Novels by Jess Storm

Three days later a celebration was held at the compound. Amber and Sam brought everyone together for a celebration of life, friendship, and love. They stood watching their friends and family. Hunter and Gem sat with Gina and Ava and they seemed to be getting along for the moment. Hunter and Gina never seemed to last long before they snapped at each other. Tris, Taylor, and Mya were huddled together. Taylor sat on a chair with Tris and Mya at her feet. Taylor had a hand in each women’s hair and they seemed as content as three people could be. Pax, Addi, and Dylan were running between the gathered crowd. They’d made a friendship pact with Pax and it seemed to help him settle back into the friendship. They’d found out that his mother had been taking money from a vampire and feeding said, vampire. That had been stopped in its tracks. She’d been told that if she wanted to be a blood supply to move away. But she’d opted to stay when Pax had declared he wasn’t leaving. Everyone else was just

Mya burst through the tree line. All she could see was Paine. The bitch stood with a smile and her arms spread wide in welcome. She pushed her body harder and rushed at her. A scream, Gem, took Paine’s attention off Mya for a second and she dove with her whole body, she hit Paine in the center of her back and they flew through the air before landing hard. Mya was on her feet, ready to lunge again, but Paine lifted a hand and she felt her throat being squeezed. She ignored the sensation and lunged anyway. Paine screamed and shoved her back, Mya felt the power as she was shoved back into the tree line, she thought she saw Hunter and Sam, but ignored them and rushed back toward Paine. She’d kill her. Today, she would get justice for Jane.“Come on, can’t we have a little chat first?” Paine whined.Mya saw Hunter slowly make her way to the cave entrance where Gem was on her hands and knees. “Chat?” Mya spat. “You will die today, Ruffian.” Mya swore. “I will rip you to pieces.”“Oh, darlin

Tris watched Amber pace in her wolf form. She could feel the frustration pulsing from the agitated wolf. And anger. At Tris and Taylor. Was it her place to explain? Or should she just let it go? They’d done nothing wrong, and Amber had no right to judge them. “I don’t appreciate people taking advantage of a situation to get to my friends.” Amber shot at her. “I didn’t take advantage of anyone,” Tris said. “Were you not kissing Taylor?” Amber hissed. “We were kissing each other, and it’s none of your business,” Tris said. “I understand she’s your friend. And Mya too. But what we share, or how, is for us to figure out.” “Then Mya should be privy to the discussion or lack of discussion,” Amber grumbled. “That I’ll give you,” Tris said. “We never planned for it to happen.” Tris felt her ears prick when a stick snapped not far from them. “Did you hear that?” “Yes,” Amber said her eyes fixed on the trees behind Tris. “Look, let’s focus on what’s happening now. I will just say, please

Paine paced up and down the cave entrance. She knew she had run out of time. She could feel the witch’s locator spell pinprick her skin. It would only be a matter of time until they found her. What could she do? She looked back toward where Gem sat with her head leaned back against the cave wall. She could use her, maybe set a trap, if they come too close, it could trigger and kill her. But she didn’t really want to kill Gem. She wanted Mya. Or she could just kill them all. She knew they were coming. She had the upper hand.“You seem worried.” Gem said. She was weak, Paine hadn’t fed her in hours. “Did something go wrong?” Her voice cracked and she coughed. “Did you make a mistake?”“No, but your friends did.” Paine snarled. “I know they’re coming. I am going to set traps, and guess what? I will kill them all before they get to me. Except for Mya and Hunter. I want them to suffer. Hunter will watch you die! Mya will take your place.”“Mya will never be taken. She has too much to live

Sam, Amber, Hunter, and Tris fought their way through the thick woods. Amber led them, her nose picked up the faint scent Mya left behind. Sam, Hunter, and Tris pushed themselves to the limit to keep up with Amber. Fear, anger, and hope pushed them hard as they tried to get to Mya before it was too late. “Amber, you need to slow down.” Sam huffed in her mind. “I know time is of the essence, but it won’t help anyone if you lose us.” “Sorry.” She slowed and they all caught up. “I just don’t want her facing this fight on her own, we have Gem to think of too.” “I know,” Sam said. “Tris?” “Yes?” “When we get closer, I want you and Hunter to circle around to her back. We are not letting her get away this time.” “Okay. But will Hunter follow?” “If she doesn’t Amber will go with you.” “I may be a Vampire, but I can make out what your plan is. Don’t even think that I will stay out of this fight.” Hunter told them. She could almost taste how close she was to Gem, there was no way they wo

Amber walked into the conference room with Taylor on her heels. Sam stood with Addi who was still talking nonstop. “What do you mean she went after Gem alone?” Taylor demanded. Addi answered. “She found us in the woods, as she was leaving, she said to come straight here and tell mom she’s going. And that we are missing Pax.” Addi added more quietly. “We need to go after her!” Taylor said. “Where is she going?” “We plan to go after her, Taylor,” Amber said. There was a cool note in her voice, but Taylor ignored it, Amber only had half a story anyway. “We’ve already coordinated who goes where. We need you here with Diane, for any of our own that need medical treatment. Sam, Hunter, and I will go after Mya. The rest is going to stay here and find Pax, he’s just a kid and if he falls into the hands of the wrong people, he could be lost to us.” “I’m going with you,” Taylor said. “There is no way you’re leaving me here when Mya is out there!” “We don’t know what we’re walking into, we

