallways, running for her life, chased by assassins with only a voice to guide her.

With bullets whizzing past her head, and black-clad men charging, she escapes into the confines of an armored van and is whisked to an underground establishment known as Department 126.

But what is Department 126? And why don't they let her leave?

Did she escape one evil for another?

Reminiscent to the likes of Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider, and Assassin's Creed, The Protectorate is a supernatural, time-traveling mystery waiting to be solved.

• Language: English
• Publisher: K.D. Upton
• Release date: Oct 8, 2022
• ISBN: 9781956954876

K.D. Upton

K.D. Upton gained a broad perspective of life from living in multiple places as a child. She combines childhood experiences, her work in the healthcare field, and love of history to produce compelling works of fiction in the Mystery/Detective and Thriller/Suspense genres.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

B reathe, Anna. Just breathe. Noah’s pleading voice cracked with raw emotion. White sparks of light clouded my vision as I fought to stay conscious. Up until now, my life had included block exams, espresso-filled lattes, trips to study groups, and a boyfriend who made Prince Charming pale in comparison…then, poof.

My mind raced with the foreboding question. Why? This question had dominated my every waking second these last couple of weeks and even invaded my troubled dreams. While the answer eluded me at every turn, I soldiered on, hoping against all hope for an answer. I prayed this would not all be in vain.

But now, with the last of my strength depleted, the pain raced through my veins like hot mercury. My leaden limbs lay limp on the cold, dingy floor, and I kept asking myself Why?

Can you hear me, Anna? Stay with me. Stay with me, Anna!

I wish I could. I wish I could answer him, but the blackness enveloped me, and it felt so good to finally let go.

A couple of weeks ago seemed like an eternity. I was getting ready to meet Robert. We had bought tickets to the football game of the season, the Tennessee Vols versus the Alabama Crimson Tide. Eager to attend all the festivities planned by the university and alumni, the palpable excitement flowed through the waves of orange on every man, woman, and child. In order to find a decent parking spot, we needed to arrive several hours prior to kick-off.

I spent the entire morning curling my hair and picking out the perfect outfit. Settling on a white tank top and orange shorts, I put on some sandals and threw my hair up into a ponytail, giving up on the glamour look. Having a flair for fashion did not translate into coordinating it on my own, I’m afraid. That gene got screwed up in the translation between my mom and me. She could transform herself in a matter of minutes while I, sadly, could take hours and still manage to look no better than when I started.

I checked my watch. Robert would arrive in about ten minutes, and the anticipation gave me goose bumps. Handsome, with a knack for putting anyone at ease, Robert placed my heart on the taken list. A normal 23-year-old, he partied like the best of them and would only pass it up for his mother or me.

When the doorbell rang, I answered with anticipation.

Hey, Anna. Ready for the game?

Always the life of the party, Robert greeted me smiling and holding orange and white carnations. Dressed in his game day finest, he'd donned orange and white-checkered slacks with a white polo shirt.

He leaned down and brushed his lips across my forehead before handing me the flowers.

Sure. I smiled. I just need to grab my purse. Come on in. There's soda in the fridge if you want it.

I walked toward my bedroom, calculating whether the lip-gloss, blush, compact mirror, and comb would all fit into my purse, when I felt a chill, a prickly sensation of being watched.

I glanced around. The second hand on the kitchen clock clanged like church bells, but nothing had changed. There was only Robert talking on his cell and staring out my living room window. Though the uneasiness lingered, I blew out a breath and continued down the hallway to my bedroom. Chided since childhood of an overactive imagination, I shook it off the best I could and placed the flowers into a vase on the nightstand. Retrieving my purse from the foot of the bed, I reapplied my lip-gloss without a further thought. It was, after all, October, and I was beginning to think my obsession with Ghost Hunters might have influenced me somehow.

Back in the living room, I beamed at Robert. Ready to go.

Great. Let's stop by Jake's first. We've got to give him and Hannah a ride to the stadium.

Robert’s best friend since 5th grade, Jake went wherever Robert did. After a last-minute check to make certain my keys and wallet were in my purse, we headed towards the front door. When I reached for the doorknob, a fit of nausea hit me out of nowhere, nearly doubling me over onto the floor.

"Careful, Anna."

The warning sounded urgent and loud, causing me to stop in mid-stride. Immediately on the defensive, I spun around to gape at Robert, who stumbled over his feet to prevent himself from knocking me over.

What's up, Anna banana? If you wanted a kiss, all you had to do was ask.

