Accomplishments… Not One but Two…

There is nothing better than being able to accomplish something you have spent years working to complete. My journey as an author has been just that… a journey for many, many years and the first book I began writing on has been a work in progress for the last fifteen years. (On and off, of course.) I say journey because it has been one long adventure with ups, downs and everything in between. 

My dream of becoming a writer was put on the wayside, as many things do, when life got in the way. As the years past I found my passion in telling stories of the brave who journey through hardship and misfortune to emerge stronger while finding love, friendship and happiness along the way. Once I realized, as many do, that life is… well… life and if you don’t strive toward your dreams, they will never come to pass. Nothing will ever be perfect for you to move forward. Although we strive to have our finances in order before having children or fixing our current home to move into a new one, life tends to work the opposite way. So when life presented a chance to come home and be with my kids while striving for what my heart kept telling me to do, I took a chance. 

It’s been almost two years since I became an author, stay at home mother, and teacher of my children. Although the choice to do so was difficult and we didn’t know how we were going to make it on one income. We put our faith in our dreams and the Lord to bring us through the rough times. We now had enough to homeschool our children, have food on the table and to sometimes go do something fun. Don’t get me wrong, things still get tight (like at the moment where we didn’t manage to save enough for the curriculum we wanted for our children) and going out to do something fun may need to be put on hold. We could not be happier with our choice and what our lives are like now. 

My goal as an author is to create stories that will captivate readers, leaving them wanting more to discover. To journey alongside the characters as they traverse the dangers and adventures life puts before them while finding the happiness they strive to achieve.    

Accomplishment Number One:

Now that I have taken up enough time talking about accomplishing your dreams… I will get to the surprise of my post. Today I am happy to announce that I have not one but TWO sneak peeks for you!

I am nearly finished with my novel, Fight of the Heart. Which has taken me what seems like forever to complete. This is what started my dream of writing, what encouraged me to accomplish my goals and to continue to bring amazing content to my readers. So without further ado, here is a sneak peak of Fight of the Heart due to publication at the end of this month!

Prologue

Glancing across the plain into the human dimension from his balcony at the pristine and illuminating palace of Alador; he searched for the right man to aid him with his plans. 

“There must be someone below who fits the description of a perfect carrier.”

“Are you certain this is the best course of action, Erenon?” 

“Of Course, Branson. Do you That is why I am sending you to be his guide.”

“Erenon, I don’t…”

The swish of his robes made a bare whisper as he turned with anger burning in his eyes. “You don’t what?”

“I do not believe this girl is a threat to us,” he stated calmly. 

“Well, she may not be a threat to you, but she is a threat to me.” His eyes returned to the realm beneath them. 

“What exactly do you wish to gain by distracting her?” His movements silent as he edged closer to the glass rail and glanced below wondering as he watched his friend and leader search humanity for the perfect man. 

“Distract her? I don’t intend to just distract her. I plan to make it so she will be unable to enter this realm again.”

“Banishment?! What has the young woman done to make you so determined, Erenon?”

“She took my world and twisted it until there was hardly anything remaining. Her actions took one of the two people I cared about most from me. She must serve punishment for her part in what happened to Arya,” he whispered the last to himself low enough so as not to be heard by their sensitive ears. Branson would refuse to help him if he knew the real reason he was after the girl. She was the reason Arya left, she was the reason he lost the woman he loved.  

“Erenon,…”

“That’s Enough! I will have no further of your insight on the matter. I am the leader of this council and if I say she is to serve punishment, then she is to be served punishment.”

A sensation deep in his soul told him this journey may cause her more pain than what his leader planned. “As you say, who is it you are recruiting? And how am I to serve in your plan?”

“First, I must find the right man for the job…” Resuming his search below, his eyes roaming the earth searching for the perfect human to control. “Ah, he will do. The young man walking in the woods. If he walks the woods, he will be familiar with the area and his home will provide the necessary cover at the edge of town. Come, let us discuss my plan so we can effectively provide punishment for her misdeeds.”

