Shadows In Durango

Shadows In Durango

Bethany Donaghy · Completed · 222.8k Words

487
Hot
760.7k
Views
57.3k
Added
Add to Shelf
Start Reading
Share:facebooktwitterpinterestwhatsappreddit

Introduction

Sofia's life is a constant shuffle, hopping from town to town, always looking over her shoulder. Haunted by a dangerous past and the looming threat of her family, she finally lands in the gritty underbelly of Durango, Colorado. With an empty apartment and a burning determination to survive, Sofia enrolls in a new school and starts the hunt for a job in order to stay in town for as long as she can.

But Durango brings its own set of challenges. The first being Vincent Walker: the school's intoxicating bad boy who taunts her relentlessly yet sends mixed signals with his unexpected moments of protection and flirtation. Rumours swirl about his family's deep ties to the criminal underworld, only adding to the mystery that surrounds him and the town.

As Sofia navigates through her new life, she also meets Vincent’s best friend, Daryl— a total sweetheart who offers a stark contrast to Vincent's dangerous allure. Drawn into their world, Sofia's secrets begin to unravel. When Vincent and Daryl discover the truth about her living situation, they demand that she moves in with them, promising her safety and a place to belong.

Torn between the enigmatic Vincent and the endearing Daryl, Sofia finds herself falling for both. But her newfound stability is shattered when her past catches up to her, bringing her toxic ex-boyfriend Ashton back into her life. With his relentless apologies and attempts to win her back, Sofia is thrust into a tumultuous love triangle, all while fearing the return of her father and brother who are determined to take her back home.

Caught between three loves and the ghosts of her past, Sofia must navigate a treacherous path to find where her heart truly belongs. Will she choose the dangerous allure of Vincent, the sweet safety of Daryl, or the familiar yet toxic pull of Ashton? And can she ever truly escape her horrifying past?

Chapter 1

Sofia's POV

"Your keys Miss, rent is due in a month - and remember to make it cash!" The grumbly caretaker tosses the metal towards me carelessly as I fumble to catch them, swallowing to wet my drying throat.

"Thank you..." I manage to say, with my voice barely audible, but he nods nonetheless as though he had heard me before making his exit.

He was a stout man, who didn't pride himself much on his appearance by the looks of things, but who was I to judge anyone in this state?

I had managed to land this little apartment for only $350 per month, and although that doesn't sound much to the average person, it really was a lot for somebody who was new to town without a job...

Not to mention my new school that would be taking up most of my time during the week. I would need a night time job no doubt, something convenient to help me make some money - and fast.

I sigh, hearing the front door creak before finally closing over, giving me a proper moment to view the apartment for what it was.

It had nothing in it, no furniture, and the place looked as though it had seen over a thousand crack parties in its time.

I was already wary of my neighbours too who I had passed by on my way inside here. Two men who both stood out in front of the building seeming to smoke something that evidently wasn't normal nicotine or tobacco.

I peered out of the broken blinds, seeing one of them wobble slightly in his high state, before rebalancing himself and going in for another puff - this time from a small pipe that I could see...

Unfortunately, it seemed that one of the men was the top floor resident and the other was the bottom floor - sandwiching me in between them like some cruel prank in our block of three.

I had no choice though, this was the cheapest place I could find and I chose this life for myself... this was my burden to carry and I had to make the most of it at this point because I knew I would never go back home.

I walk towards the tiny kitchen, finding nothing in the cupboards other than some soup tins and so I quickly go back over to my bags which were left in the centre of the floor.

I unzip the one which contained my last small puddle of cash in order to scrutinise just how much I had fucked up thus far...

I had used most of what I took now, and this was my last chance to settle somewhere without them finding me again... and so this has to work!

I pull out my small pink zip purse, opening it to reveal some notes and coins as I slump down on the hard wood floor and tip the contents out.

Taking a second to start counting it, I chew my lip in anticipation for how bad my situation really was this time around... fifty... seventy... ninety...

Pointing to each coin for it to count towards my total, I slump my shoulders slightly and breathe out.

$137...

Not enough for next month's rent but it's something to get me by until I find a job, right?

I check the clock, seeing that it was three in the afternoon, as I push all of my money back inside of the purse - putting it into my bag once again.

I guess it's time to explore my new town - Durango, Colorado.

I was getting further West, but I didn't mind.

Before now, I had just stuck to city hopping, having lived in two already before coming to this place. But they would always manage to hunt me down, like I was a wild animal, and this time around I knew that I had to try a different tactic.