The last weeks had flown by. Addie and Blake had spent every second together. Going to the beach, doing stuff together around the island, they'd even gone fishing. And now, two days were left. Only two days. Addie watched Blake. She looked better, rested and she'd gotten a healthy tan from their time out in the sun. She hadn't written, as far as Addie knew, but at least she'd lost the tired look that had haunted her that first day. Today, they would spend their last day together alone, tomorrow they had plans with Donna and Lex. And the day after that they'd leave. And Addie wasn't sure she'd see Blake again. She damned sure knew she wasn't ready for that.Blake snuck a peek at Addie. She'd been sitting on the couch, a book in her hand, with Kodi curled on her lap. But Blake knew she'd been watching her. Blake had woken up that morning with a clear plan for her book, and she'd snuck out of the bedroom, shut the door behind her and after making herself a cup of coffee, s

Blake was restless. The cabin was too quiet and she didn't feel like doing anything without Addie and Kodi. The two of them had gone off with Shane, a fishing trip on Shane's boat. Now Blake had no idea what to do with herself. Donna and Lex had a day trip booked for snorkeling and even though they had invited her along, she hadn't wanted to be the third wheel.Coffee cup in hand she stood on the deck of the cabin, looking out over the beach and white sand. Something was pushing at her mind, an idea was forming, but just like before she found it hard to let it come all the way into the light. Frustrated at herself, and a little angry at Addie she made her way inside and sat down at the counter where her laptop stood, open but off.Why did she have to miss Addie? Why could she not just go on with her day without her? She could just curl up and catch up on her favorite author's latest book. Blake decided that sounded like a better plan than staring at her bli

Blake watched Addie in fascination as she prepared the fish they'd brought home to be grilled. They were standing in the kitchen, Blake a glass of wine in her hand, every now and again she would hold Addie's glass up to her mouth so she could take a sip of her own wine. They'd invited Donna and Lex to join them. And for once Donna had agreed to spend the evening with them. Blake was still suspicious of her, knowing she wanted to push Addie and Blake together. Addie grinned up at her, as she closed the fish in tin foil and washed her hands."So do we make a salad, or rice and veggies?""How about we do salad, it's a nice warm night.""Okay, then I'll leave that to you." They looked up when they heard voices outside and Addie grinned. "Want to play a trick on Donna?" She asked, stepping closer to Blake."Uh, depends, what do you have in mind?""Kiss?""Kiss? You?"Addie looked around the room. "Yes, me." Addie took another s

They'd found the spot easily enough, a small patch of beach opened up as they cleared the trees, with a convenient flat rock that ran into the water that would make it easy to cast. Blake knew something was bothering Addie, she'd acted strangely since she'd come back with the gear. She'd asked her about it, but Addie just said it was nothing and grabbed the basket from her. She'd followed behind Addie, wondering what could have put her in a mood, what could possibly have changed in the fifteen minutes they'd been apart?"This is amazing, you set up the picnic and I'll get the rods ready. Can you bait and cast or do you want me to?""You can show me again, but I want to try that.""Okay, great." They set up and then Blake walked over to Addie, their shoulders brushed as she stood close beside her, watching as she baited her own hook. "You see, easy, just be careful of the tip." Blake followed instructions and was pleased that she only struggled a little wit

The next morning, Blake and Addie, with Kodi in Addie's arms, ran up the stairs to the breakfast nook. A storm was pelting down on the island and they were wet by the time they made it to their table. Donna and Lex, also wet, sat with steaming cups of coffee in front of them. Addie gestured to the waiter to bring two more and then shook herself as she set Kodi down."You two look like you went swimming with your clothes on." Donna joked."Oh, you don't look any better." Blake retorted. "That came out of nowhere didn't it?""We get storms a few times a week, usually on the same day, so this one should clear around ten, then start up around five or so again. Tomorrow will be clear skies again." The waiter set down their coffee's then a bowl for Kodi. Addie thanked her and she walked off."So what do we do between ten and five?" Blake asked."Well, we sort of have plans, we're doing the abseiling thing and then a picnic,"

Blake walked beside Addie in silence. They were on their way to pick up Kodi, after their yacht ride. She'd had so much fun. After she settled and realized they wouldn't sink, she'd started to enjoy the evening. Addie was good company and they'd talked about everything and nothing. She knew they both steered clear of their personal lives, talking about general things. But still, it had been fun and she'd enjoyed stargazing. Blake even thought about buying herself a telescope when she got home, just so she could look at them. It was silly, of course, but who cared? She suddenly missed a step and stumbled, bracing for the fall, she stretched her hands out in front of her, but the landing never came. Strong hands held her hips, and pulled her back up, then held her tight. She felt a jolt of desire and stiffened. Stepping out of Addie's reach she turned and smoothed her hair."You okay?""Yes, just fine, I must have tripped over something," Blake said. "I was daydrea

