Friday, December 16, 2011

MISTLETOE MADNESS BLOG HOP ; DEC 16 - DEC 23



The Mistletoe Madness Blog Hop kicks off on Friday, December 16th.
What is a giveaway hop?
Each participating blog hosts a giveaway and then we link up together allowing our followers to hop from one giveaway to the next.
Join us and enter to win over 50 giveaways hosted by our participants!


Books pre-loaded on the Grand Prize Color Nook from the following authors: GRAND PRIZE IS FOR USA ONLY. MY INDIVIDUAL PRIZE IS INTERNATIONAL. 
PJ SchnyderDana Marie BellLia Habel
Allison PangYvonne NicolasStephanie Burke
D Renee BagbyVivi DumasKayleigh Jamison
Clarissa YipRobert C RomanA.L. Davroe
as well as KC Hendricks, Marie Dees, Kay Keppler, Angela Campbell, PR Mason, Natasha Blackthorne, Sharon Cullen, Ruth A Casie, Linda Andrews, Dianne Venetta, Eliza Knight, Linda Andrews, DC Juris, Adrienne Giordano, Margay Leah Justice, RA Vaughn, Jane Kindred…




THE HOLIDAYS HAVE CHANGED A LOT SINCE I WAS A CHILD.  WE WERE HAPPY IF SANTA LEFT A FEW TOYS AND FILLED OUR STOCKING.  IN TODAY'S WORLD, MARKETING STARTS AFTER HALLOWEEN AND THE MEDIA BRINGS ALL OF THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY TO OUR CHILDREN, MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR THEM TO MAKE THEIR LIST FOR SANTA.





IT IS IMPORTANT TO HONOR THE TRADITION OF FAMILY SHARING, GRATITUDE, AND GIVING BACK AS OUR HOLIDAY SEASON APPROACHES. I'M NOT AGAINST BIG GIFTS, HOWEVER, I FIND KIDS BECOME OVERWHELMED WHEN THEY RECEIVE AN ENDLESS AMOUNT OF PRESENTS.   






EXPECTATIONS ARE NOT ALWAYS MET DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON, BUT MAYBE WE SET OUR GOALS TOO HIGH.



FOR THOSE OF US WHO ARE FORTUNATE TO HAVE A JOB, OUR HEALTH AND A HOME, WE OUR TRULY BLESSED. THERE IS SOMETHING MAGICAL ABOUT A WARM FIRE, SNOW ON THE LAWN, THE SCENT OF A HAM IN THE OVEN, AND THE COMFORT OF HOME.  A HOLIDAY SPENT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS, SHARING A MEAL, AND GIVING THANKS IS STILL THE BEST GIFT OF ALL.









MY HEROINE MADELINE YOUNG FROM ECHOES AT DAWN IS A CHEF. SHE ATTEMPTS TO  MAKE THE HOLIDAYS SPECIAL, DESPITE THE CHALLENGES SHE FACES.






BLURB:

The strangely intertwined lives of a widowed woman, and a charismatic bachelor come together in order to show that in life, there are no coincidences… only destiny.

Waterfront restaurant chef Madeline Young adores her job. If only her love and family's lives were as successful as her career. With a teenage son, who spends time in the emergency room for alcohol poisoning and a dementia-plagued mother, Madeline doesn't know how much more she could handle. Then her mother enlists the help of her deceased twin sister, Mary, to guide Madeline to find happiness. An early dawn visit from the spirit directs Madeline to volunteer at the local hospitals center for addiction recovery, where she comes alive for the first time in many years under the attention of Nat Griffin.

Nathaniel Griffin, a part-time counselor and contractor, fascinates his clients with his lectures. In keeping with his philosophy of professionalism, Nat prefers to keep his personal life private. When attraction tests his beliefs, Nat must confront his marred past. Is he willing to face his demons or take the easier path and remain isolated?

Can unworldly ghosts save this couple from their own self-destructive behavior? Will they be able to accept change and move forward, or allow secrets to stand in the way?




ONE RANDOM COMMENTER WILL RECEIVE A PRINT COPY OF ECHOES AT DAWN. MY CONTEST IS INTERNATIONAL. YOU MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE TO PARTICIPATE. 

