Secrets Unfold

Book 1: The Choice is Yours

by Sarah Lee

Genres: Fantasy Romance; Romantic Fantasy

Synopsis

Pain meets pleasure. Good against evil. Angels versus demons. Two sides of the same coin, yet one must always prevail.

While other students are preparing for college finals, Nadine feels something shifting inside her. Haunted by the unexplained, the girl she sees in her reflection isn't truly her. Not any more. To learn the truth about the darkness churning within her, she must reveal family secrets buried deep.

In between meeting sultry new men who awaken her burning desires, Nadine faces treacherous obstacles created by a dangerous enemy, and unknown creatures. Each one is a test to determine which side of the coin her true nature lies.

As new friends join their powers with hers, will the impossible break them? Or make them strong enough to withstand the vicious games at hand?

**It is recommended for 18+ due to storyline and steamy situations.**

 

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Release date: January 1, 2023

Print pages: 469

Sample

Prologue

With my back to the wall, I struggled to catch my breath. My heart hammered against my ribs as I risked calling out, “Uhtred, where are you?”

Hearing commotion around the corner, I clamped my mouth shut. Eyes wide, I scanned the area around me for a place to hide. A thin opening caught my attention. Without hesitation, I raced toward it and slid in as deep and as far as I could.

“Find that bitch!”

“It is unlikely that she got too far.”

“Don’t kill her. He wants her alive.”

Holding my breath, I squirmed further away from the light shining in through the opening of my hidey-hole. Palms soaked with sweat, I watched their shadows pass by. Fear that they hadn’t left the vicinity, kept me where I was. I listened for the shuffling of their shoes or traces of their voices. Enough time passed for my mind to begin to relax. Only then did I peek out, careful not to expose myself. Squirming my way free, I crept down the hall. My attempt to be quiet was short-lived because a hand grabbed ahold of my arm. I shrieked in terror as I thought they had found me. I was pulled quickly into a room. Survival instincts kicked in as I grasped the knife which I had hidden under my shirt.

Doing a quick twirl, I placed the knife at my captor’s throat from behind.

“Argh! Ooh ooh, t’is just me, Uhtred!” a familiar voice exclaimed.

“Uhtred, where have you been?” I removed the knife from his throat, thankful I hadn’t drawn blood.

“Uhtred was captured. Uhtred had to find where bad men took contract.”

“Are you okay?” Concern for him flooded me. “Did you manage to get it?”

“Uhtred okay. Uhtred got contract back.” Flapping his arms, he rushed over to the dresser. “Uhtred put in plain sight. Uhtred sorry he took too long.”

Closing the distance between us, I wrapped him in a big hug. With his wings out, I could barely get my arms around him. “Uhtred, my dearest friend, you did good. Thank you!”

“Nadine sure she wants to do this?” Distress materialized in his dark eye.

As I released him and stepped away, I looked into that single large eye and was riddled with guilt over the worry I saw there. “Yes, I’m sure, big guy. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. I promise.”

“Then Uhtred will miss you.” As he placed a hand on my shoulder, we heard hasty footsteps coming closer.

“I think she’s in here!” a deep voice bellowed close by.

“I better get going, Uhtred, before it’s too late.”

We said our farewells, and I made my escape before they could find me.

Adults always warn you to read the fine print before signing anything. Maybe everything that followed could have been avoided if I had followed that advice. Instead, I took that piece of paper Uhtred found… and signed my name on the dotted line.

Chapter One:

The Trip Home

“Where are my car keys?” I frantically shake each piece of clothing on my bed, hoping they’re there. No luck. Plopping down onto my mattress, I take a deep breath as I try to think of where I haven’t already searched. I had that dream again last night, and as the day wears on, the feeling that comes with it is getting worse. I was hit by an overwhelming urge to see my grandmother, my last remaining relative… if only I could find my darn keys!

As I continue my search, I can’t help but think how, even though my grandmother and I get into a lot of heated arguments, she’s always there for me in times of need. Maybe she will have some sort of idea as to why I continue to have dreams of a tall, slender, red monster with pointy ears, sharp, jagged teeth, and freakishly long arms. Hopefully, she can shed some light on this creature.