His playful smile further perplexed me, and I stood grasping my stomach and hoping the cheeseburger I ate earlier wouldn’t make a reappearance. With a frown I asked somewhat hesitantly, Why should I be careful?

After his initial alarm, Robert cocked his head to the side and offered an impish grin. What are you talking about? I didn't say anything. Started drinking early, have we? he said, poking me in the ribs.

I remained speechless until remembering Robert’s history of pranking his friends.

Okay, I'll play along, I thought.

I shrugged and shot a smile at him. "Forget it. Thought you said something back there. No, I have not been drinking. I smirked. No worries."

Wrapping my arms around his waist, I nuzzled my face into the nape of his neck and rested my cheek on his shoulder, inhaling the heady scents of aftershave and cologne. He rested his chin upon the top of my head and held me. I relished in the moment feeling safe. Secure.

The nagging feeling from earlier returned with a gut-wrenching punch. A sweaty flush followed, and every muscle simultaneously tensed. Much to my relief Robert ended our embrace with the lightest of kisses on my forehead and clasped his hands behind me. His infectious laughter created a balm to quell most of the nagging thoughts and I laughed without abandon into his embrace.

We set off hand-in-hand for the door, and a heavy weight fell off of my shoulders for the first time in months. Casting a sideways glance at Robert, I nearly floated on air. Tonight, the hottest guy chose to spend time with ordinary me, and Neyland Stadium would be on fire as our Vols played their hearts out.

I shrugged off my apprehension and convinced myself a lack of sleep and stress from school had caused the uncomfortable events of the past hour. I bounded down the steps for Robert's Jeep, forcing myself to forget the bout of uneasiness. He opened the passenger side door for me, and I mentally patted myself on the back for wearing shorts instead of some short skirt. I leaped up into the passenger seat and buckled up.

Opening doors and pulling out chairs was a lost art these days for most guys, and Robert passed with flying colors on being the utmost gentleman.

As he walked around the Jeep to the driver's side, I flipped open the visor mirror to steal one last glance at my hair and makeup, thankful again for putting my hair into a ponytail for the ride in the Jeep. Windblown ponytails looked tons better and could be easier to fix than anything else. Sinking back into the bucket seat, I closed my eyes.

Robert started the engine. Earth to Anna, come in, Anna, he chuckled. What's up with you today? Are you okay? You're acting kind of distant.

Lost in the stillness Robert created, I'd failed to hear him speaking to me. I backtracked fast to hide my own embarrassment.

Oh, Robert. I’m sorry. Spacing again. Like I said, kinda tired.

Reaching over for my hand, he laced his fingers through mine, and my cheeks heated up at his touch. Laying my head back on the headrest, I allowed myself to relax once more.

"Don't go, Anna."

The voice, more urgent this time, startled me out of my reverie. I snapped to attention and locked onto Robert in utter confusion.

Why are you staring at me like that? he asked. You look like you've seen a ghost. Frowning, he reached out for my hand, which I had jerked away upon hearing the voice.

Didn’t you hear it? I questioned.

Hear what? The car slowed as he repeatedly cast troubled glances at me.

You're sure you didn't say anything? Anything at all?

Anna, I really didn't say anything.

Hands tightly clenched in my lap and nervous system running on high steam, I regarded Robert with unconcealed skepticism. He appeared to be telling me the truth, but what I heard couldn’t be denied.

After a few moments of silence, Robert cleared his throat. Do you need me to turn around? Maybe we need a night at your house. We can go get a movie and have dinner on the couch. I can call Jake right now. It's no trouble. What do ya say?

I appreciated the consoling, but I wanted to salvage our long-awaited night of stress relief.

Are you alright, Anna?

Worry lines emerged on his face, and I reached over to give his hand a squeeze. I'm sorry, Robert. It's been a very long couple of weeks with midterms and all. I haven't gotten a lot of sleep. I must be imagining things. Looking as remorseful as I could, which wasn't difficult, I took a deep breath and tried my best to allay his fears. Listen, this was all just a misunderstanding. Let's try to have some fun, okay? A smile crept back onto his face. Well… I liked the way you squealed like a pig when I picked you up earlier. Very elegant snort you got there.

I laughed out loud. Robert, have I mentioned today how incredible you are?

Actually, yes, but I'd love to hear it again.

Giggling like a schoolgirl, I reached over and stroked his arm. Laughter is the best medicine, because the shoulder and neck tension started to melt away. We'd be at Jake's in about ten minutes to pick up him and his girlfriend Hannah, then we'd be off to the game. My mouth watered just thinking about the big pile of nachos and large soda I’d been jonesing for the entire week, and I was happy to finally relax with friends.

