Acceptance

By Karen DuBose and Katie Holland

The Dark Angels show no signs of stopping as the quest to find the remaining Quira continues. 

Meet Mya. With her feisty attitude and blue hair, she lives life her way until a stranger walks into her bar. He's rude and antagonizing, but she can't stop thinking about him. Soon Mya gets caught up in the dangerous world of th

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kingston Publishing Company
• Release date: Sep 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781645334866

Book preview

Copyright

Acceptance is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

ACCEPTANCE: A NOVEL

Copyright © 2021 by Karen DuBose & Katie Holland

All rights reserved.

Editing by KP Editing

Cover Design by KP Designs

- www.kpdesignshop.com

Published by Kingston Publishing Company

- www.kingstonpublishing.com

The uploading, scanning, and distribution of this book in any form or by any means—including but not limited to electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the permission of the copyright holder is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized editions of this work, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

Table of Contents

Copyright

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty- Nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty-One

Chapter Forty-Two

Chapter Forty-Three

Chapter Forty-Four

Chapter Forty-Five

Chapter Forty-Six

Chapter Forty-Seven

Chapter Forty-Eight

Chapter Forty-Nine

Chapter Fifty

Chapter Fifty-One

Chapter Fifty-Two

Chapter Fifty-Three

Chapter Fifty-Four

Chapter Fifty-Five

Chapter Fifty-Six

Chapter Fifty-Seven

Chapter Fifty-Eight

Chapter Fifty-Nine

Chapter Sixty

Chapter Sixty-One

Chapter Sixty-Two

Chapter Sixty-Three

Chapter Sixty-Four

Chapter Sixty-Five

Chapter Sixty-Six

Author’s Note

About the Author

About the Author

About the Publisher

Chapter One

MYA

Gotcha, I yelled at the screen, as I killed one of the enemies coming after me.

You’re going down, one of my competitors said in my headset.

Dream on, I said, as I shot another person on his team.

Switching from my gun to my knife, I crept into the building closest to me. I made sure I wasn’t seen and started planting explosives. When I was done, I made my way out and started shooting at people again. A bullet hit the wall beside me.

That was a close one, JJ said, into my headset.

Close doesn’t count, I taunt him, and start running.

I’m gonna get you, he said.

I don’t think so, I told him, and then blew up the building his team was in. Game over.

I hate playing you, he growled out.

No you don’t. You just hate losing to me.

He chuckled. Okay, you’re right. Same time next week?

You’re on. I took off my headset and put the controller down. I glanced at the time. Fuck. If I didn’t hurry, I was going to be late for work.

I jumped in the shower and was out five minutes later. I was a waitress at a bar called, The Train Wreck. It was the kind of place my short, spikey, blue hair wasn’t unusual to see.

I towel dried my hair and put some goo in it and moved onto my makeup. I typically went heavy on the black eyeliner with a dark smoky look. It helped my amber colored eyes stand out. Once that was done, I put on my shortest black skirt and a black top that put my boobs on display. It was Saturday night and that meant it was going to be busy. I’d learned that the more skin I showed the better my tips were. Good thing I had a killer body.

Running to the parking lot of my building, I got in my rust bucket of a car, and I quickly drove towards The Train Wreck. I was saving up for a new car, but that was at least a year away. For now, it was just me and my old beater.

After pulling into the back and parking, I ran to the employee entrance as fast as I could. Throwing the door open, the first thing I hear is my boss.

You’re late, he said, as I gathered my tray and apron.

No, I’m right on time.

He smiled. Five minutes, Mya, would it kill you to be five minutes early?

Maybe, I don’t want to find out, I said, with a wink.

Gaming again?

You know it. It’s my only hobby.

I’m surprised you haven’t found a way to make money at it yet.

Sadly, they don’t pay a lot of people to sit around and play video games.

Maybe one day, he said. Now get to work.

Yes, Sir, I said, with a mock salute.

Jimmy was the most easy-going boss ever. You had to do something really bad to get in trouble with him.

Tonight, I was taking over Darla’s tables. I did a quick check-in with her then I did a quick check of the customers. I loved being a waitress at a bar. It combined three things I loved; people watching, alcohol, and loud music.

As I brought a round of drinks to one of my tables, I sang along to the song that was playing. We didn’t have any fluffy stuff in this bar, it was hard rock and metal all the time. I loved it.

I placed the drinks on the table and turned to leave.

Wait a minute, honey, one of the guys said, touching my arm to get my attention. This one’s for you. He pointed to one of the shots I’d brought them.

Thanks, I said, and downed the shot.

Damn that was hot, he added. Maybe we can hook up later?