DON'T FORGET TO INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. 






Monday, December 5, 2011

Saturday, November 26, 2011

30 Days of Decadence: Holiday Magic

30 Days of Decadence: Holiday Magic: by Kathleen Ann Gallagher One of the things I look forward to during the Holidays is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring The ...

Saturday, November 12, 2011

SAVE A TURKEY: GOBBLE A BOOK BLOG HOP TOUR (NOV 14-21)





1) HAVE FUN!!!

2) INVITE ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!! SPREAD THE WORD!!!

3) THIS TOUR STARTS: Monday, November 14, at Midnight (Arizona Time)
    THIS TOUR ENDS: Monday, November 21, at Midnight (Arizona Time)
    Winners will be drawn and posted November 22nd! ***

4) MEET AND MINGLE WITH ALL THE AUTHORS & BOOK PAGES! EXPERIENCE A NEW DESTINATION AT EVERY STOP! PARTICIPATE IN EVERY BLOG CONTEST AND BE ENTERED FOR CHANCES TO WIN MULTIPLE PRIZES! EVERY BLOG VISITED IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO WIN!!

5) PARTICIPATION AT ALL BLOGS IS RECOMMENDED, BUT NOT REQUIRED. REMEMBER, THE MORE BLOGS YOU HOP, THE BETTER YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING PRIZES. EVERY AUTHOR & BOOK PAGE IS WAITING TO MEET AND INTERACT WITH YOU, SO PLEASE BE SURE TO SHOW THEM SOME LOVE!

6) DID I MENTION TO HAVE FUN? WHOO! HOO!! HERE WE GOOOOOOOOOOOO!
***Authors & Book Pages have full discretion to choose an alternate winner in the event any winner fails to claim their prize(s) within 72 hours of their name being posted or after notification of win, whichever comes first. Anyone who participates in this blog hop tour is subject to these rules***



Traditions are a part of the Holiday season. While I put the finishing touches on the menu, my family watches the parade on television.  On Thanksgiving, our tradition is to have a feast consisting of a turkey, homemade stuffing, sweet potatoes with pecans, cinnamon and marshmallows, cranberry relish, green beans with tomatoes and bacon bits, and of course, pumpkin custard pie. Throw in the whipped cream and the meal is complete. When we're finished, I clean up and everyone else sits around and enjoys the football games on TV. 











I have an idea for a new tradition.  This year after dinner, we can put our names on tiny scraps of paper and draw two of them. One person will be on clean up duty and the other will be assigned to Tupperware duty. The assistant will have to pack up the food and put the leftovers away. This way I'll have time to buy myself a book on my I pad, grab a cup of creme brulee coffee, light a scented candle, and become lost in the story.








Join me in the start of a new tradition to gobble up a book after the holiday meal. Try a new genre and maybe a new author. It could be the start of a wonderful and exciting holiday tradition.

Madeline Young my heroine from my debut novel, Echoes at Dawn, is a chef.  She has a favorite recipe for an ice box pie. It's a simple treat.  She uses a box chocolate pudding, bananas, graham crackers and whipped topping. The layers begin with the pudding and ends with bananas and whipped cream.  Next, she refrigerates it for a couple of hours. Her family loves it. 






:



The strangely intertwined lives of a widowed woman, and a charismatic bachelor come together in order to show that in life, there are no coincidences… only destiny.


Waterfront restaurant chef Madeline Young adores her job. If only her love and family's lives were as successful as her career. With a teenage son, who spends time in the emergency room for alcohol poisoning and a dementia-plagued mother, Madeline doesn't know how much more she could handle. Then her mother enlists the help of her deceased twin sister, Mary, to guide Madeline to find happiness. An early dawn visit from the spirit directs Madeline to volunteer at the local hospitals center for addiction recovery, where she comes alive for the first time in many years under the attention of Nat Griffin.

Nathaniel Griffin, a part-time counselor and contractor, fascinates his clients with his lectures. In keeping with his philosophy of professionalism, Nat prefers to keep his personal life private. When attraction tests his beliefs, Nat must confront his marred past. Is he willing to face his demons or take the easier path and remain isolated?

