The Huntress
The Alterealm Series Book 1
by J. Risk
Genre: New Adult Paranormal Fantasy
Where all those things that go bump in the night are real and other realities do exist.
What would you do if you woke up in another realm where the residents are beings from fictional tales? Where all those things that go bump in the night are real and other realities do exist!!
Damariss Maxx just woke up in a world where all those things that go bump in the night are real.
An alternate realm where the residents are beings she thought only existed in fiction.
Will she find the way to keep life normal and simple for those unknowing without losing her own sanity?
All she has to do now is find a way to protect the people in her world from the nightmares that have bleed from this other realm into it and fulfill a prophecy that says she's their huntress queen or doom this other world to a bleak, violent existence.
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I didn’t even get both eyes opened and focused before I knew something was wrong. Where was the color? I was only seeing sepia? Everything was brown. Blinking rapidly, I tried to readjust my eyes to see if there was any other hue. It didn’t change a thing and for the life of me I couldn’t figure out why.
Sitting there, I tried to decipher what was going on and why I was sitting on the ground. Looking down I ran my hand over the dried dusty surface. Why was I on the ground? Craning my neck as far as I could in all directions, I looked around. Okay, where was the pavement and cement? The buildings and streets I called my natural turf?
The why’s flying around in my brain suddenly decided the top question, was what the hell was going on?
Squeezing my eyes shut, I struggled to recall the last thing I remembered doing. I was hunting down a bounty—a nice one with a large dollar sign attached to her. I had tracked her ass down and…
I confronted her? Yes, I was minutes away from calling Frank and telling him to get out his shiny pen and sign my check.
So what happened between then and now? Not to sound repetitive, which is something that drives me nuts, but what the hell was going on?
Startled, I started to check for bullet holes or the deep crevices that knives leave behind in flesh. That had to be it, I’d taken a beating and this was that in between place you sit when you’re near death’s door, but not quite ready to see what lies on the other side.
Finding no critical injury, I slumped forward and rubbed my head. There was some rational explanation for this, there had to be. Had I been drugged? It could be some crazy hallucination. Any minute now I was going to either wake up in my bed at home or some hospital with a cheery nurse leaning over me, reassuring me we are going to be just fine. I only had to wait it out a little longer and all would be normal.
To kill time until I woke up, I looked around some more. Wherever this was it looked like a burnt-out world. Not the charred kind of burn but depleted and completely used up sort.
Vacant.
Sitting still wasn’t really a strong trait of mine, so I figured I’d get up and take a look around, there had to be something to see around here. If my body was actually somewhere else for safekeeping, what harm could come to me, right?
I staggered like I’d never stood before, struggling to get my balance. Whatever was going on with me, my equilibrium was totally shot. Standing there swaying like grass in the breeze, I turned carefully trying to see if there was anything around me except rust tinted dirt and nothingness.
My heart stumbled around in my chest when I spotted someone coming in my direction. Yes! I wasn’t the only one in this soulless place.
The closer it got to me made me the more I questioned my original conclusion. I didn’t know, exactly, but it was not someone it was a something.
The Seer
The Alterealm Series Book 2
Sometimes crazy is all that works…
Different. Weird. Unwanted. Crazy. Afraid.
That’s been the story of Crissy’s life.
A life spent never quite knowing why she has these visions in her head.
And just why she’s so afraid.
Finding herself important and accepted for the first time in her life, the workings of this other realm are confusing, but feel familiar. She’s seen it before, and that feeling may just be home.
Now in a place where she’s understood and loved, Crissy’s visions may just help to tip the balance in the fight between good and evil.
“A stick and book, grey street sign and a purple door… they all fit but how?” I murmured to myself.
I nodded and threw the ball some more. “A staff like a cane with runes carved in it… a spell of some sort I’m sure.” I bounced through twice more while sorting and then stopped and looked at the ball.
Bouncing it again. “The book isn’t a book, but a journal that’s very old… not printed but written because it was seen.” I reversed the direction of the throws. “Written like a prophecy in a leather-bound journal. Need to find out what prophecy he’s trying to break.”
More bouncing, a little faster. “Grey street signs, but the street signs aren’t grey.” Bounced slower again, too chaotic with the fast rhythm. “A sign that isn’t grey, but white only seems grey under a street light.” I rocked my head to the motion of the ball. “A sign that isn’t grey but a sign is something used for directions, so you find your street. Grey street. That was so obvious I didn’t see it.”
