Jessica Samuels's Blog, page 4

I deactivate my Facebook author page and just have my profile with public posts here is why!

I finally got sick and tired of all the messages honestly. I wasn’t really growing on Facebook either not like Bluesky, X and other platforms. Ever since I had that page and turned on messages and promoted my book dozens of messages from people asking me to pay them to promote my book. They tried to sell me their awful video trailers and there were even fake authors who would message me about their marketers. Also the facebook promo groups were so full of scammers I got sick and tired of their obvious attempts to get clients for their services like if you interacted in anyway message.

It got annoying and with 26 titles and more on the way I didn’t want to be bothered everytime I promote my new books. Alot of them were from third world countries and their spelling was awful. Some of them tried to even be friends once I told them no to services. My last straw was someone stealing the identity of a best selling author who kept pushing me to hire their ads person. Writing is not a job for me it is a hobby, and I have a day job so I am not worried about sales. These so called marketers act like being an author means I’m rolling in the dough not the case. Some of us even with a job are broke and struggling. Also, kept hearin all these horror stories about what happened when you use one of their services. Authors being scammed out of thousands some of these idiots wanted to charge fucking 100 for trailers. 400 for marketing services like no some of us are barely making even on the books we published. I only pay for cover art and editing I cannot afford anything else. I’m more focused on rent, bills, and getting food. This economy is trash yet these idiots expect us to pay for their help when they can’t even speak english. Get lost and lets not even start on the fucking idiots trying to get us to pay for reviews that is against Amazons TOS and the author can get their account banned. So many scammers it is not funny. All them have stolen photos, if you trace some of the photos they are from other people not themselves. They have multiple profiles and don’t understand first and last names. I’ll do individual articles on each of them since I always screen shot my interactions with them. Also going into 2025 I wanted less stress and having a page and a profile is too much work.

I’ve got more books coming on the way and also added another benefit for Kofi members as well 50% off my shop for the 5 and 10 dollar tier. I also have a discord server listed at the back of my books 18 plus due to adult content there. I even have a channel where I list convos with scammers. They are on X and Blusky as well but more manageable then facebook where they were swarming like crazy. 2024 I published 3 books and a boxed set so hope to do more in 2025!

Ko-fi page if you feel like tipping and being a member!

https://ko-fi.com/jdsamuels

Buy me a coffee link: https://buymeacoffee.com/jdsamuels21

Supernatural Agency is now available on Audible!

Description: Part 1: Supernatural Agency Layla Firestar starts an agency that fights the supernatural beings that threaten her existence. When she comes upon a demonic creature that isn’t from her world, she has to make a choice. If she consumes him, then she will upset the balance of good and evil, but if she allows him to continue, he will end her. She doesn’t allow anything harm her family in anyway, but it could be her downfall when she comes into a new form of existence. She has to learn how to maintain and train herself to transform into her new form when it’s needed or else she will end worlds. Knowing she needs help she recruits Harley Calix to help her and meets a new powerful being. Introduced to her by the leader of the Death Realm Salina Sinclare proves herself a valuable member of the team. Part 2: Killer Contract Agency Salina Sinclare was born and raised in Crystal Crest, but gains her power from a family heirloom. It looks like a fashionable piece of jewelry, but it possesses the ability to do so much more. When she’s recruited from the Death Realm to run her family’s legacy known as the Killer Contract Agency she proves her power is valuable. When she goes on her first case she runs into Darrel Crichton who’s the evilest demon in the Angel Witch Utopia Realm. He’s contracted by a leader possessed by another demon to end Layla and Harley’s existence. Salina, however, runs into her rival from a past life and shows her strength with the flick of her wrist. Part 3: Demon Agency Harley Calix continues her demon anthology and runs the Demon Agency for Layla Firestar. When she gets the shock of a lifetime she transforms into something bigger than she ever thought possible. She learns that her heritage is connected in more ways than one to Layla Firestar. Follow these three as they find their way into a new way of life and family. One spicy scene, the rest is about revenge they are back! https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Supern...

A Witchy Beginning Chapter 1

Please note I wrote this when I was in high school it is for young adults!

Chapter 1:

I thought I was always just a human with weird rages and a fetish for blood with fire powers. Nope. Not normal after all and it all started when Nathan and Zion came to my school to get me. I will start from the very beginning since it is why I joined Luxor academy in the Luxor realm.

It is my second to last year of high school, and I get ready for my day. I go to Crystal Crest Academy and live in a dorm with my best friend Annika. I had just gotten back from summer break, and a new year began. I have my school schedule which is one I want. And this is just for humans as well. We have a gym, cafeteria, library, and various classrooms. I am excited since I will be graduating in a few years. It means I get to stay up late studying, picking my own classes for once, and more friends too way more than just Annika. I get read and dress in the school uniform. Black shirt and grey skirt with combat boots. Home of the howling wolves with the school colors of black and grey.

I have my long, red hair brushed out, and eye shadow on my catlike green eyes. I meet my friend at a locker since we have them to put some of our stuff in, and she has her long blonde hair in a ponytail. Her blue eyes smiled at me, and she wore the uniform well and black boots; they completed her outfit. She is tan from going to the beach over the summer, and I’m happy to see her again after a boring summer. She must have put her stuff in when I was asleep. I am not a morning person like she is.

“How was your summer?” I asked her.

“Good. Tanning at the beach was a fun time, and I loved surfing. At least high school is almost over.”

I nod. “Oh, yeah, I’m so ready for college, and I want to attend Southbend for English and History. I love books.”

She laughed. “You always have and will. Let’s go to your locker to get your things and head to class.”

We head to my locker after she got her items, and once at my locker. I gather my things and head to my first class. We run into Nicole on our way there and she is the slut of high school that sleeps with everyone she sees. I was happy I was in a different dorm then she was. Nicole is a fair-looking brunette with long black hair and vacant brown eyes that show no emotion. She always wears skimpy tops making a mockery of the school uniform to show off her double D’s, too tight skirt, and heels like a wannabe model. She always loves to put down everyone around her, and thinks the world revolves around her. She loves to steal boyfriends too. I hate her, and she has tried to steal some of my boyfriends without success.

She gave me a nasty smile. “How was your summer? Mine was fabulous since I modeled for the latest Crystal Crest high style.”

I smiled at her with a fake smile. “My summer was good since I read the whole summer to escape from the real world. I read about people who triumphed over idiots like you, and girls who cheat on their boyfriends.”

She does cheat on every guy she is with…

She glared. “I love my boyfriend Chris, and I would never cheat on him.”

As if on cue, Chris comes up beside her. His short black hair is combed back and his brown eyes sparkle with mirth. He has a good tan with a black shirt sculpted to his body, and his legs are encased in black jeans. He wore black boots to his knees with a chain hanging down. I still tried to figure out why he was with her since she was a horrid, selfish bitch. God, he should be with someone with a heart.

His eyes turn toward Nicole with accusation in them, “Was what she said true? Did you really cheat on me again after I told you not to? Do I even matter to you, or am I just one of your play toys like half the guys you’ve dated?”

“No, I love you since you’re not like the rest of them. She’s a liar, and jealous because I stole several of her exes who weren’t good enough for her. They were assholes anyway.” She directed a glare my way. Then he grabbed her hand, and they headed to whatever pit they crawled out of.

I shake my head and walk with Annika to my English class. She hates her like I do and says, “You really should just ignore her since she loves the drama and attention you give her. If you ignore her then she will leave you alone. Try not to play into her hands. She is not worth it.”

I sighed, “I know, but she really makes me want to hit her sometimes.”

Annika sighed, “Me too, especially with the way she treats the guys she dates, and almost getting one arrested since she has mommy issues.”

“Wow…how do you know this?” I asked her, wondering how she knew all this.

Annika looked at me sadly, “I used to be Nicole’s friend until she got so busy she didn’t need me anymore. I gave her rides, I helped her with work, taking her places, and all she did was use me. We lost touch because I was busy with school. Once she unfriended me over Lumeline, I asked her why she did since I thought we were friends. Nicole said, I haven’t heard from you in a while, and the first thing you ask is where is your stuff since she borrowed stuff from me. In all honesty, I wanted it to cut her off for good because I was sick of listening to her drama and complaining. She was saying shit about the guys I was dating and tried to get in the way of it…”

“Damn, no wonder why I hate her for it. And what else?” I prompt her, wanting to hear the rest.

Annika continued, “She told me she doesn’t lose touch with important people, and that she has stuff to keep her busy. She put down my goals, and thought she knew my job better than I did. Her advice was crap, and it’s about time I cut her off anyway.”

“You’re right after explaining all that to me, and that’s why she is not worth talking about. I hope karma bites her in the ass,” I told her, hoping it was true. She is not a friend worth having if she continued to put her friends down. People like her are a waste of oxygen.

Annika laughed, “Hopefully it does so people will be better off not knowing her, and with her having the model gig and annoying bully too. I doubt she is someone worth being around. She also had a child by a guy she claims to love, and ended up giving it to her mom like she couldn’t be bothered to take care of her own child.”

“Damn, not someone I’d want to keep in touch with anyway,” I reply, deciding to leave it at that since class is starting. I pay attention to the lecture after the syllabus is read since it talks about journaling and keeping a diary of events throughout the day. I make a note to go to the store to pick up a journal. I enjoy journaling anyway, and it’s due at the end of the year too. It would be boring though coming from me. I get through the English period without falling asleep. After it’s over I get up and Annika smiles and says, “We can go journal shopping after school. I will drive you home to save you from riding the bus.”

I smile at her. “That’s exactly what I was thinking.”

We made our way to the next class which is history. I don’t mind it since you must know about the past to move forward with the future. I try not to think about my past too much since it brings up horrible memories. Memories I don’t want to remember since it causes me to have rage so powerful I black out or set things on fire with my mind. The thing that makes it happen is anger, and that is why I try to control it. I don’t know why or anything about the strange power, but it can’t be normal can it? My eyes turn red and the object engulfs into flames.

Once you have had horrible things happen to you that are traumatizing, you’re never the same again. I sit down at a seat, and Annika sits next to me. I was happy to have her by my side; at least with her I can do anything. She has been my friend through it all. I go through men like tissue paper, sometimes every month. Most of the time I end the thing, but only twice has the guy ended things with me. I really hated the way one guy did end it by getting a friend to tell me it’s over versus telling it himself all because he was pressured to break up with me thanks to his friends. Guys suck, and I just want to find someone who will be with me and make me happy.

Really? I stop thinking about relationships long enough to notice Annika kicking my chair lightly.

I look at her and mouth “What?” She points to the door of the classroom, and a guy walks in. The hottest guy I have ever seen. Hypnotic and oh-so-bad-boy yummy. Long black hair, almond dark brown eyes, and an eyebrow ring and a lip ring on one side. He wears a black muscle t-shirt molded to his chest, tight blue jeans, and black combat boots what sets him apart is he doesn’t feel normal. I was drawn to him. The way he carries himself is a confident yet daring attitude. He moves to the back, and sits down. God, totally my type. Then another guy comes in through the door and the total opposite. He had light brown hair with blonde tips and light blue eyes. Muscles poked through his blue shirt and he wore tight blue jeans with sneakers. Instead of heading to the back he heads straight for me, and my jaw drops since he was a sexy stud too. The second sexiest guy I've ever laid my eyes on. Wow…Two hot guys in one day--what are the odds?

The light-haired guy smiles at me and says, “Hey, I’m Nathan. What’s your name, babe?”

I smile at him. “Scarlet.”

He laughs. “What a pretty name for a cute girl. How about going out with me Friday night?”

I nod. “Sure.”

“Alright.” And he gets situated in his seat, then gets his items out for the class. I turn to the front once the lecture begins on ancient Egypt. Ancient history is pretty cool and Luxor was even named after it. The teacher talked about their society, and the fact that they worship gods and goddesses. They even have spells and they bury their dead by mummifying them before they bury them in sarcophagus. I love learning about that history. I wonder about the other guy too; questions like, who is he? And why did he transfer here? I think about it all throughout the class, and I am surprised to hear the bell since time went too fast for me. I get up as if in a daze, and we head to lunch.

“Earth to Scarlet…” Annika says to get my attention.

“Huh?” I replied.

“Those two new guys were staring at you, especially the light haired one,” she told me excitedly.

“What are you talking about?” I asked her, wondering if it was the blonde with big boobs, they were staring at in front of me.

“They were definitely looking at you, and they must love red heads…”

Nicole was sitting close to us and overhears Annika since she has nothing better to do then to be the school bully/slut. She always sat by us, and glared like how dare we even exist here, and breathe the same air…

“Impossible. No one would even think of Scarlet as even remotely attractive.” Bitchy Nicole said, like I’m a bug on her shoe she could always sit far away from us. She is the type that always has to be the center of attention.

“Maybe you should chase someone as ugly as you,” I replied with scorn in my voice. She wasn’t as attractive as she thought she was…

“Well, the blonde is mine because he is not good enough for you.” She glared at me like she won already, and the guy was hers, but he wasn’t.

I rolled my eyes at her, “Whatever. Nathan asked me, not you, so back off.”