Can unworldly ghosts save this couple from their own self-destructive behavior? Will they be able to accept change and move forward, or allow secrets to stand in the way?


What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition? 


FIRST PRIZE: A PRINT COPY OF ECHOES AT DAWN. 

SECOND PRIZE: SMALL TUMBLER YANKEE CANDLE: CHERRIES ON SNOW SCENT

THIRD PRIZE: ASSORTED HOLIDAY HAND SANITIZERS WITH SLEIGH CONTAINER


DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN YOUR COMMENT. GOOD LUCK!




CLICK HERE TO HOP TO NEXT BLOG 


HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE! 




.   


Sunday, October 16, 2011

SPOOK-A-LICIOUS: WHERE BOO-KS DEVOUR YOU: BLOG HOP TOUR (OCT 17-24)

WELCOME! JOIN ME WHILE I VISIT SOME OF THE OLD CLASSIC HORROR MOVIES. THE WITCHES ARE OFFERING A SPECIAL BREW TONIGHT. BE CAREFUL! WATCH OUT FOR THE BATS!




RULES



1) HAVE FUN!!!

2) INVITE ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!! SPREAD THE WORD!!!

3) THIS TOUR STARTS: Monday, October 17, at Midnight (Arizona Time)
    THIS TOUR ENDS: Monday, October 24, at Midnight (Arizona Time)
    Winners will be drawn and posted October 25th! ***

4) MEET AND MINGLE WITH ALL THE AUTHORS & BOOK PAGES! EXPERIENCE A NEW DESTINATION AT EVERY STOP! PARTICIPATE IN EVERY BLOG CONTEST AND BE ENTERED FOR CHANCES TO WIN MULTIPLE PRIZES! EVERY BLOG VISITED IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO WIN!!

5) PARTICIPATION AT ALL BLOGS IS RECOMMENDED, BUT NOT REQUIRED. REMEMBER, THE MORE BLOGS YOU HOP, THE BETTER YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING PRIZES. EVERY AUTHOR & BOOK PAGE IS WAITING TO MEET AND INTERACT WITH YOU, SO PLEASE BE SURE TO SHOW THEM SOME LOVE!

6) DID I MENTION TO HAVE FUN? WHOO! HOO!! HERE WE GOOOOOOOOOOOO!
***Authors & Book Pages have full discretion to choose an alternate winner in the event any winner fails to claim their prize(s) within 72 hours of their name being posted or after notification of win, whichever comes first. Anyone who participates in this blog hop tour is subject to these rules***


HALLOWEEN IS A TIME WHEN GHOSTS, GOBLINS, WITCHES, VAMPIRES, WEREWOLVES, AND ALL UNWORLDLY CREATURES JOIN TOGETHER TO HAVE FUN. IT'S PARTY TIME IN MONSTER VILLE!  


I'VE ALWAYS LOVED HORROR FLICKS, ESPECIALLY AROUND THIS TIME OF YEAR. THE OLD BLACK AND WHITE ONE'S ARE THE BEST! IF THE CREEPY SOUNDS OF THE NIGHT AND THE HOWLING OF WEREWOLVES DON'T FRIGHTEN YOU, STAY FOR A WHILE.  

HERE ARE SOME OF THE CLASSICS I'VE ENJOYED.  HAVE YOU SEEN ANY OF THESE? 


HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL:






House on Haunted Hill is a 1959 American B movie horror film from Allied Artists.[1][2] It was directed by William Castle, written by Robb White, and starring Vincent Price as eccentric millionaire Fredrick Loren. He and his fourth wife, Annabelle, have invited five people to the house for a "Haunted House" party. Whoever stays in the house for one night will earn $10,000 each. As the night progresses, all the guests are trapped inside the house with ghosts, murderers, and other terrors.
Exterior shots of the house were filmed at the historic Ennis House in Los Feliz, California.



THE WOLFMAN:



The Wolf Man is a 1941 American Monster Werewolf-Horror film. The film stars Lon Chaney, Jr. as The Wolf Man, featuring Claude Rains, Evelyn Ankers, Ralph Bellamy, Patric Knowles, Béla Lugosi, and Maria Ouspenskaya. The title character has had a great deal of influence on Hollywood's depictions of the legend of the werewolf.