I caught the ball and nodded once, then threw it again. “Okay.” Wall to floor to wall again. “Purple door. Purple is no longer my favorite color for reasons that are carved into my back. Purple, mage… a magical place? A door to go through?” I reversed the rhythm of throwing. “Or is it as simple as a purple door on grey street at night?” I bounced it harder, trying to see. “Underneath the door doesn’t make sense… unless it’s a tunnel and the door is above.”
I caught the ball and held it in my hand. “Oh, I know where Marcus will be, and what he’s doing. I have to go tell them.”
I spun around and then jumped and screeched when I saw all of them standing there, silently watching me. “I…”
The Empath
The Alterealm Series Book 3
A century of questions brought no answers, until now.
A century always on the move, never aging and not being able to form relationships, Alona has far more questions than answers. Absorbing the emotional turmoil of others is bad enough, with the headaches, nausea and blackouts, but it is the loneliness that is a never-ending ache.
A bizarre encounter with a crazy-erratic redhead in a nightclub brings her the promise of answers, if only she can open her mind to the possibilities. Life will change in ways she never thought possible, or could ever imagine.
Biting my lip, I tapped Chase’s name and hit dial. I suppose even having a king to call was something, even if I was uncomfortable.
“Duchess, this a surprise.”
“For us both.” I glanced at the door. “I seem to have a situation.”
The women knocked on the door. Opening it a crack, I smiled and took the two dresses she offered. I lifted a finger, hoping she was intelligent enough to see I was on the phone whilst supposedly trying on dresses. With her best sales clerk smile, she nodded and walked away.
“What sort of situation do you have?”
I heard a door close and wherever he had been, it was now quieter. “I believe I’m being followed. Actually, I’m quite positive I am.”
“Same stalker that gave you the card?”
I shook my head, then stopped realizing he couldn’t see me. “No, it’s not him. There’s two of them, and they’ve been there each time I’ve turned around. Now they are standing outside the shop I’m in.”
“Where are you? Are you safe at the moment?”
“Yes. I’m in a changing room.” I glanced down to see I still held the two dresses the clerk brought and hung them up.
“Really? That’s interesting, I’ve never had a call from a changing room before.”
I sat down. “I’m so happy to tick that off your new experience list. What do you suggest I do?”
“Well… I’d have to see what you’re trying on to help you decide…” He chuckled. “Just use your transporter.”
Closing my eyes, I sighed. “I would, if I hadn’t left it at home.”
Another door closed. “You know we gave that to you to carry with you in case you needed it, and it seems you do.”
“Yes, yes I know. I forgot it.” Something I would regret from this day on. “When I did my check before I left… wallet, yes, phone, yes… it seems I’m not used to remembering little transporter thing to another realm.”
He sighed, “don’t distract me with sass, I’m thinking.”
I stood up again, feeling very anxious. “Can’t you just pop here and get me?”
Chase snorted, “I’d have to have been there before to do that, and I’m not in the habit of visiting women’s changing rooms, however entertaining the idea is.”
“Oh,” Another fact I should have probably asked. “I didn’t realize.”
“Don’t despair, duchess, I’ll get there. Tell me where you are in terms of large landmarks.”
He was just going to walk down the street to find me? “What… what if they know you? I mean, if they know who you are? Your size draws attention, not to mention your golden locks and flirty little beard… you will be recognized.”
“Worried for me? That’s very touching.” He paused. “For the record, my beard is not flirty… it takes adorning my face quite seriously.”
The Witch
The Alterealm Series Book 4
Doing a favor for your best friend never works out.
Finding a best friend and roommate in Erin, Bethany agrees to use her magic to help a group of Erin’s new friends. But something told her that things were off, and now she’s got to use her powers to get her friend back.
Sharing a small apartment and struggling to survive was far better than being locked away with no word of Erin, and a niggling feeling that the stories she was told aren’t the truth.
Discovering another realm, learning about her powers and making things right, Bethany must make amends for all she did wrong, no matter the consequences.
I glared at the clear wall. I’d done it all right. The royal guard had called someone when I told him I had news of Leone and now I was standing in a large glass box. I touched it, I wasn’t even sure if it was glass, whatever it was I was surrounded by it. I couldn’t even see out of it, how that was possible to not see through clear glass, I had no idea. I paced around trying not to scream. I’d already tried magic to no avail. It was blocked in here.