The picture on my nightstand of my mother, my grandmother, and me sitting on a bench on an amazing girls’ day out catches my eye, causing me to reminisce on the good old days. That morning, we left early and stopped at the local café to grab some lattes to wake us up. We went shopping at a few stores where Grandma spotted a big sun hat that she liked. Mom found a new summer dress she looked very pretty in, but I didn’t find anything to my liking.

After shopping, we headed to a salon where mom received a manicure, Grandma had her hair trimmed with a touch-up of color, and I suffered through a pedicure. After that, we headed to the park where we took a long walk before sitting on the bench for a much-needed break, and a picnic lunch. We ate the homemade sandwiches my mother made for us. Mom had also packed some corn so that we c

ould feed the ducks that flocked to the pond near the bench where we sat. It is a bittersweet memory and the last photo we took together before my mother passed away.

Mother wasn’t a very strong woman, mentally or physically. Reasoning that it would be better for my sake if she stayed on the good side of other people, she allowed them to dictate her actions, a behavior which infuriated me.

This made no sense to me, so we butted heads often. I couldn’t understand who she was trying to please because it surely wasn’t me. Eventually, the arguing became pointless and she’d tell me to drop the subject. Now, when I think about the past, I’m filled with grief.

A few years ago, a house fire burned all of our photos and possessions. Since that photo was the only one left of her, my memory of her laughter, smile, eyes, smell, and looks were all beginning to fade away. Tears filling my eyes, I shook myself out of the past.

Okay, Nadine, pull yourself together, and finish packing! With determination, I gather my things and get myself together. My grandmother is waiting for me.

Picking up my hoodie from off my desk chair, I put it on. Coincidentally, I hear the jingle-jangling of… low and behold… my keys. Always in the last place you look, aren’t they? Grabbing my backpack, I sprint down the empty dorm hallway toward the parking lot.

Distracted by my thoughts, I run right into someone.

With the breath knocked out of me, I shakily gasp, “I am so sorry. I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

“No worries, love.” The stranger responds in a deep, thick accent, a seductive smile lifting the corners of his lips.

My eyes widen and my stomach tightens. “Nadine, my name.” I let out a mortified groan as my brain catches up to what my mouth just uttered. “What I meant to say is: My name is Nadine.” I grin sheepishly and extend my hand to him.

With a mocking smirk, he grasps my hand. “Vytas, my name.”

All rational thought escapes me. A magnetic field seems to envelop our linked hands and sends tingling sensations flowing through my body. Darkness creeps into the corners of my vision, as my eyes roll back.

I stand at the end of a hallway with a door on each side. Picture frames fill the walls. However, I can’t make out what the images are. A delicious aroma fills the air around me. Inhaling deeply, I follow the manly scent. I stop at an open door and see a handsome man standing at a sink. His hands gripping the countertop, he peers down into the running water.

I’m thankful he’s not facing me. It makes it easier for me to imagine all the scenarios of things I’d like to do with him. The fact that he is bare-ass naked makes the need to touch him almost overwhelming. My eyes fasten on his firm ass as I take a step into the bathroom. His eyes meet mine in the mirror. My gaze feasts on his reflection, from his hairless chest to that mischievous grin.

Unafraid, I close the distance between us. I slide my hands gently down his back, circling around his hips and up to his torso. Goosebumps sprout over the surface of his skin. Rising up on my tiptoes, I kiss his shoulder. As my hands wander where they want to go most, he spins me around and slams my back against the wall behind me. With one hand around my neck, he slips the other down the front of my sweatpants.

My eyes pop open to realize that I’m still outside, with Vytas staring at me wearing a wide grin. Withdrawing my hand, I blush a bright crimson. He couldn’t know what I was thinking… could he?

