PNR author S. Peters-Davis shares a SHORT STORY: Starring the main characters of the Ghost Guardian Series: Bri Lancaster and Kyle Benton
Big Owl Lake – Stormy’s Cabin
By S. Peters-Davis
Kyle stood at the check-in desk, waiting for a key to the cabin named Stormy’s. Mr. and Mrs. Abbott ran the Big Owl Lake Resort in northern Michigan and had called SPI (Spectral Paranormal Investigations) for help with a haunted cabin…the one we would stay in until the spirit living there moved on.
Mr. Abbott wore a smile as he handed the key to Kyle. “May the force be with you.” He chuckled. “In other words, I wish you luck. Whatever is in that cabin has scared our vacationers enough to keep them from rebooking. In fact, they leave early and expect a full refund.”
I walked closer, making eye contact. “Don’t worry, Mr. Abbott, we won’t leave until the spirit leaves.”
“And how long will that take?” A lovely brunette that I assumed was Mrs. Abbott stepped around the corner. “With all honesty, no one wants to clean that cabin either. But don’t worry. I did it for you. When we bought this resort, we had no idea something fishy was happening here.” She moved beside her husband.
“Can you tell us what happens to scare people?” Kyle slipped his arm around my waist.
“It started this June and happened after midnight. The bedroom door rattles, and then the windows do, followed by a woman screaming in horror, which continues like a loop – the rattles and the fear-ridden screams. It’s so loud the people in the next cabin can hear it. Several times the neighbors hurried over to help, only to find the startled, terrorized people at Stormy’s cabin escaping out the front door.” Mrs. Abbott looked up at her husband. “We love this place, but if business doesn’t pick up for us…”
Mr. Abbott finished, “…we’ll end up losing it.”
“Thanks for the info. Bri and I got this. We’ll let you know in the morning how it goes tonight.” Kyle nodded and then turned me toward the door. “Let’s go solve this mysterious event.”
* * *
Kyle and I sat outside for an early campfire. I had worked on some research of the place before we’d left home and found out Stormy’s Cabin was the only one for decades until the property and cabin were sold. An additional seven cabins had gotten built, and the place became a resort for vacationers last fall.
“So, we know Dalton Seebright, a Chicago cop, owned this place. But how he became the owner of it is questionable, and how he disappeared is also questionable.” Kyle set another log on the fire and dropped onto the lawn chair beside me. “Then his eighteen-year-old daughter, Stormy, goes missing around the same timeframe.”
“Several things could have happened. But the best way to figure it out is from the spirit left behind.” The flames mystified me, pulling in more profound thoughts about the possibilities of Stormy. “We’ve already got our trail mix of sea salt and lavender laid around the bedroom walls. That should keep her here long enough to get a few answers and maybe the complete story of what happened to her father and herself.”
Kyle and I stayed by the campfire until 11:45 p.m., then we went into the bedroom, shut the door, and laid out the rest of the sea salt and lavender.
“Let’s sit on the bed to wait.” I smiled at Kyle as I shut off the bedside lamp. Lights from the campground filtered through the window enough that we could see to move around. I checked my phone to see the time…exactly midnight.
A little rattle from the door made Kyle snap to alert, and the bed wiggled just a little.
I saw her; a slender, long-haired blonde woman dressed in old-fashioned dark slacks and a white blouse. She leaned an ear against the door as if listening to what went on in the next room. I couldn’t hear anything outside the door. She turned and glanced at us, realizing I could see her.
Stormy walked over until she stood in front of me. “Some evil men have just taken my father. I believe they are going to kill him. Can you help him?” She moved closer and then glanced toward Kyle. “He doesn’t see me, but you do. Are you not afraid of me?” She took a deep breath. “It seems everyone is afraid of me.”
“She’s here, isn’t she.” Kyle glanced around the room and then stared at me.
I nodded, then looked back at Stormy. “Can you tell me more about the men that took your father?”