She smiled, “Nathan, is it? Well, may the best girl win.” She left, and I imagined blowing her head off because I hated her that much. She treated me like shit the past 3 years, and I really can’t wait till I don’t have to deal with her ass anymore. I made my way with Annika to lunch, and get in line. I chose a burger and fries over whatever the hell mystery meat is…Yuck, it could very well be chopped up students in there, or animals. I shudder wondering if they really did put bad students in there.

I find a table and Annika sat across from me. She smiled as she put toppings on her burger. “So how do you feel about a hot new transfer asking you out?”

“Scared,” I replied truthfully, and take a bite of my burger. I don’t have the best track record when it comes to dating.

“It’s weird how two new guys decided to start here instead of the other high school in this realm.” She said suspiciously.

“True, it seemed weird since Luxor is the place to be for creatures like werewolves, vampires, and witches. I’ve never met anyone from there yet, and it’s kind of exciting. I was happy when they came out a few years ago.” I said. But I had a weird feeling since there must be a reason why I have these powers. I could feel energies and apparently that is not normal. I feel like an outsider here, and even my foster parents couldn’t explain these feelings either. Or the fact that I could feel the life force of people. Or like the taste of blood. The new dudes don’t feel like normal humans either. They feel different..

Crystal Crest is the realm I live in, and it’s run by human psychics. I’ve heard of the Luxor realm in Crystal Crest history. It was created to make humans feel safer, knowing a separate realm is created just for supernatural creatures. Since the creatures came out, things have been different since it means the monsters of legends exist.

I wonder what my parents are like since they disappeared a few years after I was born. It might explain some of the things I was feeling. I wondered if I was supposed to be in that realm instead of here. There is no way for a resident to get to the Luxor realm unless they have someone from Luxor to go with them. There are creatures roaming in Crystal Crest from time to time, and some residents even get involved with supernatural creatures too. We have normal police, but they do have wooden and silver bullets in their guns to stop supernatural creatures just in case.

“Where do you think they transferred from?” I asked.

“Maybe from Crest View, or the ones in Luxor?”

I shivered. “Maybe?”

I hoped so and then again, I hope not. I read the stories since I’m interested in history, and some of the humans that get involved disappear or they end up dead the next day. The supernatural came out in 2200 after a witch did a spell that blew up an entire city with a nuclear fire, and it spread and engulfed everything in flames. After that they made a public service announcement, and that is how the world knew about supernatural creatures. Then a different realm was discovered, and given to the supernatural creatures so they don’t have to live in fear of humans destroying them. I was happy they were separate from us, but sometimes I wish it was all together.

I continued eating and Annika said, “Not all of them are bad though, and I’m sure there are nice and mean ones just like us.”

“Maybe, I just hope they are not the bad ones.”

I finish and throw away my trash, since I don’t want to leave a mess for the ladies to clean up after me. I drop it in, and look through the room at the students eating, talking to each other, and having a good time. My eyes met Nathan’s, and he smiled at me. The way he looked at me made my heart beat faster, and he sat at the same table as the other guy that came through the door. He stared at me as well, and I wonder why but I got a stronger vibe off him. I’m nothing special at all. To my horror slutty Nicole gave me a wink and I hate her more now. She talked to the guys though and I was happy when she left with tears running down her face. Yay! That makes me happy since it means he will most likely be mine.

I walked back to the table to tell Annika the news. “Yes, Nicole just got rejected by the hot transfers, so we don’t have to worry about her getting in the way.”

“We never had to worry since she is not a threat in the first place.”

I laughed, “True, just some desperate wannabe that needs attention.”

Lunch ends, and we go back to the third class which is Zoology. I took it since I loved learning about animals. I get in the classroom, and Annika sat next to me. I was happy we had two classes left since I was very eager to get a new journal for class. I love this assignment, and I will make it a point to write every day in my journal. The two transfer guys are in my class again, and I danced a little inside as they sat next to Annika and I.

Nathan smiled at me and got out his items. “Sorry, I forgot to introduce you to my best friend Zion Cheng, and we just transferred here from Fang View High in the Luxor realm.”

My eyes widened. “What brings you here? I thought humans would bore you?”

He laughed. “They are okay since I’m a hybrid necromancer vampire. Mom was a vampire and Dad was a necromancer. They were really surprised when they ended up with me. Zion is a psychic and blood vampire.”

Zion smiled at me to show me his fangs. “Nice to meet you, Scarlet. I would have said hi, but class just started, and I love learning.”

I smiled. “Good, I hope you boys enjoy it here.”

Interesting too. I had no idea a necromancer and a vampire can have a baby. I wonder what powers he has?

Annika sat there taking it all in. “Wow…a real-life supernatural creature, and right in front of us. How did we get so lucky?”

Nathan smiled. “Yes, except we only bite if we are provoked.”

“Nice, so what is Luxor like?” Annika asked probably as curious as I was about it since I’ve never been there before.

Nathan thought about it for a moment. “Interesting and just like this realm. It’s more exotic though, and we do have our own hospitals, schools, and universities. Even malls and strip clubs. Angels are the police, and we have a King and Queen to rule the realm.”

My eyes lit up hearing all that. “Fascinating, are all men from there sexy like you?”

Nathan’s eyebrow rose, and Zion just smiled a heart stopping one that made my heart beat fast. Yes, I’ll admit that I love supernatural boys better than normal ones.

Nathan laughed. “We all are especially since vampires need looks to attract prey.”

“I bet, I saw the latest documentaries on vampires, and I love them better than any other supernatural creature. I love history, especially if it deals with the supernatural.”

I wink at Zion who smiled, and it made Nathan jealous since he said, “A necro vampire is better than a plain once since we can control all types of undead and get our powers from blood too.”

A few minutes later class begins, leaving me to think about all the information Nathan had told me. I’m attracted to him, and Zion’s attractive too. I don’t know yet what to make of them. Today in class we are discussing the wolf anatomy which is cool since I always had a thing for them.

After class ended it was time for the last class of the day, which was Mythology, so when they had a class on myths from around the world I jumped on it. I was not ready to pass that up yet. I go with Annika, and we talk before class.

Annika turned to me, "Scarlet, I would be careful if I were you since boys like them are dangerous. Not saying I have anything against them, but don't get too attached to them until you know what they want. It's not a coincidence they came here. Something is up."

"How do you know?" I asked her.

She smiled, "My dad worked in the Luxor realm and creatures are never interested in humans unless they want to use them for something."

My eyes widened. "Thanks for the warning I'll be careful."

Annika looked at me and warned, "You should be, and there is something I want you to know about me. Something I've never told you before because I didn't know how you'd react. I'm a witch..."

My heart stops for a second. "What? You're just joking, right?"

She shook her head. “Nope, I’m not. I was sent here to watch over you. I am your witch Protector. Since your mom is a witch and dad are a vampire you are half. And rare since you have the fire element affinity that explains your rages.”

My eyes widen. “Nope, I’m not a witch vampire--just a normal person. Unless you’re not joking then how did you keep this from me for so long?”

“I had to and when you never freaked out about Luxor I knew I had to tell you. I wanted to make sure it was the right time since you needed to know who you are.” She said. My whole world has turned upside down now.

“Wow…” I really had no idea what to believe at this point because I always thought I was normal. I thought I was, and now I’m not anymore.

“What now?” I asked her wondering the next step to take.

“Go on a date with Nathan to see what happens?” She said.

“Okay, I will.”

I just hope it does not involve me dying…

Chapter 2:

I sit there amazed since it explains a lot of stuff for me. Wow…I’m a witch, and it finally explains my fire setting powers, why I can feel people, and why I have the powers over fire. It also explains why I feel so out of place, and stronger than a normal person.

I asked Annika the next steps since maybe I will “Will I be taught how to do magic?”

Annika nodded, “You will, and you will be able to go to a place where no other humans are allowed. Luxor.”

My eyes widen. “Wow.”

She smiled at me. “Yes, and all because your parents are actually supernatural creatures.”

We stop talking once class begins, and listen to the teacher talk about the Roman Gods and Goddesses. My thoughts are still reeling on the fact that I found out I was a witch. I did take notes during this class since I love learning about myths and legends. Aphrodite, Adonis, and I wonder if they are real in the Luxor realm. Pretty soon I had a list of the gods and goddesses, even a few more I had no idea about. I had no idea what was in store, but I was willing to find out.

There is going to be Scarlet's Retribution where she joins the Killer Contract Agency to get even with Nathan and then Scarlet's Redemption where she winds up at an asylum to save werewolf girls. Then book 4 is Being a Vampire in Retail Sucks with a finale of book 5 which introduces Serena and Crystal this series is huge!

https://ko-fi.com/jdsamuels/link/HOLI...

A Life of a Phoenix Chapter 1

Katelyn Bonner was warming up a can of soup in her rundown fifth floor walkup apartment. She saw a roach crawling up the wall and disappear in a crack in the plastered wall. She shivered at the sight of it and tried to focus on the task at hand.

It had been three days since she’d eaten anything and her stomach felt like it was eating itself. She had moved to this city with hopes of finding a good job and supporting herself. What she found instead was a roach infested apartment that cost more to rent than she made weekly.

The apartment overlooked the city, so at night it was easy to forget that she was paying six hundred dollars a month for a one-bedroom dump. Katelyn had big dreams for her life but wasn’t awarded the same opportunities as everyone else was. She had to work harder and budget just as hard to make it through day to day.

Growing up she was moved from foster home to foster home until she was eighteen and basically kicked out of the system. In her experience the people who fostered children did it for the money, and she didn’t have anything and she didn’t ask for anything. This would get her in a heap of trouble as a child and she learned the hard way.

Her goal for moving to this city was in hopes of finding out who her birth parents were. There was no record of a father at all and her mother was listed as Nadia Bonner from Memphis Tennessee. Other than that, she had no other information about family.

Katelyn had a high school education because the state required her to go to school. She wasn’t ever a rebellious child and caused no issues for the several families that raised her. She did however know from a young age that she was different than anyone else she’d ever met.

She had these abilities that would allow her to do different things with her mind. Things that she knew would eventually set her apart from anyone else she’d ever met. Now she was here in this hell hole of a city looking for a woman that gave her life just to see if she’s the reason she had these abilities.

At this time in her life Katelyn had given up on finding her birth mother and was just trying to survive. She sat on the hardwood floor in her shithole apartment and sipped her soup with a plastic spoon. A spoon that she’d gotten from her job at the local fast-food place. The bowl, pot, and cup she had she got from a charity thrift store for less than a dollar for all of them.

Katelyn could hear the city below her and knew that she had to give up on this idea of finding a family and start living for herself. She needed to find a secluded place where she could figure out what these abilities she held could do. She also needed to find a job that would pay more than what she was making now.

With that thought in mind she pulled out her phone and searched for cities in the state that had nice places to rent for cheap. She found a house for rent in a town called Huntingdon. It was a hundred and nineteen miles from where she lived in Memphis population around four thousand people.

It looked to be a quaint little town but had a lot of land for sale. Katelyn liked the idea of it and decided that this is where she wanted to move to. She got up off the floor and washed her bowel and spoon. She then opened the cabinet and pulled out the old coffee tin she had and went back to the living room floor.

She counted out the money across the floor. She had learned that over the years she could survive on less than most people and if she kept the money she needed for food then she could save up a lot faster. With that in mind she began to count what she had.

In the last four years that she had been here she managed to save six thousand four hundred and twelve dollars. This would be enough for her to leave the city and put down the deposit along with first month’s rent on the house she found. She had a full paycheck coming Friday, and she would add that to her savings.

Katelyn decided this was a go and pulled out her phone and called the number linked to the house for rent. An older woman answered the phone, “Hello.” She said kindly.

“Hello, my name is Katelyn Bonner and I’m interested in the home you have for rent.” Katelyn said.

“It’s a single wide mobile home three bedrooms, two bathrooms, with a separate laundry room. If you have kids then there’s a big yard for them to play in.” The woman said.

“Sounds nice the only thing I didn’t see was a price.” Katelyn replied.

“Oh, that’s right I forgot to put that on there. It’s four hundred a month with a four-hundred-dollar deposit. The only thing I ask is no pets, you can have a fishbowl but no cats or dogs please.” The woman said.

“I don’t have any pets ma’am and when can I see the place?” Katelyn asked.

“What’s the earliest you can get here?” The woman asked.

“I can be there tomorrow morning.” Katelyn replied.

“Where are you currently?” The woman asked.

“I’m in Memphis and looking to relocate.” Katelyn replied.

“Oh, and what do you do for work there in Memphis?” The woman asked.

“I currently work in a fast-food place but I’ve already put in applications in Huntingdon.” Katelyn replied.

“Look I’m sure you’re a nice girl and all but I don’t want to be chasing my rent money like I have in the past. I want to be able to collect it on the first of the month and if you have an issue then I’ll fix it as needed.” The lady replied.

“I can tell you’ve had issues in the past, so I’ll tell you what. I’ll pay for the deposit and the first three months’ rent up front. That will allow me time to settle in and find a job in the area.” Katelyn replied.

“What if you don’t find a job in that time?” The lady asked.

“Then I’ll move out no questions asked.” Katelyn replied.

“You’re wanting to get out of the city pretty badly to put that much pressure on yourself.” The lady said.

“I do want to get out of here. I currently live in a fifth-floor walk-up that I pay six hundred a month for. It’s infested with roaches and I hate it here.” Katelyn replied.

