Whispers in the Moonlight: Whispers of Love, #3

By Kirsten Osbourne

Bella Tomlin, owner of Popsville's only dance studio, has always been different. Since she was a child, she's been able to tap into the powers of the moon to accomplish things others can't. When she has visions that connect the haunted mansion in town to a series of kidnappings, she steps up to do whatever needs to be done to rid their town of the ghost of Clarissa Harrington.

Karl Anderson has just gotten out of the Marines and decides to settle in Popsville where his friend Jake lives. He meets Bella at Jake's wedding and immediately knows she's the woman he's dreamed of. He thinks nothing of jumping into the investigation regarding the kidnappings, and he tries to help find ways to banish Clarissa while getting closer to Bella.

Will they be able to stop the paranormal activity in Popsville once and for all? Or will they lose themselves in the fray?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Unlimited Dreams
• Release date: Dec 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215786215

Book preview

Prologue

Max Childers sat at his worn oak desk, his calloused fingers drumming against the smooth surface in a steady rhythm. The sturdy, dependable local sheriff was a man in his mid-thirties, with short dark hair and a strong jawline. He often found himself torn between the supernatural happenings in his town and the need to maintain order.

Damn it, he muttered under his breath, rubbing the scruff along his tired face. His eyes scanned the stack of paperwork piling up on the edge of his desk— reports of strange occurrences, unexplained animal attacks, and missing persons cases that seemed to be increasing in frequency. Max sighed heavily and leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. Can’t catch a break around here.

The sudden ringing of the telephone jolted him from his thoughts, and he reached for the receiver, his voice rough and gravelly as he answered. Sheriff Childers.

Max, it’s Mike over at the station, the hurried voice on the other end said. I hate to bother you this late, but we’ve got another one. Kidnapping just outside of town.

Another one? Max frowned, gripping the phone tighter. That’s the third in as many weeks. He could feel the familiar knot forming in his stomach, the weight of responsibility bearing down on him. It wasn’t just the kidnappings that had him on edge, but the chilling fact that they all seemed to share some sort of paranormal connection—something he couldn’t quite put his finger on.

Yup, Mike confirmed grimly. This time it’s a young woman, in her mid-twenties. Her boyfriend found their campsite torn apart and her gone without a trace.

Any signs of struggle? Max asked, his mind racing with possible scenarios.

None that we can see, Mike replied. It’s like she vanished into thin air.

Max shook his head, his brow furrowing in frustration. How was he supposed to protect the people of this town when he couldn’t even make sense of what was happening? It wasn’t just about maintaining order anymore; it was about finding answers to questions he never thought he’d have to ask.

All right, I’ll be there as soon as I can, he told Mike, hanging up the phone with a soft click. As he grabbed his jacket from the back of his chair, Max couldn’t help but feel an icy shiver run down his spine—a sensation he had come to associate with the presence of the supernatural.

Three kidnappings in three weeks, he whispered to himself, his eyes darkening with determination. Something’s got to give. With a heavy sigh, he stepped out of his office into the biting cold night, ready to face whatever otherworldly force was responsible for the chaos tearing his town apart.

The wind howled outside, rattling the windows of Max’s office as he paced back and forth, his thoughts consumed by the kidnappings. Shadows played along the walls, reminding him that darkness was creeping in, both literally and figuratively. The door creaked open, interrupting his pacing, and in walked Layla and Bella, their faces etched with concern.

Max, we need to talk, Layla said, her voice urgent. Her eyes were clouded with worry, and her blonde curls seemed to dance in the faint glow of the moonlight streaming through the window.

Is everything all right? Max asked, noticing the tension in the room.

Far from it, Bella replied, her green eyes shimmering with unshed tears. We’ve both had visions about these kidnappings, and we think they’re somehow linked to Clarissa Harrington.

Clarissa? Max’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of the enigmatic ghost. He knew she couldn’t be trusted, but he never imagined she could be involved in something like this.

Layla nodded gravely. In my vision, I saw the north wind carrying whispers of her name. It’s not concrete, but I can’t ignore the connection. She wrung her hands together nervously, her eyes pleading for understanding.

Bella chimed in, her voice soft but determined. And in my dreams, the moon has been showing me images of the missing people, all connected by a thread leading back to Clarissa. We can’t just stand by and let her continue whatever she’s doing.

All right, Max said slowly, processing the information. His mind raced with questions, but one thing was clear—they needed to get to the bottom of this, and fast. What do you suggest we do?

First, we need to find out more about Clarissa’s past, Layla proposed. If we can figure out her motives, it might help us understand why she’s doing this.

Second, we need to keep an eye on the other ghosts in town, Bella added. Clarissa might not be working alone. Remember Charles Harrington? He could still have allies, even after being banished.

Max nodded, his resolve hardening. The idea of facing off against more spectral foes was daunting, but he knew he couldn’t back down now. These kidnappings were tearing his town apart, and it was up to him to stop them—whatever the cost.

All right, he agreed, determination lacing his voice. Let’s do this. And with that, the trio set out into the cold night, ready to unravel the tangled web of paranormal intrigue that threatened to consume them all.

Chapter One

Beneath the silvery moonlight that filtered through the swaying tree branches, Bella began her dance. Her feet moved gracefully across the grassy clearing as if she were floating on air, and Karl couldn’t tear his eyes away from her. The way her body seemed to ebb and flow with the very energy of the night was captivating.