The scent of pine, the song of birds and the light glimpsing through the branches always gave Damean a sense of calm and relaxation. He felt closer to nature and the appeasing affect was a plus as he maneuvered around a fallen tree. As he returned his focus to the path in front of him, he nearly ran into a young man, “What? Where did you come from?”  The man dressed in white robes, pretty in a masculine way. His light blonde hair hung loosely in the wind with a few braids to keep it out of his face. 

“Damean, I have a proposition for you.” His stature ramrod straight and professional. 

“How do you know my name?” Not one to back down, he gained a defensive stance and watched the man with suspicion.

“I am not here to hurt you. I am here to save HER.” The last not spoken, but heard in the mind. 

“How did you . . .” Before he could finish his statement, the visitor had his hand over Damean’s mouth to keep him quiet. Feeling the rough bite of bark as it pressed against his back, his eyes going wide as he heard the man in his mind again. 

There are many things I can do, now I do not have much time. Please listen carefully. The beating of his heart seemed to flood his ears and he could hardly breath. All he could do was look at him and wait. I am required to enchant upon you a spell to fall for a woman you know, but do not love. What you will feel inside and the actions you will take will no doubt bring this young woman pain and grief. I ask that you fight it, fight it with all you have in you. There will be times that you will not be able to control yourself and the things you will do. I am certain this experience will haunt you for the rest of your days, but you are the only one who can do this. He has chosen you, you must be able to fight if you want them to come out alive at the end. Before he could ask or say anything, the man continued aloud.

“My name is Branson and I am here on behalf of my boss who would like your assistance with something of utmost importance to him. Are you willing to provide that assistance?” His eyes held Damean’s as he continued to relay messages to him both verbally and telepathically. 

I am told to use you willingly or forcefully, whether you agree or not is of no concern to him. If you agree, the process will go smoother and you may be able to help this young woman. You will have enough free will to be able to fight his suggestions, but if you do not, well you will never be the same and you will loose everything you hold dear. 

Narrowing his eyes, he stared at the man for a moment. “Do I have a choice?” His heart pounding faster as he waited to hear the word he knew was coming. 

What do you mean I will not be able to control myself and what exactly is this boss getting me into?

“No.”

This is going to be the worst thing you have ever done, but as I said before in order to save this woman’s life and the life of your friend, you have little choice in the matter. He has chosen you whether you want it or not. 

“Well, nice of you to be to the point.”

“Would you rather I, how do you say it… sugar coat it for you?” Cool sarcasm lacing his voice. 

“No, I don’t. Since you have a hold of me and I doubt you will let me go if I do not cooperate, I will do it, but I have one question.” Still feeling the bite of the tree on his back, he tried to shift, but the man’s hold was to restricting to maneuver. 

“What is it?”

“What’s in it for me?”  

Ah, smart man, you will have to trust me that everything will work out. If we can save this young woman and your friend, you will find the answer to you problems. His violet gaze spoke volumes as they stood there discussing the future of this young woman.

“What is it that you wish in return?”

After thinking for a moment, He asked a different question. Telepathically of course. Are you able to communicate with the deceased? “Hmm, the possibilities of that question are endless. Let me think.”

I myself, do not have the capabilities to carry out such a feat, but I do know someone who can with assistance. Who is it you would like to speak with.

It is not for me, my mother passed on three years ago and my father has never been the same. I know if he could just speak with her one more time he would be able to move on.

I see. . . If you help, I will see what I can do to make that happen. 

Thank you “Lets just put it this way, I will do as your boss requests, but he will owe me a favor at the time of my choosing.” Finally feeling the comfort of being released from the tree he rolled his shoulders to loosen the muscles that had been strained since Branson was quite a bit taller than him. 

“As long as it does not interfere with his plans, it will be done. I am to stay with you as your… business partner. We are to leave in two weeks time for Salona Island where you will take charge of an establishment there and you are to have no contact with anyone until he requests it from this point forward.”