DRACULA:




Dracula is a 1931 vampire-horror film directed by Tod Browning and starring Bela Lugosi as the title character. The film was produced by Universal and is based on the stage play of the same name by Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston, which in turn is based on the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker.



FRANKENSTEIN: 




Frankenstein is a 1931 Pre-Code Horror Monster film from Universal Pictures directed by James Whale and adapted from the play by Peggy Webling which in turn is based on the novel of the same name by Mary Shelley.


SOURCE: WIKIPEDIA 




 HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE. 


UNSETTLED SPIRITS HAVE ALWAYS FASCINATED ME. MY NOVEL, ECHOES AT DAWN IS A LOVE STORY AND A GHOST STORY. 









BLURB:


The strangely intertwined lives of a widowed woman, and a charismatic bachelor come together in order to show that in life, there are no coincidences… only destiny.

Waterfront restaurant chef Madeline Young adores her job. If only her love and family's lives were as successful as her career. With a teenage son, who spends time in the emergency room for alcohol poisoning and a dementia-plagued mother, Madeline doesn't know how much more she could handle. Then her mother enlists the help of her deceased twin sister, Mary, to guide Madeline to find happiness. An early dawn visit from the spirit directs Madeline to volunteer at the local hospitals center for addiction recovery, where she comes alive for the first time in many years under the attention of Nat Griffin.

Nathaniel Griffin, a part-time counselor and contractor, fascinates his clients with his lectures. In keeping with his philosophy of professionalism, Nat prefers to keep his personal life private. When attraction tests his beliefs, Nat must confront his marred past. Is he willing to face his demons or take the easier path and remain isolated?

Can unworldly ghosts save this couple from their own self-destructive behavior? Will they be able to accept change and move forward, or allow secrets to stand in the way?


COMMENT TO WIN:

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER: http://twitter.com/#!/Kathleenwrites
FOLLOW MY BLOG AT TOP RIGHT OF THIS SITE
YOU CAN FIND ME HERE.http://kathleenanngallagher.net/Home.html

DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!
  
FIRST PRIZE: A PRINT COPY OF ECHOES AT DAWN. SIX ASSORTED VOTIVE YANKEE CANDLES. 

SECOND PRIZE; SIX ASSORTED YANKEE VOTIVE CANDLES

THIRD PRIZE: THREE ASSSORTED YANKEE VOTIVE CANDLES. POSTCARDS, SWAG









DON'T FORGET TO CONTINUE ON THE TOUR!

CLICK TO FOLLOW NEXT BLOG


HAVE FUN! GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! HAVE A SPOOK-A-LICIOUS TIME!







Echoes at Dawn by Kathleen Ann Gallagher - Powell's Books

Echoes at Dawn by Kathleen Ann Gallagher - Powell's Books

Saturday, October 15, 2011

GUEST AUTHOR DEENA REMIEL

I'm so excited to have the best selling author of Trinity, Deena Remiel as my special guest today. Her new book, Ghost of a Chance, is released! I love a ghost story, especially a romance. Ghost of a Chance is part of the 1NS Series from Decadent Publishing. I can tell you the story takes place in The Castillo Resort and Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Deena will have to tell you the rest.






Blurb:


     Susannah’s married to her career. And she’s about ready for a divorce. Drowning in grief over the loss of her husband years ago, she initially immersed herself in a high-powered position at her marketing firm. But recently, she’s lost that loving feeling. Is she finally able to accept that her need for a man, for love in her life is stronger than her desire to bury it?
     Remy, once a high-profile building magnate, is a ghost of a man, literally. Cursed by a vengeful ex-wife he neglected, he’s relegated to shadows of his former world. She meant for him to spend the rest of his life without the chance of normalcy ever again, and he believed she succeeded. But could there be a way out?
     Susannah and Remy, two people ghosting through life, until they are brought together by a fateful One Night Stand. Both are seeking re-entry to the land of the living and loving. Can they fulfill each other’s deepest desires and learn what it means to live again?