Something changed on the one side of my cube and a man stood looking at me through the glass. Another giant. He had long black hair and haunting grey eyes. He didn’t look anything like Leone. He just stood there legs apart, arms crossed over his large chest, just looking at me like I was a bug.
I didn’t know if he could hear me or not, but I didn’t have time for this staring contest. “As much as I appreciate being chosen to be part of your display case barbies, I don’t have time for games. I need to find Leone’s brothers.”
He turned his head and then two more men stood there. Twin giants. Holy crap was all I could think there.
“Guys, this isn’t going to help Leone. Find me someone in charge. Do you guys speak English or is all that muscle blocking off your voice boxes?” I sighed. No reaction at all.
Two women appeared and then in the span of a few moments ten pairs of eyes were staring right at me. They were talking, but I couldn’t read lips. I looked for any resemblance to Leone. One had the same brown eyes, and another had the same hair color as Leone, neither looked very approachable. The one with the I-will-kill-you-and-not-think-twice aura and same hair color as Leone moved to the side.
“You have news of my brother?”
I actually jumped when his voice filled my cube. I nodded. “Yes.” I’d found his family.
“Where are you from?”
I frowned. “Pluto, what the hell does that matter?”
He turned and again I couldn’t hear them.
“Seriously?” Reaching into my pocket I pulled out the chain and pendant Leone had said everyone knew was his. Holding it in my palm, I went over to the wall and slapped my hand against it. All eyes went wide. Oh, they knew that, I thought. “Figured that would get your attention,” I said just in case they could hear me. I stared at the one with Leone’s eyes. “I don’t have time to screw around. Leone needs help. Now.”
The door to my display cubical opened. The guard that had put me in here motioned for me to come out. I did hesitantly, then went where he pointed. Into the space with those ten anxious and angry looking people. Mostly angry.
“Talk quickly,” the big scary one said, then waved his hand for me to speak.
“Oh yeah, you’re definitely related to him.” My hands tingled, my magic must not be blocked in this room. He was huge and scary as shit. He stepped toward me. I held up my hand, sparks and all toward him. “You stay right there.” I shook my head. “I don’t want to hurt anyone.”
Someone snorted.
A dark-haired man with a scar on his face stepped in my direction. He didn’t look happy at all. “Back off, Scarface. I’m here because I need help.”
I felt this pressure inside my head and raised my hands further making sure all could see the energy sparking from them. “Whoever is trying to mess in my head, knock it off.”
“Look, honey,” A tall man with a baby face and serious eyes held his hands up toward me.
“Stay there, Tarzan, we don’t have time for this.”
“Oh gods. Can she stay? We need this in our lives. I need this in my life.” The tall twin with the goatee said, a big grin on his face.
“Excuse me?” The tall dark-haired woman with drool worthy boots said glaring at him.
He shook his head. “Beloved, for entertainment purposes only. She knew Troy was messing in her head, Rafael is Tarzan, and she’s going to hurt Victor? Come on, it’s awesome.”
My nerves were winding tighter and tighter inside me. Soon I was going to start blasting anyone that moved.
J. Risk is a pseudonym used by Author Jacqueline Paige (Multi-published Paranormal Romance author of The Magic Seasons series, The Hidden Senses Trilogy, The Dream Series and more)
I wanted to write a story that would fit into new adult levels as well as adult. Something that was serious with fun elements--paranormal / fantasy that everyone could read and enjoy.
I've decided to use J. Risk as the pen name for this to separate this series from my other writing which is definitely adult reading material.
Jacqueline Paige lives in Ontario in a small town that's part of the popular Georgian Triangle area.
She began her writing career in 2006 and since her first published works in 2009 she hasn't stopped. Jacqueline describes her writing as "all things paranormal", which she has proven is her niche with stories of witches, ghosts, physics and shifters now on the shelves.
When Jacqueline isn't lost in her writing she spends time with her five children, most of whom are finally able to look after her instead of the other way around. Together they do random road trips, that usually end up with them lost, shopping trips where they push every button in the toy aisle, hiking when there's enough time to escape and bizarre things like creating new daring recipes in the kitchen. She's a grandmother to four (so far) and looks forward to corrupting many more in the years to come.
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