“Wait, Falcon is leaving, I have to say goodbye.” Concern flashed through his mind that he would not be able to see his friend off for his journey. 

“You will see him again, he is an intricate part of the boss’s plan.” You see, the young woman is Julianna Porter. 

“What?” You mean this plan will affect Julianna and Falcon? 

Unfortunately, it will affect them the most as well as everyone they hold dear. Everyone they have come to love is intricately woven into this plan except for one person. The only person Erenon does not know about. The one person Erenon could not see during his views of the earth and it’s goings on. Julianna’s sister Angel. If we can get to her without his knowing, we will have a better chance of them coming out of this alive. 

Well, you’re in luck because Angel lives on Salona Island. How is it that he doesn’t know about her? She has come to visit a few times and Julianna has spoken about her plenty. 

That I am uncertain, but I can make a guess

“How will I know what to do and who to talk to?” What does he have against Julianna?

“You will hear his voice inside your mind, much like the human subconscious making suggestions and telling you what to do next. You will have to let him in freely.” That I myself am not completely sure of, but I do not like what he plans for justice. He claims that she took someone from him that he cared deeply about and wants justice for her crimes. 

Julianna hasn’t taken anyone. She’s the finest detective I’ve seen. She can find anyone or anything. She has never killed anyone. A fierce fighter, but she never kills. There has been peace here since she arrived when she was young.  

That is the reason I am enlisting your assistance, there is something he is hiding and I have a feeling that Julianna and Falcon will need all the help they can get. 

Shadow may come in handy as well then. 

Shadow?

I’ll explain when we have more time, this double communication is weighing on me.  

Yes, yes, you are right. 

“You are to take the ship to Salona Island two weeks from today. I will meet you at the establishment known as Salona Heights. You will set up there and return here to await further instruction.”

“You mean the prison? Why the prison?” Curiosity lighting his features.

“All will be clear in time.”

His legs hit hard stone and he turned to be sure he would remain upright as he eased himself onto it to rest, “Fine, Ill be there, but…” as he returned his attention forward, the man was gone. Searching the surrounding area he was clueless as to how the man disappeared.

“I certainly hope that is not a common trait. I would hate for him to pop in whenever he wishes.” He continued his journey through the woods, avoiding any falcons nearby. With this new mission his first act was to keep quiet and not speak to anyone. I have an inkling this is going to be harder than originally suggested. 

Chapter 1

Falcon spent the morning reviewing details with his father in the company office. He had been visiting the shipping yard since he was a little boy and it still amazed him how efficient his father worked through every aspect of the position. The office had not changed since, well… forever. The same oak wood desk and chair took up the middle of the of the hardwood floor. Not much else occupied the space other than a filing cabinet and a plant his mother insisted he keep on his desk to make the room more inviting. 

The walls were painted a dark green and decorated with paintings of the sea as well as a couple pictures of his family. Walking into the office brought back memories of visiting the docks, learning about ships and time spent here talking. He glanced at his father sitting in the old chair, waiting for him to look up and acknowledge his presence. His father signed the last invoice and peered up to find his son admiring a painting he had done of his first ship. The one that started it all. 

“Don’t tell me you are going to miss it.”

“I’ve practically grown up here. You’ve taught me everything I know about shipping. Of course, I will miss it, but I will be back,” he studied the painting while admiring the elegant brush strokes and color choices. 

“For Julianna?”

“Yes, for Julianna. I love her.” The last was said on a whisper, but his father still caught it.

“You don’t know all that there is to know about her,” concern lacing his voice as he bought his doubts on the match. 

He turned to his father. “I know enough to want to spend the rest of my life with her. I want to start a family and I want to start one with her.”

“Falcon think this through, you’ve known her for years and yet I know more about her than you do.”

“Because you work with her to train her, for what I am unsure, but I hope to be entrusted with her secrets as we learn and grow with each other.”

Flustered by his son’s determination, he gave what really weighed on his mind. “They’re not even sure if she would be able to procreate outside her shared DNA. You may not have a chance to have children.”

