Sara Curran-Ross's Blog, page 2

Ace of Swords Released!

Hi Everyone, The second book in my Victorian Vampire trilogy, The Swords Series, Ace of Swords has finally been released today through Hellfire Publishing. I have included the new blurb below and excerpt.

The purchase links for the e-book are as follows:
www.amazon.co.uk/Ace-of-Swords-ebook
www.amazon.com/Ace-of-Swords-ebook

Ace of Swords Blurb

London 1893

Nathan Valancourt, the Knight of Swords and lead warrior of the ancient human hybrid Taleian Vampire race travels to a Scottish castle owned by Lycan leader, Marcus Duart. His task is to procure a cure for his beautiful Queen and only love Juliet who lies poisoned in a deep sleep. Unexpectedly, Nathan finds himself caught in a trap set by a powerful witch who seeks revenge upon the Taleian Queen and her people.

On being awakened by the assistance of a powerful Magician, Juliet finds the witch has taken Nathan for her own and transformed him into a demon, hell bent on his Queen's destruction. Stripped of her powers and throne by the witch, Juliet is forced to flee for her life and evade death at Nathan's hand.

Juliet must find a way to remind Nathan of their strong love for each other and battle the witch to retrieve her throne and command her people once more.


Excerpt from Ace of Swords


My captor had won and now he was claiming his prize. He appeared approving of my silence and began dragging my body along the dock into the fog. I made every attempt to keep my face from the ground but it scraped and bruised along the coarseness of the net and the cobbled path. I did not want to belong to anyone but Nathan and endure a life where another cold stranger was forced upon me. I would find a way to die. That would be my escape and Nathan’s proof of my loyalty and undying love if he ever became whole again.

Gerard continued to drag my aching body over the cobbles along the docks to an unknown destination and into the fog that rolled over the Thames and on into the city. But he was to suddenly stop. I could see his shoulders tense as we all heard the sound of footsteps in the fog ahead coming towards us in a determined manner.

He ordered the two human men forward to investigate. Each of them drew a knife from their breast pocket as we watched them disappear into the ghostly white air that swirled around us to obscure our vision of what lay ahead. Our heightened Taleian vision was of no use in the fog, only the night. There was no sound apart from their own footsteps now and that of the water and boats lapping against the side of the dock.

Silence reigned for a minute or more and then the distant cry of a man was heard and the sharp slice of a sword moving through the damp air. The sound was followed by the bounce of an object hitting the ground and rolling out of the fog towards us. I gave a startled gasp when the human’s decapitated head appeared. Another slice of air and the next human’s head quickly followed with enough force to roll and touch Gerard’s foot. With an angry growl Gerard kicked the head away from him and out into the Thames.

‘Give me my sword,’ he demanded of the Taleian that carried it.

The other two Taleians took a defensive stance as Gerard raised his sword ready to strike at his unseen opponent and the determined footsteps continued once more towards us.

A tall shadow emerged from the fog in the dim gas light. He was immaculately dressed as a gentleman of birth with an aristocratic elegance about him that no other seemed to bear. Relief flooded the blood that still pumped through my veins and my heart swelled with love.

Nathan was a terrifying haunting vision as he emerged from the night. His eyes were dark and were narrowed in anger at Gerard. For a brief moment they were drawn to my pathetic captive figure and I felt the spark of his fear for me. It was only brief for it turned to explosive anger.

‘Another challenger?’ Gerard hissed. ‘I got here first. She is mine and I am taking her.’

Nathan’s eyes widened.

‘You dare to take my Queen and defile her?’

Gerard gave a small nervous laugh. ‘Who are you to call her your Queen?’

His question appeared mute, for his curious and anxious tone told everyone he already knew who Nathan was to us all.

Nathan’s voice was dark and soft as melted chocolate when he spoke. It only served to heighten the menace of his position.

‘I am the Knight of Swords.’



The purchase links for the e-book are as follows:
www.amazon.co.uk/Ace-of-Swords-ebook
www.amazon.com/Ace-of-Swords-ebook


Please note that the first book in the series, Knight of Swords will now be released for free on Amazon only from 12pm Eastern Standard time tomorrow (Saturday).

Happy Reading!


Sara

The Release of Ace of Swords and Free Copies of Knight of Swords

Hello Everyone, Just to let you know that the second in the vampire knights Swords trilogy, Ace of Swords will be released by Hellfire Publishing on the 15th June. On the same date the first book, Knight of Swords will be released for free on Amazon for a short time so get ready to download! I have included the cover art for each book and their blurbs to wet your appetite. Remember to put it in your diary. Nathan Valancourt is young, stinking rich, a darling of London's social set in 1893 and a notorious womaniser. He had never believed in the supernatural but when a vampire killer masquerading as a clergyman begins haunting his dreams and forcing him to endure visions of the murder of his previous female conquests, Nathan determines to amend his frivolous ways. When the killer turns his attention to Nathan's beautiful ward, Juliet, Nathan is anxious to protect her. As they battle the monster, Nathan and Juliet gradually realise that they share a psychic connection. This close bond triggers the discovery of their true heritage as descendents of human-vampire unions and leads to the gradual revealing of powers beyond their imagination that offer them hope of victory. Nathan travels to a Scottish castle owned by Lycan leader, Marcus Duart to procure a cure for Juliet. Unexpectedly, he finds himself caught in a trap set by a powerful witch who seeks revenge upon the Taleian Queen and her race. On awakening, Juliet finds the witch has taken Nathan for her own and transformed him into a demon, hell bent on his Queen's destruction. Stripped of her powers and throne by the witch, Juliet is forced to flee for her life and evade death at Nathan's hand. Juliet must find a way to remind Nathan of their strong love for each other and battle the witch to retrieve her throne. My contemporary romance Sleeping Love did extremely well in the free Kindle chart on Amazon in the US recently. It was positioned at number 2 in the Romance chart, number 4 in the free Kindle chart and number 6 in the free Kindle chart in the UK and is still selling quite well. Thank you for all of your support! Enjoy Knight of Swords and Ace of Swords. Have a great day or evening wherever you are! Best Wishes, Sara

Free Copy of Sleeping Love

Hi Everyone,

Just to let you know that my contemporary romance novel, Sleeping Love is available for free at Amazon.com for five days! You know you want a copy!!!

The blurb and an excerpt is included below to wet your appetite. There are also a couple of chapters on my blog for you to read before making up your mind.

Have a good day!

Sara



Sleeping Love

Historian Sabrina Michaels lost her memory ten years ago after waking up in a London hospital badly beaten. When she travels to a French chateau owned by handsome wealthy businessman Raoul Valoire to research his famous ancestor, he lays claim to her as his wife.

Afraid of confronting her past, Sabrina attempts to leave the chateau but finds that her husband is more than determined to have his wife back in his arms and in his bed. He is prepared to hold her prisoner until she uncovers her true identity and remembers her love for him.

Sabrina embarks on a journey into her own past in the hopes of uncovering what caused her to disappear from the chateau without a trace the night of her birthday party and the man who was responsible for her attack. She only hopes it is not the husband she is falling in love with all over again.





Excerpt From Sleeping Love


Nothing appeared safe or trustworthy. Leaving would give her some control back until she could decide what to do. Surely, Raoul would understand that. Frantically, she headed for the door and reached out for the handle with a shaking hand when she stopped dead, hearing the cracking whip of Raoul’s reprimand across the air.

‘Sabrina. Where are you going?’

Sabrina turned sharply tilting her chin defiantly at him.

‘You can’t stop me leaving,’ she threatened. ‘I will call the police.’
He gave a laugh and began walking towards her.

‘It will do you no good,’ he told her softly. ‘They know that you are home and that your memory loss may have made you unstable. They are more than likely to advise hospital care if I can’t keep you under control than help you leave.’

He unfolded the piece of paper he held in his hand and offered it to her.

‘Your signature on our wedding certificate will prove that this is not some elaborate hoax. You belong to me, Sabrina and I am not letting you walk out of that door again.’

She glanced at the certificate and the signature that he pointed to. It was definitely her writing. Blind panic filled her mind. She didn’t know what to do. What if Raoul had been the man who had beaten her so badly she’d lost her memory? What if he really was the man who had put her in the hospital seven years ago? Perhaps she had tried to leave him then and he’d become violent. Too many questions. She had to get out.

‘Do what the hell you want but I am still leaving and there is nothing you can do,’ she shouted wasting no more time in turning the door handle.
But to her dismay she was not to get very far.

