Eternal Hope: The Cursed Series, #7

By Kara Leigh Miller

She lost everything in the blink of an eye.

When all magical hell broke loose and the vampires fought the witches, the very human Abby Benson was the one who had to pay the ultimate price. Devastated by an unexpected loss, she spirals into grief—until she realizes she has the one thing no one can take from her: hope.

Determined not to give up, and with the help of an unlikely ally, she sets out to reclaim what was taken from her. But to get what she wants, she and her family will once again have to wage war with the witches. This time, though, the stakes are higher, and there won't be another second chance.

 

The Cursed Series is a binge-worthy young adult paranormal romance series perfect for fans of The Crave Series by Tracy Wolff, The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer, and The Vampire Diaries by LJ Smith.

CLICK BUY NOW TO GET SUCKED INTO THE SERIES READERS ARE CALLING "THE NEW TWILIGHT FOR THE NEXT GENERATION!"

The Cursed Series is better enjoyed when read in order:
Eternal Curse
Eternal Choice
Eternal Bond
Eternal Love
Eternal Promise
Eternal Life
Eternal Hope

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kara Leigh Miller
• Release date: Dec 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223454298

Book preview

1

Abby

I stood in the middle of the now empty apartment and glanced around. When Isach and I had moved in here, we’d had so many hopes and dreams. We were supposed to live here temporarily, just until things with his coven had been sorted and he was free from their rule. Then, we were going to get married, build a house, fill it with kids, and then we were going to become vampires so we could be together for eternity.

Well, the living here temporarily part came true, but the rest of our plans… They died with Isach, and now I was alone. I had no idea what to do with my life anymore. Isach wanted me to move on, to find love again, but how was I supposed to do that? He was the love of my life. I couldn’t just get over that and move on.

Okay, that’s the last box, Chloe said as she walked back into the apartment. You’re absolutely sure you want to do this? It’s not too late, you know. I can bring everything back in.

I shook my head. I can’t stay here. Everywhere I look, I see him. I see us and the life we were supposed to have. Tears pooled in my eyes. Not to mention, I couldn’t afford this place on my own. Just one more thing taken from me.

Oh, Abby. Chloe hugged me. I’m so sorry. None of this is fair.

I just miss him so much, I whispered, my voice cracking under the weight of my grief.

I know.

I pulled away and wiped my eyes. Taking a deep breath, my shoulders sagged. C’mon, let’s go.

Gathering all the courage I didn’t have, I walked out of my and Isach’s apartment and closed the door on every hope and dream we’d shared. He was gone, and dwelling on what we were supposed to do wasn’t helping. I needed to focus on what to do next.

I climbed into Chloe’s SUV, hooked my seat belt, and rested my head on the window. As Chloe pulled out of the parking lot, I closed my eyes, unable to watch everything I ever wanted disappear behind me.

You can stay with us as long as you want, okay? Chloe said.

I nodded. When I mentioned wanting to move out of the apartment, Chloe had generously offered to let me stay with her and Trent. At first, I’d refused, because seeing those two together all the time was going to be torture. Chloe had the life I wanted, and as hard as I tried not to blame her for what happened to Isach, it wasn’t always easy. But Isach begged me not to blame Chloe, to rely on her to help me through my grief, and for his sake, I buried whatever anger and resentment I might have toward my cousin.

Besides, if I hadn’t taken Chloe’s offer, my only other option was to move back home with Mom and Dad, and that was even worse. Mom had been more insufferable than usual since Isach’s death. She’d been calling and texting multiple times a day to check on me, ask how I was, and beg me to see a grief counselor. I knew she was just concerned, but enough was enough. If one more person asked me how I was doing, I was going to snap.

At least staying with Chloe meant I could focus on helping with Emma and Sarah. My nieces were the perfect distraction, and they were growing so fast. I didn’t want to miss a single moment with them.

The guest room is all set up, but if you want the bedroom downstairs, we can fix that up for you, Chloe said.

Whatever is easiest.

Chloe sighed and glanced at me with a frown. I wish I could make this better for you, Abby.

