Thursday, December 31, 2009

Never After Anthology ~ A Recommended Read

Hey everyone! Hope you're having a wonderful end of the year. 2010 is just around the corner and I'm enjoying my T-Zone marathon. Hope you guys are getting everything in before the end of the year.

I thought I'd end the note on a nice read that I recently finished and thought I'd pass on to all the paranormal lovers out there.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Marjorie M Liu awhile back after her interview and really enjoyed an insight into her writing habits. During her interview she mentioned this book among her new releases and I thought it would be a good time to check her work and some of the other authors I haven't read yet (Shinn and Galenorn).

Although the spine labels this as urban fantasy to appeal to the UF/PR crowd, I'd say this was more fantasy/fantasy romance which is one of my top fave genres. Only one story is really urban fantasy (Galenorn's) and it was one of the standout stories. Each tale deals with a princess who attempts to make her own Happily Ever After. I have to say Liu's & Galenorn's stories Were my favorites. Both were delightful reads with great world building, a wonderful array of characters and a nice twist on and old theme.


Can He Bake a Cherry Pie by Laurell K. Hamilton

This was my least favorite, the shortest and least coherent one which is strange because it's the main draw. Despite the continuous proclamations of the heroine being strong and so awesome, there was never anything she particularly did to face and conquer each trial. The story felt like someone was telling it to you third party and left out much of the juicy details. More subtlety would have worked here along with a stronger heroine to "show" rather "tell" her intelligence and skills. I do like the fact that a bake-off was sort of the final battle. That was different.

This story exemplifies one of the main problems I have with Hamilton's writing. The "heroine" doesn't really do anything but she and everyone around her shouts how wonderful she is because she is female. I'm all for female empowerment but even more so I want a lead character to root for. The princess in this story never does anything to prove that she is a hero. She doesn't fight her way through or face any adversity all the while being showered with praise.


The Shadow of the Mist by Yasmine Galenorn

I love this title btw. :-) I read this one third after Liu's 'Tangleroot' story. I really liked this story of a young pregnant woman escaping her violent former fiance. After moving on with a new life and a wonderful new fiance who cares for her, he finds her and threatens to force her into marriage. I haven't read any of Galenorn's Otherworld series but if it's anywhere near as suspenseful and well paced as this one, I'm definitely going to dive right on into them. I liked the fact that each sister that helped the main character Siobhan (herself a Selkie) had different powers and paranormal backgrounds. Each character was interesting and even though they only popped in for a few moments, they had their own mark on the story through their personalities. The villain, Siobhan's ex, was a vile one and I was glad when he was defeated. Great urban fantasy story.

The Tangleroot Palace Marjorie M. Liu

What a gorgeous story! I loved the world building here which was haunting and very beautiful. This was definitely a fantasy romance I wanted to get lost in and the story turned out at a suspenseful pace that kept me flipping pages. Although the twist at the end may come as no surprise to most folks, I have to admit I was nicely taken off guard. This story deals with a princess on the run from an upcoming engagement who she deems to a barbarian. While she is escaping, she meets a traveling entertainment act (their scenes and dialogue are one of my faves in the story) and a magical forest. There's a nice scene at the climax where the heroine comes out a true heroine and it didn't seem heavy handed or forced at all. Really enjoyed this fantasy romance.

The Wrong Bridegroom by Sharon Shinn

Usually I don't generally like the first person narrative unless the narrator is a well written character. If not, they can be a bit of a pain to follow the story along with. Unfortunately that happened to me here, unlike with the Galenorn story where I can identify and sympathize with the main character's plight. Here, Princess Olivia was a rather unlikeable protagonist so it was hard to identify with her throughout the story. She had many moments musing about why certain people didn't stay in their place or fall over their feet whenever they were in her presence. She definitely embodied the spoiled princess personality. I had hoped she would be redeemed, maybe learn a bit of humility and grow up a little in the end, but instead we get some flashes of maturity and selflessness that may give us hope for her future. Thankfully the surrounding characters more than made up for it. This story is probably third on my list for this anthology. Although it was a fantasy romance, there were some themes that occurred in here that were just too modern for believability. I got the idea that this was in a world not unlike medieval times and the thinking would be entirely different when presented to some things occurring here. All in all, I liked the secondary characters and the descriptions of the towns, magic and world here which made the story enjoyable.


1 out of 5 Can He Bake A Cherry Pie
4.5 out of 5 The Shadow of Mist
5 out of 5 The Tangleroot Palace
3 out of 5 The Wrong Bridegroom?


Have a fabulous 2010 everyone!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Life in the Rear View Mirror

Imagine your life as a car. You are the driver. The car is your life. The road is your destiny which will fork and split depending on your decisions. Sometimes destiny is well marked as a good map. Other times, you may take a few wrong turns but will eventually find your way once more.

Regardless of the route you take, the one constant is the past, staring back at you in the rearview mirror. Why is this significant? Because only by keeping an eye on the past can you move forward with any kind of certainty.

This past weekend, I sat down and wrote out my goals for the 2010 writing year. Am I dreaming big? Probably. Am I shooting for possibly unrealistic goals? Most likely. But where would anyone of any kind of success be if they merely dreamed in mediocrity? I’m planning 4 full length (75K or over) books for 2010. At this point, only one novella is planned. Which is not to say I won’t write more or meet those goals but I’ll try.

That’s part of the challenge and all of the fun.

2009 was my debut year as a published author. To say it was crazy is a vast understatement of how it felt to live through the chaos. Yes, book releases for 2010 are stacked up like taxing planes in Charlotte’s airport but that is because I had a mess of “banked” work. I now need to refill the bank and wait for a lull in my release schedule—in 2011.

Why was 2009 important? Name recognition. As a new author, one of the toughest jobs you have is convincing folks to buy your books over someone who’s been tried and true in the industry. Have I accomplished this? To a certain degree but not nearly as much as I would have liked. With each new day, I make a tiny bit more headway in the crowded waters.

But 2009 taught me a hard lesson. Slowing down in 2010 is a must. Yes, those in my inner circle know I just cranked out a short story in one day. It was a one off sort of thing because my muse nearly strangled me. She was a bit miffed to be on hiatus for awhile. Not she’s been appeased and has flown off for the islands. I hope her bitchy self gets a sunburn.

My point in this ramble? Set a list of goals for yourself. You may meet all of them. You may meet none of them but at least you’ll have a road map to guide you through the pitfalls that will come your way on life’s highway.

As Kasey Kasem once said “Keep your feet on the ground but keep reaching for the stars.”

Power on and here’s to a successful and happy 2010.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

2009, what a year

It’s freezing here today. I mean absolutely freezing. My darling husband had to go downstairs and stick the heat on before I could even get out of bed and now I am here listening to the sounds of the radiators pushing the heat through our newly renovated but still old, in some spots, 1920’s center hall colonial. The house may be warming but I am still cold.


The baby has been sleeping well through the night. I almost don’t want to jinx it by saying it aloud, but he has been as I have complained bitterly for three months, I thought perhaps I should give him credit where credit is due. The last five nights, he has slept all the way through.


