Sara Curran-Ross's Blog, page 8

The Organ Grinder

Hi Everyone,

This is just a short note to announce that my thriller/action romance novel, The Organ Grinder has been released.  Check it out at http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/The-Organ-Grinder%252d%252dPDF-EBook.html.

Here's the blurb . . .

Award winning journalist Rebecca Eaton crosses the closed border of a troubled Asian country to interview a Human Rights activist and known terrorist. Three days later, after her reported mysterious disappearance, she turns up at the border tortured, beaten, minus her memory and one kidney.

When an attempt is made on her life in hospital, her employer sends Eaton's estranged ex-lover and security expert Dominic Kane to bring her safely home.

Kane wants Rebecca back in his arms. But before he can entice her into a reconciliation he has to help her expose a worldwide medical conspiracy involving mass murder and the illegal sale of stolen human organs.

Kane has to protect Rebecca from the men sent to silence her and the terrorists who demand she ensures the medical criminals are brought to justice or four suicide bombs will be detonated in London.

Hope you'll buy a copy.
 
Happy Reading.
 
Best wishes.
 
Sara

The Vampire Lover's Diary (Work In Progress)

Hi Everyone,

Here is the next instalment for The Vampire Lover's Diary.  Hope you enjoy it.

Regards.

Sara



I felt Julian's arm wind around my shoulders. I rubbed at my eyes trying to break free from him but he wouldn't allow me to escape. He gave my shoulders a squeeze.

'I presume that wasn't your own doing?' he questioned softly.

'No,' I blubbered. 'The Taleian hybrid or whatever you call him tried to . . .' I broke off crying.

'Shhh, you don't have to say anymore,' he said softly giving my shoulders another squeeze. 'Did he hurt you? I hate to ask this but I'm a doctor and I can help you. Did he get very far?'

'No,' I raised my voice startled and indignant. 'No, he didn't. I hit him with my bronze lovers statute,' I said proudly.

'That's my girl,' he smiled down at me.

'It didn't do much good but it dazed him enough and then Roman came in and pulled him off me. I'm sorry for crying.'

To my surprise, Julian cupped the side of my face with his hand and tilted it up towards him. I stared up at him my eyes wide like a goldfish in a goldfish bowl.

'There is no shame in it. I am relieved that you are crying and not bottling it up inside you. You have undergone a traumatic experience. But let me tell you this, both I and Roman will kill the next man who attempts to harm you.'

He spoke with conviction and there was definitely no room for doubt. Hmmmm, a sobering thought.

'I rather you didn't kill him, maybe maim him a bit. That would do,' I ventured feeling perturbed that they were ready to commit homicide on my behalf. But then we weren't playing my ordinary human rules anymore.

He laughed and I detected a small shot of disbelief at me. But he said no more on the subject.

'Why don't you fix your attire and I'll get a nice bottle of chilled Chablis out.'

He gave me a grin and a wink. I couldn't help remarking how devilishly handsome it made him look. Although Roman and Julian are identical twins there are quite a few differences to them if you looked closely.

Julian is a couple of inches taller than his brother and his face is thinner with more of an aristocratic bearing to it. He wears his hair the same as Roman and sports the same well cared for designer stubble. They are both as equally gorgeous as each other. And I have to confess a certain amount of guilt at feeling a sense of triumph that both are interested in me. I haven't had this much action in attracting men for yonks! And here it is, right on my doorstep and I wasn't even looking at it!

Have to say, though, it's not how I envisaged it. They don't just want my body, they want my blood and soul. I mean there are limits as to what I am prepared to give in a relationship, especially on the first date! Oh hell, I am really in trouble. Both of these men have me in their charms and it's bloody dangerous. I'm going to have to keep my wits about me!

I nodded and removed myself from the shelter of his arm to turn my back and do up my trousers. I heard the cork pop on the wine bottle and then he was beside me with a large glass as soon as I'd finished zipping up my trousers. I will never get used to them moving so quick.

We sat down at the large kitchen table.

'I don't think I will be able to sleep tonight after what has happened,' I told him.

'Oh you will,' he said confidently pausing before taking another mouthful of wine. 'I will personally see to it that you do,' he smiled.

I gulped but before I could retort that there would be no vampire diaries style compelling going on and that was final. I thought about Puzzle.

'My dog. How could I forget? What's happened to Puzzle?'

I stood up suddenly trembling again.

Julian was on his feet guiding me back down into the chair.

'Relax, she's going to be fine. The all night vet is taking care of her. I promise I will take you to see her in the morning. They just want to keep her in overnight. They think she might have a sprained her front paw when she fell. Now finish your wine and I will pour you some more.'

'Poor Puzzle. You aren't trying to get me drunk are you, Julian?' I questioned, a little nervous.

He put down his glass and laughed shaking his head.

'You are very funny, aren't you' he grinned. 'I like that.'

He rested his elbow on the table and leaned across the table towards me, staring at me with those wonderful dark eyes of his and swallowed me whole with his gorgeous smile.

'I have no need to get you drunk to make you do what I want. Now do I?'

'No, I suppose you don't,' I breathed all of a sudden feeling a mite sleepy.

'Amanda, you are exhausted and afraid' he whispered in a smooth even voice that commanded my full attention. 'I want you to relax and be assured that you are safe with me. I want you to enjoy your wine and then when you are finished I am going to take you to your room and you are going to go to bed and sleep deeply . . .'

Whoa there horsey! My mind screamed at me. I blinked and backed away. For a second Julian looked surprised and then confused.

'No, I don't want to be compelled. I will not have my mind controlled,' I shouted standing up again.

'Your powers are beginning to assert themselves. That's good,' he smiled again but there was a hint of caution in his tone. 'Please sit down. You don't look so good. I promise I won't do it again.'

'No I won't. I want to go home now.'

He sighed heavily.

'We've been through this, Amanda. I would let you go home if I could but it isn't safe.'

He reached over to catch my arm and gave it a gentle tug, repeating his request for me to sit back down. I was about to remonstrate with him again when a sharp pain seared through my temples. It was so strong I dropped to the floor with a thud. I felt as though my mind was being pulled apart.

My thoughts were in chaos and I could hear the cruel laughter of a man echo inside me. I'd felt this before, earlier when the Taleian hybrid attacked me and tried to push inside my mind. Julian was on his knees beside me. His handsome face was pained with concern as he fought to pull my hands away from my head. He seemed to know what was happening. He cupped my face in his hands and stroked his thumb gently over my burning forehead to soothe me.

'I want you to listen very carefully to me, Amanda, and do everything I say. I can make the pain stop, honey, but you are going to have to allow me into your mind and trust me.'

'He's laughing at me. I can see what he's done. He is showing me all of the women he's killed to show me his power. Make it stop. Please make it stop,' I begged.

The pictures in my mind were violent and stomach churning. The lycan killer stalked the women for days before finding a way to capture them. He would penetrate their minds as he raped them savagely biting them as he did so. I could taste the blood in my mouth making me want to wretch. Then I felt his anger. It was like nothing I had ever experienced before or ever wanted to again.

I felt him change into his lycan form and there was more pain. He became an animal, a ferocious beast that began tearing at his victim's flesh with his teeth. From the torturing images in my mind I could see that he had been disturbed in the woods from finishing his kill. I was next on his list to try out as his mate. He has good hopes of establishing a bond because he can sense I am close to changing. I was terrified.

Julian's voice became deep and commanding. He practically ordered me to allow him into my mind or he would have to cause me more pain to force his way.

'I'm next, ' I kept saying. 'But he is going to keep killing until I give myself to him.'

Another shot of pain pierced my mind and a loud cry blurted out from my lips.

'I'm sorry, Amanda but I'm not sure you even know how to let me in your mind yet. Now listen to me,' Julian ordered. 'I want you to mentally build a brick wall in your mind to keep him out.'

I suddenly saw myself standing in a field with a large dark wall of black water heading towards me at speed. Everything was so real and vivid. My breath caught in my throat. I felt paralysed.

'Build the wall, Amanda, before he reaches you and gains a foothold on your mind.'

Julian stood by my side in the field.

'I will help you, Amanda.' He caught my hand in his. My whole body trembled as I mentally began building a wall of bricks watching it take form in front of me. It was a clumsily built wall and my method was slow. Julian speeded the process up and strengthened the holes and cracks. It was so surreal.

The water hit the wall just as we put the finishing touches to it. I could feel the strength and incredible power behind the water trying to knock my defence down. I stood back afraid.

'It will hold, Amanda. I will help you maintain your defence and I give you my word and that is all I will do.'

The pain stopped instantly and I found myself looking back up at him in the kitchen. He was still holding my face and gently wiping away my tears that were streaming over my hands. I was violently shaking. He pulled me into his arms and held me tightly as I pressed my face into his shoulder. That's when I found he was shaking with me.

