Cursed Blood

By Ruby Raynes

In "Cursed Blood," Alexandrea is drawn to Scotland by haunting nightmares of a mysterious portrait and the urge to find her real father. Along the way, she encounters an enigmatic actor, Chadwick, who offers to show her the castles if she pretends to be his girlfriend to appease his mother. Her striking appearance and lineage stir unease among the locals, revealing ancient tales of powerful witches.

     The search for her roots becomes shrouded in secrecy, particularly when she meets her father, who knew of her arrival, and holds crucial knowledge of what she seeks. With the lunar eclipse and the royal ball drawing closer, Alex feels her soul being tugged at by an unknown force. Will she succumb to the dark magic and the curse plaguing her bloodline, or can she summon the strength to resist? However, her father has his own agenda, even if it means sacrificing her life to break the curse.

     This compelling tale weaves together drama, mystery, romance and the struggle against ancient witchcraft in a race against time and fate.

• Language: English
• Publisher: L R Hill
• Release date: Nov 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223749110

Ruby Raynes

     Ruby Raynes is a multifaceted woman and once a Rodeo Queen. Her diverse career entails real estate, bail bonds, and bounty hunting. During a creative writing course, she discovered her calling and realized the potential of a creative mind.      Her writing delves into contemporary romance, mystery, action, and thrilling narratives. Her stories feature robust characters who possess a sensitive side, adding depth and complexity.      She currently lives in Texas. She's also aiming for the New York Times Best Seller list. Website: www.RubyRaynes-novels.com

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Alexandrea stood on top of the hill looking down at the large, beautiful ranch she worked at. Her long red ponytail blew in the breeze as she watched the new hire. Her anger rose as he whipped a young stud colt, with which she had been making progress with. This colt was special and not like the rest. It took kindness and patience to get him to respond. But this man, Garrett, was destroying all the work she had put into the colt. The colt was fighting and biting at the man to save himself from the whip. He had been told before to leave that stud alone by the owners and herself. Yet he ignored everyone.

Up the road, Alex saw dust flying. She knew the owners were coming back, so she headed back to the ranch. She stood in the yard, waiting for them to get out of the pickup. As they got out, she said, Good morning. They greeted her with a smile. May talk to you for a bit?

Mr. Mason was pleasant. Sure Alex, come on in. She helped them carry in the supplies and followed them into the house. What can we help you with? Mrs. Mason went on and began putting the things away as the two sat at the table.

She hesitated a moment. Ah, that new guy you hired, I thought, was supposed to be one of the best horse trainers. Mr. Mason nodded at her with a strange look. He’s working with the blue roan stud I’ve been working with. You told him to leave him alone as well. She played with her fingers. He’s beating the horse with the whip. That horse is one that takes extra attention to get him to do what you want.

Now wait a minute Alex, he comes highly recommended and has years of experience. I’m sure he knows what he’s doing. Is there going to be an issue here?

Alex held her breath for a moment, then blurted out just what she thought. I was raised with horses, Mr. Mason, and I’ve probably forgotten more than that jerk will ever know. He’ll turn that stud into a killer the way he’s going about it. Which proves he’s not a real trainer, nor does he have the temperament for horses. Did you check his references? I mean, calling the place listed, not the numbers he gave you. Mr. Mason went to interrupt her, but she wouldn’t let him. Hold on now, I’m talking. I had that stud working good, and he was settling down. Just because I’m a woman doesn’t make me less of a trainer than that man. I wondered why you hired him when all the horses I trained came out as winners, anyway. Especially since you called me in to work for you. If I’m no longer wanted, then just say so, but I will not watch him beat a horse that way if I’m here.

Mrs. Mason turned around to listen and knew Alex was serious. Then she looked at her husband and bit her lip. Mr. Mason was now upset because of her cutting him off and said, If that’s the way you feel about it, then go. Alex just stood up and gave him a nod and calmly walked out the door and left.

However, Garrett came walking up and said the wrong thing and held his fist up at her. Alex lit right into him and kicked his ass. That’s for destroying the colt you were beating, and on his behalf, too. Garrett got up off the ground to fight back, but she whirled on him and kicked him upside the head. The blow sent him whirling around and he hit the ground hard. Touch me, you son of a bitch, and I’ll kill you. Don’t you ever raise a hand to me.

Mr. Mason had followed her outside and saw what was going on, but his wife kept him from saying anything. Don’t you dare. I heard what he said to her, and he was going to hit her too. She may be right about it all. I don’t like a man who would hit a woman. Alex saw the two and shook her head at them, then she got in her pickup, never to return.

Alexandrea went on to town, driving slowly, thinking of the portrait that haunted her dreams for years. She only seen it in her dreams, but she had been saving her money for a trip to Scotland. After years of investigation into her heritage, she knew her answers were there. She had made plans for years, and now it was time to put them into action after what she had just done.