Excerpt :

“Will you join me over here or shall I join you in the mysterious shadows?”
“You’re lovely over there. Stay. The way the light plays against your hair and sparkles in your eyes, well…you’re breathtaking, Susannah.”
Rendered speechless by his intensity, she stood as still as the statue they spoke of, and… blushed. Her cheeks were on fire! Get a grip, Susannah! “Thank you. I….I, heck.” She blew out a breath and started again. “Come over here so we can sit and get better acquainted.”
He still didn’t move. Is he so shy that he hides behind trees and in shadows?
“Do you think I’ll get to see you before the night is over?” She heard a soft chuckle. Good, maybe a little humor will loosen him up.
“Perhaps. I’m a bit nervous, as you can no doubt tell. I haven’t had any success with this kind of thing before.”
She took a step toward him—she would have to be the aggressor. “Neither have I, and I’m a little nervous, too.”
“You mentioned in your bio you were interested in a magical experience. One that would ‘sweep you away’.” His voice cracked, and he cleared his throat.
“Yes, I am.” She inched closer to the frozen, outlined figure.
“Before you take another step, you should know I’m different.”
“I read in the New York Times that you became reclusive about ten years ago. You’ve taken great strides toward ending that by being here now.”
“There’s a reason why I keep to myself. It may startle you, so be prepared. I am very much on the magical side of this world at the moment.”
Before she could move, he did, which brought him out of the shadows and into the light. Susannah gasped, startled at the transparency of the man who stood before her. Nervous laughter bubbled in her throat.
“What is this, some kind of joke? A holographic image projected here while you hide safe and secure in your room?”
“I’m afraid not. I’ve been living an alternative lifestyle lately.” He opened his arms as if to show himself off and let them fall back to his sides. “And this is all I am. I’m a ghost of a man, Susannah.”


  CLICK HERE TO BUY





BIO
It was the mystique of Arizona’s history and landscape that called to Deena and catapulted her career as an author. When she’s not writing romance novels and poetry in the wee, small hours of the morning or in the deep, dark of night, Deena teaches language arts to middle school students. She currently lives in Gilbert with her husband and two children, but New Jersey will always tug at her heartstrings. She loves connecting with her fans, so find her at deenaremiel.com


Regards,

Deena Remiel
http://www.deenaremiel.com/
Angels really do exist on earth... Evil better start running!
TRINITY, Top 10 of 100 Top Rated e-books for Fantasy, Futuristic, Ghost Romance
#1 BEST-SELLING Smashwords Author of Picture Perfect


THANK YOU FOR THE SNEAK PEEK AT GHOST OF A CHANCE.  IT'S ALWAYS WONDERFUL TO HAVE YOU AS A GUEST.  



Friday, October 7, 2011

GUEST APPEARANCE & INTERVIEW WITH REBECCA ROYCE

Today, I’m excited to have an opportunity to interview the talented, multi-published author, Rebecca Royce. Join me in welcoming her to my place and let’s get the party started!







Hi Rebecca!  Congratulations on your latest release, Love Beyond Sanity, Book 2 of The Outsiders. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to ask you a few questions.







1.      When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?
I always knew I wanted to be a writer. For a while, I did a lot of other things, as I didn’t really
believe I could be a writer. It felt like a dream I would never achieve. But the desire has always
been there.

2.      Do you have a specific routine when you begin a new story?
I open up a blank document, I save it, I put it in Double Space, and I write until I get to page 13. The first draft of every story I write always has 13 pages per chapter.  That changes, of course, with the edit. But that’s how I start.

3.      Where did you get the inspiration for Love Beyond Sanity, Book 2, The Outsiders?
Charma was introduced in Book 1 Love Beyond Time so it was really just a matter of figuring out how she fit into the overall story. 

4.      Which character in Love Beyond Sanity was the most challenging for you?
Jason. Because I wanted to throttle him.  A lot.

5.      If you could spend the day with one of the characters who would you choose?
I love Charma. I’d love to spend the day with her just doing girlie things. She never has time to do that.

6.      Is there an author who has influenced your writing?
Every time I read something Nalini Singh has written, I want to be a better a better writer.

7.      Who would you cast in Love Beyond Sanity if it as made into a movie?
Charma would Kate Bosworth and Jason would be Channing Tatum, with blond hair.

