Denounce Read online

  DENOUNCE

  Alex Dafney

  Denounce

  Copyright 2019 Alex Dafney ©

  Published by Alex Dafney

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, including electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, events, and incidents are either products of the authors imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your personal use only, then you should return it to the seller and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the authors work.

  Published: Alex Dafney 2019

  ISBN: 978-1-7332661-3-0

  Alexdafney.com

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Other Books by Alex Dafney

  Chapter One

  I glance up from the book I’m reading as a tray slides next to my own on the cafeteria table. “What up, Ash?” I close the book in my hand, sitting it next to my tray. “Nothing much, Cam.” He picks up the book, flipping it over and glancing at the cover. “How do you have the time to read for pleasure?”

  I give a shrug as I take a bite of my sandwich. “I enjoy reading.” He makes a psh noise as he picks up his pizza. Ron places his tray across the table from us, sliding his chair out. “Are you really reading during lunch?” I let out an annoyed sigh. “Yes, guys. I happen to like reading. It’s the only reason I went into this line of work.” Ron rolls his eyes as he lifts his sandwich to his mouth.

  “Why don’t you put the book down tonight and come out with us? We’re going over to that new club on twelfth.” I shake my head slightly as I finish chewing. “I can’t. I’ve got thirty manuscripts I need to get through in the next two weeks.” Cam raises an eyebrow at me with a look of annoyance. “Come on, dude. You’re the golden boy around here. We all know as soon as a position becomes available, you’ll be in senior editing. What’s one night?”

  I shake my head again. Unlike my coworkers, making senior editor is my dream. “Told y’all he’d say no.” I glance over to Bobby as he sits next to Ron, giving me a knowing grin. “Besides, woman aren’t really you’re thing, right?” I glare at him across the table. It’s not that I wouldn’t like to meet a woman, I just don’t have the time with my workload. Nor do I have the time to sit here with this pompous ass making insinuations.

  “I mean, with a name like Ashley you’ve got to be into dudes. Right?” The muscle in my jaw ticks as I glare across the table at him. “Are you seriously trying to say that I’m into men based off my name? When did we go back to fucking high school?” Cam and Ron laugh loudly as Bobby and I stare each other down. He breaks his eyes from mine first, giving a shrug. “I just assumed. You never go out with us, so I figured that was why.”

  I finish my sandwich while listening to the three of them talk about how many women they’re going to bag tonight. “Sure you don’t want to come, Ash?” I look at Cam from the corner of my eye. Maybe taking one night away from work would be a good idea. A recharge of sorts. “Alright. What time are y’all going?” He slaps his hand on my shoulder with a wide grin on his face. “Seven.”

  I shrug his hand as I stand, lifting my tray from the table and tucking my book under my arm. “Sounds good.” I stride away from the table, dumping my trash in the bin and placing my tray on top. “Make sure you change out of your old man suit before you meet us.” I don’t even bother replying to Bobby’s jab.

  Unlike the rest of us, the only reason the little punk has a job here is because his Mom is one of the senior editors. I make my way back to my cubicle on the third floor, sliding into my desk chair and placing my book in the top drawer before getting back to the manuscript I’m currently reading. I’m over halfway through the book, and even though it’s not my preferred genre to read, I know I’ll be sending it upstairs to one of the senior editors.

  These paranormal books are popular with the young adult readers, and a sexy, as the author puts it, demon hunter is just the right story to make big money. Personally, I need more depth to a book, and more reality. Things that are make believe don’t appeal to me, but whatever sells is what gets published.

  As I finish my second manuscript of the day I glance at the clock on my computer. “Oh, shit.” I look around the mostly dark office, finding myself alone. I shut my computer off, grab my book from the top drawer and make my way toward the elevator. It’s not unusual for me to be the last one to leave, but since I agreed to meet the guys at the club, I had planned to at least leave on time today.

  I grab my cell phone from my pocket as it vibrates, finding a text from Cam. “Where the hell are you?” I type out a quick reply, briskly walking through the lobby toward the exit. “Be there soon.” I step out onto the sidewalk, walking toward my apartment to change clothes. With the sun starting to set, the crisp, fall air makes for a great walk home.

  I jog up the four flights of stairs, pulling my keys from my pocket and unlocking the front door. I toss my keys to the kitchen counter, placing the current book I’m reading next to it, before walking through the living room toward my bedroom. My place screams bachelor pad. One couch, a TV, and three bookcases overflowing with some of my favorite novels. Well, maybe it screams nerdy bachelor pad.

  I pull the closet door open in my bedroom, scanning the contents. Flipping through countless dress pants, button up shirts, and suits before finding a pair of jeans. At twenty-five, single, and somewhat looking, I really should own more casual clothing. I slip the low-rise jeans on, pull a pair of worn Converses from the back of the closet and slip a vintage T-shirt on.

  Quickly I step into the bathroom, putting a bit of styling product in my hair and brushing my teeth. I glance at the watch on my wrist. Seven fifteen.

