Paradox Read online

  Table of Contents

  Praise for Anna Strong

  Copyright page

  Acknowledgements

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter TwentyOne

  Chapter TwentyTwo

  Chapter TwentyThree

  Chapter TwentyFour

  Chapter TwentyFive

  Chapter TwentySix

  Chapter TwentySeven

  Chapter TwentyEight

  Chapter TwentyNine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter ThirtyOne

  Chapter ThirtyTwo

  Chapter ThirtyThree

  About the Author

  Praise for Anna Strong, Vampire Series

  PARADOX

  “Supernatural intrigue and criminal mayhem that ricochets from double-cross to double-cross. Jeanne Stein at her best!”

  —Mario Acevedo, author of the Felix Gomez vampire-detective series

  “Stein's Anna Strong is a kickass vampire, but it's her humanity that will sneak up to steal your heart.”

  —Warren Hammond, author of KOP and Denver Moon

  "Anna Strong is trying desperately to wear every hat on the rack: bounty hunter, wife, mother...and the most powerful vampire in America. Her adventures are edge-of-the-seat exciting."

  —Charlaine Harris, #1 New York Times bestselling author

  HAUNTED

  “Many unexpected twists and turns . . . Packed with action that is sure to chill readers to the bone.”

  —Examiner.com

  “Fast-paced . . . Fans of the series will be stunned by this powerful, twisting thriller.”

  —Midwest Book Review

  “Haunted offers true edge-of-your-seat drama . . . Buckle up, because megatalented Stein is heading into severely hazardous (and unputdownable) territory!”

  —RT Book Reviews (4 ½ stars)

  “Dynamic . . . Anna is what every urban fantasy heroine should be. A tough, gutsy, complex character who delivers what’s promised.”

  —Smexy Books

  “[ Anna is] a badass, no-mercy kind of girl . . . If you want some kick-ass vampire in your life, this series is just for you!”

  —Under the Covers Book Blog

  CROSSROADS

  “A kick-ass heroine readers will delight in . . . Crossroads will take readers on some twist[ s] and turns that won’t let you put this book down until the very end, and then you will be hungry for the next installment.”

  —Fresh Fiction

  “[ A] powerful novel . . . Stein continues to challenge her gutsy heroine, both emotionally and physically . . . Another for your must-read pile!”

  —RT Book Reviews (4 ½ stars)

  “I just love the character Anna. She has grown so much from the beginning, and I believe she is finally coming into her own in Crossroads . . . There were some surprises that I wasn’t expecting . . . Make no mistake, Anna is growing into what she could become, and it is good to see. If you love strong female leads, then this series is for you.”

  —Night Owl Reviews (Top Pick)

  CHOSEN

  “With each book in the series, not only have Stein’s characters become stronger but so has her writing . . . Hard-hitting urban fantasy with a hard-hitting female lead.”

  —Fresh Fiction

  “From the opening chapter of this terrific series, Stein has sent her gutsy heroine on an uncharted journey filled with danger and bitter betrayal . . . In this pivotal but emotionally brutal book, skillful Stein reveals some critical answers and delivers some devastating blows. Like a fine wine, this series is improving with age. Brava!”

  —RT Book Reviews (4 ½ stars)

  RETRIBUTION

  “The fifth book in the exceptional first-person Anna Strong series is a powerful entry in an amazing saga.”

  —RT Book Reviews

  “Ms. Stein has a true gift in storytelling and continues to add exciting new elements to this well-built world. Retribution is an engrossing read with an action-packed story line and secondary characters that are every bit as intriguing as the heroine. This is a must-read for fans of the series!”

  —Darque Reviews

  LEGACY

  “Urban fantasy with true depth and flair!”

  —RT Book Reviews (4 ½ stars)

  “As riveting as the rest . . . One of my favorite urban fantasy series.”

  —Darque Reviews

  THE WATCHER

  “Action fills every page, making this a novel that flies by . . . Dynamic relationships blend [with] complex mysteries in this thriller.”

  —Huntress Book Reviews

  “An exciting, fast-paced novel . . . First-rate plotting.”

  —LoveVampires

  “Dazzles readers with action-packed paranormal adventure, love and friendship. With many wonderfully executed twists and turns, this author’s suspenseful writing will hold readers spellbound until the very end.”

  —Darque Reviews

  “Snappy action and plot twists that will hold readers’ interest to the last page.”

  —Monsters and Critics

  BLOOD DRIVE

  “Once again Jeanne C. Stein delivers a jam-packed story full of mystery and intrigue that will keep you glued to the edge of your seat! Just like [with] the first book in the Anna Strong series, The Becoming, I could not put this book down even for a second. You will find yourself cheering Anna on as she goes after the bad guys. Jeanne C. Stein has given us a wonderful tough-as-nails heroine everyone will love!”

