Tasty treat of the Kindle Worlds project for The Vampire Diaries titled Nightmare World

I just wrote my first novella for the Kindle Worlds The Vampire Diaries titled Nightmare World and I'm so excited to hear what others think of this story. It was absolute fun playing around in the world created by LJ Smith. My hats off to an amazing series.

In this novella I decided to change the course of history. Imagine what Mystic Falls would be like if Elena had been put in a coma after the car accident that claimed her parents' lives. Two years later she wakes up to a very different world... one made of nightmares and her family plays a large part in keeping a not-so-wonderful town in order.

Check out the excerpt below and check out the novella on Amazon here.

Introduction:

Two years after the accident that killed her parents Elena Gilbert awakens from a coma to a world of nightmare proportions. Her little brother Jeremy and legal guardian Jenna are hunters, the vampires, witches and werewolves are at war, and the humans of Mystic Falls have become casualties of the conflict.

While carrying out her new hunter duties, Elena and her friends and family find out about a plot to bring peace to the town of Mystic Falls but at what cost?

How will Elena fit into this world that has continued on in her absence? Will the charismatic Alaric Saltzman find a way to bring the paranormal factions to a peaceful resolution? What are the feuding Salvatore brothers up to? This new nightmare world is a reality and they must learn to make it home again.

Nightmare World is an action packed, fast paced novella inspired by the award winning, bestselling Vampire Diaries series.

Excerpt:

THERE WAS NOTHING TO PATROLLING, other than facing the stone cold reality that Mystic Falls was a barren, desolate battleground. The streets that once held so much laughter, happy faces, friendly neighbors, and a massive amount of town friendly activities was now littered with death and destruction. Most of the storefronts were boarded up. All supplies for the hunters were delivered in caravans from the government. The town was sanctioned off from the outside world. No one was allowed to go in or out of the borders unless they were approved by the authorities. It was their way of containing the nightmare they lived in.

               Even communication outside the city was monitored. As far as she knew, the outside world had no idea of the terror that lurked on the streets of this once wonderful village. A cat scurried down an alley and had Elena jumping in her skin. She kept hoping she’d wake up and find herself home, safe and sound, in the past.

               “Keep moving, we have an appointment to keep.” Jeremy’s gruff voice cut into her thoughts as he quickened his pace.

               Elena had to speed walk just to catch up to him. “What appointment,” she whispered. He had told her they were going on a simple patrol not meeting up with someone. He didn’t answer just turned right down Main street, a deviation from the route they were supposed to be on. “Jer, this isn’t our sector.”

               He didn’t respond or even look her way as he turned down a darkened alley which smelled of excrement and rotting food, the ammonia tainted air made her pause at the mouth of the dark side street. Jeremy wasn’t acting normal, but then again what was normal? She didn’t want to go any further but her little brother had disappeared into the shadows and she needed to protect him. That is what Gilbert’s did. As she took one step into the black abyss she hoped Jeremy remembered that.

               Within moments she had caught up to him and was overjoyed at the sight of her best friend, Bonnie. She’d been home for a month since waking up from the coma and hadn’t seen anyone but Caroline, Jeremy and Jenna. Bonnie looked different now in a black dress that covered her dark skin from her shoulders to her ankles and hugged curves she never knew the girl had. Her dark hair flowed around her shoulders in natural waves and her amber eyes seemed to dance in delight at spotting Elena. She quickly handed Jeremy the small plastic baggie and ran to hug her best friend.

               Arms wrapped around her shoulders in an embrace that brought back countless childhood memories, happy times. They were thick as thieves growing up and happy. They had problems but together they overcame them which built a stronger bond between them, almost sisterly.

               “When Jeremy told me you had woken up I was ecstatic. I would’ve come to see you but witches aren’t allowed in the hunter’s headquarters.” She pulled back and cupped her friend’s face. “You look terrible.”

               Her brutal honesty was like a slap in the face but refreshing. After a moment of silence, they both burst into quiet chuckles. “Thanks, Bon Bon.”

               “I prayed to my ancestors every day for a healthy return and here you are, standing before me.”

               Hearing Bonnie Bennett talk about witches and ancestors was unnerving. She’d been told of Bonnie and Caroline’s changes over the last two years while she was locked away in the deep sleep that kept her from the living. She had done everything she could to prepare herself to eventually see Bonnie as the supposed enemy but nothing she did made the reality plausible. In no universe would Bonnie be an enemy to her. It just wasn’t something she could prepare for.

               Witches and hunters were not friends for a very good reason. The witches created the werewolves and Vampires and the hunters killed them. Despite the witches attempt to maintain balance the with the sun and moon curse, the hunters still had to police both species.

               “I can’t believe you’re a witch, a real witch. I remember you talking to me about being psychic but hearing you call yourself a witch is just… overwhelming.”

               Bonnie nodded, “it was an adjustment but the hardest part is being on opposite sides from my friends. I can’t stand the idea that we are supposed to be enemies.”

               “That’s all it is, an idea. No one can make me think of you as an enemy.” Elena insisted.

               Bonnie pulled her into a hug again. “You’re right. Now to find a way to convince Caroline the same.”

               “I’m the one that gossips in this group, ladies, not you.” Caroline’s voice came up behind them and the hair on Elena’s arms stood at attention.

               “God, Caroline, how many times have I told you not to sneak up on us.” Jeremy had his gun aimed her direction before she even came into view.

               Caroline embraced Elena in a tight hug that threatened to suck the air out of her lungs. “Oh, Elena, it is so great to see you out and about!” She ignored Jeremy and smiled at her friends. “I was beginning to worry that you were going to stay locked up in that house for the rest of eternity.”

               “Yes because that is a healthy alternative to skipping patrol duty.” Elena struggled to keep from rolling her eyes.

               “It is definitely a safer option,” a familiar voice from her past spoke from the shadows.

               “Matt?”