Savoring this moment I enjoy observing his body slowly, admiring the muscles on display, thanks to his tight clothing. My body betrays me, becoming aroused with Vytas standing so close. If only there was enough time to drag him back to my dorm and have my wicked way with him. Unfortunately, getting to my grandmother’s place is more important at the moment.

“It was nice to meet you, Vytas. Sorry again for bumping into you.” With a forced smile, I try to leave before my inner demon changes my mind.

Picking up my fallen bag, he hands it over to me and uses the opportunity to grasp my hand once more. “You can bump into me anytime, Nadine. It was a pleasure to see you.”

The gentlemanly way he kisses my hand causes a tingling sensation to wash over me yet again. However, this time, it is much more intense. It feels as though I am holding a vibrator in my hand, perking up my inner demon. I quickly glance toward the ground, in hopes that staring at the pavement will dampen the need I feel to kiss my way down his body.

Keep it PG. I tell myself.

Smiling back at him, I tug my hand away. Then, I kick it into high gear to my Jeep. Tossing my bag into the back seat, I roll down my window and glance at my rearview mirror. Vytas now stood by a black and yellow Ferrari with a panty-melting smirk on his face. I force my gaze away and busy myself by pulling my hair up into a high ponytail.

“Nadine!”

Oh no, please tell me it’s not Vytas. I just met him, and I can’t seem to get him out of my head! Thankfully, it’s my dear friend Remis. I let out a sigh of relief. If I’m being honest with myself, I’m not sure I would be able to behave if it had been Vytas. The thought of his ass alone has me flustered.

“Hey Remis!” I call back with a huge, friendly smile.

Remis is adorable. Most people see him as a nerdy goofball with h

is chestnut hair, honey brown eyes, and constant wardrobe of polo shirts with jeans. I personally prefer his eyes the most. They never betray how much of a sweetheart he is.

“Leaving so soon?”

“Yep! I want to get there before dark, and you know I don’t like driving in the dark.” Shifting in my seat, I catch Vytas’s reflection in my rearview mirror again, and I physically recoil at the anger radiating from his expression.

“Nadine… Nadine… did you hear me?”

I forcefully draw my attention from the rearview mirror and bring it back to Remis. “Sorry, buddy, my mind wandered there for a minute.”

“So?” Hope shines brightly in his puppy-dog eyes.

“Um, what are you asking for?” I press.

Looking down at his shoes, he shyly pushes a rock back and forth, “I understand that you have a lot on your plate, so don’t worry about being distracted. I was just wondering if I could catch a ride with you to Eleanor’s place. My brother can pick me up from there.”

“Yeah, no problem. I’d enjoy the company. Plus my grandma would probably love that I have a friend with me on the drive to make it safer. You know how overly protective she is.” I smile at him, hoping it will help relieve some of his discomfort.

“Awesome! Yeah, you are truly the best friend a guy could ask for. Give me fifteen minutes, and I’ll be back with my things.” He leans in through the window and gives me a quick kiss on the cheek.

Being the beginning of spring, the weather is spectacular. So, I keep my window rolled down and listen to the cars leaving the parking lot and my classmates talking and laughing amongst themselves. Thoughts of Vytas return, and I try to sneakily glance at my mirrors to see if he’s still out there. Sadly, he’s gone. Damn! I didn’t get his number to be able to get in touch with him later on.

Remis startles me as he opens the back passenger door and tosses his bag in the back. Climbing in next to me, he shoots me one of his goofy smiles.

“Do you remember how we met?” I ask as I start the Jeep.

“You don’t?” An utterly heart-wrenching look flitters across his face.

I chuckle. “Of course I remember. I just thought it would be intere

sting to hear your perspective on the first day of school.”

“What do you mean?” he inquires, completely confused.

“Everyone remembers different details, so I would love to hear your take on the day we first met, considering we’ll be finishing school soon. Don’t you think it’ll be fun to go down memory lane?”

“You had me scared for a second! I’m not sure what I would think if you had forgotten how we met.” He pauses and appears deep in thought for a couple of minutes. “Okay, well, Silas, Maxwell, Bradley, Arko, you and I met at the entrance of Evenly College and decided to all walk in together. Your hair was in a sloppy bun, and if I recall correctly, you were wearing the same sweater you are now. You were, and still are, the most gorgeous girl in school.”