“I asked my father why he wanted us to come here. He called it our safe house. He told me the mafia was out for blood and feared we were targets. I think these men killed my mother two months ago. My father was terrified I would be next, but I believe he might.” She turned and ran toward the window, attempting to open it. “Some men took my father after he’d locked me inside this room to protect me. He even locked the window inside and outside.”
“The window is rattling. Is Stormy trying to get out?” Kyle stared at the window.
Stormy heard her name and stopped. “Who are you people? Are you part of this mafia that just took my father?”
“No, we’re not. We’re here to help you find your way into the light. I think your father might be there now. I’m sure your mother is.” I motioned for her to come back toward the bed. “We’re here to help you find your way back to your family.”
Her eyes grew large. “You sound crazy. What light? What family? My mother is dead. I’m sure my father is dead by now, also. You’re wasting time. Help me.”
I lit my tapered candle, and Kyle lit his. We pointed them toward the spot where Stormy stood by the window. Some spirits seemed stuck in a time loop, living those moments before death over and over, like Stormy, which kept her from crossing over.
“Archangels, Guardian Angels of all in this room, come now. Show Stormy her way home.” Kyle and I repeated this three times as Stormy stood like a statue, watching us. Shimmering beings dropped from the ceiling and gathered behind each of us.
Suddenly, a beam of warm white light came down from the ceiling and elongated at floor level, making a beautiful doorway. Several voices called to Stormy, but a male and female voice dominated.
Stormy appeared confused. “Mother? Father?” She looked around her, acknowledging the shimmering beings. Two of them stretched their arms toward her, and after a few seconds, Stormy reached toward them as they grasped her outstretched hands.
“Come, my child, let’s take you home,” the shimmering female said.
Kyle stood beside me as I watched Stormy and her guardians walk through the doorway of light. It folded in on itself and disappeared with an electrified pop as our guardians slowly faded out of sight.
“This scene will never get old to me,” I stated.
“I want to hear all of it over again, Bri, as I missed Stormy’s responses and who all appeared and disappeared.” Kyle wrapped his arms around me and snuggled me closer. “I love you, Bri Lancaster.”
I pulled him onto the bed, loving his sexy voice when he used my last name. “Show me how much you love me, Kyle Benton. We have a good reason to celebrate.”
And he kissed me…all over…and much, much more…
Mr. Abbott wore a smile as he handed the key to Kyle. “May the force be with you.” He chuckled. “In other words, I wish you luck. Whatever is in that cabin has scared our vacationers enough to keep them from rebooking. In fact, they leave early and expect a full refund.”
I walked closer, making eye contact. “Don’t worry, Mr. Abbott, we won’t leave until the spirit leaves.”
“And how long will that take?” A lovely brunette that I assumed was Mrs. Abbott stepped around the corner. “With all honesty, no one wants to clean that cabin either. But don’t worry. I did it for you. When we bought this resort, we had no idea something fishy was happening here.” She moved beside her husband.
“Can you tell us what happens to scare people?” Kyle slipped his arm around my waist.
“It started this June and happened after midnight. The bedroom door rattles, and then the windows do, followed by a woman screaming in horror, which continues like a loop – the rattles and the fear-ridden screams. It’s so loud the people in the next cabin can hear it. Several times the neighbors hurried over to help, only to find the startled, terrorized people at Stormy’s cabin escaping out the front door.” Mrs. Abbott looked up at her husband. “We love this place, but if business doesn’t pick up for us…”
Mr. Abbott finished, “…we’ll end up losing it.”
“Thanks for the info. Bri and I got this. We’ll let you know in the morning how it goes tonight.” Kyle nodded and then turned me toward the door. “Let’s go solve this mysterious event.”
* * *
Kyle and I sat outside for an early campfire. I had worked on some research of the place before we’d left home and found out Stormy’s Cabin was the only one for decades until the property and cabin were sold. An additional seven cabins had gotten built, and the place became a resort for vacationers last fall.
“So, we know Dalton Seebright, a Chicago cop, owned this place. But how he became the owner of it is questionable, and how he disappeared is also questionable.” Kyle set another log on the fire and dropped onto the lawn chair beside me. “Then his eighteen-year-old daughter, Stormy, goes missing around the same timeframe.”
