The Fairytale Chronicles

By Julie Morgan

The Beast Underneath:
An impossible spell. An unwanted lover. A dark tale in the making. Nightmares can frighten even the bravest of men, but when dreams become reality, Bella will not know whether she is asleep… or awake.
When a mysterious man ventures to Paris, havoc will shake Bella to her core. All malicious activities point to her, but she has no memory of it. Her only ally is her husband, Adrian.
As the spell is moments from fruition, Adrian offers to take her place. Meddling with magic, after all, always comes with a price.


The Huntress:
There has only ever been one rule: kill any human bitten by a blood moon wolf. Scarlett Rose knows it's for their own good. Better to die swiftly than linger in the madness of a soul shattered by a blood moon bite. After all, look at what happened when she showed mercy to her brother…
When her fellow hunter Chris Middleton is bitten in a fight gone horribly wrong, Scarlett finds herself struggling to make the right choice. This is the man who fights at her side by day and conquers her desires by night. In desperation, she turns to a man in the shadows for help, even though he's the one who failed her brother.
Dark needs require dark bargains, and Scarlett's choice sets in motion a series of events that could drown everything she knows and everyone she loves in a sea of unforgiving shadows.


Ella's Prince:
Joseph Rose lost his humanity, his soul, and the will to live the moment he was bitten under the blood moon. Now plagued with the curse of the wolf, in order to keep his sanity, he was gifted a clockwork hat. This hat keeps his mind whole and soul, with what's left of it, intact.
When a white rabbit lures Joseph to follow her through the forest, he leaps through a portal to another universe without hesitation.
Queen Ella Lewis has become a prisoner in her world, the Underworld. She sent for a savior to free her and aid in conquering what is rightfully hers, and those who threaten it. What she didn't count on was a man who claimed to be cursed with a devastating fear of losing himself to madness.
When Ella discovers a secret about Joseph, a secret even he's not aware of, telling him could risk everything. But if she doesn't, it could kill him. When insanity becomes reality, Ella has to decide between saving Joseph or risking his life to save her world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Julie Morgan
• Release date: Jun 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223137375

Julie Morgan

USA TODAY and award-winning bestselling author Julie Morgan holds a degree in computer science and loves science fiction shows and movies. Encouraged by her family, she began writing. Originally from Texas, Julie now resides in central Florida with her husband and daughter, where she is an advocate for children with special needs. She can be found playing games with her daughter when she isn't lost in another world. For more information please visit her at www.JulieMorganBooks.com

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The Fairytale Chronicles

The Fairytale Chronicles

Featuring The Beast Underneath, The Huntress, and Ella’s Prince

Julie Morgan

Copyright © 2020 by Julie Morgan.

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

For the fairytale lovers in all of us…

Contents

The Beast Underneath

The Beast Underneath

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Epilogue

The Huntress

The Huntress

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Ella’s Prince

Ella’s Prince

Prologue

Part I

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Part II

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Acknowledgments

Also by Julie Morgan

About the Author

Now Available!

The Beast Underneath

The Beast Underneath

An impossible spell. An unwanted lover. A dark tale in the making. Nightmares can frighten even the bravest of men, but when dreams become reality, Bella will not know whether she is asleep… or awake.

When a mysterious man ventures to Paris, havoc will shake Bella to her core. All malicious activities point to her, but she has no memory of it. Her only ally is her husband, Adrian.

As the spell is moments from fruition, Adrian offers to take her place. Meddling with magic, after all, always comes with a price.

Copyright © 2018 by Julie Morgan

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

For all the princesses out there who want to walk on the darker side, who do not need a price to save them, and will tackle that dragon then ride it!

This is for you.

Chapter 1

They say darkness lurks in the most unsuspecting of places. Bella Fontaine walked down the street toward what she considered one of the darkest—the LeGume law firm building. Air blew around her and it felt as if the temperature dropped a few degrees the closer she drew to the dreaded location. The brown building twisted up in a twirl, as if someone took the topmost of it, then spun it taught. Windows laced down the sides of it symmetrically. It was the tallest building in downtown Paris, France. Rightfully so. It belonged to the man who continued to announce his manhood and how enormous it was. The proprietor held himself in the highest of regard. He felt he was at the top and all the other townsfolk merely groveled at his feet.