“I would hate that too, but I don’t want a roach infestation either. I’d like to rent to you, but that’s something no one wants to deal with.” The lady said.

“I don’t have any furniture or big things to bring with me, so I won’t be bringing along any roaches.” Katelyn replied.

“Do you mind if I ask how old you are?” The lady asked.

“I’m twenty-two.” Katelyn replied.

“How long have you been on your own?” The lady asked.

“I aged out of the system at eighteen, so four years.” Katelyn replied.

“You were in the foster care system?” The lady asked.

“Yes ma’am my whole life.” Katelyn replied.

“I see and you don’t have any family?” The lady asked.

“No ma’am I don’t. Is that a deal breaker?” Katelyn asked.

“Not at all, I just can’t imagine you being on your own in this world and trying to relocate.” The lady replied.

“I’ve spent the last four years saving as much as I could so that I could make a life for myself.” Katelyn said sadly.

“I tell you what young lady, you come by in the morning when you get here and I’ll show you the trailer. If you like it then we’ll settle it and you can move in.” The lady said.

“Will I be able to move in then and there?” Katelyn asked.

“Yes, you will and we’ll get an exterminator out there just in case you bring along any of those roaches.” The lady replied.

“That would be nice, but the only thing I’m bringing with me is a few clothing items I have.” Katelyn replied.

“You don’t have anything else to bring with you?” The lady asked.

“No ma’am, the only thing I own is my car and clothes.” Katelyn replied.

“Are you sleeping on the floor?” The lady asked.

“Yes, I sleep on the floor with a few blankets I got from the salvation army.” Katelyn replied.

“Oh, dear girl what kind of life you must have led. Is there any way you can get here tonight and we’ll see what we can do to get you settled in?” The lady asked.

“Unfortunately, I can’t, I have to work tonight and it’s a big tipper night. I’ll need the extra money to ensure that I can get food and necessities.” Katelyn replied.

“I thought you said you worked in fast-food.” The lady asked.

“It is fast-food but it’s not a chain restaurant like the big names. It’s a restaurant here in Memphis that has a wait staff like a normal restaurant. The only difference is that the kitchen follows the same basic steps as a chain restaurant unless someone orders off the extended menu.” Katelyn replied.

“Is that like a 1950’s diner?” The lady asked.

“Yes it is.” Katelyn replied.

“I think I know where you work and I like that you’re willing to work the night and come in the morning. You seem very responsible, so when you get here in the morning I’ll show you around the place and you can get settled.” The lady said.

“I appreciate that and where do you live?” Katelyn asked.

“I live about a mile up the road. If you decide to take the place I’ll make sure to stock it with groceries for the first month to help you out. I’m sure a young girl like you hasn’t had a decent meal in ages.” The lady replied.

“Ma’am you honestly don’t have to do that for me. I don’t eat much more than a can of soup here and there and even that’s a bit much for me some days.” Katelyn replied.

“I’m sure things have been hard for you in this life, but I assure you that I’ll do whatever I can to help you live a good life.” The lady said.

“Thank you, and what’s your name?” Katelyn asked.

“Oh, listen at me going on and on and I never gave you my name, I’m Valerie.” The lady replied.

“Valerie thank you so much for everything you’re trying to do. I do honestly appreciate it, but I don’t want to put you out.” Katelyn replied.

“It’s no big deal girlie, I’ll just get over there and make sure that everything is taken care of for you.” Valerie said cheerfully.

“One last thing before I go Valerie, how much do the utilities usually run around there?” Katelyn asked.

“The trailer is on a well for water and everything else is electric. We have a good internet company out here, so if you decide to get that then it’ll be separate. Currently the electricity is in my name so that I could keep the water and heat on during the winter months. Didn’t want to deal with busted pipes.” Valerie replied.

“Will I be able to transfer the electric into my name or will I have to put down a new deposit and all of that?” Katelyn asked.

“You will have to pay a new deposit for the electric but if you’d like we can keep it in my name and I can give you a bill each month and you can pay it.” Valerie replied.

“That sounds like a plan to me, but I can pay the deposit to put it in my name.” Katelyn replied.

“I’m sure you can, but this will save you around three hundred and fifty dollars.” Valerie explained.

“That’s quite a bit for electricity.” Katelyn replied.

“It’s based on your credit score and the highest you’ll pay is the three fifty, so if I can save that for you then I will.” Valerie said.

“I appreciate that, so I have to go to work now and I’ll see you in the morning say nine o’clock in the morning?” Katelyn asked.

“Sounds good to me just meet me at the address on the website.” Valerie replied.

“Thank you again Valerie I truly appreciate it.” Katelyn said before disconnecting the call.

Katelyn went to work with excitement and was happy with the decision she was making. She put on a smile, served her customers, and made polite conversation with the people who wanted to talk. Because of this she was always able to make more tips then the rest of the crew.

Tonight, wasn’t any different aside from when the shift was over she was going to let the manager know that it was her last night. She was going to miss the people she worked with, but she wasn’t going to miss leaving here smelling like food and feeling constantly hungry.

The night passed by quickly and she was cleaning the dining room when the manager approached her. Someone had left her a large tip and she had to sign off for it. Katelyn signed the paper and asked how much the tip was and the manager handed her an envelope. Katelyn in return said thank you and shoved it in her apron pocket.

Katelyn finished with front end cleanup and was satisfied with the shine on the floor. While she waited for the floor to dry Katelyn went into the manager’s office. “Hey Bud, can we talk for a minute?” Katelyn asked.

“Yeah, come on in Katelyn.” Bud replied.

“I have some bad news.” Katelyn said sitting down in the seat beside his desk.

“No, you don’t.” Bud replied giving her his full attention.

“I’m afraid that tonight is my last night here.” Katelyn said nervously.

“You’re not even going to give me a two-week notice?” Bud asked.

“I would but I’m moving out of town.” Katelyn replied.

“Where are you moving to?” Bud asked.

“I found a place in Huntingdon TN.” Katelyn replied.

“That’s a long ways from here, why are you moving there?” Bud asked.

“It looked like a quiet place so I want to check it out.” Katelyn replied.

“It’s a sleepy little town with nothing in it. Here you have everything you could ever need and not have to drive very far.” Bud said.

“I’ve lived in this city my whole life and I’ve never liked it. I found a new place and I’d like to try it out. If I don’t like it later then I’ll move back to the city.” Katelyn replied.

“I see but have you given any thought to what’s left on your apartment lease? Or deposits that you’ve paid?” Bud asked.

“I have and my lease is up at the end of the month. I paid for this month so they’ll keep the payment for it and if they decide to give me any of my deposit back then they can send it to me in a check.” Katelyn replied.

“So, you’re just going to walk away from all that money and what?” Bud asked.

“If there’s any money to get back then they can send it to me in a check or money order. It’s not that big of a deal they do it all the time.” Katelyn replied.

“This is your home though why would you want to leave it?” Bud asked.

“Bud, what’s really on your mind?” Katelyn asked.

“You’re my best server and I don’t want to lose you to some bullshit dream.” Bud replied.

“It’s not a bullshit dream Bud, it’s my life and I want to be at peace in a small town.” Katelyn replied.

“I can’t rehire you if you don’t give a two week notice though.” Bud replied.

“I don’t want to be rehired and besides that I’ve given this place six years of my life already. I would think you of all people would understand where I’m coming from.” Katelyn replied.

“How do you figure it to be six years?” Bud asked.

“I started when I was sixteen and I’m twenty-two now, that’s six years and a few months. I deserve to find my place in this world regardless of where it is.” Katelyn replied.

“I know you do Katelyn, but have you given any thought about how this will affect you? You have no family, no friends, and you don’t know anyone there. You’re going out on your own with nothing.” Bud said shaking his head.

“I don’t have any of those things here either Bud. Have you ever seen me with anyone or heard me talk about my family gatherings?” Katelyn asked narrowing her eyes at him.

“No, what does that have to do with you going out on your own?” Bud asked.

“It has everything to do with it, Bud I’ve been on my own my whole life. I was raised in the system and at eighteen I was given twenty-five dollars and a blanket and told I was on my own. The foster family I was staying with told me they couldn’t get any more money from the state for me and told me to leave. I was still in high school just weeks from graduation. I was already working here and the state wouldn’t allow my foster family to take my money so it was put into an account. I was allowed to take it when I was kicked out of my foster home. I used that to get myself into the apartment I have now and I’ve been on my own since. I hate the apartment I’ve been living in the last four years and I hate this city, if you want you can see my apartment and how I’ve been living the last four years and know that what I’m doing is what’s best for me.” Katelyn said with anger.

“How did I not know any of this?” Bud asked.

“You never asked anything personal and I don’t like to share.” Katelyn replied.

“Then what made you share now?” Bud asked.

“Your need to tell me I wasn’t living my life correctly.” Katelyn asked.

“Where do you live?” Bud asked.

“Down in east town in a five-floor walk-up.” Katelyn replied,

“That’s a bad part of town how do you manage?” Bud asked.

“I don’t bother anyone and no one bothers me.” Katelyn replied.

“There’s more gains and violence over there than anywhere else in the city.” Bud stated.

“It’s not as bad as you think, if you keep to yourself and your head down then you’re fine. It’s when you go meddling in other people’s business that there’s an issue.” Katelyn replied.

“Do you need anything?” Bud asked.

“No, I’m good why?” Katelyn asked.

“If I had knowledge of how you were living I would have offered help a long time ago.” Bud replied.

“I’m not a charity case Bud, I’ve managed to do pretty well for myself over the years.” Katelyn replied.

“How when you live in a crap apartment on the east side of town?” Bud asked.

“I tell you what when we leave here I’ll show you my apartment and tell you my story. I’m only inviting you now because I’m leaving shortly after I pack my things.” Katelyn replied.

“All right I’ll follow you to your apartment and we can have a conversation.” Bud said with a nod.

“I’m done in the dining room and everything at the service station has been restocked and is cleaned up. Are you almost done here?” Katelyn asked.

“Yes, the kitchen staff has already left for the night, so it’s just the two of us.” Bud replied.

“You know as well as I do they didn’t get that kitchen clean like they’re supposed to.” Katelyn said with a chuckle.

“That’s not out of the ordinary, but then again not everyone is you Katelyn.” Bud replied.

“I just know what clean is and I’m about to show you why I like everything clean.” Katelyn replied.

“Is it that bad?” Bud asked.

“It’s worse.” Katelyn said heading out of the office.

Bud turned off his desk lamp and followed Katelyn out of the office. He did a walk through and they headed out the back door together. Katelyn got into her escalade and Bud got into his minivan.

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The Witch of Salem Chapter 1

This is my only other pen name and I'm not going to do anymore books with it right now focusing on my main one. I orginially got it to hide from trolls but they found it anyway so said fuck it.

Here is chapter 1 for sale in my shop at 30% off!

Evangelina Christine sat in her tiny apartment overlooking the mighty river. She had been here for the past two hours unmoving. Her life had taken a path that she didn’t see coming.

As a child her grandmother told her that she would one day find herself at a crossroads. Evangelina wondered if this was indeed that crossroads. She was confused and wanted to talk to someone who could help guide her through it.

Shaking herself out of her daze Evangelina picked up the taro cards and started shuffling them. Cutting the cards in half Evangelina was blinded by a bright light. She glared into the light mesmerized by its beauty.

Once entranced by the light Evangelina started to see a vision. Her grandmother was there with a full smile on her face. Evangelina squinted against light recognizing her grandmother.

As confused as Evangelina was her grandmother walked up to her and took a seat. The light faded away and Evangelina was facing her dead grandmother in her kitchen. She reached across the table and took her hand.

“How can this be?” Evangelina asked.

“Ask and you shall receive my child. Now, tell Nan what’s ailing you.” Her grandmother replied.

“I’m at a crossroads, is this what you were warning me about as a child?” Evangelina asked.

“It could be, what are you confused about.” Her grandmother asked.

“I’ve always wanted to live in the city, and now I don’t find it to be my home.” Evangelina replied.

“That’s because it’s not your home. This is just a place to keep you warm at night. Your home is back where you came from.” Her Grandmother explained.

“I worked really hard to get out of that place, and build this life. How can I not be happy in it?” Evangelina asked.

“Darling girl, this place is just that a place. You wanted to see it and experience it, and now that you have you yearn for home. Why don’t you take a trip back to the place you’re from and see if that settles your curiosity.” Her Grandmother suggested.

“Do you really think the dark forest is the best place to be during this time?” Evangelina asked.

“Are you referring to the upset and rising of the coven?” Her Grandmother asked.

“I am very worried about it.” Evangelina replied.

“Why?” Her Grandmother asked.

“Our family isn’t in charge of the coven anymore. I’ve heard of harsh punishments and wrongful spells being handed down.” Evangelina replied.

“Then wouldn’t you be the best one to challenge those wrongs?” Her Grandmother asked.

“I left the coven, and our home. Do you think they’ll see me as a traitor and banish me, or do some kind of shifting spell?” Evangelina asked.

“Shifting spell?” Her Grandmother asked raising an eyebrow.

“I’ve heard they’ve cast spells turning members into shapeshifters, like frogs, rats, and roaches.” Evangelina replied.