For the next couple of weeks, she sold everything she had and got her plane ticket. There were no reasons to come back except to visit her mother.

Regina, her roommate, said. I sure hope you know what you are doing. I’ve never seen you so obsessed with something like this before. It’s got to be the dreams you’ve told me about. I’m going to miss you so much, but to give up your life here will be hard. You’ve built a wonderful reputation.

The dream has eaten at me for most of my life. I’ve got to find out why. Then, when I found out my dad wasn’t really my dad through the DNA test, it threw me for a loop. Mom, of course, denied it even with the proof for the longest time. She almost fell over when I showed her who the match came up with. She still wouldn’t say anything about him. It must have been a terrible split. All she gave me was an heirloom with no explanation.

I know it hurt you. I just hope you find what you’re looking for. Call me and keep in touch. You can always come back. I’ll be here. They hugged for a moment. Okay, let’s get you to the airport. We sure don’t want you to miss the plane. Alex and Regina loaded the suitcases into the car and took off. They laughed about some things they did on the way. Once they arrived at the airport, Alex sighed deeply. Want to go home with me?

No, I can’t, or I’ll hate myself for not going. Besides, I’ve called someone there who will let me stay at their place for a while. You know, one of those rental places for vacationers. So the two parked and carried the luggage inside.

Regina almost cried. I’ve got to get ready for work. You be careful. It’s a whole new world there. Alex hugged her and promised to keep in touch, then watched Regina leave.

Alex turned back around and looked at the flight board for her flight. Fear suddenly struck her. Was she doing the right thing over a dream? Did she have enough money to go through with it all? What about the reputation she had built? Questions flooded her mind as she looked around at all the people moving around. Suddenly, she looked in her purse for her visa and plane ticket. Double checking her visa, she sighed. She had six months before she had to renew it.

She went on to the check-in counter to get her luggage on the plane and waited in line. People were complaining and getting irritable with the clerk. Alex had nowhere to go but to Scotland, so she remained calm, knowing she’d eventually get to the counter. Over an hour later, she finally got up to the counter and was about to speak when she got rudely pushed aside. A rude dark-haired man quickly began asking the clerk questions.

The lady tried to be polite. Sir, you need to get in line like everyone else. This lady was before you. If you don’t move, you’ll lose your place.

Alex looked up at the board and it flipped to delayed. Ah, go ahead and help him. My plane just got delayed.

Ma’am, are you sure? Alex nodded, so the clerk began helping the rude man. He didn’t even say thank you, but got rude with the clerk as he barked orders. The clerk stopped a moment and glared at him, then realized who he was. She got nervous and went to helping him as best as she could, quickly and got him on his way.

Alex finally moved back to the counter. That was inexcusable. You sure have a tough job.

The clerk smiled at her. The rich and famous always think they can do things like that. He’s the reason the flight got delayed. Alex rolled her eyes and handed her luggage through the gate for the clerk to tag. The clerk was quick and polite. There we go. You can go that way to the boarding gate and then she pointed which way. Thank you for being so pleasant about everything. The clerk smiled at her.

Thank you for everything. I hope you have a better day. Alex smiled back at her and took the luggage tickets and headed out. Looking at the board again, she sighed and went to the restroom, then found a place to eat. Just killing the time before her flight.

In hearing a familiar voice, Alex looked around to see the same man being rude to someone else. She looked closer at him and finally recognized him from the movies. Wow, what a jerk. I wonder if all famous people act that way. Alex walked right on past him and headed for her boarding gate so she wouldn’t miss her flight. Then she found out they overbooked the plane. Now she started getting irritated, wondering what was going to happen next. This was her first flight, so she did not know what all it entailed. All she could do was watch the monitor and sit quietly for a while. Finally, Alex went to the gate and asked a couple of questions politely.

Let me see your ticket, please. Alex handed her the ticket. Ok, you are on this flight, so you’re in good shape. We’ll be boarding in a few minutes, I hope. The lady typed something on her monitor and handed the ticket back. I just made sure you don’t get bumped, since you are so nice about everything.

Thank you so much for your help. This is my first flight. I just didn’t want to get on the wrong plane. Alex kind of giggled, making the lady giggle to and smile at her. Alex went back and sat until the flight was ready to board.

Attention, Flight 3596 to Scotland is now boarding. Alex got in line quickly, being close to the gate. She handed the attendant her ticket and watched her tear part of it off and hand it back to her.