A smaller town would be harder to find and hopefully they would just bypass the place assuming that I would have gone to Vegas or somewhere more extravagant.

I will say though, I did get more for my money in the cities with there being better housing options, but I couldn't grumble - at least I have a roof over my head and a door that locks.

With that, I toss my backpack over my shoulder and head back out - taking the keys and locking the door behind me on my exit.

I quickly rush down the stairs, out in to the bright sun, silencing my two neighbours who eye me curiously with creepy grins.

Thankfully, they say nothing as I pass through the middle of them both, but after a few more steps they both snigger and mutter between themselves - their words inaudible and I wasn't sure if I would have wanted to hear what they were saying either.

I follow a sign towards the town centre, learning quickly that my street seemed to be filled with addicts and drunken people as I passed by, but I didn't mind - as long as they were peaceful and left me out of it that is...

The town itself was gorgeous, far different to the city life, and I got the vibe that this was no doubt a place where everyone knew each other.

I was shocked to find that a couple of blocks away from my own apartment, the streets were lined with ridiculously large extravagant properties and fancy cars, highlighting the wealth that also resided in this small place.

I quickened my step, slightly embarrassed to be walking by the residents who sat out on their front porches to enjoy the sun - with my messy unclean hair and overall scruffy appearance.

I would have to grab some necessities to shower with, or I would face backlash on my first day of school which I didn't want nor need on top of everything else that I had going on. Plus, nobody would hire me looking like this either!

I eventually reached the main town, passing a number of boutique restaurants and coffee shops, before finding a discount store that I quickly swerved into in shame.

The lady on the till seemed surprised when I walked in, but quickly forced a smile to which I returned awkwardly and hurried towards the isles.

Do I look that bad now? I had never let myself get this unkept... but this was nothing more than a result of travelling for eight days straight to get here...

Deciding to put my pride first, I granted myself permission to spend what I had to spend in order to freshen up completely for my first day of school tomorrow.

Glancing across the hair and body products thankful to find that they were pretty cheap, I grabbed a small basket and began to add shampoo, conditioner, body wash, a sponge, toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant and a razor to shave with.

Calculating the total in my head, I was relieved to have only spent seven dollars - returning back to the checkout lady with my products.

She looked somewhat guilty, as she scanned each one, glancing over what I had came in here for.

"Uhh listen dear... it's on the house... don't worry about paying today, we all fall into a low place sometimes but you'll pick yourself back up again... I'll cover your total." The woman's words shock me, as my lips part and my eyes widen.

"N-No I can pay!" I push, quickly retrieving my purse in embarrassment as she shakes her head and waves me off.

"Put your money to something else, there's a great little thrift store across the road, you could have a look in there? I'll get this." She pushes, bagging up my products as I gulp and nod slowly.

This was embarrassing, but I couldn't help but feel grateful.

"Thank you... I'm uh, new around here... I just need some time to get on my feet." I nod quickly, realising that she probably thought I was an addict of some sort looking this way.

"I understand, have a nice day dear..." She smiles and ignores my rambles, handing me the bag with a soft smile as I thank her once more and hurry out of the store.

Jeez...

I inhale a slow breath, before spotting the thrift store across the road that the lady had spoken of.

Maybe I could go in and use the money I would have spent for a first day school outfit?

I sigh, noticing some girls around my age staring over at me from down the street in confusion. I quickly cross the road, rushing towards the store to get away from their judgemental eyes - hurrying myself inside.

The place was huge, organised in to colours and sizes as I head towards the pinks first to browse. I loved clothes, and at first when I left home I had took most of what I had with me. But each time they found me, I had to flee as quickly as possible which meant that sadly stuff got left behind on the way.

I think I have three outfits and some underwear left, that I could hand wash in the sink when I get back home to freshen up a bit.

I pull out a pink crop top with buttons at the top, and seeing that the shirt was only two dollars I decide to take it.

I also find a baby blue tee, plain with only a white heart on the left hand side. Due to having a small mark on the sleeve it was only a dollar to which I also decide to get it.

It was an odd feeling, shopping for clothes again when it was something I used to enjoy so much but I enjoyed it in here nonetheless. Like every other store though, some of the prices were really great and other prices seemed ridiculous, especially for second hand clothes.

I moved towards the jeans, rummaging through the racks for my size before finding a nice black pair for only five dollars in a 'Mom style' fit.

Ok I can't spend anything else, this was a treat... I decide, as I head towards the checkout desk and count out what I need.