He’d been out walking through the town, very aware of what was around him when he spotted Bella Tomlin in the middle of the town square. He was mesmerized by her movements and stopped walking to watch her.

Wow, Karl whispered, finding himself entranced by Bella’s movements. You’re amazing.

Bella glanced at him, her dark eyes twinkling with mischief as she continued to dance. Thank you, but it’s not me you should be impressed with—it’s the moon, she replied, her voice lilting like a soft melody carried on the breeze.

Is that your secret? Karl asked, stepping closer and watching in awe as Bella twirled around him. The air seemed to hum with an electric charge whenever she passed by, sending shivers down his spine.

Maybe, she teased, her laughter chiming like bells. Or maybe it’s just a little bit of magic.

Karl couldn’t help but feel drawn to the enchanting woman before him. Her lithe movements were like nothing he had ever seen before, and the way her body seemed to glow underneath the moon’s soft light was mesmerizing. He found himself stepping closer, drawn by some unknown force toward her.

As Bella twirled around him, her flowing skirt brushing against his legs, Karl reached out to touch her. His fingers were met with a sudden warmth, and he felt a jolt of electricity surge through his body. He pulled away, startled, but the sensation only seemed to intensify.

Bella grinned, knowing full well the effect she was having on him. She stepped closer, her eyes locked on his, and Karl found himself powerless to resist. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, and felt her body respond eagerly.

As if by some unspoken command, the trees around them began to rustle and sway, and a soft breeze picked up. Karl closed his eyes, lost in the moment, as Bella’s lips met his. The kiss was electric, sending waves of pleasure coursing through his entire body. He felt as if he were floating on air, caught up in a whirlwind of passion and desire.

As they spent time together, Karl felt a growing connection between them. The playful back-and-forth only heightened the sense of chemistry that crackled in the air. He was drawn to her magnetic presence, his heart pounding in anticipation.

Would you like to try? Bella asked suddenly, stopping mid-spin to face him. She held out her hand, inviting him into her world of moonlit enchantment.

Me? Dance? Karl hesitated, feeling the weight of his military background holding him back. I don’t know if I can—

Of course, you can, Bella interrupted, her eyes shining with confidence. Just follow my lead.

Taking a deep breath, Karl placed his hand in hers, and together, they stepped into the dance. As they moved in sync, he felt an unfamiliar lightness within him, as if he were being lifted by the energy emanating from Bella.

See? she whispered, her breath warm against his ear. You’re a natural.

Karl couldn’t help but smile, feeling more alive than he had in years. They continued to dance under the watchful gaze of the moon, their laughter and playful teasing echoing through the night.

But as they spun together, Karl couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that something was amiss. The charged atmosphere around them felt almost too perfect as if it were hiding something just beneath the surface. His friend Jake had told him that Bella’s powers over the moon made her truly special, but he couldn’t help but wonder what dangers might lurk within the shadows.

Is everything okay? Bella asked, catching him lost in thought.

Of course, Karl replied, forcing a reassuring smile. I’m just...concerned about what lies ahead for us.

Trust me, Bella murmured, her hands resting gently on his shoulders as she gazed into his eyes.

As they continued to dance, Karl couldn’t help but feel a sense of security in her words. But deep down, he knew that their journey together was just beginning—and that the road ahead would be filled with challenges, danger, and unexpected twists at every turn. And yet, as they swayed beneath the moonlit sky, he couldn’t help but hope that their love would prove strong enough to conquer whatever darkness lay ahead.

Karl stepped back to watch Bella gracefully twirl on her makeshift dancefloor, her moonlit hair flowing like a silken ribbon caught in an invisible breeze. Her laughter was music to his ears, and he couldn’t help but be captivated by her beauty and talent. Despite his background in the Marines, he suddenly felt unprepared for this new adventure, one that would require him to face the unknown with nothing but trust and love.

Hey! Earth to Karl! Fiona’s voice cut through his thoughts, snapping him back to reality. He turned to see her standing beside Max, her husband and the local sheriff, who appeared equally amused by Karl’s daydreaming. You need to be careful or you’ll be run over by the sheriff and his pregnant bride.

Sorry, I was just... Karl trailed off, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

Admiring the view? Max chuckled, patting him on the back. Can’t say I blame you. Bella’s quite the catch.

Speaking of catching, Fiona chimed in, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Did I tell you about the ghost I caught trying to steal a copy of  Wuthering Heights from my bookstore?"

Seriously? Karl asked, eyebrows raised in disbelief.

Of course, Fiona grinned. I told him he could borrow it if he promised not to cause any trouble. It’s amazing what a little communication can do!

Maybe we should try that with our future challenges, Karl mused aloud, his gaze drifting back to Bella.

Communication and trust are key, Layla said, joining their circle with Jake by her side. The wind picked up, causing her to shiver slightly. I sense a storm coming our way.

Is it just the weather, or is there something more? Karl asked, sensing the weight in her words. He was thankful Jake had filled him in on what the trio of women could do. He would feel completely lost around them otherwise, and he had to admit, he was developing some real feelings for the petite dancer in their midst.

Hard to say, Layla admitted, wrapping her arms around herself. The north wind can bring more than just rain and thunder.

I hope it’s nothing too terribly bad, Karl said. He glanced over at Bella, who was now dancing