Raoul leaned over and raised his hand above her head slamming the door shut hard. Sabrina gave a yelp of fear and turned around to face him, finding her back pressed against the door with no means of escape. Raoul’s dark eyes looked down at her threateningly. He closed the distance between them, sweeping his arm around her waist when she made a gesture to duck out from under the cage of his arm. He pushed her back against the door once more and restrained her there.

‘I am going to keep you here even if I have to tie you down. I want to know why you walked out on my life. We were in love. I have spent years wondering what happened. I never once thought you were dead. Did you leave me for another man? Your absence has tormented me.’

Raoul’s tone grew more intense with anger leaving Sabrina trembling. ‘The police believed you were murdered and I was their main suspect. They even dragged the lake in the grounds looking for your body. The only thing that stopped them from charging me with your murder was the lack of a body. I want answers and you are going to give them to me, darling wife. So yes you will stay and yes I will make you a prisoner if I have to.’

Cover Art for Ace of Swords

Hi Everyone,

I know it has been a while but I have been busy editing, writing and finishing some courses I have taken. I thought I would share the cover art I have just received from my publisher, Hellfire Publishing for the sequel to Knight of swords, Ace of Swords. Hope you like it.

I have included the blurb and an excerpt below. Enjoy! Back soon.


Sara :)




Ace of Swords Blurb

Nathan travels to a Scottish castle owned by Lycan leader, Marcus Duart to procure a cure for Juliet. Unexpectedly, he finds himself caught in a trap set by a powerful witch who seeks revenge upon the Taleian Queen and her race.

On awakening, Juliet finds the witch has taken Nathan for her own and transformed him into a demon, hell bent on his Queen's destruction. Stripped of her powers and throne by the witch, Juliet is forced to flee for her life and evade death at Nathan's hand.

Juliet must find a way to remind Nathan of their strong love for each other and battle the witch to retrieve her throne.





Excerpt




My captor had won and now he was claiming his prize. He appeared approving of my silence and began dragging my body along the dock into the fog. I made every attempt to keep my face from the ground but it scraped and bruised along the coarseness of the net and the cobbled path. I did not want to belong to anyone but Nathan and endure a life where another cold stranger was forced upon me. I would find a way to die. That would be my escape and Nathan's proof of my loyalty and undying love if he ever became whole again.

Gerard continued to drag my aching body over the cobbles along the docks to an unknown destination and into the fog that rolled over the Thames and on into the city. But he was to suddenly stop. I could see his shoulders tense as we all heard the sound of footsteps in the fog ahead coming towards us in a determined manner.

He ordered the two human men forward to investigate. Each of them drew a knife from their breast pocket as we watched them disappear into the ghostly white air that swirled around us to obscure our vision of what lay ahead. Our heightened Taleian vision was of no use in the fog, only the night. There was no sound apart from their own footsteps now and that of the water and boats lapping against the side of the dock.

Silence reigned for a minute or more and then the distant cry of a man was heard and the sharp slice of a sword moving through the damp air. The sound was followed by the bounce of an object hitting the ground and rolling out of the fog towards us. I gave a startled gasp when the human's decapitated head appeared. Another slice of air and the next human's head quickly followed with enough force to roll and touch Gerard's foot. With an angry growl Gerard kicked the head away from him and out into the Thames.

'Give me my sword,' he demanded of the Taleian that carried it.

The other two Taleians took a defensive stance as Gerard raised his sword ready to strike at his unseen opponent and the determined footsteps continued once more towards us.

A tall shadow emerged from the fog in the dim gas light. He was immaculately dressed as a gentleman of birth with an aristocratic elegance about him that no other seemed to bear. Relief flooded the blood that still pumped through my veins and my heart swelled with love.

Nathan was a terrifying haunting vision as he emerged from the night. His eyes were dark and were narrowed in anger at Gerard. For a brief moment they were drawn to my pathetic captive figure and I felt the spark of his fear for me. It was only brief for it turned to explosive anger.

'Another challenger?' Gerard hissed. 'I got here first. She is mine and I am taking her.'

Nathan's eyes widened.

'You dare to take my Queen and defile her?'

Gerard gave a small nervous laugh. 'Who are you to call her your Queen?'

His question appeared mute, for his curious and anxious tone told everyone he already knew who Nathan was to us all.

Nathan's voice was dark and soft as melted chocolate when he spoke. It only served to heighten the menace of his position.

'I am the Knight of Swords.'

Sleeping Love Released!

Hi Everyone,

My romantic supense novel, Sleeping Love has just been released by Hellfire Publishing. It is selling on Smashwords for $1.50 for today only. I have
included the blurb and an excerpt below. If you fancy a copy hurry over to
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/.... It will be published on Amazon tomorrow and in print in 2-4 weeks.

Here is the blurb and excerpt. Happy Reading!

Sara


Blurb

Sleeping Love

Historian Sabrina Michaels lost her memory ten years ago after waking up in a London hospital badly beaten. When she travels to a French chateau owned by handsome wealthy businessman Raoul Valoire to research his famous ancestor, he lays claim to her as his wife.

Afraid of confronting her past, Sabrina attempts to leave the chateau but finds that her husband is more than determined to have his wife back in his arms and in his bed. He is prepared to hold her prisoner until she uncovers her true identity and remembers her love for him.

Sabrina embarks on a journey into her own past in the hopes of uncovering what caused her to disappear from the chateau without a trace the night of her birthday party and the man who was responsible for her attack. She only hopes it is not the husband she is falling in love with all over again.


Excerpt

Sleeping Love

Nothing appeared safe or trustworthy. Leaving would give her some control back until she could decide what to do. Surely, Raoul would understand that. Frantically, she headed for the door and reached out for the handle with a shaking hand when she stopped dead, hearing the cracking whip of Raoul's reprimand across the air.

'Sabrina. Where are you going?'

Sabrina turned sharply tilting her chin defiantly at him.

'You can't stop me leaving,' she threatened. 'I will call the police.'

He gave a laugh and began walking towards her.

'It will do you no good,' he told her softly. 'They know that you are home and that your memory loss may have made you unstable. They are more than likely to advise hospital care if I can't keep you under control than help you leave.'

He unfolded the piece of paper he held in his hand and offered it to her.

'Your signature on our wedding certificate will prove that this is not some elaborate hoax. You belong to me, Sabrina and I am not letting you walk out of that door again.'

She glanced at the certificate and the signature that he pointed to. It was definitely her writing. Blind panic filled her mind. She didn't know what to do. What if Raoul had been the man who had beaten her so badly she'd lost her memory? What if he really was the man who had put her in the hospital seven years ago? Perhaps she had tried to leave him then and he'd become violent. Too many questions. She had to get out.

'Do what the hell you want but I am still leaving and there is nothing you can do,' she shouted wasting no more time in turning the door handle.

But to her dismay she was not to get very far. Raoul leaned over and raised his hand above her head slamming the door shut hard. Sabrina gave a yelp of fear and turned around to face him, finding her back pressed against the door with no means of escape. Raoul's dark eyes looked down at her threateningly. He closed the distance between them, sweeping his arm around her waist when she made a gesture to duck out from under the cage of his arm. He pushed her back against the door once more and restrained her there.

'I am going to keep you here even if I have to tie you down. I want to know why you walked out on my life. We were in love. I have spent years wondering what happened. I never once thought you were dead. Did you leave me for another man? Your absence has tormented me.'

Raoul's tone grew more intense with anger leaving Sabrina trembling. 'The police believed you were murdered and I was their main suspect. They even dragged the lake in the grounds looking for your body. The only thing that stopped them from charging me with your murder was the lack of a body. I want answers and you are going to give them to me, darling wife. So yes you will stay and yes I will make you a prisoner if I have to.'

The Hanged Man (Chapter 2 Cont'd & Chapter Three)

Hi Everyone,

Here is the next instalment of my vampire story, The Hanged Man. Hope you enjoy it.

Sara :)

Chapter 2 (Cont'd)

We ran past some humans hurrying the other way. Galen was near for the humans fell to the ground with a cry, dead before they hit the carpeted floor. I let out a sob, screaming for Richard to put me down, beating my fists at his back as I watched their helpless forms fall like marionettes in a heap just as I had witnessed before. He ignored me and picked up speed as we completed two flights of stairs and headed out into the corridor that led to the first class cabins. But we were to be thwarted. For at the end of the corridor Galen's handsome tall form emerged with a wide grin. Richard and Marcus stopped dead.

