Twisted Time Read online

  Copyright © 2020 by Candi Fox

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, except in the case of brief quotations in critical reviews, without permission of the author

  This book is a work of fiction. The characters, names, events, and places are fictitious and products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarities to actual persons, living or dead, places or events is entirely coincidental.

  Cover design: Katrina Curry

  Edited by: Lily Luchesi

  Copyright © 2020 by Candi Fox

  Note to Readers

  Prologue

  Tulsa, OK

  Chapter 1

  Emma

  Chapter 2

  Emma

  Cooperstown, Indian Territory May 7, 1875

  Chapter 3

  Cooperstown, Indian Territory

  Chapter 4

  Cord

  Emma

  Chapter 5

  Emma

  Chapter 6

  Cord

  Chapter 7

  Emma

  Chapter 8

  Chandler

  Chapter 9

  Emma 1875

  Chapter 10

  Cord

  Chapter 11

  Emma

  Chapter 12

  Chandler

  Chapter 13

  Emma

  Chapter 14

  Cord

  Chapter 15

  Emma

  Chapter 16

  Cord

  Chapter 17

  Emma

  Cord

  Chapter 18

  Emma

  Cord

  Chapter 19

  Emma

  Cord

  Chapter 20

  Emma

  Chapter 21

  Cord

  Chapter 22

  Chandler Present Day

  Chapter 23

  Emma

  Chapter 24

  Emma

  Chapter 25

  Cord

  Chapter 26

  Chandler

  Chapter 27

  Emma

  Chapter 28

  Emma

  Chapter 29

  Cord

  Chapter 30

  Emma

  Chapter 31

  Emma

  Cord

  Chapter 32

  Emma

  Cord

  Chapter 33

  Emma

  Cord

  Chapter 34

  Emma

  Cord

  Chapter 35

  Emma

  Chapter 36

  Emma

  Chapter 37

  Chandler

  Chapter 38

  Emma

  Chandler

  Chapter 39

  Cord

  Emma

  Cord

  Chapter 40

  Emma

  Sage

  Chapter 41

  Cord

  Emma

  Chapter 42

  Emma

  Cord

  Chapter 43

  Emma

  Cord

  Chapter 44

  Emma

  Cord

  Chapter 45

  Emma

  Cord

  Chapter 46

  Wolf

  Chandler

  Chapter 47

  Cord

  Wolf

  Chandler

  Chapter 48

  Emma

  Wolf

  Chapter 49

  Emma

  Chapter 50

  Emma

  Chapter 51

  The Ceremony

  Chapter 52

  Cord

  Emma

  Chapter 53

  Cord October 25, 1875

  Emma

  Wolf

  Chapter 54

  Emma

  Chapter 55

  Cord

  Emma

  Wolf

  Emma

  Chapter 56

  Chandler

  Chapter 57

  Modern Day

  Note to Readers

  You may notice a few name or description changes in this book. I plan on revamping both Strange Beginnings and Sweet Obsession, not only to reflect these changes, but in hopes of crafting and even better story.

  With a new editor on board, we hope to take the books to a new level.

  Prologue

  Tulsa, OK

  November 2016

  “Where’s Cord?”

  Rae Masterson, Cord’s mother, closed the gap between them and engulfed Emma in a hug. Though his mom only came to her shoulders, her warm embrace made her feel safe. The way only a mother’s love could.

  Touched, she blinked back tears, at the same time realizing something must be wrong. She saw it in the woman’s gentle blue eyes just before they embraced.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “The story isn’t a short one. Let’s get inside where it’s warm.”

  Emma shook her head, dread building with each step. She’d longed for the comfort of her own home for weeks. A home I’ve needed for most of my life, but that’s a story for another time.

  Chapter 1

  Emma

  The next few weeks drug by, the medical team working around the clock to try and help Cord regain consciousness. Nothing they did worked, and the doctors had no real explanations.

  His physical wounds had long since healed. Of course, things like that happen when you’re a shifter. She learned an enormous amount of information since coming home from the hospital.

  Starting with the entire Masterson family were shifters, lions to be exact. Then they hit her with this law, this stupid archaic law, that stated Cord had to get permission before telling anyone outside the lion community.

  There were a few emergency clauses, most of them had to do with other known paranormals. For example, they frequently met other shifters at moots.

  Lion Law.

  You may not reveal yourself to another non-lion shifter. Exceptions: People who are well known within the moot community. True emergencies to be determined by the council after the fact. Punishable by death if broken. All others must receive approval, save one. You get a once in a lifetime get out of death free card.

  Cord used his card to tell Chandler to save her life when Koby kidnapped her. Vampires, werewolves, faeries, ghosts, and witches were real. Yes, witches were real. She didn’t yet know the extent of her witch’s powers. Though she’d always felt different somehow, the reality of being a part of the paranormal community would take some time to adapt.