Maybe, I said, and gave him my waitress smile. It was full of promises that would never be kept. I had a rule that I didn’t hook up with customers. I’d seen it go badly too many times.

I checked on another table then went back to the bar to get their drinks.

Doing shots with the customer’s again? Jimmy said to me.

You know I can handle it, I told him.

He chuckled. I’ve never seen a woman drink so much and never get drunk.

It’s a gift, I said, with a grin.

Well, if you need a ride home, you’d better let me know.

I will.

The drinks were ready, so I took them to the table. This went on the whole night, and I was making great tips. By the time we closed, I’d made over three hundred dollars in tips alone. That was going straight into my car fund.

There was something both peaceful and scary about driving through the city at four in the morning. I guess it was the promise of a new day mixed with the fact that if something happened to you, there was no one around to hear you scream. I laughed at myself. I’d always had a dark sense of humor.

I was too wired to go to bed when I got home, so I got myself a bowl of cereal and turned the TV on. The Punisher was just starting, and I was stoked. I loved watching him kick the bad guy’s assess and wishing I could do the same thing.

A couple of hours later, I noticed it was starting to get lighter outside. My apartment didn’t have a balcony, but it did have a fire escape and I used it a lot. I’d always loved being outside, but especially, if I could watch the sunset or sunrise. Being a waitress at a bar meant that it was usually the latter.

I climbed out my bedroom window and sat on a step just as the sun started peaking over one of the taller buildings. I didn’t have a great view, but seeing the morning sun made me forget about that. I watched as it got higher, and the sky turned from yellow to blue.

When the sun was fully up, I went back inside. Now that I felt a little more like me, I took a quick shower to wash the smell of the bar off me. I climbed into bed and was asleep in no time.

Chapter Two

When I woke up, it was late afternoon early evening. I grabbed my wallet and went to the bank to deposit my tip money from last night. A couple of years ago, I got robbed and they took everything I had-- even the money I’d saved up. Now, I never left my money lying around like that.

Leaving my crappy apartment behind, I got into my car. I turned the key praying it started one more time. When it cranked, a smile graced my face. Thank you, old girl. I knew you had it in you. Now on to the bank and other errands before work tonight.

Yes, I talked to my car. Call me crazy if you will, but I think they could understand us. Pulling out of the parking lot, I sped down the road. I love speed, the faster the better. But I knew not to go over sixty in my baby. She had a high-pitched whine when I tried to get her up that fast. 

Getting to the Bank of Aurora, I put the money in the overnight safe deposit box. I took a look around to see if anyone was watching before I got back into the car. Call me paranoid. 

Since I hadn’t eaten, I decided to go to my favorite spot to grab some grub. I pulled up to Portillo’s and got out. Walking in, I saw Darla was there with her latest boy toy. 

Hey, Darla!

She turned in her seat and waved me over. Hey, Mya, how was work last night?

I gave her a smile. It was great. Got a lot of free shots, I said, as I laughed. 

Girl, you always get the good shit. How do you do it?

I shrugged my shoulders. I be myself. You know, the charmer.

We both laughed. Oh, this is Jordan, Jordan, this is Mya.

It’s nice to meet you Mya.

Same. I’m going to go grab some food. Do you want me to come back or do you guys want some alone time, I said, as I waggled my eyebrows at her. 

She laughed and shook her head. You can join us. I want to get caught up. I haven’t seen you in forever. I miss my bestie. Working different shifts really sucks ass.

Alright, I’ll be back soon. You’re right, it does suck ass. I miss you, too. I walked away to get in line. 

I always get the jumbo hot dog with the works. Once I placed my order, I went back to sit with Darla and Jordan. 

What have you been up to? Darla asked, before I even got the chance to sit down. 

Well, let’s see. I’ve been working and gaming.

Woman, you need a life outside of work and gaming. Like a real life.

Gee thanks, I kind of like my life. It’s drama free.

What’s that supposed to mean?

It means, I don’t want a man to crash my party. I’m not like you, doll. I’m quite happy being alone.

She looked over at Jordan, who was staring at my chest. I cover the girls up the best I can. Before I could say anything, Darla smacks him across the face. 

Her eyes aren’t on her chest, she said, as she turned back in my direction. I’m starting to see what you’re talking about.

Jordan, on the other hand, looked like he was about to punch her. I wouldn’t touch her if I were you, I told him. I’m a black belt in Taekwondo.

He stood up and stared at us before he said, Fuck you, bitches. I just wanted to get laid anyway. Have a nice life, slut. He turned and stormed off. 

We both looked at each other and laughed. This wasn’t the first time that had happened, and it wouldn’t be the last. It was best to know if a guy was worth a second date. 

So, was he at least good in bed?