'I think you have something of mine, gentlemen. Now be good chaps and hand her over or bear the torrid consequences,' I heard him say in an eloquent English voice. 'Remember, you have seen what I can do.'

Richard's grip on my form intensified and I knew he would not give me up without a fight, perhaps to the death. I could not let him do it. I begged him to let me go but he resolutely refused.

'You know, it isn't just the humans who can be affected by my power so can the lycans and the vampires of this sorry little world. I may not be able to kill you but I can cause you severe tormenting pain,' Galen said amused.
I heard Richard give a sudden growl of pain. Marcus followed suit.

Richard dropped to his knees, still carrying me over his shoulder. His free hand rubbed at the intense pain in his head. I tried to move but he held on to me with shaking hands. I pleaded with Galen to let them go. Richard tried to lunge for me when he began to fall to the floor loosening his grip on me involuntarily. I rolled away from him and stood casting my eyes down upon him with concern and pity. He begged me not to give up my life as the devil beckoned with his hand and a beguiling smile for me to come to him like a child.

I looked upon my lycan companions including the helpless children, all in severe pain with horror. I made my choice without further hesitation. I went to the devil and took in the hopes of finding a way to stop him. I did not know what I was to endure before I found a way but I prayed God would give me strength to endure it. We were defeated.

As I walked to Galen and took his hand, I did the only thing I could do in my present state. I opened my mind to Nathan and pleaded for his help on behalf of my friends, for the humans. I did not ask for myself. He believed I had betrayed him. I believed he would not find me worthy of saving.


Chapter Three

The demon fought strongly. The Victor's prize was to be Juliet and our fight would be to the death. I fell backwards into a chair my weight and strength bringing the feeble wooden structure crashing to the ground. When I stood up I jumped to my feet to tackle the demon once more I felt an icy breeze cross my face. Bewildered I quickly took in my surroundings and found myself standing in a vast wilderness covered in a thick crisp and even snow. Frowning with shock I looked down at my feet and found I was ankle deep in the snow.

My startled look was aimed at Cadell who stood to the side watching with cold interest. Where was I? And more to the point, how had I come to be there? It was the angel's doing I had no doubt of it but I did not receive the courtesy of further time to debate the reason for it in my mind.

The demon ran towards me at full tilt but this time I was prepared and blocked every punch he aimed at my body. It was to be an endless and fruitless struggle to gain the upper hand. We tussled down into the snow and rolled over and over each one of us desperately trying to subdue the other. But the demon was to make more progress than I.

I lay prostrate upon my back in the cold wet snow. The demon sat upon me taking out his vicious anger against my jaw and cheekbone with each punishing blow he rained down upon me.

'You will not have her,' he spat at me. 'You are weak. You allowed Sebastian to rape her, the witch to take her power and allowed her to leave us for the company of the lycans. You are unworthy of her love.'

My vision began to blur and I began to lose power in my strength. Blood poured from my bruised nose and mouth.

'Nathan, how much longer is the disagreement with yourself going to take to resolve?' Cadell asked dispassionately. 'We have work to do.'

My eyes rolled upwards and to the side to view him. Snow was beginning to fall heavily from the dull grey sky and he was putting up his umbrella and drawing the collar of his wool coat tight against his neck. Was he to offer me no assistance? To my amazement he must have heard my thought because he shook his head as I attempted to summon the last of my strength to gain an advantage over the demon.

'I am sorry, Nathan but I am afraid on this matter I cannot help you.'

He did not sound sympathetic. His tone was factual, barren of any emotional involvement.

'You have chosen to separate your identity and it is your responsibility to rejoin your opposites and find a way for them both to live in harmony. I cannot tell you how you must live your life. That is your choice alone. I can merely show you the consequences of choosing to disassociate yourself from the reality of your being. I suggest you fight harder or your demon will win and you will lose your fair Queen.'

I gave a roar and banged hard on the demon's chest with my fists. He flew back through the cold biting air to fall backwards in the snow. I jumped to my feet as he began to recover and knocked him back down into the snow. Enraged by the demon's words I pounded my fists against his body and face as though I meant to kill him with each blow. I was enraged by the truth of his words. My mind was in turmoil. I wanted to banish the truth and the pain of them with the demon and his tormenting accusations.

Not far from where we fought there was a lake covered in ice. I lifted off the dazed and bloodied demon and caught his foot. With malicious anger I lifted his foot and began to drag him to the lake ready to commit more torture upon his body before ripping his head from his shoulders.
Cadell followed me.

'This is not exactly what I meant, Nathan,' he said gravely looking down at the wretch as I dragged his limp body to the lake.

I ignored him. The only way to deal with the demon was to kill him. He would forever stand in my way making my passage through life a unruly and reckless one. The snowfall was now a blizzard. I wiped at the blood and snow on my mouth and face with the sleeve of my morning coat. I was wet through but not as wet as my demon was about to become I mused to myself with sarcastic amusement.

When I reached my destination I dropped his leg and took hold of his hair, dragging him down the sandy bank. He dug his feet into the snow trying to gain a grip in the snow so that he may have gained some leverage to pull himself up and away from me but the ice underneath prevented him from gaining a foothold. Kneeling in the snow I hung his head over the ice covered lake and with fervent anger I broke a hole in the icy cover with the demon's head. I drowned the sound of his angry cry of pain by plunging his head into the freezing water and holding it under.

'Juliet is mine. She was meant for me not you,' I shouted as his hands fought to stop me. I watched his head toss from side to side under the water as he gurgled his words in protest at me. I wanted to kill him. 'I did everything I could to protect Juliet. There was nothing I could do to stop her being raped. Stop judging me for something I couldn't prevent. I would give my life for her in an instant but I couldn't save her from that. I failed but I can't keep punishing myself for it. I've let you drive Juliet away and now she is in danger once again. I am not going to let you stop me protecting her this time.'

It took me sometime to realise that my face was not just wet with melting snow but my own unexpected tears. I hadn't cried so strongly since being told my parents were dead.

'I am going to end this. It's you who drives her away,' I shook the demon ferociously as he thrashed his arms about trying to grip my own in an effort to raise himself from the water and my grip. Lost in my anger, blinded by reason I dragged him from the water and forced his head into an arm lock and prepared to pull his head from his shoulders.

'Stop,' Cadell instructed in a loud voice.

I looked up to find him bending over me looking down at the demon with a piteous look.

'This is not the way to resolve your dispute with yourself, Nathan.' He waved his hand in the air in a hopeless gesture. 'You cannot simply kill off a part of yourself. You must learn to live with your dark side. Juliet will not accept one without the other. She loves all of you not just the part you wish to show her. Quite rightly, she will not accept anything less than your whole being loving her.'

I stared at Cadell long and hard.

'He's right,' the demon strained to speak, still trying to pull at my arm around his throat. 'You need me. You need my fire and strength to help you protect her. Kill me, human and you will never protect her. She will die without us both at her side.'

I turned to stare down at him. My anger fought against reason in my mind. I knew he spoke the truth but I hated him. My grip on his throat tightened.

'Nathan, you cannot exist without him. If you try you will never be the same. You will only be a paler shadow of the person you could be. Your life will never be full and your spirit will be empty and Juliet will be lost. Be who you are and embrace your identity. You have nothing to be ashamed of. You are loved for who you are not who you want to be,' he told me with great empathy in his tone.

It struck a chord deep within my soul. I had approached my fight in the wrong manner. Slowly I stood pulling the demon with me still in my arm lock. I moved my mouth close to his ear and told him firmly.
'You are defeated. Accept my mastery.'

Without hesitation I moved his body backwards by his throat in one sharp violent movement and forced his body backwards into my own, swallowing him whole. The rejoining was painful causing me to cry out in unison with the demon but I was determined to complete our amalgamation. I turned to look upon a smiling relieved Cadell, a bloodied wet mess but whole and one with my nature. He covered my sodden head with his umbrella and opened his mouth to speak to me but I was unable to hear his words. A sudden sharp searing pain entered my head sending me groaning onto my knees. A female voice in terrible pain cried out loudly in my mind calling for my help. Juliet.

The Hanged Man (Chapter One Cont'd & Chapter 2)

Hi Everyone,

Hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year. Back to work now. Finally I have been able to do some more work on the third story in my Victorian gothic Vampire trilogy, The Hanged Man.

Hope you enjoy it.


Happy Reading.