               “In the flesh.” He joined them and smiled as he wrapped an arm around Caroline’s waist.

               Elena sucked in another deep breath, she knew Matt and Caroline were dating but seeing it was yet another sucker punch to the gut. The world really had gone on while she was sleeping away trapped in her mind. She hated to admit it but they were a stunning couple. Matt, the blond hair blue eyed quarterback and Caroline the blonde hair, green eyed head cheerleader. Elena shook her head. That was the past. They were now Mystic Falls Police officers. “You look… good.” She looked at both of them, “and I hear congratulations are in order.”

               Caroline nodded, her blonde curls bounced around her shoulders. Even though she followed in her mother’s footsteps as an officer of the law, she still brought rays of sunshine wherever she went, the perky, slightly control freakishly, sunny best friend that always wore a smile no matter what problem she faced. “I hope you’re okay with this,” she pointed to her and Matt, “when had the accident and when my mom got sick, Matt was there to help me through it. Without him, I probably would’ve died from heartbreak, for realsie.”

               Matt glanced down at the slimy ground, “yea, we both helped each other through painful times.”

               Elena nodded her understanding. It hurt to see him with Caroline, cut deep like a knife into her soul, but they seemed oddly ‘right’ for each other. “I’m fine, life goes on.” The truth was she had finally decided to break up with Matt before the accident so this made that transition easier, but in her mind that hadn’t happened which took away her opportunity for closure. None of that mattered, because she needed her friends and couldn’t afford to lose another person. “I never would’ve imagined you two being part of the police.”

               “We couldn’t just stand by and watch our town fall apart without doing something to help.” Matt replied.

               “And not all of us have supernatural hunter abilities and the force needed recruits.” Caroline chimed in.

               Her friends were still familiar but so different. It was a lot to take in.

               “Okay, if we’re going to save Vickie we need to go.” Jeremy slipped something in his mouth and shoved his phone into his black jeans.

               “Wait, what do you mean, save Vickie?”

               “We’ll explain on the way. Let’s go.” Caroline grabbed Elena’s hand, the warmth startled her for a moment but she quickly recovered and followed the group.

Get the whole novella at Amazon here...

I also included a "behind the scenes" and "why I wrote this novella" video below. I hope you enjoy.

Sneak peek of Rayne's Thunder (Part Four) The Mating Games

Rayne's Thunder (Part Four) The Mating Games just released and things couldn't be hotter for Rayne Manchester and the stakes couldn't be higher. Nine men have arrived each ready to compete for Rayne's hand in marriage, on the surface they all look worthy, but are they? Can she trust them? This is her heart and her future. 

Introduction

In this installment of Rayne’s Thunder, Rayne has found herself in over her head in men. These alpha males are hot and ready to settle down. Each one of them competes to win a date with her and everyone tries to outdo the next one.

Eva, the Game Master, does her best to maintain fairness through the process but Rayne fights her at every turn. Will one of the six men who win dates with Rayne Manchester win her heart or is it already taken? Which of the nine competing for her hand in marriage will be sent home? Check out the fourth installment of the popular, highly rated, romantic serial, Rayne’s Thunder (part of the Dating a Werewolf Series) today.

Meet the men of Rayn'e Game:

River and Rhyme joined me on the steps a moment later. Rhyme looked fabulous and very chic like always in her business dress attire with her black-as-night hair up in a French twist. River carried an air of masculinity in his wranglers and button-down dress shirt. His black hair styled perfectly. My siblings were used to being in the spotlight. I was not. I felt completely overshadowed by them.

Lincoln was the first to arrive. He was stable, sexy, and knew how to command the area. Control was his super power and added to his sex appeal. His tan khakis and dark brown polo were as impeccable as his golden blond curls. Not a single thing on his person was out of place. I bit my lower lip as the memory of how good his kiss was despite the dangerous situation we found themselves in during his last visit to the compound. He hugged me tightly and I breathed in his crisp pine scent mixed with desire. He would’ve been a front runner if he hadn’t run at the first sign of trouble. That and his purist ideas made me wary, but I promised myself I’d give him a second chance, and with his pack aligning with ours in the upcoming battle for the alpha seat against the rogue wolves I needed to be cautious.

“I’m glad you came back,” I told him with a smile.

He treated me to a sly, knowing grin. “And this time, I’m here to fight for the woman in front of me.” He didn’t need to apologize again. He’d already done that when I invited him to come back for the competition.

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks. “We shall see. No more notes.” I was half joking, but totally serious. The last time he came to court me he left with a ‘Dear John’ letter. It was one step up from leaving a break up text message. I was flabbergasted. I’d thought we were getting along well, but he was obviously not interested in the drama which made his attempt at brokering a peace between our two packs questionable.

Brick was the next to arrive on his motorcycle. The image of his highlighted, brown shoulder-length hair flying loosely behind him from the breeze pulled me back to the night we ran away on the bike for a picnic in the park. Before he even dropped the kickstand, I knew he’d smell of delicious cinnamon buns which oddly matched his toasted almond skin tone. The memory of his fingers grazing my lips as he fed me chocolate covered strawberries caused me to lick my lips in anticipation. When his long, thickly muscled legs reached me on the steps he pulled me hard against his solid chest, the smell of leather from his jacket mixed with vanilla and cinnamon, and circled around us weaving its spell. He moved in close, lips inches from mine, his breath hot on my skin. When I closed my eyes to receive the expected kiss he popped a tasty strawberry in my mouth. “A little something to help you remember our awesome night together.” He squeezed me tight and I swallowed the delectable treat. If I picked him, I’d gain fifty pounds before the wedding with the way he used food as a seduction tool.

“God, that was hot.” Chloe fanned herself as she whispered behind me. “I think I need a shower.” She giggled.

“Shush,” I told her, but couldn’t help but chuckle along with her.