She shakes her head. No, not really. He was a one-minute man. Nothing even worth talking about…

The girl at the counter called my number. I got up and got my food. My stomach did a happy dance as I walked back to my chair. 

At least, you won’t have to worry about him ever again, I said, before I took a bite of my hotdog. 

She looked out the window before she said, I’m starting to think your way of life is a lot simpler.

I nodded in her direction. Men only make you feel false feelings.

I’m starting to see that, too, Darla said. Why can’t I find a decent man that wants to have a relationship?

I took another bite and shrugged my shoulders at her. When I swallowed my food, I answered her. If I knew the answer to that, I’d have a man by now. I’d just rather be alone than hurt by every guy that comes into my life.

It was Darla’s turn to nod at me. I better get going. I have to go see my counselor today before she sends out a search party.

I wish I could go with you, but I have to go to class soon. Don’t let Jordan get you down. He is just another asshole who isn’t worth another thought.

She got up and hugged me. Easier said than done.

I know, but at least try.

She nodded her head before she walked out the door. One thing about Darla, was that she always let her feelings show way too soon. 

I finished my food and headed out myself. I needed to get to my Taekwondo class before my Sensei punished me by making me run a class. I hated teaching the little kids and he knew it. 

Getting back into my car, I started her up and raced over to class just outside of Aurora, IL in a small town called Sugar Grove. When I pulled up, my Sensei was already standing at the door watching me with a gleam in his eyes. That’s never a good sign. 

Getting out of the car, I jogged over to him. Good evening, Sensei, I said, as I bowed. 

I see you like to test my patience. One minute early is not good enough. He turned around and walked away. I sighed and followed him inside. This was going to be a bad night; I could see it already. 

Chapter Three

I’d been right. My Sensei put me through the wringer. By the time I left I was stiff, and that didn’t happen very often. I had just enough time to get home and get ready for work.

I waved at Jimmy as I ran in the door. He shook his head at me but grinned. I got my tray and started my rounds.

About an hour before closing a super-hot guy came into the bar and sat by himself. He looked like a good tipper, so I was glad he sat in my section.

What can I get for you? I said over the music.

Coffee, black.

Coming right up, I said cheerfully, but I immediately changed my mind about him being a big tipper. And who drank coffee at 1am?

I had to wait for the coffee to brew so I checked on my other tables. For a Sunday, it was busy, which I appreciated, I hated doing nothing.

The bartender signaled that the coffee was ready, so I got it and took it to him. He didn’t even say thank you when I dropped it off.

As the bar started to clear out, I kept my eye on the coffee guy. I assumed he was there to meet someone, but he remained alone at the table. The next time I looked for him he was gone. I went to clean the table and found that he left a hundred-dollar bill. Weird, but I damn sure put it in my pocket.

The entire drive home I kept thinking about the coffee guy. He was by far one of the hottest guys I’d ever seen. It was hard to tell in the dark bar, but I think his hair was black with what I called an office haircut. He’d been wearing jeans and a Henley shirt, but he looked like he should have been wearing an expensive suit. His eyes were dark too and he had lips that looked like he’d make a girl very happy. Overall, he was an eleven out of ten in the looks department. His personality got a one.

What really didn’t make sense to me was why go to a bar just to get a cup of coffee? It’s not even like we make good coffee. There were twenty-four-hour coffee shops he could have gone to. And the most curious thing, who leaves a hundred-dollar bill to pay for a dollar cup of coffee?

Just before I got home, I stopped at a drive-thru and grabbed a burger, fries and milkshake. I brought my food up to my apartment and found something to watch on TV. Eventually I went to bed, but I still had the coffee guy on my mind.

****

Monday was my day off. The bar was closed so it was my day to catch up on things like laundry and grocery shopping.

I took an extra-long shower then found some clean yoga pants and a hoodie to throw on. I was down to my last bowl of cereal, so I made sure to add that to my mental grocery list.

Once I was ready, my first stop was the bank to deposit that hundred-dollar bill, along with the rest of my tips from last night. After that, I went to the grocery store. Everyone who knew me knew that I loved going for groceries. I know it was weird, but since I could eat whatever I wanted, I’d always found it fun.

After I had everything I needed for the next week, I checked out and headed back to my apartment. I stopped at my favorite Italian place for their killer lasagna then went home. Laundry wasn’t my favorite chore but at least I could play video games while I waited for each load.

I was in the middle of killing off an enemy battalion when my phone rang. I didn’t recognize the number, so I didn’t answer. A few minutes later it rang again.

Hello? I said, clearly annoyed.

Is this Mya Semuels?

Who wants to know?

This is Detective Skane of the Chicago Police Department. Do you know a Darla Williams?

Uh, yeah. Why?