  I step out of the cab on twelfth street, hearing the loud music from the club already. I shoot Cam a quick text, letting him know I’m here as I wait in the short line to enter. I pass the bouncer a twenty when it’s my turn and step inside, glancing around the large room, instantly realizing this is not my scene. The loud techno music vibrates the floor as I walk toward the bar, and the strobe lights, and bubble machine on the dance floor screams the year two thousand.

  I shake my head as I find an empty bar stool. “What are you having?” A pretty brunette yells across the bar at me. “Bourbon. On the rocks.” She gives me a thumbs up as she turns away. I look over my shoulder to the crowded dance floor, spotting Bobby grinding against a girl who looks to be about half a day over legal age. I roll my eyes as he slaps his hand against her ass, letting out a whooping sound as she gives him a seductive smile over her shoulder.

  “That’s ten dollars.” I turn back to the bar as the brunette woman places a tumbler in front of me. Pulling my wallet from my back pocket I pass her my credit card. “Start a tab.” She nods as she snatches my card, turning away from me. I glance over as a hand lands on my
shoulder, Cam sliding onto the bar stool next to mine. “This place is crazy!” He yells over the loud music with a wide grin.

  I nod in agreement. I’m sure most people my age would love this cess pool of causal hookups, but it just doesn’t appeal to me. Call me a hopeless romantic, but I can’t see myself finding the person I’m meant to spend the rest of my life with, in a place like this. “Where’s Ron?” Cam chuckles, shaking his head lightly. “Last I saw he was being dragged to the bathroom by two dime pieces.”

  I shake my head too as I lift my tumbler to my lips, but for a different reason. We’re all too old for this shit. Well, except Bobby. He’ll probably be gracing establishments such as this well into his forties. Cam pushes his shoulder into my own and I look over to him. He has a broad smile on his face as he looks out onto the dance floor. “I think I see my next heart ache. I’ll catch you later, man.”

  I give him a nod as he slides off the bar stool, leaving me alone with my drink. I lift my empty glass to the bartender, her holding up one finger in acknowledgment. I look out of the corner of my eye as a woman slides onto the seat that Cam was in. She looks me full on, giving me a kind smile. “Is this seat taken?” I shake my head as the bartender slides a drink in front of me. The woman next to me offers her hand toward me. I turn my head to look at her fully.

  She’s petite, red, curly hair, light eyes rimmed with dark frame glasses and a cute face. “I’m Emily.” I take her hand in mine, giving her a small smile. “Ashley.” She tilts her head to the side, her brows narrowing slightly. “Ashley?” I brace myself for the ‘girly name’ jokes I’ve heard all my life. “You must be a hell of a man. Kind of like that song.” She snaps her fingers together a few times, looking like she’s thinking.

  “A boy named Sue!” Her eyes widen as she remembers the song title. I chuckle lightly, knowing the song all too well. When I was young and complaining of the constant jokes I received from classmates, my Dad would remind me of the old country song. “Exactly.” She lets out a small laugh, giving me a charming smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ashley.”

  She orders a drink and stares toward the bar. “My friends dragged me here tonight. This isn’t exactly my scene.” I turn slightly toward her. “Mine too. I feel like I’m too old for this crowd.” She laughs as she nods her head in agreement. “Me too. At twenty-four, I’d much rather be at home, reading or writing, not being sexually assaulted on a dance floor by sloppy drunk men looking for a one-night fling.” She turns to me, a sexy smile on her face. “That sounds terrible doesn’t it?”

  I shake my head quickly as I turn my stool to face her. “Not at all. I’d much rather be somewhere quieter with a book.” Her eyes widen as she reaches toward me, placing a hand on my forearm. “A cute guy who likes to read? Maybe I’m not too old to be here.” My own smile widens as I look into her eyes.

  We sit at the bar together, drinking and talking about books and her writing. “I know I should branch into the young adult genre if I’m ever going to get published, but I can’t seem to force myself to write about some damsel in distress falling for a mythical creature. You know?” I chuckle at her words as I nod. “I totally get it. I’m a junior editor and I read at least ten books along that line a week.”

  A hand lands on my shoulder. I turn my head, squinting at Cam. He gives me a wicked smile as he gestures his head to the girl next to him whose shoulders his arm is draped around. “Me and Courtney are calling it a night. I’ll see you Monday.” The girl giggles drunkenly. “My name is Kelsey.” He shrugs his free shoulder before turning them both and heading for the exit.

  I turn back to the bar, throwing back the remainder of my bourbon and sliding the glass away. “Do you want to grab something to eat? I’ve had way too much to drink tonight.” I give Emily a soft smile, offering her my hand as I stand. “I’d love to. What do you have in mind?” She grips my hand, lacing her fingers through mine. “I know this great Mexican place a few blocks over. It’s my absolute favorite!”

  I grin down at her as we weave through the crowded dance floor. What are the chances I’d find a great woman who loves to read, and loves my favorite food? It’s like the sun and moon aligned perfectly in my favor and dropped her in front of me. I glance up, noticing we’re not walking toward the front of the building toward the exit. Stopping, I pull her hand slightly, hiking my thumb over my shoulder with a sideways grin. “The exit’s this way.”