The next to arrive was Eric Christianson. His entrance was perhaps one of the most interesting. He trotted up on a beautiful white horse. His eyes were shielded by a straw hat which did little to cover up his black locks. When he dismounted from his horse, his buckle proudly sparkled from around his slender waist which led down to painted-on Wranglers and worn but well-maintained boots. I found my eyes wandering to his chest which was covered by a button-down, blue plaid shirt that I discovered matched his twinkling eyes when he removed his hat and offered his hand to shake.

“I’m very excited to meet you, ma’am.” He seemed polite and shy, but the glint in his eyes told me he was also very capable and not afraid of danger which was a good thing around here. It seemed like we were constantly finding ourselves in treacherous situations. His hand shake reaffirmed my initial impression. It also told me he was strong and not afraid of work if the callouses were any indication. I imagined those hands on my skin would be quite thrilling.

The next arrival took me by Storm. Literally. He was my Storm. His long, dark hair was tied back in a ponytail at the nape of his neck. His familiar scent beckoned me and I found myself lost in the turmoil of emotions that came with the irritatingly observant, hard-headed ass who always managed to keep me on my toes because for some peculiar reason I cared what he thought of me. Dislike tainted with trust and interest was not a healthy concoction, but every time he turned those soul searing green eyes on me I lost all control of my senses. Logic flew out the window, and my body responded to his with a dance of desire that burned me from the core to my skin. They say there is a fine line between love and hate, and I experienced that every time I was around this man. My mind screamed danger and my body yelled, ‘Come closer’. It was the kind of relationship that never lasted, but I couldn’t help but wonder, ‘What if it could?’ and I supposed that was why he was here. He walked up the steps and offered me a cup of coffee, and in that moment I realized he wasn’t here to compete, he was here to take care of me like he did with the rest of the family. Evidence of this was when he handed Chloe, River, and Rhyme their own drinks. The man was infuriating.

I turned toward him. “Does that mean you’re not competing in the games?”

Storm sipped his drink. “I don’t play games.” His green eyes watched me over the brim of the cup. I wanted to scream, ‘No!’, to asked him ‘why?’, but I refused to stoop to his level. Instead, I turned away. I didn’t expect the next chain of events to happen. He whipped me around and pulled me into his strong arms. “I don’t play games, but for you, I’m willing to let that rule slide.”

“Meaning what, exactly?” For some reason, I needed to hear the words. I needed to know he felt an inkling of what I was starting to feel for him. I wasn’t about to put myself out there to get burned if he didn’t feel remotely the same.

“Are you ready for a real relationship with real responsibilities?”

“Are you ready to stop treating me like a child?”

“Perhaps.” He grinned.

“Then perhaps I am. We’ll have to see…if you’re still standing at the end of the Games.”

“I’ll only be standing at the end of the games if you show me you’re a worthy mate.” He caressed my cheek and I felt my legs go weak. How someone could be so strong and yet gentle was beyond me. “For now, I choose to compete.” His words made my heart skip a beat before he released me.

Chloe and Rhyme steadied me, and I breathed deeply as I turned around and awaited the next contestant in the “Marry Me” game. If Storm wasn’t such a pain in my ass the games would be over, but the luggage that came with that man was something I was going to have to work to get over before I could consider him my mate. Sure, we had explosive chemistry, but I’ve also felt sparks with the other men and they didn’t carry with them a painful, shared past.

The next to arrive did so in style, and he wasn’t alone. When the limousine door opened, James Frank and a man who looked almost identical poured out of the vehicle. The second unidentified man was sloppy drunk and James had to hold him up to keep him from falling down. James gave me a sheepish grin when Georgio and Storm pulled the almost incoherent man off James and he was able to approach me. He straightened his tie and suit jacket before offering his hand to shake.

“I apologize, Rayne. My little brother can be a handful.” Just then a little girl in a white frilly dress with red hair like James rushed out of the vehicle and clung to his pant legs. James’ cheeks burned red which enhanced his light sprinkle of freckles on his peachy face. I felt for the guy. “I’m sorry, when I agreed to come I had to bring my siblings because our parents were out of the country and…”

“It’s okay,” I squatted down to eye level with the little girl. “I’m Rayne. What’s your name?”

“Kylie,” she spoke past the thumb in her mouth.

“Welcome to my home, Kylie.” I grinned. There was something innately sexy about a man that put family first and liked kids. The way Kylie was clinging to James in that moment, I had a feeling she adored her brother.

Next to arrive was Grayson Drake. He drove up in a brand new silver BMW convertible. His dark, medium length hair was frizzy from the wind but the twinkle in his crystal blue eyes made up for the slight imperfection of his hair. The rest of him was well kept. Black slacks, cream colored polo that accented his golden-tanned skin all mixed together well to create a good looking man. He walked up to me, and instead of shaking my extended hand, he kissed the inside of my palm. “Hello, Rayne. I’m Grayson Drake, but you can call me Gray.”

“Nice to meet you, Gray.” He still had my hand and was absently caressing my knuckles in a circular motion. I didn’t pull away. It was nice, and his touch held an electrical current that grabbed my attention.

On the outside, he looked picture perfect, even with the mussed hair, but his eyes held an air of danger underneath the surface.

“I look forward to getting to know you much better.” And then came the grin -- the danger gone. Though he didn’t look it, he was definitely a bad boy.

The theme song from the Rocky movies blasted loudly from the green Jeep that pulled up next. The cinnamon skinned man shifted the vehicle into park, and then raised his hands to the bar of the topless SUV and swung himself over the closed door and onto the ground, showing off amazing strength and impressively cut arms. I had no doubt under that form-fitting dark blue t-shirt he had a four pack, if not a six pack of defined abs. The man was hot. He wore his black hair cut close to the scalp. His jeans hung low on V-shaped hips. He made his way toward me and when his brown eyes connected with mine I forgot to breathe. He was intense. I couldn’t help but notice the tattoos on his arms, wrists, and neck, and had to wonder what other tats were hidden under his clothes.