Sara :)


'The ship is taking on water,' I told Marcus and Richard. 'I will keep the water at bay and keep it afloat. We must get everyone off the ship. This Devil and his men mean to board it. No one will be spared. We must hurry. Marcus, you need to find your children. I will stay here and face this man who calls himself Galen and gives himself the title of Devil.'

However, I was quickly informed that I would not be allowed to take any such action. A stern promise had been made to my Knight of Swords that I would be kept safe at all costs and it was a promise Marcus's intended to keep both as a gentleman and as a Lycan. He would also not seek to cause a war between the Lycans and Taleian's, Hybrid or pure. We were to retrieve Marcus's children and gather the other Lycans in the hopes of finding a way off the ship. But we were to be halted in our movement when a troop of black cloaked phantom men rose into the air from the replica ship beating their large black feathered wings. There appeared to be hundreds of them. The Angels of Death descended upon The Adeline and their prey as the passengers and demented crew fled in panic along the promenade deck.
One of the vile creatures landed upon the promenade deck and stood watching the chaos around him as the demons swooped capture helpless screaming females up under their arms under their arms, carrying them off to another part of the ship. The men were to fare worse. The black winged phantoms saw them as killing sport, swooping low upon them. One of the demons reached his talon fingernails into the chest of one human and extracted his beating heart. He held a loft and squashed it flat, squeezing the life blood from it to drain into his mouth.

I could not see the faces of these wretches as they pulled and tore the limbs and heads of the human men from their bodies because of their black hoods but their hands were devoid of skin. Their muscles and tendons covering their bones were apparent and a smoke rose from their bodies through their cloaks. Even their wings were smouldering. We inhaled a strong smell of burning decaying flesh. We all began to wretch.
Marcus tugged on my arm and propelled me forward with Richard but we were to be stopped from making any further movement. I felt fear well and overflow inside me. On the deck a tall cloaked phantom was following the terrifying carnage of human life as it was carried out in front of him as though it were all to please him. He walked slowly, regally, stepping over bloody frayed limbs and heads scattered indiscriminately across his path. He removed his hood to reveal a singing mass of blood, skull and tendon on one half of his face head and lips that showed his inner workings of muscle as he moved and made his heavily blood shot eye protrude. The other side was made of fragmented and fraying skin that was burning and turning black. My hand flew to my mouth. I whispered his name as though it were an evil never to be spoken. Galen.

Galen was a gruesome sight to behold. I was paralysed with fear and repulsion, unable to move my feet and run for safety. My Lycan companions appeared to be of the same mind. None of us had ever seen such a gruesome figure of a man. He turned his head towards me. Perhaps he had heard me whisper his name. I stared into his eyes and into the black beating heart of what remained of his soul and sensed a violent turbulent anger and deep painful loss. I couldn't help but give a small shriek when I felt the figure violate my own mind. I fought hard to keep him out I could feel his black hearted consciousness seeping into the pores of my own exploring my soul.

Skin began to cover his face, his hands and body. The burning smell and singing to his cloak and body receded. He opened his cloak wide shaking as the skin began to sweep over his open festering body covering his beating blood heart and organs. He pulled back the cloak and roared with pain as his feathered wings shortened and grew smaller until they disappeared inside his back.

Galen's hair began to cover his baldness, clothes began to cover his body. When the transformation was complete a tall regal handsome man stood before us. He fiddled with his grey cravat and moved his neck around as though it was stiff and he made to relieve the pain. Then he grinned widely, pleased with himself. His chestnut brown eyes stared mischievously an possessively into my own.

'Ah, Juliet, there you are,' he exclaimed with humour.

I stared open mouthed.

'Now, Juliet, my love, let us to business,' he smiled widely tugging at the ends of the sleeves of his morning coat to neaten his appearance. 'Perhaps you will be good enough to call that young buck, your Knight of Swords to come to your rescues as quickly as possible. I hate to be kept waiting. He and I have business to conduct.'

Galen gave a small bored yawn.

'Apparently I have to fight him to the death before I can take your for my wife. The Taleians have such pathetic tiresome rituals but it must be done, I suppose. And you are such a tasty, clever morsel my dear, Juliet. I do so look forward to making you with child and having you sit by my side as my Queen in hell,' he smiled raising his eyebrows with amusement.

'As long as I live, you will not have her,' Marcus bellowed before I could reply.

I suddenly felt Marcus pull at my arm and then we were running.

'Ah they always run. It is useless,' he called after us. 'I will have you Juliet. But I do relish a woman who makes me work hard for her hand. I love the chase,' he laughed. 'I haven't this much fun in centuries.'


Chapter Two

Marcus and Richard directed me through the doors off the promenade deck to the wide luxuriously blue carpeted stairs and marble balustrade that led down to the first class cabins. Galen continued to call after me, his voice loud and full of wicked humour in my mind.

'Oh, Juliet, my love, how much longer are we going to play this game? Remember if you give yourself to me willingly I won't kill any more of these boring churlish humans you care so much about.'

I faltered, slowing my pace, thinking of the unfortunate humans who had already met their untimely deaths. They all died because of my stubborn belief that I could somehow outwit the devil's power. I glanced backwards wondering if I should go to him and face my would be conqueror alone to preserve the safety of the rest of the souls on the ship. I came to a sudden stop.

'I should go to him. He will kill more of the humans if I don't,' I hurriedly told my Lycan friends. Perhaps, I can . . .'
Marcus frowned and shook his head as I moved away from the grip he held upon my arm.

'As Lycan leader I made your Knight of Swords a promise when you took refuge with us that I would keep you safe. I will not go back on my word and cross swords with the most powerful Taleian hybrid male vampire in your race. I would cause a war between our people. You can do nothing to save the humans,' he told me with impatience glancing back along the corridor to make sure we were not followed.

'They were doomed the moment Galen and his Shadow army stepped on board this ship. This is a man who defeated Satan and took his throne in hell. Even you with your mighty power as Queen of Talus can do nothing. We must get away and hide like the others until we can get off this ship. Now let us waste no more time.'
I looked at Marcus confused.

'You know who he is?'

'Oh yes. Everyone knows the stories. My people and your own. He betrayed Satan and took his throne in Hell. But we haven't got time to tell it. Galen is playing with us. Our flight amuses him. He can take you anytime he wants. We must continue the game and summon help from the Angelic realms when we find a safe haven to keep you hidden. He can't kill anyone but the humans so we are the only ones able to keep you safe. I insist that you take my direction without further procrastination, ' Marcus told me fiercely leaving me in no doubt that he would remonstrate with me severely if I did not obey him.

I became angry.

'We cannot afford to wait for help,' I protested. 'I will not hide while others die. I must help them . . . Your children, Marcus, I will not allow any harm to come to them . . .'

I began to move back up the corridor away from them and the stairs with purpose ready to face my fate alone but Richard caught hold of my arm and swung me back around to face him.

'You aren't going anywhere,' he told me firmly. 'Now let's get moving before Galen comes around the corner and attempts to take you from us.'
But I was to struggle. The weight of all those deaths preyed upon my conscience more strongly than reason and I would not be stopped.

'Let me go. I will not be told what to do . . .'

Richard's dark gold eyes burned with heated determination as he pushed me forcefully back against the wall of the corridor and held me there with a strong grip upon my arms. To my shock Marcus did nothing to stop Richard and his temper but watched with stern approval.

'I am not letting you go to him there is no knowing what he will do to you. We . . . I won't take that chance with your life,' he blurted out in his thick Scottish accent, his own eyes widening with surprise at his words.

I stared at him. He vainly tried to avoid my gaze clearly afraid of what I would read in his eyes. Richard had never shown me any care. In fact I would go so far as to say he detested my presence amongst the lycans. He did all he could to make me feel uncomfortable when Marcus's was engaged elsewhere. His rude intolerable behaviour had become worse since the night Nathan accused him of being attracted to me in London. He had so distastefully and vehemently denied it. I confess I had done my best to avoid him. Yet now he admitted to caring for my safety. He was not the only one to feel surprise. But the feeling was not shared by Marcus. There was a knowing in his eyes and fear for his second in command but he said nothing.

I looked into Richard's eyes desperately wishing he would allow me to read his mind. I would not dare attempt it without consent out of respect and because as a race the lycans strongly defended their privacy. Still I wanted to know why he suddenly felt that way. Perhaps, Nathan was right and he had all along. I wanted to know more but I did not have the time to ponder on the matter. I made to move again but once more he was to push me back hard against the wall.