That statement stopped Falcon in his tracks, with an expression of surprise he glanced at his father expecting him to elaborate, but inquired  due to his father’s lack to provide information. “What do you mean ‘shared’ DNA?” 

Sighing he stood to walk around the desk to stand before his son. “Her DNA is made up of two species. One you know to be of the White Tiger Clan like that of her father. The other is of a species I have not seen in many, many years and I will not be the one to discuss that half of her. You will have to discuss it with her yourself. I will give you one clue to her mystery, son if you are positive she is the one.”

“Yes, I’m positive. What clue do you have.”

“Her name in her language is Nessima.”

“Nessima?” Her real name was Nessima. He loved the sound of it. With a smile and a hug he bid his father farewell, then went in search of his woman.

Her eyes remained on the waves, but Falcon knew she could sense him behind her. She was turned just enough to let him see her profile. Her flawless creamy skin was alight with a slight glow. High check bones and full luscious lips that made your mouth water took up residence under the most beautiful violet eyes you had ever seen. Framed by long dark lashes and a pert little nose that could smell better than some of the best trackers he knew.

She resembles an angel ready to take flight, Falcon thought as he walked up the cliff from her and her father’s home. His goal to spend the day with her before he left for the position his father arranged for him at his company on Salona Island, a three days journey by ship. He knew his parents were cautious around Julianna, but he didn’t understand why and they never let on as to the reason.  They were best friends with her father, Favian, so he was curious as to the discretion. Julianna is beautiful, smart, courageous, well mannered, and agile; the list could go on and on so what was the issue. What more could a guy ask for? 

Julianna knew the moment she was no longer alone. That’s what you get for having supernatural hearing, she berated herself. She heard Falcon coming before he even began climbing the cliff a mile above her home. She remembered the day she met Falcon. It had been six years ago, the day was warm and the breeze had carried his scent up the cliff. She came up here to relax after practicing her lessons at her father’s request and decided to take a break when she spied him riding his steed across the meadow below. He was amazingly handsome and rode like he and the steed were one and the same. The sight of him stopped her cold. With her enhanced eyes, she saw he was bronzed by the sun and wore dark blue riding pants and black boots. He decided to ride shirtless, which made him all the more appealing with his nicely muscled chest and chiseled abs. His hair was dark in color and pulled back to be held by a leather strap. The sight of his well-defined features caused her breath to catch and her ears to perk up. The horse; a magnificent creature, strong and majestic. The animal’s movements were graceful and fluid. 

Her decision to climb down the cliff to get a closer look at the horse and rider took about a second to make. She had not yet mastered all her training and would have to climb down naturally. She tried to keep him in sight as she maneuvered the rocky cliffs. For a normal human, it would have been a death wish, but since Julianna was not exactly human, she bounded down with no problem at all. Shifting her hands and feet into massive white paws cushioned her hands and feet as she descended the rocky wall. When she finally reached the bottom and shifted her hands and feet back, she looked around to the last place she had seen the handsome rider to realized he was nowhere to be found. ‘His horse had stopped at the spring nearby to drink, but where is the man?’ she pondered as she glanced around.

She searched the meadow and the surrounding trees. When she felt a hand on her shoulder, she nearly jumped out of her skin. She smiled at the memory. He was not supposed to be able to sneak up on her; she had supernatural hearing and amazing sight. Although, she was still trying to control those abilities at that time and she blamed it in the gorgeous man now standing beside her, who fogged her senses. 

She never did figure out how he could sneak up on her, but after being with him for so long she managed to hone in on his unique step. He was very agile and stepped with such a light foot you would assume he would never leave footprints in the sand if he were to walk upon it, but knowing he was a falcon shifter his steps would be hardly noticeable since they could shift in a moments notice and fly off when needed. 