“Hello, Rayne. I am Julius.” He spoke with a strong Spanish accent which made him even hotter.

“Julius, nice to meet you.” I smiled and placed my hand in his, which dwarfed my own. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think the man was a bear shifter, not a wolf. It was easy to see how he was an enforcer and second in command of his pack.

The next guy to arrive was Simon Blake. According to the file I had on him, he owned a company that made computer games and many suspected he was a hacker. That wasn’t confirmed, but he was connected to Wolf Vengeance, a handle to an infamous hacker that had infiltrated many prominent government agencies. I knew I had to ask him about it because my interest was piqued. He arrived in a red, convertible Corvette. The first thing I noticed as he approached me were his sharp hazel eyes. Then his height. He towered over the other wolves, and his thin frame was opposite of them as well. Many shifters wore their hair long but Simon’s was shaved with dark brown growth poking up through his scalp. His hands were tattooed with intricate and colorful designs. “You must be Rayne. I’m Simon.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you Simon.”

He kissed the back of my hand, never taking those astute eyes off of me. “You are far more beautiful in person than your picture boasts.”

“Thank you.” I told him, pink coloring my cheeks.

“I look forward to getting to know you better.” He took his place next to the rest of the contestants that had already arrived.

Finally, the last bachelor arrived. I knew from the files his name was Victor, and he was a singer/songwriter and poet. He was larger than most of the men, which was saying a lot. His light brown hair fell in waves around his shoulders and was kissed by the sun. So was his tan skin. He carried a guitar case when he got out of the van that had “Stealth Wolf Men” painted on the side in a multitude of colors. It was his band’s logo.

He smiled softly, shyness in his demeanor and hazel eyes. “I’m Victor, and I’m guessing you are Rayne Manchester?”

“I am.” I nodded.

“I’m so sorry for your loss. Your father was a very good man.”

“Thank you.” His words choked me up for a moment. I hadn’t expected the condolence. It was actually very thoughtful.

“Very good, everyone! I am Eva, your game master. Please come into the house so we can get you all set up in your rooms, then a little dinner, and our first competition.”

Get the installment on Amazon here.

Have you started this highly rated romantic serial? There are only two installments left. Get caught up with one through four below. 

Rayne's Thunder (Part One) Master Chef

Rayne's Thunder (Part Two) The Veterinarian

Rayne's Thunder (Part Three) The Politician and the Witches

Rayne's Thunder (Part Four) The Mating Games

Rayne's Thunder (Part Five) The Games Continue and the Battle Begins (scheduled to be released in October 2015)

Rayne's Thunder (Part Six) The One (scheduled to be released in November 2015)

Coming soon, Rhyme's Reason and River's Fire...

I have plenty of romance, romantic comedies, fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian, and mysteries available on Amazon (all within the paranormal genre)... Some are full length, some novellas, some are part of a a series and others are stand alone. Check them all out here on my Amazon author page.

Author Jami Brumfield narrates chapter one of Rayne's Thunder part one M...

Sneak peek of Rayne's Thunder (Part Three) The Politician and the Witches

It is with great pleasure that I announce the release of Rayne's Thunder (Part Three) The Politician and the Witches. So much has happened to Rayne and her siblings since their father passed and the action, adventure, drama, and romance is only heating up. Rayne's Thunder is Rayne's journey to true love. Rhyme's Reason and River's Fire will be next. But first, Rayne must kiss a few frogs to find her prince... and maybe do a little growing up in the process.

If you've missed the first two installments you can check out the sneak peeks here.

Rayne's Thunder (Part One) Master Chef excerpt

Rayne's Thunder (Part Two) The Veterinarian excerpt

Introduction to the third installment of this romantic serial...

Rayne Manchester’s adventures in dating continue as she meets her newest suitor, Senator Archibald Bachiemer, and he makes one heck of a first impression but is it enough to grab Rayne’s attention or is he better suited for another wolf at the compound? Will wolves from her past come back into the running for her hand?

The lives of the Manchester siblings have been in turmoil since the day their father’s will has been read. All three of them must be married and mated in one year or they will lose their massive inheritance. Rayne has taken to the dating scene like a fish out of water, Rhyme believes she has the right man, and River is so busy with pack politics, taking the Colorado Alpha seat, making a peace treaty with the local witches’ coven and defeating the rogue pack that has designs of overthrowing River and owning Colorado.

This is the third installment on Rayne’s journey to true love. At the end of this adventure she will find her mate and happy ending but the world around her will become a strange new reality and those she loves will be changed forever. Part One, Master Chef and Part Two, The Veterinarian are available on Amazon. 

Chapter One

“Hello?” I picked up the phone, despite the unknown caller identification on the screen. It didn’t help that my eyes were blurry from the hours of tossing and turning as my dream lover did unspeakable things to my body while I slept. The naughty dream haze left me unable to focus on the voice of the caller or the words he said. “What was that?”

The chuckle from the other end of the line ran over me like a warm rainfall. “I said, what time would you like me to pick you up for our date tonight?”

“Date?” I sat up in bed and ran my hand over my face, forcing the blood to circulate to my skin, and help me wake up. I knew he was making some sort of sense, I just couldn’t piece it together because my mind was like a mixed up jigsaw puzzle still in the box waiting to be put together.

“I know it’s early, and I apologize for that. I have a very busy schedule today, and wanted to make sure I confirmed this date before I lost track of time.” His voice was confident, cool, and oddly, comforting.

“Okay, I’m lost.” I yawned. “Who is this?”

“Archibald Bachiemer, but you can call me Archie.”

And that was when it all fell into place. “Archie! Oh, yes, I’m so sorry. Carter said you’d be calling to confirm. I just didn’t expect the call to be so early.” I put my head in my hands and shook it. Nothing like making a terrible first impression.