'Do I have to remind you that you and your power are the only thing keeping this sinking steamship afloat,' he informed me in a deep angry tone holding my gaze to stern attention as he pinned me against the wall. 'If you go to him, he will be able to find a way to stop you then all of the humans will die anyway. You owe it to them to stay free.'

'I don't know how long I will be able to hold it upright on the water. The effort is draining energy from me. If I go to him and give him what he wants . . .' I protested trying to wriggle free from his tight unrelenting grasp.

Richard's hold tightened making me cry out. 'Do not push me any further with this nonsense, Juliet. My temper will not take it,' he told me in a dark, deep menacing voice forcing my wayward tongue to silence. 'Concentrate on keeping the ship afloat and drifting towards land as you have been doing. He has not been able to stop you doing that for some reason. Let Marcus and I worry about Galen and his army.'

I moved once more with frustration, conflicted in my plight, my own temper threatening to erupt. My resolve was sound to my mind. I would see no more die.

'Leave me Lycan or I will make you more aware of my power,' I shouted with my own menace.

But Richard would not be deterred.

'Do your worst Queen of Talus. I am not afraid. It will do no good. I will not let you sacrifice your life,' he leaned close to me his dark golden eyes firing with an orange red glow.

He was so close and the way he studied my mouth, I thought for a strange moment that he might kiss me. I intensified my struggles and considered using my power against the lycan. But I refused to resort to violence even though I sensed the lycan would confusingly relish the experience. Triumphant that I had backed down, Richard seized his chance to make me capitulate.

'There is only one way to deal with such obstinacy and stubbornness in a woman, human or otherwise,' he informed me, quickly bending his form and winding an arm around my legs to lift me up into the air and swiftly over his shoulder.

I gave an indignant cry but he was to pay it no heed as he ran after Marcus and carried me down the stairs

New Stuff: The Angel At My Side

Hi Everyone,

I have been away for a while due to illness and dealing with some personal problems but I have now had the chance to produce some new work. It's different to my other work but I fancied a changed and I needed to write about some strange supernatural experiences I have been witnessing in the last couple of years. So I am posting the first chapter of my new book, The Angel At My Side which is a true account of these events.

I would love to receive your comments and your interpretations of my experiences. I would also like to know about your own.

I will try to post some more before Christmas.

Happy Reading

Best Wishes,

Sara


The Angel At My Side



The Angel At My Side

Chapter One : Starry Eyed

Fairytales aren't real, right? There is absolutely no possibility that they can come true. So a man, a knight in shining armour, metaphorically speaking of course, who walks out the pages of a novel that you wrote and presents himself as a real live person can't be true. I mean it just can't be. It must mean that the writer is delusional, in need of psychiatric care and the help of the men in white coats. But what if I told you it was true. Would you dare to believe me or dismiss me as mad? Maybe you should hear me out before you make your final decision on the state of my sanity.
I was editing my finished novel when I first became aware of my character's enigmatic presence. I was quietly typing away on my laptop, feeling the usual frustration of editing when a strong image entered my mind. It was him. He was walking into the dining room where I was sat working. Tall, handsome with thick glossy black hair and dark eyes, just as I had written him in my novel. I would have readily dismissed the image as mere fantasy but it was far too vivid and real in its feeling to ignore.

Confused, I frowned and watched as he came towards me with a gentle smile on his face not knowing what to expect. I sat, hands poised over my laptop ready to type, frozen in time, with starry eyes. To my surprise he lifted my chin with the caress of his fingers and softly kissed me. What frightened me more was that instead of it all just being in my mind, I found my eyes closed and my chin tilted upwards.

Alarmed at my own strange behaviour at what I defined as a strong but simple daydream I did what I do best . . . I filed it under products of an over active imagination caused by stress in a life filled with personal problems and incurable wishful thinking. But I was in for another surprise at my daughter's prize-giving day at school in July.

I hate prize -giving at school. It is always on the last day of summer term. You have to turn up in your best clothes smiling sweetly, and engaging in polite conversation with some people you would never want to associate with in life outside the school. Then there are the parents who are preening their feathers expecting their child to win every prize. To be followed by their arguing at the unfairness of it all when their child didn't get one. Yeah it's definitely fun, not! Although it is nice when your own child defies expectations and gets one over the class genius or the usual suspects getting prizes every year.

Well it was about to be a very different prize giving that day. My husband and I had arrived late that day and couldn't sit. We managed to get seats just behind them in the large sports hall, decked out in garlands and a platform with all the shiny silver cups gleaming in the sunlight waiting to be presented. Further along the line of seats were some acquaintances who were trying to sit all together as friends. Every time one appeared my husband and I were asked if we minded moving down a chair. This happened three times and the final time riled my anger. I announced quite loudly that I was not moving again and thought their behaviour was rude. To be truthful I also felt like Billy No Mates when I found myself pushed right along the line next to a vacant seat on the very end.

Huffed, I sat feeling annoyed waiting for proceedings to begin when I was compelled to glance at the empty chair next to me. This time when I looked, in my mind's eye another strong image of my character Nathan appeared. He was sitting on the empty chair, arms folded, one leg balanced across the top of his knee, grinning like a Cheshire cat. Once again it was so strong I had to look twice at the chair expecting him to really appear and not just in my mind.

I had to grin. I couldn't help thinking how fantastic it would be if he was really there. Maybe this was what writers went on about when they said they could almost see their characters hanging around their house. Maybe I was truly beginning to find my flow as a writer. Yet, a part of me wanted to acknowledge that there was something more than writing going on. I had been seeing a lot of strange blue lights around for a while. Perhaps, I needed to investigate what was happening a little further. Maybe I was actually seeing a ghost?

These images were to become more frequent especially when I was alone and upset which unfortunately happened a lot. Many times I would feel and see him in my mind's eye with his arm around my shoulders comforting me. He also seemed at great pains to show me a gold wedding ring on his finger. I cannot describe how safe and warm his presence made me feel in those times and continues to do so. Nor can I dismiss the strong feeling of love he gave me and generated within me in return. Slowly I began to accept that something wonderful was beginning to happen to me that was outside the realms of my ordinary experience of life. But I would not find out who Nathan really was until the beginning of the following year and begin to see him as a physical presence.

The Vampire Lover's Diary

Here is the next instalment of The Vampire Lover's Diary. As I said yesterday I am re posting this until I have finished my edits for Sleeping Love and can commence writing a new chapter for The Hanged Man & The Ghost Writer. Please also note that I will also be continuing the Vampire Lover's Diary from where I left off so this is your chance to now catch up.

Happy Reading and have a great weekend!


The Vampire Lover's Diary

I carried on down the street seeing one of my neighbours come out of her house and get into her car. She looked cross and paid me no attention when I called out to say hello to her. A man came out of the house behind her as she drove out of the drive. He bellowed at her, 'Where are you going? If you are going where I think you are . . . Claire, it's not safe . . . he won't listen to you.' But she was away and passing me by in her car.

I made my way on to the field and let Puzzle off the lead and took in a large breath of icy air. I trailed after Puzzle admiring the wintry landscape and the red plump berries on the holly laden down with snow. I carried on down the path that led to the woods. It was good to get out.
I called for Puzzle as I rounded a corner between the trees and prepared to find my way out when I stumbled on something. I fell flat on my face and landed hard on the frozen ground. I banged my head and when I tried to lift myself up I felt woosey and dazed. I tried to focus on what it was that tripped me up and to my horror found it was a woman's arm. I looked sideways with fright and found myself looking at the full on dead body of a woman.

There was blood everywhere but it was dry and caked. The smell was awful. Part of the young woman's face had been ripped away and it looked as though she had been savaged by a wild animal. I scrambled to my feet watching my world spin and then I heard a noise. With a gasp I turned to the trees behind me and could of sworn I saw a figure. More rustling in the undergrowth and the person was getting close. Terrified I looked around for Puzzle but she was nowhere to be seen. I saw a figure run from behind the tree towards me in a blur and I decided to make a dash for it in the opposite direction.

I could feel the person behind me and I didn't think I was going to escape. But I was brought to a sudden halt when I ran straight into a tall dark man. I looked up to find Roman Price holding me in his arms. That wasn't exactly how I'd planned to get in his arms but there we were. I felt woosey again and had difficulty in focusing. I sank but he held me up asking me what was wrong? And how did I get the cut on my forehead?
I told him all I could as he cradled me warmly in his arms gentling me with words of reassurance that I was safe with him. His fingers swept around the side of my face to tilt it to one side and examine the cut.