Cass wore a hole outside her bedroom door as she waited, she'd been kicked out when she'd told the doctor for the hundredth time to be careful. Now Emma was with Olivia, taking care of her. She was aware that Emma blamed her, and also very aware that she was to blame. She hoped Pedro was doing his job and doing it well, she needed to find the bastards, she needed to take the revenge demanded now. Nothing else mattered to her. If she lost everything making them pay, then so be it. She'd put Olivia in the position to be taken, but her father was the one who'd ordered the hit on his own flesh and blood. She'd leave him for last. "The Chief is here," Vance said from the stairs. "He's pissed to have been dragged out this late." "I don't care about that." Cass snapped. She took one last look at her bedroom door and turned away. The last person Olivia would want to see was her. "Tell Em to stay with her. I'll sleep in one of the spare rooms." "I think she might need you." "I'm the last m

Cass jumped out of the car before Pedro could pull to a full stop. She heard him calling her and ignored him. He could catch up or wait in the car, she needed to get to Olivia. Cass was running up the drive none of her usual senses alert as her sole focus was on getting to Olivia. Pedro was running behind her his gun out and his eyes scanning the yard. Cass knew he would cover her back. She reached for the back door just as Pedro grabbed her arm. "Just wait a damn second." He snarled. His usual calm manner is gone. "It could be a trap. And if you would take a second to think, you will realize that." He bent and checked the handle, then ran his flashlight up and down the door frame. "It looks clean." "Fine, step aside," Cass ordered. "Pedro don't make me kick your ass. I need to get in there!" "Okay." Pedro nodded and reached for the door himself, blocking her with his body. If she wanted to be stupid and reckless he'd at least make sure he took the brunt of a blast. He braced and p

Emma was waiting in the doorway when Cass got home. "Did you find her?" Emma's voice was filled with fear and anger. She looked around Cass searching for Olivia. "No." Cass walked past Emma and poured herself a glass of whiskey. She gulped the liquid down hoping it would warm her frozen body. "Where is she, Cass?" "I don't know." "You don't know?" Emma asked. "You don't know?" Her voice rose and she stalked toward Cass. Vance grabbed her arm and held her back. "You go back out there, and you find her!" Micheal stepped forward when Emma pulled free of Vance and took a couple of steps toward Cass. Cass held up her hand to him and he relaxed. "You chased her out of the safety of our home, and into the fucking lions' den! You go out and find her, or I will!" "You leave this house and I will have you locked up so fast your head will spin!" Cass said dangerously quietly. "I will find her. I came home to grab a shower and food, then I am going right back out there." "Food? You can thin

Emma and Vance were already at the breakfast table when Cass made her way down. She was dressed in her usual suit and ready for work. She planned on being gone before Olivia left, she didn't think she could hold to her resolve to send her away if she had to look into those beautiful eyes. "Where's Pedro? He should be here already," Cass asked as she sat down and pulled the lid of her plate to reveal eggs, bacon, and toast. For a second she thought maybe he might have been more injured than he'd led on. "They're gone, Cass." "Gone?" She repeated and looked up confused. "Olivia and Pedro. They left last night after she took care of you, she woke me to say goodbye and said you told her she was free to go." Emma narrowed her eyes. "Pedro waited for her downstairs so I assumed she was telling the truth." "Yes, I did. I just thought they'd leave this morning." "What happened last night?" Vance asked. Cass told him the same story she told Olivia and then added. "She wasn't safe here.

"Cassandra." Olivia couldn't find anything else to say. She closed the door quietly behind her and leaned back against it. Cass watched her. There was no expression in her eyes. And for once Olivia couldn't read her. "Let me." She stepped forward when Cass reached for her pants. "You should go." "So you keep saying," Olivia said and ignored the hands that pushed hers away. "Stop it." She looked up at Cass and then just dropped her head carefully on Cass's shoulder. "Please, just stop it." She felt Cass sigh. "I'm going to run you a bath, then I'm going to go get the first aid kit." "What? No threats of a hospital?" "I'm not a complete idiot." Olivia snapped. "I didn't mean it like that." Olivia waved her words away and after taking her pants off carefully she opened the tap and let the water fill the bath. She took Cass's hand and helped her into the bath. "Just stay down as long as you can, it will soothe the sore muscles. I'll tend to the cuts and bruises as best I can w

Cass always felt at home surrounded by darkness. She sat in her living room, her tux jacket draped over the chair's back, her shirt collar unbuttoned and her sleeves rolled up. Her arms draped over the chair arms, and a half glass of whiskey dangled from her right hand. The fire blazed in front of her as she stared at the dancing flames. All her life she'd had to fight. She'd been trained from the age of six, to fight, to defend. She'd been honed by some of the best and her skills were that of a highly trained assassin. She scoffed and took a sip of the warm liquid. Maybe if she'd become an assassin her life would be simpler. She would never know the true meaning of feeling at peace. She shook her head this time she downed the rest of the whiskey and reached over to fill the glass again. She was lying to herself about that. For a brief moment, all too brief moments, she'd felt peace. Olivia. The woman was asleep in her bedroom, in her bed. The one place she could feel completely at