The laugh that erupted from the other side of the phone caught me off guard. “I’m thrilled that I can amuse you.” I grumbled into the phone. Ugh! These random dates with men my father picked out for me were constant headaches. It looked like this one was going to be the same as the master chef, the vet, our pack’s enforcer and now the politician. More frogs to kiss! Will any of them be my prince?

It was beginning to seem doubtful. Then what? What would happen if I went through the list of ten eligible bachelors and came up mateless? A shudder ran through me. That couldn't happen. My family needed me to man... er... woman-up and pick someone. That meant I needed to give these guys a chance and open myself up to the possibility of finding love. I shook my head. Right now, I was coming off a sexy dream haze. The lack of deep sleep for the last few weeks was beginning to rub my nerves raw and made me irritable. It wasn’t his fault. Focus, Rayne. Focus on the man's voice that is speaking to you in the real world. He's the one that matters right now.

I pushed the images of strong hands roaming my feverish body, teasing and delighting my senses away only to have them replaced with the memory of his lips and gentle nips on my neck and mouth. The goosebumps on my skin weren't from the voice of the man on the phone, but from the vivid imaginings of what my faceless dream lover did to me last night. Gah! This dream lover was driving my body to desire with only mere thoughts of him. FOCUS on reality! I yelled at myself in my head.

“Believe me, it’s a good thing I find you amusing, Rayne. I work with dry, politically correct people all day long. I find you a breath of fresh air, and I’ve only just spoken to you on the phone. I can’t wait until we meet in person.” His warm, gruff voice shattered through my thoughts like broken glass.

Oh goodie, another man who knew all the right things to say. It was unfair to think negatively about the man because he was a smooth talker. He’s a politician. Weren’t most of them good with words? He also seemed kind and interested so he may have potential after all. One point for the senator against the dream man who visited me every night, he was real. That was a very big point in his favor.

After a short, awkward pause, I mean, what was I supposed to say to his last comment? ‘A breath of fresh air?’ It was a little cliché, and I was suddenly becoming very cynical about this entire dating process. The idea that Rhyme, River, and I could find mates and marry in one year from lists given to us by our recently deceased father was ludicrous. We were trying, but true love doesn’t work on a time table, does it?

He cleared his throat. “So I’ll be arriving later this afternoon, and your brother said I could stay at the compound for the weekend, but if you prefer, I can get a room at the local hotel?”

“No, that’s fine. We’ve got more than enough room here,” I told him as I refocused my attention on the conversation. Besides, if he stayed the weekend, I would be able to get a good feel about the man and see if he was even in the running for my heart. If he didn’t make the cut, we could part ways, and I could seek out bachelor number five.

My response seemed to please him. His voice took on a comfortable tone. “Great, I’m looking forward to spending time with you this weekend. I have tickets for a show tonight. Does that sound like a fun first date?”

“Sure.” I shrugged, pointless, I know, because he couldn’t see it, but it made me feel better.

“Wonderful, I’ll see you this afternoon.” He hung up the phone before I could even say goodbye. Wow, okay, that was an interesting wake up call. I put the phone on the white, antique night stand and buried my head under the pillow, resisting the urge to scream. If I had there, would be multiple werewolves breaking down my door to make sure I was not being attacked. I just wanted to go back to sleep and meet up with my dream man, whoever he was.

The quick rap on the door followed by the excited entrance of my best friend, Chloe, made that desire unattainable. My bouncy friend plopped down on the bed and cooed as she handed me a large package. “Look what came by messenger for you this morning.”

I tossed the pillow I was holding, and glanced at the large, white box with a red bow. “What is it?” My tone dry and uninterested.

“Open it!” She shoved the box in my hands.

I gave her an irritated glare. “You are entirely too happy this morning.”

“I suppose being rescued from my kidnappers, and back home safe and sound might have something to do with that.” How she managed to say that without sarcasm was amazing to me.

I swallowed the guilt at her grateful statement. It was, in a roundabout way, my fault she’d been kidnapped in the first place. If I hadn’t brought her home with me in grade school, and introduced her to the pack life, if I hadn’t made her my best friend, if I hadn’t screwed the pooch on my first date with Brick, shamed him and his family, and caused Brick’s sisters, Jewel and Britain, to seek vengeance, Chloe never would’ve been kidnapped. It was like my actions were dominos, and they’d been knocked over, creating a ‘cause and effect’ impact that led us to this point. “I’m so sorry.” The remorse for my involvement was eating me up inside, and I could feel the misery and sadness pulling me into the lonely abyss. The chasm of pain was not anywhere I desired to be. Ironically, that painful void was why we became friends in the first place.

She pulled me out of my depression when I was younger and made me see the positive in life. My mind raced back in time to our first meeting. My siblings and I were in the school lunchroom. Our mother had recently passed away, and I was wallowing in self-pity and sorrow. I had alienated all my pack friends, including my siblings who insisted I be strong, put on the good face, show the world I was unaffected by the loss of a mother I barely knew. Chloe was new, but people seemed to gravitate toward her like moths to a flame, only she wasn’t deadly. She was like a lighthouse calling everyone to a safe harbor. It wasn’t just her good looks, it was her soul. The person inside was so good and genuinely cared about people.

“Can I sit?” The younger version of Chloe asked as my mind clearly recalled the memory.

I had barely opened my lunch bag when she approached me, and didn’t wait for me to respond before she sat across from me at the table.

“I’m Chloe.” She extended her hand to shake.

I busied my hand with opening my sandwich bag which allowed me to avoid touching the girl. Kept me from making a connection. Most people would’ve walked away, but not Chloe. She just shrugged and started eating her lunch.

“This cafeteria food is terrible.” She blurted out.

“It is.” My younger self, despite the overwhelming sadness that was claiming my soul, answered.

Chloe pushed her plate to the side.

“I’m sorry about your mother.” Her eyes connected with mine and held my gaze.