'We must let Julian take a look at that. He's a doctor,' he turned to his son who was standing at his side looking at me with shock. 'Connor, I want you to stay with Amanda and don't let her leave. It is very dangerous for her to be alone. Do you understand?'

'Yes, father. I won't let you down.'

'Good.'

Roman made sure I could stand and then disappeared in the direction of the body. I suddenly remembered Puzzle. I called her name but she was nowhere to be found. Distressed I wanted to go and look for her but Connor caught my arm when I tried to leave.

'No, you must not go anywhere. You will be safe here with me,' he commanded with a bit too directness for a child his age.

'I appreciate your concern , Connor, but I am worried about my dog. I will be fine. Let go.'

'I can't. You are in danger . . .'

His grip tightened. I couldn't have moved if I wanted to.
I was about to remonstrate with him when Roman returned carrying Puzzle. He handed the dog to Connor and took firm hold of my arm from Connor. He nodded with approval to his son before a speaking to me.

'Let's get you home and call the police. I want Julian to have a look at your injuries and you need a drink,' he told me softly slipping his other arm around my waist. 'Then you are going to tell me exactly what terrified you so much last night and I am not going to listen to any of your excuses to avoid talking about it. There is a dangerous predator on the prowl who has his eyes on you and Julian and I are the only ones who can protect you from him.'


Evening


I am at home and the police have just been. Roman has taken command of the whole situation. Not sure I approve but then I feel too sore to object and its quite nice somebody wants to take care of me for a change. Julian is in the kitchen cooking my tea. I can't believe it. I can't remember the last time a man cooked for me. It feels kind of cosy and I do feel more safe knowing they are here but Roman has been looking at my back door and I think I am about to get the third degree about last night again.

He is like a dog with a bone between his teeth and I have begun to feel as though I am being interrogated. I don't think he believes my story about it being a dog. In fact he raised his eyebrows with impatience and shook his head. And he is still yet to explain why only he and Julian can protect me from this so called predator. Scary chat up line if I ever heard one. Oops, better go he wants my attention. He's giving me a rather sexy do as your told for your own good and don't push me look. Will write later.

Roman made me go through the whole story again and again. He wasn't too happy when I casually mentioned the man standing outside in the garden for two nights either.

'I wish you had called me when I asked. You don't realise how much danger you are in. It's not safe for you to be left alone ,' he told me abruptly giving me a look that said he was not convinced I was capable of looking after myself. 'I will stay here with you tonight.'

What??? Now don't get me wrong the man is gorgeous and boy did I want him staying the night but we'd only just met and I'm one of those good boring types who don't jump into bed on the first date. Not that this was one, of course but hell he was forward and I'm not used to that. I'm an old fashioned sort of girl . . .

'Amanda, relax. I am not inviting myself into your bed,' he said with a small laugh as he towered over me at the back door. 'I will sleep on your sofa.'

I gave him a startled look. He wasn't giving me a choice and I am really sure now that he can bloody read my thoughts.

'I didn't think for one moment that . . .' I blushed and blustered. I felt so embarrassed.

'Not yet anyway,' he added with a grin and a wink.

I was speechless. He laughed again and gently took my arm telling me he was sure Julian would have dinner ready for us now.

'When are you going to tell me why I am in danger?' I demanded.

He gave me a thoughtful look and opened his mouth as though to impart the truth and then thought better of it. He smiled. 'It's just with all of the burglaries and abductions I was telling you about, not to mention the shock you had today and that you have concussion. It isn't safe for you to be alone and as I said we look out for each other on this street. Besides after last night I thought you might be glad of another companion in the house. It might make you sleep better,' he said softly, firmly as though expecting an argument.

I didn't know what to say. So much for my resolve to be independent but I have to admit I craved a decent night's sleep and to my feminist shame I did so relish the prospect of a man being present to fend off any impending danger. Suppose I really am old fashioned. I don't want to be but . . . I nodded and no more was said.

I have to say I enjoyed my evening after that. The food was wonderful. I am not a very good cook and what Julian served up was pure delight. Steak au poivre with French fries , and a crisp green salad. Yum. I hadn't eaten so well in ages. I get rather neglectful of my food when I am writing and tend only to concentrate on feeding my daughter well. I was enjoying my food and the company. My home hadn't felt so warm and safe since I'd moved in. But all of a sudden I kept seeing that poor helpless girl lying there with half her face ripped away.

I put down my knife and fork unable to wipe the image from my mind, wondering if it would ever leave me alone. I couldn't help wonder who she was? Why she had been in the woods? What she done the night before? Who her mother was??? You get the picture?
I felt Roman's hand on my arm.

'What happened to the girl I found in the woods? I've never seen anything like that before. And who do you think was following me and why? And come to mention it, Roman, why were you suddenly there?' I couldn't help it. I felt compelled to ask. There were so many unanswered questions and both he and Julian had done their best to evade giving me proper answers.
I didn't miss the uneasy look Roman's identical twin Julian gave him.

'The police think she has been savaged by some wild animal. I can't believe they accepted that idea so easily. Here in Peachum? It isn't like we live in Kenya or somewhere and a lion....' Then it struck me. I stopped dead feeling an icy shiver quiver along my spine. 'That animal, that dog, no that wolf at my door last night and the man,' I gulped. 'You think that's what killed her? You think that is what is going to happen to me? What if my daughter had been here? I don't understand. Why me?'
I could hear the hysteria rising in my voice. 'What is it that you aren't telling me? What's happening?'

Roman caught my hands in his and covered them, squeezing them tightly for reassurance. He made sure he captured my gaze and held my attention.

'First of all I am not going to allow anything to happen to you or your daughter. You are safe and under my protection and Julian's. But I cannot lie to you any longer. There is something I must tell you, Amanda. Something you will find hard to digest. You are special, different to the other women that you know and I believe a part of you will have always known that,' he paused lifting one of his hands away from the tight clasp in which he held mine to gently wipe a tear that had dropped from my eye unchecked. I tried to move away embarrassed but he held my hands fast. There was no escape from his tight grip as he continued his speech.

'Unfortunately there are some men in this world who wish to possess you because of your wonderful difference and others who want to tear you apart for it,' he informed me in his warm gentle voice. 'Let me explain.'

21st December, 12.01am.

I think I stared up at him like a wild frightened rabbit for most of the time he spoke or maybe a startled deer caught in headlights might be more of an accurate description of how I looked. Well, what would you do if you were told you were the child of a Taleian human hybrid vampire and a lycan. I mean it's a bloody mouthful and not something you hear every day, is it??? And wait for it . . . we children of these unions are born human but at some time in our lives we will make a transformation into a fully fledged Taleian vampire with the prowess and powers of a lycan.

At first I couldn't work out if Roman was completely bonkers or that I might be hallucinating with my concussion or something. I stared at him dumbfounded as he continued his disbelieving story whilst fighting the temptation to make a cool sharp exit and call the men in white coats.
But that wasn't the best bit! Oh no . . . Apparently all Taleian vampires and hybrids are provided with a mate by fate, even us lycan variations. And after the change he will just turn up and knock on my door ready to claim me. How sweet, NOT! But there's more . . . there will be challengers to this mate's claim upon me, and it is up to my mate to fight them off before we can bond together. If he doesn't do his job properly I am done for, tied to some Neanderthal wife beater or a used car salesman with bad breath for life and eternity without reprieve. I remember swallowing hard when I heard this last bit. But this is Peachum, Essex not Sunnydale my mind kept screaming. This kind of thing doesn't happen somewhere like this, it's too boring a place. It shouldn't even happen at all!

The wolf at my door and yes it was most definitely a wolf at my door the other night I was informed and not to mention the man in the garden were all potential mates or challengers. With lycan hybrids the identity of the true mate would not be known until my transformation was complete. These men, for want of a better word and for the sake of political correctness, were all drawn to me because I was nearing my transformation. Unfortunately, some of them were desperate for a mate and would not wait to see if they were the chosen eternal partner and would simply make me their own in the most brutal fashion.

'Describe brutal,' I insisted pulling my hands away from Roman's to close my knife and fork together before pushing my plate away from me. I looked up at him again frowning at his silence. He rested his hands on the table and couldn't seem to make contact with my eyes. That just fuelled my suspicions and I found myself trembling. I noticed his brother Julian did not proffer an answer to my question either. Silence hung uncomfortably in the air around us. Finally, Roman looked up at me and had obviously made a decision to be totally frank.