Well, except for Bella. She snorted to herself at that aspect. Monsieur Gaspard LeGume owned and developed this former landfill of an area in an effort to capture the growing market for diesel fuels.

Diesel is the fuel of the gods, Bella, Gaspard told her. One day, mark my words. Diesel will change our world fuel economy!

He could not have been more wrong. Diesel overpowered their community. People were forced to wear gas masks on the worst of days; that was, of course, if they could afford such luxury. If you couldn’t, you dealt with what you had in the way of scarves and towels.

She glanced toward the sky at an airship as it passed over. The silver surface of the balloon glimmered against the rays of the sun; however, the beautiful rays were quickly diminished by the growing smog in the skies.

The doors opened and a well-dressed man walked through. He smiled to Bella. Madam?

She returned the gesture and passed through. "Merci," she responded. Her heels struck the floor as she made her way to the lift. The thickness of the polluted air outside quickly faded to a much cleaner air inside.

She removed the mask from her face, her hat and scarf, and pressed the up button to the lift. Soon, the doors opened and she stepped inside. Just as the doors began to close, a slender arm reached in, along with a squeal, Hold the lift!

The doors reopened to their own accord and a familiar person stepped inside. Rita Facile, eldest of the triplets, women whom she knew from the township, as well as attending school. She lifted a brow at the woman whose name translated as Easy. Bella pursed her lips together to keep in a giggle that threatened to erupt. The blonde-haired woman lifted her chin, thus pushing her slender nose up in the air. Wearing a soft blue fitted dress with an empire skirt, Rita looked as if she were off to a fashion show rather than a secretary for Monsieur Gaspard.

Bella, she said and kept her nose in the air.

Rita, Bella responded and pressed floor twenty-four. Rita did not care for Bella, and honestly, Bella could not care less. The woman only cared for herself, and to gain the affection of Gaspard. It was too bad, though, that Gaspard never returned the feelings. Bella found herself wanting to tease Rita by giving attention to Gaspard when he spoke, as if she were interested. All she had to do was smile. As soon as Rita huffed away in a tizzy, Bella would turn off the charm as quick as she turned it on. Last thing she ever wanted was to give Gaspard any hint of a possible future, love affair, anything.

The mere thought made her stomach tighten in knots.

When the lift came to a stop, the doors opened and Rita hurried out with a harrumph.

The feeling is mutual, Bella told herself. As she stepped off into the office, she felt grateful for the cooling system installed. The cool air soothed the irritation she felt each time she came to this building. If it were not for her husband, Adrian, working here, she would never have reason to visit.

The walls were painted a cream color, the front office desk surrounded by a glass chamber of sorts. Molly, the receptionist, smiled her sweet smile when Bella approached.

Hi, Missus Fontaine! Here to see Mister Fontaine? The woman had strawberry blonde hair in pinned curls atop her head and the sweetest freckles on her nose. She appeared youthful, maybe just out of her university.

Bella nodded. Please, I asked you ages ago to call me Bella. I’m not so much into formalities.

Molly nodded and picked up the phone, pressed a few buttons, then spoke into the receiver. Hi, Mister Fontaine. Your wife is here. She paused for a moment. Yes, sir, I’ll send her back to you. Thank you. She hung up and smiled once more.

Bella returned it and approached the main entrance. Nice to see you, Molly. The receptionist waved to her and Bella stepped inside the firm.

The wall paint continued through to the workplace and the individual offices inside were embellished with current-style furniture.

Bella made her way back to where Adrian’s office was located. He was granted a corner unit next to Gaspard’s. She occasionally wondered if this were to keep an eye on Adrian, though she knew her husband earned the position he was in.

Where Gaspard boasted of his money and manhood, Adrian kept everything to himself. That included the fact he owned more land in Paris, and had a family wealth worth more than Gaspard. Bella knew it. Gaspard even knew it. But in the work place, it made no difference. Adrian enjoyed working for the people of Paris, wanting to make a better community for them. He knew he could do this by working for the man he despised at the most successful law firm in Paris.