Tears moistened my eyes, a lump formed in my throat making it hard to eat. I didn’t want to eat anyway. “Thank you,” I managed after a few moments of fighting the urge to break down.

She reached a hand across the table and squeezed my wrist. “I lost my mother last year to cancer.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Thank you.” She offered a shaky smile. “It’s hard, and takes a long time before you can breathe, let alone pull yourself out of the murky quicksand of sadness, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. One day you wake up and feel like you can live again.”

I offered her half of my lunch and we were inseparable from that moment on.

Looking back, her words seemed so mature for someone so young. Losing a parent at such a tender age does that to people. It makes you older than your years. It was the loss of our mothers that bonded us, made us best friends forever. Something so horrible created something beautiful because life goes on even after those we love are gone.

“I love you.” The words slipped out of my mouth before I could hold them back.

“Is that a gift of love? Is that what the card says?” Chloe looked at me excitedly.

“No, that’s me telling you I love you, and I’m so glad you’re safe.” I pushed the box aside and hugged her tightly. “I’m so sorry you’ve gotten mixed up in all the wolf drama.”

“It’s okay, Raynie. I’ve been caught up in the wolf drama since you and I became friends. It’s your life, and I love you, so I’m here to support you.” She pushed the box back in front of me. “Now open it,” she urged.

I wiped a tear that threatened to fall out of the corner of my eye. “I’m also sorry that I abandoned you the last couple of years.” I’d already apologized many times for betraying our friendship when I went away to college, but I still felt ashamed of how I deserted her.

Chloe and I had grown apart while I was away at college. When I returned home for the funeral, she was sure to make me aware of how much I’d failed her. Failed us. The accidental overdose, the kidnapping, it’s odd how extreme trauma can create unbreakable bonds, but time and separation can loosen those ties that bind.

“It’s okay. All is better now. We’ve been reunited, and all is right with the BFFs.” Chloe laughed. “Now enough of all this crazy talk. You need to open that meticulously wrapped gift.” She patted the box in front of me.

With a shaky hand, I opened the note. “Please consider wearing this tonight for our date,” I read aloud. “Really?”

Chloe smiled “Just open it,” she insisted.

I opened the box and pulled back the packaging paper to reveal an elegant black dress with white lace overlay. On the side there, was a pair of white sparkling pumps. “Seriously, Chloe? You know I’m not going to wear this.”

“Not even to make a good first impression?”

“I’m not looking for a fashion consultant as a mate. I want an alpha male that makes my heart race when he’s in the same room with me.” My eyes took on a dreamy state. “I need someone that can be strong and supportive, and love me for who I am, not try to change me into what he wants.”

“And this man may be just that with a hell of an awesome fashion sense.” Her eyes sparkled as she picked up the bodice of the dress.

“Okay, maybe, but you’re forgetting one thing. I don’t wear dresses,” I reminded her. Wearing dresses, frilly and sparkling things, was Chloe’s cup of tea, but I felt more comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt with a pair of comfy tennis shoes.

“You don’t wear dresses often. Just humor him tonight and let him know how you feel, if you like him, when he kisses you good night.”

“I guess you’re right. It can’t hurt to play the game for a while to see if I like him.”

“Exactly.”

“But I can tell you right now, he’s in the deficit with me on the scale of first impressions.”

“Come on, let’s go four-wheeling and get your mind off these foolish things.” Chloe stood up and pulled me by the arm out of the bed.

“Now that sounds like fun.”  

Get Rayne's Thunder (Part Three) The Politician and the Witches FREE with Kindle Unlimited or only $0.99. 

Thank you for reading Rayne’s Thunder from the Dating a Werewolf Series. I truly hope you’re enjoying the adventure. There are only a few more installments to go before Rayne chooses her mate. The romance is only going to get hotter, and the action and drama will keep you on the edge of your seat.

If you’re enjoying this series, please come join my reader’s group on Facebook here. There are character updates, sneak peeks, and great comraderie between the fans and me. I love popping in weekly to chat and give updates. I also like to keep my fans posted with new releases and great deals in this group. You can also get up to date news, deals, discounts, giveaways and more by subscribing to my newsletter here.

Because I write paranormal, and am a fan of the supernatural, I often publish interesting news, explore myths, and dig into the unknown on my blog. Check it out and subscribe here.

If you haven’t read Rayne’s Thunder (Part One) Master Chef or Rayne’s Thunder (Part Two) The Veterinarian, below are the links on Amazon. I hope you enjoy. If you have, and you’re waiting for Part Four coming in August 2015, check out some of my other series on Amazon. They’re tasty bites of paranormal romance, intrigue, mystery mixed with mythology and fairy tales. I hope you’ll enjoy them. The links are below. Again, thank you for reading and have a wonderful day!

Also look for River’s Fire and Rhyme’s Reason adventures as part of this series. The three only have a year to find a mate and marry. If they are not successful, they forfeit their inheritance. Leading the Colorado Wolf Pack with very little funding will be a difficult task.

Please Check out my other series on Amazon.

Dating a Werewolf Series

Rayne’s Thunder (part one) Master Chef (Ebook) ~

Sometimes one must kiss the frogs to find their true love

Rayne’s Thunder (Part Two) Veterinarian (Ebook) ~

Date with a sexy vet, kidnapping, & werewolf pack politics check out the Dating a Werewolf Series 

Shifter Love Tales (Adult paranormal romance with mythological Gods)

To Love a Dragon (Ebook) ~

Dragon shifter prince falls for his witch detective mate & battle against the gods for their futures.

Demon Fairy Tales (Adult paranormal romance with mythological Gods)

Dragon’s Demon

Dragon’s Dream Dancer (Ebook) ~

He finds his mate stripping in a club, what's a dragon shifter to do? 

Also available on Audio. (Audiobook)

Mystery Springs (Adult paranormal romance with mythological Gods)

The Witch’s Vampire (Ebook) ~

Can they defeat the threat from the ancient gods & still find their lost love?

