The Harvest Moon: Prologue Sneak Peek!

Last week I shared a short story that inspired this book. That story will serve as an introduction to River's Moonlight (Book 1) and will be featured at the end of the prequel. The following is the official prologue to that prequel, and book 3 of the Moonlight series, 'The Harvest Moon'.

Jackson Kinnard, a shifter adopted as an infant after the death of his parents, never truly felt like he fit in with those around him. Now sixteen-years-old, he leaves his life in Chicago behind as he travels in search of his real family. His father was a pure-blood with no known relatives. But his mother, a half-blood, left behind a sister. Jackson goes to Marksville Louisiana in hopes to reunite with his long-lost aunt and finds himself in a world of trouble as he runs into a new pack of shifters. An underground cult, fed up with a life of rules and secrecy has a plan to dismantle the council one region a time. To live and rule as the dominant species they were born to be.

But Jackson isn't alone. Descending into the hidden world of witchcraft when he befriends a young woman named Delilah, who is the key to helping him stop the group's evil plan. In this prequel to River's Moonlight, the worlds of werewolves and witchcraft collide, as Jackson learns that love and freedom, never comes without a sacrifice.

Prologue

January 2014

“Thanks for asking me out, the movie was nice.” A young woman said, clinging to the arm of Bryce Barbeau. “So, what now?” She asked as they exited the theatre.

Bryce looked at her, pausing their step. He wore a blank expression, sizing her up with his hooded eyes. He pressed his thumb against her cheek, caressing her face. His lips turned slightly upwards, you could almost see a smirk.

“I wanna show you something.” He said in a low voice.

The sky turned a scarlet shade as the sun began making its way below the horizon. Just as Bryce pulled up to a vacant lot on the outskirts of town. The girl stuck her head out of the passenger’s side window, looking at the emptiness around them.

“Where are we?” She asked.

“It’s a surprise.” He said, turning off the engine. “You like surprises, don’t you?”

“Yeah, of course.” She chuckled faintly, fiddling with the hem of her dress.

He got out of the car, and she followed behind as he led her down a hill. At the bottom of the hill, was a stone structure that sat halfway buried in high grass. Bryce pulled open the metal door, with the girl not far behind. As he held the door open for her, she stopped, rubbing her forearms as goosebumps formed.

“What is this place?” She asked.

“It’s my little secret. My parents live with me, so no privacy at home. You know how it is.” He smirked, extending his hand to her.

“Right,” She gave a soft giggle, still apprehensive but taking his hand anyway.

When Bryce Barbeau asked you out, you didn’t decline. He was the most sought after young bachelor in all of Marksville. He had money, and his family name carried weight around the entire county of Avoyelles Parish. As he led her inside the damp, dark space, there was another door. This door was made of stone with no handle. He pressed his palm against it, whispering something under his breath as the door opened, leading to stairs. The girl was too busy swatting at gnats and pinching her nose because of the moldy smell she didn’t even notice. He pulled her along, his grip getting tighter as he picked up his pace once the door closed behind them. Once they got to the bottom, the area was dark but lit with candles everywhere.

“How romantic.” The girl said, unconvincingly.

He turned, facing her and placing his hands on her shoulders. His hands made their way up her neck, caressing the sides. The glare from candlelight shined across his face, broadcasting his features. His green eyes, sinister like. The girl's heart began to beat rapidly.

“Don’t be scared. I’m not going to hurt you.” He grinned widely, leaning in and kissing her on the lips.

Two people came up behind her, grabbing her by both arms and pulling her away. She screamed, trying to break free as they grabbed her wrists, slamming her against a wall as they cuffed her to a set of chains.

Bryce wiped his mouth, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a blade. “Jesus Christ, I’m so ready to be done with this.” He huffed, relaxing his shoulders.

“We almost didn’t make it in time. The full moon is almost out.” One of the other boys said.

“Well, what do you want me to do? They have to come at their own free will. I don’t make the rules. Let’s just get this over with.” Bryce said.

“Please don’t hurt me!” The girl cried, her face wet with tears.

Bryce drew closer, “I said I wasn’t going to hurt you, remember?” He handed his blade to the boy standing to his right. “But he is.”

The girl’s eyes grew wide as the boy lodged the blade into her chest. Impaling her in the heart. A scream emerged, getting caught in her throat as she choked on the blood filling her lungs, The boy standing on the left, held a cup over the gushing wound, catching the blood as it fell. He handed the cup to Bryce, who swirled it under his nose, inhaling the fleshy aroma. A crooked grin formed on his thin lips. He looked at the girl's dead body, dripping with blood and hanging from the chains.

“Two down, one to go…"

Find out what happens next, this October!

You can pre-order here: https://amzn.to/3ixGLdr

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