“You know how to protect yourself Evangelina, so why be scared of someone who can’t touch your spirit?” Her Grandmother asked.

“The grand coven mother doesn’t ask for permission before she reigns down her punishment. How can one protect themselves from that?” Evangelina asked.

“Have you forgotten who you are?” Her Grandmother asked.

“No, but I also know who I’m not. She’s now the mother of us all, and none of us can use the magic without her permission.” Evangelina replied.

“You have magic within, and that’s the kind that can’t be learned from a book. Here take my left hand and I’ll take you deep into the past; I believe it’s time for you to see the truth.” Her Grandmother said, extending her hand.

Evangelina took her Grandmother’s hand and the bright light flashed before her again. They were only in the light for a few minutes before a new scene flashed before them again. Her Grandmother stood straight as the view changed from the bright light to a full coven circle.

“Mother Christine.” Each of the women said, as the elder walked through the two straight lines of women.

Evangelina walked through the lines behind her grandmother as each of the women bowed to her grandmother. When they got to the middle of the two lines Mother Christine stopped and turned slowly to the right. A woman stood there with her eyes cast downward, and she looked almost afraid to look at the older woman.

“Look up at me child.” Mother Christine commanded.

The girl looked up into her eyes with a defiance that was noted in the elder woman’s expression. Mother Christine was facing the girl, and the girl was holding her chin up waiting for her to say something. Mother Christine shook her head at the girl and turned to face her original direction.

Evangelina watched as the girl scowled at her grandmother. She got closer to her and recognized the woman, but couldn’t quite remember where she’d seen her. She looked young standing there challenging the head of the coven, and as if she were ready to pounce.

Mother Christine stepped up on the podium and turned to the rest of the coven. Evangelina stood at the bottom of the podium and gazed upon her grandmother. Mother Christine spread her arms open wide to address everyone in attendance.

“This is a special night for all of us. We’ve got the future meeting the past in the most peculiar way. Although this won’t change the events that are to become us, we’ve all got a chance to learn from it.” Mother Christine announced.

“Is this why you’ve brought a stranger amongst us?” The previous woman who glared at Mother Christine asked.

“Natalia Grace O’Mally, you my dear will one day be a great asset to this coven. However, you have to get your ego in check, or you’ll fall harder than you’ve fallen. Don’t challenge the hand that teaches you.” Mother Christine replied, giving her a side eye.

“I believe you Mother Christine, but I also feel as if I’m meant to lead not follow.” Natalia said.

“You’ll lead when you’ve gone through the basics, as of right now it’s all fundamentals.” Mother Christine replied.

“I know the fundamentals; I’ve been taught since I was a child.” Natalia said.

“Basics my child, basics. Slow down and remember that your haste could injure us all.” Mother Christine replied.

“More like save us all.” Natalia replied under her breath.

Evangelina realized that she was talking to and looking at the same woman who had taken over the coven her family started. She could see that the woman was making hasty decisions, and they weren’t the good kind. Now she needed to figure out how to bring the woman down, instead of helping her gain the access.

“One day in the future one of our own will betray us all. When that day comes evil will prevail and we’ll all be taken down. You’ll know these days as the Salem Witch trials, while the rest of the world will watch as we hang, and burned at the stake. One of us will be the cause of it as she names us one by one. Some of us will be able to escape to the dark forest, and others will watch with a painful ache. At that time those of us who are able to escape will rebuild, and others will challenge us. Keep your wits about you ladies, and your homes safe.” Mother Christine announced.

The ladies of the coven started to whisper amongst themselves. The speculation of it all caused an upset in amongst the covens. They all knew at that moment that they couldn’t trust each other, but they also wanted to know who it was that would betray them.

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Dark Side of Human Nature!

I write poems and evenutally plan on writing more on my blog this is actually one of my fave Poems in my book The Dark Side of Human Nature!

Empathy

I can feel what you feel.

Your emotions are in my head.

They mess me up.

Shielding is not enough.

Your brain still sends me signals.

I forget what I feel with your emotions in my head.

Because your emotions do not heal.

All the anger, lust, jealousy, and hate.

To feel what you feel is my fate.

They rip me to shreds.

All the love, happiness, sadness.

For an empath feelings are madness.

Knowing what you are feeling.

But no way to get it out.

All the hatred that I feel.

It is hard for me to deal.

Someone save me from this place.

It is hard for me to face.

Help me.

Take this gift away.

So I can live a normal day.

Please?

It is 30% off in my shop link here going to share 4 more book excerpts trying to get my promos in and promoting it on my page, bluesky, X, Threads, my Discord everywhere I can since I wanted to do a sale. I actually got more work done on my book today so proud of the progress!

Being a Vampire in Retail Sucks Chapter 1

A fire is burning in the fireplace and it makes the living room warm to combat the cold air conditioning running through the rest of the house. I use this time off to banish the memories of my last case, and the previous ones when I was with the agency. I finally have a chance to try to get my mind off my past once and for all.

It all started when Nathan killed Zion, my lover, since he was an abusive and jealous jerk. My grief led to me wanting retribution so fiercely that I was hired by The Killer Contract Agency. I then went on a killing frenzy eliminating Nicole, Megan, Kelsey, Kyle, and Nathan. I got my revenge, but not without a price. My final step was to swallow Nathan’s soul but, it caused me to go crazy and I ended up gunning down innocents. I was changed into a vampire to stop the rage from consuming me. Once I turned, the rage stopped and I became sane again. Then I was captured by a crazy necromancer named Rick, and he tried to turn humans into creatures by performing horrible experiments on them. I stopped Rick with help of the Moon Wolf pack. All of the old case files went into the fireplace, and the bracelet I still have as a reminder of what I have been through. I turn away from the fire and the past.

I look around the apartment I love. We moved into it after I became a vampire and we transferred to the Luxor realm. It is a big place with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an office, kitchen, and even a library piled high with books. The walls in the living room are charcoal black and the carpeting is the color of warm blood with a gothic theme throughout the house: cobweb wallpapers with candelabras, and magical statues of wolves and dragons placed in the house to guard it from intruders.

Sitting down on the black leather sofa, I let the warm fire relax me. There is incense burning and the smell of apples and cinnamon take me to a place of comfort. The necromancer situation still haunts me, since I was tortured horribly. I don’t want to go into details, but I hate them. The asylum case was just as horrid. Especially seeing all those supernatural creatures hurt when they did not deserve it. I exhale and let it all go. I am on my vacation after all.

Dante, my lover, is rustling around papers in the office we share. Since I have nothing better to do, I go see what he was doing in the office. And maybe play around a bit on the computer.

"Come in," he replies after I knock on the door since he loves to keep the door closed to concentrate.

"What are you working on?" I ask as I walk into the room and stand behind him, peering at his screen. I know he hates it when I do that but I just can't help but rile him a bit. He sighs and stretches, making me stare at the muscles flexing underneath his shirt.

"Shit loads thanks to the damn necromancer-werewolf-agency issues. I dislike Rick, and his bullshit about falsely helping people without powers. He just had to work in the Crystal Crest realm with the psychics to experiment on innocent creatures. At least the asylum is a black crater in the ground now. And all of their data on us is destroyed. "

"Fun, I love paperwork. But at least we no longer have to worry about the Crystal Crest realm becoming like ours."

He laughs and it lights up his entire face, making his soft silky black hair undulate around his handsome face. I stare at his muscles as they ripple with the simple gesture of him sweeping his hair out of his eyes. He turns his attention back to the screen in front of him and I sit down in a plush chair in the corner and watch him work.

I don’t pay attention to the time until I feel a gentle hand brush my long red hair behind my ear. My green eyes come back into focus after staring at nothing but remembering the experiments.

"Brooding again?" He asks concern in his brown eyes. He knows I dwell too much on the past, especially since it was a shock to my system.

"Yes," I reply sheepishly, "I was just thinking about our latest mission. All of the things the necromancer said he would do to my friend’s dead body still haunt me.” I shudder, trying not to think about it, and try to block out the images that are flooding my mind.

"Thinking of it only makes it worse. He is dead. The Asylum is a graveyard. You are going to drive yourself bonkers if you keep thinking about it. I agree with how horrible the whole situation was, and I wish I could pass on my extra abilities on to you. Then you would never have to fear. Do you think I like seeing you like this?” He asks.

"No, and I know it was hard on you as well. I’m sorry I still get lost in the past. At least the werewolves were able to save me." I say with a smile trying to focus on the good side of my experiences.

"They did, but it also means you owe them a favor. Werewolves always collect their favors and sometimes it is dangerous. I know I owed them once, and payback nearly made me tied to a member of their pack." I sigh, not wanting to think about what they will want in return for saving my life.

“I want to check my email," and I hop behind the desk across from Dante's. My mind jumps to more essential everyday things like work and coupon shopping. I need some new clothes from Gothic Gear and Witch Cauldron and I hope that there are some money off coupons in my inbox.

I quickly get comfortable in the leather chair since it fits the shape of my body perfectly. I turn on my high-powered desktop and log into my personal email. I am disappointed when my inbox has nothing but spam. No, I don’t want another vampire groupie, not after the last one died. Nope, I don’t want to meet single vampires in my area. Absolutely no to getting the biggest erection of my vampire life. All junk and no fun coupons for me. Frustrated, I decide to check my work email. Even though I am on vacation there might be something interesting going on to take my attention.

“Hey, look at this,” I tell Dante and he moves behind my chair. He looks over my shoulders to read what is on my computer screen.

"Why does he want to see you? I thought you were on vacation. I was looking forward to relaxing with you." He sighs, "Do you want me to go with you to the office?"

I nodded, "Special assignment sounds fun, but it also sounds like a handful. I just hope a necromancer isn't involved in this one. I hate those guys." I shudder again and push away the images from my past. Necromancers are notorious for getting zombies to do their dirty work. It is helpful to send one after someone you want dead because they are hard to kill. The only way to stop them is to cut off their heads. "Let’s change, and then hit the road."

A little bit later, we slide into Dante’s Strider X, the fastest type of car in the realm. We quickly get to the store since Derrick is impatient. The sun is a horrid ball of heat frying everything in its path. The soft tank top I am wearing allows the cool leather from my seat to relieve my skin from the inferno. I don’t like the heat. I would rather it be an in-between temperature, not too hot or too cold.

Roger’s Video store is a front for the detective agency in the Luxor realm. King Alexander and Queen Diana Battle don't want anyone to know about either Derrick's Detective Agency or its partner the Killer Contract Agency. They work together to help solve crime and catch criminals for the crown.

Dante looks up at the sun. “At least the sun here is not toxic to us. I was a surfer before I changed into a vampire you know. I like still being able to surf; it is more fun with powers. And the donors and blood bags definitely make life easier. What about you Scarlet, do you love it?”

I consider my transition to being a vampire, “I love it, and it is so much better being sane. Thank you for turning me. I love having my magical powers and my spirit guardian.”

"Of course I remained after you changed. You need me to guide you and help in combat." Nightshade speaks in her melodious voice in my head.

"I am happy to have you too. You have saved my ass plenty of times. I will always be grateful to have you in my life." I commune back.

Nightshade has watched over me ever since I came into my power as a witch. I have been her charge to guide even before I received the bracelet. She became my permanent guardian when I put on the bracelet, and when I kept my powers during the transition she decided to stay with me. She is a spirit that stays by my left ear and is visible when she desires.

"It is amazing that you still remember when we first met," She comments knowing I am brooding on the past again.

"I always will because you saved my ass more times than I can count."

“I think we need to go into his office now,” Dante interrupts and I notice we have reached our destination. He knows about Nightshade and doesn't mind when we talk, he talks to his guardians, too. His guardians are the hell hounds: Cloud and Enforcer. Derrick is an impatient man and we both want to see what he wants.

“Sorry.” I reply sheepishly. “Nightshade was talking to me.” Dante is standing over me holding the door to the car for me to get out. He is such a gentleman! He takes my hand and squeezes it gently, then smiles warmly.

“Would you like it if I was in your mind more, not just when you are in danger?” Because Dante is my sire, we can talk telepathically. It comes in handy during battle or undercover cases when we need to speak privately. It also makes the romance between us so much better. I nod in response to his questions and we walk to the store to see what the boss wants.

Roger’s Videos store is a bright beige building with a black and white sign denoting the name on the front of the building. The bell tinkles as we go through the door. I look around the room with brightly lit shelves and neatly placed videos. We might need to rent one if the news sucks. Syron waves to us from behind the counter as we make our way to the back of the store. Past the public restrooms, we go into the office to find out what the boss wants.

Derrick Sanders, the owner and head of the detective agency, sits at his desk wearing his favorite camouflage clothes. His constant self-imposed distractions tell me he has seen more horrors than he will admit to. I don’t want to interrupt him so I wait until he stops typing and looks up at me before I speak.

"You wanted to see me, sir?"

“Yup, Scarlet,” he replied in his former army tone. He leans back in his chair and continues in the voice he used when he sent troops out for battle. “There is an issue that has come up involving Fiona’s corner and Café, the retail establishment. Some of the women from the Moon Wolf Pack have gone missing and all of them worked for Fiona’s. ”

My eyes widen, “The ones who helped me escape from the asylum?”