Falcon placed a hand on her shoulder much like he did that first day, but today she didn’t jump. She leaned back into his body to feel his heat flow through her own, loving the warmth of his touch. She could stand here for hours, with his arms wrapped around her, staring out into the sea, but she knew he was coming to say good-bye. Her desire was to push off his leaving as long as possible. She wanted to keep him here forever, but she knew how important it was for him to show his parents that he could handle things on his own. Falcon’s father told her he wanted to prove to his parents that he could provide for a family and Galon had offered a position he had taken at one of his shipping companies. 

“Julianna, I will always love you. Promise you will wait for me to return?” His voice near a plea, she couldn’t help but turn to kiss him in reply. The kiss was warm and inviting as she turned in his arms and placed hers around his neck. She put as much love and passion into that kiss as she could. When she released him she responded. “I would wait for you forever if it is what it takes for you to come back to me. I love you too.”

 “You always make me want you after you kiss me like that. What am I going to do without you?’ he responded, his voice husky as passion and sorrow filled his eyes. 

“Well, we have one day left to enjoy before you leave on the morning tide. Would you like to take a stroll in the woods to our favorite spot?’ Her eyes were warm and her body inviting. 

“Absolutely, my dear. There is no other way I would like to spend my time than in your company,” he took her hand and led her into the woods behind her home to a clearing they had found while roaming. 

They would come here to talk or have a picnic, but today it would serve a much deeper purpose. Julianna promised herself that if she could get him alone one more time, she would give herself to him fully. She didn’t care what her heritage said about needing the perfect mate. She was amazed that her parents were mates with such different backgrounds. They were the first to be of different species and still find a mate in each other. Since her dad convinced her that she could not have children with Falcon, she was unconcerned about becoming pregnant. He was of neither species that she carried in her system, but even if she did, she would love that child with everything she had. She wanted something of his to keep with her until he returned. 

When they reached the clearing, he stopped short. Taking in the sight with a grin, he looked at her with amazement. “Have something planned, do you?”

“Well, I didn’t want your last day with me to be boring, you’ll remember me better this way.” Julianna replied as her cheeks heated to a bright red. Her intention to be romantic, now as she looked at it from this position, she felt embarrassed that she was sending the wrong message. ‘Well it wouldn’t be exactly be the wrong message’she thought with a slight grin since that is exactly what she planned. She just didn’t want him to think she would do this for anyone else. 

“Don’t look embarrassed, my love, it’s wonderful. Every time I am with you, that moment is embedded into my memory. I could never forget  you, ever. And this is not the last time I will be with you. I’m coming back for you and when I do we can work on building our lives together.”

Julianna felt the sting in that. She hadn’t told him about her special talents or that she may never be able to conceive children with him. Pushing the thought to the back of her mind, she didn’t want anything to ruin their time together.

“True”, she said with a sad smile, “but who knows how long that will be? You don’t even know how long you will be gone.” 

He led her to the quilts she had carried from her home to soften the ground, the pillows that would cushion their heads and the basket of food and wine she set to the side if they got hungry for something other than each other. 

He paused as they kneeled on the quilts to take her hands and looked into her eyes. “I WILL come back to you. Believe me, no one and nothing could keep me from returning to you.”

“I’m holding you to that, Falcon, I love you.”

“I love you too, Nessima.”

Her mind went wild, he didn’t just call me what I think he did, did he? How could he know my real name? No, I imagined it.

Just as she was going to ask him about it, she felt the tug of the council calling her and they didn’t give her any time to warn Falcon of what was happening, they just pulled her spirit to the palace and left Falcon to fend for himself with her spiritless body. Those bastards. She knew they could see her when they wanted to, but she had never before been summoned because she was a half-breed. Her mother told her many times how it felt when getting summoned so she knew what to expect if it ever happened.

What she didn’t expect was to be materialized into the council’s chamber without any clothes to cover herself. Well, if they wanted to get their fill, it was fine by her since she had no choice, but she was not doing anything she didn’t want to do. 

She crossed her arms and waited for the leader to speak. To her, protocol went straight out the window when one’s clothes are taken from them. 