  —Night Owl Reviews

  “Jeanne C. Stein takes on the vampire mythos in her own unique manner that makes for an enthralling vampire thriller. Readers of Laurell K. Hamilton, Tanya Huff and Charlaine Harris will thoroughly enjoy this fast-paced novel filled with several action scenes that come one after the other, making it hard for the readers to catch a breather.”

  —Midwest Book Review

  THE BECOMING

  “This is a really, really good book. Anna is a great character, Stein’s plotting is adventurous and original, and I think most of my readers would have a great time with The Becoming.”

  —Charlaine Harris, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Sookie Stackhouse novels

  “With plot twists, engaging characters and smart writing, this first installment in a new supernatural series has all the marks of a hit. Anna Strong lives up to her name: equally tenacious and vulnerable, she’s a heroine with the charm, savvy and intelligence that fans of Laurell K. Hamilton and Kim Harrison will be happy to root for . . . If this debut novel is any indication, Stein has a fine career ahead of her.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  This is a work of fiction. All characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this book are products of the author’s imagination and/or are used fictitiously.

  PARADOX

  Copyright © 2019 by Jeanne C. Stein.

  All rights reserved.

  Copyedits by Daniel George, Jennifer Melzer, Joshua Viola and Dean Wyant

  Cover art by Aaron Lovett

  Cover design by Aaron Lovett and Joshua Viola

  Typesets and formatting by Ellen Hubenthal

  A Hex Publishers Book

  Published & Distributed by Hex Pu
blishers, LLC

  PO BOX 298

  Erie, CO 80516

  www.HexPublishers.com

  No portion of this book may be reproduced without first obtaining the permission of the copyright holder.

  Cover art copyright © by Hex Publishers, LLC.

  Hex Publishers TM is a trademark of Hex Publishers, LLC.

  Joshua Viola, Publisher

  Print ISBN-10: 1-7339177-3-X

  Print ISBN-13: 978-1-7339177-3-5

  Ebook ISBN-10: 1-7339177-4-8

  Ebook ISBN-13: 978-1-7339177-4-2

  First Hex Edition: 2019

  10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

  Printed in the U.S.A.

  Acknowledgements

  I had a difficult time coming up with a title for this book. Mostly, I think, because it’s been so long since I’ve released a full length Anna novel, I wasn't sure if there was still an audience for it. I’ve received dozens of emails asking if Anna would be back, but it wasn’t until Josh Viola and Hex Publishers offered to publish it that I started thinking seriously about Anna’s return.

  I ultimately chose Paradox for the title, which is in keeping with the theme of the book. In reality, though, I could have just as easily gone with Genesis. In a very real sense, this is a second beginning for the series. If it succeeds at all, it will be because you, as readers, have asked for more stories. I hope you enjoy this one.

  There are always so many people to thank when an idea makes it from its first creative spark to a finished book: Josh Viola and Hex Publishers, who really are responsible for my taking the leap; extraordinary artist Aaron Lovett for the cover; my Denver writing buddies, who I miss more than I can say; my family, always supportive and encouraging; Anna’s friends and fans, who haven’t forgotten her.

  She hasn’t forgotten you, either.

  —Jeanne C. Stein

  Chapter One

  Day One

  My name is Anna Strong. I’m a vampire. Became one not by choice, but through a quirk of fate. I’m married to a shape shifter, and he has a son who is already showing remarkable powers of telepathy—early signs he’s inherited his father’s abilities. He’s half Navajo, which is why we’ve decided it's important for him to spend time on the reservation with his grandparents during the school year. But it’s also why I look forward to my favorite season: summer.

  Frey and John-John are here with me in San Diego, my home. For eight glorious weeks, we can live as a family. Maybe not your typical family, not even your typical blended family. But as close to family as a vampire can expect. I’m grateful every day for the gift.

  Still, there are concessions that have to be made. Today, for instance, Frey is taking John-John to the Wild Animal Park. Some animals become agitated in my presence, no doubt sensing the predator lurking just beneath the surface, so this will be a father/son outing. Reluctantly, I see them off, then head for my office along the coast on Pacific Highway.

  I’m a bounty hunter. In fact, it was on a job that I got turned. You’d think that might have made me rethink my career choice. In reality, my abilities as a vampire make it easier. Not that my business partners are aware I’m no longer one of them…that is, strictly human.

  I’ve got the top down on the Jag, enjoying the wind and blue sky and brilliance of the sun on the water. It’s early so I don’t expect my partners, David Ryan and Tracey Banker, to be in. I’ll fix coffee and sit on the deck, letting the sun warm me. Thankfully, thousands of years of acclimatization have allowed vampires, whose physiology runs to cold-bloodedness, to enjoy a fine summer day just like anyone else.

  And blend in with a human population that, for the most part, knows nothing of our existence.

  So when I cruise into the parking lot, and see David’s Hummer is in its dedicated parking space, I’m surprised. I pull into mine and go inside.

  I should have knocked before barging in.

  David and his girlfriend are on the deck, making out on a lounge chair. David has his hand under her blouse. Luckily, I can’t see where Gloria’s hand is.