I’m not sure why, but his compliment makes me uncomfortable. I can’t help but scrunch my nose up. Taking a quick peek in his direction, I’m grateful he didn’t see my reaction. Even though he knows I’m not looking to date anyone right now, his crush on me hasn’t dwindled. It saddens me that he turns away other females interested in him just to continue pursuing me.

“The door had your nose print on it from you walking into it. You giggled, causing us to laugh with you. I fell in love with your good sense of humor right then and there. Maxwell went around you and opened the door for everyone. There were artworks hanging on the walls of the school, and we were all amazed by them and the stories they told of the history of the school. We bonded over not knowing where to go in that massive school. Maxwell was the leader of our little group. He guided us through the school and many other things over the years.”

“Who was the other person with us? For some reason, her name never stuck in my memory.”

“Ah.” As he mentally goes back over all the names, he immediately remembers who I mean. “Her name was Penny.”

I turn the steering wheel in the direction of the freeway. “Whatever happened to her? Do you know?”

“No one knows for sure, but I think she committed suicide. After all, the pressure of college isn’t for everyone.” Remis grabs his water bottle and takes a drink out of it.

“That’s sad. I hope that isn’t what happened, but it totally makes m

sting to hear your perspective on the first day of school.”

“What do you mean?” he inquires, completely confused.

“Everyone remembers different details, so I would love to hear your take on the day we first met, considering we’ll be finishing school soon. Don’t you think it’ll be fun to go down memory lane?”

“You had me scared for a second! I’m not sure what I would think if you had forgotten how we met.” He pauses and appears deep in thought for a couple of minutes. “Okay, well, Silas, Maxwell, Bradley, Arko, you and I met at the entrance of Evenly College and decided to all walk in together. Your hair was in a sloppy bun, and if I recall correctly, you were wearing the same sweater you are now. You were, and still are, the most gorgeous girl in school.”

I’m not sure why, but his compliment makes me uncomfortable. I can’t help but scrunch my nose up. Taking a quick peek in his direction, I’m grateful he didn’t see my reaction. Even though he knows I’m not looking to date anyone right now, his crush on me hasn’t dwindled. It saddens me that he turns away other females interested in him just to continue pursuing me.

“The door had your nose print on it from you walking into it. You giggled, causing us to laugh with you. I fell in love with your good sense of humor right then and there. Maxwell went around you and opened the door for everyone. There were artworks hanging on the walls of the school, and we were all amazed by them and the stories they told of the history of the school. We bonded over not knowing where to go in that massive school. Maxwell was the leader of our little group. He guided us through the school and many other things over the years.”

“Who was the other person with us? For some reason, her name never stuck in my memory.”

“Ah.” As he mentally goes back over all the names, he immediately remembers who I mean. “Her name was Penny.”

I turn the steering wheel in the direction of the freeway. “Whatever happened to her? Do you know?”

“No one knows for sure, but I think she committed suicide. After all, the pressure of college isn’t for everyone.” Remis grabs his water bottle and takes a drink out of it.

“That’s sad. I hope that isn’t what happened, but it totally makes 

“Well, sort of. In some ways, I already feel as though I’m unavailable emotionally, and in other ways, I feel free to do whatever I want. Strange, I know, but for now, I just want my focus to be on school, without any outside distractions like dating and such.” I laugh at the irony. “Here I am, ready to begin this new chapter in life, and for some reason, I feel as though I’m taken. I don’t understand it myself. It’s just a very strong feeling I have.”

I shrug, unable to explain further.

“True, it is peculiar, but then again, you are different, Nadine,” Remis winks at me as he smirks.

“Ha, ha, ha, very funny. What about you? Do you think of the future like that?”

“Nope! Guys don’t think of the future. We go with the flow,” Remis states a little too casually.