“I’m sure you are wondering why you are here.” The one in the middle commented. They were all beautiful in their own way. Their species’ traits were that way. Every one of them had light skin, pale hair and looks that people would die for. 

“What I am wondering, Sir, is why the hell you summoned me here without any clothes? Am I to suppose you are perverted or did you just want to compare the differences of a half-breed and full blood?” Her eyes narrowed as she peered at each of the five members of the council sitting on their thrones made of dark blue velvet surrounded by gold. A quick glance at her surroundings, revealed a chamber made with marble interlaced with gold designs. On either side of the council more seating occupied with more people she didn’t know, but one young woman caught her eye. She looked so much like her mother that she did a double take. 

She returned her gaze to the council as they responded. “The reason for your being unclothed was to assure us that you are unarmed, unfortunately, we cannot allow you to have your own clothes at this moment in the event weapons are hidden in them and we will not allow you to defile the sacred robes of our people by having it touch your skin.” The young woman who reminded her of her mother had the decency to flinch at that last statement. 

“As I’m sure you saw, I was not in a position where I felt I needed to arm myself, but I will not argue the fact with you. What else could you possibly want with me?  Am I to assume I’m here for you to insult me or is there a purpose to this meeting other than to try to embarrass me with your lame reasonings?” She lifted one of her hands to her mouth to cover a fake yawn as none of what they saying meant anything to her. 

The burning fire in the head councilman’s eyes caused her mouth to lift in a tight smile. So I can get under their skin, interesting.

“Fine, you are here because we are feeling somewhat generous and have come up with a mission to have you prove yourself worthy of joining our ranks.”

“Who says I want to join your ranks. From my experience, which is not much mind you, no one here gives a damn what happens to me and would rather die than stand in the same room with me. I’m surprised you got this many people,” she waved her hand to emphasize the others, “how did you bribe them to come? Did you tell them you were going to eliminate me? Humiliate me? Condemn me?”

The young woman she notice earlier stood to interrupt the council, “Your mother wanted better for you, she wanted us to accept you as you are and in their own way, the council is trying to tell you that when you pass this mission you are welcome here anytime, with no judgment or ridicule.”

“Thank you Calathiel, we can take it from here.” The smug response from the leader bore no weight with her, so she continued. 

“From my point of view you were floundering and if you want her help, you need to be respectful and reason with her, not demand and push her away.”

“Really? You need my help? What could the all powerful species of Avalor possibly need my help with?” Julianna raised her eyebrow in surprise. 

 “Well, one of our men’s daughters has gone missing and we need you to find her. You are the only one of our kind who knows the area and has all the same abilities as the rest of us. We believe you would find her faster than any one of us could.” The man looked aghast that he had to say those words. 

“So you are going to put the fate of a child in my hands, when the amount of trust you have in me wouldn’t amount to even the tip of your little finger.”

“We have been informed by her father, the young one left a note stating she went to find you.” 

“What? Why would she want to find me? Isn’t talking about my kind a sin or something? How did she even know where to find me?”

“That is of no concern of yours. She went to find you and you will bring her home.”

“Soooo, I expect there is some sort of catch to all this. I don’t believe for a second that is the only reason I am here.” Even though she was naked, her stance showed defiance and her eyes surveying the room along with the people within. The leader seemed the only one who really appeared to loath her presence.

“Your father has taught you well, at least in this. Yes, there is a catch. You must prove to us that you are worthy of such a feat. While you are searching for the girl, we are giving you a challenge.”

Pausing far to long for Julianna’s liking, she was forced to play his game. With a heavy sign and a wave of her hand, she said, “What type of challenge?” 

The leaders eyes lit up as he began telling her what she would be required to do. “Well, my dear, we have been told that your mate is leaving in pursuit of a career…” 

“If you hurt him in any way, you will live to regret it.” Her eyes throwing daggers at the man who would harm her mate. 

“I wouldn’t dream of messing with an… animal.” Disgust evident in his voice. She wasn’t about to remind him that she too was an animal. 

