Sarah Cass's Blog: Sarah's StoryLines, page 26

Tuesday Tales – Field – Natural Selection

Welcome back to Tuesday Tales!  This weeks prompt is Field.

It’s Dell’s turn. His father arrived only to send Leilyn to her knees with a forceful push of alpha power meant to incapacitate. Dell wants answers–but he already knows some of them. Memories can be tricky things.:

Dell paced the length of the small lean-to outside Olive’s. The field behind where just minutes ago their pack and the pack’s human families had been playing now sat empty. His father’s rush of power had sent everyone scattering to shelter.

As for himself, Dell’s stomach still twisted into knots. He didn’t understand why he’d physically felt Leilyn’s pain at the forceful blast sent her direction, but Dell’d been sure he was going to throw up. He had to give the girl credit for holding it together.

Although, she hadn’t held completely together. When Olive had snapped herself out of the impact as quick as she always did, she’d been the one helping Leilyn to her feet, while simultaneously scolding Jasper.

“Care to tell me why you withheld information?” Jasper closed the door behind him and walked away from the building.

Dell had the temporary urge to stick close and make sure Leilyn was all right. In the end, he was more compelled to keep their conversation safe from her sensitive ears and trust Olive’s care. Dell hop-stepped after his father and matched pace with him. “Would you care to tell my why you accosted her?”

“Olive says you forced your hand a bit, too. Don’t sass me, boy.” Jasper slowed when they topped the rise across the field where just half an hour ago Bryon had taken his tumble. He turned on Dell. “You failed to tell me she was pack.”

“I wasn’t entirely sure.” Dell clenched his jaw and turned back toward the house.

“You knew.”

“I suspected—and not as furiously as you. What was that? Why did you do that to her?”

“Because she’s supposed to be dead.”

Dell’s stomach flipped, then dropped to the ground. Cold seeped into his fingers, and he clenched and unclenched them to get the blood flowing again. “Excuse me?”

“I saw her die. So did you, I’m surprised you don’t remember.” Jasper shook his head and set his hand on Dell’s shoulder. “You were only four.”

Dell didn’t know what to say or do. His gut said one thing, but he didn’t know how to broach it.

“It was during the war. We were tasked with guarding the southern borders.” Jasper’s eye twitched. “We got word in June of 1863 that Confederates would be crossing round near Derby. We let them.”

Dell frowned. “If our orders were to protect, why?”

“Because instinct told me to stay and protect my pack. My instinct was right. Information doesn’t come so easily as it did about Hines’ raid. Another pack wanted the men away so they could attack our pack and have our young.”

A rush of memory flew forward so fast, Dell had to close his eyes. He could picture the scruffy, patchy fur of the Werewolves that had attacked. Screams from families that couldn’t shift fast enough.

“I’ve only seen eyes as green as that girls on two people. Her, and her mother.”

“Her name is Leilyn.”

“It was Mohegan, we called her Megan. Her mother was pack, her father was an Indian. They both died in the attack with her.”

“She is…” The words trailed off and Dell struggled to finish.

“I know.” Jasper squeezed Dell’s shoulder. “It’s no wonder you thought you were confused by other feelings. You knew when she was born, even though you were young. Our families were close. You were devastated when your mate was killed in front of you, and there you were too young to change. I wasn’t sure you’d ever recover, son.”

“Who was it that attacked? And if she died.” Dell shrugged his father’s hand off his shoulder. “Then how is she here?”

“That’s what I wanted to know. I handled it poorly, and that was the shock. The battle was bloody, we lost many pack and human’s that day.” Jasper crouched down, peering off toward the tree line. “Several bodies were lost in the chaos. We figured they took some of ours, unsure whose pack was whose. Some bodies I needed to bring in a witch to identify.”

Dell flopped down to the snowy ground beside his father. With a heavy sigh, he pressed the heel of his hands against his eyes. Now his need to care for her made sense, his need to be present when she woke. “But she was a baby. They’d notice taking an infant. They didn’t have children with them.”

“I know. I thought…”

“Wildlife.” Dell wrinkled his nose. “You’ve let the local wolves have enough food to continue surviving despite our presence.”

“They did as they always do to kills left behind. The battle went on for three days, Mohegan and her parents died early in the battle.”

“A baby makes easy pickings.” Dell exhaled his frustration. “She doesn’t know. When I tried to compel her to tell me where she’s from she seemed shocked she had no choice but to start talking.”

“She wouldn’t remember.” Jasper sighed. “And she wouldn’t know what it was like to be compelled by a true Alpha. If another pack leader tried, he wouldn’t be able to exert the sort of power over her we can.”

“Are you sure it’s her?”

“Are you?”

Dell growled low. “She is my mate.”

*~*

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Spotlight Saturday – Loves Intensity by Cassandra Ulrich

I’m excited to introduce my latest and 2nd novel, Love’s Intensity, a teen paranormal romance novel, released on July 11, 2013.  I first plunged into writing novels with the release of my teen inspirational novel, A Beautiful Girl, on April 7, 2011.  Billiard Buddies, a New Adult romance novella, will mark my third release coming soon.  I enjoy writing characters with real life complexities.

I started out as a poet, entering competitions.  I figured I’d write short stories, but I never thought I’d write full length novels.  Never letting go of a dream a 5th grade teacher had for me and giving in to the encouragement of friends, I began writing Love’s Intensity, which had progressed in my mind for two months.  It was challenging to create a beginning for a story where I met the characters already living out their lives, but after reading the first chapter, my friends asked for more.  Having gone through three rewrites, I’m happy to present this story to everyone else.  This novel is only the beginning.  A series of novels is sure to follow.  Because my characters are multifaceted, readers respond to them like they are real people.  See below for a blurb, excerpt, and sites where a copy may be purchased.

 | WildChildPublishing | Amazon | B&N  | All Romance ebooks | 

Love’s Intensity Blurb: Brad loves fast horses, cars, and bikes.  Life would be perfect if his stepmother could only mind her own business.  Instead, his father hired a longtime friend and her family to work in their home, turning his world into a feudal mess.