Thank you. Have a pleasant flight. Alex smiled and thanked her, then went on through the gate to the plane. She hunted for her seat in first class. When she found it, she put her things overhead and sat down out of the way. She leaned to the right so the people wouldn’t hit her as they passed by with their carry-on luggage. Then her nerves rattled again as she wondered if she was doing the right thing. How was she going to make her money stretch? Could she find a job? Could she get a work visa?

It took a lot of time for the people to board as she watched them go by. Then she spotted that man again. This time, he was staring at her and talking to the attendant at the same time. Oh, please not this flight. He was holding up the last few people trying to board. Alex looked away from his stare and exhaled. She heard the attendant apologize to the man and explained they were overbooked, and no other seats were available.

A few minutes later, the attendant came up to her. Ma’am, would you mind letting Mr. Stumar have the aisle seat and you sit next to the window?

Yes, I would mind. I am sitting in my assigned seat. He can sit in his. He puts his pants on one leg at a time like everyone else does.

The attendant stood up, smiling at Alex for a second. She quit smiling, then turned to Mr. Stumar. I’m sorry, you’ll have to sit next to the window. She’s not willing to give up her seat.

Yeah, I heard what she said. I guess she doesn’t know who I am.

Oh, but I do know who you are, but I don’t care. You’re no better than anyone else. You’ve delayed the flight and been rude to everyone. So sit down and shut up! Alex pulled her feet back for him to get in and so he wouldn’t step on her. Alex glared at him, daring the tall handsome man with dark hair and deep blue eyes to make another remark. The attendant almost laughed at her putting him in his place and walked off.

He stood there stunned at her remark for a moment, then gave in and sat next to the window. He held quiet, but she could tell he was sulking over not getting his way. Who does she think she is? I’ll get that seat one way or another. He slightly glanced over at Alex, but she ignored him.

The people finally settled down, and the plane began moving as the attendants sat down as well. Once they got up into the air, she listened to all the directions. Then there was a ding and a sign that they could unbuckle the seat belts and move about. Just as she took a deep breath to relax, the man leaned over to her. Don’t be asking me a bunch of questions, either. I’m not interested in talking to you. Alex just looked up at the ceiling and sighed, but never said a word. She had too much on her mind to be concerned about him or his career. How was she going to make it in Scotland? She had saved her money for years planning on this one day. However, she didn’t know how long it was going to last. She just closed her eyes again to think. I must find a car.

The man kept looking at her. He was fuming over not getting his own way. This woman dared to put him in his place, even though he knew she was right. But no one talked to him like that for many years since he became famous. He glanced over at her again and stared at her. She was beautiful with sharp facial features, striking, actually. He could tell she had a real tan, not a fake one for someone with red hair that was real as well. She definitely was no pushover, either. Then he looked at her hands and saw they were a bit callused. It surprised him; she didn’t look like the type that did hard work. She looked more like a high-class type of woman. Her body was muscled though, yet definitely feminine and shapely.

He sat back finally and closed his eyes, trying to imagine what kind of work she did. It had to have been outside work for the tan. Construction? No, that didn’t fit. Heavy machine operator, ditch digger, landscaping? Now that made more sense, planting trees or flowers. He smiled to himself in playing with his ideas. It helped pass the time instead of worrying about his problems once he got home.

Alex opened her eyes and looked around the plane. She got up and went to the restroom, hoping not to wake the man up. She thought about what his name was, something Stumar. He had a lot of excellent films out, but his first name was... Oh well, she really didn’t care. Coming out of the restroom, she sighed in seeing he moved over into her seat. When she got back to her seat, she was loud for everyone to hear. You need to move back to your seat. Just because you are rich and famous changes nothing. Stealing my seat isn’t going to work. Everyone began paying attention to all that was going on, and some snickered.

He smirked at her. I knew I’d get this seat. He moved so she could get in next to the window. But he got a major surprise.

Alex reached down and pinched his ear and then twisted it hard, making him wrench. Now, move over to where you belong. He made a horrible face; the attendant came up wanting to say something but couldn’t. Move over, bud! He heard everyone chuckling at him and finally moved so she’d let go of his ear. Thank you and don’t do it again.

Yes, ma’am. He rubbed his ear, and it was red too. Damn, that hurts. I always hated that when mom grabbed my ear. The attendant had to cover her mouth before she cracked up. Alex just smiled at her, sat down, and leaned back in her seat. Alex wanted to laugh at him for making such a face. She surprised herself by being so bold. It was just out of instinct; she was tired of being pushed around. It had to still be the anger of quitting her job the way she did and with the uncertainty of her life now.

CHAPTER 2

Alex settles down again with a long flight ahead of her. However, the man talks to her. Ah, my name is Chadwick Stumar. What is your name, miss?

I know what your name is.

He fidgets a bit, then asks again. What is your name? I mean, it would be nice to know, considering we have a long flight of ahead of us. You can just call me Chad.