I’m sorry to tell you this, but Miss Williams was murdered last night. We found your information in her purse. Does she have any family we can contact?

It took me a minute to process his words.

Miss Semuels, are you still there?

Yes.

Does Miss Williams have any family?

Not that I know of, I said, still in shock from his words.

I hate to ask you this, but could you meet me at the medical examiner’s office to identify the body?

Never in my life had I thought I’d hear those words for real. Uh … sure, I guess.

Will you be able to make it here in an hour? he asked.

I looked at the time. It was after 7pm, so rush hour hadn’t started yet. Yeah, I think so.

Okay, see you then, he said, and hung up.

How could Darla be dead? We just had a hot dog together yesterday.

I was on autopilot as I went to my car. The drive to the medical examiner’s office in Chicago was a blur. I couldn’t get over the fact that Darla was dead.

Finding the building, I had no idea what to do so I went to the front door, but it was locked.

Great, now what am I supposed to do? I mumbled to myself.

I took a step back from the door and saw a speaker with a button. I pressed it and waited.

Can I help you? a crackly voice said.

I’m supposed to meet a detective here, I told them.

Name?

Mya Semuels.

Thank you, they said.

A moment later, there was a buzzing sound, and I tried the door again. It opened and I went in. There was a woman at a desk so that’s where I went.

Miss Semuels, she said. Please follow me.

We went down a set of stairs and into a long white hallway. There was a man waiting for me.

Miss Semuels, I’m Detective Skane. This part will just take a minute.

He knocked on a large window and a barrier started to slide up. The room was brighter than I expected so it was impossible not to see the body on the table covered by a sheet. A woman in a lab coat moved the sheet back far enough to uncover the head.

I instantly recognized Darla’s long bright red hair. I didn’t want to look at her face, but I knew I had to. My head started nodding quickly. It’s her, I managed to say. The woman quickly covered her up.

I’m very sorry for your loss, the detective said softly. I have a few questions for you. Let’s go upstairs.

Chapter Four

I sat at a desk looking off at nothing. I was still trying to figure out how Darla was dead. Who would have wanted to kill her? She was sweet and funny, the complete opposite of me. 

Miss Semuels, can you think of anyone who would want to hurt her? 

I turned my attention back to the detective and shook my head. I couldn’t tell you. She didn’t have any enemies that I know of. She wasn’t that kind of person. She made friends wherever she went.

He nodded at me. What about an ex-boyfriend or something like that.

I laughed at his question because let’s face it, she slept around a lot, there was no hiding that. She didn’t have ex-boyfriends. Now, ex-sex partners yes. There are way too many for me to remember. I’m sorry. Her last fling that I know of was Jordan. I didn’t get a last name.

He looked at me like I lost my mind. Welcome to the club buddy, you’re not the first one to think that and won’t be the last. 

Do you know where she met him?

At the bar we work at. That’s where she finds all her partners. I know I’m making her sound like a slut, but it is what it is. The girl loved sex, what could I say. 

If you can think of anything else, call me. He handed me his card and stood up. 

I stood up, too, and took the card. Will do detective. I turned and rushed out of there. I couldn’t take another second being there. It was creeping me out and I didn’t know why. It wasn’t like I’d never seen a dead body before. 

I got into the car and relaxed a little. I still couldn’t believe she was gone. Whoever did this to her was going to pay. They better pray the detective got to them before I did. It was time to do a little digging myself. 

Luckily, I had all her banking information. I also knew that in case something like this were to happen I was supposed to get everything she owned. My first stop was her apartment. 

I drove back to Aurora in record time. Thankfully I didn’t see any cops on the way there. Pulling up to her apartment, I stared at it for a split second before I got out of the car. I really hoped she left some clues as to where she was last night. 

Here goes nothing, I whispered to myself.

Opening the door, I walked into her well-kept apartment. I would kill for a place like this, I just couldn’t afford it. How Darla did was beyond me. I looked around trying to find anything that would fill me in on something. A note, something. I couldn’t go through her phone since the detective had it. I got online to search her bank account to see if she did any transactions last night. I waited a few seconds before it finally pulled up. Damn, she was a busy woman yesterday. It looked like she went on a shopping spree. Since our accounts were joined, I went ahead and transferred what was left into my account. 

Why would she spend almost five grand yesterday? This wasn’t like her at all. The last place she was at was a club in Chicago called Prysm Nightclub. I guess I knew what I’d be doing tonight. 

Closing out the bank tab, I searched her browser history. What I found was shocking coming from Darla. How to make enemies, how to make yourself become mean, how to shut your emotions off.  Why would she need to know this? She was fine the way she was. It was the one reason we got along so well. 

I cleared my part of the history just in case Detective