  Beyond frustrated with the lack of results, she left his side, deciding to go home. After some much-needed rest, she would use the information Chandler gave her to get on the paraweb. An underground version of the web for all things paranormal.

  He gave her his sign-in credentials. Allowing her to use it until she could get her own. Some guy from some committee would be verifying her preternatural abilities next week. After that, they would assign her a user ID and password of her own.

  She had no idea who would be confirming it. Chandler couldn’t tell her more. So many secrets, many in place to protect the paranormal world.

  Too tired to drive herself, she took an Uber from the hospital. The front door opened the moment the driver pulled away and a small, dark flash of fur bunny bounced to her. Emma couldn't help smiling when she saw Luna running to her. Only, her run resembled a bunny’s hop with a little bounce to it. Bending down, she picked her up.

  Normally, Luna traveled with her; however, due to the predatory nature of shifters, nonparanormal animals were often discouraged from en
tering the premises.

  She sorely missed the little furball. Luna won her heart the moment Cord placed the tiny dark ball of fuzz in her hands last fall. The best they could figure she was a miniature-schnauzer mix. Her deep chocolate fur lay in deep waves, giving her a soft, fluffy appearance. She felt safe and loved any time the pup was nearby. In two months, Luna would complete her training for Emma’s PSTD. Once she graduated, she’d officially be a service animal.

  The housekeeper opened the door for them as they approached.

  “Good to see you, Miss Blackwell. Shall I make you something to eat?”

  “Yes please. I’ll be in the office.”

  She needed to take a shower, but that could wait. Sitting in the office chair she flicked on the power for the computer, keeping Luna snuggled in her lap.

  The screen blinked to life showing a picture of Cord, and Chandler. She took it at the apartment in Tulsa. The last time she saw Cord unharmed. Hot, salty tears stung her eyes before sliding down her face.

  Her heart ached with unspoken words. Things she never got the chance to say to the man who saved her life since the day he put out her small kitchen fire.

  The memory of his strong arms and twinkling blue eyes caused a smile to tug at the corners of her mouth. Cord could be frustrating, especially when he pulled back from her. Emma understood his girls came first, yet it still wounded her heart when he withdrew from her.

  Her phone dinged, pulling her out of her thoughts. Probably a text from Chandler. She typed Unexplained Paranormal Illness Experts into the search bar and hit enter before checking the message.

  How’s my girl? Any changes?

  She quickly replied. Chandler, her other sweetheart, was a deputy with the Stillwater Sheriff’s department. He picked up extra shifts since Cord, the town sheriff, was currently out of commission.

  Tired, no change. I’m at the house for a few hours. I’m going to do the research we talked about.

  She hit send before looking at the search results. Emma right-clicked several tabs before looking at the first one. The first page wanted money upfront before giving any information. She closed that one, opening the next.

  By the time she scanned twenty websites, Chandler still hadn’t answered; he must have gotten a call. Forty minutes later. Mrs. Beasley brought her a feast. The handsome woman turned fifty-five a few weeks ago. Her blonde hair, untouched by gray, was pulled back in a loose bun.

  Her warm dark eyes were the color of freshly turned soil and full of warmth. She carried a large tray with several plates on it.

  She smiled at Emma, setting it down in front of her.

  “I made a few different things. I know hospital food is horrible.”

  The food at the paranormal hospital did indeed suck, and as a result Emma rarely ate more than what she needed to keep going.

  She hadn’t enjoyed a satisfying meal in weeks. In the center of the tray sat a steaming bowl of split pea soup, surrounded by a tomato tart, a side of corned beef hash with a sunny side up egg, and a savory biscuit. A glass of ice water with a slice of lemon and lime was set off to one side.

  “This looks so good I don’t even know where to tuck in.”

  “Eat, I’ll check in later. Why don’t I take Luna for a walk? I’ll bring her right back.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Of course, dear.”

  Emma ate while she searched for answers on the paraweb. There had to be someone somewhere that could help Cord. There’s no way she was going to lose him now.

  She’d barely touched her food by the time Mrs. Beasley brought Luna back. Snuggling the pup in her lap she finally dug into the delicious meal.

  A few hours later the dear woman brought her a slice of Victoria sponge with blackberry curd.

  “I’m turning in for the night. Ring me if you need me.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Beasley. Goodnight.”

  Hours later, her eyes bleary, she found a forum to post in. After she hit enter, she finished the last bite of sponge and got up to stretch her legs and take Luna on another walk.

  Pinpricks of energy ran along her skin as she stepped out into the moonlit night. Golden stars sparkled against the midnight blue sky. The pale-yellow moon offered little light as they traversed the path behind the house. She’d been out here several times but never during the witching hour.

  The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end as she walked into a cold spot. The cold, along with a sudden sense of foreboding, caused her to freeze momentarily. Luna’s loud, sharp bark set her feet moving away from the area and back toward the house.