Once our conversation ends, an awkward silence fills the Jeep. Flipping on the radio, I turn on music we can jam out to. Half an hour before I get off at an exit to refuel, he falls asleep. I pull up to the first gas station I come across, and a middle-aged woman saunters out to assist me.

“How may I help you?” She asks with a smile.

“I would like to fill my tank with regular, please.”

I start to open my door, only for her to stop me with the raise of one hand. “Of course, my dear. You can stay in your Jeep if you like. I can do it for you since we’re slow today. I need something to do to help keep me awake.”

“Thank you.” I hand her my bank card before glancing at Remis, who’s still fast asleep. I smile at how peaceful he looks. He is more pleasant to be around when I don’t have to worry about his flirtations or innuendos. My peace and quiet is only interrupted by his snoring. Thankfully, it isn’t one of those loud, annoying snores but soft and light. In a way, it reminds me of a kitten’s purr.

“Here you go, ma’am,” the gas station attendant hands me back my card.

“Thanks, have a good evening.” I give my best grin and wave as I turn my Jeep on and head back down the road.

We get held up on the highway. From what I can see, a driver ran into a truck hauling hay, which is now scattered across both lanes. Cursing and honking horns blare throughout the freeway, as though that will somehow help the situation.

I grab Remis’s phone to text his brother, since he somehow has managed to sleep through all this noise. A light breeze touches my neck making me shiver uncomfortably. I send him a message stating that Remis is more than welcome to stay at my grandmother’s house since we will be arriving later than planned. He can pick Remis up from there tomorrow morning.

After Remis’s brother messages me back that it’s fine with him, I close his phone. Just in time too. The police signal us it’s okay to move. In order to get past the chaos, we move over to the outer section. We continue on our way to my grandmother’s.

Remis wakes up as I am pulling into the driveway, so I tell him about my conversation with his brother.

“You did what?” he yells as I switch off the Jeep.

“Remis, why are you so mad?” I turn in my seat to face him, pushing my back against the door since there is little to no space in h

ere. I’ve never seen him this mad before and can’t help but back away at his outburst.

He opens the door and jumps out of the Jeep. Taking a moment for his anger to simmer, he exhales as he says my name. “Nadine, I love you, but you can’t make decisions for me.” He gets his bag out of the back. “I’ll call you later.”

“You aren’t staying? At least, let me drive you to wherever you need to go. Or you can take my Jeep!” I hate the idea of him walking alone at night. Especially considering how long it would take him to get home, which is a few towns over. At least, driving my Jeep will get him there quicker.

Pausing midstride, he turns on his heel to face me. “Okay, that sounds like a good idea. Is it okay if I borrow the Jeep until Sunday?”

“Of course! Here are the keys. All I ask is that you text me to let me know you got home all right.” I toss my keys to him.

Dropping his bag near his feet, he grabs my belongings from the Jeep and places them on my grandmother’s porch swing for me. I follow him up to the front door and knock. No one answers. I start to quiver, prompting Remis to wrap his arms around me when he notices. I tap his arm, and he releases me.

Before I can knock a second time, a stranger opens the door. She has light brown, dreadlocked hair that is half up in a sloppy bun while the rest flows down and reaches her lower back. She wears a little brown dress that compliments her strong, healthy thighs. A tattoo of three jet-black lines wraps around her slim arm. The makeup she wears highlights her eyes. Pearly white teeth are visible behind perfectly shaped lips. I’m instantly jealous of her high cheekbones, hourglass figure and gorgeous, flawless skin.

“Hey,” she answers, clearly studying me.

“Hi, my name is Nadine, and… uh… this is my grandmother’s house,” I state as confidently as I can, considering I am standing in front of a Victoria’s Secret model wannabe who appears to be the same age as me.

“Right. Eleanor has been expecting you. Come on in.” She steps aside, giving me room to walk into the house.

“Be safe, Remis. I’ll see you Sunday,” I give Remis a side hug.

He hesitates, making sure I’ll be okay. I nudge him toward my Jeep, hoping he will get the clue and leave. Sure enough, he drives away… and I step inside.