“What will happen, Julianna, is when he leaves port tomorrow, you will have no memory of him and he of you,” he held his hand up when she went to interject, “You will not only have to find the child, you will also have to find your mate and convince him you are bound to be together. If you have done this, you will gain the respect your mother feels you deserve and we will accept you as you are.” A collective gasp raced around the room and she was lead to believe this was news to the rest of the council. 

In Julianna’s mind she was outraged, how was she supposed to find Falcon again after they took her memories of him, all of her memories. Every touch, every kiss, everything… will be gone. She wouldn’t remember anything about him. How was that possible when she was such close friends with his father, naturally he would remember things as well as her father. She began to smile until the bastard on the thrown opened his mouth again. 

“Of course, we can not have you getting information from your family, so as they come within a specific radius they too will suffer momentary memory loss.”

With her outrage, she almost shifted. She could feel her eyes change and her canines elongate. She stretched her fingers and she felt her claws come free. Well, that was a feat, not many shifters could say that they could shift while in spirit form. 

“You can’t do that, that leaves me with nothing as a clue. How am I supposed to find him with nothing to go off of?”

“Erenon, this is an outrage! That is not what was discussed and though I was against this from the beginning, you have now gone to far.” 

“Calathiel, you have said your piece while present at the meeting, you no longer have a say. Now sit or I will have you removed. As for you, I’m sure you will think of something. You seem to be a resourceful girl.”

Julianna thought about Falcon waiting back on Earth for her, she could feel the subtle shake as he tried to get her to ‘snap out of it’. Then she thought about what she planned for them and another idea came to her. 

As if they knew what she was thinking, they all turned to look at the leader, but he remained silent. Julianna looked to the right again as the young lady from earlier gave her a warning. “If you proceed with that thought, you will not know for sure what will happen. You could kill him and yourself if you are apart for to long. The bond is strong when two soul mates become one. Please think about how this could end.” 

“That’s precisely what will force me to fight to find him. With a little motivation such as not dying, I will be determined to find him and restore our bond.” Turning back to the council, she said, “I know he is my mate and there is nothing you can do to keep me from him. You wanna play your fucked up games, fine, but since I have no choice you will have to give him the same respect and courtesy you will me when I succeed.” Crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes, she waited for them to respond as the congregation whispered to each other about her language and attitude toward the council. Certainly she would get some sort of retribution for such incompetence. 

“I see you are going to make this unpleasant either way, so we accept your terms.” 

“I am going to make this unpleasant? You are the ones taking MY memories of my mate and having to reunite with him without knowing that I need to find him. Not only that, but I must locate a missing child as well. I don’t see what could be more unpleasant than that. So, I’m glad that you accept, since I have no choice but to endure the coming events.” Done with these people, she looked at each and every person present until she landed on the young woman who seemed to be the only one who cared a wit what happened to her.  “Can I get back now?” She turned back to he council leader. “As much as I love to hang around people who hate me, especially in the nude, I have better things to do and now I have to get ready to loose every memory of the man I love. So if you don’t mind Id like to get back so I can prepare.” Defeated she gazed at the floor. 

“Yes, yes, you may go now, but remember your duty to the girl and you will be rewarded.”

“Since I won’t have any memories to get it the way, I should have no problem.” As she felt the pull of her body signaling her return, she glanced at the leader, smiled and gave a dramatic bow as was the respect due to the leader. Bending lower than necessary, she crouched low, shifted and pounce with a growl on her lips. She landed back in her body right as she would have landed on the man and smiled as she glimpsed the freight overtake his features just before her return. 

Accomplishment Number Two!

As for the second Sneak Peek: If you have been following me, you know that I have already published the first two books in my Conquer E.S. Series. Your second sneak peek is for book 3 – Jazzmine! 

A warm breeze flittered across her skin as she strolled along the alleys of town. Jazzmine became familiar with the back-ways since coming to live here years ago. Although the small city was crowded during the day, she had made sure there were no pedestrians toward the evening hours. Darkness was her solitude, her refuge. Memories plagued her of a time years ago, a time of pain and deceit. A time of destruction. Unable to use her ability once she was captured, she realized if she did her life would have gotten much worse than it was. 