 He wants to hate the new arrivals and it doesn’t help that Kressa, daughter of the newcomers, is the most gorgeous girl he’d ever laid eyes on.  With a scent that draws him to her, Kressa causes him more internal conflict than he ever dreamed possible.  He falls for her so deeply, he tells her a secret he’d never even told his best friends – that he’s training to be a ninja warrior.

 Kressa adores her country and loves hanging out with her many cousins.  News of the move to Massachusetts comes as a shock to her.  She refuses to be happy in this new place working as a servant for a rich man and his mean son, who had the nerve to be cute.  And why does her skin tingle every time her hand brushes against his?

 Despite her efforts, she finds herself desperately longing for a friendship with the one boy who scowls at her.  Matters are only made more complicated when his family and hers clash. When he goes on a dangerous mission, she wonders, will he return so she can tell him he’s won her heart or will their families manage to keep them apart?

*~*

Love’s Intensity Excerpt:

“Good job with the saddle,” Brad encouraged Kressa, “but next time you may want to use the stepping stool I got you yesterday.  Keep Gentle Rider tied up to this post until you get settled, then you can untie her.”  Moving the rake and pitchforks to the far end of the stable, Brad continued, “I have no idea what I would have done if you landed on these.  I should have made sure these were properly put way, so the horses wouldn’t knock them over.”  He picked up and brought the stepping stool over, placing it near Gentle Rider’s area.

“I suppose Papa would have had your head too.”

“Yeah, I’m glad you’re okay.”

Kressa rode her horse out the stable while Brad got his horse saddled, fed, and watered. After leading Silver Bullet into the yard, he asked Kressa, “Did you give her feed and water?”

****

Oh, no.  Now he’ll be upset.  He adores his horses.

“Sorry, I forgot. I was so eager to ride.  I can do it now,” Kressa said, embarrassed that she forgot.

“No.  It’ll take too much effort to get you on your horse again.  I’ll go get it.”  Kressa noticed Brad did not sound annoyed.  He spoke to her in a matter-of-fact tone.

After feeding and watering her horse, Brad and Kressa galloped around the large grassy area.  After riding for a half-hour, Brad pointed to the forest area.  “Would you like to go through there and see what’s on the other side?”

“Yes,” Kressa eagerly responded, “I’ve wanted to know where you go when riding your horse.”  Kressa realized too late she had exposed her secret.

“Have you been watching me?  One day, I felt like I was being watched.  I thought it might be you, but when I saw you in the dining room, I figured I must have been wrong.”

Kressa knew she ought to fess up.  “It was me.  I hid because I didn’t want you to know I was watching.”

“How did you run upstairs so fast?  You didn’t look out of breath.”

“I held my breath until you moved away.  I was exhausted.”  Kressa tried to smile while casting her eyes to the ground.  Brad laughed heartily.

“Let’s go,” he said, leading the way through a path in the forest, which had been created by much riding, to the grassy field on the other side.

When Brad and Kressa came out of the tree cover, the sun seemed to shine brighter due to the open space.  No shrubs or little trees existed here, only light green short cut grass which reflected the sunlight.  They raced the horses around the perimeter a couple times before coming to a stop.

****

Nina studied Julio while he watched Kressa during her riding lesson.  When Brad led Kressa into the forest, Julio turned to Nina and barked, “Where is he taking her?  I don’t like that boy.  He’s not trustworthy.  If he touches my girl…”

Nina interrupted, “He won’t touch her.  He has strict orders from his father.”

“Nina, he’s a young man with an active libido.  I don’t care what his orders are; he can’t be trusted to control what comes naturally.  Now, he’s alone with her and under the cover of those trees,” Julio fumed.

“Julio, Kressa is a smart girl.  She knows what we’ve taught her, what we expect.  Even if he tried something, she would push him away.”

“But only if she doesn’t want him, Nina.  He’s strong, good looking, and the only boy around to talk to.  I’m going over there.”

“Please wait a few minutes.  If they’re not back, then go, but please don’t hurt him.”

“You would elevate him over our daughter’s innocence?”

“No, Julio, of course not.  I just don’t want you to do something you can’t return from.  I love you.”

Julio shook his head and moved away from her.  He must hate me for bringing him here.  What can I do to change his mind?

****

Brad rode Silver Bullet alongside Kressa and Gentle Rider so the horses faced each other upon his approach.  He gazed into Kressa’s eyes, longing to learn something new about the girl who lived in his house.  Brad removed his riding glove and reached over to brush Kressa’s hair away from her face so he could touch her cheek.  She did not shrink away.  His fingertips tingled where her skin met his.

So beautiful.  Brad’s heart pumped a little faster and his mind swirled.  Does she feel drawn to me too?  He shook his head slightly.  “We should go back now,” Brad said tenderly, realizing once again that the warmth he felt when he touched Kressa also did something to his heart.  It was better not to remain alone.  He wondered if Kressa would ever admit whether she experienced any affection toward him.  He found her hard to read sometimes.

Brad pulled on his glove, led the way back through the forest, and headed for the stable.  After brushing, feeding, and watering all four horses, Brad and Kressa strolled back to the house.  “Great lesson today.  I think before long you’ll be able to go out on your own.”

“Really?  That would be great.  How many more lessons do I need?” She said eagerly.

“I would imagine one or two more.”

They both laughed at the good news.  At that moment, Kressa’s dad appeared around some shrubs at the base of the hill. His face held a fiery red glow.

“Kressa, get to the house right now,” Mr. Morales said grabbing her arm and pushing her toward their apartment.  “I don’t know what you were thinking today taking her through those woods, but I don’t like it.”

“Sir, there’s wide open space to run the horses on the other side of the trees.  I wasn’t trying to seduce her,” Brad said, feeling some guilt for touching her cheek earlier.

Mr. Morales shot Brad a fierce look and took Kressa away.

*~*

Cassandra’s Bio: Cassandra Ulrich was born on the beautiful island of St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands, located east of Puerto Rico.  Living in the tropics fueled her imagination and day dreams.  For years, she wrote poetry and entered competitions.  However, only many years later did she discover joy in writing stories longer than a few pages. 

She published her first young adult novel, A Beautiful Girl, in April 2011.  The inspirational novel has already touched many hearts ranging from teens to adults.  

Her second novel, Love’s Intensity, is a teen paranormal romance and was released on July 11, 2013.