The only way to make this better was to bring Isach back to life, and that was impossible… I sat up straight. Was it though? I now lived in a world filled with vampires and witches. Isach’s father had summoned some really dark magic to be able to curse the Halsteads. If he could do that, then there must be someone who could summon enough magic to bring Isach back from the dead.

What? Chloe asked. I know that look. What’s going on?

Nothing, I said quickly. I thought I’d forgotten something, but I didn’t.

I wasn’t about to tell her what I was really thinking. She’d try to talk me out of it, tell me it wasn’t possible, that I needed to work through my grief and move on. But she had no idea how endless my grief was, how the loss had torn an irreparable hole in my chest.

Okay. Chloe’s tone that made her disbelief perfectly clear.

Isach was born into a family of very powerful witches, and since the Zoya were wiped out, Ivy and the Rose Coven were now the most powerful witches. Could they help me? Would they? Ivy wasn’t exactly a fan of Isach’s. She had nothing to gain by helping me bring him back, and I had nothing to offer her.

But there were other covens all over the world. Surely, there had to be another coven that could help me, or at the very least, point me in the right direction. As soon as I got settled at Chloe’s, I’d get online and see what I could find. I had a feeling I was going to need a witch who specialized in darker magic.

Minutes later, Chloe pulled into the driveway and killed the engine. But she didn’t move to get out, and neither did I. Instead, I studied her. Right before Isach died, Chloe had become a vampire—her transformation was the event that had set off everything: breaking the curse, the war with the Zoya, Isach’s death…

I momentarily closed my eyes and blew out a breath. What happened to Isach wasn’t Chloe’s fault. I needed to remember that, or else living with her was going to get real uncomfortable real fast.

Since changing, Chloe had blossomed into an even more beautiful woman. Everything about her was enhanced—her hair was shinier, her complexion was flawless, her eyes were brighter and sharper, her mannerisms were more graceful.

Suddenly, I was hit with how badly I wanted everything she had. Now, more than ever, I was determined to find a way to bring Isach back.

I know you dropped out of college after… Chloe cringed. And I don’t blame you, but what about work? Uncle Dean said you haven’t been showing up.

I shrugged. It’s kinda hard to concentrate on work when all I want to do is cry. Or scream at people.

Chloe rested her hand on my shoulder. Tell me what I can do to help you.

For starters, you can help me carry all my stuff inside. I climbed out of the SUV before she could say anything else.

I grabbed a box from the back and carried it inside. Trent and Jax were on the couch, and when they saw me, they both stood. Jax took the box I was carrying and gave me a sympathetic smile.

Where are we putting these? Jax asked.

In the upstairs guest room. Chloe walked in with another of my boxes.

Between the four of us, we managed to get all my stuff unloaded and upstairs in less than an hour. All the furniture Isach and I had purchased for the apartment was now in storage. I didn’t plan to live with Chloe forever, but until I figured out my next move, I had no use for all that furniture, and I couldn’t bear to part with it just yet.

Do you want some help unpacking? Chloe stood in the doorway, arms crossed.

No, I can handle it. Thanks, though. I forced a smile.

Chloe nodded, then left the room, closing the door softly behind her. I sat on the edge of the bed and dug Isach’s letter from my purse. Not that I needed to read it again—I had memorized every word, but seeing his handwriting comforted me.

Gently, I unfolded the paper, careful not to rip it. I’d folded and unfolded the letter so many times the creases were starting to tear. As happened every time I read this, the words quickly blurred through my tears. I set the letter on the bed and covered my face with my hands, mostly so I could muffle my sobs. In a house full of vampires, one of them would undoubtedly hear me. The last thing I wanted was Chloe or anyone else to offer me condolences. I’d had enough of those to last me a lifetime.

I stood and headed to the bathroom to erase any evidence of my little cryfest. My stomach grumbled, reminding me I hadn’t eaten anything today. I hadn’t eaten much at all since Isach died, just enough to keep my body functioning.

Abby? Chloe’s voice carried up the stairs. We’re ordering food. Are you hungry?

I stifled a groan. Had she heard my stomach rumbling all the way downstairs? Probably. Yeah, I could eat something, I said.