Also available on Audio. (Audiobook)

Paranormal Hypnotherapy Files (Adult paranormal romance with action and demons)

Cherished Gift (Holiday story with past life lovers) ~ Love lost once was painful enough for this immortal werewolf, but twice will kill him.

Vanished (Paranormal sci-fi romance/dystopian with time travel)

Death Interrupted (Ebook) ~

Taken from the past on the brink of death & thrust into the future to save mankind.

The Mating Challenge (Ebook) ~

From one prison to another sexy strong BBW must watch as 6 alphas compete for her love 

Demon Ascension (Paranormal romantic comedy, dark fantasy)

Father Made Me Do It (Ebook) ~

Forbidden love between an angel & demon unique romantic comedy

PBI Case Files (Paranormal mysteries with mythological gods and romantic suspense)

The Beginning (Ebook) ~

What happens when you wake up to a one night stand & he's dead? 

Also available on Audio. (Audiobook)

Outbreak (Ebook) ~

Ebola outbreak mutates into a supernatural strain 

Also available on Audio. (Audiobook)

Lost Plane (Ebook) ~

Plane disappears over the Pacific, Gods, banshee & cyborg help the PBI team find the missing passengers. 

Also available on Audio. (Audiobook)

Justice Driven (Ebook) ~

Revenge sanctioned by the Gods. The Amazons use vampire’s mate to neuter him.

Also available on Audio. (Audiobook)

Ghost Connection (Ghost mysteries, new adult)

Lost (Ebook) ~

Reluctant psychic helps one ghost save her family from ex-boyfriend & discovers terrifying secrets of her own. 

Also available on Audio. (Audiobook)

Death Does Not Become Her (Ebook) ~

Cassie sees the dead & helps these ghosts only this time the one she's helping may not be as dead as she thinks. 

Also available on Audio. (Audiobook)

The Winters Saga (Young adult paranormal romantic suspense, urban fantasy adventure)

Lone Wolf Rising (Ebook) ~

Revenge has deadly consequences! Get bitten by the Winters Saga 

Vampire Princess Rising (Ebook) ~

Savvy goes from Homecoming queen to Vampire Princess in one terrifying night.

Magical Secrets (Paranormal romance)

Genie’s Treasure (Ebook) ~

Treasure Hunters risk their lives to free a genie from her prison 

Sneak peek of my newest release "Father Made Me Do It"

Father Made Me Do It, book one of the Demon Ascension Series is now live on Amazon and I'm so excited about my new venture into the romantic comedy realm with Charm Livingston, her friends, family, genie, furies, and her angel, Zachariah... Each character adds a fun layer to the story and Charm is the perfect, naive leading lady. She's also tough. Unfortunately, her smarts and strengths are contained in the underworld and her duties as a vengeance demon.

Her weak grasp on emotions and the human "living" realm makes for endearing qualities and great laughs. It's a roller coaster ride of ups and downs, not to mention turn arounds as Charm juggles meeting her monthly soul collection quota with interactions with her father, the devil, her estranged mother, Fiona, her friends, human witch turned vanity demon, Tabitha, dominatrix succubus, Layla, fallen genie, Amelia, her new quirky genie friend, Faris, her selfish sister, Lovely, demanding brother, Jasper, and her smoking hot angel, Zachariah.

If that's not enough insanity to drive her to Crazy Town, her father promotes her to leader of the furies and Mundane City just as a revolt is rising up against the Soul Factory from a charismatic silver tongued evangelist who has stolen her father's hell hounds.

Her newest discovery and chance to become human has forced her to dig deeper than surface emotions and a major emotion she comes face to face with is her guilt over collecting souls. Mix all these awesome ingredients together and you find a delightful read.

For a limited time the book is only .99 on Amazon. Check it out, add it to your wishlist, and one click it before the price goes up. For your reading enjoyment, please scroll down and read an excerpt from this new book. Hope you enjoy!

Excerpt:

Chapter Three

I watched, invisible to human eyes, while the authorities gathered what little evidence they could, questioned Ericka, the witness, and transported the victim’s body to the medical examiner’s office. I knew they wouldn’t find anything. This was a supernatural crime, not a human one. The case would remain cold and then filed away in a dusty room in the basement of the police department. The victim was one of their own. They would do all they could to find his murderer. I knew it wouldn’t be for lack of trying, but the weapon was a fire sword so nothing they understood would be a match to the blade that cut Leo’s throat. There would be no real forensic evidence, it all drained down the street. It would be like searching for a needle in a haystack and then the challenge would be to separate what they did find from items not associated with the crime.

The only justice Ericka would find for her fiancé’s death would be what I could dole out. The question will be how much my father will allow me to dish out. For this woman’s soul, I wanted a smorgasbord.

When the coast was clear I rematerialized to the living realm and began touching surfaces for any clues I might find. My gift of psychometry or psychoscopy came in handy for these types of injustices.

“Do you really plan to take that poor human’s soul?” His voice was deep and warm like whiskey over my skin. It was also unrecognizable. I turned to find out where it came from, preparing for anything that could result in the interaction by pulling out the dagger from the sheath on my hip.

“Who are…you?”

His voice may not have been recognizable, but his image was one I’d seen a lot of in the last few hours. He was the man the redheaded demon had fought earlier. The dark skinned, muscled man was favoring his side, the injury delivered from the fire sword was not healing quickly. It looked to be a mortal wound. Something he’d probably not recover from.

“My name is Zachariah, and you are?”

“In better shape than you are,” I told him. “What are you? Can’t you heal?”

He grunted. “I can, usually. Unfortunately, your friend used poison on his blade and engraved a slow healing rune in my chest.”

“He’s not my friend.” I raised my chin defiantly. Very few demons were.

“You’re a vengeance demon, aren’t you?”

“I prefer justice, but yes.”

“So is he.” His face looked pain and I found myself taking pity on the man.