My oldest son wrote his name Christmas morning for the first time and I was so tremendously proud of him. He’s four. But, now it’s really gotten me thinking about the passage of time, how quickly a year moves, two years…five…ten. My husband and I, between dating and marriage, have been together for the better part of this decade. Somehow I blinked and we have three children, two dogs, two cats, a house, cars, and jobs. Wasn’t I just wondering around Tulane Law School buying coffee at the PJ’s coffeehouse and looking around New Orleans for ‘real’ New York style bagels?


Just last February, I was unpublished. We were away, I was newly pregnant with my aforementioned sleeping child, and we were in Disney with the kids. I had submitted Her Wolf to Liquid Silver Books and they amazed me by buying it while we were on vacation.


Since then Her Wolf released as well as its sequel Summer’s Wolf. Love Beyond Time came out from Eirelander Publishing. January 4th and January 11th I have two new books coming out: First Dimension and Yes, Captain from Liquid Silver Books. Needless to say, writing wise, it has been quite a year.


From my family to yours, I wish you a happy, healthy, and blessed new year. 2010 should be even better!

Monday, December 28, 2009

Our Heroes and Self-Rescuing Princesses.

From the time I was very little, I'd developed a particular taste in heroes.


First came Robin Hood. My Great-Uncle used to read me Roger Lancelyn Green's Tales of Robin Hood. I couldn't have been much more than 5. Then came Zorro - old black and white serials shown on TV on Saturday morning. Robin was back when I discovered Errol Flynn, and again when Granada television brought out the magnificent "Robin of Sherwood" series in the 80s. D'Artagnan and the Three Musketeers were another favourite. And Lord of the Rings, of course. I had a very strong obsession with Aragorn long before I ever laid eyes on Viggo Mortensen.




Lots of flashing swords, daring-do and larger than life romances made me a convert for life.



But it wasn't just the heroes I liked to be action packed, adventurous and determined. I wanted the heroines to be the same.



Now I have a daughter I've been introducing her to a concept very dear to my heart - "the self-rescuing princess". Give me a girl who can take care of herself and yet still retain (or regain) the capacity to love. The Xenas of this world, or any other world for that matter. Strong women, women who can solve their own problems, women you can respect, admire and want to be like.


That doesn't mean I want my boys to be any less. I'm an equal opportunities writer. I still want my Robin Hood. I just want Maid Marian to be just as good as he is. And maybe rescue him as well every so often.


Let's face it, there is nothing so attractive in a couple as lovers who have each other's back, who will support each other through thick and thin, who are in fact, a perfect match.


Which takes me back to Robin of Sherwood and Judi Trott's Maid Marian. She started off as the shy and retiring medieval maid, but Marian ended up being as much a part of the gang as any of the others. In fact, she ended up being the heart and soul of Sherwood. And just as able to fight her own ground.


Eowyn of Rohan was another female character who stayed with me from the first moment I met her on the pages of The Lord of the Rings. The aspect of unrequited love, of helpless longing in spite of personal strength, just made her more attractive to me. Her relationship with Faramir develops out of their mutual loss, and their respect for each other. It isn't the grand, passionate drama. It's quiet and subtle, as strong and enduring as they are. It's profoundly moving.



Princess Leia does it too, although when we first meet her she's about to be captured. That doesn't stop her fighting back though. And though she has to be rescued, she very quickly assumes command of the situation, ordering Han around, insulting Chewbacca, and delivering a killer line - "You came here in that thing? You're braver than I thought!". She even turns a bad-boy's head in Han Solo, able to meet him on his own terms, leading up eventually to the glorious lines from Empire.



"I love you.", "I know."

In Return of the Jedi those same lines are spoken, this time with Han leading, as they prepare to fight their way out of another hopeless situation. Those two scenes encapsulate their relationship for me. Strong, supportive, equal.

And of course, more recently, there is Buffy. Not a princess, not really, although... Hey, Chosen One! The whip smart dialogue and mix of comedy and drama sometimes masks the fact that Buffy deals with deep issues, terrible loss and sacrifice, and that she does it herself (or with her friends) without relying on a man (alive or undead) to come swooping in to rescue her. They might try. She generally has things covered.

Where does this leave the hero? Well I have a theory on the heroes for these heroines. In order to match up to a self-rescuing princess, a hero has to be able to accept her as she is. She doesn't need him, doesn't have to rely on him, so the fact that she chooses to be with him is a great compliment. It also means that he has to be man enough to accept it. Relationships in stories like this are a marriage of equals. He matches her, she matches him. She's strong enough to stand her ground. He's strong enough to give her the emotional support she needs while at the same time accepting it from her. Oh, and fight at her side.
There's nothing more sexy than that.
So what do you think? What makes a modern hero work for you? Who is your favourite Self-Rescuing Princess?

--



R.F. Long always had a thing for fantasy, romance and ancient mysteries. The combination was bound to cause trouble. In university she studied English Literature, History of Religions and Celtic Civilisation, which just compounded the problem.



Her Holtlands Novella The Wolf’s Sister: a Tale of the Holtlands and her novels The Scroll Thief: a Tale of Ithian and the paranormal romance novel Soul Fire are now available from Samhain Publishing. The Wolf’s Mate, sequel to The Wolf’s Sister is due out on 19th January 2010. The Scroll Thief came out in print on 1st December 2009, and Soul Fire will follow suit in May 2010.




You can contact her at her website, http://www.rflong.com/, (where you can find out all about her books, read some excerpts and even find her free serial "Old Friends" featuring her very own self-rescuing princess at the moment), or on Twitter (as www.twitter.com/RFLong).




Friday, December 25, 2009

Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas!

There are hundreds of ways to say it and many languages to do it in. If you know more - add them!

JOYEUX NOEL!

Natale hilare et Annum Faustum!

Froehliche Weihnachten!

Buon Natale!

FELIZ NAVIDAD

Gud Yul!

PRETTIG KERSTFEEST

Nolag mhaith Dhuit Agus Bliain Nua Fe Mhaise

Chuk Sung Tan / Sung Tan Chuk Ha

Bachtalo krecunu Thaj Bachtalo Nevo Bers

Kala Christougenna Kieftihismenos O Kenourios Chronos

See more at: http://www.celebratelove.com/christmas150.htm and http://www.travlang.com/xmas.html

From my house to yours: Merry Christmas! Oh, and meow! meow! translates to anything where I live.

Growl and roar-it's okay to let the beast out.-© J. Hali Steele

Thursday, December 24, 2009

The Nutcracker Ballet Tradition



Although I don't celebrate holidays, I look forward to this time every year. I'm a sucker for egg nog, candy canes, my pumpkin spice flavored coffee (and ice cream) and most of all the Nutcracker Ballet. Not just any Nutcracker rendition, mind you. By Mikhail Barishnikov and Gelsey Kirkland's version. Up until a few years ago, my local PBS station would play it without fail every year but for some reason it stopped.