Time to face reality. I walked downstairs. Trent and Jax were once again on the couch, though now they had Emma and Sarah situated on the cushion between them. The sight of them brought a genuine smile to my face.

How does Chinese sound? Chloe asked.

My smile faded, and a sharp pain stabbed my chest. My breath hitched, and I leaned against the couch so I wouldn’t collapse to the floor. The last meal Isach and I had together was Chinese. Spicy shrimp lo Mein was his favorite. He’d ordered an extra-large helping of that for himself, and Sesame chicken for me. We’d spread a blanket on the living room floor and had a picnic among the couple dozen candles he’d lit with nothing more than a snap of his fingers.

We ate, talked, laughed, read our ridiculous fortunes while crunching on the terrible cookies. I’d admitted I was scared senseless that I would lose someone, him most of all. He assured me he’d be okay, that we’d have a million more nights together. Then, we made love.

Only now did I realize he’d lied to my face. Still, I couldn’t hate him. I closed my eyes, trying—and failing—to block out the memory. My throat burned with the effort of holding back tears.

Abby? Jax’s voice cut through my thoughts.

Please don’t ask me if I’m okay, I whispered.

You’re very gray right now. Jax tilted his head, studying me. Grayer than you have been lately anyway.

What does that mean? Chloe now stood right next to me. I hadn’t seen or heard her move from the kitchen. I’d never get used to that.

Sadness. Depression, Jax said.

No shit I’m sad and depressed. I glared at him. My fiancé is dead, remember?

Abby… Chloe rested her hand on my back, but I jerked away from her touch. She took a step back, hands in the air in surrender. Sorry. What can we do to help?

The urge to scream at her whipped through me. Didn’t she realize there was nothing she could do? There was nothing anyone could do to make this better.

Nothing, I said finally. I think I’m just going to go to bed. I’m not really hungry anymore.

I turned on my heel and marched back up the stairs before anyone said anything else. Though, if they wanted to stop me, they could. Thankfully, they didn’t, and I retreated to the privacy of the guest room.

As soon as the door was closed, I slid my back down it, tucked my knees to my chest, and sobbed. Isach had died two months ago, but the debilitating grief felt like I’d learned the truth only yesterday, like I’d just finished sitting by his lifeless body, his cold hand clasped in mine as I whispered goodbye to him, to our future. Would this hole in my chest ever heal?

Abby? Chloe knocked lightly. Can I please come in?

I scooted away from the door. A second later, Chloe entered. She sat next to me, wrapped her arms around me in a suffocating hug, and we cried.

2

Later that night, after Sarah and Emma were asleep and long after Trent and Chloe went to bed, I dug out my laptop. I never knew exactly how much they could hear with their heightened senses, but I was paranoid they’d hear me typing and then figure out what I was trying to do. Eventually I’d have to tell them, but for now, I needed absolute secrecy. No reason to cause any issues if I couldn’t actually accomplish what I wanted to.

I settled on the bed with my back against the headboard and powered on my laptop. My stomach clenched, then grumbled. Skipping dinner probably wasn’t my smartest decision today, but the memory of Isach had hit me too hard. The onslaught of memories and the intense grief that followed was getting worse with each passing day. Weren’t things supposed to get easier instead of harder?

Hopefully, I wouldn’t have to feel like this for much longer. I opened my search engine and typed in, can you bring someone back from the dead? I scanned the results. A lot of people asked that very same question, along with a host of answers. Most of them were ridiculous, snarky answers. Others offered shady-sounding science to back up their claims, while some devolved into discussions about zombies and the unavoidable apocalypse.

I groaned. None of this was helpful. I didn’t need a scientific answer. I needed a magical answer. Closing those results, I tried a new search—resurrecting the dead—but that brought up a lot of similar pseudo-science results.

Frustration built inside of me. In my mind, I’d imagined this going a lot smoother. I should’ve known better. The internet was full of weirdos. I nearly laughed. Like I had any room to talk. I was sitting here trying to research how to bring my fiancé back from the dead. I was probably the queen of weirdos right now. But I didn’t care. One way or another, I was going to get Isach back, and I didn’t care what I had to do.