'They will bite you, draw your blood and rape you at the same time to consummate the bond. And once it happens no one will be able to reverse it.'

I stood up at this point. 'This is all mad. I don't believe what I am hearing. Maybe you should both leave now before I start sharpening some wooden stakes and show you my Buffy moves,' I shouted with irritated fear.
Roman raised one sexy eyebrow in disbelief and then frowned. He didn't move a muscle. His brother gave a small laugh and when I turned to my side to glare at him he was leaning back in his chair, his arms folded behind his head totally relaxed and sighing with a wide smile.

'I love this part,' he said. 'Hybrid children never believe you when you tell them what they really are. It's the human in them. It makes them cynical and narrow minded,' he told his brother. 'There's always denial at first then acceptance and then surrender. Good luck with this one Roman. Looks like you've got your hands full. I'm off. I want to check in on Louise. I'll stop by later.'

I never saw him move out of the chair. Julian was a blur of speed. I heard the front door go and he was gone. It was my turn to raise an eyebrow with disbelief. In a panic I moved to reach for my bag on the chair next to me and fumbled inside it for my phone ready to call the police. But it was being snatched out of my hand before I could blink. It flew through the air and Roman caught it elegantly as he stood on the other side of my round glass dining table. My jaw nearly hit the floor.

'Calling the police is not going to help you, Amanda. They cannot protect you from this. That girl you found in the wood was the victim of a lycan desperate for a mate. He is abducting women he thinks are potential mates only to find he was wrong and in his temper he is killing them.'

Roman slipped my mobile into his trouser pocket and watched me with serious concern. It made me shake with fear.

'My guess is that he is looking for you. I, others of our hybrid race, lycans and Taleians alike have sensed your presence and that you are about to change . . .'

I interrupted him.

'You make it sound like the bloody menopause. You are one of them as well?'
He didn't answer me. I started to shake just that little bit more. I folded my arms trying to hide it.

'So , they are moving in like vultures waiting to take me for their own. Is that it?' I asked.

His handsome features remained hard and serious and I knew he was going to give me it straight from the hip again.

'Yes, they are. But they aren't the only ones you must be protected from. There are others. The slavers look for female hybrids. Female hybrid flesh and organs are rich in healing properties that can assist humans with their debilitating diseases and even cure them if they eat it.' Roman became passionate with his anger as he told me about these monsters.

'The slavers grow rich in wealth and power in the human world by imprisoning our women and cutting their flesh away to give to humans to consume. The humans will pay any price to prolong their lives and cure their loved ones of cancer or other disease. These unfortunate women are kept in a life of pain and servitude. Their organs grow back and they can be used again.'

I dropped back down into my chair feeling the blood drain from my face and pool in my feet. It was all too much to hear. Roman stood quiet.

'My daughter, she . . .? Her father was human.' Well that was one word for him.

'No matter. She has your genes. They are stronger than those belonging to a human. She will also make the change at some point in her life just like my son. I am sorry but you need to know the truth,' he said firmly.

'What am I going to do?' I whispered to myself as my mind raced with fear.

Roman moved to my side and gently placed his hand on my shoulder. It felt warm and comforting but I couldn't look at him. I was too afraid. I felt his fingers caress and hold the side of my face, lifting it up towards him as leaned down to look at me.

'I will take care of both you and your daughter,' his voice was soft, deep, soothing and more importantly, convincing. 'I will make sure you are safe and well protected. I give you my word.'

I stared up at him, a frightening thought searing into my mind.

'You said you were one of them, Roman. Which are you? A challenger or my chosen mate?' I ventured.

His dark hypnotic eyes narrowed ever so slightly with what I fancied was determination.

'I don't know yet. I won't have that knowledge in my mind until you complete the change.' His voice deepened and although it remained soft and coaxing it sharpened ever so slightly with menace. 'But I will do whatever it takes to make you mine. I've waited too long for you to arrive in my life. I won't let you escape or be taken by another.'

He brushed my forehead with a light kiss that almost made me melt as quickly as a chocolate fireguard. Oh hell, I'm doomed.

Competition & The Vampire Lover's Diary

I am in the middle of editing Sleeping Love at the moment and can't write another chapter of The Hanged Man or The Ghost Writer until I have finished. I hope it won't be too long! In the meantime I will be posting chapters of The Vampire Lover's Diary, my fun modern Urban romantic spin off to my Victorian Vampire novels, The Swords Series.

I have one print copy of Knight of Swords, the first in The Swords Series to giveaway in a competition. Whoever reads the first post of The Vampire Lover's Diary and gives me a detailed comment of what they liked best about it wins a copy. You can comment on my blog or fb wall.

Good luck.

Happy Reading!



The Vampire Lover's Diary

Sunday, 19th December

I finally met him tonight. My daughter and I moved in here over a week ago but I have only ever seen my mysterious neighbour getting into his car at night. He lives straight opposite my house in a cul de sac of ten large exclusive properties with a private gated entrance. I was making a quick dash to my car to get my i-touch that I left in there and he came out and caught me. And by caught me, I mean with no make-up on, hair in need of a wash and style and grey joggers. Curses!

He came out of his front door between the pillars dressed to the nines in a black tuxedo. I leaned in the car and kept my head down as though I was rummaging about and couldn't find what I was looking for. I hoped to hell he didn't notice me but I couldn't help lamenting the chance to get a look at the tempting eye candy. I never heard his car start and I couldn't stall any longer. I wondered if he had gone back in the house and I could make a cool sharp exit. I quickly looked up to check if the coast was clear.

He gave me one hell of a fright when I found him standing right next to my bent figure leaning into the car, bum pushed out towards his face. To humiliate myself further I jumped and banged my head off the roof of the car. He was so apologetic, so eager to make sure I was all right. I just wanted to die.

It was pure magic when he spoke. He has one of those voices that roll over you like a gentle caress making you just want to hang on to every word. I rubbed my head attempting to laugh off my injury, all the time wanting to scream with embarrassment more than from the pain it caused me. This is not how I normally look I wanted to say, I can do better. Instead I asked him to excuse the mess I was but I was a writer and I liked to be comfortable when I worked. I was suddenly more afraid that he would take me for a ditsy divorcee living off her ex- husband's money and living it up instead of forging a new independent life. Well, it matters to me what people think. There was the inevitable discussion about my writing and the first dark fantasy novel that had just been published.

I forced a smile wishing he would let me escape and at the same time just wanting him to talk more so I could listen to his voice.

'Sorry, I haven't introduced myself,' he said after our short conversation. 'I am Roman Price.'

Roman for hell sake! A name straight out of a Harlequin romance with the looks to match! Tall dark, brooding and extremely well groomed. He looks around my age, late thirties, early forties. Perfect. He has dark brown eyes and short hair to match and there is some very sexy designer stubble around his mouth and jaw. Very nice but more than likely out of my league. Such is life. Anyway I am digressing . . .

I gushed as I told him my name and shook his hand when he offered it. He seemed to hold my hand for longer than necessary or maybe that was my imagination or wishful thinking! He owns a nightclub in London. Sounds like a swish place. It's called The Midnight Lounge. He enquired whether I was settling into my new home well and was there anything he could do to help make it any easier?

Oh yes, you could put an end to a year of frustration, I thought as I smiled and told him no thank you everything was fine but thanks for the offer. His gorgeous lips curled seductively into a smile and he stared straight into my eyes just as though he'd heard my thoughts. I know he couldn't possibly have but his dark eyes told me a different story. I swear I blushed. Hell, if he'd heard . . . Mental note just in case he is telepathic or something, don't think naughty thoughts around Roman Price. Well, you never know, do you?

Roman has a son called Connor. He's around eleven. The same age as my daughter. I asked about his wife. I thought it rude not to enquire if he had one! Besides I had to check before I got my hopes up anymore than I already had done. So much for my resolve not to get involved with men ever again after my divorce. I'm not really serious about finding another man but I needed to know if he was attached for future reference, just in case. I had never seen a woman at the house.

No he isn't married, anymore that is, he told me. His wife left himself and Connor two years ago. He changed the subject very quickly. Whoopsie! Hit a nerve. Shame but score! As if a man like him would look at me! I could dream. He began talking about the other neighbours. All the time he was talking I couldn't take my eyes from his. They were so hypnotic, drawing me in until I felt lost inside them. It was unnerving but exciting at the same time.