The younger guy watches me, choosing to stay silent since he probably deals with people who look like me every day in here, before I hand him over eight dollars total to which he thanks me and bags the stuff for me.

Leaving, I stop in to the small excursion shop next door finding the different activities and trips you could book in or close to town before my eyes land on a little brochure with a map of town on the back.

Perfect! That would help me find my way around a little better!

I place the pamphlet in my bag, and trudge my way back towards my new empty apartment to freshen up as much as humanly possible for my big day tomorrow...

But I could confirm so far that this place wasn't all bad...

Last Chapters

You Might Like 😍

After the Divorce She Became Untouchable

After the Divorce She Became Untouchable

2.5k Views · Ongoing · Anais SwiftPen
On her wedding anniversary, Annabelle Whitmore meticulously planned a surprise. However, she drank a drugged drink given to her by her stepsister. When she awoke, she was in a strange man's bed. Photos of her surfaced online instantly, and her reputation was utterly destroyed.

Her husband, Abel Donovan, a ruthless and powerful figure, gave her no chance to defend herself, readily believing his stepsister's lies.

Anna was pregnant with his child and was cruelly driven away.

Five years later, Annabelle was no longer the infamous, abandoned woman she once was. She returned as the CEO of the global fashion empire BelleNova.

Abel never imagined she would return, especially with his child.
What the Heart Wants (Book 1 of the Alpha Faros Series)

What the Heart Wants (Book 1 of the Alpha Faros Series)

2.8k Views · Ongoing · FM Publishing
Loving him will cost them everything…

Not loving him will cost more.

Derek has one goal: survive high school without drawing too much attention or pissing off his pack’s alpha.

As the youngest son of the alpha, his life is governed by lycan hierarchy, tradition, and politics. With no signs of awakening a lycan spirit, his only value is what he can do for the pack’s image. He knows he’s only ever one misstep away from exile… or worse.

Then, he finds a boy trapped in a locker on orientation day, and everything changes.

Derek shouldn’t want Nikolias. He’s off-limits. A risk Derek can’t afford.

So why does it feel like he’s the only thing worth fighting for?

Nikolias has just lost everything: his parents, his home, and any sense of peace. Sent back to the town his family left years ago to live with his prejudiced and controlling uncle, who wants nothing to do with anything—or anyone—not human, he’s trying to do everything in his power to get out quickly.

But then he meets Derek again, and all of his plans vanish in the soft, yearning flecks of gold in Derek’s green-hazel eyes. He’s drawn to Derek in a way that’s impossible to deny, and he thinks Derek feels the same way, despite the danger their relationship holds for him.

As Moonshadow's politics turn deadly, Derek and Nikolai are caught in the crossfire of a war that had started long before they were born, and their bond becomes a threat and a lifeline that neither can afford to sever.

Because the heart wants what it wants….

And it never asks permission.

TW: Graphic Violence, Suicide Ideation, Suicide Attempt, Child Abuse, Cult-Like Behavior
Glimmerdrop: The Crownwake Series

Glimmerdrop: The Crownwake Series

1.6k Views · Ongoing · Rafaella Dutra
"Tell me you don't feel this... Just say the word, and I'll walk away."
"This is your last chance to push me away."


At the fiercely hierarchical Haldorian Academy, magic-less commoner Hettie just wants to remain invisible. But Zadok, the academy's most untouchable elite, backs her into a corner she can't escape.
His fatal obsession sparks ruthless revenge: Dana, a high-tier wind mystic, turns paper into deadly blades during combat class, nearly blinding and disfiguring Hettie in a bloody attack .
The massive class divide and brutal bullying force Hettie to draw a line, demanding their romance be kept strictly underground .

That forever unattainable golden boy pinned her against the tree trunk, his scalding and aggressive kiss accompanied by a hopeless surrender: "You're going to be my doom ."