For some reason, this version just stood out to me even though it was the same story. There was something magical about Tchaikovsky soundtrack mixed with the fantastical elements of the dream-like story. The costumes were elegant and the set were gorgeous. It even had a handsome prince.

I really wish this was broadcast on TV again for many more generations to come but at least there's the DVD to keep it alive. :-)




Le swoon. :-)

I hope everyone has a wonderful, warm and safe winter season!

Just an FYI, if you're a classical and sweet romance fan, my newest release Voice of Abandon will be available tomorrow in digital format at Smashwords and on the Kindle.

His music inspired her to live again. His heart inspired her to love again.


After losing her husband to a fatal heart condition, Her Serene Highness Julianna DeWinters falls into a depression. She lives her life on auto pilot, making preparations and setting things in order for her country but not for herself. Assisted by her in-laws on an evening visit to a classical concert, Julianna hears the most beautiful sound that awakens her to life once again. The violinist’s passion through his music not only livens her will but also her heart as she finds the ability to love. If she allows herself the possibility...


Andrew Graham never settled down and loved again after losing the love of his life. Throwing himself into his music, he fuels his passion through the strings of his violin. Once he stops in Welshire to play for the royal family, a beautiful princess captures his interest and his heart. Soon he finds himself on the edge of a romance that will test his ability to trust and love once again.


Voice of Abandon or, The Princess and the Violinist is a sweet, classical novella that proves life and love can begin after loss. Especially when you least expect it.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

A year in review

So, after going to the doctor yesterday and finding out I've got TMJ syndrome due to stress and anxiety, I'm trying to find ways to de-stress, which means most likely I'll need to slow down next year. But, I'm proud of the work I've put out this year. Here are a few blurbs and book covers of my favorites. I'd love to hear from you and see which ones you liked best!


Winner Takes All from Desert Breeze Publishing
Lily Henderson’s greatest passion is knowledge. Christopher Farnsworth thrives on order and decorum. But Lily’s penchant for Suffragette rallies and logical reasoning soon clash with Christopher’s quiet, controlled ex-military lifestyle over a bowl of potato soup.

The two agree to a wager and love is the intended outcome. The premise? A suitable match by Easter. If he loses, he’ll attend Easter church services dressed in one of his aunt’s outrageously colored and beaded gowns. If she loses, she’ll ride, Lady Godiva-style, around the heart of Indianapolis.

The problem is neither Christopher nor Lily can find matches as good as themselves. Romantic sabotage is the order of the day. The original wager is forgotten when the only thing the pair gamble with is their hearts.


Foodie's Guide to Kitchen Magic from Lyrical Press, Inc.
Take one timid but curvy cook, Aidan, who discovers she can perform magic in the kitchen--literally. Add a healthy pinch of desire to become a famous Hollywood chef. Stir in Matteus, the unexpectedly sexy appraiser from the Institute of Magical Instruction. Sprinkle with mutual attraction.

Just one teensy problem: Aidan can't cook-—not even boil water.

At some point in every woman’s life, she wishes she could do magic. But will Aidan cook up true love, a career...or just a disaster?


The Haunting of Amelia Pritchart by The Wild Rose Press

Amelia Pritchart’s life is a mess. Her house is crumbling down around her, she’s got a bad case of writer’s block, and divorce papers await her signature. The trouble is, she still loves her husband.

And if that’s not bad enough, she comes face to face with a ghost—who has problems of her own. The restless spirit demands Amelia help her tormented soul so she can finally rest in peace. Intrigued, Amelia sets out to grant the wish, but soon finds there’s much more to the ghost than just being dead.

When her estranged husband shows up on her doorstep on Halloween, Amelia must face two pasts, both full of pain. Can she help the ghost without becoming eternally haunted? And can she face her own fears and insecurities about her marriage in order to grasp the second chance at happiness her husband offers?


Exiles from Christmas from Lyrical Press, Inc.

Santa’s nephews have come to Crystal Falls to run a cookie business. If they fail, they’ll have to go back to the North Pole and fill their uncle’s black boots when he retires. But sick of toys, elves, and the North Pole’s influence, that’s the last thing Landon and Aaron want. They’re looking for love.


Jayne isn’t much for sentimental family holidays and she certainly doesn’t believe in magic. Working in the Crystal Falls post office, she is mystified when she handles mail bearing a North Pole postal mark.

When Landon and Jayne meet, their attraction for each other is undeniable, but will the truth about Landon’s life make Jayne a believer, or will it be his love that finally melts her heart?


Not Just Make Believe from Desert Breeze Publishing
Andrea Peterchef never thought her job would include a nine-year-old Piper and vomit. Then she meets Max, a workaholic stockbroker with a voice like melted chocolate and she vows to help her charge and him reconnect as a family and maybe find the love she’s been looking for as well.

Maxwell Gildenthall is haunted by the 9/11 deaths of his girlfriend and his cousin—Piper’s dad. Deadlines and data define his life—not baby dolls and dress-up. When Andrea cajoles him into playing the part of dad, the benefits of spending time with the plus-size au pair are a bonus, but he can’t ditch the guilt.

It’ll take more than a spoonful of sugar and a dose of Christmas magic to mend the broken family. It’ll take the power of love.


Safe from the Flames from Liquid Silver Books
Darren Kaestle wants nothing more than to do his job. Putting out fires and keeping the community safe is his idea of a good time until he finds an unconscious woman in an abandoned house fire. Only then does he get a glimpse of her paranormal abilities.

Hadyn Bernson has harbored anger and fear deep inside herself until it manifests in a rare phenomena. She can burst into flames whenever her emotions get out of control, and they threaten to do just that when she opens her eyes and finds a sexy firefighter staring back.

Together, these two people from opposite ends of the spectrum must find a way to settle their differences and quench the flames inside before the real terror of a dangerous blaze ends one, or both, of their lives.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Sandra Sookoo-Safe from the Flames


Hi Sandi, my fellow Paranormal Romantic, so fun to be interviewing you today!

I’m going to start out by telling everyone that I have read Safe From the Flames and it is Fantastic and that is not an exaggeration.

But for everyone who has not read it, can you tell me about it? And can we see an excerpt?

Blurb: Darren Kaestle wants nothing more than to do his job. Putting out fires and keeping the community safe is his idea of a good time until he finds an unconscious woman in an abandoned house fire. Only then does he get a glimpse of her paranormal abilities.

Hadyn Bernson has harbored anger and fear deep inside herself until it manifests in a rare phenomena. She can burst into flames whenever her emotions get out of control, and they threaten to do just that when she opens her eyes and finds a sexy firefighter staring back.

Together, these two people from opposite ends of the spectrum must find a way to settle their differences and quench the flames inside before the real terror of a dangerous blaze ends one, or both, of their lives.