With a renewed determination, I adjusted my search again to, resurrection spell. That didn’t offer anything useful, either, but a sense of hope filled me. I had to be getting closer to finding something that could help me. I could ask Ivy, but despite everything she’d done for Chloe, I still didn’t trust her. None of us did, really, and the last thing I needed was for Ivy to tell Chloe what I was doing. No, Ivy would have to be my last resort.

I scanned the newest results, even though most of them pertained to role playing fantasy games and TV show fandoms. One word stuck out, though—necromancy. My eyes widened, and I sat up straighter. I typed that word into the search bar, and within seconds, pages upon pages of results popped up.

The top result was a definition of necromancy, and the more I read, the more my excitement grew. Necromancers could talk to the dead, and in some instances, they could raise a person from the dead, too. This was exactly what I’d been looking for, which meant I was one step closer to getting Isach back.

I spent the next three hours reading every website I could find. I read everything from the history of necromancy to documented cases throughout the centuries to real life testimonials. I even found a site that gave detailed instructions on how to talk to the dead on your own, but there wasn’t much on raising someone from the dead.

Another two hours later, and I finally found a site that went into depth about raising the dead, and at the very end of the article, in large bold letters, were the words: Do not attempt this on your own. Seek the guidance of a skilled voodoo priest or priestess. Well, that was slightly disappointing. Where was I supposed to find a voodoo priest? I highly doubted there were any living in Keene Valley.

I yawned. The time in the corner of my laptop read 3:28 AM. Exhaustion hung heavy on my limbs, but I was so close to getting the information I needed. I couldn’t stop now. I searched for voodoo priests and was rewarded with a list of the top ten voodoo priestesses in New Orleans, complete with bios and links to personal websites.

Suddenly, I was very wide awake. I visited every one of their sites. Most of them simply communicated with spirits and practiced natural spirituality, root magic, and provided education about voodoo and the city of New Orleans.

Ugh. I rubbed my hands over my face.

None of these priestesses offered the type of service I needed, which meant I had to dig deeper. As much as I didn’t want to think about the reality of my situation, I couldn’t avoid what was staring me in the face—I had to find someone who practiced dark magic. The same type of magic Isach’s father had used to curse the Halsteads. A shudder worked down my back.

Messing with that type of magic was dangerous, and doing so would only cause trouble, but this was Isach. He’d do the same for me if the situation was reversed, and I refused to give up on him.

I amended my search to include dark magic and was once again disappointed. What had I been thinking? Anyone offering these types of services won’t be readily available online. But there had to be someone somewhere who could put me in contact with the right person. I went back to the top ten list and emailed every person on it. Maybe one of them could point me in the right direction.

Finally, sometime around 5:00 AM, I closed my laptop. My eyes burned from a combination of lack of sleep and staring at the screen for so long. I climbed out of bed, stretched my stiff muscles, then shuffled downstairs to find something to eat.

You’re up early, Jax said.

I gasped, startled, and pressed my hand over my racing heart. More like I’m still up. I yawned so hard tears formed in the corners of my eyes. What’re you doing here so early?

Never left. Back to me, he stood at the stove. Bacon sizzled, and the smell made my stomach clench with hunger pangs. I crashed in Sean’s room last night. Hungry? He glanced at me over his shoulder.

I hoisted myself onto a stool in front of the island counter. Starving actually.

That happens when you skip meals.

I glared at his back. Chloe had told me Jax was always brutally honest, and while I hadn’t personally spent a lot of time with him, Chloe had, and I had no reason not to believe her about this. Which meant I needed to be extra careful around him, because I was sure he’d have something to say about my plan to resurrect Isach.

What’re you cooking? I asked.

Bacon, scrambled eggs, and toast. He moved gracefully from the stove to the toaster. Even though he wasn’t exerting himself, his muscles still strained beneath his blue T-shirt.

No wonder Chloe had been torn between him and Trent. They were both gorgeous in their own ways, and they were good guys, too. Kind, compassionate, funny, loyal. They’d both move heaven and earth for those they loved. They were like Isach in that respect. God, I missed him so much.