The sound of female voices and the rushing of a man's feet into the kitchen roused us both. Roman came to stand over us. He spoke to Julian.

'I felt him in her mind. I saw everything. We need to work out what to do. He isn't the only threat. I've just found out that two female Taleian hybrids were abducted from the village by slavers tonight. This place has always been a haven for hybrids and they are now concentrating their operation on this area. We might need help. Royal help.'

Julian nodded as he helped me up.

'We need to call a meeting for the street tomorrow. Then we can make some decisions.'

'What are you talking about?' I asked dazedly finding my eyes rest on three women who were standing behind Roman looking at me with pity on their faces.

'We will discuss everything tomorrow, Amanda . . .' Roman instructed rubbing my arm. 'I'm really sorry about tonight.'

'Enough,' one of the woman said moving forward. I recognised her as being the woman who transformed from a wolf back into her human form on the front of my car earlier that night. 'I think it's time Amanda had a girly hybrid chat. No males allowed.' She put her arm around my shoulders and led me away from Julian and Roman.

Julian groaned and frowned at his brother.

'She needs rest.'

'She needs to talk to . . .'

'Yes someone who can tell her the tricks of the trade in dealing with an overzealous male hybrid trying to get in her underwear. And that includes you two!' the woman laughed. 'Now move it. Go an patrol the garden or something . . .'

Both men groaned this time but interestingly enough did as they were told without any further questions and I was left for my girly chat wondering what other horrors I was now to find out about my new life as a hybrid to come.

The Art Of Retaliation (Work In Progress)

Hi Everyone,

At long last I have written another chapter for my historical romance, The Art Of Retaliation.  I hope you like it.

I am hoping to post chapters for The Vampire Lover's Diary and my thriller Hidden Agenda this week as well.  Keep checking in.

Hope you all have a great week.

Happy Reading!

Best wishes.

Sara



Chapter Eight


I was to avoid Lord Ramsay as much as I was able to for the next two days and I ensured any communication between us was to be brief. Such were my wishes. I spent most of my time confined in my room contemplating my future as I convalesced from my illness. Still not allowed to see my ailing friend my spirits became low. The day of the ball I was to receive a most unwelcome visitor to my room, Lucinda.

She came unannounced into my room ignoring the rights of my privacy. She was to find me engaged reading when she entered. I closed my book as she came to sit across from me in another chair by the fire. I laid my book on the arm of the chair feeling my body stiffen with apprehension.

'Lucinda.'

'Lady Dashwood,' she beamed with a smile that bespoke the essence of mischief itself.

I made every attempt to smile with unaffected pleasantry but I was not to manage the feat. Lucinda stared and then laughed.

'You are very haughty. I can see what Peter loves so much about you. It is a shame that he can never have you for a wife. I do believe you would make quite a handsome couple.'

She stood over me and picked up my book. She frowned at it and then tossed it upon my bed. I could not help sighing with impatience. Must I be so tried by this woman.

'How may I help you, Lucinda?' I asked trying to keep my tone civil and polite.

Lucinda flopped down upon my bed and wrapped her arm around one of its wooden posts. She smiled sweetly.

'I have a proposal for you, Pamela. One that will help you gain your freedom from both my brother and Lord Simon. Are you willing to hear it?' she asked in her simpering tone.

I straightened in my chair.

'And how would you be able to arrange that?'

Her smile widened as the tips of her fingers idly caressed the deep carved grooves in the bed post.

'I know a another way out of Rawnsley Castle. You can leave here by boat. There is a small jetty leading out of the central North tower. I could get one of the servants to row you across the moat.'

I became excited but wary with it.

'And what would you gain from helping me, Lucinda, apart from your brother's displeasure?' I asked.

I already knew the answer, of course but I wanted to hear her say it.

She frowned.

'Lord Simon.'

'He is a rake, Lucinda. You would not be safe with him. No woman of birth or indeed otherwise is. I am sure your brother would forbid a marriage between you both.'

She stood up and glared at me. She was no better than a ill tempered child.

'I want him and I shall have him. My brother will not stop me. And neither will you, Lady Dashwood. With you gone he will be made to forget you and his affections will turn towards me. Of that, I am quite sure,' she smiled to herself. 'Then he will come to realise that I am the only woman for him.'

'It was the first and only time I felt concern and pity for Lucinda.

'You are mistaken and reckless with your happiness.'

'Hush. You should be glad that I am, madam. It will be to your happiness and advantage, if I am. I know that Lord Simon intends to carry you away from here tonight and force himself upon you. Your brother has made an arrangement with him for a marriage between you both. Your brother's life has been threatened by his creditors and he will do anything to save his neck. He will bring my sister home to the ball and after that you are to belong to Lord Simon. Now are you willing?'

'Does Lord Ramsay know of this plot?' I demanded to know.

Lucinda moved closer to me and laid her dainty hand on my shoulder.

'Oh you poor thing. Yes I'm afraid he does. Lord Simon is so determined to have you that he will cause a great scandal by revealing to all of society my brother's kidnap plot if Peter keeps you from him. My family cannot afford to be ruined. He is not to stand in Lord Simon's way.'

'This cannot be. He promised . . .'

Lucinda continued ignoring my outburst of grief.

'I will placate Lord Simon after your departure by offering myself as a sacrifice in marriage,' she gave a small laugh of malice. 'Peter will have no choice but to agree to our marriage. It is all arranged. I speak the truth, Pamela, and I keep nothing from you. Now what do you say?'

I could not help trembling from my shock, my anger and . . . my disappointment in Lord Ramsay. I had wrongly believed him to be a man of principal ready to weather any danger. I had not taken him for a man who cared about society. Indeed, he had taken pains to assure me he didn't. I did not know what to think anymore. I thought no more upon the subject. My mind was made up.

I nodded quickly feeling tears swell in my eyes.

'Yes. Let me know what I must do.'

'Lucinda laughed and gleefully clapped her hands together.

'Good. Now let us plan your escape.'



I spent the rest of the day anxious, unable to eat or to settle my nerves. Every hour was spent anticipating failure in my escape and of a life spent in violence and wifely servitude to Lord Simon. But it was nothing in comparison to the overwhelming pain I felt over Lord Ramsay's deceit and willingness to see me ruined simply to preserve his family's reputation.

The lateness of the afternoon brought an unexpected visitor to my room.

'Lord Ramsay, I did not expect to see you. I thought you would be too busy with preparations for the ball tonight.'

'No. It is well in hand. Now I must talk with you.'

He held his hat in his hand and had clearly been out of the house. He appeared rushed but excited about something.

'Lady Dashwood, I fear you have done your best to avoid me these past few days and I am ashamed that I have allowed you to,' he paused and smiled. 'But no more. I know that your life has been made intolerable but I intend to make amends. Your brother is to bring my sister home during the ball tonight and I would like it very much if you were to come this evening and grant me the pleasure of your company. We have much to discuss.'

I stared at him, quite shocked by his request and for a moment I found it hard to speak. I wanted to rebuke him and gain my revenge by revealing my knowledge of his complacency in Lord Simon and my brother's plot. But Lucinda's warning echoed in my mind restraining any outburst. I must act as though normal and betray nothing if our scheme was to work.

Still I could do little to hold back the coldness in my tone.

'As you are my jailer there is little I can do to refuse you.'

I felt sadness seep into my heart as the brightness in his eyes receded. I did not like to hurt him even after all I had learnt. The room suddenly felt chilly.

'No I suppose you are right, Lady Dashwood.' He answered formally with a good deal of disappointment and affront in his voice. What did he expect of me? 'Then as your jailer as you so eloquently term me, I insist on your presence at the ball tonight.'

'As you wish, Lord Ramsay. 'Although I have nothing to wear. I have been living in the dress I was brought here in and one belonging to Lucinda . . .' I told him haughtily.

'Yes. I had already considered the problem,' he said softly as his eyes searched my own as though to discover my secret and reason for my ill humour with him. I looked away determined not to meet the warmth of his gaze. I heard him give a small sigh and then carry on in his speech appearing to be resolute in not allowing my temper to cast misery upon his visit.

'I hope you do not mind but I took the liberty of purchasing a dress for you.'

I looked up at him startled by his words as he moved to the door and called for the maid Louise outside to bring it in. Her face and eyes were wide with pleasure as she carried the gown in over her arm.

'I do hope it is to your taste and that it fits you well,' he studied me closely with a lingering smile, his gaze coming to rest gently upon my cleavage as he spoke with much humour, 'I do believe I am a good judge of the female figure and it's varying measurements.'

I felt my eyebrow raise in reproof.

'I do not doubt it, sir. I believe all men are.'