  “Jesus,” I say, rolling my eyes. “Can’t you guys find a better place to do that?”

  Gloria starts to get up, but David pulls her back down.

  I can guess why.

  He rolls his eyes back at me. “What are you doing here?”

  “I work here, remember? What if I’d been Tracey?”

  I ask the question because it wasn’t long ago that David and Tracey were an item. They broke up, but I know Tracey’s wound is still raw.

  David waves a hand. “She’s gone up the coast. Taking a few days off. Which is what I thought you’d be doing, too.”

  “Frey and John-John are spending the day together,” I reply. “I thought I might come in and catch up on paperwork.”

  David finally releases Gloria and she stands. She’s tall, big-boobed, small-hipped, with legs that seem to start at her neck. You’ve seen the type. Like one of the Victoria Secret Angels, which she actually was until her acting career took off. Now she tosses her perfect mane of blonde hair and eyes me with the critical, appraising glare I’ve come to know and hate.

  “Anna. It’s been awhile. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were avoiding me.”

  “You’d be right,” I reply sweetly. I may be the reason they’re back together after an on-again, off-again relationship that started years ago, but I’ve made it a point to avoid seeing her.

  David stands now, too, tugging his shirt down.

  Jesus.

  Gloria continues taking inventory. “You really should do something about your hair. I have a stylist here in San Diego who works miracles. I’ll give you his card.”

  She pushes past me and goes to the desk. From the inside of a cavernous Michael Kors handbag, she withdraws a card. “Here. I’ll go with you if you’d like. I have a few ideas.”

  So do I. Plenty of them. But when I don’t take the card, she lays it on the desk in front of me.

  David comes in from the deck and stands behind her, his hands on her shoulders. For a handsome former NFL player who could have any woman he wants, David’s choice of girlfriend has always left me dumbfounded. Gloria is a narcissistic, self-absorbed bitch. Okay, she’s gorgeous, and some say she’s talented. And she’s rich. And she and David make an eye-popping couple who turn heads wherever they go.

  Still…

  David picks up his keys from the desktop. “I’m going to run Gloria home. Will you hang around till I get back?”

  I nod.

  Gloria places her hand on my arm before following him toward the door. “Think about it,” she says. “Pablo is an absolute miracle worker with problem hair. And when we’re downtown, I know a fashion consultant who loves a challenge.”

  My teeth grind so hard, my jaw hurts. Miracle worker or not, no stylist is going to be comfortable having a client who casts no reflection in a mirror. I wait until I hear the door closing behind them before flipping the card into the trash can.

  I drag fingers through my hair. It feels all right, short, curly. Is my hair really so awful? Frey has never mentioned it. Maybe I should ask him—

  What am I thinking? I heave a sigh. When am I going to stop letting Gloria get to me?

  The phone rings before I can answer the question.

  I reach across the desk to snatch up the receiver and am greeted by a familiar voice.

  “Ms. Strong? This is—”

  It’s what I get for not checking the caller ID.

  “I know who this is,” I cut him off with a snort. “What does Chael want?”

  There is just a heartbeat’s hesitation before Pierre LeDoux, Chael’s smooth-talking assistant, laughs. “You have a very good memory, Ms. Strong. Chael asked me to inquire if the messenger has arrived yet.”

  The words have barely left his lips when the office door opens. I raise an eyebrow to the FedEx delivery man and motion him over. He hands me an envelope and a tablet and points where I am to sign. I do. He sees himself out.

&nb
sp; I heft the envelope and speak into the receiver. “I think he just did. What’s this about?”

  I can practically hear LeDoux nodding at his end. “Very good. Chael will be in touch after you have a chance to review the material.”

  And with that, the line is disconnected.

  Great.

  I hang up and move around to take a seat at the desk, the envelope in hand. It’s one of those priority mail envelopes. When I open it and reach inside, the only thing I pull out is a newspaper article with a handwritten note attached. I immediately recognize LeDoux’s flowing, precise penmanship. Chael is a powerful vampire of Mid-Eastern descent, hundreds of years old and the head of one of the worldwide vampire Council of Thirteen. He can speak English but is not proficient in writing it. For that, he relies on LeDoux, a linguist who speaks, reads, and writes a dozen languages.

  I glance first at the article. It’s from the New York Times, dated two days ago. The headline reads: Writer Attacked Outside Restaurant. Before I read further, I look at the note.

  Anna, this woman is becoming a problem. She’s headed to Los Angeles to continue her research. Chael wants to meet with you to discuss what’s to be done about her. He’ll be in contact.

  The note is signed with LeDoux’s usual flourish.

  I sigh. If Chael is involved, this cannot be good. Especially for the woman. I pick up the article, settle back in my chair and begin to read.

  John-John comes home with a stuffed giraffe almost as tall as he is. I meet him at the door and sweep both him and the toy into my arms. “What in the world is this?” I ask, laughing.