Website: http://cassandraulrich.com/

Blog Site : http://cassandraulrich.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CassandraUlrichAuthor

Twitter: @CassandraUlric1

Amazon: Author Page

 

Thursday Tell All – Lily Frontiere from A Game of Chance

Good morning! I’m here speaking with Lily Frontiere, the very clever and spunky heroine from Lauren Linwood’s A Game of Chance. Let’s get to know a little about you, Lily. What are your hobbies?

When I was in school, I was mad about acting. I took part in every production, and many times I won the lead. I would have loved to go on the stage, but Maman was dead set against that. She believes being an actress is not a suitable occupation for her daughter.

Your mother is Lilian Frontiere, the owner and house madam of Lucky Lil’s, the most famous whorehouse in San Francisco. And yet she wouldn’t let you become an actress?

Oh, Maman is a strict parent. Although her occupation is unusual, she’s merely the owner of Lucky Lil’s. She’s very kind to the girls she hires, and she is a terrific listener. Many of San Francisco’s most influential men come to the house to speak with her and gain her advice. She hired an English governess for me, and then she sent me back east to boarding school. I really don’t know much about what goes on in the house. And I couldn’t disappoint her and go against her wishes by becoming an actress.

I am interested in politics, though. I love to attend suffragette meetings at Dashaway Hall. I may have inherited my interest in politics from my father. He was killed in a political revolution in Europe just after my birth. Maman left all that behind and came to America to start a new life.

Do you have any regrets?

I do wish I could have met Papa. I don’t know much about him. Maman tears up when she speaks of him.

What is your most closely guarded secret?

(Lily looks over her shoulder and leans in). If you must know, Maman is quite ill. I’m . . .

Go ahead, Lily. I won’t tell a soul.

Well, I resemble Maman a great deal. We’re the same height, and our shape is similar. She says I look exactly as she did at this age. So . . . please don’t breathe a word of this . . . but I have become Madam Lil. I cover my hair with a dark wig. I apply cosmetics (which Maman never allowed)—eyeliner and rouge and whatnot. And every night for the past month, I’ve transformed myself into Madam Lil. Our gestures are the same. Our voices are similar. Truly, it’s the acting job of a lifetime! No one has caught on. I’ve fooled everyone.

Do you have any regrets, becoming your mother and leading a life where no one knows who you truly are?

(Lily frowns.) Our servant Ben is the only one who knows of my deception. He has been with us for ages. It helps that he is aware of the situation. But regrets? Of course I have them. Although I have a first-class education and Maman has spoiled me with a wardrobe any woman would envy, I’ll never be accepted by San Francisco society. I long for a husband and children . . . but what man would get to know a person such as I am, much less fall in love with me and buck society by marrying me? When the time comes and Maman passes, I’ll probably have to leave this city. I’ve thought about becoming a governess.

Was there a major turning point in your life?

Yes! Last night a gambler came into Lucky Lil’s and presented me with the deed, which Maman had carelessly given to a corrupt banker for a loan. The man said he won it in a card game, and he’s wanting to take charge and make all kinds of changes to our establishment. I have a feeling there’ll be an eventual showdown between us.

What one word best describes you, Lily, especially with this potential showdown on the horizon?

Determined. Some might call me stubborn, but I am a very focused, very determined person.

Do your friends see you this way?

(Lily sighs.) I really don’t have any friends, other than Max and his butler Harold. Max is an old friend of Maman’s, and I go to have tea with him every week. Harold often joins us. He’s more than a butler. More like Max’s friend and financial adviser, in truth. As I mentioned, I really don’t have a place in polite society. I do miss having friends, as I did in school.

What, if anything, haunts you?

(Lily blushes.) Remember the gambler I mentioned? There’s something about him. He has the most electric blue eyes and a smile full of sunshine. I can’t seem to get his image out of my mind.

One last question, Lily. What would you wish for if you found a genie?

I would wish for Madan to regain her health. No one is more important to me, and I would do anything to see her well again.

Thank you for chatting today, Lily. I’ll be sure to keep your secrets.

*~*~*~*

| Amazon |

Blurb:

Gambler Jed Stone journeys to California to track down Simon Morgan, the man responsible for his best friend’s death. Arrested for robbery and murder upon arrival, Jed is shocked to see his face on a wanted poster. He escapes before his hanging, unaware that the man guilty of those crimes is the twin brother he never knew existed. In a case of mistaken identity, Jed acquires the most famous whorehouse in San Francisco in a rigged card game his twin is meant to win.

Lily Frontiere takes over running Lucky Lil’s from her dying mother, the house madam who shielded her by sending her away to boarding school. Lily’s intelligence and astonishing resemblance to her mother help in her charade, but she’s entered a world she knows little about. She clashes with the handsome stranger who turns up with the deed to Lucky Lil’s in hand, yet she is attracted to the charming risk taker.

Jed asks Madam Lil to stay on as he learns the business and is fooled by Lily’s performance until he stumbles upon the real Madam Lil and learns the truth behind Lily’s deception. His admiration for Lily blossoms into love.

But Simon Morgan seeks both Lily’s hand and ownership of Lucky Lil’s—and he will go to any means to possess both. Will Jed foil his nemesis while bringing his outlaw brother to justice and win Lily’s love?

*~*

Excerpt:

     Gordon took out his money clip. He placed a few bills on the bed, soaked in her sweat and water and blood.

“That’s enough to satisfy the midwife. Sorry I don’t have enough for your funeral, love.”

Cara Lee bit back the scream and held it in her throat. The contraction ended. She refused to give him another reason to belittle her.

The midwife came to the bed and lifted the covers. “The head! My God, the baby’s coming out. Push, missus, push. Push for your life!”

Cara Lee gritted her teeth and bore down hard. A great relief washed over her. She closed her eyes, unwilling to see the man who had meant everything to her and who now betrayed her in her greatest hour of need.

“There, little one, there you go.”

She heard a slap and a hearty cry. She opened her eyes and saw her baby. Love burst from her.

“It’s a boy, missus. Hale and hearty. Even got a nice head of hair on him.”

“He’s mine,” she spit out, glaring at Gordon Fisher. “You can’t take him.”

“Oh, I can and I will, dear girl. This child is the meal ticket to my trust fund.”