He gave me another wide smile and made an effort to catch my gaze once more. I turned away to watch Louise carry the gown into my dressing room. When I turned back Lord Ramsay was inappropriate in his closeness to me. I faltered and made to step away but he was to catch my hand and force me to remain still.

'What is it that bothers you today, Pamela?' I have been told that you have eaten nothing all day and that you have remained in your room for days alone. I fear for your health and spirits. You look too pale for liking. Perhaps we should call the doctor once more.'

'I can assure you I am quite recovered from my illness,' I told him with impatience. 'Am I now to be denied the comfort of my solitude by my jailer?' I asked with a spiteful nature. I could not help myself.

He stared at me, confused, hurt. Slowly he let go of my hand.

'I thought that we were friends, Pamela. I want your last night here to be special. I want to make up for what has happened to you. We became close before your brother arrived and I hoped to rekindle the passion we felt for each other.'

'How can you expect that of me when you toy with my freedom and . . .'

I closed my eyes infuriated that I had nearly revealed my secret knowledge.

'And what?' he demanded narrowing his eyes.

'And nothing, sir. How can I be expected to treat you as though you were a friend when you hold my life to ransom. No sir, we are not friends. The closeness you talk of was fleeting and immoral in the circumstances. As my brother said, there is to be nothing between us.'

'Immoral? Is love in any circumstance to be considered immoral?' he implored with a rising temper.

'I will talk of this no more. You have wasted your time, sir. I will not be attending the ball. Please take back the gown. I shall not wear it. Please leave.'

'Who has poisoned you against me? Lucinda? Lord Simon? Why this sudden change of heart? Are you so fickle in love?'

'No, I am not. I have been brought to my senses as to your character and I am unable to place my trust in you any further.'

'Tell me what has been said?' he shouted.

'No one has said anything to me. It is simply what I have observed in your conduct and your friendship with Lord Simon. I cannot place my trust in you for those reasons alone.'

Silence engulfed us. I felt angry tears brim in my eyes.

'I knew our situation was a difficult one, Pamela but I believed there was hope for rising above it when I detected that you felt the same way about me as I did you. I can see that I have been sadly mistaken,' he said quietly.

'Pray, allow me to stay in my room until my brother arrives.'

'No, I will not. I want to see you in the gown I bought for you. You will not be allowed to hide in this room any longer. Your health and mind are suffering for it. I will not see you ill again. You have suffered enough.'

His voice although calm and soft in its sound was dark with anger and menace when he addressed me further. So much so I found myself trembling.

'As your jailer, madam I demand you wear the gown I have bought you and come down to the ball this evening. If you do not, I will instruct the servants to dress you by force if necessary and I will carry you down myself. And by now you should know that I am not a man to be trifled with. I will not be disobeyed. Good day.'

He gave me a courteous bow and left the room without a further word. Insufferable, wretched man.

The Organ Grinder

Chapter One

London – Docklands – Three days later


Dominic Kane sat in Anna Harker's penthouse office overlooking the Thames. He studied Harker as she leant against the front of her large ornate desk next to his chair watching the news on the middle of three LCD TVs on the wall ahead of her. She was now in her late sixties and was one of the most powerful noises in the British and global media. She was a strong ruthless businesswoman who didn't suffer fools. At twenty seven she ran the small press Dolls House Publishing and bought it from its owner when he was financially ruined. By the age of thirty five she owned a string of successful newspapers and publishing companies and turned her attention to cable networks. This was the woman who fought off a massive takeover bid of her holding company Turnstile Communications from her hospital bed when the vultures smelt death last October.

She was also the woman famous for being attacked one night in Central Park and successfully fighting off her assailant, armed only with an umbrella at the age of sixty-three. A fierce supporter of human rights and the abolition of violence against women Harker wasn't afraid to speak out and cause a stir. She was a powerful woman and needed to be handled with great respect.

She was still a good looking woman. Her appearance was immaculate, crisp and clean in her black suit. Her blonde hair was cropped in a no nonsense short bob and her attractive hazel eyes told Kane that she knew more about him than he was comfortable with.

He turned to watch the screen once more. ATM's newsreader Monty Turner was serving up the latest on their missing star correspondent. She had been found at the North Bundenese border less than 24hours ago. She had been making headlines all around the world since her disappearance in South Bundhara three days ago, straining the tense relations between Britain and the US who were threatening air strikes and retaliation if South Bundhara decided to make good on its threat and invade North Bundhara.

Another glance at Harker's face told him of her concern for Rebecca. Kane had done his research. Rebecca wasn't just another employee of her channel, ATM, she was one of Harker's friends. Harker was almost a replacement mother figure and like him she had been listening to the harrowing rumours of torture, rape and other physical crimes forced on Rebecca's body. The woman looked ill with worry. He turned his attention to the screen once more, back to the interview with the UN soldier that found Rebecca. It was the sixth time he had seen the report.

'She was just walking along the road behind some of the refugees. She looked out of it. I didn't recognise her at first. When I ran up to her she backed off. She tried to make a run for it down the bank into the trees. I am sure it was my uniform that made her frightened. I took off after her and brought her back. She was so dazed she didn't even know her own name.'

'And what condition was Rebecca in? I mean, was she injured? I am sure you realise how concerned we are at ATM,' one of the correspondents crowding around him jostling for position asked. Kane watched the soldier smile and nod clearly loving the limelight.

'Yes of course I do. She was exhausted, dehydrated, I guess. She had obviously been beaten and she was clutching at a wound on her left side that was bleeding. She collapsed in my arms. She has been taken to hospital now.'

The interview continued to play but Harker talked over it. She spoke suddenly, the emotional strain clearly audible in her voice this time. 'I want you out there.'

Kane simply nodded. Inside he was elated. 'I take it the rumours are true then?" he said carefully.

There was a pause from Harker. She turned to face him directly and he could clearly see tears brimming in her eyes. 'Yes, they are. She's been beaten, tortured, raped, starved ...' Another pause. Kane noticed she took in a breath before she started again.

'And that's not even the worst. She's been cut open, operated on. One of her kidneys has been removed, stolen. She was butchered. It wasn't a neat job and from what the doctors can gather there were some intra-operative complications.' Harker raised her eyes to the ceiling and took another breath as she composed herself once more.

She continued, 'That's where the mystery comes in. Those complications appear to have been dealt with well, as though someone skilled intervened in the operation to tidy it up. But her surgical wound has become infected and the doctors are worried that she might develop pneumonia. She can't remember anything that has happened to her. She can't remember her own name or her past. Not even her family or friends.'

Harker paused watching the screen once more, 'They call it dissociative fuge. It's some form of amnesia that occurs after a traumatic experience. And you will already know that an attempt was made on her life when she was brought into the hospital.'

Kane gave her a confused look as he noticed her eyes suddenly look down at his hands on the chair and widen with surprise. He followed her gaze. He felt his mouth tense. He was gripping the arms of the chair so tight as she talked of Rebecca's injuries that his knuckles had turned white. He had betrayed himself and given the whole game away.

'I know you and Rebecca have a history,' she said eyeing him closely. 'Together. And I also know your parting wasn't exactly on amicable terms. But I can see that you obviously still feel something for her. I hope this won't be a problem and that you won't let it affect the way you do your job. I want her to have the best security money can buy. You come highly recommended from the powers that be.'

He felt uncomfortable. He made a conscious effort to loosen his hold on the arms of the chair. She was waiting for his response. She would be judging as to whether or not he was telling the truth. He was going to have to be careful. She wouldn't respect him for denying his feelings.

He spoke softly making sure he held eye contact with her. 'I don't allow my personal life to interfere with my work and I am not about to start now. I am flattered that you believe my company worthy of providing high calibre security, but I have to warn you I am not so sure this is the best for Rebecca. When her memory returns she is liable to be obstructive and distrustful of my presence.'

'Yes, I can more than imagine.' Her lips crinkled into a knowing smile. 'But I am also aware that you won't let that stop you. That is why you are sitting here now and why you got your stepfather's influential friends to recommend your company to me. I know that you have been planning to go out there anyway whether I chose you or not. From all reports, Mr Kane you were packed and ready to go with a team to get her out of South Bundhara the moment you heard she'd disappeared. Unfortunately for you that proposed mission was stopped because there was already a team out there looking for her.'

He felt uneasy when she talked about his stepfather. It was the one and only time Kane had asked for his help. He hated the man who had wormed his way into his mother's life and taken it over. He had never needed anyone's help to get a contract for his company Kane Security & Close Protection Services. But this was one job he didn't want to take his chances on. Rebecca's safety was worth the humiliation and condescension he'd had to take from the man. Still Kane knew that his step father would do anything to get him on side for the sake of his mother and he had taken advantage.

He smiled and told Harker quietly, confidently,' I will bring her home safely.' The smile on Harker's face widened and then receded quickly. She nodded. She appeared convinced. He watched her return to her throne behind the desk. She carried her small frame awkwardly, shuffling her walk, a cause of recent surgery on her feet, the removal of a toe he'd heard, another effect of her crippling diabetes. She had been in and out of hospital recently and the rumour was she was living on borrowed time once more. The woman had no kids, no family to speak of and he couldn't help wondering who would inherit her fortune.

He got his mind back on the job at hand and started gathering as much information as he could. He wanted to be aware of all the facts so he could arrange effective protection for Rebecca. So he started questioning Harker. His first question was the one burning a hole in his head, the one that had kept him awake night after night whilst he'd waited for any news of Rebecca. 'Why did she cross South Bundhara's closed border? What was so important that she had to take a risk like that? Why was she sent her out there?' He made every effort to hide his frustration but he could hear it slip past the polite tone he used as a barrier to disguise it.

Harker sounded irritated, 'No one sent her anywhere, Mr Kane. Her little trip was unauthorised.' He wasn't the only one who was frustrated at Rebecca's latest reckless stunt to bring in the news.

Harker continued. 'No one knew apart from, Jed, her cameraman.'

'Does she know about his death? That his decapitated head and body were found at the border?'

Harker squirmed and shuddered in her chair before she answered. 'No. I keep thinking that could have been her.' Kane bowed his head, the very idea making him feel nauseous.

'She and Jed made one hell of a team, Mr Kane, as I am sure you well know. She will take his loss very badly when she remembers. I believe they were once linked romantically. But Rebecca is a very private person, even with me. She likes to keep you guessing. Maybe you know more than me on that one?' He smiled and remained silent. He did and, yes, she was right, but he wouldn't betray Rebecca. There was obviously some reason why she hadn't told the woman. 'You are very loyal, Mr Kane.'

Harker sat forward leaning her elbows on the desk looking directly at him. She continued, 'I don't agree with the rest of the media that she was tortured by this Doctor Tasnanee Somwan and her terrorist group "The South Bundenese Liberation Army".' I have been told that she asked Rebecca to go out there and interview her. She would only trust Rebecca to present her peaceful request to the British government for their help. She had something to offer them. Besides, Mr Kane, MI5 intercepted the e-mails Somwan was sending Rebecca. They encouraged her to go, asking her to carry a message from the British government.' Harker shook her head with disbelief as she finished her last sentence.

'They gave her no support?' Kane asked.

'They said she had to go it alone. If they were seen to be involved in negotiating with a terrorist there would be political hell to pay for the government.'

It was almost a black ops. Harker broke into his thoughts. 'I really believe it was the South Bundenese government. I believe Somwan told Rebecca and Jed something that was going to provoke the British and Americans into action and stop them sitting on the fence on whether to authorise air strikes. Anyway I am not sure what is going on and I want you to find out. I want whoever is responsible for doing this to Rebecca held accountable. Whatever it is she knows, the information is enough for them to want to kill her.'

'I have a plane and a team ready and waiting at Heathrow.'

'Good. I need you there, Mr Kane, as soon as possible. Hospital security is practically non-existent and the police that are guarding her are inadequate, hence the attempt that was so easily made on her life. I will have you flown from here to Heathrow by helicopter.' She sat back in her chair suddenly grimacing with pain. She turned pale for a moment making Kane wonder whether or not he should get help. But she waved her hand at him when he politely expressed his concern.

'I'm fine. The North Bundenese police don't exactly have the best reputation in the world. Apparently the custom is to offer a bribe if you want their co-operation – and they will be awkward in surrendering Rebecca's security to you. They will be loving all the attention from it. I will send my personal assistant Charles with you. He will get you any funds you require. He will handle the media.'

Kane wanted to object. He didn't want anyone else along for the ride. He was taking a large team of men out there, a bigger number than he would normally use, purely because he was unsure of what to expect. If a war did kick off he wanted to focus all of his attention on getting Rebecca out of the country not worry about another mark. But he nodded in agreement. The client was always King. He started to move from his chair to get on his way but she raised her hand making him sit back down again.

'There is something else you should know. There are some Embassy officials out there hounding Rebecca for information about her interview with Somwan. I am pretty sure they are MI5 trying to keep their involvement under wraps. They have managed to get the doctors to stop her medication to keep her lucid so they can pump her for information. She can't remember and she is in agony without pain relief.'

There was a fierce anger boiling through Harker's speech, displaying a hardness in her eyes. 'They are putting her at more risk of developing pneumonia. She could die, Mr Kane. It's nothing short of torture.'

He told Harker quietly, firmly, 'If I know Rebecca she will be giving them a hard time back. She is a fighter she will hold up until I get there. They won't be allowed near her after that. I will personally make sure of that.'

A brightness slowly returned to Harker's eyes. 'I don't doubt it.'

The door opened making them both look up and turn towards it. A young man of Indian English descent came into the room. The man smiled at them both.

'Charles, come in. This is Charles Beaumont, my personal assistant. One more thing before you both go. Michael Eaton, Rebecca's brother is already out there. He left the moment she was reported missing. You never met him, I know . . . he may get in your way.' She raised her eyebrows and smiled with sarcasm as she spoke about Michael.

Kane got the impression that Michael Eaton was not one of her favourite people. 'He's the tall dark and handsome type, an internationally renowned cardio thoracic surgeon, who really believes he is something. Just like most surgeons in my experience. But he is a notorious womaniser and a gambler. He's arrogant and believes he always knows what is best for everyone, especially his sister when she is in trouble. He thinks he can look after her and get her home on his own. He won't trust her safety with anyone. Rebecca and he are very close, very protective of each other. I suppose you can't blame them. They are all they have, there is no other family. Did she ever tell you about her parents and what happened to them?'

'No. I knew that she had a brother she doted on but she always clammed up when I mentioned her parents.' Kane watched Harker with interest, always eager to learn something new about Rebecca. She had never given much away.

'They were murdered in front of them when she and Michael were children.'

Kane stared hard at her.

'They were journalists, well the wife, Janice. She was an award-winning photographic journalist. They did a piece together on a child-sex-slave ring in 1981 and made some dangerous enemies. When the gunmen finished with their parents they went looking for Michael and Rebecca. She was only eleven, Michael was eight. She hid Michael and faced them alone. Michael told me – she would never tell me anything. They hit her several times but she wouldn't give up Michael's whereabouts . . . they tore the place up looking for him. But the Eatons lived in a large old cottage and there was many a nook and cranny. He could have been anywhere. Turns out he was right under their noses and could see everything that went on. They put a gun to her forehead . . .'

Harker recounted the tale with disgust now but her hard tone was punctuated with bitter emotion. Kane just felt numb as he listened in horror.

'Michael, he wanted to go to her aid but she had locked him in this vent or whatever it was . . . I don't remember . . . not that he would have been able to do anything. He watched the man holding the gun to her head pull back the trigger. He really thought she was going to die. He told me that he would never forget how courageous she was, how she faced her fate with dignity. Tears were rolling down her face but she didn't flinch with fear. To him, she was regal, serene, braver than he could ever be – he will never forget the way she protected him with her own life. I think he is in awe of her: it's the way he talks about her with such pride. If the police had been a second late in barging through the door she would have been dead. They shot the gunman dead and he fell on top of her. Michael said he remembers screaming with her and he is sure a part of him still is. Michael will get in your way and try control the situation. He won't trust anyone with her protection. He believes he owes her that much.'

Kane suddenly realised he was still staring at Harker. But he was looking through her. He was stuck in the scene she had described, watching Rebecca as a child facing death in the eye. He felt pain, loss, anxiety beginning to gain a strangle hold on him. It was the culmination of the fear he had experienced wondering if she was dead or alive. A reminder of how close she had come to death before he could make it right between them. He'd been wasting time. No more.

He was going to make her see that they belonged together before her job got her killed. He always said she had a death wish. Now he knew why. She had been repeating the same scenario over and over in her mind. She must have thought she should have died along with her parents. She'd been trying to get herself killed. She must have felt guilty about surviving. It explained so much about her. It was almost a textbook manoeuvre.

She was starting to make sense to him now. You are more messed up than I thought Rebecca. Trouble is, you never counted on the part of yourself you showed me, the part that is damned if it is going to let you kill yourself to prove a point. No more games. This is going to end. I am going to make you see sense whether you like it or not.

'Mr Kane, are you all right?' He raised his head quickly, jumping to Harker's attention. She gave him a sympathetic smile. 'I am sorry, Mr Kane. I should have been more careful how I told you . I can see how much you still care for Rebecca. Now I am even more convinced that I have chosen the right man for the job. She doesn't need some faceless security expert who will boss her around. She needs emotional support.'

Kane felt uneasy again. He shouldn't really go. He was too involved with Rebecca, albeit their relationship was in the past. It was unethical. He shouldn't be involved with the client, it stopped you doing an effective job. It made you careless. But then this wasn't any ordinary assignment and he was too stubborn and, dare he say it, arrogant to let anyone else provide her security. He was the only one he trusted with her life. He stood up fastening his suit jacket and moved to shake Harker's hand.

'I will call you when I have seen her.'

'Mr Kane, if Rebecca does not co -operate with you and fails to follow your instructions just tell her she is fired. When she gets her memory back that will help you to keep her under control and stop her from trying to sort this mess out on her own. We both know that is what she will try and do. It's too dangerous. Tell her I want her safe or she is out of a job and I mean it.'

He grinned and followed Charles. She'll love that!

News

Here is the book cover for my thriller The Organ Grinder.  The book is due to come out very soon and will be available for sale at http://www.solsticepublishing.com/ as an e-book and in print there and in US bookstores, amazon etc.

Just to wet your appetite I am posting the prologue and first chapter.  Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Best wishes.

Sara


Asia – North Bundhara border




The young British UN soldier watched an unidentified truck rumble along the broken pot holed track they called No Man's land. A suicide mission? The question rattled loud and fierce in his mind. He stepped out onto the road amidst the steady stream of refugees making their weary way to the precarious safety of North Bundhara. Part of his job was to assist their evacuation, the other to protect them with force if needed. The truck was swerving scattering the rag tag band of people in its way to either side. The soldier aimed his standard issue rifle. He felt a strange cocktail mix of fear and excitement swirl noisily inside his stomach. At last he was about to see some action.

The truck stopped dead in front of him but still some distance away. He shouted at the frightened people to take cover and move away. Shrieks and wails of fear echoed all around him dispelling the quiet of the forest. Small tattered clothed children were lifted from carts leaving bewildered horses wondering where their human loads had disappeared to. Everyone scuttled down the banks of the road to take cover. The soldier glanced to his side noticing that a North Bundenese soldier was now standing near providing support.

The doors of the truck opened and two men got out. He couldn't make their faces out in the dimming light. The South Bundenese didn't take too kindly to people deserting their country for their decadent immoral neighbour. This could have been one of those army missions to round refugees up and execute them for treason. He shouted halt but his command was ignored.

The soldier felt his palms begin to sweat as the figures moved around to the back of the truck. He stretched his fingers along his rifle feeling them begin to tighten with tension. He repeated his command. This time with the intention to shoot if they did not obey him but his threat appeared idle. He knew that he had to make a decision.

It was so damn hot. He could smell the heat all over his wet body under his fatigues. Fixing his fingers more firmly on the rifle he took a couple of steps forward repeating his threat once more. He had to play it cool, firing was the last option. They were his orders. A trickle of moisture ran under his helmet, down his neck and onto his chest. It irritated his skin making him desperate to rub it away. The two men lifted something heavy out of the back of the truck and brought it around to the front. 'Make your mind up, make a decision. Shoot to kill or be killed. But what if I am wrong? What if it is the wrong call?' he muttered to himself under his breath.

The soldier's finger jumped on the trigger as they carried the bag between them and threw it on the ground not far from him. Only the realisation that it was a body bag stopped him firing. He guessed it was the same for the North Bundenese soldier who stood at his side. He tried asking them about the bag, but there was no reply. One of the men returned to the truck and brought out a round object in a bag. It was the shape of a football. The soldier's heart start to thud inside his chest louder than it had ever done. He had a bad feeling about this object.

His gut twisted painfully. His finger jumped once more on the rifle as the man took the object out of the bag and rolled it along the ground towards him. He froze unable to complete the action. As it tapped the toe of his boot he closed his eyes waiting for the anticipated explosion. It had to be a bomb. He hadn't expected his new career to end so abruptly and so soon. He looked down deciding to face his fate and found his football bomb was a bloody, jagged decapitated head.

Hidden Agenda (Work In Progress)

Hi Everyone,

I've written another chapter of Hidden Agenda.  Please feel free to comment and let me know what you think.

Happy Reading.

Best wishes.

Sara

Chapter Six

London, July, 1996




Alessandro leaned back against the door of his black Mercedes. it was 6am and the sun was warming the smell of acrid smoke that clung to city after the bomb blasts. He'd been home to catch some sleep and shower but already he was beginning to feel like he needed another one with the dust and debris floating around in the air. His dark eyes scanned the back of the hospital.

He had men watching Ariadne's hospital room, partly to protect, partly to restrain should she decide to leave unexpectedly before his arrival. Still he wouldn't put it past her to make it out of the hospital despite her injured state and outfox his men. She'd seemed too confident that was a possibility because she knew the hospital so well. That's why another couple of his men were watching the front and he was at the back with his close aides Maurizo and Ethan. She wasn't going anywhere.

'She's on the move,' Alessandro straightened listening to Ethan's voice as he talked on his mobile phone and relayed information from the men outside her room. 'The nurses are in a panic looking for her. They never saw her come out.'

'Shit. Where are the men Vadala sent to apprehend her they clocked last night?' he asked Ethan quickly scrutinising every doctor, porter and other hospital staff coming out of the hospital's back entrance. Where was she? He felt his chest tighten with anxiety. She was going to get herself killed.

'They are heading north down the corridor. They've picked up pace. Looks like they've found her. Shit they are running now,' Ethan informed. Alessandro frowned as Ethan continued. ' They've just seen her, she's in a lift,' There was a pause and then surprise. 'She is heading up, not down.'

Before Alessandro could issue an order Ethan was already on another call instructing the two men at the front of the hospital to enter the building. Alessandro crossed the road closely followed by Maurizio and Ethan eager to get inside the hospital. He had a bad feeling he knew exactly how Ariadne planned to escape him. His suspicions were confirmed when he heard a loud noise overhead. Helicopter.

The Aylesbury was famous for its heart and transplant operations. They were always ferrying in vital organs and seriously ill patients by air ambulance. He glanced up. Sure enough there was a helicopter going in to land on the rooftop. Shit, he had to move quick or she was going to be on that chopper and out of there before he could blink.

'She's going for the roof. There's an air ambulance coming in to land. She'll be hoping she can get on it when it leaves, he told them increasing his speed into a run.

'All this trouble over a girl. We could have had the tape last night, Alessandro,' Maurizio told him with a bad temper. 'You should have been more persuasive with her. Why the hell weren't you?'

Alessandro decided to ignore the older man's rebuke and disapproval of his methods. At some point they were going to come to blows but he couldn't afford to antagonise him until Vadala was finished and he didn't have the fucking time right now. He needed Maurizio whether or not he liked it. Ethan answered for him as they rushed to the hospital entrance.

'Because he has a heart, Maurizio. Something you have to find, tin man,' Ethan said with heavy sarcasm.

They took the lift to the eight floor of the new modern building and walked out onto a floor in chaos. They hurried along the curving corridor unable to see what was up ahead. There were screams from a woman and the sound of cutlery falling to the white plastic floor. Then they heard a gunshot.

Alessandro's anxiety for Ariadne went into over drive. He cursed his men as they came through a door that led out to more lifts as he passed by. Too bloody late as usual. She could be dead. He careered around another clinical white curve in the claustrophobic and brightly lit the corridor that stung his eyes and burned his throat with its nauseating antiseptic smell. He came across some fleeing women who had come to serve breakfast to the patients in the ward on their left and noticed they were closely followed by a doctor and two nurses. Alessandro spied Ariadne being chased by two of Vadala's men. Both of them were armed and making every attempt to take her down, not caring who got in their way.

She was dressed in green scrubs, a cap on her head as though she had just come out of an operating theatre. No wonder she'd got past Vadala's men and his own. They wouldn't have recognised her like that. One of them fired another shot as she pushed heavily against the swing door that led out into another corridor. The bullet ricocheted off the wooden door missing her head by inches. Alessandro's heart skipped a beat. He watched her stop dead and stare at the door. Her pale injured face turned ashen. It was to cost her valuable time. Vadala's men were almost upon her and she would be dead if she didn't move.

'Run,' he shouted to her. She glanced in the direction of his voice and registered its urgency. It spurred her into movement and she was through the door and making her way up the stairs to the roof.

Maurizio brought the first of the men down in a rugby tackle as Alessandro burst through the door after her and the other man as she ran up the first flight of stairs. She was struggling and there was blood seeping through the bandage that covered her bullet wound from last night. She looked ready to collapse but the expression of sheer bloody determination mingling with her fear on her face told him she'd bloody die trying to get on that helicopter.

Vadala's man brought her face down hard on the cold floor of the landing after the first flight of stairs. Alessandro heard her groan dazedly as he took the stairs two at a time to get to her. The guy viciously turned her over not even realising he was about to be attacked.

He turned but it was too late Alessandro was down on him and dragging him off her. Another man burst through the door as he fought with Ariadne's attacker, clearly from Vadala and ready for a fight. If he'd got past Maurizio, Ethan and the others that meant there were more of Vadala's men in the building than he'd allowed for and would be on their way. Shit, what was on the bloody tape that they would risk shooting up a hospital and exposure for? If he didn't do something Ariadne was a dead woman.

Alessandro shouted at Ariadne to get up as he gained on his opponent and pushed him backwards down the stairs into his startled colleague bowling him over down the flight of stairs. At least she was on her feet. He caught her arm and propelled her upwards to the small air ambulance station office on the next floor.

'I know what you're doing. I need you on that helicopter. It's the only way I can get you out of here alive. But I'm coming with you.' He told her taking his semi-automatic out of his inside suit jacket pocket.

'I won't let you stop me taking the tape to the police' she told him with fury struggling in his grip.

'Too bad. Now do as your bloody told if you want to get out of this alive,' he snapped painfully tightening his hold on her arm.

He marched her through the door to the office and kicked the door closed behind him making everyone in the room jump to his attention. He ordered two frightened women and a man to barricade the door to stop Vadala's men getting through or they would all be dead. They wasted no time in doing as they were told and to his relief refrained from asking needless questions when they saw his gun. The men started to bang on the door and push against it as Alessandro pulled Ariadne out in to a small conservatory area filled with chairs, a coffee machine and a table with magazines. He could hear and see the helicopter outside preparing for takeoff. He opened the door and immediately the blast of air from the revolving rotary blades did it's best to knock them over.

They both bent their heads as he hurried her towards the helicopter. The pilot got out shouting at them about the danger and authorisation. Alessandro aimed his automatic at him and let it do the talking.

'We need to get out of here. It's a matter of life and death so get back inside and get us up in the air,' he informed the man coldly.

The man was flabbergasted. A bullet whistled past them and embedded itself in the door of the helicopter. Ariadne jumped. The Pilot ducked and ordered them both in as he climbed in. Alessandro looked around quickly. The two men from the stairs had broken through the door and where shooting at Ariadne. They would never aim to kill him but Ariadne was a sitting duck.

Alessandro placed himself in front of her as he shot back at them, bellowing at her to get in. They started aiming directly at the helicopter to damage it and prevent it's takeoff. He shouted at the pilot to take off with Ariadne but damn it she wouldn't go without him.

'I'm not leaving without you. Get in.'

'Go now. I will hold them off.'

'No,' she took hold of his jacket and pulled him to the door with her. 'I know they won't be allowed to kill you so if you come they won't try and bring the helicopter down. Now get in.'

He shot another round considering her words. She was right. As long as he was on the aircraft she was safe with the tape. He shot again and got in. The pilot took off. The two men came out of their places of cover and looked up at him. One of them aimed at the engine but the other knocked his hand away. He glared up at them as the pilot manoeuvred the helicopter away from the roof. Alessandro sat back with a sigh and looked over at Ariadne next to him. She surprised him by pulling off her cap and by lying her weary head against his shoulder for comfort. He slipped his arm around her waist and pressed her closer to him. The woman was trouble but he loved being around her. If he didn't watch out, she might be the death of him.

Do I Really Need An Agent?

Do I need Really Need An Agent?


Yesterday was a bad day for me. My vertigo and imbalance problems seemed to get worse. I fell onto my knees in the morning and then slipped in the shower and landed on my backside in the late afternoon. All I could think about was how I felt like a beached whale and how I must look, not, I could have nearly killed myself! And I spent the rest of the day feeling that curious odd mixture of anger and emotional upset. Always an intriguing combination of emotions, especially when writing characters in a novel. So, anyway, why am I boring you with my tales of woe???

Well, I was merely trying to set the scene and background to receiving yet another rejection letter from a literary agency. Ah, yes my favourite topic of torment, literary agents. There doesn't seem to be any way to please these people in my experience. Replies from literary agents in the past have ranged from apologetic to pompous and arrogant. But yesterday I got a new variation. I had gone back to a couple of agents after getting three publishing contracts hoping this time I might have more luck. Hmmm, scratch that! In a very short, one sentence abrupt bordering on rude reply this agent informed me that she doesn't take on anyone who hasn't obtained an advance of a certain amount from their publisher. Talk about a slap in the face on a bad day and being looked down upon.

Rightly or wrongly I felt like a loser. I may have my wonderful publishing contracts but I still wasn't good enough to even be considered. I'm now just waiting to see what other interesting replies I am going to get from the other agents I have written to. Well, that's if they reply in the eight to twelve weeks or more they have your query letter or at all. But they are so busy I hear you cry. The world is busy, everyone is struggling and juggling life and some of us don't get paid for it.

I am fed up of agents especially those on twitter who rant and rave about writers who don't follow their submission rules to perfection and act like tyrants who can ruin your hopes and dreams without a care. Ok, so I sound like I'm really sore with them. Suppose I am. I'll get over it.

But when I see how many writers are now actually ditching their agents it prompts a question, do I really need an agent? Should I really subject myself to enduring more time wasting and negativity in trying to find one when I have my publishing contracts? I've managed so far without one. Perhaps it's time to realise that in these changing times for writers that writing is not just about generating stories to share but a private business. As they say, if you want something done, do it yourself!

What do you think?

The Vampire Lover's Diary (Work In Progress)

Hi Everyone,

I have been arranging book blog reviews for Knight Of Swords & The Organ Grinder and have received a lot of interest.  More than anticipated and as a result I am now doing a blog tour.  If anyone is interested in doing a review of either book, please let me know at sara@saracurranross.com.  Thanks.

In the meantime here is the next instalment of The Vampire Lover's Diary.  Hope you like it. :)


Take care.

Sara



Roman carried me into his house and through into his kitchen. I caught a glimpse of the lounge as we passed through the large porch and down the hallway. WOW! I wish I had his taste. All white with a maple wood floor, expensive rugs, select pieces of art. I couldn't see anymore than that but I was impressed. Then the kitchen . . . white marble floor, shiny stainless steel appliances and curious round orange coloured stools at the immaculate grey/white breakfast bar. Very a la mode.


He . . . I was going to say dumped but that would be wrong . . .Roman is too refined and too precise in his movements to dump anything anywhere. He lowered me into one of the black kitchen chairs after he moved it outwards from the glass table with his mind. I will never get used to that!

I sat there wondering what was next as he straightened but found my eye drawn to a large square piece of artwork on the wall facing the table. I started prattling on about the house, the picture saying what a wonderful house he had . . .everything was so uncluttered, neat and tidy, unlike mine. I watched him frown and look at me with severe concern. It was too late before I realised I was acting like a nervous motor mouth, wringing my hands together. I was nearly raped and killed by a bloke with a large antique sword and then forced to watch my rescuer chop the guy's head off . . . must I go on!!! And all I can talk about is how lovely his house is . . .uh oh burn out!!

'I think you are in shock, Amanda. You need a brandy,' was all Roman said.

That was when I started shivering like crazy. Roman disappeared from the kitchen before I could blink he was back at my side placing a heavy wool blanket around my quivering body. He bent down in front of me and rubbed my arms to warm me.

'The minute Julian is back I want him to take a look at you. You don't look so good.'

'Are your surprised?' I ventured with sudden irritation. 'I feel like I am stuck in an episode of Vampire Diaries!'

He gave a small smile obviously amused. I'm glad someone was .

He gave me a curious studious look as he continued to rub my arms, 'You are definitely in shock but I wonder if it has brought on the beginnings of the change.'

I didn't want this change he kept talking about and he sounded a little too eager for it to happen for my liking. In a matter of moments my emotions went from fear to anger.

'I don't want this. I was quite happy with my new life,' I blurted out.

Roman cupped the side of my face and drew my attention.

'I know,' he whispered. 'I wish I could make it better but I can't. You have to accept what is happening to you or it is only going to cause you problems and might even get you killed. What you saw tonight was only the beginning. You must trust me.'

I stared at him and all I could see was him cleanly severing that man's head from his shoulders. I gave a violent shudder prompting him to quickly pull me up to standing and into his arms. He held me tightly. I let my head fall on his shoulder and inhaled the intoxicating scent of his expensive pine infused cologne. Oooh it felt good to be held that way after so many months of feeling cold and alone. But I had so many questions I wanted answers to. Roman was right, I couldn't just hide from everything that was to happen.

I lifted my head to speak but found myself silenced by the gentle brush of his lips against mine. I made no protest. Well hell, who would??? Have you seen him??? He smiled triumphantly against my lips as I gave a gentle moan.

'I heard your thoughts the first day we met outside your home at your car. . . What was it you said?' he teased. I froze. He smiled again. I closed my eyes and groaned with the embarrassment to come. 'Oh yes that's it. You wanted me to put an end to two years of frustration.'

He gave a small laugh as I cringed and made to move away. He brought me back to heel with another laugh and caught my face in his hands.

'How about I start now,' he whispered seductively.

He didn't wait for a reply. His lips were on mine and he was holding my mouth prisoner. I can't lie and say it wasn't divinely pleasurable and it wasn't what I had dreamt of but it just didn't seem right tonight. I felt there was more behind his kiss than merely seducing me and I was about to find out.

I tried to push Roman away still unable to forget what had happened with the other vampire in my room and the attempted rape he'd made upon me. But Roman's lips suddenly moved away from my lips and to my throat. I felt the graze of his teeth and then the points of his incisors rub tantalising against the tender skin of my throat. The tip of his tongue licked across my throat with a faint burning sensation and I became perfectly still.

I suddenly didn't want to move. A warm glowing feeling enveloped my body and a curious sensation began to build inside me as Roman continued to sweep his incisors over the skin of my throat. Every now and then he would press the sharp points of his incisors against my skin as though ready to puncture my throat but he never did.

I thought I was going to die. That's with pleasure! Ahem, I'm no stranger to arousal but boy I have never felt anything like that before. My blood seemed to be boiling, bubbling and pulsing all around my veins and pooling in an aching throb in my throat and between my thighs. Then the pain started.

I remember hearing someone scream with pain and realising after a moment that it was me. It wasn't a vampire bite I felt. Roman was viciously sucking and nipping at my skin and it was burning like hell.

I tried to move but I couldn't feel my arms or my legs, just this damn warm glow lulling me into obedience. I don't know how I found it in me but all I kept thinking about was pushing him away from me in my mind. Something inside made me continue to visualise it and mentally will it. After the third attempt I managed the feat and Roman fell away from me as though my mind had shot him with a strong burst of energy.

He stared at me in surprise as the feeling in my limbs returned and I covered my throbbing aching neck with my hand.

'What did you do to me?' I screamed.

'I see you are learning to use some of your gifts,' he said ignoring my question.

That very idea seemed to perturb him.

'You didn't answer my question,' I demanded.

He gave a heavy sigh and walked back towards me.

'I was just trying to protect you. You will come to understand,' he said gruffly.

He was upon me once more. He caught my wrist as I tried to retreat.

'I'm sorry, Amanda, I know it hurts but it will keep some of them away. You have to let me finish . . . I just want to keep you safe.'

I gave a squeal as he brought me swiftly towards him blocking my move to knee him one and caught my hair tilting my head backwards in an uncomfortable lock to finish what he started. I was terrified but relieved to hear steps behind me and the words,

'What the fuck?'

Julian.

The next thing I knew, Roman was flying backwards away from me and landing with a heavy thud against the far wall next to patio doors that led outside into the garden. Plaster crumpled to the floor along with Roman as Julian stood back to survey his brother with undisguised contempt. They were hissing at each other like snakes spoiling for a fight and their eyes were glowing red.

'What the hell do you think you are doing branding her?' Julian demanded.

'He was branding me?'

Julian was standing in front of me his arm outstretched to shelter me from Roman but I was having none of it. When I'm angry I tend to lose all my inhibitions. I manoeuvred my way around Julian before he could stop me and strode straight up to Roman feeling rage. I had been controlled fo 12 years by my ex husband until I'd quaked with fear. There was no way I was going back to that, not even if my life depended on it.

Roman opened his mouth to speak but was caught short when I swung him a sharp right hook across his jaw. Unfortunately my triumphant blow failed to do any damage but merely forced his face to turn slightly. Instead my hand now throbbed in pain in unison with my throat damnit. His face remained blank and undeterred. For the first time that night he felt distant.

Silence fell upon the room. I walked quickly for the door shouting my resolve not to be controlled and that I was going home. But before I reached the door it slammed shut and try as I might I couldn't open it.

Julian came towards me.

'Sorry, Amanda, it's too dangerous to let you go home.'

'I will not be held against my will.'

More silence. Neither of them wanted to admit that's what they were doing to me.

'Roman I suggest you go and calm down. You look like you need to feed. I am not letting you near her, so give it up. We all have a right to attempt to establish a bond with her. You have not been chosen as her true mate,' I watched him tell Roman, once again standing in front of me as a human shield.

Julian's tone changed to one of menace. 'And may I remind you of the fact that you have already had the luxury of a mate. I didn't think I was to feel any bond or need to challenge you but when Amanda was in danger tonight, all of that changed. I've never felt a need or pull towards a woman like that before. So don't push me. If I catch you trying to brand her again, I'll kill you.'

OMG I've been in this street for what? A week? And in that time I've managed to be attacked by vampires, found out I'm going to turn into one, run into a dead body, have my house totalled by supernatural creatures, seen a man be decapitated by a sword, almost get the biggest love bite I've ever had and caused a World War III between two brothers. Well done, Amanda. You go girl.

Roman got up close and personal in Julian's face and they started hissing at each other, their eyes a red glow again. I started to shake.

'Look no more fighting. I won't try to leave again if you two stop fighting. Deal? Come on, I need one of you to get me a drink.'

At first they ignored me but when I shouted and demanded they stop behaving like kids and do as I told them or none of them would get any so called Taleian bond with me, I would make damn sure. They stopped instantly.'

Hmmm. Note to self on handling Taleian/Lycan hybrid men – treat them mean keep them keen!

Roman glared at me and then back at Julian.

'She's mine and you are going to learn that the hard way,' he sneered and then marched past me to leave. I jumped when I heard the front door bang shut.

Julian's eyes melted back to their usual dark colour and slowly he approached me. With gentle cool hands he lifted my chin to study the brand.

'Roman had no right to brand you like that,' he told me. 'He thinks that if he puts his mark on your skin it will deter some of the lycan/Taleian hybrids and the lycans from challenging him. But our kind don't pay it any attention. It's a barbaric practice carried out by the full bred lycans. They superficially mark prospective mates while deciding which female to take as their own. Human/Taleian & Lycan/Taleian hybrids frown upon it. It causes lot of pain. You are lucky he didn't finish. Besides it's only temporary. He can't brand you properly until he bites you the true Taleian way and draws your blood. . .'

'Ok, stop now. I don't want to hear anymore tonight,' I groaned.

Julian smiled.

'Don't worry you'll get used to all the rituals and ways of our people and when you change and discover your powers, you'll learn how to handle us males,' he grinned.

'I'm looking forward to it.'

Julian let go of my chin.

'Come on let me get that drink for you and something for the pain. You look fit to drop. I want you to sit down.'

He gently took my arm to lead me to one of the orange kitchen stools and then stopped looking down at my trousers. One of his eyebrows arched. He was clearly perplexed about something.

'Amanda, are you aware that your trousers are open?'

I hadn't had time to do up my trousers after that man with the sword had tried to rape me. Part of me wanted to laugh with hysteria, the other cry. It was all too much and unfortunately my stressed out mind chose the latter.

The Vampire Lover's Diary (Work In Progress)

Hi Everyone,

Here is the latest instalment of The Vampire Lover's Diary.  Hope you like it.

BTW, Ace of Swords will be released on 15th November 2011 by Hellfire Publishing after Knight Of Swords. 

Happy reading!

Sara.


21st December, 3.30am.


I can't sleep and I'm writing this on paper I've found in Roman's guest bedroom. Yes, I know. How did I get here? Let me explain, diary. After Roman's revelation my brain went on a meltdown and I am afraid that I threw my toys out of the pram.

'I can't possibly believe all of this,' I told him pushing him away so I could stand up. 'It's ridiculous.'

He sighed.

'I know. But I can assure you I am not lying to you. You are going to have to accept your fate. I'm sorry, Amanda but you can't hide from this . . .' he sounded frustrated.

'No. I've just walked away from a husband who controlled me I won't let another man rule my life,' I shouted suddenly feeling an overwhelming sense of helplessness. Not a feeling I normally entertain. I decided to cover it quickly with anger.

Roman caught my hand in his as I tried to move away. Like a petulant child I attempted to tug it away but he held it fast, brushing his thumb over my knuckles in a light caress to soothe my agitated nerves or so he thought. But it was only to cause more affront in my present state of mind.

'Let me go and leave my house,' I demanded persistently trying to pull my hand away.

His grip tightened making me squeal but it did the trick in forcing me to be still.

'There is no way I am leaving you here alone,' he told me fiercely. 'So get used to me being around and to your new identity. Now how about some desert and coffee? I like to finish a meal off properly.' He smiled.

'What? How am I supposed to think of food when you've just told me my whole world is changing?'

I didn't wait for his answer.

'It's quite obvious I can't make you leave but let me go so I can be alone and have some time to think about all that you have told me. Please let me go,' I pulled harder spurred on by my fear and anger to the point I thought I might explode if he did not let go of me.

The fiery determination in his eyes softened for a moment as he appeared to consider my request and then it reignited with a passion. I felt the colour drain from my face in fear.

'There is someone in the back garden watching the house. Please go to your bedroom and lock the door.'

'No. I want to see what is going on. This is my house,' I protested.

But it was quite clearly not a request. Roman's grip on my hand suddenly moved to my arm and I found myself being lifted up on my tiptoes and pulled towards him. His handsome face was mere inches from mine. It was the first time I saw his eyes change to a deep shade of crimson and the first time I saw him bare his incisors and hiss.

I could have died on the spot. You know those cartoons where the cartoon cat or whatever freezes and breaks into small pieces and lands on a heap on the floor – well that was how I felt. Have to say though, to my shame, it made him look and sound all the sexier, especially when he followed it up by saying,

'Don't make the mistake of disobeying me, Amanda. Go to your room now or so help me I will drag you there.'

I remember thinking, what am I ten years old? But when the red in his eyes intensified and he gave another hiss, I nodded my head furiously. His red eyes narrowed and he let go of me. He was a blur of speed just like his brother had been and he was gone. I stood still, too shocked to move until I distinctly heard his voice thundering with command inside my mind, 'Now, Amanda.'

I did as I was told without further delay, scooping up a barking Puzzle who had decided to show her bravery and follow him into the garden. I shut the bedroom door and locked it dumping Puzzle on the bed.

I stood staring at the door for a moment and then began to pace back and forth nibbling at my nails. Something I always do when I'm nervous. My mind was racing with fearful thoughts, fear for Roman and who or whatever he was facing in the back garden. But all of that was to end abruptly when I heard a loud scraping noise at the ensuite bathroom window.

I took one step towards opening the door and venturing a look when there was a terrific noise of brick caving in and toppling. The ensuite door shook and instinct took over. I was running for the bedroom door and fumbling to unlock it with shaking hands. Too late.

I heard the bathroom door being knocked down and felt an arm around my waist pulling me up and back into the air. With a scream I landed backwards on my bed. There was a hand at my throat before I could take another breath. Puzzle was barking like crazy as I squirmed and kicked on the bed. A man loomed over me with eyes as black as the night. He hissed at me as he studied me closely. My hands tried to pull and claw at his hand as I found I could hardly breathe with the pressure he exerted upon my throat.

I felt a sharp pain in my temple and a sensation as though somebody was trying to force his way into my mind. I resisted as much as I could. I'd never felt pain like it before. Had my voice been free I would have screamed in agony. Puzzle barked for all her life was worth and must have bitten the intruder because he raised the back of his hand and hit her, knocking her from the bed. That was when I saw the heavy medieval sword in his hand with a bright dazzling emerald, glinting in the dim lamp light. Puzzle gave a yelp and was silent. Tears sprang from my eyes.

The man laid his sword on the bed and turned my head sideways with his tight hold on my neck. He leaned forward. Terrified I closed my eyes tight as he groaned with vile pleasure and rubbed his incisors across the skin of my throat. I thought of everything Roman had told me that night. There was no way it was going to happen to me without a fight.

The bronze statute I had used to defend myself the night before was on my chest of drawers right next to the bed. Determined I stretched out my arm and began to fumble around for it as the monster starting undoing the buckle of the belt on my jeans. It felt like a life time and the vampire was sweeping his fingers inside my trousers when I finally made contact with it's cold surface. I wasted no time in hitting my would be rapist across the head with it.

Unfortunately it didn't do me any good. It dazed him for a moment but his grip remained tight upon my throat and I began to despair. With another hiss the vampire slapped his hand across my face hard and began ripping at my trousers. I fought for all my life was worth but if Roman hadn't burst through the bedroom door and dragged him off me, I would have been a goner for sure.

They struggled like mad men. I glanced over at the sword. Something made me reach for it. I called to Roman and threw it to him. He caught it easily swiftly puncturing his assailant's stomach with its tip. But to my horror there was worse to come. As the man fell to his knees, Roman swung the sword in a neat well practised art and severed the man's head. I stared open mouthed. That's when I felt the sick in my stomach rise.

Roman came towards me but in fright I rolled to one side and scooped up a whimpering injured and bleeding Puzzle. I pulled my jumper down to hide my gaping trousers and somehow managed to make it out of the door before he could stop me. He chased me calling my name but all I could do was think about getting out of the house and away from him and what had just happened. He reached the front door just as I snatched the keys off the hallway table and made it though. I was in the car and he was pulling at the door handle but I wasn't having it.

I drove out of my drive at speed and headed towards the gates. It skidded in the snow and I struggled to control it. All the time in the back of my mind I kept wondering why Roman hadn't tried very hard to stop me leaving. Then I got my answer. He didn't need to. I wasn't going anywhere.

Something large, like a very tall human, only dark grey with red on its spine and the face of a scary looking wolf stood right in front of me. He was stark naked with all of his family jewels hanging out! I screamed and slammed on the brakes. I know I hit him but it didn't seem to do any damage. Then I felt the front of the car being lifted from the ground. I squealed and considered getting out of the car and making a run for it when I noticed we were not alone anymore.

Julian and two other men approached, all three of them carrying swords. Two women stood at a distance watching like nosey neighbours and a normal looking wolf, suddenly jumped on top of the bonnet and stared at me.

I jumped as Roman appeared at the driver's window. With one hand he ripped away the car door.

'Out,' he demanded. 'I know you are frightened but we aren't letting you go anywhere. It's not safe,' he told me gently. 'Maybe now you can understand that after what has just happened.'

I shook my head like a stubborn child not wanting any of it to be true. I was so frightened. I felt angry tears prickle down the side of my face. I hardened my features and removed one hand from the steering wheel to wipe at my face. The . . . for want of better words, normal looking wolf on the bonnet of my car, tilted it's head to one side and seemed to give me a sympathetic look. As I stared it changed shape and I found myself looking at a woman. She gave me a gentle smile.

Roman leaned into the car and slipped his arm under my legs and his free arm around my back to lift me out. I clung to the steering wheel but he was too strong for me and I was forced to let go. He held me against him tightly and refused when I asked him to put me down.

One of the three men I recognised as one of the men living across the road asked if I was all right. Roman nodded, 'She will be when I get her back to mine and safe.' He started to walk away with me and then stopped and turned to the group that now stood together.

'Amanda, meet your neighbours.'

They all nodded and smiled. This was too surreal. Like a crazy woman I murmured a bewildered hello. Then Roman turned and walked briskly towards his house.

'Puzzle . . .' I asked tearfully.

'Don't worry Julian has her. He will take her to the vets. In the meantime you are coming home with me. You can tell your family heritage rests in the royal Taleian blood line with your female stubbornness and your bravery.' I wasn't going to ask. I'd heard enough for one night.

I felt the warmth of his smile rest on my face and the comfort of his arms around me. For a moment I pressed my cheek against his chest suddenly glad he'd stopped me leaving. Maybe I should start trusting him. He nearly had me smitten until he said,

'You get one more chance at doing as your told so I can keep you in one piece. If you mess up this time and try to leave in the middle of the night again I'm tying you to your bed.'

Bastard.

'Yes I am where your safety is concerned and you need me to be.' Shit so he could read my thoughts! Oh no. No more naughty thoughts. Not that I wanted to think that way about any man after tonight. Wonder if you can put a lock on your mind to keep out intruders?

'I thought I'd lost you,' he continued softly as we approached his front door. 'Please don't make it difficult to help you, Amanda. It's what I am born to do and my life purpose. It is part of the Taleian and lycan culture. If you try and stop me I will come down hard on you. And no Taleian male or lycan hybrid or otherwise for that matter will blame me.'

My feminist pride was heavily wounded. There was nothing I could say at that moment but if he thinks I am going to allow him to simply walk into my life and take it over then he has well and truly underestimated me!

The Vampire Lover's Diary (Work In Progress)

Hi Everyone,

Here is the next instalment of The Vampire Lover's Diary.  This is a modern spin off to my victorian vampire novel Knight Of Swords involving another related hybrid vampire race created between the human/Taleian vampires and the lycans.  I am using a different style by putting the story in diary form with a trace of humour.  Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.  Hope you enjoy it.

I also just want to tell you that I have today signed a publishing contract with Hellfire Publishing for Ace of Swords, the second in The Sword Series and the sequel to Knight Of Swords.  Woohoo!

Happy Reading.

Sara.


20th December, Evening



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 a humans. 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 my 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.