I reached out, inches from his wound, he cringed. “May I?”

“Going to finish your friend’s job?” He snapped bitterly.

“I was going to try and help, but if you prefer to suffer, then so be it,” I turned and headed to another wall.

“I’m sorry. I’ve just never met a vengeance demon who wanted to help those like me.”

I turned and examined him. “What are you?”

He smiled a crooked grin that popped a dimple on his cheek. “Help me and I’ll tell you.”

I grunted, “Sure you will,” as I headed to his side and touched his wound.

I closed my eyes as a vision flooded my mind and body. I felt the demon’s evil, his hatred for the man he was preparing to kill. A room, which looked like an attic built up around him, brick by brick. The only light in the room filtered through the shaded window. A priest was bound to a chair, gagged with a filthy rag, his face bloodied and crushed.

The redheaded demon plucked red and black colored peas, rosary breads from a potted plant. He placed them in a stone bowl and crushed them with a pestle. He forced the poisonous mixture under the priest’s nose. The aging father shook his head. The ginger demon pushed the priest’s face inches from the stone bowl as he pressed a dagger against the old man’s aging throat. The brutalized man relented and began speaking over the crimson liquid laced with black specks.

When he was done, the demon slit the fleshy part of his own hand and squeezed blackened blood into the bowl, then he poured the liquid on the unlit sword. It was all I needed. I pulled my hand away and the false world diminished around me. I was in the alley with the devastatingly handsome stranger again.

“I think I know what he poisoned you with.” I stepped back, stumbling slightly. The poison could kill many creatures, but mixed with the blessing and demon blood meant he was one thing. Nephilim.

There were good and bad Nephilim just like every other race. The bad were usually friends to demons, the good were mortal enemies.

“Out with it, girl,” the man groaned in pain.

“Are you friend or foe?”

“Depends,” he grunted.

“On what?”

“Do you really plan to take that girl’s soul?”

“I have no choice.” I stood up and began pacing the otherwise abandoned alley.

“We always have a choice.”

“Not everyone. Sometimes people are stuck in the roles they were born into.”

The man seemed to grow in size, his broad chest puffed up. “And you were born to steal souls of emotionally destroyed people.”

“That’s not… look, my father…” I shook my head, his assessment of my job was accurate. There was no point in denying it. I didn’t like what I did, wished I could change my fate, wanted desperately to live a human life, but that was never going to happen. “Yes, I’m a justice demon. I get justice for those that can’t get it for themselves.” I raised my chin a notch.

“You must be so proud.” He snarled and started to stagger away.

I watched him for a moment, knew it wasn’t smart to help him, but couldn’t stop my feet from following. “Where are you going?”

“To get help.”

This was such a bad idea, my inner voice chided, but I couldn’t stop. “He poisoned you with rosary peas that a priest had blessed.”

The man stopped. I put on the brakes to avoid slamming into his granite back. The man had muscles that you couldn’t help but want to touch.

“That’s not good.” He didn’t turn to look at me. He knew his fate was sealed. The demon had planned to kill him, not only kill, but torture.

“Why does he want you dead?”

“Why do all demons want Nephilim dead?”

“The same can be said of the opposite.” I shot back. The man wasn’t in any shape to have a verbal volley. I knew this. I just couldn’t keep the words from popping out of my mouth like that Rice Krispie cereal. It was the demon. She wasn’t a very nice entity. The man started walking again. I followed, like a child chasing a puppy. “I’m sorry.”

“It doesn’t matter. I’d like to be alone for a while.”

I watched as Zachariah continued to walk away. He was slowly dying, but wouldn’t give up. The pain had to be excruciating. I turned and started back toward the crime scene. I didn’t need to get mixed up in the mess between the demon and angel, the ginger killer was probably one of my father’s assassins. The angel deserved to die, right?

The ebony skinned man fell against the brick wall, the commotion made me turn in his direction. He was fading quickly and undoubtedly suffering immensely. There was probably very little I could do for him. I was a justice demon. Despite the price, I find justice for people. Does that include angels? Was an injustice done to him?

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. The beast that shared my soul warned me to stay out of it. I knew I should listen. I bit my lower lip as his raspy breaths fell on my supernatural ears. “Oh, hell.” I sighed as my feet started moving in his direction. I needed to know what happened, I told myself. It would help me get vengeance for my client.

The withering angel slid down the brick wall at the opening of the alley. I stood a foot or two in front of him and held out my hand.

“Go away and let me die in peace,” he hissed.

“Sorry, I can’t. You might have information I need.” I reached down, cautiously. I didn’t want him to feel threatened. I’d seen cornered, wild animals with nothing to lose. They were vicious. This man was on the verge of reaching that point.

“Back off!”

“I may know someone who can help.” I stepped back, but kept my hand out toward him. “Please let me help you.”

“Demons don’t help Nephilim.” The chuckle that tumbled from his lips sounded ugly.

“No, we usually don’t.” If it was any of my co-workers, they’d leave him. I knew it. He knew it. What I was doing was highly irregular, but I was not the usual demon. I’m not saying I have a code or anything, I mean, that would be laughable, but I had a mission and I was an out-of-the-box thinker. Somehow, I’d convinced myself this angel could help me. At the very least, he might know the name of the demon that murdered my client’s fiancé.

Sure, I could torture him for the intel, but where’s the justice in that? And if father didn’t allow me to take out the demon then the angel might be the sword needed to exact revenge for my client. A person could convince themselves of anything if they really wanted to, and I’d convinced myself that this angel hybrid needed to live. Right or wrong, it was my belief.

The angel was on the verge of passing out from the pain. His head lolled down from his neck like a drooping flower. It was now or never. I knelt down. “I’m sorry.” I placed my hands on his arm and closed my eyes.

Want to read more? Here's the link to the full book. Hope you enjoy and please be kind and review when you've finished this first book of the Demon Ascension Series.