He took the baby, now clean and wrapped in his mother’s ivory shawl, and spoke in low tones to the midwife before turning back to her. “This child will prove I’m respectable. I thank you for all you did, my dear.”

Gordon retreated from the room. She let out an anguished cry.

“Well, I never . . .” The midwife shook her head. “Let’s make you comfortable, dearie.”

Cara Lee moaned as the woman fussed over her, having trouble breathing again. A great weight pressed upon her.

“The worst is over, missus. Let me deal with the afterbirth. Maybe I can staunch the bleeding.”

As the midwife lifted the sheet again, she gasped. “Oh, no. Oh, my lord.”

Cara Lee broke out in a cold sweat. The pain was back again, this time even worse. Her body, her spirit, her faith in her husband. All had been broken. How much more could she bear?

The woman clucked loudly. “Another one’s coming, child. You’ll have to be strong a little bit longer.”

She sat up again. The burning urge to push had returned, stronger than the first time. She bit her lip hard and willed the baby to exit the birth canal. The burden eased from her, and the midwife cut the cord as before.

“It’s another boy. Spittin’ image of the other tyke.”

The baby gurgled happily.

“You mustn’t call him back. Don’t ever let . . .” Her voice trailed off.

A wet cloth glided across her forehead. What I wouldn’t give for a sip of cool water.

A few minutes later the midwife pulled the stained bed sheet over the woman’s head. She stared blankly at the wide-eyed baby in her arms.

“Lord Almighty. I never even knew your mama’s name.”

*~*

Author bio:

Lauren Linwood became a teacher who wrote on the side to maintain her sanity in a sea of teenage hormones. Her romances use history as a backdrop to place her characters in extraordinary circumstances, where their intense desire and yearning for one another grow into the deep, tender, treasured gift of love.

Lauren, a native Texan, lives in a Dallas suburb with her family. An avid reader, moviegoer, and sports fan, she manages stress by alternating yoga with five mile walks. She is thinking about starting a support group for Pinterest and House Hunters addicts.

Keep in touch with Lauren:

Website   Facebook   Twitter   Blog   Amazon Author Page   Goodreads Author Page

 

Amazon Buy Links:

Music For My Soul

Outlaw Muse

A Game of Chance

Top Ten Tuesday – Greek Mythology Style

*Today Elizabeth Andrews has stopped by to tell us her Top Ten Favorite Characters in Greek Mythology–and share with us some of her book, Hunting Medusa.

With all of the enthralling stories in Greek mythology, choosing my favorite ten characters is a difficult task.  So many of these people and deities have interwoven stories, and some of them have entire volumes of stories all their own.  But I’ve done my best to whittle down my list.

10.  Echo & Narcissus

I can’t think of one of this pair without the other.  Poor chatterbox Echo got herself in trouble with Hera, cursed to only repeat the last words of others, and she fell in love with Narcissus, whose determination to avoid love–not just Echo’s, but other legions of females–got him cursed to fall in love with his own reflection.  After pining for Narcissus, Echo eventually fades away, leaving only her voice behind, and he spends so long staring at him reflection in the water, he dies and leaves behind just the flower that bears his name.  What a tragic pair.

9.  Odysseus

It’s difficult to narrow down all of the bits of this adventurer that fascinate me, especially since I so enjoy his stories that I reread the Odyssey and the Iliad every few years.  He suffers so many misadventures while trying to return home after the long Trojan war that it takes him as long to journey home as the war took.  But even while he’s evading angry gods and dallying with Circe and Calypso, Odysseus remains determined to return home to his beloved wife Penelope and their son Telemachus.  That devotion to his family is irresistible and gratifying for a romance lover like me.

8.  Hercules

Poor Hercules suffers pretty much from birth for the sins of his father Zeus.  Hera is furious that her husband has strayed (yet again!), but instead of punishing him, she sets her sights on the baby Hercules, beginning with the pair of snakes she sends to kill him.  In some versions of the tale, she causes him to succumb to madness as an adult, and in this state, he kills his wife and children; afterward, he wants to make up for the crimes he has committed, which leads to his famous ‘Twelve Labors’.  His tasks would have killed any other man, but he achieves some amazing feats like obtaining the girdle of the Amazon queen, killing the monstrous Hydra, and bringing Hades’s enormous three-headed dog from the underworld.  Eventually, he married again, but that, too ended badly, and his father Zeus makes sure that Hercules is elevated to Olympus when the human part of his son is consumed by his funeral fire.  This is a demi-god who really deserves a happy ending.

7.  Arachne

This talented weaver thought just a bit too highly of herself and offended Athena.  When challenged to a contest with the Goddess, Arachne couldn’t say no.  She should have known better.  Despite a talent that really did rival the Goddess’s, she didn’t even pretend to be modest about it, and she wound up as a spider.  Poor girl.  Though she wasn’t the only young woman to anger Athena, her fate was pretty much deserved, unlike some others.

6.  Persephone & Demeter

Demeter was so devoted to her daughter that when Hades abducted Persephone to be his bride, Demeter withheld her gifts of fertility from the entire earth in her grief.  It was only when her daughter was restored to her, at least for part of the year, that she agreed to allow things to grow and flourish again.  Everyone wants a mother who would mourn for them so deeply, right?

5.  Paris & Helen

In reading Paris’s story, I always supposed he was a rather young man.  He had to choose between Hera’s offer of power, Athena’s of success in battle, and Aphrodite’s of the most beautiful woman in the world.  By choosing Aphrodite’s gift of Helen, he sets off the Trojan War.  Some versions have the pair in love, some do not, but his choice was an absolute catastrophe for his family and country, and incredibly selfish.  It’s a fascinating ‘what if’.

4.  The Minotaur

Another of the big bad monsters from Greek mythology, the poor Minotaur came into being because his mother’s husband was greedy.  Minos reneged on a vow to sacrifice a white bull from Poseidon, so Poseidon arranged for the king’s wife to fall in love with the white bull, and the Minotaur was the resulting offspring, trapped in a labyrinth by Minos, who then collected young men and women from his neighboring countries to sacrifice to the monster, until  Theseus arrives.