8.      What are you currently working on?
I am writing the next book in my Westervelt Wolves series.

9.      Do you have any tips for beginning writers?
You must write every day. If you want to do this, you need to think of it as a job. Work at it.

10.  Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?






BLURB:



Eighteen years earlier, Charma lost her destined soul mate. Convinced he must be dead, she kept her fears to herself so as not to destroy the morale of the Outsiders who already live with a shaky prophecy as their only guide.


Dr. Jason Randall is a man used to getting what he wants. There has never been a problem he couldn't out think or a situation he wasn't capable of handling.
Now they are both hunted by not one but two demons as they lead the slowly forming group of Outsiders out of the darkness and back into the light. The two strong souls will have to decide if prophecy alone is enough reason to stay together through insane odds...or if love is their true fate.

Excerpt

She had to protect her daughter. Larissa Monroe knew her life was coming to an end. Truthfully, she and her husband had signed their own death warrants the day they'd silently watched and not objected to the summoning ceremony that had brought this demon into their midst.
Rounding the corner in the cave Morgan and the others had created as a hiding place for them, she heard Charma's cries in the distance. Morgan was not as good at comforting their daughter as she was. This wasn't surprising, Larissa was more than just a healer; she was a telempath. Charma was not yet able to speak--being only months old--but Larissa was still able to know exactly what she needed and what to do to comfort her most precious gift. It was good for Morgan to bond with Charma--even if the child ended up screaming twice as long when she was with him. Their time was short, whatever happened to Charma now, the most likely scenarios were that Larissa and Morgan would not be with her.
They had been hiding in this forsaken place for months. It was damp, mold ridden, filled with vermin, and all around horribly uncomfortable. However, since they'd had to run from the hills that housed them safely and kept them hidden for millennium, this place had seemed like blessed haven. All in all, she'd never been so grateful to live in what basically amounted to a cave in the whole of her two-hundred-year existence.
Balling her hands into fists at her side, she narrowed her gaze. Her husband would be useless; he'd all but frozen under the strain of these last few months. If she was a mindmelder, he was a true healer of the soul. The very idea of the amount of death and destruction had all but rendered him useless. Men, who had run the Outsider society for generations and all but destroyed it with ego and competition, were decidedly lacking in ideas for getting them out of this mess. It was going to be the women who helped it survive. Let's face it, she mused, sometimes you just couldn't beat a prophesized destiny, no matter how hard you tried.
The Great One, the unofficial leader of the Outsiders, had prophesized eighteen children would be born together--they had, all of the children born on that fateful night were proof of that--and one born far away. The lone child would destroy the Outsiders and after that the entire world, if the eighteen could not be taught to stop him.
Somehow, these children had to grow up. It was imperative. Even more importantly, it seemed, the eighteen born to the Outsiders each came with a soul mate within the group. Someone else they were connected to, whose power would enhance their own.
Larissa wasn't a prophet--she left that to the Great One and his ilk--but she'd be hugely surprised if Charma and Melster were not meant to be together. Beyond the fact that they were so strikingly similar physically, Larissa had seen into each of their minds. She'd taken a peek, and somehow they were the same. The energy that was generated from their brains that resonated into their souls was strikingly similar. Both of them would be healers, although if Melster took after his family, it would be of the physical nature rather than emotional or mental healing. It was likely they would also share a tendency towards self-evaluation that both families possessed. Even more so, however, she'd seen a 'sameness' about their auras. Something that told her they were meant to be together.
She suspected that Melster's mother thought the same thing, which was why the other woman had suggested they journey together. Larissa was going to need Tatiana now. They'd have to be strong together, especially since she was going to suggest to one of her oldest friends that it was time to send their children away. As full blown 'healers', and even Larissa's telempathic abilities fell under this Outsider heading, she and her husband Morgan had no offensive powers to speak of. If it came to violence, she could use her hands and feet to fight but had no magical abilities that could cause another pain. Because of this, she was used to having to flee.
She tapped lightly on the makeshift door that had been made in the cave to give the illusion of privacy. Illusion was really what it was. If anyone sneezed, you heard it.