“Several things could have happened. But the best way to figure it out is from the spirit left behind.” The flames mystified me, pulling in more profound thoughts about the possibilities of Stormy. “We’ve already got our trail mix of sea salt and lavender laid around the bedroom walls. That should keep her here long enough to get a few answers and maybe the complete story of what happened to her father and herself.”
Kyle and I stayed by the campfire until 11:45 p.m., then we went into the bedroom, shut the door, and laid out the rest of the sea salt and lavender.
“Let’s sit on the bed to wait.” I smiled at Kyle as I shut off the bedside lamp. Lights from the campground filtered through the window enough that we could see to move around. I checked my phone to see the time…exactly midnight.
A little rattle from the door made Kyle snap to alert, and the bed wiggled just a little.
I saw her; a slender, long-haired blonde woman dressed in old-fashioned dark slacks and a white blouse. She leaned an ear against the door as if listening to what went on in the next room. I couldn’t hear anything outside the door. She turned and glanced at us, realizing I could see her.
Stormy walked over until she stood in front of me. “Some evil men have just taken my father. I believe they are going to kill him. Can you help him?” She moved closer and then glanced toward Kyle. “He doesn’t see me, but you do. Are you not afraid of me?” She took a deep breath. “It seems everyone is afraid of me.”
“She’s here, isn’t she.” Kyle glanced around the room and then stared at me.
I nodded, then looked back at Stormy. “Can you tell me more about the men that took your father?”
“I asked my father why he wanted us to come here. He called it our safe house. He told me the mafia was out for blood and feared we were targets. I think these men killed my mother two months ago. My father was terrified I would be next, but I believe he might.” She turned and ran toward the window, attempting to open it. “Some men took my father after he’d locked me inside this room to protect me. He even locked the window inside and outside.”
“The window is rattling. Is Stormy trying to get out?” Kyle stared at the window.
Stormy heard her name and stopped. “Who are you people? Are you part of this mafia that just took my father?”
“No, we’re not. We’re here to help you find your way into the light. I think your father might be there now. I’m sure your mother is.” I motioned for her to come back toward the bed. “We’re here to help you find your way back to your family.”
Her eyes grew large. “You sound crazy. What light? What family? My mother is dead. I’m sure my father is dead by now, also. You’re wasting time. Help me.”
I lit my tapered candle, and Kyle lit his. We pointed them toward the spot where Stormy stood by the window. Some spirits seemed stuck in a time loop, living those moments before death over and over, like Stormy, which kept her from crossing over.
“Archangels, Guardian Angels of all in this room, come now. Show Stormy her way home.” Kyle and I repeated this three times as Stormy stood like a statue, watching us. Shimmering beings dropped from the ceiling and gathered behind each of us.
Suddenly, a beam of warm white light came down from the ceiling and elongated at floor level, making a beautiful doorway. Several voices called to Stormy, but a male and female voice dominated.
Stormy appeared confused. “Mother? Father?” She looked around her, acknowledging the shimmering beings. Two of them stretched their arms toward her, and after a few seconds, Stormy reached toward them as they grasped her outstretched hands.
“Come, my child, let’s take you home,” the shimmering female said.
Kyle stood beside me as I watched Stormy and her guardians walk through the doorway of light. It folded in on itself and disappeared with an electrified pop as our guardians slowly faded out of sight.
“This scene will never get old to me,” I stated.
“I want to hear all of it over again, Bri, as I missed Stormy’s responses and who all appeared and disappeared.” Kyle wrapped his arms around me and snuggled me closer. “I love you, Bri Lancaster.”
I pulled him onto the bed, loving his sexy voice when he used my last name. “Show me how much you love me, Kyle Benton. We have a good reason to celebrate.”
And he kissed me…all over…and much, much more…
by S. Peters-Davis
July 2023
Genre: Paranormal Suspense Romance Thriller, Paranormal Romance, New Adult, Suspense-Mystery
Publisher: BWL Publishing, Inc.