  She steps toward me, a sexy smirk on her face as she grabs my other hand, walking backwards toward the hallway where the restrooms are located. “The backdoor will put us closer to the restaurant.” She drops one of my hands, pulling me through the crowd until we’re in the low-lit hallway. She glances at me over her shoulder, giving me a devious smile as she pushes the bar on the door at the end of the hall. The sign above reads emergency exit only.

  We stumble into a dark alleyway, both of us laughing at our faltered steps. She turns to me, stepping into me until her chest is against me and pushes up on her tiptoes. I smile down at her, lowering my face toward hers. “You were too easy.” She whispers between us. I pull back from her, my brows drawn together in confusion at her remark as I stare down at her.

  Her light-colored eyes begin to glow red as a wicked grin spreads across her face. I suck in a breath as I stumble backwards, jerking my hand from her grip. I feel arms circle my own, looking back and forth between the two large men with the same red eyes flanking my sides.

  I try to fight against them to no use. “Calm down, Ashley. This will only take a moment.” I stare into her red eyes as she struts toward me. She sucks her bottom lip into her mouth. If I wasn’t scared shitless it would be an incredibly sexy sight. As she steps directly in front of me, her chest pressed against mine, I see the blood droplets on her lower lip as she reaches her hand up, cupping the back of my neck.

  “Kiss me and it will all go away.” I turn my head to the side, pinching my eyes shut. Surely, I’ve had way too much to drink and this is all a dream. She digs her fingernails into the back of my neck, her lips pressing against my Adam’s apple. “Make this easy for all of us, Ashley.” She drags her teeth against my skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps.

  I open my eyes as her hand slides away from me, just in time to see her falling to the ground, her eyes bulging as she grips her side. “Step away from the Newb unless you want the same fate.” I spin my head toward the voice that has joined my nightmare. A woman stands a few feet away from us. Her green eyes glow in the night and her body glove, black outfit, leaves little to the imagination.

  She steps toward us slowly, her heels clicking on the pavement below as she holds a bow and arrow in her hands, drawn and aimed at us. My mouth drops open as she steps into the single bulb light above the doorway. She’s beyond gorgeous. Long, blonde, almost white hair breezes behind her in the gentle fall wind. Her impeccable, green eyes glow brightly in the dark night.

  I look her up and down with abandonment. She wears a corset top, her breasts pushed up and out, and skintight leather looking pants. The thigh high boots she wears, with at least five-inch heels sealing the look. I look up to her eyes as she lets out a huff, noticing an eye-roll. “It would probably be best to ogle me after I save your ass.”

  I blink rapidly, remembering my current predicament. I jerk my right arm away from the guy who’s been holding me, instantly turning and connecting my fist to his jaw. He stumbles backwards a few feet as I push the other away from me. I hear a whizzing noise pass by my ear. An arrow lands in the chest of my assailant right before my eyes.

  I take a step back, my eyes wide with shock as I watch him drop to his knees. A simple mugging is no reason to kill someone. I turn my head to the mysterious woman, a scowl on my face. “We could’ve just called the police!” She rolls her eyes as she pulls the bow back, the arrow speeding toward her next victim.

  I watch as the arrow pierces the other man’s chest, him gripping it as he falls back against the brick wall. My mouth drops open as he vanishes int
o thin air, the arrow falling to the ground with a soft clang. I spin my head to where the other man should be, finding only an arrow on the ground, the same for Emily.

  “What the hell are they teaching y’all at the Academy these days?” I turn my shocked expression back to the woman as she struts by me, casually grabbing the arrows from the concrete and stuffing them in a sheath on her back. I open my mouth to say something, anything, but no words come out, only some type of grunt. As she picks up the last arrow and lifts it over her back, she turns to me, her glowing, green eyes fading to normal as she blinks rapidly.

  She narrows her brows at me, placing her hands on her hips as she cocks one outward. “Who the hell are you? Did the Division send you?” I shake my head side to side quickly, still unable to form words. She starts toward me; each click of her heels on the concrete almost deafening. She pulls her hand up, slapping it against my cheek lightly. “What’s wrong with your eyes?”

  She smacks her hand against my cheek a few more times before I take a large step back. I close my eyes, shaking my head quickly. I must be having a stroke or something. “What is with you? You’ve been trained for this shit.” I open my eyes, slowly lifting my head to meet her annoyed gaze.

  “What are you talking about?” My voice is barely more than a whisper, but I’m thankful I could at least get that much out coherently. She narrows her eyes, stepping toward me quickly and reaching for my hand. She jerks it toward her, turning my arm and staring down at my wrist. “You’re a normal?”

  Her head pops up, her eyes wide, meeting my own as she drops my hand like it has burned her. I stare at her, unsure of what to say. Of course, I’m normal. I work a damn nine to five, Monday through Friday. Who the hell isn’t normal? She keeps stepping back slowly, her hand clenched on her bow. “You’re not from the Division?”

  I slowly shake my head, having no clue as to what she’s talking about. “Fuck.” She says under her breath. She spins from me, quickly retreating down the dark alleyway. Without hesitation I follow her. “Wait!” She spins, pulling an arrow from behind her and lining it in her bow, drawing it straight for me. I stop abruptly, holding both hands up, palms facing her.