  The pup continued to bark and growl until they were safely inside the house. Seconds after she locked the door, a loud thump hit the side of the house. Whatever chased them, she didn’t turn around to look, bounced off her wards with a thud and a growl.

  Emma slid to the floor, shaking, clutching Luna to her tightly. Tears streamed down her face, grateful the wards held against the unknown attacker.

  Chandler’s coven warded her house shortly after she purchased it. The sweet man continually surprised her with his thoughtfulness. Hands still shaking, she searched for her phone, finally realizing she left it in the office by the computer.

  Keeping low, she moved from the kitchen into the hall. She slowly stood up listening to see if it was still out there. After several minutes of silence, she made her way to the office.

  She found her phone and sent off a quick text to Chandler, then turned on the computer to check her email. A notification of response from the forums caught her eye. Emma clicked the link and headed to the forums.

  “Meet me at Granny’s at six. I’ll find you.”

  Her heart raced; this was possibly someone with an answer, though she wished she had more information on the person she’d be meeting.

  She checked her phone: no response, he must be sleeping. With just enough time to get in two hours of sleep, she scooped up Luna and headed up the stairs. Not bothering to undress, she set the alarm and fell exhaustedly into bed.

  Chapter 2

  Emma

  Bleary-eyed when the alarm went off, she took a quick shower threw on casual clothes and headed to Granny’s. She chose a quiet, unoccupied corner and ordered coffee for her, and a scrambled egg for Luna.

  Shortly after her coffee arrived, a woman with a striking resemblance to her mother came over to her table.

  “Emma?”

  “Yes.”

  The woman pulled out a chair and sat down.

  “I can help you, but you’ll have to trust me.”

  “I don’t even know your name.”

  Her full red lips turned into a genuine smile. She offered her hand.

  “I’m Evanora Standhope, a professor at OSU and a witch. I can’t say too much in public, but I can meet you at St. Agnes this afternoon after my class. Say around three?”

  “Okay.”

  She watched as the woman got up and left the restaurant. Feeling a little shell-shocked, Emma didn’t see Chandler come in and walk toward her.

  He leaned down, kissing her softly.

  “Chandler.”

  She stood up, throwing her arms around him and pulling him into a hug.

  “I’ve missed you.”

  He sat down beside her in the booth, draping his arm around her.

  “Are you all right? I have a call in with the coven. I’d like to have them go over the property to see what they can find.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, but I’m staying with you on the nights you’re not at the hospital.”

  “You take such loving care of me.” She snuggled into him.

  “Do you know a woman named Evanora Standhope?”

  “I’ve heard of her, she’s a professor at the university and a witch.”

  “I met her this morning. She said she knows how to help Cord. She wants to meet at the hospital after her last class.”

  “I’ll come with you. You look tired. How about we get you home an
d you can take a nap?”

  Grateful for his suggestion, she took Luna’s eggs to go, paid the bill, and left a generous tip.

  “I’m parked out front.”

  Chandler smiled as she slid out of the booth and took Luna before offering his hand to help her rise.

  “I already stowed my gear. Good thing my girlfriend gave me an extra key.”

  She smiled, standing on her tiptoes and bringing one arm around his neck to bring his head down for a sweet kiss. They were after all in public and people with families would not appreciate a make-out session at breakfast.

  Her amazing boyfriend, well one of them, stood above six and a half feet in height, before you added the thick sole of his shit kickers. A smile spread across her face when she glanced down at his shoes.

  Chandler, an avid bike fan, had on well-worn, thick-soled black leather boots. He promised to take her riding on his Harley as soon as they had a day above sixty. He didn’t want her to get too cold on their first ride together.

  His large hand felt warm as it rested in the small of her back, gently guiding her through the restaurant and to the SUV. Once there he opened the door and helped her into the passenger seat before settling into the driver’s seat.

  She relaxed into the seat, snuggling Luna on her lap. Asleep before they left main street, Emma woke in Chandler’s arms as he carried her into the house. The pup was still wrapped in her arms.

  Mrs. Beasley must have seen them coming. The door opened as they stepped onto the porch. She heard him thank the housekeeper before she nodded back off, awakening again as he undressed her to put her to bed.

  She managed to murmur, “Stay with me,” before she fell into asleep. Her body settled into a deep slumber once Chandler joined her wrapping his arms around her and pulling her into him.

  “Emma. It’s time to wake up.”

  Gentle lips brushed her cheek.

  Emma opened her eyes, a smile curving her lips. Her breath caught for a moment as she noticed the love in his eyes. His long hair framed his face. Those piercing blue eyes said so much.

  She raised her head and met his lips with hers. The kiss was slow and sweet. If they had more time, she would have made it so much more. He was so busy lately and she missed his touch.

  “Mrs. Beasley packed some food; we can eat it along the way,” he said