"Come in," Tatiana answered, her voice strained in a manner that told Larissa her friend was stressed but trying to appear calm.
Larissa pushed forward and although the door was light, it felt like she had the weight of the world in her hands, making the simple task next to impossible. Finally moving into the room, she immediately recognized the comfy surroundings Tatiana had created for her small family.
A full size bed sat in the corner, not as luxurious as the one her friend had left back home, but functional and, Larissa imagined never having sat on it, comfortable. Next to it, a few feet away, was the wooden crib Troy, Tatiana's husband, had constructed for the baby when he'd found out she was pregnant. He'd had to use it much sooner than he'd thought as the baby had come a full two months early. They'd been terrified that the child would be ill and not live long in the world and yet he'd been born full sized and perfectly healthy. Just another oddity that revealed the truth of the prophecy.
Tatiana stood up from the wooden chair she'd been sitting on while holding the baby. She held up a hand that indicated she wanted quiet and crossed with her sleeping son to the crib. Placing him down gently, she took a few seconds to adjust the blankets over the cherub-looking baby before moving to where Larissa waited.
"I know what you're going to say, and I just can't face it."
Larissa shook her head. "I doubt very much you know what I'm going to say unless you've suddenly developed a prophetic power I know nothing about."
Tatiana laughed, which had been the purpose of the wild statement Larissa had made. "No, of course not. Tell me then, did you not come to suggest we need to run again? They might have just been wolves last night, not necessarily carriers of His message." The other woman sighed. "I can't face running again."
Nodding, Larissa sat down in the chair Tatiana had vacated. She fiddled with her skirt to give herself a moment to ground herself. What she was going to suggest was the hardest thing she'd ever said aloud.
"I can't run anymore either. It goes against every Outsider instinct I have. We may look human, but we are not. Even humans get tired of running after a while; we lose patience with it much faster."
"So what do you suggest?"
Larissa almost laughed. Tatiana had always had a way of cutting through hidden agendas and messages to get to the truth within. She wasn't going to give Larissa a break, even now.
"I think we need to send the children away from us."
There, she'd said it. She'd put that thought out to the universe. Now they would have to see what would happen.
Tatiana scoffed, her eyes narrowing. Larissa could see her friend's objections all over her face and in her brown eyes. "That's ridiculous. Where would we put them? Who could protect them if not us? Well, in your case..." Her friend trailed off, realizing what she was about to say. Larissa didn't need her to finish her thought; she knew exactly what she would have said.
"Well in our case we can't save our daughter even if we wanted to. Was that what you would have said?" Even though she knew it to be true, she wanted Tatiana to admit to it. Larissa rose from her seat to be the same height as Tatiana, eye contact was important.
Tatiana sighed, her shoulders slumping, and Larissa lost some of her anger. They were all under an enormous amount of stress. Tatiana finally spoke. "You don't have any offensive powers. You know that's true. We all dance around the subject, but let's just face facts. Neither you nor Morgan can wield magic that can even wound, let alone kill."
"That's true." Larissa nodded. "Remember, Tatiana, even the most gentle creatures can kill when provoked to save their young." Clasping her hands in front of her, she tried to move on from this subject. "I would beat with a bat someone who came at Charma, until they were broken and bloody like the most meager human, if I had to. Besides, Morgan and I have always thought it was just as important to outthink our enemies as to win in a physical battle."
Larissa had seen enough of what stupid brawn and pride could do. It was what had gotten them into this mess to begin with.


The Great One had prophesized that eighteen children would be born together and one apart. The eighteen were the world's saviors. Each having a soul mate, they would battle the child born apart. He was, this lonely baby, evil personified. It was also said he was a demon from another dimension. Larissa sighed. They'd seen so much death, so much destruction. They didn't want to see it happen to their children--even if it seemed ridiculous to think that eighteen children could be born together. There weren't that many women pregnant. So they had tried to thwart destiny and in the end they had made it come true. Without the knowledge of the Great One or Abraxas, their elected leader kept separate from the religious overtones of the Great One, they'd called forth earth magic. The idea had been to bring the evil to earth and trap it within magical means that would prevent it from ever being born.

  

Thanks so much for having me!