Excerpt

“Ma’am, can you hear me?” Unwinding a green scarf from her head, masses of wavy red hair tumbled into his gloved hands. “Ma’am, are you hurt?” He yanked off his helmet, throwing it to the ground and did the same with the heavy gloves. He brushed his fingers over her cheeks, which were cool to the touch, and streaked with soot. “Talk to me.” Darren leaned closer and put an ear to her chest. Her heartbeat was strong and steady. Nothing like he would have expected from a woman who’d just been through a traumatic fire. He lifted his head, scanned the area for the EMTs “Medic!”

Relief surged through him as effective as a rush of air conditioning when she stirred. He always hated losing at the rescue game. Nothing crushed his spirit more than reaching a body and realizing they were dead upon arrival. When her gaze met his, it pinned him in depths so blue he could almost feel their coolness.

Time slowed down for him in that one moment, and it seemed that destiny barreled into him with the force of a Mack truck. He felt as if his entire life had been training for this moment, but he couldn’t explain why.

He shot to his feet when a couple EMTs arrived, jostling for position around the woman.

“Move Kaestle. We need to work.”

“She’s fine, no smoke inhalation, and no burns, just exhausted. Better keep an eye on her just in case.”

“Yeah, we got it. You did your job now let us do ours.”

Prick.

As he gazed down at her face, saw the splash of freckles over her cheeks and nose, he made a spur of the moment decision. Like the gut instincts that had saved his life countless times during countless jobs, that same unexplainable feeling told him this woman needed his help. He didn’t understand it, but there was no way in hell he would ignore it either.

Kneeling down, regardless of the annoyed looks from the medical personnel, he smoothed the sweaty hair back from her forehead. “What’s your name?” The pale flesh of her exposed midriff as her tank top rode up drew his gaze. He quelled the urge to touch her with less than professional attachment. Not appropriate, Kaestle. “Any identification?”

One of the EMT workers shook his head. “Nope.”

Darren frowned as his gaze raked the legs of her snug jeans. “What’s your name?” This time, his request was more forceful.

“Hadyn Bernson”

“Hi, Hadyn. I’m Darren. You’re gonna be just fine.”

Her fingers gripped his arm so hard he could feel them dig into his skin through the heaviness of his coat. “Please don’t take me to the hospital. They won’t understand what I am.” Her lips twitched as if she intended to smile, but then her eyelids fluttered closed and she fainted with a tiny sigh.

The first emergency worker detached her fingers from his arm. “Sorry, sir, we have to get her to the hospital now.”

“Sure. Sorry.” Darren stepped out of the way as the EMTs lifted her body onto a stretcher. “Which one? Which hospital?” Once he had the vital information, he nodded and promised himself he would drop by for a visit. He wanted to know why she was so adamant that she not end up under professional care.

Book video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Iy7z8xsRso

Where do you get your ideas?

Where do I not get my ideas? The great thing about being a writer is I have the opportunity to study life. People, events, places, conversations, everything and anything can inspire me. Sometimes I even get ideas from my husband, who’s developing a nice little sense of sexy humor since I’ve been writing. LOL

Tell me about your heroine. She’s been through a terrible ordeal but she’s still a strong woman. Who are the strong women that you base your female characters on?

My heroine, Hadyn, has had a huge run of bad luck in her life. Her family perished in a fire when she was young and every relationship she’s had has ended in disaster, namely because of her penchant for bursting into flames.

Strong women in my life? I can’t say that I can name one right off the top of my head. Most of the women I’ve known have been weak, co-dependent women who get on my last nerve. LOL

Without giving too much away, what are you working on now?

LOL Good grief, what am I not working on? Seems like I’m always working on something. But, since you asked, I’m finishing up a holiday-themed novella. After the first of the year, I plan to start the third paranormal novel in my trilogy.

What do you have coming out next?

I have a couple of really awesome releases coming down the pike. The Art of Fang Shui releases with Eirelander Publishing http://www.eirelander-publishing.com on January 8th, 2010. It’s a humorous, sexy vampire tale that’s unlike anything in that genre. And Angel’s Master releases January 11th, 2010 with Liquid Silver Books http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com. This is an ultra-sexy pirate tale with a paranormal twist at the end.

How is your muse doing these days? What is she like?

Think of my muse as the Energizer Bunny on steroids, who’s been pushing me into new directions and into new genres recently. As long as she keeps giving me ideas, I’ll let her continue her maniacal ways. I think she enjoys torturing me just to see how long I’ll last.

What do you do to combat writers block?

Well, that’s a funny thing. I don’t really suffer from writer’s block. Why? Probably because I’m a firm believer in outlining and plotting ahead of time. It keep my writing honest and on track. Sometimes the book takes an unexpected turn and that’s okay too. I simply re-outline. If I find myself hitting a wall on a piece, my solution to jump starting is to work on another piece, usually a novella. Most times I can knock out a novella in two weeks and after it’s over, I can get back to working on the full length book.

Let’s hope this works because I’ve got 3, possibly 4, full length books in the works for 2010. LOL

Thanks for being here with me. This was fun!

Thanks for having me!

Stop by my newly redesigned website for more information on book releases.

http://www.sandrasookoo.com

RR

Monday, December 21, 2009

Let's Play a Game

Happy Manic Monday and Happy Holidays! Rae got me thinking about fan fic which led to my post on Katherine Kerr and now brings me to my thoughts today.

If I could spend a day with any fictional hero/heroine who would it be and why?

Boy, I don't know about you but my list was looonng. To choose one? I thought about Rhodry in Kerr's series, a half elf with jet black hair and corn flower blue eyes. Based on old celtic warriors, he's pretty rough around the edges though. The smell would kill me, let alone the table manners.


I couldn't find a picture of Rhodry so this is how I picture him. LOL

Then I comtemplated Drizzt, a dark elf from Salvatore's series. Long white hair, skin black as a night with a heart of gold who can kick a**. Though handsome, he'd probably talk my ear off about his angst then I'd insult him by telling him to stop making mountains out of mole hills. He'd lose his temper, pick up his scimtars and hack up my poor hound dog. Not a good idea. How would I explain that to my boys?


One after another I went through my list. My chose would be Banichi, an Atevi from CJ Cherryh's Foreigner series. Averaging eight feet tall, he's an alien assassin who's society is based on not pissing each other off because it's legal to hire someone like him to solve their problems. Intelligent, compitent, and funny I think I could manage spending enough time with him and not get myself killed. LOL


Now the second part of my question is for the writers who frequent this blog. Which of your own hero/heroines would you like to spend time with?

That one was a no brainer for me. Tane. *ducks from Rebecca's swat* A ancient Nosferatu vampire, Tane is a no-nonsense kind of guy who walks in that gray area between good and evil. You're never sure which side he's on. Wait. That's not true. He's on his side. LOL. Sauve and charismatic, when he wants to be, I could spend an evening with him.


After writing this blog, it's come to my attention that I seem to like men who are no good for me.

Now it's your turn.




Friday, December 18, 2009

Differences

Next Friday is December 25th, what I know as Christmas Day.

Last night I went out with a friend and the place we had dinner was hosting a large group for their Holiday Celebration - which is how the employees of the company referred to it. Party goers came and went and I heard various greetings of the season. My friend and I struck up a conversation that centered around some of the phrases we've seen on Facebook. It made me think of some I've seen while galavanting around the web.