Attending pharmacy school guaranteed a life filled with exams, regular infusions of caffeine, and a lack of free time. A weekend of fun in the sun with my living, breathing friends was just what the doctor ordered.

As we drove up to Jake's, I relaxed a dash more. When Hannah came out to greet us, I was excited.

Hey, Hannah. Wow! You look great! I exclaimed.

Dressed in an orange mini skirt, a white V-neck tank, and sandals, Hannah radiated confidence. Her olive skin glistened in just the right places, and her luxurious black hair fell in beautiful layers to her waist. I glanced down at my outfit and well-worn sandals and tugged at my ponytail.

Thanks, Anna. So do you, she said with a quick hug. Can you believe it's already football season? I hope we win today.

I stood taller and smiled back. Oh, I don't think that'll be a problem. We've got the best football team around. Robert winked at me and gave me his signature grin.

Hannah, would you like to sit in the back seat with me? I asked, trying to focus on anything other than my trembling limbs, and grateful to focus on something else other than the fluttering butterflies only Robert created. Plus, Jake normally liked to sit up front with Robert even with a date.

Not this time. Jake grinned. I can't have Hannah thinking I'm not a gentleman.

I swear my jaw hit the ground, and before I could regain any semblance of composure, Robert asked, Why don't you want to sit by me, Anna?

Robert and I exchanged knowing looks while he helped me into the passenger seat. Jake must really like this girl, but who could blame him?

The rest of the crew jumped into the jeep, excited to get to the stadium and the tailgating parties. Last year I went with my girlfriends, but was on the outside peering in. Not associated with the in people, we ended up walking around most of the time before the game. I remember spending hours on my hair and makeup when I should have spent the time shopping for comfortable shoes. Where we parked was well over a mile and a half away, and unless you had years of buying season tickets, close parking was never going to happen. Oh well, this year was bound to be different with the crew I was with.

Settling back into the plush bucket seats of the Jeep, I saw Hannah and Jake holding hands in the rearview mirror, whispering terms of endearment. I wistfully took in the beautiful landscape of east Tennessee. Almost as soon as my body released its last shred of tension from the morning's events, the hairs on my arms got prickly again and a sinking feeling deepened in the pit of my stomach. Trying to cover my discomposure, I fumbled with my purse, but for some reason my hands wouldn't quit shaking.

You ever been to a game at Neyland before, Anna? Hannah asked, eyeing my shaking hands.

Last year, but I was in the nosebleed section. This will be my first time on the fifty-yard line.

Hannah smiled encouragingly and then beamed at Jake. Maybe I was going crazy. I remembered my mom mentioning something about an Uncle Jacob being institutionalized. Perhaps it ran in the family. Maybe I needed some sort of antidepressant or antipsychotic drug or something. I made a mental note to review my pharmacology notes as soon as I got home.

Robert kept sneaking glances at me from time to time with an inquisitive look. Why couldn't I shake the feeling something was horribly wrong? Jake continued talking about team statistics, but I couldn't force myself to focus completely on their conversation.

Racing thoughts twisted faster than I could sort them out while waves of nausea mixed with the unexplained events of this morning. I gripped the door and breathed through pursed lips, praying for it to stop, but it continued to spiral out of control until a sharp squeal of the tires brought me abruptly back to the present. A vice-like grip, not my own, held me still as the jeep jerked sideways. Time slowed down, making every movement seem exaggerated. Adrenaline slammed my heart against my ribcage and each ragged breath brought along with it an agonizing burn. A blood-curdling scream split the air as time flashed forward. The deafening crunch of metal and the nauseating smell of gasoline overwhelmed me as I flailed about like a ragdoll. The contents of the Jeep catapulted around us. Something struck my forehead, leaving a trail of blood obscuring my vision and me gasping for air. A sense of weightlessness and blackness abounded. I didn’t know how much longer I could hold on.

"No, my sweet Anna. Not today."

The deep voice came to me from somewhere in the darkness. Garbled, like speaking through water, nothing he said made sense through the jumbled sounds, images, and thoughts. Exhaustion left me crippled from understanding. I wanted to let go, but the words wouldn't stop. They kept repeating over and over again like a mantra.

Not today, not today.

What did it mean?