She looks over at him again. It’s Alexandrea, Alex for short. Then she quits talking, hoping he’ll leave her alone and is aloof to him.

Nice to meet you, Alex. She keeps ignoring him for another hour, then he starts in again. I’m going to a family reunion, which I don’t want to go to. You know how parents are. They keep asking when I’m going to get married and settle down. Alex just glances over at him. It’s not that I don’t want to settle down. It’s just so hard to find someone that’s not just after the fame or money. He continues talking her ears off. I have great parents, but they push so hard. I can’t live up to their expectations.

Alex takes a deep breath. When is he going to shut up? Then it hits her. She’s going to have to get rude with him and then maybe he’ll stop talking. I’d think it’s more of the way you treat people no one stays around. He draws back and looks at her, then gets quiet for a few minutes. Alex grins at herself.

You may be right, partly. Alex half drops her head in dismay. I think it’s because they show their true self. You know what I mean? Alex just shakes her head. It’s always, take me here or there, which is usually very expensive. Buy me this or that within a week of us dating. I don’t even have time to find out if I really like them. Now Alex nods, understanding that. With the way they act, I don’t want them to meet my parents. It’s all what they want only, so I guess I get rude. Partly hoping they’ll just leave on their own. But they stay around wanting me to do what they want, anyway. I just won’t do it. I’m tired of it. He keeps ranting on about his relationships for over two more hours. Alex tries her best to ignore him, but he won’t let her.

Lunch gets offered, and he finally stops talking for a bit and Alex gets to enjoy the break. Yet she listens as Chad gets obnoxious again with the flight attendant. All she can do is try to keep her mouth shut. That only lasts for a few minutes as the lady tries to accommodate him as much as possible. My gosh Chad, this isn’t a fine dining restaurant. There’s only so much they have. Just order something and eat it! Stop being such a jerk.

Chad presses his lips together and gets ready to argue, but doesn’t. He finally places his order and even apologies to the lady. When she walks off, he says, I’m sorry Alex, I’ve gotten so used to getting my way. It’s hard to... He pauses in thought.

I sure hope you don’t treat your family or real friends like this. That is, if you have any friends. She put him down again.

Oh no, my parents don’t put up with it. I usually help them out as much as possible. I bought them a delightful house in the country and things. Alex looks around, trying to ignore him thinking. Please Lord, help me. I can’t stand this man. Then he starts bragging about all he’s done for his family for over an hour.

Well, at least you did something right with your money. Family is very important since they raised you and tried to teach you some manners. Even if it seems to have failed.

Chad finally smiled at her, and she couldn’t help but smile back at him. He had a beautiful smile, and she could tell he was handsome, even with all the facial hair that was unkempt. Then he started telling her about his fantastic vacations.

She noticed he never said he took a woman friend with him. You did all of that? He nodded. I noticed you never said you took a woman with you. He shook his head no. You are so selfish. I can’t believe it. She instantly stopped talking for a moment. I’m sorry that’s none of my business what you do, but I see why you aren’t married.

Saved by lunch arriving, they both sat in silence and ate. Chad was almost furious, but she made him think about things. Once they finished eating and they picked the trays up, he looked over at her. You sure say what’s on your mind. You’re right too on most of it, I guess.

Alex's mouth slightly opened in surprise. What?

I said you’re right. I am selfish.

She started feeling bad for her comment. Look, I know you dated other actors. Couldn’t you have gone with a woman and even go dutch on a trip? At least you would’ve had time to get to know each other better with no expectations.

I never thought of that. I’m so used to being expected to pay for it all.

That’s why you discuss it first, before making any plans. Then she knows there’s no sex expected, and you know she’ll pay her way. Just two friends on an outing. If you don’t hit it off, one can leave without a fight over anything or feel you’ve been used.

You mean just say I’m sorry, but I don’t think it’s working. We have far too many different ideas. Alex smiled and nods. Chad sat back in thought again. But we should have differences.

Of course, you will not find a twin. Keep your own identities and share the common things. Do some of her things to get to know her and she should do the same for you. No one suffocates the other one. Alex is thinking this man knows nothing about women and almost laughs. Do you even ask the woman what she likes and doesn’t when you talk? Or is it all about you? Which is what I hear already.

Chad almost dropped his head. Alex was right again. Boy, you sure lay it out there, don’t you? Alex just shrugged. Next thing you know, he started asking all kinds of questions. Even somewhat personal questions, although she answered some in general ways. He caught it too; she wasn’t talking much about herself. He then began digging. Why are you going to Scotland?

Ah, oh, I’m just a tourist for a while. I may even decide to stay if things work out. She wouldn’t elaborate on anything more. Yet, he noticed her demeanour now. He was actually paying attention and knew there was more to her going. He also knew