During the last month I've visited many blogs, websites and chat groups where I've seen greetings for the season expressed in many ways. If I've missed any, let me know - I'm really interested.

Happy Holidays! I think most people use this to encompass the holidays in general beginning in November and ending with New Years and it has become the 'politically correct' phrase to use.

Merry Christmas! Christmas is celebrated on December 25th and includes Christmas trees, colorful lights, Christmas presents, and other tokens of the Christmas celebration.


 
 
 
 
Happy Chanukah! (Hanukkah) Which is the Jewish celebration of the season and consists of Menorahs and Dreidels. I hope I'm right in stating this year it begins its celebration on December 11th at sundown and ends December 19th.


 
 





Happy Kwanzaa! The seven-day festival  is celebrated December 26 – January 1st.
Our society, the places we live, have become very diverse so we hear many greetings, see many new ideas in the way of recipes, music, decorations and celebration stories.

Which ever you celebrate, whatever greeting you use - let those close to you know you wish them well.

I could have pulled information from the various sites I visited but that's not what's important, along with the fact that I don't consider myself knowledgeable enough about each simply because I read some information on a website.

The main thing is to recognize the differences in our world, be tolerant of others and allow each and every one to spread the joy of their celebration in their way.

How and when do you celebrate? Feel free to share a piece of it with me.

If you'd like to read some of what I've learned you can visit the following sites:

Remember: Growl and roar-it's okay to let the beast out.-© J. Hali Steele

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Upon a Tide of Wintry Morn (An Ashen Twilight Short Story)

Hey ladies and gents!

Since things are winding up like crazy here on my end, I thought I would switch gears a bit before my brain completely turns to steam.

I should be starting up my series again starting early next year but I want to give the readers here a little something to lead up to it. Just a heads up on some folks following the series, I'll be setting up some hefty giveaway goodies on Goodreads, from my blog and from other blogs I may visit so if you haven't had a chance to grab a print copy of the book, stay tuned. The digital version will be going on sale around the same time also.

For the next few weeks or so, I'll be posting some sequential excerpts from my newest title Within the Shadows of Mortals, Book 2 in the Ashen Twilight series that will lead up to the release (and maybe a giveaway or two here ;-)).

If you haven't read the series and don't want to be spoiled, please skip to the end or go here to download later. :-D

If you don't mind, carry on!


Blurb: While the three houses move westward for a better life, shades of the past return. Ariya senses a connection between Alexandru Drago and his prince, Vlad Tepes III aka Vlad Dracul, as she relives their conspiracy to take the throne of Wallachia using a secret army. Meanwhile, Jace relives his father's burial in the Highlands of Scotland and muses over living with Ariya in the Aziza fairy realm.


Ariya felt the world slip away like a dusty haze. The droning of the car engine and the low whoosh of the passing cars along the freeway offered an unconventional lullaby rather foreign to her ears. The last image she remembered was Jace’s strong profile as he focused on the road ahead. Yellow shadows poured around his visage, wrapping him in a sheet of shadow, outlining his sharp nose, soft lips and strong chin. His azure eyes stared into the distance despite the focus on the drive. His large yet soft masculine hands gripped the steering wheel.

She fell asleep with a smile on her face, thinking of him. The world suddenly slipped away and another time, another world soon replaced it…

Visegrád, a town landlocked in the Carpathian Basin of Central Europe - 1462

The castle structure stretched across the lands. The normally tranquil green blades of grass were offset by the fading brown stones against the natural greens and blues of the town. This morning the earth based shades were covered under a sheet of snow that had fallen not long ago Alexandru Drago saw the magnificent structure upon diving down toward entrance way. The bright white flashed in front of his face with streams of blood he already knew had been spilt. Vladislav Tepes III, The Son of the Dragon, had been taken by force down into the large castle structure. The subjugation of his enemies had earned him the name of The Impaler. He was third in the line of his forefathers and thus had carried the family name of Draculea (or Dracula). Both titles he wore proudly like a well worn suit of armor.

Now the prince lay in the home of King Matthias Corvinus. The halls within the Visegrád palace lay before Alexandru as he looked ahead. The massive structure was still lined with guards donning their impressive armor. The large sabers at their side sheathed in large scabbards of gilded metal would have sent any other man into a heightened state of panic. Alexandru himself knew how to disperse of them with a wave of his hand. It was better to remain under their watchful eyes…for now. Soon they would be able to emerge as the true leaders they were. With Vlad’s “changing” soon at the hand of his conquering, there would not be long to wait.

Right away he made use of his keen senses, seeing the guards near and smelling the familiar scent of Vlad. It was a thick smell of power laced with sweat and gruel. The scent of blood wrapped around him like a layer, but this wasn’t human blood. It was animals. The lines of the hard stone cell did it’s best to block the familiar scent unique only to the prince. A round of guards had gathered around the stone rimmed well of the inner castle courtyard of the lower castle. The banks of the beautiful blue Danube River streamed within the wall, connecting to the tower to fuel the palace with its water supply. A large watchtower offered a view over the muted azure waters to any intruders who may seek the soil of Visegrád on their desperate travels.

The prince was not too far now.

Alexandru felt his body threaten to change as he walked. The clanking metal, warm tunic and soft robes draped around his large form as he walked. The bitter cold worked to reach within his folds and if he had changed, a thick hide would do well. Patience. Once he got to his destination. He would do well to bide his time.

The thick walls offered solace to him as he dodged the guards at the walkway up to the citadel. He was nearly surprised at the sparse amount of guards sprinkled out on the way to the cell within the castle walls.

Alexandru peered up at the massive tall tower peeking out from deep green forestry peeking out from large flakes of snow. He drew closer, careful not to be seen by the surrounding guards’ watchful eyes. From here he could see the young boyish visage of one of the two guards. The youthful gaze was presented by dim grey eyes staring ahead as if in a trance. Not only did Alexandru hold the power of age over this one, he could already tell the mental capacity was limiting as well. This was going to be easy.

The dispatch took a few seconds. He got rid of the larger of the two with a crush of the neck, tossing him to the side. The younger raised his sword in defense, freezing once he met Alexandru’s hardened gaze. The dazed look now was replaced by a true trance once the older Romanian had hold over him.

“The prince of Wallachia is being held within this structure, is he not?” Alexandru asked with a slight lift of his lips.

The young guard lowered his sword with a nod. “He is.”

Alexandru stepped forward, fully aware of his height over the young guard. “You are under strict orders to take me to him. A special assignment we shall say that is blessed by our fair King Matthias.”

The guard led him up the citadel, carefully explaining his situation to each guard that stood at the head with a question. Alexandru would keep his gift to himself, making sure to keep his face blank as he nodded and wandered through. The smell of blood, thick crimson and bitter copper, filled his lungs with the dank, rusty aged stone structure. The moment he wandered upon the cell housing his prince, he stopped. The cold wintry morning was visible under the rise of the new day outside Vlad’s window. The brown wooded slopes, deeply chiseled grayish russet valleys overlooking the Danube River.