Jax set a plate of food in front of me, and I inhaled deeply. My stomach rumbled. He planted his hands on the counter and shifted his weight forward as he studied me.

What? I asked.

You’re not as gray as you were last night.

What’s that supposed to mean?

He shrugged, straightened, then crossed his arms over his chest. You tell me.

I rolled my eyes. I’d forgotten he could see a person’s aura and determine their emotions. Talk about annoying. Between him being able to do that and Whitney and Wyatt being able to read thoughts, I was walking on proverbial eggshells. Maybe moving in here wasn’t such a great idea.

I grabbed my fork and scooped eggs into my mouth. Swallowing, I said, Everyone keeps telling me things will get easier with time. Maybe that’s finally happening.

Hmm. Jax turned away from me, fixed himself a plate, then returned to sit beside me.

Head down, I focused on my food so I wouldn’t have to say anything, or risk him figuring out what I was trying to keep hidden.

I don’t believe that, by the way, he said.

Believe what? I glanced over at him, and he met my gaze. His eyes were full of compassion.

That loss and grief gets easier with time. It doesn’t. We just get better at handling the pain. He averted his gaze and shoved a slice of bacon into his mouth.

Momentarily stunned, all I could do was stare at him. What did he know about loss? I opened my mouth to ask, then snapped my jaw shut. Chloe had told me all about Hannah, how Jax had loved her and how tragically he’d lost her. He’d also lost Isach, too, though I wasn’t sure those two were quite as close as Isach and Trent had been.

Morning. Chloe walked into the kitchen. Her gaze landed on me and Jax, and her steps faltered. What’s going on here?

The corner of Jax’s mouth lifted in an arrogant smirk. Someone’s jealous.

Chloe narrowed her eyes. I’m not jealous.

The aura doesn’t lie, he said in a sing-song voice.

Chloe huffed and shook her head, but I didn’t miss the almost smile she fought to hide. Only then did the realization hit me that Jax, in his own bizarre way, was mourning the loss of Chloe. He loved her, and she hadn’t chosen him. He’d lost the woman he loved. My heart softened toward him and what he was going through. I wondered what was worse—knowing the person you loved was dead and you’d never see them again, or seeing the person you loved every single day as they went about their life in love with someone else.

I have no reason to be jealous, Chloe said.

No? Jax raised a brow. "Isn’t this our thing? Me cooking you breakfast. And now I’m cooking for someone else. That’s gotta sting a little."

Chloe stormed into the kitchen, yanked open the cabinet door, and retrieved two baby bottles. No, it doesn’t sting, Jax. She kept her back to him. In fact, I’m glad you made breakfast for Abby. She turned to me and smiled.

I held up my hands and shook my head. Oh, no. I am not getting in the middle of whatever this is. I stood and carried my dishes to the sink. Thanks for the food, Jax.

Chloe prepared the bottles. What’re your plans today, Abby?

Sleep. I yawned.

She frowned but didn’t say anything, and I didn’t explain that I’d stayed up online all night. When I had more information, I’d share my plans, but until then, my lips were sealed. Without another word, I turned and headed for the stairs.

I’d barely made it halfway up when Chloe’s voice carried out from the kitchen. What the hell do you think you’re doing with her, Jax?

I froze. My ears rang, and my face heated. Chloe had to be talking about me. But why? And what did she mean? Jax wasn’t doing anything with me. We’d simply eaten breakfast together.

So you are jealous. Jax’s tone was teasing.

Ugh. Was that why Jax cooked for me? Because he wanted to make Chloe jealous? When would he accept that she didn’t love him the way she loved Trent? Shaking my head, I took another step, but the sound of Chloe’s voice had me pausing again.

She’s grieving and vulnerable right now. The last thing she needs is you messing with her.

I’m not messing with her, Jax said coolly.

I hesitated, knowing I shouldn’t eavesdrop like this, but they were talking about me. Didn’t I have a right to know why? I remained frozen in place and strained to hear what else they said.