He nods, “Afraid so. The last place they were seen was their work place. Here are the files on the girls who are missing.” He hands me the files, and I take them with caution wondering who the unlucky girls are, and if I know them. Shania Wolfson, Sonya Simone, and Merica Laker. Phew, I never knew them personally. They are all very beautiful, and belong to Rex’s pack. Since they are part of the pack that rescued me from the necromancer the least I can do is try to find them. All three girls disappeared a few weeks after starting to work at the store.

Terrific, a retail store gone rancid, why am I not surprised? Honestly, it is not surprising to hear, especially since the boss is a 1,000-year-old vampire who use to use the store as a front for hurting creatures through horrific experiments. Luckily, it had stopped thanks to Derrick’s Detective Agency. At least I thought it had.

“Is this another find the missing women case or an undercover one?” I ask dreading the answer. I have a bad feeling I knew where this was going when his face changed to a look of sympathy.

“I want you to go undercover to find the missing girls. You will need to pose as an employee at the store. It is the best approach to get information on both the girls and the company. The werewolves have asked for you specifically, as payment for your debt.”

“I can’t wait to see you in an adorable little uniform!” Nightshade teases, he voice filled with mirth.

“Great,” I comment with feigned enthusiasm, “Just what I always wanted to do; work retail!” I sigh, and he gives me the rest of the paperwork that I need to go undercover. I have my new identity as a vampire named Lily Stone, as well as all of the legal documents to support the story.

Dante laughs, "At least there are no necromancers this time. This should be way easier than that was, and you don’t have to deal with crazy people.” His mirth is not concealed as he grins from ear to ear, “And it could be worse, you could be at Fang’s Fast Blood and have to deal with hungry vampires. Fast food would definitely be worse.”

“True.” I laugh, “I have been to one, and the vampires are way too picky about it what they want.”

Derrick joins our laughter, “No necromancers at all, unless they are customers buying their items. The only creatures you will have to deal with are a few vampires, witches and werewolves. There is also the sorceress who is the owner of the store and her vampire lover Ren.” He smiles at me and his next words change the mood in the room, “I am really happy to see you in one piece. I know the last case was not easy for you. After this assignment, I want you to take a long far away vacation.” He pauses, “then you have to come back for another case.”

“No worries, I will come back to work,” I grin at him, “Honestly, I think a trip to the islands is in order. I want to learn to surf.” I look at Dante and he smiles.

Dante and I leave, walking side by side on our way to the car. I am hoping that the case is straightforward, but my history has taught me otherwise. I browse through the files Derrick gave me as Dante drives back to our home. Derrick’s note point to his suspicions he has about Fiona Stagea and my main purpose is to spy on her. Werewolves never do well at her store; they either quit quickly or disappear. Ren, her lover, was the last person that was seen with Shania. The two had been seen fighting a week before and no one had seen her since.

As I think about what going undercover in retail means, I begin to get angry. I won’t have weekends off anymore, not that I ever shop on weekends. I don’t like crowds so I tend to stay away from stores when they are crowded. I will have to deal with customers and I have seen how nasty some people are to retail workers. Many people take out their own problems on the employees, using them as verbal punching bags, which is not right and now I will have to deal with it. I used to work retail, and I hated it. I had to deal with all of the problems while I was trying to pay my way through witch school. I think about the amount of time it usually takes me to solve a case. The asylum took a few months, and that was after Nightshade woke me up from the drugs they were making me take.

“Thanks for that by the way,” I intone to Nightshade and I hear her laughter ringing through my head. At least I am never alone. I go back to my brooding and think about my time frame. There are only four months until Christmas, and even less before the shopping season ramps up. So I don’t lose my sanity again I decide I have to solve the case before then.

Many of the creatures in the Luxor realm used to live in the Crystal Crest realm, like me, and we tend to keep up the habits of our human lives. We celebrate the same holidays because it helps remind us of our humanity. The other downside to working the busiest season of the year in retail means that I will probably slip up and bite someone. Blood bags and donors have helped me conquer the urge but when my temper is high, I have been known to lose control.

Dante and I spend a magical weekend together before my new nightmare begins.

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Tales From Behind the Counter Chapter 1

Introduction to My Journey Into Hell!

Ranting ahead and strong language is used!

I never planned on working retail at all. I wanted to continue at the job I was at since I was making 8.75 an hour in the two years I worked there. I was an assistant to a successful company, and helped them with research. The same research that gave me empathic abilities, and made me able to read their emotions. Of course, I'll go into detail about it during AngelWitch, my book coming out. They informed me of what I was more than anything. Then, the company was bought out by another and I was laid off. I live in the Crystal Crest realm. After I graduated Southbend High school, I went to a community college. The whole time I was working retail on the weekends, and an extra day during the week. Thirty-two hours, and forget having weekends off since retail has weekends mandatory at times. Those are the busiest times anyway. During the week it’s slow as shit, and Sunday nights suck, too. It's the busiest Friday nights, Saturday around noon and 6:00. Sunday it picks up around 1pm after the church crowd hits. Holidays suck since it means crowds the day before and on the actual holiday. It means there will be constant register calls, and stupid people with stupid questions. I must have a drink sometimes after work to dull their energy signals/emotions I felt from them. Their emotions can leak into you like a virus corrupting everything. Feeling their anger, disgust, and rage can have you feeling drained after eight hours of torment.

I was unemployed for six months after I got laid off, and then I got a job at Kyle’s General Store working retail after I applied to several places. I graduated community college, and then transferred to South Bend University to major in English and minor in History. I live at my apartment off campus and take college classes online. It’s been a wild ride in retail-five years of it. Five years of being normal and acting like a normal college student.

My name is Angeline and you will see me in my new book AngelWitch where I finally find my escape from retail, and move on to bigger and better things. This book will have me telling you stories of my time working at Kyle’s in various departments. Retail is not for everyone. Not everyone can handle it. I have long black hair and smoky grey eyes. I’m pale since I don’t get out in the sun much, and to the world I look like a kid since I have a youthful appearance. I have a slim body, and it fits with the Kyle’s General Store outfit. Black shirts with the words Kyle’s General Store, and it has to be collared. Black pants even black jeans are allowed. They have added a black vest to the mix so people can identify who works there, but it doesn’t matter. I still have people ask if I work there. There is a name tag on the left side, and it has my nickname Angel for short on it. I love the fact that it’s all black since black is my color. I even wear black eyeshadow and nail polish to match looking like a goth girl.

It’s easy to get a job when you know someone. I got the job thanks to my guardian Kalisa to get away from it all, but that is a story for another time. After completing the personality test thing, which was easy since you pick stuff to indicate you are a people person. Then, there are interviews and the drug test afterward. You are put in orientation to get to know the company, and then the two days of mind-numbing modules that don't give you real world experience. Of course, when you get on the floor they don't have time to properly train you so then you have to stumble around like an idiot. Then have customers get mad that you don't know everything in the store even though you just started.

I work weekends and working five years in retail is slowly killing me. Yes, I make $11.50 an hour since they changed minimum wage in Crystal Crest. The government decided people need more money, and changed it to make lives better. Retail is not for me though. I can’t stand being around managers that run you to the ground. I can’t stand the customers who want you to break rules just for them, and these are the same people who expect to get a gift card just for them waiting around, “wasting their time and expect you to pay them for it” when you are running other departments as well as yours. Or, they expect to get special service because they spend a ton of money there. I spend money there too, and some people don’t even need the money work retail do it to have something to do. Even people with one full time job use retail as a part time one to help with expenses.

One guy wanted a discount for checking out at a different register, and when self-checkouts were installed they wanted a discount for that. As if they are more special than everyone else just because they are the customer. Some customers who don’t like self-check complain about not wanting to pay to bag and scan their own groceries as if this job is beneath them. Or if they go to a cashier they complain over their attitude and the way they bag. No winning there.

To me sometimes retail customers are not always right, and sometimes they are assholes that love to pick on the sales person and make their lives hell. So if you thought the customer is always right then this is not the book for you. These stories are a collection of mean customers, stupid customers, and proof why signs have to be put in bold lettering in order for some dumbass to see. I hope you will laugh with me as I go down memory lane to remember the funniest and stupidest people I’ve ever encountered, and I hope my tips at the end will teach you how not to be an asshole to the person behind the counter.

I work in the jewelry area, and everywhere the managers put me since I’m expected to be cross trained in different departments when the stupid computers don’t know how to schedule people. Sometimes I think it’s because managers don’t look behind and check the computer too, and if they had then maybe the schedule would be different. My job is mainly the jewelry area, and I show people jewelry. I put batteries in watches-only the ones we carry in the store, and the same goes for watch bands. That policy is not mine; it’s the companies, but it doesn’t stop customers from trying to get us to do it.

I fulfill personal orders like class rings, name plates and personalized jewelry. They are pretty easy to do and the book tells you how to do it. Of course, the customers there treat the employees like they are stupid and dropped out of school. Some of us go to college, have second jobs, or the older crowd enjoys people and wanted to use this job to get out of the house.

Kyle’s General Store is located off Surrey road, and it offers discount products for a good price…or so they think. The store was built in a really rich neighborhood, and that means the customers have a lot of money to spend. Customers like them expect to be waited on hand and foot like the store is a high end retail store when it’s not. Not even close, and some of them even expect you to be their personal shopper. That's what I hate the most since they act like they can't read the price, and they want you to even help them pick out their own shoes.

They ask questions and don't even bother looking for themselves. They also have to be led to items in front of them, and they can’t bother to look up and see the department has a sign above it stating where they are when it’s right there. They treat the worker like they are unintelligent people, and the customers are the ones that need help using their own cards.

Customers expect you to be able to read their mind when they tell you about an item they found at another store. Like one lady asked me if we had a particular item, and I could not find it. When she told me her relative got it at another Kyle’s then I knew we didn’t have it. Or they expect you to walk them to the area if they can’t find an item when it’s right in front of them. Some of the customers are okay with me pointing, and it’s hard to know when it’s okay to point or walk them to the area. If we are out then they expect you to go to the back and get it for them. We are out of some items, and we have no way of ordering more since it’s something out of our control. Then the customer gets mad at us as if it’s our fault.

I try to be nice and smile at the customers since there is a ten foot rule only to be ignored sometimes or even mocked by them. It would be a different story if people were nicer, but some of them are not. They don’t even treat workers like people. Especially some managers, for example ones like Alex who called us bodies not people or even workers.

Alex Jones is the manager below the store manager Kyle who has been a pain in my side ever since he started working there. Tall, dark haired, and glacier blue eyes, always a scowl on his face. He was an asshole to people telling them about the ruthless point system when they were genuinely sick. He told me that I should be able to hold it in when I told him I wanted to go home after I caught food poisoning. A ruthless asshole.

What they don’t tell you once you sign up for said job is they will put you wherever they need you. Hell, those idiots move you to where they want you to go, and even if you haven’t been assigned there. Managers will be petty, and assign you to places where they know you don’t like it. Kyle put me on the register so many times that I want to bash his fucking brains in. He is an asshole. He is tan with blonde hair and blue eyes. He looks like he should be out in the sun surfing instead he is making people miserable at Kyle’s. He doesn’t know how to run a store, and he treats those under him like shit. He expects people to kiss his ass just because he oversees the store. He doesn’t schedule enough people, and makes them work multiple departments without help. Kyle’s is a wasteland full of bullshit and misery.

I hate it here since it’s the same old shit day after day, and over the years every day is an ordeal for Kyle and some of the things he does is fucking ridiculous. Kyle gets on the Co-managers, who get on the assistants, and they take it out on the supervisor and then the associates. It’s a vicious cycle, and everyone is stressed out. When corporate comes, I know the day is going to be incredibly long since that is when they are the most stressed and horrible to their employees. They complain about stuff not being done when it should have been done weeks ago, and do shit only when the bigwigs are there. It’s bullshit. Like I got in trouble thanks to Ms.Sniffles thinking I need to be more productive with my time, and I work my ass off for the company. It’s not enough for them sometimes they expect us to have super powers when we don’t.

It also doesn’t make any sense to put me on the register when I’m in a sales area, and you can thank asshole Kyle and the customer service people for your wait at the counter. It’s their fault anyway. They are the idiots pulling people out of their departments just because even a person is waiting in line, and they freak out about it for no reason. Apparently the front end is a priority, and they want to get the customers out as fast as possible. Also, we have to listen to the customer service people, and if we don’t then they tell an assistant manager about it as if I was being subordinate when I was one of the ones on the floor helping with the phones. I never forgave him to this day.

The rude and stupid customers make me sick since some of them treat the workers like they are stupid.

One bitch even made fun of my math skills when I have a math disability. I mean come on, if you want respect from a sales person how about being nice to the person behind the counter, and if you are then they will treat you with respect. If you treat them like shit then expect to get it in turn. I would never go out of my way for you if you are rude to me. I’ll give you some customer service, but don't expect me to go above and beyond for a rude person.

Customers mess up everything especially after I just cleaned up the area, and I’ve heard a few mothers say, “It’s their job to pick up after us” when their kid picks up stuff off the floor. I thought people pick up after themselves at least that is what my parents taught me. But apparently, people think a sales person’s job is to clean up after adults who should know better. Like a few of the idiots left one of the numbers on the floor, and didn’t pick it up to be nice. Even the daughter just stared at it and left. And I wanted to hit her since it’s not hard to pick something up off the floor. Hell, maybe my old life is better than picking up after idiots.