The other neighbours sound friendly enough but I have to say I rarely see them. They often have parties and are having one on Christmas eve at Roman's house. He wants me to come and bring my daughter. I think I blushed again when I thanked him for his invitation. Then he started to leave. I was about to make a quick exit when he suddenly stopped and turned back to speak to me again.

'Oh by the way, if you need anything or you get frightened by something at night, give me a call. Living at the end of the street next to the woods like we do can be a little frightening at night when you are on your own,' he smiled.

'I'll be fine,' I told him surprised by his concern. I can look after myself. 'But thanks for the offer.'

As I spoke he took his wallet out of his inside pocket and removed a card. He handed it to me.

'Here is my number. If I can be of help do not hesitate to call at any time,' he told me firmly not appearing to take no for an answer.

I nodded. He flashed me a warm infectious smile. I said goodnight and walked back towards the house noticing that he stood by his car watching until I was safely inside. What a gentleman! I sneaked a peak out of the window and wistfully watched him get into his sleek black Mercedes and drive off.

I had a hard time working that night. I began fretting about what I should wear for the party and spent most of the night going through my wardrobe for a special outfit before deciding I had nothing to wear. I will go on an emergency shopping trip tomorrow.

It was past midnight when I locked up and decided to go to bed with a hot mug of tea. Yes I know you shouldn't drink caffeine at night but there is something soothing and comforting about sipping tea as you read and prepare to spend a lonely night in bed. Anyway, I was just going up the stairs when I glanced out of the window on the small landing before continuing up the other steps and saw a man standing in the back garden.

He was a tall dark silhouette and I could not make out any features. Startled I looked closer and the moment I did he disappeared. I was trembling all over trying to decide whether I had imagined it, perhaps seen a shape made by one of the trees blowing in the breeze or whether I really had seen someone. I consoled myself that it was probably my imagination but I could not put myself at ease.


Monday, 20th December

I have to confess that I did not get much sleep last night and when I did I slept with the light on. I woke up early at 6am when it was still dark. Thankfully, my daughter is now on holiday and there was no rush to make the school run so I pulled on my dressing gown and went off to make some breakfast. It is always my custom to have a quick look outside to see what the weather is doing in the morning. The met office had predicted snow. But so far so good.

When I looked a car was driving up the street. It was Roman Price. Wow, he really did stay out all night. He got out of his car still looking devastatingly handsome with his shirt collar undone and his bow tie hanging unmade around it. He walked around the other side of the car to open the door for his passenger. He handed out a gorgeous tall blonde woman, all long legs and skinny. You know, the Paris Hilton type. I could hear her simpering and giggling as he kissed her hand and tugged her behind him towards the door.

He must have sensed someone watching him as he put the key in the lock because he quickly turned around and looked straight up at me. I nearly died on the spot, especially when I saw him give me a knowing smile. I shut the curtains quick and stood paralysed for a moment, horrified at my discovery. I caught a sideways glimpse of myself in my mirrored wardrobe doors and stared with dismay at my hair all over the place and my childish Hello Kitty pj's and dressing gown. What must I have looked like? How bloody depressing. Twice he'd caught me at my worst and the second time snooping!

How could I have possibly thought even for one second that a man like that might find me attractive? Especially when he could get skinny tall blondes by the bucket load. I don't want to go to the party anymore. I will make an excuse and spend another Christmas alone. At least I won't make a fool of myself.

Thursday 23rd December

I found myself going stir crazy today. My daughter Darcy is away staying with her father and his new wife until Christmas Eve tomorrow and I have been cooped up for days in the house on my own. The heavy snowfall hadn't exactly made me want to go out either.

I saw that man in the garden again last night. I know I am not imagining it now. I should never have looked out. It reminded me of that movie, Salem's Lot. You know when the boy opens his curtains at night after hearing a scratching sound at the window and finds his dead friend turned vampire floating at the window scratching his nails down it! Ugh. I couldn't open the curtains for two months after watching that movie as a teenager. Still not happy doing it. Huh and me a dark fantasy/horror writer. What gives???

I couldn't see his face for the shadows but I just had that feeling that he was looking up at me. Then he seemed to vanish. I heard a scratching at the back door and what sounded like the whining of a dog. I froze as the scratching got louder and louder. My heart began to thud. Somebody or something was definitely trying to get in.

My small spaniel, Puzzle went bananas barking and took off down the stairs to investigate and defend me from the would be intruder. It spurred me into action. I searched for something heavy and found my bronze lovers statute a friend had bought me for my birthday years ago. What a thing to hit someone over the head with. Still, it was heavy as hell and would do the trick should I need to go that far to protect myself.

The scratching turned into unmistakable clawing as I descended the stairs with weapon in hand. Heart thumping until I thought it might escape from my chest and run down the road I opened the locked door to the kitchen that Puzzle stood barking outside and ran through it. That's when I remembered Roman's card with his telephone number on. No, I decided I would prove that I could look after myself. My pride was still wounded from the other morning and there was no way I was calling him.

I ran into the laundry room off the kitchen with the dog and stood in front of the frosted glass door paralysed. I could see a large dark shape of animal. I know this sounds ridiculous but it looked like a wolf from where I was standing. I put my weapon of choice down on the floor and moved to the door and it's lock ready to confront it, all the time shouting for it to go away I was armed with a deadly weapon.

The door began to rattle and shake just like my body. I suddenly decided that opening the door might not be such a good idea and I began to step back scooping the dog up into my arms. I was paralysed waiting for whatever it was to come through the door. I would have rang the police but my mobile was upstairs and I couldn't move with fright. I felt doomed!
The door suddenly partially opened making me jump. I took another two steps back feeling tears in my eyes. I glanced down at the statute and picked it up. The door banged again and I gave a cry as I saw the black eye of a large wolf stare at me through the door. Just then I saw the tall shape of a man against the frosted glass. He lunged for the animal who whined. Frosty air blew through the door still holding on to its hinges and locks for dear life and the two figures disappeared.

Shocked I ran forward letting the dog go and pushed the open part of the door closed. I found some boxes I still hadn't emptied from my move and pushed them up against the door to keep it closed. I raced back upstairs putting on every light and climbed into bed with Puzzle and my weapon. I sat listening to every creak the house made with fear for hours. I debated whether or not to ring the police but what could they do and besides I doubted whether or not they would believe me. It was a nightmare. As though one of my gruesome books was coming to life!

Eventually I must have fallen asleep after consoling myself that it was just a dog trying to get in. A bloody large dog but nonetheless just a persistent stray. There was no way it was a wolf. It was dark I got it wrong.

I just wanted to get out in the fresh air and find some company especially after I examined the door and saw the huge claw marks down the back of it. I got my friend Susan's husband to come around and fix it for now. He was amazed and asked if I wanted to come and stay the night with him and Susan to recover from my fright but I declined his kind offer. Anyway, I took the dog for a walk.

I was coming out of the house all booted up and covered in layers, stylishly though I may add when I see Roman come out of the house with Connor and a man who looked exactly like him. They were carrying shopping in from the car. I didn't know he was one of identical twins! Double the fun!! Huh, double the trouble!

He looked over to me and caught my eye despite my very best efforts to pretend that I had not seen him. He smiled widely and I returned it with a awkward nervous one of my own. I put my head down and tried to carry on but he began speaking to me and I was forced to stop and acknowledge him as he crossed the road with his brother and Connor. You may wonder how I could tell them apart. I couldn't really I was just going on who spoke to me as being Roman. He introduced me to his twin Julian and to Connor. We chatted about the good and bad points of having a twin and then he startled me by changing the conversation to about last night.

'How are you? I haven't seen you for a few days and I wondered if you were all right last night. All of your lights were on when I came in from the club at 3am,' he enquired in that melting dark chocolate voice of his. 'I couldn't help feeling concerned. There have been some burglaries in the area recently and a couple of women have been abducted from the streets in the Peachum village and one from her home at night. Please call me if you feel unsafe.'

Julian seconded his words, 'We look out for each other here, especially the ladies who live alone.'

My eyes widened with surprise. There was more than concern in both of their voices, there was fear for me. I had never heard about the abductions or the burglaries and I now wondered if I would ever sleep again. Still my stubbornness to prove I did not need a man to exist safely on the planet forced me to smile and say that everything was fine. I had just felt a little unwell. Something I had eaten.

Roman's beautiful dark eyes stared at me hard and I am sure I saw disbelief in them. Feeling guilty I made an excuse about wanting to walk the dog before it got dark and left with the promise that I would indeed come to the party on Christmas Eve.