Worse still, Hettie discovers her parents’ dark secrets are dragging her into a deadly conspiracy of betrayal . Survival clashes with forbidden desire. In this deadly, cross-class temptation, whoever gives in first is doomed!
A pack of their own

A pack of their own

2m Views · Completed · dragonsbain22
Being the middle Child ignored and neglected, rejected by family and injured, She receives her wolf early and realizes she is a new type of hybrid but doesn't know how to control her power, she leaves her pack with her best friend and grandmother to go to her grandfather's clan to learn what she is and how to handle her power and then with her fated mate, her best friend and her fated mate little brother and grandmother start their own pack.
Lightborn: The Demon’s Bond

Lightborn: The Demon’s Bond

4k Views · Completed · ngocvynguyen985
Valerie accidentally forms a bond with Maxwell, a light demon, and begins seeing the dangerous supernatural world hidden around her. As the two constantly bicker yet protect each other, Valerie gradually discovers her own light-based powers and confronts many dark forces, including a serial kidnapper, the dark demon Zane, and other malevolent entities. Maxwell, haunted by the death of his former lover Juliana, repeatedly tries to distance himself from Valerie to keep her safe, causing both of them pain. Yet every time Valerie is in danger, Maxwell returns to save her, and their feelings grow deeper. The climax comes when they face Mason, a fire demon who hunts human–demon couples; Valerie risks her life in battle while Maxwell nearly collapses from exhaustion. In the end, Mason is destroyed, the threats fade away, and Valerie and Maxwell can finally stay together in peace.
Game of Destiny

Game of Destiny

1.2m Views · Completed · Dripping Creativity
Amie's wolf hasn't shown herself. But who cares? She has a good pack, best friends and a family who loves her. Everyone, including the Alpha, is telling her she is perfect just the way she is. That is until she finds her mate and he rejects her. Heartbroken Amie flees from everything and start over. No more werewolves, no more packs.

When Finlay finds her, she is living among humans. He is smitten by the stubborn wolf that refuse to acknowledge his existence. She may not be his mate, but he wants her to be a part of his pack, latent wolf or not.

Amie cant resist the Alpha that comes into her life and drags her back into pack life. Not only does she find herself happier than she has been in a long time, her wolf finally comes to her. Finlay isn't her mate, but he becomes her best friend. Together with the other top wolves in the pack, they work to create the best and strongest pack.

When it's time for the pack games, the event that decides the packs rank for the coming ten year, Amie needs to face her old pack. When she sees the man that rejected her for the first time in ten years, everything she thought she knew is turned around. Amie and Finlay need to adapt to the new reality and find a way forward for their pack. But will the curve ball split them apart?
Bound by the Dragon Mafia

Bound by the Dragon Mafia

6.5k Views · Ongoing · McKenzie Shinabery
“No, no, no,” she said, pointing at a platter. “If it’s called ‘Goth Girl French Toast,’ then it has to be black. I don’t care how you do it. Activated charcoal. Blackberries. Food coloring. Demon blood. Whatever.”

The head chef looked like he was silently praying for death.

I rushed forward. “Amara. Stop traumatizing these poor people.”

She spun around, delighted. “Sera! Good, you’re here. Taste this. It’s missing despair.”

The chef’s face morphed into existential crisis.

I grabbed her arm. “Put the spatula down.”

“But—”

“Down.”

With exaggerated offense, she dropped the spatula and muttered, “Fine. But if no one here has artistic vision, that’s not my fault.”

She went undercover to expose a mafia empire.
He offered her thirty nights to save her life.

When investigative journalist Seraphine Vale steps into the glittering underworld ruled by billionaire crime lord Dante Vescari, she thinks she’s chasing a story about missing women and corruption.
Instead, she uncovers a secret older than blood—an empire built on fire, sin, and dragons.

Bound to Dante by a forbidden pact, Seraphine finds herself caught between fear and desire, truth and temptation.
Each night pulls her deeper into his world of power, passion, and danger…
and closer to the monster hiding beneath his perfect skin.

Thirty nights. One bond.
And a love that might just burn the world to ash.
Cursed Beauty and her Three Alpha Mates

Cursed Beauty and her Three Alpha Mates

4.6k Views · Ongoing · Author Aimen
“I am Maya Blackthorn, the first daughter of Alpha Darius of the Ashbourne Pack, and I am damned… damned by the Moon Goddess. And destined to bring kingdoms to their knees.”
Cast out by her pack for being wolfless and plagued by uncontrollable heat, Maya has spent her life surviving humiliation in silence.
Fate drags her into the path of Kael Draven, the ruthless Lycan King who claims her… only to reject her.
But Kael is not the only Alpha bound to her.
Finn, her childhood best friend and the rising Alpha, loves her with a devotion so fierce, he spends four years locked away in the most ruthless dungeon only to keep her safe.
Xander, a rogue wolf who can make even Alphas bow to his will, has waited centuries for her to be reborn, and he has no intention of losing her again.
Three Alphas.
Three claims.
One cursed destiny.
They called her wolfless. They thought she was weak. But she is done hiding, and this time, she's rewriting the rules.
Accidentally His: The Billionaire’s Wife in High Society

Accidentally His: The Billionaire’s Wife in High Society

3.7k Views · Ongoing · The Hana
Five years ago, during a passionate sexual encounter, Freya Myers stole sperm from a mysterious and dangerous man, intending to have a genetically superior child. That man was none other than Declan Castle, the ruthless, enigmatic CEO of the globally renowned Castle Group.