No? Chloe challenged. Then what’s all this? Because I know you, Jax, and this is how things started with us. So if you’re trying to⁠—

I’m trying to be her friend, Jax interrupted, his tone curt. Last night, she went to bed a shade of gray I’d never seen before, and this morning she came down here and she’s yellowish.

What did yellow mean? I took a cautious step down the stairs, then another.

She’s happy? Chloe asked.

Or hopeful. I’m not sure which, but don’t you think it’s odd that her emotions flipped overnight?

My heart thundered in my chest. As hard as I’d tried to hide what I’d done, Jax had managed to figure out something was up. I doubted he’d be able to guess exactly why my emotions had changed so drastically, but now that he was suspicious, I’d have to be twice as careful.

That is strange, Chloe said. But that doesn’t mean you need to charm her. The last thing she needs is a rebound.

I had to bite down on my lip to stop from laughing. Me and Jax? No way. Sure, he was hot, but my heart belonged to only one person. Besides, Jax was still too hung up on Chloe to be bothered with anyone else.

I’m not trying to be a rebound, Jax said. I’m simply trying to figure out what’s going on with her.

She’s grieving the loss of her fiancé. That’s what’s going on with her. She needs time and space and to know that we’re here for her. She doesn’t need you or anyone else poking around, so just leave her alone, okay? Chloe said.

Tension eased from my shoulders, and I released a pent-up breath. I took comfort in the knowledge that Chloe had my back.

Chloe, what’s⁠—?

I whipped around at the sound of Trent behind me. My eyes widened, and our gazes collided. Busted. He tilted his head, and I pressed my finger to my lips to indicate he needed to be quiet, then I inclined my head in the direction of the kitchen.

Fine, Jax said. But there’s something going on with her, Chloe. I can sense it. So either you talk to her, or I will.

Trent gave me a questioning look, and I shrugged. Then I marched past him up the stairs and into the guest room. I shut the door harder than necessary, and when I did, a cry sounded from the nursery. Crap.

I headed for the nursery, and when I walked in, Emma was fussing in her crib. Sarah was awake but not crying. I lifted Emma and cradled her in my arms as I sat in the rocking chair in the corner of the room. Gently rocking, I smiled down at my niece. Emma’s cries stuttered, and I let her suck on my finger, which calmed her a little more.

Yeah, that’s better, huh? I whispered. Don’t worry. Mom will be here with a bottle soon. I hummed a lullaby I’d heard Isach hum to them a handful of times before. Emma made a satisfied grunting noise and squirmed in my arms, almost like she recognized the tune. Your uncle Isach loves you, Emma, and he’s so sorry he’s not here to see you grow up. My voice broke.

The door opened, and Chloe walked in. I looked up at her through tear-filled eyes.

3

She was fussing. I eased my finger from Emma’s mouth and wiped away the tears that had escaped down my cheek.

Thanks. Chloe crossed the room and handed me one of the bottles.

I took the bottle and offered it to Emma, who greedily sucked the nipple into her mouth. I smiled and continued to rock her. Chloe lifted Sarah from her crib, sat in the second rocking chair in the adjacent corner, and fed Sarah. The room was silent save for the sounds of the girls suckling.

Isach and I used to sit up here like this when we babysat. Though he usually held Emma—he seemed to have had a special bond with her. He’d hum lullabies that would soothe the twins and lull me into a state of utter peacefulness. I didn’t think about it at the time, but he probably used his magic. The more time I spent with him, the harder it had become to tell when he was using magic and when he wasn’t—it was just part of who he was.

We’d talked about having kids of our own someday. He’d promised we’d do that before either of us became vampires. He wanted an entire houseful of kids—at least four. I only wanted one or two, mostly because I didn’t want to go through childbirth that many times, but also because the more years I spent having kids, the longer we had to wait to become vampires. And I hadn’t wanted to wait five or ten years.

My breath hitched, and I shoved the thoughts away.

"I know you’re probably tired of people asking you this, but how are you doing? I mean, how are you really doing?" Chloe’s tone was low and soft.

Not good. I can’t stop thinking about him, and then I can’t stop crying. Everything reminds me of him, of our plans for the future, of what I lost.

"I’m