ISBN 9780228626442
Word Count: 54,000
Cover Artist: Pandora Designs
SPI (Spectral Paranormal Investigations) The team’s mission: Rescue ALL spirits left behind, even the evil ones. Murder, Mystery, and Mayhen…in ghost form
Bri Lancaster and Kyle Benton (SPI ghost detectives) investigate an 1880s rundown, haunted mansion in the middle of nowhere during one of the harshest winters remembered.
The SPI team uncovers that the evil entity bound to the mansion has trapped innocent spirits into an endless loop of abuse, sorrow, and the ultimate…death. In order to rescue the captives, the team discovers they must first defeat the crazed, abusive ghost.
But what happens when SPI team member, Kyle, goes comatose and the only way to rescue him is to extract the horrifying evil entity from Kyle’s body?
Excerpt
Bri’s point of view
“We’re fine but a bit rattled.” Kyle glanced at me and then back at his father. “Sorry for the late visit, but I wanted you to hear what happened firsthand. Let’s sit at the kitchen table.” Kyle grabbed my hand and pulled me to a chair.
Miles shook his head as he pulled off his outside gear and settled into a chair across from Kyle and me. “I had no idea the weather would turn into a snowstorm, more like a blizzard. It took some time for you to get back here, didn’t it?” Without waiting for an answer, he continued,
“Sorry about that. Glad you made it without incident.”
“Well, about that…” Kyle nodded toward me. “Tell Dad everything.”
I did, not leaving out the woman in the window or the scary-looking man in the mansion doorway, or how the appearance of the building went back in time to brand new. Nor did I skip describing the sign I saw that disappeared or the distance we’d driven when we saw the last two women and how something must be keeping them stuck there.
“Wow, I had no idea that kind of history was attached to the old mansion. It makes me think of the bordello stories my grandparents shared. Turned out more of a horror story.” Miles stared at me. “Did you open doors to any of the rooms upstairs?”
“None. The vibe came across as pure evil.” A chill zipped up my spine like a sawblade, making me shiver, and my eyes slammed shut. Everything went dark.
Then suddenly, I popped back to the mansion, reliving each moment there. Only this time, my trip ended with me standing in front of the black-eyed man at the door. His arms reached toward me. My paralyzed body couldn’t move as he grabbed my shoulders with stabbing force. I said, “I have no fear,” repeating the mantra. His mouth stretched open, long and wide, and his pointed teeth lengthened. The familiar stench coated my face, the same as my earlier visit. Then I said, “I am filled with love and light; the Divine is my shield.” Before I could repeat the mantra, his mouth closed, and he vanished into a cloud of black smoke.
Voices called my name, echoing inside my brain until I forced my eyes open to Kyle’s handsome face. His warm hands released each side of my head.
“What happened to you? It’s like you passed out in the chair, then after a bit, you’re repeating a mantra. Dad and I hollered your name, but you couldn’t hear us.” Kyle studied my face. “You did pass out, didn’t you?”
“I’ve never experienced anything like what just happened. I’m not sure how it happened, but I returned to the mansion and got a good picture of that man’s appearance. I believe his clothing dates back to that of the 1885 plaque. That’s a starting point for research of when the place was built and who owned it.” My heart beat like a mountain of drums in my chest. “Some horrific trauma must have happened to that man to make him so vile. He wanted to hurt me, maybe even kill me.”
Bri’s point of view
“We’re fine but a bit rattled.” Kyle glanced at me and then back at his father. “Sorry for the late visit, but I wanted you to hear what happened firsthand. Let’s sit at the kitchen table.” Kyle grabbed my hand and pulled me to a chair.
Miles shook his head as he pulled off his outside gear and settled into a chair across from Kyle and me. “I had no idea the weather would turn into a snowstorm, more like a blizzard. It took some time for you to get back here, didn’t it?” Without waiting for an answer, he continued,
“Sorry about that. Glad you made it without incident.”
“Well, about that…” Kyle nodded toward me. “Tell Dad everything.”
I did, not leaving out the woman in the window or the scary-looking man in the mansion doorway, or how the appearance of the building went back in time to brand new. Nor did I skip describing the sign I saw that disappeared or the distance we’d driven when we saw the last two women and how something must be keeping them stuck there.