The moment she was rescued from that lab, she traveled back home to be rejected by the only family she had left. Remembering the harsh words and disgusted stares as she walked back into a home she didn’t recognize, caused her to reach out to the only comfort she’d known, her shadows. The only thing that kept her from leaving this earth forever was the one thing her brother Jordon said as she walked out the door. “I’ve always thought you were special, but now you are not-thing.” 

You would think those words would not be encouraging, but the way he said it told her he didn’t believe his parents views. That she was not this thing she had become, she was still special. He secretly keeps in touch with her. The old saloon owner was unlike the rest of the town with his old ways. Even though he had never seen her face, he remained kind and gentle toward her. Even allowing her to run some errands for him at night and paying her for so she could pay for what she took. He was also nice enough to allow her to have whatever mail delivered to the saloon and he hid it out back for her to pick up. 

The world seemed against her but her mind wouldn’t allow her to leave, she had made an unlikely friend in the saloon owner and didn’t want to have to try all over again. Her life may not be perfect, but it was… hers. 

As she continued her stroll along the alley, her ears picked up the sound of chatter not far off. Heading to the shadows, she slipped in and wound her way to where the chatter was loudest. Peering around the corner she caught a glimpse of blue as the couple passed. 

The newcomers stopped at one of the merchant doors to read the posted sign. Her ears picked up their conversation, discussing the beast.

 “It’s not late, do you think it is some sort of holiday?”

“I don’t think so.” Glancing at the door to a cafe he points out the note posted in the window. Closed early due to Beast, come back tomorrow.

“Beast? what do you think that means?” She turns to look up and down the road in search of some mysterious creature. “You don’t think it could be her, do you? If her situation is worsening, we need to find her soon!”

“I don’t know. Perhaps we will find someone who can tell us as we search for an open establishment.”

She wondered if the person they were looking for were one and the same. That would mean that they were searching for her. 

Why on earth would they be searching for her… unless they were in league with the ones who tortured her years ago. 

They didn’t seem the evil henchmen type, but that could all be show. Gliding from one shadow to another she followed the couple further along the walkway.  Jumping from shadow to shadow caught the other woman’s attention. She prayed she would keep moving, but no such luck. Even with her companion nagging at her, she continued to investigate. Finally the man relented and walked with her to see what she saw. 

Reaching the end of the alley and glancing left then right, Jazzmine remained still in the shadows a short distance away. The woman scanned the area with well trained eyes as did the man. Looking straight in her direction, the woman’s eyes widened with recognition, but took no move toward her. He companion saw nothing and suggested they continue to dinner. 

As she stared into the woman’s eyes, the sense of something strange filtered into her being. The sensation  hit her so hard she became unsteady and nearly tripped over a discarded box behind her. Never faltering in her gaze, she forced her thought’s to focus on her shadow. She did not know them, the more they stuck around the harder it was to keep her shadows in check. Their emotions were so strong she struggled with her most basic talents faltered. 

To her surprise the young woman gave her a slight nod and finally took her companions suggestion to leave and eat. 

What was that? And how was I feeling it? It was like she was feeling the love, anger and irritation. Not the first time she received those sensations. Any time she came in contact with anyone the emotions would bombard her, but this was different. She didn’t have to touch them to be able to feel the emotions pouring off them. So surprised her focus slipped and the woman down the isle noticed her. Now forced back into the comfort of the shadows she hid from the newcomers. 

I apologize if this post was a bit long, but great things are coming!

I know you are dying to read the start of this series so I will provide you a quick link to download the prequel for FREE! 

When you have finished reading, please leave a review letting others know how you couldn’t put it down and you want to read book 2 which is also available! You can get both right now on Kindle Unlimited! 

What have you accomplished recently that you have been striving for? Did it take you years like me or just a few months? Share your story, I would love to hear it!!