The windowsill, carving the view like the frame of a painting, sat decorated with the dead carcasses of spiders, roaches, and mice. Their bodies propped up like small towers on thick splintered wood. Alexandru followed the dark shadows moving against the stone ground.

Printul meu.” Alexandru’s deep voice elicited a slight movement. The hunched over figure turned to look over his shoulder, leaving behind a twitching mouse against another splinter.

The elongated features of a sharp nose, wide penetrating eyes and a thin mouth beneath a thick mustache still held a semblance of the royal curtain. The months that passed had done well to wear on him but still he held the strong determined gaze of a ruler set to reclaim his kingdom. Alexandru was proud as he looked upon him.

“My refuge has turned into a sort of asylum,” Vlad said peering around him as he stretched out his hands. “Radu has overtaken my mind as well my home.”

Alexandru lowered his head slightly at the name of his prince’s half brother. Radu the handsome had used his army to reclaim Wallachia shortly after their leave. Despite the welcoming of the peasants in the area, Matthias was not so eager to house and align with a dethroned prince.

“The walls of Poenari still stand,” Alexandru said softly. “But your wife…” He thought back to the frail body that fell from the open window down toward the Arges River and lowered his head. “She does not live.”

Vlad’s thin form beneath his tunic stiffened before he fell into a pace. “And the creatures?”
Alexandru dismissed the sly remark with a smile. “Death. Few escaped with reinforcements but there were not many.”

“They still roam the countryside in numbers. You know the vast number of them that walk this Earth, do you not?”

The shorter Romanian of the two nodded. “I do. The gift that was bestowed upon me is like no other. There are certain strains of us with various abilities that will do well to your liking.”

Vlad turned and approached the gated irons standing between the two. His thin, spindly fingers wrapped around them despite the nearly frozen bars. His deep eyes bore into Alexandru as he leaned forward. “You will continue forward.”

“My prince?”

“You will continue what I have started and gather them. My immortality will be enough to regain my throne for eternity. An army of my own immortal creatures to do my bidding, to make me one of them.”

“A creature of the undead that walks the night? Or one that haunts the moon in its beastly form? Or...” Alexandru lifted his chin slightly. Or someone like him.

“Bring me my army that I may rise again.”

“My liege, we bring you the throne. An army under my orders will easily overtake Radu and his Ottomans. If you so choose, I may raise my army—”

Vlad waved his hand with a huff and turned away, silencing him. “I will be the one to take back my throne from my brother’s deceitful acquisitions once I leave these captive bars. You shall form your army under a leader of your choosing. Choose a man you trust with your life and in Wallachia you will await my return.”

Alexandru wasn’t sure about the prince’s wishes. He knew he could bring his own army of immortals and take down Radu’s men as swiftly as he saw the reinforcements break through the Poenari walls. But as he looked at his ruler’s determined gaze within a strong set visage, he knew to trust him.

“An army I will gather to away your return.” With a bow, he excused himself with the promise.

* * * *

A loud horn awoke her once again. Ariya sat up in her seat trying to focus on her surroundings and separate imagination from reality. She turned to Jace who looked at her with a sly smile on his handsome face.

“Sleeping pretty heavily there, huh?” he said reaching over to pull him close to her. “Must have been pretty exciting.”

She settled into the concave of his arm. Normally his cold skin would have bothered her but the soft cotton fabric of his shirt offered a comfort along with the unique feel of him. She slipped her hand up to his chest and imagined, for just a moment, the sound of his heartbeat beneath the cold thick skin. A sound or feeling that would say he was alive. “Why do you say that?”

“You were saying Vlad.”

Another blaring car horn broke into the atmosphere from the opposite highway. The loud siren craned to a high pitch before dying to a strained sound within the distance. What exactly was she dreaming? And why did it feel like someone’s memories?

“Jace?”

“Mmm hmm.”

“Do you know Alexandru Drago?”

His body stiffened and his grip on the steering wheel tightened as he shifted in his seat. “Where did you hear that name?” he asked, clearing his strained voice.

Ariya slowly sat up and looked at him. “He was in the dream with Vladislav Tepes III. I think it was him whose eyes I was seeing through.”

“What did you see?”

She shrugged, sitting back in her seat and staring at the line of cars ahead. “The past. He was working with Vlad to somehow bring him in an army against his brother. I remember reading about that. A political push and pull between Vlad, his brother and Matthius Corvinus. But why am I dreaming about it now?” She sighed. A strange pressure grew in her forehead and she closed her eyes.

“Hey, relax Ariya,” Jace said, reaching over to her.

The pain began to subside when she felt his grip on her back, massaging the tension growing within her body.

“Lower.”

She leaned back into his massage and felt the pressure drop to her lower back.

“Mmm, lower.”

A soft chuckle fell from Jace’s lips. Despite the pain slowly lessening, she felt a tingle of pleasure spread through her body from the relaxing massage.

“Lower?” This time Jace had said it, and from the delightfully hopeful sound of his voice, she was sure he was smiling.

Before she could answer, his hand dipped below to her skirt clad hip and pulled her closer. She gave in, leaning in toward his open free neck and placed a soft kiss on it.

“You trying to make me forget my dream, Archane?” she asked softly.

His lips rose in a smile, making him seem more handsome. “Is it working?”

Ariya chuckled softly, brushing his shoulder length wavy brown hair away from his neck to give him another kiss. She thought about what it would be like to bite someone there. To drink their essence and taste their blood on a daily basis.

“You don’t have to think about it, dear,” Jace said taking her hand and kissing it softly. “You’ve already done it, remember?”

She sighed, falling back into her seat again. “I remember.” It had been the first time they shared each other. Jace had taken too much in the height of the excitement and drove her over the edge. He thought she had died but thankfully he gave her his blood to revive her just in time. It had been the sweetest taste she ever had and it had sealed Jace to her forever. At the same time, it had made her slightly uncomfortable. They didn’t know what effects it would have on her, but they knew to keep watch in the mean time. Would her people know what she had done? Would they sense something different about her when she returned?

“Hey.” Jace wrapped his fingers within hers and looked at her, swinging a look at the road ahead from time to time. “Don’t worry yourself, Ariya. Everything’s fine. So far you’re all right. Once we settle in Los Angeles we’ll get everything sorted out with the Houses and we can have a quick checkup on you there. Maybe Daoine can sense something strange before it happens.”
Ariya leaned on the head of the back of her seat. She brushed a dark cinnamon curl away from her face and smiled at Jace through the darkness. “You gathered all of that from my single thought and you didn’t sense any part of my dream?”

“I was thinking about something else. Thought I’d give you your privacy.” He peered at her again and gently tapped her nose before grinning. “How much fun would it be if we climbed into each other’s thoughts all the time?”

“Mmm. How much fun indeed.” She gripped his free hand and gently ran her fingers along his pale skin, contrasting with her smooth dark chestnut complexion. “Alexandru Drago,” she said softly.