And then after treating me badly you wonder why you get bad service? How about as a customer when you need assistance don’t treat me like I’m stupid, and I get it I work retail but that doesn’t mean I deserve to be treated like an idiot. Don’t stare at me thinking I am going to automatically know you need help. Speak up and stop treating me like I am incompetent just because you are horrible at communicating what you want.

Some customers can’t describe items worth shit, or they use different terms as if they are more educated than the person working there. It doesn’t make a person smarter it makes them look like a jackass. They also over explain the item to me when they think I don’t know what they are talking about, and guess what? I don’t. One dumbass described it to me silently about undies saying they tuck in like she thought I was a dumbass…Nope. You just suck at explaining. Grunting and showing me what you mean doesn’t help either. And speak clearly and loud enough for me to hear you, and never explain it to me like you think I’m slow. Don’t treat me like I don’t know what an item is just because we don’t have it. A lady and one in a wheel chair were looking for socks, and they were talking to each other rather loudly enough for me to hear them. Guess what they were right by it. But the lady points to me and said in a dramatic way said, “She can help us.” So, like a good retail slave I show the idiots the socks even though they were right near it. I show them the brand they were looking for and the wheel chair, “Do you have socks with the waves?” And she continued to describe it to me like I was stupid and had no idea what she was talking about. I told her multiple times if we had it then it would be in the area. I mean if it’s not there then we don’t have it. I can’t pull an item out of my ass that we don’t have. The lady kept explaining it to me over and over again like she thought I didn’t know what she was talking about. Whatever. I just hope the bitches leave before I lose it and yell at them to stop treating me like I’m stupid. That night dealing with those idiots made me want to grab a bottle.

I’ve written down policy changes in the notebooks I carry (which change so fucking often I have to write it down), notes about the job, and some angry customer stories. I want to remember the funny moments, and even the angry customers so I can laugh about them later especially when I leave retail for good.

Retail is not for everyone, and if you don’t have the ability to let shit roll off you then this is not the job for you. I am a sales associate who works everywhere in the apparel area.

I have worked in the fitting room, phones, jewelry, shoes and accessories. I have been working at times throughout all the clothing departments too like: men’s, boys, infants, girls, women's and lingerie. I’ve even helped out in other departments when I’ve needed to such as toys, housewares, lawn and garden even in the meat and frozen food departments.

Some of the stupid managers made me work there since they don’t have enough coverage in other areas, and they are so shorthanded in their areas they can use others too. Part of the reason customers can’t find sales associates in our areas is thanks to the managers. The managers have a stupid habit of pulling people out of their departments, and then get mad when the associates they pulled from their departments are not staffed. It’s their fault since they pulled the associate in the first place. I hate it since it means I get blamed for not having work done in my department. Yet the dumb managers can’t see how stupid it is to pull from other departments. Not to mention when someone asks me where something is in another department I don’t know where every single item is since I don’t usually work there. Then the customer treats me like I’m the dumb one when they don’t describe the item well and say, “Never mind I’ll find it myself…I thought you would know.” Treating me like I’m stupid just because they suck at describing the item.

Then, customers assume we have all the same things when we don’t and different Kyle’s carry different products. The online website and in store are different and unless online is the salesperson’s area they aren’t going to know how it works. Also, there are third parties on Kyle’s website, and people complain about that when Kyle’s doesn’t have any control over it.

Don’t ask a sales associate about the website, and stop being lazy and look for yourself in store. Sometimes the website is not accurate since it takes 24 hours to register it. Hell, a customer can even leave it on a shelf and have it in their cart.

People act like they can’t help themselves…they can.

Inventory is also wrong, and people call up the fitting room and other areas thinking they have a catalogue of items in their store when they don’t. I can’t look up anything unless I have the universal product code, and that is the ten digit number that is associated with an item. I can also put in a code, and scan it when it doesn’t have a price on there, and even when it does have one a person will still ask if it’s the price...yes, it is what else will it be? “Why does it have $4.00 on it?” Come on it’s the price, dumbass.

It’s a job that requires talking to people and showing them merchandise. A job that requires answering stupid questions like a customer wanting to know the price when it’s right in front of them, and directing them to the items they are in front of. Times like those I want to slap the person for acting like a dumbass about it.

I have stories for every section I’ve worked in, and I’m going to share it with you. Sit back relax, and enjoy the ride since these are stories that will laugh, entertain you, and make you never want to work retail ever. There is also a special section for how not to treat a sales associate and tips. I’ve even got a guide to help you around the store so you won't look like a dumbass. I don’t think this way of all customers just the stupid ones, and ones who are lazy and rude.

If you have worked retail you will know my pain, and for those of you that haven’t I hope it will be a real eye-opener on how not to treat someone, and you can see the crazy customers a sales associate will encounter on a day to day basis…I hope you will learn to be nicer to the person behind the counter too. And don’t say I’m being rude in here and I should get another job since I will have another one.

It will also help you see why retail associates can be rude and nasty to you since they get shit on by the general public every time they wear the dreaded uniform.

Also, never say these phrases to a sales associate:

“I’ll give you something easy.” Because you think I’m stupid because I work retail?

“I just have a quick question…” that you could have answered yourself had you looked on the last aisle, and you just had to interrupt me while I was with another customer too. I mean come on.

“Do you happen to know?” No, I don’t know shit now fuck off, and never ask me like that again.

“Can I ask you for a favor?” No, we aren’t friends bitch. Don’t say that to me.

“Item.” Not even an excuse me? Or hi? Some people ask this while talking to their friends, and not even bother talking to me directly. Fuck you, by the way since if you need my help at least treat me like a person.

“I know you don’t work in the area but…” I don’t care since if I don’t work there then I might not know where the item is.

“Oh, are you waiting for me?” No, dumbass I was waiting for my shift to end so I can go home, and not be around stupid assholes.

“Are you open?” Why the fuck do I have my light on? And why am I behind the register if I’m not open?

“You look like you are bored/need something to do…” No, I’m not bored, but thanks for being an asshole.

“Let me put you to work and make you do your job.” Because I wasn’t doing it before?

One dumbass wanted to say I was doing nothing since I told him I could not work on his watch since it wasn’t one we carried. I was putting away a cart of shoes actually.

Please stop thinking your clever saying these phrases, and I get it I look like I’m 12 but you don’t need to treat me like I am.

I see day to day how people behind the counter get treated, and I’m sick of it. I should not be coming home crying or ranting because of a rude customer who could not get their way. I should not have to deal with being run around ragged because the managers expect us to have super powers. I shouldn’t be treated like I’m not a human being because I work retail. I’m human too, and I make mistakes too like everyone else. My head should not be bitten off because another person put the item in the wrong spot, or stole something and it’s my fault the other shoe is missing.

The people who say the customer is always right clearly haven’t worked with the general public before.

Kyle’s General Store Black Friday Diaries:

This is the first day out of five that I will be working for Black Friday weekend. I started my shift at 2pm. As soon as I got in the door before clocking in for my shift I saw the black dividers up near the jewelry counter and HBA section for the event lines. Yay! They were already blowing up the balloons in customer service to mark where the Black Friday items are. It was interesting seeing the black and red balloons with the name of the items. Kyle’s tries to make things easy for the customers to find the line they are looking for. They still ask where the item lines are even though they are right in front of it.

After clocking in I make my way to jewelry to find out what is going on, and a customer asks me, “Are you an associate?” Really, dumbass? I was wearing the stupid uniform and the fucking name tag and vest proclaiming I was one. Did you eat a bowl of dumbass for breakfast? Like my awesome professor from SouthBend said. Can you read? I was tired thanks to staying up till 1 am finishing a school paper that was due the next day. All I had the energy for was giving him an Are you that stupid? Kind of look. I answered his question directing him to the shirts anyway. Then later a woman asks, “Where is the women’s section?” I tell her right behind her, and she says, “I see the juniors and petite. I meant the one for bigger women.” I point her in the direction of the size she was looking for and all she had to do was keep going down the sections. Lazy bitch! We have signs that tell you where everything is, and that is like the asshole asking where the jewelry and watches are when it is right in the front of the store. Three o’clock hit and we had to straighten items in grocery. I don’t get why since they are messed up five minutes later by asshole customers. In the back when I was putting away the cardboard after the straighten up thing, I see the cherry red While Supplies Last Black Friday items on a pallet wrapped up in tape. Some are filled with clothes, house ware items, and electronics. The aisles are already starting to be cleared to make room for the lines. Stands in the middle are being removed so it won’t get in the way of crowds. Another guy asks me if I work at the jewelry counter. I have the case open and the keys are in it….Really? Why the fuck would I be standing there if I didn’t work there? Stupid people shop there I swear. I work Thanksgiving so I’ll have more funny stories then since that is when the action starts. It wasn’t too bad customer wise, only dumbasses that day.

Kyle’s Diary Stories Day Fucking 2:

Now it’s time for the action! The day everyone loses their minds over over-priced items they can get regularly. My shift started at 3pm and lasted till 12am. Already when I first got there four cop cars are sitting in the parking lot. People have cleared the way for the lines, and the items for the sales are on the floor wrapped up till 6pm. I was nervous in a way, but more awake then the day before. They are giving out free food for the employees. Yellow tape is blocking various aisles for the line. People are already in line to get their items. The calm before the storm since not many people are shopping. Then the chaos begins, and this is my first Black Friday working since they ignored my availability rules. Dicks. I hate it.

I’m in jewelry safe behind the counter and I’ve already had someone ask me where stuff is and I take a flyer to find out where the jewelry items are some watches in lingerie and some near crafts on pallet displays. Around 5:45 it got crazy and my coworker forgot to give me the keys so I was waiting for the manager to open the safe. Meanwhile, I was cleaning up a display that a customer ran into. I was cleaning it up while people were asking questions I thought it was in the case. It wasn’t but luckily they found out where the sale items are, and they were brought out. Yay! I got the keys and everything was good. It was crazy lines are all the way to apparel. Every register is open, and people are grabbing stuff left and right. I had to answer questions to people, and deal with rude assholes. A lady gave me shit about a necklace asking if it was fake, and I told her it was real since it did not say plated. Later her daughter made her apologize. It was crowded and people were being dicks when the prices came out wrong.

People were trying to cut lines and the employees wouldn’t allow it. The sales in toys were the worst with people pushing and shoving each other out of the way. They were grabbing items like they are going out of style. They kept asking where the jewelry was and it was all lined in a row on one side of the counter. A lady was rude in saying, “Is there anyone there to help me?” I told her, “I work here.” Another asshole, “Do you work in jewelry?” Well no shit, dipshit I’m wearing a fucking vest, name tag, and outfit… Lady on a mobile cart wanting to try on stuff and saying, “I won’t waste your time.” Then, she knocked over a display. Then later, as I’m picking up a peg that has fallen, “Oh I didn’t do that I swear it wasn’t me.” I ignored it. Taking items to be put back to the displays a guy asks, “What do you have?” I tell him. No, I didn’t have his size. Did I have any more in the back? No, all the items are already on the floor. “What would you do if I cried because you didn’t have my size?” I’d laugh. I mean really, it’s not my fault we ran out of your size. We put shit out and that’s it. We don’t have any more in the magical “back”.

It was crazy, busy, and too full of people. Once I got over the craziness I got used to it. The attitudes made me pissed being treated like a dog, but I got all my Black Friday shopping done. I have enough alcohol to be set for months when people piss me off enough to drink. Three days to go! I think I just might have a drink at home, and at least I met a cute guy that night.

Day 3 of Kyle’s General Store Black Friday Diaries:

My shift did not start until 2pm, and the excitement last night has died down today! There are still items left over from last night in the little boxes they came in. The store is still a mess as people leave shit in all the wrong places. It’s not as busy as yesterday which was fucking insane. My first dick of the day. Stands there at the counter: “I’m ready.” He sees the other watches he missed. “Oh, I’m not done” and looks at more stands. “I’m ready.” Whatever. I ring his shit up, and he leaves.

Comes back and asks, “Can you put a battery in this?”

“Only if we carry them in the store.” I tell him quoting the policy like a robot.

“Okay, it’s not one.” He leaves.

Another person whose watch I can do. I try my hardest to get the back off but the latch is hammered on too much. Did asshole’s watch stick ‘cause it turned out his wife did get it from here? He said it as if I was a dumbass, and he was right. They all do. I straighten up shoes and have to answer more questions for lazy customers. One woman wanted to know where the fitting room was and all she had to do was walk past shoes.

Another lady: “Do you work here?”

Me: I think I do…

I took over phones for an hour and had to search for a fancy desk that we stopped carrying. Nothing from the ad is left. Same lady calls back twice asking for shit in the ad and we are fucking out. Line 1 for the assistant got too impatient, hung up, and said he got disconnected. Asshole router called again because he was on hold and got disconnected. The next caller goes into a story I don’t care about. I told her I can transfer her to customer service. And she said, “I imagine so.” Fuck you, too.

Next Caller:

“Thank you for calling _________ how may I help you?”

“Is this___?” Duh. I just said it, asshole.

A lady called the fitting room when she was in the store because she needed help getting items on the top shelf and two employees walked by and said they couldn’t help her. One customer asked a cashier to fold her clothes for her. Last asshole of the day. I transfer him to electronics, and they don’t answer call comes back. Is there anybody working in electronics? I told him I can check. “Well, if there isn’t anybody working there then I’m not going to worry about it,” He yells, and that was day three. Dealing with dicks and assholes the entire day is draining. I’m going to a bar after this just to drink away the stupid.

Day 4 of Kyle’s General Store Black Friday Diaries:

Finally, back to my normal shifts for the weekend. The craziness died down today, and it’s a normal crazy Saturday. Nothing but straightening up since it’s still a mess from the past two days. I’m happy to say Day 5 is a short one. Thank god! I was on the phones for a break, and trying to find an item for a lady. She was rude though saying, “Well, can you look for it again because you don’t seem to know what you are talking about.” Thanks, bitch and you’re the one who couldn’t even tell me the proper brand for that item. I really hope you suck a dick, and all I said was, “Thanks I will.” Not even bothering to be mean to her. Another woman complains about waiting for 30 minutes for someone in jewelry; it was not that long. She asked about the system, and I told her they would have told me about it. They called and no one came she says. Sure, lying bitch. The customers were mainly nice except for a few people. It wasn’t too crazy either just straightening up. Nothing wild and crazy since the excitement is dying down. There was a lady getting mad that I accidentally hung up, and did not put her on hold. Oops! There was a lady trying to argue with me about a television in stock. Whatever. I also have super powers because when I touched a few of the watches the customers wanted me to repair they would magically start ticking. Interesting day! There are still some boxes left over from Black Friday still. That was my day, and I will be starting my last day of working five in a row tomorrow.

Day 5 of Kyle’s General Store Black Friday Diaries:

I’m happy to say it’s my last day of working five in a row. Thank god I’m looking forward to having the next two days off. Nothing really going on yet since it’s its been slow. My shift started at 5:30 this time I’m only there for 4 ½ hours which is better than eight. I’ve had more good customers than bad ones. The customers today haven’t been bad at all; one lady getting a surprise present for her daughter. A customer was demanding when she said “that one right there,” and not even bothering to be more specific. Don’t just say “that one,” give me a description and a price I can’t read your mind, bitch. A guy wanted to look at a watch. A customer had to direct another customer to a part of the store then said, “And I don’t even work here.” It was mainly just straightening up jewelry, shoes, and accessories. People are probably getting ready for the work day. At least they are not playing that dreaded Christmas music through the speakers. I’d rather strangle myself with my own lanyard then listen to it. I don’t celebrate Christmas either. A bunch of kids are getting a battery and the girl gives me a dirty look before getting her water. I ignore it. Told a guy that in front of jewelry is the only place we have the sunglasses. Didn’t believe me because his sunglasses were not there. Sunglasses asshole comes back to look again as if they will magically appear out of thin air, and he was at customer service to get a refund or exchange. It was overall a boring last day except for a lady that had to put an item on layaway then cancel since she didn’t have enough money.

Holidays just suck at Kyle’s. There are way too many people to deal with the day before a holiday, and some are rude last minute shoppers. It can busy on the day of the holiday too, and then it dies at some point leaving the sales people to clean up the tornado they left behind. Customers are rude to you, and they treat you like shit if they wait in a long line, or out of stuff when they shop at the last minute. Don’t be like them, and get your shopping done early so you won't need to worry about it. Stop saying it’s busy in here on a holiday since I’ve heard it before. Get over it since you waited till the last minute to get Jimmy his stuff for Christmas, Valentine’s Day or other ones.

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Mina's Department Store Stories: Sh$! Department Store Customers Say and my Answers

I'm running a sale on my books till December 26th so I'll be posting excerpts and linking the Ko-fi shop discount link code Holidays2024! This is some of my fave parts of the book!

Oh customers! You have to love them since they do buy stuff, and some are quite nice, but they can say stuff to get on your nerves. And here is all the stuff they will say to me on any given day!

And one guy said he was paying with food stamps when I asked if he had a Nikki’s card.

Is that with the discount? Nope. I have to scan the coupon at checkout. Let me put it through first.

Oh, it’s quiet in here...It’s a Monday, Karen of course it is quiet everyone is working at their office job or normal job.

We are both color blind, since it was navy and you didn’t notice it. Whatever it looked black and you are the one who treated me like you didn't think I knew what sweat pants are.

Lost are we? No, dipshit looking for the coworker who has to be stupid and walk off because I was leaving. I’ll just walk off too-no one cares anyway.

I feel sorry for you...Whatever it isn’t so bad at least I have a job. It could be worse.

Do I have Nikki money on my card? I don’t know can you slide it so I can see.

Does a coupon work with this? I don’t know can you let me scan it first.

Are you open? No, why would I be standing behind the register?

Where is a cashier? I am standing right here. I guess I am invisible.

Do you ring? Not for you.

Holds up item like I can read their mind to see they need help.

Is this all you have?

Do you have this item that I found online in store?

Will this item work with a coupon?

Where is a bathroom?

You seemed like you had a bad day. I did and I am here serving you and you are rude which makes it worse.

Is there a sales associate around? Nope I wear this nametag for fun.

Can anyone help me? No one can help you mentally.

I’ll just go somewhere else since you tore up the check. Oops! It’s not my fault the machine ate it. Please take it somewhere else I don’t care.

Can I use this coupon on top of this? No we don’t double and I have one higher than you. A better discount when you run the card in the register.

Why did you not get your rack cleaned up? Why didn’t you give out letters?--said by a manager who is an idiot. Talking to me like a child, and lucky I didn’t cuss her out since it was my second to last day anyway.

But the sign said. I know what it said since I can read.

Where is the register? In front of you where it said service desk.

Are you a checker? Nope. I just stand here for fun.

I won’t make things too complicated for you. Because you think I am an idiot just because I work retail.

I feel sorry for you. So do I, you yell at me over a piece of paper and let it inconvenience your day, Karen.

Whatever is easier for you. I am smarter than you think, and I am trying to make it easier on you.

Where are the socks? Straight ahead.

Where is the mall entrance? Near Shoes.

Oh, it doesn’t scan then it must be free? I can’t even laugh at your lame ass joke since I have heard it that many times.

I don’t want to make extra work for you. Isn’t that your job, Karen? To be as difficult as possible?

Do you have this item I saw on your website? I need to look it up first.

Do I stick it in yet? Not until I tell you to.

Are you ready for me? Nope. Never ready to be yelled at over coupons.

Are you hiding from me? Yes, and I failed at hiding.

Oh, I thought you were a customer…Nope I work here..Can’t you see my badge?

You don’t look old enough to be working here? Thanks I am aware I look like a kid.

Can I return an item here? Only if it’s in this department.

Where is the Men's Department? Straight ahead.

Where are shoes? To the left in front of the mall where you just came out of.

Can you help me find this in an eight? I couldn’t find any on the shelf. We don’t have it and I’ll look it up and order it if I can’t find it.

Can you find this for me? My back hurts and I can’t bend down. Sure whatever will help you leave since you are annoying and a pain in the ass.

Do you have any more in the back? There is still no secret back.

You don’t understand what I am talking about. You don’t explain it well either.

Can you read? Yes, and I write too.

I’ll make this less complicated for you. Fuck you and thanks for insulting my intelligence.

Can I make a payment here? Only if you are nice.

Can I get your opinion on something? No because I don’t dress like an old person. Also, you will do the opposite so why bother? Even if I tell you what I think you don’t trust it anyway so why bother?

I don’t understand why my refund came that way. It’s the way you paid. Deal with it since we put it back the way it came to us. Debit is debit. Credit with credit and cash is paid in cash.

Do I get any extra off by using it? Not if you are rude and it depends on the item.

Can I get a gift receipt? Yes, tell me about it before the transaction.

Can I have a box? Only if we have them and don’t get mad if we don't.

Let’s find a human. I am a robot.

This has a hole in it and I don’t want it to cost that much can you do more than 10%? How about I give it to you for free and then a coupon. Or shove it up your ass since it isn’t a flea market.

Can I use this coupon with another? No.

Can you look at my bra for my bra size? Sure but eww.

Do you measure for a fitting? Yes. I will hate it if you think I am wrong since I am going by what it says not what you think it says.

Why would you suggest padded? Take it or leave it since I don’t care.

I wish there was a bell there? I guess I am a dog…Not a human to you.

Well, next time you won’t do it. I will just to spite you.

I don’t think that is right? I don’t make the prices.

Is that really 60% off? Yes, that is what the sign says.

All I have is a question...Sure, lady. It will either turn into time wasted or a pointless transaction.

Can you check to see if you can order it? Yes, I can check but if I can’t don’t be mad.

She doesn’t control the lights...No shit. I just ring up stuff and clean it up.

I don’t want to pay that much for that item-it is too much.

Can I use a coupon? Can you let me hit the button first?

So you just want anyone ringing? You don’t want the sale. Not from your rude ass, lady.

It looks like a flea market. I know. Why do you think I am cleaning it up?

It looks junky. No shit.

This place is a mess. I know and I am cleaning it up.

Do you have to put it all away? Yes. And you idiots don’t help.

Hey, the tag is right there. I see it I am not blind.

Don’t tell me it doesn’t have a tag. I can make one no need to get mad. I will find the item for you since it is my job.

What is the price I couldn’t find the tag? Neither can I? I need to look it up.

These are all discounted. So? The company and manufacturers did it not me.

But I bought it online. And? You still have to return it at that area.

You should have a better attitude? Maybe you should have treated me better. Dipshit.

If I give you the code can you look to see if you have it in another store? Yes.

Are these on sale? Yes, if it has a sticker; no if it isn’t.

I found this on the sale rack. Good for you.

But it’s not the same size? I just need one of them to make a tag.

It says it’s eligible. So?

I need a cashier. I am one.

Where can I pay for this? With me unless you want to go somewhere else?

It’s ridiculous that I was off by a penny and the coupon wouldn’t work. Not my fault you can’t do math.

I don’t want that since it’s too much money. All that work for nothing.

You look like you are bored. I am and I would rather be at home and read.

This is a pretty day out. Thanks for the reminder that I am stuck in here.

It’s a shame they make you work on Thanksgiving instead of letting you be home with your family. It’s because of you, Karen that we do.

Oh, you are still here? Thanks for the reminder.

Someone is having a bad day. Being yelled at will do that to you day after day.

They used to have a register here. I know and they moved it, and there is nothing I can do about it.

Are you new here? No, but you don’t have to be a rude idiot.

What do you mean it doesn’t work with coupons? It doesn’t work since the vendor wouldn’t let it. Especially name brands.

Are you..point? Wtf? It’s not hard to ask if you are open is it?

No one can help me, they don't have cotton dresses. You guys are getting worse. Okay have a nice day ma'am. I don’t care.

Oh, you didn't explain it well...what point of connected to your card do you not understand? It’s not my fault you are an idiot.

Is it going to go down anymore? No, it's the final price and yes I'm sure of it. We have never had a coupon that worked on it. You used to? We don’t, dumbass.

You don't know what you are doing? Neither do I lady... Neither do I...

What do I do? I already told you to hit the square twice.

Do I hit accept? You wouldn’t hit clear, dumbass.

I found this cheaper at another store. Then, go there since it’s cheaper there.

You are condescending. And you are a fucking rude bitch.

Are you the only one here? Yes. So stop being rude and impatient.

Is there someone else that can help me? No there is no one else.

Can you understand what I am saying? Yes, I can understand and I can also use my card unlike you.

Can I speak to a manager? Sure, yell at them instead.

Are you sure that is the price? Yes, I can read it very well.

Is that the price with the percentage? Yes.

I can't understand you speak English..And I was speaking English. I only know English.

How much is this? Read tag...Is that with the coupon? Puts in coupon...I don't want it...okay. Go ahead and waste my time. It’s already taken off. Nothing more will come off.

Well, it looks like this... Do you know what I'm talking about? Nope, ‘cause you explained it to me like you think I'm an idiot…

Is there anyone there? Nope, fresh out of people.

But she can put it back…My job, I guess.

Why do they send them out if you don’t need them? Some have them and the company does it. I am not going to act like I know why since I don’t.

Will this one work even though the other one didn’t? No.

Can I get a discount? No , you don’t deserve one.

Is this on sale? No, full price and extra for asking me such stupid questions.

It’s supposed to be...whatever I will do it just to make you shut the fuck up.

Do you work here? Nope.

I can’t find a checker anywhere. I looked everywhere for help and couldn’t find anyone. Am I invisible?

Does this come in a different size? Multiple. See? They are together.

I looked all through that but it didn’t have my size. Okay?

Can I speak to a supervisor?

I have a charge of $2.00 on my account. Do you know why? No, since I can’t look at your account only credit card services can so go bug them.

Can you help me find my size? I have looked everywhere. Sure.

I saw this item on a mannequin where is it in store? I will have to look. I haven’t memorized everything we carry.

Do you have any extra coupons? No, and since you were rude hell, no.

Do you know where the trying things on room is?

Not your day, huh?

Oh I didn’t see you there…

Oh you can help her next

Finish.Lady said since I wasn’t too sure if she was looking up something else on her phone.

Can I put this here?

I know you are busy but can I ask you a quick question?

Can I get someone else who knows the department? Nope there is only me. The manager doesn’t know either.

Dry sense of humor? Nope I have just heard some of your lame ass jokes over and over again. I am also tired of dealing with dumbasses all day.

Lights turned off..Are you closed? No shit…

Will this bank statement work to find my return? No. I need the card, account number or license.

Can’t you just look up my name?

Can’t you just use this instead? How about you stop telling me how to do my job?

Why do you need my license number?

Can’t you just use the customer return label?

Can’t you just use the tag instead? I don’t feel like going through all these receipts.

Here I made everything nice and organized for you.

Can I return it here instead of walk to the area I purchased it at? No, walk if you keep being rude.

You never smile. You all are rude and yell at me over stupid stuff.

Do you need my card? Yes or no? Let me see first.

Whatever will make it easier on you...like this job is hard. A too big bag it is.

Do you have a smaller bag? Nope that is all we have.

Do you have a bigger bag? Nope. We might.

What is the price with the discount? I have a discount. I work here.

I have a coupon. So do I. I have one too.

Day after day all this is said, and if you wonder why we are so tired, grumpy or mad this is it. I have cried countless times since people think that just because I work here that they can say whatever. They don’t. One lady called me horrible since I was doing what she said. They think they can say whatever since we work here. Also you have no idea what the person behind counter is going through so be nice. I had to try to put on a smile though abusive breakups and a member of my family being sick. It’s really hard not to take things personally especially since they yell at you over a piece of paper. And if you try to be nice some of them think you are being mean or rude. You can be the nicest person in the world, and they will still be rude to you just because you are a retail worker.

https://ko-fi.com/jdsamuels/link/HOLIDAYS2024

Next Up is Tales from behind the Counter and Being a Vampire in Retail Sucks after it I made a boxed set with both retail books!

Boxed set is 2.79 with the code! You'll get both books for the price of one!

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Supernatural Agency Chapter 1

It is usually $3.00 now it dropped to $2.10 this is by far one of my faves since The Killer Contract Agency came back. I won’t post them all in one day but I’ll do it everyday heck I’ll challenge myself to write everyday on Medium I know I haven’t been consistent due to life kicking me in the ass. I’ve been dealing with allergies, hurt my foot by tripping and it ripping off the nail. That was painful but I really need to get back to content honestly. I love writing and it is something I use to create daily. Working a day job is draining but with me being off the next 5 days gives me time to write more. I love movies and video games as a way to relax so I’ll write about my favorite ones. And I need to read more books and take the rest of the Nightmare Fuel class which is a horror novel class by Autocrit. I even got another novel writing class and a lot of novel writing books to review. Hell, I miss streaming on Twitch so I need to plan that in more and ramen videos.

Description of Supernatural Agency:

Book 3 Supernatural Agency!

Layla Firestar starts an agency that fights the supernatural beings that threaten her existence. When she comes upon a demonic creature that isn’t from her world she has to make a choice. If she consumes him then she will upset the balance of good and evil, but if she allows him to continue he will end her.

She doesn’t allow anything harm her family in anyway, but it could be her downfall when she comes into a new form of existence. She has to learn how to maintain and train herself to transform into her new form when it’s needed or else she will end worlds.

Knowing she needs help she recruits Harley Calix to help her and meets a new powerful being. Introduced to her by the leader of the Death Realm Salina Sinclare proves herself a valuable member of the team.

Part 2 Killer Contract Agency

Salina Sinclare was born and raised in Crystal Crest, but gains her power from a family heirloom. It looks like a fashionable piece of jewelry, but it possesses the ability to do so much more. When she’s recruited from the Death Realm to run her family’s legacy known as the Killer Contract Agency she proves her power is valuable.

When she goes on her first case she runs into Darrel Crichton who’s the evilest demon in the Angel Witch Utopia Realm. He’s contracted by a leader possessed by another demon to end Layla and Harley’s existence. Salina, however, runs into her rival from a past life and shows her strength with the flick of her wrist.

Part 3 Demon Agency

Harley Calix continues her demon anthology and runs the Demon Agency for Layla Firestar. When she gets the shock of a lifetime she transforms into something bigger than she ever thought possible. She learns that her heritage is connected in more ways than one to Layla Firestar.

Finding out that she herself has the grace of an angel proves that she can shift into her new form and then back into her human form with ease. The glow she cast off is enchanting and invites her enemies in only to disintegrate them with the same power. She learns exactly who and what she is by simply reading and listening.

Follow these three as they find their way into a new way of life and family.

Chapter 1:

Chapter 1

I was sleeping peacefully dreaming of the life I was ready to lead. Silas was curled up next to me in his snow leopard form keeping me warm, and Alister was watching television down in the living room. It was a cool night, and I knew there was colder weather on the horizon.

I felt Silas shift on the bed and then I heard a hiss. I turned my head towards Silas, and he was on all fours with his teeth bared. I felt heat and the horrid smell of putrid death breathing in my face.

I turned my head to find the weight shift on my bed wasn’t Alister, but a grotesque demon trying to hypnotize me with sleep paralysis. I sighed, lifted my right hand, and snapped my fingers. The demon was launched off me and pinned to the ceiling.

I blinked my eyes a few times to focus and look at the demon. I’d never seen him before in any realm I’ve visited. I got out of bed and the demon’s eyes went wide. I was naked and the moonlight washed over me revealing the glow that sat atop my head.

“Angel.” He said in a grim gruff voice.

“Nephilim asshole, who are you?” I asked.

“You’re not who I’m looking for. I’m looking for the demon witch Layla.” He replied.

“You found her, now who are you?” I asked.

“You can’t be her you have a halo. The Layla I’m looking for is a vicious sort of witch with demon blood running through her veins. You look like a puny angel who’s out of her element in this world.” He replied.

“I’m not the one pinned to the ceiling asshole, try again.” I said.

“I’m Cyprian, and I know what Layla Firestar looks like, and you’re not her.” He replied.

Silas was standing in front of me still in his snow leopard form. His growl was low and ominous, but he was ready to pounce at a moments notice. I snapped my fingers, and the lights came on in the room.

I looked up at Cyprian and could see he wasn’t a run of the mill demon. His eyes were black, his pupils were red, and he was cloaked in black and silver robes. He gave me a death glare and put my hands on my hips.

“Let me know when you’re done staring at my breast.” I said.

“How are you an angel when you have a shifter standing in front of you guarding your naked body?” Cyprian asked.

“I told you already, I’m a Nephilim not a regular angel. Tell me why you came here?” I asked.

“I told you already. I’ve come for Layla Firestar.” Cyprian replied.

“Yes, why have you come for me?” I asked.

“I’ve come to take your head.” Cyprian replied.

“It’s right here.” I said pointing to my head.

“If you’re really Layla Firestar then I would’ve sensed it when I entered the room. Since I didn’t sense your true essence then you can’t be Layla Firestar.” Cyprian replied.

“I’m guessing you don’t know what this Layla Firestar looks like, or truly smells like, do you?” I asked.

“No, I’ve never met the famous Layla Firestar, but I know it can’t be you. You’re to meek, calm, and quiet.” Cyprian replied.

“Did you expect me to scream and run out of the room crying?” I asked.

“I expected you to be bigger.” Cyprian replied.

“Yet I have to point out that you’re the one pinned to the ceiling.” I said.

“Which is why you can’t be who you say you are.” Cyprian replied.

“Okay, I’ll let you off the ceiling and you can show me exactly who you are. I’ll get dressed before I let you down though, I don’t like how you’re staring at my body.” I said.

“Even for a liar you can be a sexy one.” Cyprian replied.

I left Silas to guard the demon pinned to the ceiling. I walked over to the wardrobe and pulled out a pair of black leather pants that were laced up the side with red leather string, a black leather corset with red leather string holding it together. I looked sexy and I knew it, but I had to get my hair tied up or else this idiot demon was going to rip it out.

I walked over to the nightstand beside my bed and grabbed my hair tie. I pulled my hair up in a messy bun and secured it with the hair tie before I slipped into my socks and combat boots. I didn’t care if I was in my own home or not, I wasn’t going to be ugly while fighting this intruding demon.

After taking my time getting dressed I got into a fighting stance. I snapped my fingers, and the demon was released from the ceiling. He dropped to the floor, but landed on his feet. We were now locked into a face off and I was growing bored.

“I’m waiting.” I said.

“Take me to Layla Firestar.” Cyprian said, and his eyes started to glow.

“I am Layla Firestar dipshit.” I replied.

“Impossible.” Cyprian said, and threw a spell ball of fire at me.

I reversed the fireball and hit him in the abdomen with it. He growled low in his raspy voice and held his bony hand out.

“You are not Layla Firestar. This is Layla Firestar.” He said holding up a holographic picture of Harley Calix.

He could see the confusion on my face and put the holographic picture away. He thought he was catching me off guard when he threw the second fireball, but I swatted it away like it was a pesky fly. He was growing angry, but I was growing annoyed.

“I want Layla Firestar NOW!” Cyprian said.

The sound of his voice was like a sonic boom and the whole house shook. This was all it took to wake the rest of the house. Silas let out a growl and all hell broke loose.

Cyprian didn’t like the thought of being deceived and I was sick of his antics. I did another spell and bound him, so he couldn’t throw anymore fireballs at me. He was struggling against the spell bindings when he fell to the floor with a loud thud hitting his head against the bedpost.

Cyprian was out cold when Alister, Harley, Roman, Noah, Izra, Camilla, and Nathan came barging into the room. Harley and Camilla were dressed identically to me, and staring at the demon on the floor.

“This is Cyprian something or other demon guy. He tried to give me sleep paralysis, but it didn’t work. He thinks Harley is me, and he’s looking for her face to my name.” I quickly explained.

“What does he want with me?” Harley asked.

“I’m not sure, but he wants Layla Firestar’s head.” I replied.

“Where would you like for him to go?” Roman asked.

“Dungeon please. We’re going to get some information out of this fool the right way.” I replied.

Roman, Izra, and Noah picked up Cyprian and carried him down into the dungeon. Alister checked me over to make sure I wasn’t harmed, and Silas was still in his leopard form. Harley and Camilla did a once over in the room to ensure nothing else was in there, and looked for the opening the demon came through.

“Find anything?” I asked.

“No, I have no clues here on how he got in.” Harley replied.

“I’ll go check the attic. I know it seems odd, but that’s the only place I can think of that’s open.” Camilla said.

“Good idea, take Nathan with you.” I replied.

Camilla and Nathan disappeared from the room and Silas shifted into his human form. He quickly got dressed and gave me a look of concern. I patted his hand and gave him a reassuring nod.

The three of us were about to go down into the dungeon when a loud shrill pierced through the house. Alister darted up the stairs to the attic before Silas and I could even follow him. Silas and I got to the top of the stairs and saw Camilla on the floor bleeding from her head.

Alister had an intruder pinned to the floor and Nathan was dangling from the window trying to pull himself back into the house. The intruder on the floor tried to fight against Alister’s tight grip and dug it’s nails into his arms. Alister lifted the intruder up six inches off the floor and slammed them back on the floor hard.

The intruders hood fell off and we could all see her face. She was a beautiful goddess-like creature. She had platinum blond hair, alabaster skin that was iridescent in the moonlit attic, and her tunic matched Cyprian’s.

“Do you think this is his mate?” Silas asked.

“Only one way to find out, but she needs to be bound.” I replied, and cast the binding spell.

Alister released his grasp on her, and let her limp body lay there on the floor. I’d never seen anything like this woman, but she had to be connected to Cyprian. Alister picked her up and carried her down the stairs out of the attic.

The woman started to stir in Alister’s arms. He looked at me and I gave him a nod. With lightning speed, he rushed down the rest of the stairs and down into the dungeon.

Silas and I rushed down to the dungeon, and we could hear deep growling and rattling bars. There was a low moaning coming from a cell and we approached it trying to figure out what was going on. With every growl there was an echoing moan like a conversation between the two.

I stood in a position to look into both cells. Cyprian was crouching down glaring at everyone until his eyes landed on me. I realized then that he was angry at me for not producing what he was looking for.

I gave him a kind smile and reached out for Harley’s arm. I pulled her into his line of sight and we both looked at him. He looked from Harley to me then back again.

“You’ve deceived me.” Cyprian said.

“I never deceived you, but you’ve got things mixed up. You showed me a hologram of Harley, but you asked for me.” I replied.

“You said she wasn’t in that room, and she was.” Cyprian said.

“She wasn’t in that room when you attacked me.” I replied.

“I’m looking for Layla Firestar.” Cyprian said in his low growling voice.

“We’ve found Layla Firestar Cyprian, kill her.” The female said in a singsong voice.

“She’s saying she’s Layla Firestar, and not the one we’ve got a picture of.” Cyprian said.

“Who cares, kill them all.” She said.

“If he could kill us all,” I said dramatically. “Do the two of you not realize that you’re in spell bound cages?” I asked.

The growling and moaning started again, and we all watched. I had no clue who this woman was, and her voice was grating on my nerves. The men in the room though seemed to be enchanted by her.

There will be more in the days but I didn’t want to post it all at once on here!

https://ko-fi.com/s/14d62e308e