As she approached his door to knock, a familiar, loathsome voice called out to her.

"Bella! What brings you to my neck of the woods?" Gaspard’s voice boomed across the office and Bella sighed and glanced his direction. The man dressed well for his business. He closed his lips around a cigar and puffed it.

She put on a false bravado and smiled. Good morning, Gaspard. I’m here to see Adrian. My husband.

Oh, Gaspard, Rita called from a nearby distance. Can I have your attention for a moment?

Gaspard ignored the request and closed the distance to Bella. He ran a hand over his thick, smoothed-back raven hair and smirked. Why do you waste your time with a man like Adrian, when I can show you the world, Bella? He casually touched her chin and winked.

She stepped back and shook her head, the smell of the cigar invading her nose. Do not pretend to have any interest in me, Gaspard. You only want me because you can’t have me.

Mmm, indeed, he growled. He began to back her to the wall when Adrian’s door opened.

Bella, I’m ready to...excuse me, Gaspard? What are you doing?

Gaspard chuckled and lifted a brow. Nothing Bella doesn’t want me to do.

Excuse me? Adrian asked again then slipped an arm around Bella’s shoulder. I would appreciate it if you would leave my wife alone. He tucked her close to him.

Bella felt exposed, disgusted.

I’m not above kicking your ass once more outside, Adrian told him. A part of Bella perked up at the idea of Gaspard lying on the street, beaten by her husband.

Gaspard laughed. Go ahead. You may have best me once but at an unfair advantage.

Unfair?! Bella cried out. Unfair? Getting a sucker punch in on my husband is something I would call unfair from you!

Gaspard chuckled and waved it off. Besides, if I recall, he leaned toward Adrian, you work for me. I could just as easily fire you before any fists were to fly. He paused then continued his taunt. What do you think would actually happen? Face it, Adrian. You need me for the bounty I pay you. Now, be a good lad and scurry off with the missus. He bowed slightly to Bella and grinned. Bella, I’ll see you later?

She huffed and shook her head. No. She slipped her hand into Adrian’s and pulled him away from the office door all while Gaspard smirked. Why do you allow him to talk to you this way? Why not leave and start your own firm?

Adrian pressed the down button on the lift and turned to face her. His blond hair had grown out to his shoulders and today, he pulled it back with a leather tie at the nape of his neck. He wore a white button-down shirt, red tie, black dress coat and pants. He looked sexy as hell to her, in which she smiled.

As if I have a choice, he started, then tilted his head. The people need me and who would protect them against Gaspard? He looked down at himself, then back to her. What is it? he asked and grinned.

The lift doors opened and they stepped inside. He pressed the L button to return to the lobby. As the doors closed, Bella stepped closer to him. She laid her hands on his chest and lifted on her toes to kiss him. Nothing. You look amazing today.

He smiled and ran a finger across her cheek. His smile left and he cleared his throat. "I’m sorry, again, for Gaspard."

She nodded and took a step back. I wish things were different. I hate that you work for him.

I know, Bella. But the people…

She nodded and knew he was right, and she hated Gaspard for it. There had been a time or two Adrian considered employment elsewhere, but Gaspard managed to find out and squashed the opportunity before it was offered.

Soon, something will happen soon, Adrian said with a sigh.

Gaspard gritted his teeth as the lift doors closed. Who does she think she is turning me down? No one says no to me. He growled and made his way to his office, then shut the door. He rested his head on the palm of his hand and tapped his fingers on a folder. He wanted Bella, but how? She was married and refused to see him.

From the corner of his eyes, a twinkle caught his attention. He glanced over and saw the source of his distraction, a card. He bent down and picked the card up off the floor. How did it get in his office? No idea, but Gaspard soon realized this was not just any card, it was a business card to a doctor. This doctor promised things a normal MD could not, or would not.

Shadow Man – Voodoo Magic

Promise to turn your fate.

Promise to shift the stars for you.

Promise to fulfill a lost love.