“Hasn’t been seen for centuries. I figured he was dead after he tried to wipe us out.”

“He’s an immortal?”

Jace nodded. “Not really sure what type. He seemed to have the traits of all three houses. Some think he may be like Daoine. Who’s a mystery within himself.”

“Why would he try to take the blood of his own brethren? At the mercy of a mortal, a bloodthirsty ruler, like Dracul no less?”

Jace shrugged and reached over to scratch with his free hand to scratch his shoulder. “Don’t know. Perhaps the bond of man and country is strong or he had another agenda. We never crossed paths after my father’s death in Wallachia.”

“What did you do?”

“We went back to Scotland to bury him.” Jace’s voice fell softer and a sullen smile crept upon his face. “He would’ve wanted it that way. Return to the land of his country to remain forever.”
Ariya snuggled up to Jace again, listening to the sound of his voice like a distant memory. His arm gripped her as he spoke and she closed her eyes to imagine the world that was…



Highlands, Scotland - 1462

When lately we parted, how sad the farewell,
Our words were but few, but our thoughts who can tell?
When lost to my vision, afar on the brine,
I drank thee success in the goblet of wine.

Jace stared at the mound of brown dirt against the seat of green that held his father beneath the lands. His Uncle Julian’s voice stretched across the land in the Scots Gaelic tongue singing a song he had heard from funerals growing up. The language swelled his heart which still stung. Apart of him died as he held his father’s lifeless form in his arms. The once bright eyes that stared at him as he was taught how to tame the lands, to fight, to love and to be a man had now dimmed to ruin . They could die. It had hit him then. The blood flow of life that beat within his veins could perish just like mortals.

His calloused fingers gripped the warm hilt of his sword against a sweaty palm.
The part of the song ended with the captured lyrics still floating within the air. He lifted his head slightly to watch his uncle reach out and shake the salt and soil onto the large mound. Before placing Jace’s father Gerard beneath the pile of burial rocks, Jace had watched him do the same upon his brother’s chest. The last visage he saw of his father was that of peace as the soil would retake him once again while the salt, a representation of his soul, would remain forever.

His tall, strong form now wore the same green shaded quilted armor garments that matched Jace and his uncle’s. Thick padded quilts of cotton served as armor as a front to whatever mortals crossed their way. If their speedy defenses would fail, the thickness of the material would surely block any sword cuts their way.

A long brown leather tunic-like coat reached below the knees and quilted vertically, worn draped over an over-coat of mail armor. Peace full upon the handsome face lined with a dark shadow of a beard. Dark brown wavy hair fell over the large broad pair of shoulders. Large calloused hands crossed over his chest holding the broadsword his father, Jace’s grandfather Cailean Archane, had made for Gerard. The shiny metal was broad near the hilt, tapering into a long design that stretched the length of his body toward a pointed end. The cross-section of the blade offered an indentation like Jace’s own Gaelic inscription on his blade: Na sir's na seachainn an cath. Neither Seek Nor Shun the Fight. It was a motto his father had taken to his death.

Jace finally arched his chin upward to where his uncle stood next to Daoine. Their faces were still, grim with the events of the day. The trek had been longer this time as Jace wished to cross the lands by foot rather than make use of Daoine’s large eagle-like form. He used the sword to pull himself to standing. With a brush of his hand to wipe the green grass clinging to his trews he stepped forward and offered a hand to help place his father in his final resting home.

“Alas, death finally does claim us,” Jace said softly.

“Yes, Jacinus,” Daoine said moving toward him. “The hands of war can still take lives no matter if run by mortal or one of our own.”

“Gerard shouldn’t ha’ to die like that,” Julian said. He peered ahead at the vast mounds of green. “We lost the battle and we lost my only brathair!”

Daoine held his hand up. “Peace, Julian. I did not forsee this occurrence.”

“No, you didn’t. You can shift your bones, change into a great animal of your choosing but you canna stop a massacre. What is the purpose of making us like this? A life of immortality…what reason if ye canna stop death from climbing up and seizing your life?”

Jace peered up at Daoine, awaiting the answer for his own curiosity.

“The hands of death still stalk us, watching from the dark corners,” Daoine’s dark eyes focused on Julian as he approached him. The long dark blue robes that seemed to float around his body brushed against the green grass. “But it does not wear the cloak of age any longer. It kills…more discriminately now. It’s up to us figure out how to live under its watchful eyes. That is the point of all this, Julian. That is why they need a leader. There are more like you out there. Some like myself but not of the same blood and some others like the wolves that stalk the night. They will need a home, a sanctuary to come to when the wars continue to wipe them out.”

“And thus is our purpose,” Jace said causing both men to turn his way. He pulled his eyes away from his father’s grave and looked up at them. “Is that not correct, Daoine? The purpose you have brought us together?”

“Yes. It was my goal.”

Jace felt his jaw tightened as he sighed, trying to compose himself. His mother was lost to him years ago in the plague and now his father had followed. What life would it be if he lost his Uncle now and the new ally they had both trusted to make them into the creatures they were now? Life was frivolous and the fear and doubt he had about living it slowly slipped away. Now he would live life as it should be and while he remained within this immortal shell, he would make others answer to him.

“Protection would be scarce now that we are hunted creatures,” Jace said aloud. He sheathed his sword with ease and folded his arms, standing tall. “I agree with Daoine, Uncle. Tis better to join than let our numbers fall in its division.”

Julian turned to Daoine who merely nodded, closing his almond shaped eyes to enhance his agreement. After sheathing his own sword he moved between them to head back to Gerard’s gravesite. He kneeled, placing his hand on the mound and bowing his head once more.

* * * *

“Julian agreed then that it would be better to stay together,” Jace said as he continued to drive. “He took his rapier out and we each took turns breaking the skin of their open palms to seal their oath with their life’s blood. And from that day forward the House of Blood began under the Archane line.”

“And here we are.” Ariya looked ahead, thinking about what brought them here to this point. The moment she met Jace, she couldn’t believe he was a Nightwalker. Too much like the Asiman blood drinkers at home in her lands in the Aziza realm, she deemed him a threat despite saving her from the Shifter Rens. Strangely enough he didn’t believe she was who she was. A fairy from another realm. He knew stories of her kind from his homeland in Scotland but her and her people were a far cry from the mischievous Fey herself as she would come to learn from his stories. After dodging an elemental under the guise of Liam Blakedon, a former guard in the Archane house a long time ago, she had faced her own death twice and was brought back by Jace both times.

And yet until then, she hadn’t felt love before in its truest form. She read about it, saw it as her sisters were paired off with their potential husbands and dreaded the time when she was going to have to face the same. But it hadn’t been until now that she actually felt a romantic love for a man. Jace had been her protector since she arrived. Sure there had been that one time when he cast her out after disbelief that a fairy had been in his very living room.

“Hey you can’t—”

Ariya quickly reached up and covered his mouth. “I understand why you did it, but don’t think I won’t make you pay later.” With her other hand, she poked him in the side.