3.  Ariadne

Ariadne is the daughter of Minos, and she falls madly in love with Theseus when he comes to Crete to vanquish the Minotaur.  The would-be hero agrees to take her with him afterward.  For her help in killing the monster and escaping the country, she is abandoned on the island of Naxos–the reason varies depending on which version of the story you’re reading.  In some versions, though, she gets a happy ending anyway that includes marriage to the God Dionysus.  Guess which version I like best.

2.  Perseus

Born the son of Zeus and a mortal woman, baby Perseus had a grandfather who didn’t want him around, since it was foretold that he would kill his grandfather.  The baby and his mother were rescued from a chest by a fisherman and lived with the king Polydectes as Perseus grew up.  Only Polydectes wanted Perseus out of his way so he could marry Danae.  So Perseus set off on the quest of his life, to save his mother from an unwanted marriage.  What a good son!

1.  Medusa

Not every version of her story is the same, but they all end in the same horrible manner.  Sometimes the story begins with the maiden Medusa being raped in Athena’s temple by Poseidon, and instead of punishing the God, Athena curses Medusa.  Sometimes it’s a much lesser offense that gets the young woman changed into the snake-haired monster.  No matter which version, she is banished to an island, where more than one hunter attempts to kill her, and all of them are turned to stone by her gaze.  Until Perseus comes along with his magical gifts and ends both her torment and her life.

My fascination with the characters of various mythologies is a long-held one, and in the case of Medusa, the basis for my new paranormal romance Hunting Medusa:

| Amazon |

The Medusa Trilogy, Book 1

One murderous mission.  One killer case of PMS.  Who said “the curse” was a myth?

When Kallan Tassos tracks down the current Medusa, he expects to find a monster.  Instead he finds a wary, beautiful woman, shielded by a complicated web of spells that foils his plans for a quick kill and retrieval of her protective amulet.

Andrea Rosakis expects the handsome Harvester to go for the kill. Instead, his attempt to take the amulet imprinted in her skin without harming her takes her completely by surprise.  And ends with the two of them in a magical bind–together.  But Kallan isn’t the only Harvester on Andi’s trail…

*~*

Excerpt: 

 

            It was one of those days when having the Medusa’s fabled power to turn people to stone would really come in handy.

Andrea Rosakis did not, however, have that ability, not this week, anyway. Even though she was the reigning Medusa.

She glared at the man on her back porch, wondering if he could ever understand how lucky he was she wasn’t suffering from PMS this week. And why wouldn’t he stop talking? Her fingers itched to slam the door.

“…if you just have five minutes, ma’am,” he concluded.

She narrowed her gaze on the vacuum beside him. “No, thank you.” And how the hell had he found her all the way out here? No one ever bothered to follow her rough, muddy driveway all the way to the top, even if they did ignore the “No Trespassing” signs posted at the foot of it. Not to mention the protective warding she had set at the boundaries of the entire property. Sure, it wasn’t the heavy artillery of protection spells, but no one else had ever gotten past it. This man however, had not only ignored the signs and the subtle “go away” protections, but managed the entire bumpy, muddy track into the woods and halfway up the mountain. Just to hear her say, “No.”

And he didn’t look discouraged. At all.

Andi almost wished she were PMSing this week, though it would be a real pain in the ass to have to get rid of a life‑sized stone statue of a vacuum salesman.

Or maybe she could keep it. He was very pretty, even if he annoyed her. He was tall and broad, his inky black hair was a tad too long, and his bright green eyes held her attention. At least as stone, he’d be silent and still pretty. She gave herself a mental shake. “I’m sorry, but I don’t have time for this—”

“When would be a better time?”

“Never.”

He did blink at that, but his smile never disappeared. “I’ll have to check my calendar.”

She snorted, then clapped her free hand over her mouth. Laughing would not discourage the man. “Look, I’m sure it’s a great vacuum, but I don’t need it. I don’t want to see how it works, and I’d like you to get off my property.”

His smile did fade a little bit. “Well, I suppose, if that’s what you really want.”

 

Tuesday Tales – Mirror – Natural Selection

Welcome back to Tuesday Tales!  This weeks prompt is Mirror.

Sticking with Leilyn again. A short while after last week, Olive has shown up and dragged the pair back inside to feed them more (boy, Were’s eat a TON). Leilyn is still enjoying the grumpy act Dell is putting on after she called Byron cute. Then Leilyn learns a little something about Alpha power she’s never experienced before…oh, but that’s just the start, what happens when the pack’s true alpha, and Dell’s father, shows up?:

“Eat up, child.” Olive dropped a plate full of biscuits in front of Leilyn. The moment Leilyn sat, Olive poured a heaping pile of sausage gravy on top.

Even though she’d just eaten two hours ago, Leilyn’s stomach rumbled. “It looks delicious. Thank you.”

Dell plopped down in the chair across the table and glared at his own plate. His mood had notably soured since Leilyn had commented that Byron was cute. Olive’s interruption of their conversation had only served to sour his mood further.

Leilyn’s delight in the situation might have been somewhat egotistical.

“You must be starving. How long were you in that river? I don’t know any Were that would react so severely unless they were in for some time.” Olive handed Dell a plate full of biscuits and gravy. At his grunt, she smacked the back of his head. “Manners, boy. You know better.”

Dell rubbed the back of his head and wrinkled his nose. Still, he offered a contrite look to Olive. “Sorry, Miss Olive. Thanks.”

Leilyn pinched her lips between her teeth to hold back her giggle. As she thought about Olive’s question, the giggle faded into a frown. “I’m not sure. What day is it?”

“Monday.” Dell spoke with his mouth full, earning another smack. He wiped his mouth and sighed. “We found you on patrol late Thursday night.”

Leilyn had left home on a Wednesday, but it couldn’t have been just last week. That made no sense, after all she’d travelled by land first. When she’d first gotten to the river, she’d tried to touch land every day, but then she’d lost track of time. “I’m not certain,” she answered honestly. “I lost track of my days after three or four.”

Dell perked up. “How far east did you live?”

Leilyn bit down on her cheeks to prevent the quick answer that threatened to rise. To save the trouble, she spooned several more bites into her mouth.

When Olive moved back to the stove, Dell half rose from his seat and leaned toward her. “Where are you from, Leilyn?”