Unaware of time or space, my thoughts drifted to my friends and family. A spark of urgency filtered through the fog. Flashes of monumental events played out like a slideshow. Pictures of past holidays, family gatherings, and marching band practices on hot summer days progressed faster as I tried in vain to focus on them. The more I focused, the easier it became to fight the darkness that surrounded me. My pharmacy acceptance letter appeared and disappeared in a flash followed by a dove, a spear, and then…it all stopped on a pair of the bluest of eyes.

"Not today, my sweet Anna."

Heart seizing inside my chest, the darkness split, and I was flooded with light. A surge of emotions overwhelmed me, making it feel like I’d burst from joy.

"Open your eyes, Anna."

The light got brighter, almost searing in its intensity. Disoriented, I lay still while peace and calm poured in, pulsing within, and finally forcing my eyes open. Disoriented, I lay still, allowing my eyes to focus. Smoke filled the air, making it hard to see, and breathe.

I was lying on a grassy hill surrounded by trees, and while my mind gradually unfroze, I cautiously moved each body part, checking for broken bones. When I got to my right arm, I yelped. Stars floated in front of me. Cradling it against my body, I carefully stood. Waves of nausea almost knocked me down again, but with slow, methodical breathing it abated a little. I scanned the horizon to find the person who’d spoken only to find I was completely alone. The realization left me shaken, sobering a frantic mind into order. Where were the others? I had to find the Jeep. Fortunately, I didn’t have to look far.

The mangled mess of the vehicle lay to the right of the grassy hill in a clearing of trees, flipped over and resting upside down. I squinted to see through all the smoke and saw a leg sticking out the driver's window. A jolt of fear pushed me toward the wreckage in a trance. As I got closer, a low moan startled me into a run. When I reached the Jeep, I lunged forward on my bloody knees, trying to stay focused through smoke that burned with each inhalation. The driver’s side door was crumpled under the violent tumble. Eyes gritty and watering against the smoke, I fought the hacking coughs and searing heat, blindly reaching out. The leg flinched at the touch of my fingertips, and the moaning turned into cries of pain.

Thrown forward into the driver's seat, Hannah writhed in agony. The femur of her left leg protruded above her olive complected skin while the seepage of blood grew the longer I stared. Gritty soot stung as I blinked and sputtered. I spotted flames emerging from underneath the glove compartment. They licked towards Hannah’s head. Gripping her good leg with my uninjured hand, my clammy palm kept slipping off her right ankle. Panic grew into hysterics when I realized I wasn't going to be able to pull her out by myself.

Hannah! Listen to me, I begged. You've got to get out of the jeep. You've got to help me!

Dazed, she stared at me, mute and uncomprehending. The flames flicked within inches of her hair, and the smoke tripled in its intensity. Blood and burnt flesh fill the air while the Jeep’s fabric crackled and burned. Strands of my hair stuck to my face, and tears involuntarily flowed each time I pulled Hannah. Parts of the dashboard dripped onto the floor, singeing the carpet. All of a sudden two hands emerged to pull with me. With a new determination, I pulled Hannah’s ankle while the stranger reached through and grabbed around her waist. When she slid forward, a new wave of tears cascaded down as the stranger moved her a safe distance away from the Jeep. Following close behind, I bent down to her unmoving frame.

Anna, what happened? Where's Jake?

Tears welled up behind closed lids even though her voice was weak and raspy.

I patted her shoulder. Just rest, Hannah. We'll get Jake. I promise. My voice sounded calm but foreign to my ears. On autopilot, I only thought about keeping my promise. I turned to run back to the Jeep, but someone grabbed me, not allowing me to move.

Let me go! I screamed. There’re two more in there!

Kicking uselessly, heart beating wildly, I labored against his unyielding hold. An explosion rent the air.

NO! Please! My voice cracked under the strain. I kicked and clawed at the arms restraining me. The ground shook around me and my ears ached. Sheltered in the arms enveloping me, despair overtook me. Sobs racked my body, and the hope I felt earlier was gone. Burying my head into my captor's shoulder, I let the tears flow, unable to stop them, hardly able to breathe. when I thought of Robert, a fresh wave of grief descended, and I wept harder.

I cried until no more tears would come, and I became more aware of the man who had sat quietly against a tree, rocking me back and forth without a sound. Wiping away the tears, I stared up into the face of the stranger holding me. Piercing ocean blue eyes stared back at me with concern. Gratitude overwhelmed me, and I felt the urge to say something to him.

Thank you, was all I could muster. It was barley a whisper, but he softened at my words.

Are you okay to stand? he