Give the Shadow Man a call to bring your dreams into reality!

Gaspard sat forward and ran his thumb over the print of the card. How did this card end up in his office? Was this a joke? Maybe fate? Possibly that fool, LaBouf?

Gaspard grinned and pushed the card into the breast pocket of his suit.

His door opened and Rita stepped inside. Gaspard, she whined. I really need you, please. Her voice pleaded and Gaspard ignored her for a second time.

He stood and pulled his car keys from his pocket then looked to Rita, realizing she was in his office.

Rita. What do you need?

You, if I can? she said with a smile.

I’m a busy man. Leave whatever it is you need taken care of on my desk. I’ll get to you later. He pushed past her and headed to the elevator.

Rita sighed and set the folders down, then pulled his office door closed.

When the lift arrived, he stepped inside and met Rita’s gaze. The doors closed and he mumbled to himself, Bella will be mine.

Gaspard pulled up a seat at the tavern he frequented, the Thorny Rose. Most everyone here knew him on a first name basis, and he had a never-ending bar tab. He drank as much as he wanted and never had to pay. It was good having the barkeep on the payroll.

The rustic look of the bar gave the impression the place was meant for a hunter. A deer head mounted on the wall had large, oversized sunglasses resting on its face. Beads hung from the antlers and Gaspard shook his head. Whoever decided to disgrace the deer was a fool. The wooden bar stools and the tables throughout the tavern were lined with people chatting, drinking, and making possible business deals.

Monsieur Gaspard?

He looked up to a slender man with an unusual top hat, fitted outfit, and a gas mask that hung around his neck. Gaspard stood and motioned to the seat across from him. Yes, please have a seat. He could not see his face too clearly in the darkness, but could see black hair that curled on its ends.

He took a seat and cleared his throat, then removed his hat. On the brim sat a spider that glowed. Gaspard blinked. Did it just move?

The slender man chuckled and met his gaze. He leaned forward, one elbow on the table, and lifted a brow. Call me the Shadow Man. Shall we get started?

Gaspard cleared his throat and nodded. Yes.

You said over the telephone you wish to have a woman as your bride?

He nodded. That’s right.

And does she feel anything for you?

Oh, she has feelings all right, he chuckled, but they may not be of the love persuasion.

Ahh, he said and tapped his fingers on the table. Do you wish to take her free will away and force her into this relationship with you?

He shrugged. If that’s what it takes, then yes.

Interesting, he mused and leaned back in his seat. You understand, the use of magic comes with a price.

I do not care. I want Bella as my wife. She deserves the best and I am the best.

The slender man held in a laugh and shook his head. All right, but be warned now. Doing this, payment will be made in full when the time to collect has come.

Whatever, money is no object when it comes to my affection for this woman.

Well, Monsieur Gaspard, that’s what you fail to understand. My payment is not…

He cut him off. I don’t care what it is. Consider it paid in full. Just make it happen.

He nodded with a slight shrug. As you wish. He reached out for Gaspard’s hand and took it, then reaching into his breast pocket with his other hand, he used a device and snapped it on his fingers, then immediately released it. Blood seeped through the small wound and the Shadow Man slipped the device back into his pocket. Let’s get started.

Chapter 2

Bella heaved a breath as she stood in her kitchen. She gazed out the window panes onto the front yard of her home she shared with Adrian. Her oak tree began to show signs of death from the smog outside. The diesel fuel wars were coming to an end, but the after effects were still highly visible. People with masks, weapons, and armored cars were still seen day to day. She sighed and squeezed out her wash rag and set it aside.

She thought back to the altercation with Gaspard and gritted her teeth. Who does he think he is? she asked out loud. Be his? I would rather die!

The smell of dinner lifted in the air; roast beef. She shook off the memory and opened the oven. She pulled on her oven mitts and retrieved their dinner. Setting it on the stove top, she closed the door to let it cool down.

The doorbell rang. She removed her apron and mitts, then smoothed her hands down her dress before heading to the door. She looked out the side door window and recognized the uniform. A delivery man stood waiting with a long, slender box. She opened