Leilyn leaned away from the force of power he put behind the words. The mass of food in her mouth went down her esophagus like a thick lead weight. She tried to fight the need to tell him, but a whimper escaped as the words began to form.

“If you fight, you’d lose, you know that, right?”

She shook her head violently, she’d never lost the battle before. Why was it becoming so hard to fight now? Another whimper welled up and her mouth opened against her will. “I’m from—”

A metal cup hit Dell in the head and the force of his power dissipated. He frowned and rubbed his head again. “Damn it, Miss Olive.”

“Don’t you go cursing in my house, and don’t mess with her. She’s been through a mess’a something. You see that.” Olive narrowed her eyes at him. “She’ll tell when she’s ready.”

Leilyn stared at her still-full plate, all her appetite gone. Nothing was making sense. Not even her alpha uncle had been able to force her to speak. Then again, she’d seen him do the same thing to others in her pack.

“Apologize to the girl,” Olive snapped.

“Sorry,” Dell mumbled.

Leilyn’s stomach did another flip. Another force of powerful energy headed their way. An almost mirror power to the young man in front of her, even more forceful. She trembled and almost fell out of her chair in her attempts to back away from the door. If the world wasn’t turning on its head, she’d try to be stronger. Right now she just wanted reason and sense again.

“Leilyn?” Dell’s brow furrowed and his brown eyes were full of concern when he stepped in front of her. He gripped her shoulders. “Are you all right?”

“I don’t understand,” she whispered.

“What?” Dell didn’t jump when the door opened like Leilyn did.

In the door stood a man that was definitely Dell’s father. The same eyes, the same shaggy brown hair, and the same power.

“Leilyn. This is my dad, Jasper.” Dell stepped aside, but kept a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t know what’s eating her. She just got upset.”

Leilyn couldn’t lift her gaze if she’d tried. Her hands twitched and she took a ragged breath.

“I promise we don’t bite much.” Jasper’s voice carried humor and warmth. The power resonating through the room eased under his laughter, and Leilyn felt she could breathe again. “It’s good to meet you, Leilyn.”

“And you, sir.” Leilyn nearly curtsied, but stopped herself. She never curtsied or bowed. What was her problem? She managed to lift her gaze, but when she did, chaos took over again as another rush of power swept through the room and dropped her to her knees.

Jasper boomed, “What is the meaning of this? Who sent you?”

*~*

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Saturday Spotlight – Wolves’ Pawn by P.J. MacLayne

| Amazon |

Blurb:

Dot McKenzie is a lone wolf-shifter on the run, using everything available to her to stay one step ahead of her pursuers. When she is offered a chance for friendship and safety with the Fairwood pack, she accepts.

Gavin Fairwood, reluctant heir for Fairwood pack leadership, is content to let life happen while he waits.  Old longings surface when he appoints himself as Dot’s protector and becomes more than a friend.

Dot goes into hiding again when her presence puts the pack and her new friends at risk. When old enemies threaten the destruction of the Fairwood pack, it will take the combined efforts of Dot and Gavin to save it. But can anything save their love and Dot’s life when she becomes a pawn in a pack leader’s deadly game

*~*

Excerpt:

They were being followed. The four right turns they’d made proved it. One SUV, one pair of motorcyclists. She and Tasha needed to split up. Dot spotted a break in traffic, geared down, made a hard left and headed down an alley. Tasha followed her, but oncoming cars blocked their pursuers for the time being. At the end of the alley, a left-hand turn put them going the opposite way she wanted to go, but also gave them a chance to pull into the parking lot of a biker bar. She nosed her bike among the others and checked to see that Tasha did the same.

A couple of bikers stood outside smoking, and she pulled off her helmet as she walked up to them, fluffing up her hair with one hand, waiting until Tasha caught up with her. “Follow my lead,” Dot said quietly. Then, fluttering her eyes and leisurely unzipping her jacket, she went up to them. “How’s it going, boys?”

“Better now,” grinned one. “Care for a smoke?”

Dot accepted a cigarette and let the biker light it for her, while she watched the parking lot and the street beyond. “You ever have any trouble with anyone messing with your bikes here?”

“Used to, but since the bar owner added a new security system,” he poked another of the men in the ribs, “We haven’t had any problems.”

It must have been a long-standing joke, because both men roared with laughter. Dot grinned. “We were a little worried,” she said. “We stopped at a convenience store down the road and a couple of suspicious guys were eying our bikes. We hope to have time for a beer, but are afraid to leave them for very long.”

The SUV that had been following them slowly rolled down the street, and Dot felt Tasha jab her in the ribs. She barely nodded in acknowledgment. “If you ladies want a beer, we’ll keep an eye on things out here for you. We’re waiting for a friend anyway.”

“Thanks.” Dot dropped the cigarette on the ground and ground it into the dirt with the toe of her boot. “Maybe I can buy you one later.”

“Well, I would like that but the old lady wouldn’t and she’s inside, so I’m going to have to decline the offer.” He grinned. “Maybe another time.”

She pouted and sighed. “Just my luck.”

“What are you doing?” Tasha asked as they headed inside.

“Just playing the game,” Dot explained in a low voice. “And I’m not done yet.”

The bar wasn’t crowded and Dot picked a bar stool in the middle of an unoccupied stretch, and Tasha took a seat beside her, clearly uncomfortable. “Beer,” Dot told the bartender. When he moved out of earshot she explained, “My mental voice isn’t focused enough yet to use in a place like this. I can’t guarantee it won’t be overheard.”

The drinks arrived, and Dot paid for them, smiling broadly at the server. “You ladies from around here?” he asked.

“No, just in town for a few days, hoping to have some fun while we’re here.”

“You’ve come to the right place.”

Tasha scanned the bar nervously. They were too close to Choate territory. When the barman moved away Dot asked “Anyone in here kin?”

“Not that I can sense.”

“Good. Drink your beer now.”

It didn’t take long until a man slid into the barstool beside Dot. “You ladies want some company?”

“Depends on who’s asking,” she said, turning towards him with what she hoped was a dazzling smile.

“Care to join me and my friends?”  With a jerk of his head, he indicated two men at one of the tables. They were typical bikers, big, burly men dressed in black leather jackets, jeans, with scarfs on their heads. Just what Dot was hoping for.

