TWISTED FATES BOOK 1: THE FIRST TWIST by Jacklyn Rogers (read after TXT) 📕

high vantage point, even with my keen vampire sight, everyone just seemed so small bustling around the busy metropolis streets; I could see why New York was labeled as the city that never sleeps.

Simply breathtaking. I thought to myself.

I sighed as I looked at my cell phone and noticed that it was already fifteen minutes past midnight.

Safe to assume that someone wasn't showing.

Rude.

Did he change his mind? Was he punking the vampire? What the hell? I was seriously losing my patience and fast.

A cool breeze blew, making a few strands of my loose tresses of hair blow along my brow, with it carrying another remarkably familiar scent.

**********************************************************

3rd Person POV

Dasha stood in the shadows watching as Sammie stood atop the rooftop. A sneer formed across her mouth as the woman watched her former friend fall easily into her trap. She knew her cloaking spell wouldn't be able to allude Sammie's senses for long, but Dasha was enjoying her moment watching in anticipation of what she was about to do next. Seeing Sammie oblivious to the predator that stood merely a few feet away almost caused Dasha to laugh out loud, but she knew that would only alert Sammie to her presence. So she remained quiet, barely taking a breath, clutching her dagger. Waiting for just the right moment to strike. Dasha had made every preparation to lure Sammie up to the roof. She had a few of her constituents cause a stir an hour away. She knew that this would incite the Vampire Council to send Jareth over to placate the issue before it got out of hand. Which, of course, it would be. She just needed that damn vampire away from Sammie, so a ruse was orchestrated for just that purpose.

Dasha noticed that both Devon and Sammie seemed to have some semblance of recognition for each other at dinner. Being the nosey person she was, Dasha knew that it wouldn't be long before Sammie's curiosity would prompt her to figure out its origin. Dasha was not about to let that happen. She'd be damned if she allowed Sammie to destroy everything. So, she played on Sammie's probing nature for her selfish benefit and invited her under the guise of one Devon Montgomery. And, of course, as Dasha predicted, it had worked.

She noticed as Sammie glanced down at her phone. It was clear; Sammie was getting irritated. There was no way she'd be waiting around much longer. As Dasha slowly began stepping forward, allowing her concealment spell to dissipate, she observed as Sammie was suddenly aware of her presence. Dasha needed to strike now.

The silver blade flew out of Dasha's hands, immediately flying at a fantastic speed towards Sammie, who instantly managed to smack the dagger away from her face, making it topple to the ground.

A growl surfaced out of Sammie's chest as she faced Dasha, ready to strike. Dasha stood smugly, glowering at her impending attacker, then let out a wicked chuckle. Her overly confident display resulted in a look of confusion to appear on Sammie's face.

And just as Dasha had predicted, Sammie collapsed.

Laughter erupted from Dasha as she approached Sammie's lifeless form. "Oh, Sammie, you're so damn predictable. Did you actually think I was trying to kill you so easily? No, no, dear Sammie. I want to take my time with you. Consider it repayment for all the time I had to deal with you and your stupid bullshit. The silver blade I propelled towards you was heavily coated with a highly concentrated dose of Vervain. I only needed you to nick yourself when you blocked it for the Vervain to affect you." Dasha began binding Sammie with magically enhanced silver chains coated with Vervain to keep her subdued when she finally comes to.

"Sweet dreams bitch because when you wake up, the real nightmare will begin."

Sammie heard Dasha ranting off in the distance as she felt herself plummet further into a deep dark chasm. When she landed with a thud, she reached up and grabbed her aching head. Sammie stood up and tried to focus on her surroundings. She was back in an all too familiar corridor. A recognizable voice greeted her, breaking her out of her daze.

"Welcome back, Beeotch!"

That's when Sammie realized if she was here again, she was definitely in trouble.

She rolled her eyes and slowly turned around, facing her companion.

"Hello, again, Jay."

Chapter 25

Sammie's POV

The moment I saw the long corridor and heard Jay, I knew I was in deep shit. How could I not be? I was in the realm that existed between life and death. This sad fact could only mean that Dasha must be reaping some serious havoc on my body in the natural realm.

Ish.

Son of a bitch.

"What's up, hon? Aren't you happy to see me?" Jay asked as he hugged tightly.

I nodded and smiled. Although I was always happy to see Jay, it was still a grim reminder of my reality, and that would always cast a dark shadow over our reunion. "Of course, I'm always happy to see you, Jay. I miss you greatly every day. But boo-boo, let's be honest, and I mean no offense; I'd be lying if I'd said I was glad to be here again. I mean, doesn't seeing you pretty much mean there's some fucked-up shit going on up in the real world?"

Jay rolled his amber-colored eyes and snickered at my obvious frustration. "Oh, come on, Sammie. I promise you won't be here long, my vampy little minx. You'll be back in a couple of minutes."

"What ... that's not that long, Jay -"

I was immediately interrupted.

"Relax, sunshine. Time's way different here. We have plenty of time in this realm to shoot the shit, but up there, you will literally only be out for a short while." Jay grabbed my hand and held it in his while, tracing little circles with his thumb on my palm.

I sighed and scanned my surroundings. "So, tell me, Yoda, why am I here again?"

"Maleyna sent me here to help you, Sammie."

I coughed on