Five years later, Freya Myers returns to the city with a pair of exceptionally gifted twins, desperately trying to conceal their existence from the world. But when she interviews for an internship, she unexpectedly encounters Declan Castle—the very same man from years ago—as her interviewer. From then on, Declan Castle becomes a persistent, demonic force haunting her!

Five years ago, a single, desperate mistake changed Freya Myers's life forever. Intending to secure a future with the man of her dreams, she ended up in the wrong room, stealing the 'seed' of the wrong man. That man was Declan Castle—the cold, ruthless, and enigmatic CEO of the world-renowned Castle Group.

Now, Freya has returned to the city as a struggling single mother, hiding a pair of genius twins from the world. When she lands an internship at the Castle Group, she hopes to remain invisible. But fate has other plans. Declan Castle, a man who has remained mysteriously untouched by any woman since that fateful night, instantly senses something familiar about the new designer. He has spent years searching for the woman who 'ruined' him, and now that he has found her, he has no intention of letting her go.

Forced into a high-stakes marriage of convenience with the domineering CEO, Freya must navigate the treacherous waters of high society while desperately guarding her children's true identity. Between a scheming stepmother, jealous socialites, and a series of deadly secrets, the walls are closing in.

What started as a game of cat-and-mouse and a quest for revenge soon ignites into a passion that neither can control. In a world where power is everything and betrayal is a way of life, can Freya protect her heart and her children, or will the relentless Mr. Castle claim everything she’s been trying to hide?
Soulbound Mark

Soulbound Mark

3.9k Views · Completed · ngocvynguyen985
Vampires are her worst fear, but what if one of them turns out to be her soulmate?
Elena is a witch who adores flowers and plants, possessing a gentle kind of magic that is tied to nature. She leads a quiet life with her family—until one day, the peace is shattered. After a ruthless vampire kills her parents to obtain their magic, she barely escapes and is forced to go into hiding.
From that moment on, she lives in constant fear and does all she can to avoid vampires, afraid that her past may catch up with her one day.
However, Elena can’t escape her fate, and it leads her straight into the arms of yet another vampire. Their encounter throws her life into disarray—not only is Ryder her enemy, but he is also her destined soulmate.
Underwater: The Silent Luna

Underwater: The Silent Luna

5.6k Views · Ongoing · Karima Saad Usman
Meadow never imagined her life could change so quickly, until Luna Amber appeared at her door with an offer no ordinary girl would refuse: marriage to her son, the Alpha of the pack.

It sounded like fate. Like rescue. Like the moment the universe finally chose her.

Even with the suspicion clinging to the proposal, Meadow let herself believe it. She stepped into the marriage blindly, hoping love would fill the quiet spaces of her mute, colourless life.

But the truth comes fast, and cruel.

The Alpha never asked for her. Never wanted her. Luna Amber arranged everything without his consent, driven by selfish motives Meadow couldn’t see until it was too late. What should have been tender and sacred becomes a cage, and Meadow is trapped in a nightmare she can’t wake from.
How Not To Fall For A Dragon

How Not To Fall For A Dragon

277.4k Views · Completed · Kit Bryan
I never applied to the Academy for Magical Beings and Creatures.

Which is why it was more than a little confusing when a letter arrived with my name already printed on a schedule, a dorm waiting, and classes picked out as if someone knew me better than I knew myself. Everyone knows the Academy, it’s where witches sharpen their spells, shifters master their forms, and every kind of magical creature learns to control their gifts.

Everyone except me.

I don’t even know what I am. No shifting, no magic tricks, nothing. Just a girl surrounded by people who can fly, conjure fire, or heal with a touch. So I sit through classes pretending I belong, and I listen hard for any clue that might tell me what’s hidden in my blood.

The only person more curious than me is Blake Nyvas, tall, golden-eyed, and very much a Dragon. People whisper that he’s dangerous, warn me to keep my distance. But Blake seems determined to solve the mystery of me, and somehow I trust him more than anyone else.

Maybe it’s reckless. Maybe it’s dangerous.

But when everyone else looks at me like I don’t belong, Blake looks at me like I’m a riddle worth solving.