“So then. About this love thing.”

She squeezed his arm. “Yes?”

“I never grasped the idea of a feeling wrapped up in one word. It’s been tinkered with, abused, used, overused and outdated itself more times than I can focus on at the moment. But the feeling…the feeling itself has never been something to describe. What I will say is that…every time you leave my side, I feel like a part of me has somehow died. And when you’re near I can’t think of a better place to be. One moment I feel like holding you and the next I want to make love to you, feel you beneath me until we’re both exhausted from the act.”

Ariya chuckled, poking his side again. “Jace!”

“I mean it. You’re apart of me now Ariya. And I’m apart of you. I can sense when something’s wrong and when you’re in danger. Your blood is always calling out to me.”

“Mmm, I bet you’ve said that before to many female acquaintances,” Ariya mused.

He turned to her, not a hint of a smile or amusement on his face. “Partly. But the things I’ve told you about me and the things you know are only known by you. My feelings are true, Ariya. Julian knows this and I want you to know it after everything we’ve been through.”

Ariya reached up on impulse and pulled his face to her. She placed a hard passionate kiss on his lips causing him move, taking the care with him.

“Ariya!”

“Oh!” Remembering where they were, she slid back down into her seat and watched Jace swerve the car back into his lane, despite the many angry horns that blew off from the surrounding cars. “Sorry.” She smiled despite feeling her face grow hot.

Jace laughed and leaned back before reaching to pull her close. “Believe me I would have done the same if I weren’t driving. It’s a good thing we are because you’d be in trouble about now.”
Ariya giggled thinking about his words. “And what sort of trouble could we get in if we stopped between here and California?”

Jace’s smile dropped for a moment into seriousness. He turned to for a moment, the sly smile returning as an idea hit him. “Wait a minute. I’ll do you one better.”

He checked his rearview mirror before blinking and pulling into the lane next to him. With a quick look over his shoulder, he grinned and waited a moment for the car behind to catch up. Once it was in tow, he took a drive off the side of the road, leading a short succession of cars behind.

Ariya remembered Gael Almadovar coming to them earlier that evening. With the Ashen Twilight House’s outing, all of the Patriarchs felt it was better to move everyone West for better safety. They had packed everything in and started together, but soon Gael traded cars with a pretty lady friend of his Ariya hadn’t seen before. She imagined she may have been another Shifter Elf like him. That left Ariya and Jace in one car together for the duration of the trip. Not that she was complaining or anything.

Now Jace lead the line of cars off the side of the road. She imagined they would have a lot of explaining to do when they climbed out. The ride had been on a bit of a schedule and the sooner they got out of the Southwest area of America, the better.

She heard and felt Jace take a deep breath as he stretched his arms forward on the steering wheel. Right away she knew why he had become nervous. Whatever it was he was going to tell, she had a feeling he had to face his Uncle Julian first. Although the Nightwalker was indeed his Uncle, perhaps more so he was his Patriarch and any major decisions would have to go through him. She couldn’t decipher what exactly Jace was thinking due to his clouded mind toward her, but whatever it was she knew it was, to use a contemporary mortal expression, heavy.

Ariya suppressed the questions cropping up in her mind. Instead she watched Jace pull to the side of the dark road. Absent of the calming light of the highway. The engine died beneath them and Jace pushed the door open with one shove. He turned around and peered at her, grinning. “Come on,” he said with a nod of his head.

She felt her own heart racing as she opened the side car door and stared into the black night. Already she heard the chorus of car doors opening and closing behind them.

Julian’s handsome broad features were stern. A vertical crease formed in his forehead and as his large frame grew in size as he drew closer, he became more imposing. “Jace, what is going on? We’ll lose too much time if we stop at every turn.”

“We won’t be going right away,” Jace said, peering up at his Uncle.

All eyes fell on Jace, especially Ariya’s.

“What?” Julian cocked his head to the side as if he didn’t hear right.

Jace held his ground, straightening his back to declare his stance was set. “Ariya and I will be taking a detour before heading to L.A. I’d like to see her world. She’s already seen ours and I think it’s time for a little change.” He turned to her. “If that’s alright with you.”

Ariya quickly closed her mouth and slowly licked her lips once she realized all the eyes looking upon her. If Rich, Jace’s best friend— and also a newly married Lycan— was here, she was sure he would be grinning and silently nodding for her to go for it. If Joanna wasn’t nudging her in the side first. She peered up at Jace’s other best friend, Gael whose large arms were folded as he idly leaned against the car. His dark chocolate eyes peered at her and even through the darkness of the night she could tell he was nodding.

“Ah…yes. That would be fine,” she finally said. Her heart skipped a beat once she felt Jace’s arms around her. A quick thought flashed in her mind and she made sure to cloak it with other thoughts of happiness. But still she wondered how her people would welcome him. If she thought he was an Asiman, how would her people accept him knowing he shared the same traits as those demonic creatures? And even more so how would she get him across the realm into the brightness of the day when his skin shunned it? Despite all that, she didn’t know how her own people would take her. After drinking his blood, there was a chance that she had become part Nightwalker herself, if the slightly elongated fangs and slight pale blush of her dark skin proved so.

She focused on Julian’s hard gaze at his nephew. Right away she remembered that same tense flex of his jaw he shared with Jace as he tried to keep himself under control. She didn’t dare try to read his thoughts, knowing from Jace’s experience in fearing the same. The stoic tinge of emotions running across his hard expression was more than enough. She half expected him to go off in a rant those next moments but instead he nodded and turned away from them.

“You’ll return soon, I trust,” he said over his shoulder.

A few months in the Aziza realm equaled a few weeks in the mortal realm. She had a feeling Julian didn’t know this, but still he didn’t stand around to ask any questions. Gael pushed off the side of Julian’s car and walked to them.

“I guess I’m taking back my car,” he said with a grin. A slight hint of his Spanish accent trickled into his words before he chuckled. He held out his dark hand and waited for Jace to place his keys in his open palm. Gael turned to Ariya and gave a slight bow. “I trust you’ll take care of our Nightwalker Regent in the mean time?”

He headed for the car and again the chorus of engines started again.

Jace wrapped his arm around Ariya and pulled her off to the side to dodge the cars heading back toward the highway. The dark blotches of red lights soon disappeared in the blackness around them. And then they were alone in the silence.

Ariya peered up at Jace, feeling a strange warmth around them despite his cold skin. She looked up, forcing herself to strain and see the deep blue of his eyes focused on her.

“You’re not angry?”

She shook her head and smiled. “I was hoping there would be a chance to take you back home with me.”

“No time like the present then.” Before she could respond he reached down and kissed her. She melted against the hard lines of his chest and strength of his body. Her hands caressed his shirt and trousers, his mouth brushing against her coaxing him for entrance.

The warmth grew around her and she felt it make way for him as if it were a strong light source. His kiss grew passionate, wanting and desiring her as he held her.

Ariya closed her eyes, held him close and gave into the desiring heat surrounding them.