“Sure.” She picked up her beer and slid off her seat. “I’m Maria, this is my friend Trish.”

Tasha wanted to object, but Dot seemed to know what she was doing. They pulled up chairs and    Tasha kept one eye on the front door while she watched Dot flirt with each man in turn. Her diligence was rewarded when two men walked in and she caught the distinct scent of wolf. She kicked Dot under the table. Dot half-turned to her and nodded.

“You want another beer?” one man asked as Dot drained her glass.

“I’d better not,” she said, sounding reluctant. “I don’t like to drink and drive.” She glanced around the bar and faked a look of dismay. “Oh, no.”

“What?” asked her new friend.

“See those two men at the bar?” Dot chewed on her lower lip. “I think those are guys who gave us a bad time earlier today.”

“You sure?”

“No.” She leaned forward. “Tell you what. We’ll make a trip to the restroom, and you keep an eye on them. When we come back you can tell us what happens.” She stood and grabbed Tasha’s hand. “Come on.”

When they got to the restroom, Dot checked to make sure all the stalls were empty. “Here’s the plan, Tasha. We’ll have the guys run interference so we can get out of here. My guess is that the others are waiting outside. Hopefully our buddies are making sure no one messes with the bikes. You still have that revolver strapped to your leg?”

“How’d you know about that?” Tasha thought she’d kept it hidden.

“Never mind. Put it in your pocket. You may need to use it.”

Sunday Snippets 21 – Changing Tracks

Welcome back to the Weekend Writing Warriors!

I’m still keeping you all intrigued with the beginning of the series Changing Tracks (The Dominion Falls Series book 1). You know, my amnesiac with the eidetic memory, Jane Doe…and the brothel-owner, anti-hero…Cole Mitchell.

Skipping ahead again. Jane/Clara was not the person killed last week…but I’m afraid I can’t tell you who. Jane has actually managed to rescue the boys and ended up under the dubious protection of Clara’s husband (Jane’s soon-to-be-ex-husband), David…who has to re-set Jane’s broken ankle thanks to her rescue attempts:

The hum of David’s voice lacked solid form. Whatever he said swam through her head without making sense. She caved to the pain moments later, slipping into welcome black. Another sharp spike of pain brought her back.

Colors danced before her eyes when she blinked them open and a quiet groan escaped. “That hurts.”

“Really? I thought it tickled.”

*For once, no creative punctuation was used. Can’t guarantee as much for future installments

*~*

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*~*











*~*

*~*

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Thursday Tell All – Kaireen of Viking Fire

 What is your story?

I was forced into a betrothal with my enemy—a Viking. It did not matter to me his handsome face or piercing blue eyes, he is a heathen.

 Do you embrace conflict? 

Depends on the type of conflict. I can use my dagger or bow just fine. But Bram’s kisses and how he makes my mind muddled, I would rather run away then deal with falling for him.

How do you see yourself?

As a confident and independent woman.

How do your enemies see you?

As a spoiled, pampered brat.

How does the author see you? 

She sees me as needing to mature, which I did during the novel, and come to appreciate not only what others do for me, but love.

What, if anything, haunts you? 

That I was so vile to Bram. The only excuse I can give is that I was scared of falling in love with him. Not too long before I met him, all Vikings were our enemy. We Irish fought among other clansmen, but Vikings were our common adversary. It was hard to ignore my prejudices.

Who is your true love? 

Bram, my Viking. I fought my passion for him, but he won me with kisses, patience, and a little magic from a friend.

What is your most prized possession? Why? 

The sword Bram had the blacksmith make for me. It has runes spelling out our names upon the blade. It is also light enough, being shorter, than other swords so I have no trouble using it.

What don’t you like about yourself? 

I don’t like that I’m quick to judge and stubborn. If I had not been, Bram and I would have gotten together sooner, and perhaps avoided the traitor.

Do you currently have a lover? What is their name, and what is your relationship like? What are they like? Why are you attracted to them? 

Bram is my lover and husband. Our relationship still has teasing, though I am quick to respond back in like manner now rather than with venom as I did before. I am attracted to Bram because he is loyal, patient, and a warrior when he needs to be. Of course, he is pleasing to stare at as well – being a handsome, cocky Viking.

*~*~*~*

| Amazon | BN | iTunes |

Viking Fire is a Kindle Daily Deal until February 2nd! Only $.99!!!

Viking Fire Blurb:

In 856 CE, Ireland is a land of myth, magic, and blood. Viking raiders have fought the Irish for over half a century. Rival Irish clans promise only betrayal and carnage.

Kaireen, daughter of Laird Liannon, is suddenly forced into an arranged marriage with her sworn enemy, a Viking. She refuses to submit. With no mention of love, only land and the protection of her clan, she endeavors to get her betrothed banished from her country. Will love find its way around her stubborn heart?

Bram, the Viking, finds himself without future or inheritance as a younger son in his family. A marriage to the Laird’s daughter would grant him land if he swears fidelity and if his men will fight along with the Liannons against any foe—Irish or Viking. However, the Laird’s feisty daughter only holds animosity for him and his kind. Is marriage worth the battle scars of such a relentless opponent?

With the blame for a rival laird’s death treacherously set against the Liannons, Kaireen and Bram must find a way to lay aside their differences as an unforeseen darkness sends death snapping at their heels.

*~*

Viking Fire Excerpt: (condensed)  

“I renounce Father for this.” Kaireen threw the elderberry gown.

“Shame on you and your children for speaking such.” Her handmaid, Elva, gathered the damask and then dusted off the rushes. “It’s a wonder one of the clim has not scolded you from your hearth for such talk.”

“No, curse Father for a fool.” She plopped on her bed and a goose feather floated away. With a huff, she leaned against the oak headboard. Red curtains puffed like a robin’s chest around oak poles supporting her wooden canopy.

Her bare feet brushed against the stone floor.

“You know your da arranged a marriage within a season.” Elva smirked.

Kaireen shook her head. “To another land holder,” and waved a hand in disgust, “not t-this heathen. Twice they raided our land in the last month alone. Now father wants me as wife to one of them?” She clenched her fists. “No, I will not marry this Viking.”

Elva smiled, reminding Kaireen of the rumors of her handmaid’s uncanny foresight.

Whispers of Elva making strange things happen and often blamed as the cause of Kaireen’s stubborn refusal to behave as a laird’s daughter should.

“You’ve not seen him yet.” Elva wiggled her brows.

“So?” Kaireen shrugged. “I would like to never see him.”

“Well then, would you not like to know if you have a handsome husband or not?” She waited for her response, but Kaireen scowled. Elva chuckled. “I would rather get a good look at him now than the morning after.”

Kaireen’s ears heated. “I am not marrying.” She shook her head for emphasis. “So there will be no morning, nor night, nor wedding.”

“If he is handsome, I may fight you for him.” Elva smiled, deepening the wrinkles around her eyes.

“Welcome to him either way.” Kaireen laughed.

*~*

Andrea’s Bio: Andrea has always created characters and stories. But it wasn’t until she was in her late twenties that she started writing novels.

What happened that ignited the writing flame in her fingers? Divorced, and disillusioned by love songs and stories. They exaggerate. She thought. Love and Romance are not like that in the real world. Then she met her husband and realized, yes love and romance are exactly like the songs and stories say. She is now a happy wife, and a mom to three kids (two boys and a girl).

Andrea writes paranormal and historical romance. When not writing or reading, one may find Andrea dancing in Zumba.

She believes in the power of change and counting each moment as a blessing. But most importantly, she believes in love.

Viking Fire Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/m1bPZ3nUyzs

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndreaRCooper.author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndreaRCooper

Author Website: www.AndreaRCooper.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6934877.Andrea_R_Cooper

Blog: http://andrearcooperauthorblog.wordpress.com/

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/andrearcooper/

Tuesday Tales – Hill – Natural Selection

Welcome back to Tuesday Tales!  This weeks prompt is Satin.

It’s time for Leilyn to have a turn. She’s in a strange place…that doesn’t feel all that strange. Let’s see what she thinks about Dell, and what about that curly blond klutz, Byron?:

Leilyn buttoned the last button on the blouse, smoothing the plain brown calico along her stomach. The matching simple skirt settled more on her hips than her waist, but it would do considering she had no other clothes or means to get them.

Dell had left her alone to get dressed, out of propriety more than need. Were’s didn’t know the meaning of the word shy, and the man seeped Were out of his pores. Every inch of her body wanted to cave in to his alpha power, even as her mind screamed her toward caution.

Even now, she could sense his presence right outside the back door. The strength of his magic drew her stronger than the tides had dragged and pushed her down the river.

There was no delaying the inevitable. She had to face him, as well as the pack’s alpha. They would want her story, but if experience taught her anything, she could escape the alpha draw. After all, she’d walked away from her own uncle and his alpha orders to remain and mate with her own cousin.

Instinct told her to run, and so she had.

Now she was trapped in another pack’s lands. The most confusing part was that instinct wasn’t telling her to run. She wanted to stay. The further she had gotten from home, the less she felt the urge to return.

As confusing as that was, she had to face her current situation and deal with the rest as it emerged.

Without further ado, she threw open the back door to find herself face to face with Dell. Instinct made her bow her head, and her acquiescence to the action turned her stomach.

“You should probably remain inside, Leilyn. My father will be along soon enough. We can wait inside.”

“No. I’ve never liked being trapped inside.” She stepped under the cover of the lean-to. “I’m back to full health, the cold doesn’t bother me.”

“You were down for three days,” He objected. When she glared at him, he shrugged and leaned against the house. “Ready to tell me where you’re from now?”

“Where am I now?” She stared across the open field behind the house. A light layer of snow covered the ground, but children ran willy-nilly. The Were’s were easy to pick out by their bare feet.

“Indiana.” He glanced her direction. “East or West?”

“East,” she allowed. On the edge of the field, just before the woods started sat the small rise of a hill.

Just before she turned away, a tall lanky blond man came over the rise. He carried two large buckets on a yoke over his shoulders. When he reached level ground, a group of children tore past.

Beside her, Dell chuckled. She didn’t understand why at first, when the man took one step. The next step wavered, and then man stumbled forward three steps. He tilted almost completely sideways. The bucket landed flat on the ground before he righted himself, only to fall flat the other way.

Leilyn covered her mouth in a failed attempt to cover her laughter, but it spilled from its seams. Her giggled floated out to mix with his laughter.

“That’s Byron.”

“Cute.”

A low growl hit her ears and Dell tensed beside her. Her insides twisted at the sense of jealousy she got from the growl. He snarled. “Clumsy.”

She smirked. While she wasn’t attracted to the man with crazy curls and an unsteady gait, it was fun to make this powerful man beside her sweat. “Clumsy is cute.”

*~*

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Sunday Snippets 20 – Changing Tracks

Welcome back to the Weekend Writing Warriors!

I’m still keeping you all intrigued with the beginning of the series Changing Tracks (The Dominion Falls Series book 1). You know, my amnesiac with the eidetic memory, Jane Doe…and the brothel-owner, anti-hero…Cole Mitchell.

Skipping ahead a little bit. For those that were wondering if Cole really did believe the stories over Jane’s word…well, you’ll just have to read to find out No, really, it’s a romance, what do you think? More on that another week, for this week…I move to the POV of a man named Michael. Mike is Jane’s brother (that she doesn’t remember) who came back into her life. After last week where Cole “kicked her out”…Jane took off out of town in an attempt to save some kidnapped children. Mike (and another townsperson, Archie) has gone after her, and thinks he spots her with “The Bad Guy”. Oh, and before she awoke a Jane Doe (and kept that name), Jane was Clara:

She jumped and turned, racing from the depot; the man followed right behind.

Mike jumped over the back of the bench in hot pursuit. Before he ever got outside, screams reached his ears. A police whistle sounded through the doors when he and Archie burst through them at the same time.

A crowd gathered near the alley beside the depot and a woman screamed, “She’s dead. He just ran up and killed her.”

Mike’s whole body went numb and he dropped to his knees. “No, Clara.”

*For once, no creative punctuation was used. Can’t guarantee as much for future installments

*~*

Did you like this sample, too?  You can pick up the whole series now!!

*~*











*~*

*~*

Head back on over to the Weekend Writing Warriors to read many more wonderful offerings!