“Wow, I had no idea that kind of history was attached to the old mansion. It makes me think of the bordello stories my grandparents shared. Turned out more of a horror story.” Miles stared at me. “Did you open doors to any of the rooms upstairs?”
“None. The vibe came across as pure evil.” A chill zipped up my spine like a sawblade, making me shiver, and my eyes slammed shut. Everything went dark.
Then suddenly, I popped back to the mansion, reliving each moment there. Only this time, my trip ended with me standing in front of the black-eyed man at the door. His arms reached toward me. My paralyzed body couldn’t move as he grabbed my shoulders with stabbing force. I said, “I have no fear,” repeating the mantra. His mouth stretched open, long and wide, and his pointed teeth lengthened. The familiar stench coated my face, the same as my earlier visit. Then I said, “I am filled with love and light; the Divine is my shield.” Before I could repeat the mantra, his mouth closed, and he vanished into a cloud of black smoke.
Voices called my name, echoing inside my brain until I forced my eyes open to Kyle’s handsome face. His warm hands released each side of my head.
“What happened to you? It’s like you passed out in the chair, then after a bit, you’re repeating a mantra. Dad and I hollered your name, but you couldn’t hear us.” Kyle studied my face. “You did pass out, didn’t you?”
“I’ve never experienced anything like what just happened. I’m not sure how it happened, but I returned to the mansion and got a good picture of that man’s appearance. I believe his clothing dates back to that of the 1885 plaque. That’s a starting point for research of when the place was built and who owned it.” My heart beat like a mountain of drums in my chest. “Some horrific trauma must have happened to that man to make him so vile. He wanted to hurt me, maybe even kill me.”
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S. Peters-Davis writes multi-genre stories but loves penning a good page-turning suspense-thriller, especially when it’s a ghost story and a romance. Paranormal suspense-thriller romances are her favorites. When she’s not writing, editing, or reading, she’s hiking, RV’ing, fishing, playing with grandchildren, or enjoying time with her favorite muse (her husband) in Southwest Michigan.
For a current listing of her books and buy links, check her author page below.
Tweet:
The FBI-VCU-SI team must deal with the ultimate test of good vs. evil and it’s not looking promising, especially when the powerful, evil entity Chaos (the spirit of Sassy’s mother) joins forces with the dark side. #paranormal #supernatural #romance #Dark #Light #evilvsgood #FBI #crime #suspense https://amzn.to/3tzmLzY
SPI – The team’s mission: Rescue ALL spirits left behind, even the evil ones. Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem…in ghost form. But what happens when Kyle goes missing and the only way to find him is for Bri to extract info from a horrifying entity?
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#Paranormal Rescues #Paranormal #Suspense #NewAdult #Michigan #GhostGuardians #Romance #DiverseRelationships #1800scrimespree #centennialmansion #captiveabusedwomen #paranormalmurdermystery #ghostrescuers #paranormalinvestigations
The SPI team uncovers an evil entity bound to a centennial mansion who trapped innocent spirits in an endless loop of mayhem. The only way to save them all is to defeat the crazed, abusive ghost.
#Paranormal Rescues #Paranormal #Suspense #NewAdult #Michigan #GhostGuardians #Romance #DiverseRelationships #1800scrimespree #centennialmansion #captiveabusedwomen #paranormalmurdermystery #ghostrescuers #paranormalinvestigations
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This sounds like a book that I would really enjoy.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by and checking out SPI, Ghost Guardians, Book 2. I hope you like it. Good luck on the drawing:) Best always, Susan
DeleteSounds like a very interesting read! I'm a big fan of paranormal romance.
ReplyDeleteHello Leonie, thanks so much for stopping by and checking out SPI, Ghost Guardians, Book 2. I'm also a huge fan of paranormal romance books;) Good luck on the drawing:) Best Always, Susan
DeleteHello Sharon - thank you so much for sharing SPI, Ghost Guardians, Book 2. You are so appreciated. Heart Hugs, Susan
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDelete