M.L. Guida's Blog, page 2

ML Guida’s Newest Release: Bite of the Vampire!

I’m so excited about my newest release: Bite of the Vampire!

This story is based in Savannah at the Pirate House Inn! Back in the day, men would be shanghaied and forced to join pirate ships, never to be seen again. There’s a secret passage way below the Inn that leads down to the river! What a great place to write a pirate adventure! 

If you’re ever in Savannah, check out the Pirate Inn House! And oh, did I mention, it’s haunted?

He’s not the only vampire in Savannah and he’s being hunted.

Flung through time, Phearson MacFie lands in the future with no money and no crew. To survive, he becomes Captain Fear and robs from the rich. 
His troubles grow when he meets the lovely Rosalind, trapped working at The Pirate House Inn. He has no time for love, but his heart has different plans.

Burned in a fire as a child, Rosalind Gill has no romantic prospects and is forced to wear a mask. She wants to save enough money to escape her stepfather, but he always seems to be one step ahead of her.

Until she meets Phearson MacFie, a vampire and the notorious Captain Fear.

Bite of the Vampire is the newest book in Award Winning Author ML Guida’s Blood Brotherhood series, a collection of dark paranormal romance novels.
If you like heart pounding action adventure romance, dark vampire fantasy, and romantic suspense then grab ML Guida’s Blood Brotherhood series.

Get Bite of the Vampire to discover your treasure tonight!

The post ML Guida’s Newest Release: Bite of the Vampire! appeared first on ML Guida.

Destiny of the Vampire Is Out!

The next Blood Brotherhood series is available! Vampires, dragons, and mermaids!

Trials are coming…

Destined to be queen of the mermaids, Penelope must master her winter powers and remain pure. But time is running out. She’s been hunted. If caught, she’ll lose everyone she loves.

Her only hope is to trust Ewan Kelley, a grim vampire. 

Ewan wants to protect his blind daughter from a demon. To keep her safe, he must save a woman he barely knows. 

Their attraction for each other proves to be too strong, but to discover true love, they must fulfill dangerous tasks that could destroy them.


Destiny of the Vampire is the sixth book in Award Winning Author ML Guida’s Blood Brotherhood series, a collection of dark paranormal romance novels.

Get Destiny of the Vampire–a real page turner–and experience forbidden love!

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New Blood Brotherhood Release: Claim of the Vampire!

I’m so excited for my newest vampire book! Vampires and Mermaids! If you love vampires and mermaids, you’ll love this book!

Lust is coming…

Isabella had sworn off all vampires, but she never counted on a dragon.

She’s fighting desperately to resist, because of a demon’s foul plans.

Love is the last thing on Leif Black’s mind until he heard her sweet song.

Now, she’s put him under her spell.

Isabella and Leif fight to deny their forbidden love, but the fates won’t be defied. When temptation becomes too strong, can they trust each other to defeat the looming darkness or will their differences tear them apart?

Claim of the Vampire is the fifth book in Award Winning Author ML Guida’s Blood Brotherhood series, a collection of dark paranormal romance novels.

Pick up Claim of the Vampire, and indulge in passion today!

Here’s an excerpt from the book for you to enjoy now ~

“We need to hurry,” William said. “The transformation’s coming on fast.”

“Transformation?” Leif gasped.

The three men clamped manacles on Leif’s wrists; throbbing pain soared up his arms. He cried out, hating himself for showing weakness to his enemies. A pounding headache turned into stabbing agony. He tossed his head back and forth. Something pierced through his skull as if someone had shot arrows from inside. They dragged him out of the brig and up the stairs. He stumbled over a step, but strong arms kept him from falling. Fresh air drifted down the stairwell, but it did not nothing to ease the hot-as-hell sweat drenching him. Bright sunlight hit him in the face, and he winced.

“Blimey,” a pale pirate said. “He’s the devil himself. Look at ’em bloody horns.”

Men made a wide berth; frightened and wary faces looked at him as if he were Lucifer.

“Kill ’im, Cap’n,” a lanky man said, drawing out his sword, his hand shaking.

“One flying lizard’s enough,” another grumbled.

Leif shook his head, trying to figure out what the man was saying. He wasn’t sure he’d heard right. William was the only dragon in the Caribbean. He was possessed by a dragon spirit brought back from Coaybay. More pain pierced his temples. Dizziness blocked out rational thought.

He was vaguely aware of being shackled to a rock. Hot sand burned his feet, but ’twas nothing compared to the fever rising inside him. His lips tingled, growing longer. He rolled his tongue over needlepoint jagged teeth, more than he’d ever possessed as a vampire. His nose extended longer than an alligator’s snout. He tossed his head back, screaming.

Fingers and toes lengthened, turning into razor sharp claws. His cheeks extended, and he gasped for air, unable to suck in the tiniest snippet. Please, oh mighty God, make it stop. His rough skin changed into red and orange scales. Stabbing pain burst out of his back, and something flapped air, cooling his sweltering body. He glanced over his shoulder. Jaaysus, he had wings. There were sharp spines down his back, and he had a long tail. He wasn’t a vampire—he was a red dragon.

I hope you enjoyed this sneak peek! Look for Destiny of the Vampire that will released in August!

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I’m so excited! Shadows of A Vampire is now out!Evil is...

I’m so excited! Shadows of A Vampire is now out!

Evil is coming…

Can a dragon and a witch defeat the darkness threatening to destroy their love?

William O’Brien thought he’d be cursed as a vampire, but a crafty demon had other plans.

Now, he’s a dragon with powers he can’t control. He’s a threat to all those he loves.

His only hope is a beautiful witch who claims she can help him defeat the anger brewing inside him, but is she strong enough to defeat the fires of hell?

Mariah Fey wants to free her brother and she’s willing to risk her life to save him. If she doesn’t help a dragon regain his powers, her brother will be lost forever.

But what she didn’t count on is her growing attraction for the angry dragon.

Dark spells have been cast. One false move and their love could be torn apart.

Shadows of The Vampire is the second book in Award Winning Author ML Guida’s Blood Brotherhood Series, a collection of dark paranormal romance novels.

If you like heart pounding action, fated mates, and happily ever afters, then you’ll love ML Guida’s Blood Brotherhood series.

Buy Shadows of The Vampire and fall in love with a reluctant dragon!

 

 

 

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Exciting News!

Two New Releases!
One's a space bear and the other a vampire!

I’m so excited about these books. Unbearable Feud is the third book in the Bears of Aria, an exciting sci-fi romance!

Sin of The Vampire is the first book in the Blood Brotherhood series. This one is band of vampires fighting evil on the high seas!

Both of these books are available on Amazon and KU!

The post Exciting News! appeared first on ML Guida.

Another Peek into Unbearable Feud

Here’s another glimpse into Scarlett’s and Tash’s world!

Chapter Three

Tash knocked on the security door again, fighting the gloom that settled on him whenever he thought about all the false leads he’d chase to try and save his father. This was ridiculous. It was happening again. The woman wasn’t going to answer the door.

He shouldn’t have let Vaughn talk him into coming to Earth. This was pointless.

Through the curtains, he thought he saw someone move inside. He knocked again, but this time, harder. “Ms. Fox, I need to talk to you. Please, it’s a matter of life and death.”

He winced at his dramatic tone and rubbed the bridge between his nose. “What the hell am I doing?,” he grumbled.

“Who are you? What do you want?” A low female voice asked.

He jerked his head up and he stilled.

A white-haired woman with the biggest blue eyes he’d ever seen stared at him warily through the screen door. But that’s not what silenced his breath. Green stars descended on her like flower petals. One of them descended on her wrist.

Oh, crap. Why was this happening? She was his damn mate.

She frowned. “What do you mean by mate?”

He immediately shut his mind and cleared his throat. “Are you a psychic?”

She folded her arms across her chest. “What do you want?” Anger surged through her voice.

“Because if you are, I desperately need your help.”

She stared at him as if he were a serial killer. “How did you hear about me?”

“My brother heard about you. He recommended that I contact you.”

“From who?”

She wasn’t going to give up on this. He blurted, “Your sister.”

“Janet?”

She cast her gaze over him. “I don’t believe you.” She shut the door.

At least she didn’t slam it, but Tash wasn’t about to give up that easily.

He’d be back. Tonight. The door was no match for Arian technology or strength.

Find out what Tash does next week. Or if you want to know now, sign up for my newsletter.

Until next time. Have a super week.

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ML Guida’s Unbearable Feud

The Next Exciting Installment of Unbearable Feud….

Scarlett narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean you’re not going to release me?” She held up her phone. “I can call uber. You just got done saying you’re not going to hospitalize me.”

Dr. Scott sat on the stool. “Scarlett, you said you were going to go back to the coffee shop to retrieve your SUV. You’re not safe to be driving. Someone else needs to pick up your vehicle.”

Scarlett wanted to throttle the young doctor who seemed like he just graduated from med school yesterday.

She rested her phone against her forehead. “Please, don’t make me do this.”

He folded his arms across his chest. “You don’t have anyone you can call?” His empathetic voice did nothing to ease the tension gripping her chest.

She blurted. “No one, I want to call.”

“I’m sorry, Scarlett, but I’m only thinking of your safety and the other people on the road. Like I told you earlier, based on your EEG results, you can’t drive for six months. If you haven’t had a seizure within that time, I’m sure your neurologist will allow you to drive. You just need to make sure you take your medications.”

Tears built up behind Scarlett’s eyes and a jolt of bitterness burned the back of her throat.

Don’t cry. Don’t cry. Don’t cry.

If she could, Scarlett would just walk out of the hospital, but she’d never make it out of the front door.

She cleared her throat. “Fine, I’ll call someone.” The last person she wanted to call.

Her sister, Janet, answered. “What do you want Scarlett?”

Scarlett cringed. “Hi Janet.”

“Don’t hi Janet me. Tell me why the hell you’re calling me.”

Scarlett bit her lip. “I’m in the hospital.”

“Damn it. Did you have another damn vision?”

“Yes.” Her small voice was more like a puff than an answer.

Scarlett turned her head away from Dr. Scott, not wanting to look into his eyes that were filled with pity.

“So, they won’t release you unless someone picks you up?”

“I…I wanted to call uber, but they––”

“This is the last fucking time, Scarlett. I mean it. You’re ruining all of our lives with your visions.”

Scarlett hung her head. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to.”

“Scarlett, you never mean anything.”

The ball of frustration edged down Scarlett’s throat into her gut. Same you’re-a-burden response.

“I’m at Lutheran.”

“I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

Scarlett crossed her arm around her middle as her tummy threatened to rise up in a rebel. “My Pathfinder’s at Ziggy’s.”

“You’re unbelievable. Fine. I’ll bring Jack and we’ll drop what we’re doing for you. Again.”

The phone went dead.

“My sister and brother-in-law are coming to pick me up.” Luckily, it was Saturday so Jack wouldn’t be working, but he’d pissed being pulled away from his favorite sports shows.

Dr. Scott stood. “I’m sorry, Scarlett. I didn’t mean to cause you any stress. I just wanted you to be safe.”

She nodded, but couldn’t answer him. A perfect stranger had more concern for her than her own family.

He left her alone in the emergency room with beeps and bings. Loneliness nearly choked her and the hated, hot tears wouldn’t be denied.

Forty-five minutes later, she was in the car with Janet and Jack. Janet’s black hair was pulled back into a pony tail that made her face look even more pinched. She gripped the steering wheel so tight that her knuckles turned white. Her red nails looked like razor-sharp daggers.

She glanced in the rearview mirror. “I’m sorry, honey, that you’re missing your football game.”

Jack snorted like a pissed off bull.

Scarlett’s gut curled up into a tight ball. She stared into the passing traffic, wishing she were in one of those cars. “I didn’t want the paramedics to take me to the hospital.”

Neither Janet nor Jack answered her.  It was the longest twenty minute ride ever . Despite the scorching Colorado hot sun, she swore the temperature dropped to below freezing inside the car.

Scarlett hugged her arms to side, counting down the minutes to get to her condominium.

“Drop me off at the coffee shop first,” Jack said.

Janet frowned. “That’s out––”

“Just do it.” His voice left little doubt there would be hell to pay if he didn’t get back to his game.

Janet shook her head. “Fine.”

Ziggy’s was about fifteen minutes further from Scarlett’s condo, but she didn’t dare argue. Jack had been arrested before for hitting someone square in the mouth for blocking his truck at Walmart. He’d no gumption for slapping her. Janet had more than on occasion shown up at family gatherings with bruises on her arms and even once with a black eye.

Janet pulled into the parking lot.

“Scarlett, give me your damn keys.”

Scarlett immediately handled them to him, praying her Pathfinder returned to her condo in one piece. She’d loved that SUV and didn’t want anything to happen to it.

He narrowed his brown eyes. “I’ll meet you there in five. Don’t disappoint me. I don’t want to miss the second half of the Bronco game.”

Janet quickly pulled out of the parking lot. “Do me a favor next time. Don’t pull this crap during a Bronco preseason game.”

“I can’t control this, Janet.”

She rolled her brown eyes. “Whatever.” She glanced at Scarlett. “So, what was this vision about this time?”

Scarlett shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“What? You didn’t have a vision? Did you just have an epileptic seizure?” For once, her sister’s voice was filled with compassion and hope.

Scarlett thought about lying, but when did lying ever help her?

Never.

“No, I had a vision.”

“So, what was it?” She was immediately back to her icy tone.

Scarlett looked out the window. “Does it really matter?”

“Yes, it does. You’re the one that told me the night before I was supposed to marry Jack that I was making a mistake. I almost didn’t marry him because of you.”

Scarlett bit back a retort. Whether Janet wanted to admit it or not, her vision had been right. Jack was a batterer. Not only that, he’d try to kill her if she left.

“Scarlett, tell me.” Her voice was almost desperate.

Scarlett studied her. Her face had turned pale and she swore her sister was shaking. “My vision didn’t have anything to do with you or Jack.”

Janet exhaled. “Good.”

Scarlett raised her eyebrow. “Why?”

“Nothing.”

“Come on, Janet. I can tell something’s wrong.”

Janet gritted her teeth. “I said nothing.” Her sharp voice was like a slap across the cheek.

Subject closed, but obviously, Janet was hiding something, something she didn’t want to share with Scarlett. Then it dawned on her. Janet had on a turtle neck even though it was over ninety-five degrees outside. August was one of Colorado’s hottest months.

She opened her mouth to ask her sister about the turtle neck, but immediately, shut her lips. Janet was like their mother. Even a crowbar wouldn’t work to pry out secret information. Had Janet tried to leave Jack? Was she hiding bruises on her neck?

She read her mind.

Janet was thinking about leaving Jack, but she was scared.

Once again the frosty atmosphere clamped down on Scarlett. Janet parked the car. Jack roared down the street with the Pathfinder that was luckily in one piece.

Janet grabbed her arm. “So, what was your vision about?”

“A spaceship.”

“You’re pulling my leg.”

Scarlett met her sister’s skeptical gaze. “No, I’m not. Thank you for the ride. I’ll try not to bother you again.” She watched Jack get out of her SUV. “Please, be careful.”

Jack stomped over to the passenger door and pounded on the window.

Scarlett immediately opened the door.

“Here.” Jack handed her the SUV keys. “Janet, let’s go. Now.”

Janet started the car.

Please, don’t hurt me.

Her sister’s words brought tears to Scarlett’s eyes. She got out, wishing she had superpowers like Captain Marvel. Jack hopped inside.

Scarlett drew on her psychic power and tried to plant kind words into Jack’s mind, but it was difficult. Angry minds automatically blocked out her power. Her sister immediately pulled away from the curb.

Scarlett’s legs shook uncontrollably, and she gasped to breathe. She wasn’t sure whether it was from the vision or riding with her sister and her Rambo husband. She gripped the railing to keep from falling and slowly walked up the stairs to her second-floor condo––her sanctuary from the world. Her condo was only a one bedroom, but it was perfect for her.

She opened the door and her white cat, Willow, greeted her, purring around her legs.

“Hi, baby.” She picked up Willow and held her close. “At least you care about what happens to me.” Sadness crept into her tiny voice.

Willow meowed and nuzzled her cheek, wiping off her tears.

“Are you hungry?”

Willow meowed again.

Scarlett put her down on the floor. Willow’s tail went straight up and she hurried over to her bowl. Scarlett laughed through her tears. “I guess you are hungry.”

She immediately fed the cat then poured herself a glass of wine. She tossed her new seizure medication on the counter. She’d taken seizure medications before and none of it had ever stopped her visions. The neurologists all thought she’d just go into a dream state. None of them had realized that her visions have never been wrong.

Until now.

She took a sip of wine and curled up in her favorite recliner. She wrapped a blanket around her to take the chill off from the air conditioning and the freezing ride with her sister.

She hoped Janet would be safe.

Scarlett turned on the television and choked on her wine. Chills drummed down her spine and goosebumps broke out on her arms. She coughed hard and put her hand on her chest. The first thing that flipped on was Star Wars. The star cruisers were bigger than one she had in her vision.

Coincidence, right? That’s all it was.

Spaceships don’t exist. Darth Vader wasn’t coming.

But tingles inched over her. Tears welled in her eyes not again. The television blurred…

The sun slipped down behind the mountains. Crickets chirped.

A man walked down her street. Taller and more muscular than any other man she’d ever met or seen on the big screen. He had a purpose. Something that involved her, something she couldn’t see…Yet.

Anger rolled off him like steam. His fists were clenched and his tension spread across his broad shoulders. His dark hair was pulled back and she thought she saw a scar that ran from his eye down to his mouth.

The scar meant something.

He walked past the small park where children had played earlier. A man jogged past him with his Rottweiler. A couple sat on the bench kissing.

Her heart thudded in her throat.

The small park was only half a block a way…

She snapped her head back hard again and put her shaking hand on over her chest to keep her running heart from escaping.

Someone knocked hard on her door.

Everything inside her stopped––her heart, her lungs, and her blood. She was frozen, unable to scream or move.

The knock grew louder.

He was here.

Hope you enjoyed this peek into Unbearable Feud. Should she or she should not open that door? What would you do?

The post ML Guida’s Unbearable Feud appeared first on ML Guida.

ML Guida’s Sneak Peek Sunday

Unbearable Feud is now available for preorder! Come and meet the spunky psychic!

Chapter Two

Scarlett Fox drew on everything she had to stop the tingles rolling over her–taking deep breaths, concentrating on the people talking, smelling the brewing coffee. But the hairs on the back of her neck and her arms stood straight up.

No No No

She wanted to be normal, but the vision was coming––coming to make her different.

Coldness frosted her heart, sending ice shooting through her veins. Scarlett dug her nails into the leather armrest.

“Miss, are you all right?”

Tremors rippled through Scarlett, making her teeth chatter. She wanted to answer the concerned waitress, but she couldn’t see her. Couldn’t see the cozy coffee house.

“She’s having a seizure.” A panic male voice said.

“My god, what’s wrong with her eyes? They’ve turned pure white.” Someone else said, but Scarlett wasn’t sure if the person was male or female.

The sleepiness was here, taking her away from the coffee house…

She was floating in darkness. Her arms and legs were stretched out wide. Her white hair floated around her.

Cold. She was so cold.

She sucked in her breath.

Blackness then stars replaced the comfy couches and warm walled coffee shop.

The blue and white Earth was below her and the dead moon was to the right.

She winced. Beyond the moon was the fiery sun that warmed her cold skin.

A shadow fell over the moon. It shrouded her.

Her eyes widened. A spaceship, something right out of Star Wars blocked out the sun. It was bigger than any rocket on Earth ––big enough to hold a thousand men. Intrepid was painted on one side.

Suddenly, the stars whizzed. White, black, and blue colors flashed in front of her face. She fell faster and faster.

Her head snapped back hard. She couldn’t breathe and her heart pounded frantically. What was that? A spaceship? So, far her visions had always been based on reality. Spaceships weren’t real. Aliens didn’t exist. Had she just crossed over into the crazy zone?

“The paramedics are on their way.” She recognized that voice. It was the waitress who had been kind, bringing her coffee all morning.

Scarlett’s vision returned, and she stared into the worried eyes of the young waitress and the older manager that always reminded her of Santa Claus with his white brows and thick beard. Scarlett couldn’t stop trembling and wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans.

She gasped for breath and broke out in a hot sweat. She wanted to slither underneath the coffee table and hide. “I’m fine. I don’t…I don’t need the paramedics.”

The manager shook his head. “No, I think you do. You seemed to have had some kind of an attack.”

People had stopped sipping their coffee and typing on their laptops. All eyes were on her, reminding her of her family. She could read their minds and hear what they were thinking. She didn’t want to see their appalled faces. God, she didn’t want to so badly.

But it was there.

She’s a weirdo.

What’s wrong with her?

Freak.

She grabbed her iPad and purse. “I’ve…I’ve got to go.”

Sirens screamed in the distance. Paramedics pulled into the parking lot, and she groaned.

“They’re here, Miss,” the waitress said.

A tall man ran over to the glass door and opened it. He pointed. “She’s over there.” His excited voice made her feel like the geek of the week.

Two muscular paramedics rushed inside, carrying their little red boxes that she’d dreaded.

The manager moved away.

“Hi.” One of the paramedics, a muscular dark-haired man, knelt in front of her. “I’m Ben Richards. Can you tell me what happened?”

At least she didn’t recognize him.

Heat swarmed over her cheeks. “Hi,” Scarlett muttered.  “I’m okay, Really.” She pushed her hair behind her ears.

The manager gestured toward her. “She had a seizure or something.”

“What happened?” Ben studied her.

The pale waitress looked at Scarlett. “She was out for about five minutes.” Her voice shook.

“Her eyes actually turned white. I mean…her pupils actually disappeared.” The tall man looked at Scarlett as if she were a creature from the planet Mars.

“I don’t need to go to the hospital.” Scarlett tapped her foot repeatedly on the floor. She clutched the strap of her purse tighter.

“Can you tell me your name?” Ben asked gently.

“My name’s Scarlett Fox. I know what day it is. It’s Wednesday. I live at 10983 W 81st Ave. Trump is the president of the United States.”

Ben blinked. “I guess you knew all the questions I was going to ask.”

The other paramedic smiled. “This isn’t your first rodeo, is it?”

She looked into his wise face. He was older than Ben by at least ten years. “No. It’s not. I’m fine. I need to go.” Go back home where it’s safe, where no one can see me.

“Miss, I really think you should go to the emergency room.” Ben used a stronger tone.

She lifted her head and met his direct gaze. “I know my rights. You can’t make me go with you.” Her voice was strong, but her insides were quaking.

Today, she was not going to be bound and put in a rubber room.

Ben sighed and glanced at his partner. “No, no we can’t.”

She scooted away from them. Her hair sticking to her hot cheeks. She stood, but her traitorous quaking legs betrayed her. She fell back on her ass.

“Miss,” the older paramedic said gently. “Your face is very pale and obviously your body’s unstable. Do you really think you can drive or walk?”

She wanted to argue, but he was right. Her SUV was parked right outside. But what if she got in it and had another vision?

She put her hand on her glistening forehead. “No, I don’t.” Misery clung to her words.

“We’ll be back with the stretcher,” Ben said.

She cast her gaze down and didn’t argue.

The waitress sat on the armrest next to her. “Is there anyone I can call for you?”

Scarlett shook her head. “No.” Once she was cleared, she’d take uber back to the coffee shop to get her SUV. No way in hell was she calling her family.

Not happening. Ever.

Ben and his partner returned with the stretcher. Scarlett followed the tiresome routine of allowing them to take her vitals and giving her oxygen.

Within minutes, she was whizzing to the hospital and drowning out Ben’s kind words. She was so tired of going to the hospital after having one of these damn visions.

She closed her eyes. Why was she seeing a starship? What did it mean?

I hope you enjoyed this! If you want to stay current, sign up for my newsletter, so you can get a glimpse into my current work in progress.

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Unbearable Feud: The Saga Continues

I’m so excited for the next installment of Unbearable Feud! See what’s happening with Tash. If you want to get more updates sign up for ML Guida’s Scroll!

“This is what your damn research turned up? A psychic? We don’t have any psychics on Aria.” He shoved Rye hard. “Get out of my way.”

Rye shoved him back. “Don’t push me.”

“Tash, stop,” his mother pleaded.

But her pleas failed to stop the rage brewing inside Tash. The walls closed in on him. Heat surged through him and his clothes stuck to him. He couldn’t breathe. He needed air. He needed to get out of this suffocating courtroom.

“No, wait.” Vaughn grabbed his arm. “You need to listen to me.”

Tash lost control. He swung and smashed his fist into Vaughn’s mouth, lifting him up into the air and flattening him onto his back.

Rye shoved him again and snarled. “Leave him alone, you idiot.”

Tash lunged, but the bailiffs raced over and seized both of his arms. One of them growled, “This is a courtroom. You brawl outside, not in here.”

Tash’s cheeks burned, and he panted hard. He pulled, but he wasn’t strong enough to take on two security bears.

Vaughn sat up, rubbing his jaw. Blood trickled down the side of his mouth. “You need to listen to me, Tash. I can prove it.”

Tash narrowed his eyes. “How?”

“On the Intrepid.”

“If you would stop being pig-headed, you’d find out he’s telling the truth,” Rye grumbled. “I’ve seen it.”

“Will you please listen to them?” His mother’s insistent voice broke through his anger.

“I’ll listen for you. And only because of you.”

Tash looked between his two brothers. So far, all of his leads had been false. More of his decisions that had gone awry.

“Fine, show me. And you better not be sending me down a false path.” He glanced at his two escorts. “You won’t have security bears to save your ass.”

Less than an hour, Tash, Vaughn, and Rye were back on the Intrepid.

Tash crossed his arms over his chest. “Show me, this damn evidence.”

Vaughn’s lip was swollen and he’d a small cut. Tash didn’t care. It felt damn good slamming his  fist into his brother’s jaw after he betrayed their father.

“It’s in my quarters.”

Rye followed quietly behind them, but first he cast a scowl at Tash that would have frighten a snarling taamot.

Tash ignored him, trying desperately to keep his promise to his mother that he wouldn’t rip his two brothers apart. They were lucky she was so forgiving.

Because he wasn’t.

In Vaughn’s quarters, Tash frowned. Old books, files, and notebooks were thrown the room. Vaughn usually kept his quarters neat and orderly.

“Excuse the mess,” Vaughn murmured. He hurried over to a dusty book and grabbed it. “This is in ancient Aamari.”

The first Arian bears used the Aamari language, but it was no longer used, because it was more grunts and growls than words.

Tash raised his eyebrow. “And what does it say?”

“According to this book, the original Arians had discovered psychics on Earth and learned they were powerful enough to bring back memories and read minds.”

Tash struggled to keep his anger under control. He took deep breaths and clenched his fists. He was one step away of pounding the crap out of his brother, but he was the captain. Captains didn’t go around beating the crap out of their little brothers.

“So, you’re saying a psychic on Earth is the answer to our problem?” He couldn’t keep the sarcasm out of his voice.

Vaughn’s cheeks turned red. “Yes, I do.”

Tash rubbed his eyebrow. “A huh.”

“Listen, Tash. Earth has all kinds of psychics. We need to find one that has reality perception.”

He dropped his hand. “Reality perception?”

Vaughn kept pointing to the page as if Tash could read ancient Aamari. “It’s the ability to perceive reality, allowing them to sense the whole truth no matter how hidden.”

Tash gestured toward the book. “And you know where to find this supposed psychic?”

“Actually, I do.” He stood straighter.

Tash let loose a large heavy sigh. “How did you find this supposed psychic?”

“According to my research, I needed not just to find any psychic, but a psychic powerful enough to undo what the Telsa Sifter had done.”

Tash pinched his lips together tightly. “How do you know this psychic can restore the crew’s memory after the Telsa Sifter deleted it?”

Vaughn cleared his throat. “Because I programmed the scanner to find a psychic that met the computer’s qualifications that could override the Telsa Sifter. Not only would the psychic have the reality perception ability, but she would need to have telepathy.”

Tash’s bared his teeth. “What the hell is telepathy?”

Vaughn’s muscles looked tense, and his face was flushed. “Telepathy is the ability to read someone’s thoughts and communicate with them mentally or affect their thoughts. She would have to be able to transmit information from one mind to another and to retrieve information from another mind.”

Tash raised his eyebrow. “She?”

Vaughn nodded. “Her name is Scarlett Fox. I have the coordinates on where she lives.”

“So, you think this psychic is going to agree to help us.”

Vaughn’s face turned red. “No,” he drew out the word. He looked nervously at Rye who frowned and stared down at his boots.

“So, you’re saying I’m going to have to bloody kidnapped the wench?”

Vaughn straightened his books and notebooks on his desk. “Yes.”

Tash stared at his two brothers. His choices were nil. Every lead he’d followed on Aria ended badly. He couldn’t do anything right.

“Give Grod the coordinates to Earth. We leave immediately. I’ll retrieve the psychic alone.” His strong voice hid the turmoil crawling up his tight throat.

Rye frowned. “Don’t you think we should have a landing party?”

Tash shook his head. “We don’t want to frighten this psychic. We want her to want to help us. Not try and force her. If she’s as powerful as you think she is, what do you think she could do if she felt threatened?”

Vaughn and Rye looked nervously at each other.

Rye shrugged. “I guess we didn’t think of that.”

Tash glared. “That’s why I’m the captain. Return to both of your posts.” He turned on his heels and headed out of Vaughn’s quarters.

But how long would he remain captain? Maybe he should get out before his decisions killed someone else.

He headed for the bridge, not looking behind to see if Vaughn followed. Vaughn was the first science officer and Rye was head of engineering. If he’d had his way, he would have Vaughn assigned to another ship, but their leader, Czar Konan, had other ideas.

Tash’s scalp prickled and chills crept down his spine. What if Vaughn brought evidence against him?

He stepped in the elevator. “Bridge.”

The elevator swooshed and the double doors opened up onto the bridge. This is where he felt at home, but ever since Sutois, he’d been second guessing his command. Unlike his accused father, he fought desperately to save his crew. But those efforts had been useless.

Navigator Grod whirled around on his chair. “Coordinates to Earth have been programmed, Captain.”

“Take her out, Helmsman.” Tash sat in his commanding chair that fit him like a glove. He liked the feel of leather and the controls at his fingertips. If he was de-commissioned, he’d miss his captain’s chair.

The Helmsman Inry nodded. “Plotting a course for Earth, Captain.”

“Good.” Tash leaned back in his chair.

The doors opened. Vaughn walked onto the bridge and took a position as first science officer. Tash met his hesitant gaze then swirled his chair to face the viewing screen. He hated to admit it, but his brother was the best first science officer in the fleet. That didn’t change anything between them.

Vaughn stood beside him.

Tash stared at the viewing screen. “Your plan better work. I don’t want to be going down a worm hole.”

“You’re not. My plan will. All the evidence points to the psychic having the ability to retrieve their memories.” His voice sounded confident, but Tash could hear a slight tremor.

Tash grunted and folded his arms chest. The hair on the back of his neck stood up. Time was running out. Was he making another mistake like he had on Sutois? What if he was making the wrong decision?

This time a wrong decision would condemn his dad to die.

Stay tuned. Next week you’ll meet the woman who will melt his angry heart!

The post Unbearable Feud: The Saga Continues appeared first on ML Guida.

Sneak Peek Sunday: Chapter One

Sneak Peek Sunday!

I am so excited to be starting something new every Sunday. I will be putting a sneak peek into my work in progress. If you want to be current and see the newest installment, you’ll have to sign up for my newsletter. In ML Guida’s Scroll, you’ll find out what’s going on not only in the story, but all kinds of tidbits and giveaways.

This is the third book in the Bears of Aria. It’s a scifi romance–Bear Shifters from Outer Space!

Chapter One

“Finbar, this court binds you over for trial. You are charged with abandoning half your crew on the planet Sutois and then erasing the remainder of the crew’s memory with the Telsa Sifter to cover up your crime. Trial will be set one month from today on planet Dryke. A selected representative from different planets will make-up a panel and the panel will decide your fate. ” Judge Turbul’s cruel voice dashed all of Tash’s hopes.

Turbul was a Lion from the planet Dryke, and only believed in hard, cold facts. The Drykains were loyal, just, and regal. Many of them were placed in high positions within the Confederation. If the other panel representatives were like Turbul, Tash’s father was doomed.

The lion narrowed his golden eyes and slammed his mallet down hard on the bench. Tash winced and his heart stopped.

Forget changing Turbul’s decision without hard core evidence. Tash couldn’t believe this was happening. Not to his dad. Finbar wasn’t a cur. He was a hero.

Behind Tash, people murmured, their words echoing off the titanium walls.

“Good.”

“He’s a damn murderer.”

“A damn coward. I hope they fry his ass.”

Tash clenched the wooden chair’s armrests, and he gritted his teeth. His body shook with anger and guilt.

His gut hardened. Six months ago, he had commanded the ship Intrepid and it had crashed on that cursed planet. Most of his crew had suffered the same fate as his father’s. Nightmares still haunted Tash. He should have been able to save his crew. He was the damn captain. Ever since, he’d questioned his ability to command.

His mom, Peigi, sat next to him. She gasped and sniffed, dabbing her teary green eyes with a tissue. Her black hair partially hid her red blotched face and her lower lip trembled. His dad was her whole world. She was a gentle bear, and this blasted trial could kill her.

Tash swore under his breath. Things were getting worse and worse for his dad.

The bailiff motioned toward the audience. “Please, all rise.”

His face grim, Judge Turbul climbed down the wooden bench and headed out of the courtroom. His long shaggy hair flared over his broad shoulders. Above the doorway, there was a golden sign engraved with seven planets that was the symbol of the Confederation. For the first time, Tash questioned the Confederation’s integrity.

His dad wasn’t a coward. He couldn’t be. No captain would have willingly left his crew to die.

Tash patted her shaking hand. “Mom, it’ll be okay.”

“You promise?”

He hesitated. How could he make this vow when everything he’d done had been wrong? But he couldn’t deny her. “I promise.”

She glanced away. “You need to work with your brothers. Your dad needs all of you.”

“They’re traitors, Mom.”

She glared. “They’re your blood, Tash. Nothing is stronger between us. We’re family.” She shook her head. “Sometimes I’m not sure if you’re mad at them or yourself. You need to let go of this anger.”

The skin across his chest tightened. He bit back a growl. How could he? Because of him, Arians died on Sutois. He could still hear their screams.

But that didn’t excuse what Vaughn had done or Rye taking his side.

His brothers, Vaughn and Rye, were on the opposite side of the room from him. Tash hadn’t spoken to either one of them since their dad had been handed over to the United Planet Confederation for treason, thanks to Vaughn. He’d found the evidence and had given it to the Confederation. His dad had been stripped of his admiral rank and now was on trial for his life.

Tash vowed not to let his dad be executed. Guilt choked Tash’s dry throat. If they convicted his dad, would he be next?

His shoulders slumped. It was his fault his crew had died. Maybe like his dad, he should be convicted, his rank stripped, branded a traitor.

Tash hurried over to his father before he was led back to his cell. His father’s usual haughtiness was gone. Heavy bags were underneath his green eyes and deep wrinkles had been itched into his face. He looked like he’d lost at least fifty pounds since he’d been imprisoned.

“Dad, I promise I won’t let you down.”

Tash glared at Vaughn, daring him to approach them.

Vaughn and Rye wisely stayed where they were and talked in hush whispers.

Dad clutched Tash’s arm. “Don’t waste your career on me, Tash. It’s not worth it. There’s no way you can prove my innocence. I’ve told you this. There’s no way to bring back the crew’s memories. Let it go.” For once, his voice carried its same arrogance.

“No, I don’t believe that. There’s got to be something I can do to reverse the Telsa Sifter’s effects. I’m not going to let you go down for this, Dad, I swear.”

Two burly security bears stood on either side of Tash’s dad. One of them said, “Time to return to your cell, Finbar.”

Tash dropped his arm.

Mom clasped his father’s hand. “I love you. I believe in you.”

Tears glistened in his dad’s eyes. “Thank you.” He brushed the wetness off her face. “Peigi, I will love you always.” He looked at Tash. “Take care of her for me.”

Mom released a soft sob and closed her eyes.

Tash hardened the sadness and fear threatening to rip insides apart. He put on his stern captain’s face and wrapped his arm around his mom’s shaking shoulders. “I will. You know I will.”

“Good.” He sighed and hung his head.

His father shuffled out of the courtroom, a broken Arian.

“Tash,” the last voice he wanted to hear.

Tash stiffened. Anger bubbled inside him, and his bear threatened to burst out. “I suggest you stay away from me, Vaughn.” He didn’t bother to hide the hate and resentment in his voice.

“We need to talk.”

Tash whirled around, forcing himself to keep his arms pressed to his side. “No, we don’t.”

Vaughn didn’t back down. His green eyes looked tired and his skin was tight as if he’d hadn’t been sleeping well. He had a stubbled beard where usually he kept his chin clean shaven. His brown hair was pulled back into a bun. Something his mate had shown him how to wear.

“Tash, please,” Vaughn pleaded.

Tash went to brush past him, but his younger brother, Rye, blocked his path. He was slightly smaller than Tash and his hair was black like their mother’s, but unlike her gentle nature, he had a red-hot temper.

“You need to listen, Tash.” Determination echoed in Rye’s voice.

Tash’s heart thumped faster. A sensation of increased strength pulsed through him and blood pumped between his ears. His muscles bulked up and he narrowed his eyes. “I suggest you get out of my way little brother.”

Courtroom attendees glanced nervously their way, but no one interfered except for the bailiffs who approached quietly.

Tash moved around him, but Rye slipped in front of him again.

“We found out something that might help Dad.” Rye stretched out his arms as if to cage Tash.

Not a wise thing to do.

Tash growled.

Fear flashed in Rye’s eyes, but he held his post.

Vaughn stood on the other side of Tash. “Listen to me, Tash. I think I found a way to retrieve the crew’s memory.” Vaughn spit out his words faster than going into ultra-speed.

Tash stopped and sucked in deep breaths, trying to push his bear back.

Vaughn ran his hand through his hair, messing up his bun. “I’ve been doing research and I’ve found something.”

Tash gritted his teeth. “What?”

“You need a psychic.”

Hope you enjoyed the peek! If you want to get the newest installment, sign up for the newsletter!

Until next week.

The post Sneak Peek Sunday: Chapter One appeared first on ML Guida.