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Short Stories & Novellas

NIGHT HUNTER

{novella}

Marcus has decided to savor his last night on earth as a vampire, choosing to end his 597 years of loneliness. The years leading up to this night progressed far too slowly and Marcus feared he would never find a mate. Until he hears the cry of innocence from within a dark church and draws one of the members into helping him save the small child.

Miranda is a twenty-six year old woman who wants more than anything to have a man and family of her own. No male prospects over the last several years lead her to make a life within the church and not much else. She’s resigned to live her life without a man, unmarried, no family…alone.

Marcus and Miranda are destined to meet and begin to fall in love, each seeing the opportunity to have a home with little Hannah, the abandoned baby. Several circumstances out of their control tear into their dream and in the space of a few hours Hannah disappears and Miranda is near death. The struggle to find happiness brings a surprise neither could have ever anticipated. Is it too late for Marcus and Miranda to find happiness in the midst of chaos?

Available in a few days at www.readerseden.com!!

Excerpt:

Miranda stood, reaching for the baby carrier. “Come on. I don’t need the leftovers anyway. I’ll cook you a meal you’ll never forget tomorrow night.” She smiled and reached for her purse, missing his worried frown.

During the return back to his house, she told him of her experiences as a youth, good and bad. She told him private things she didn’t even tell her parents. Normally, she would feel uncomfortable telling someone about her past, but not with Marcus. She felt like she could tell him anything. Already there was a connection that she was hard pressed to explain. It was an invisible tie, but as strong as steel.

By the time they reached the house, she felt hoarse and he promised to make her a cup of tea as soon as they got the groceries inside and settled the baby down for the night. She was really looking forward to that cup of tea.

As Miranda came closer to the front gate, she gaped at the amount of groceries he’d ordered. My goodness! Half of those would probably expire before the two of them could eat it all. Maybe he purchased this much to cover throwing a party or two.

Miranda carried Hannah inside and sat the carrier on the floor next to the fireplace. Marcus whipped it to life with a flick of his hand, taking her by surprise. She shook her head in amazement. Part of his telekinesis, she guessed.

It took the better part of thirty minutes to make three trips out to the gate and load the car then carry everything inside. It took another hour to figure out where to put it. There were so many cabinets that she knew she’d be searching for items until she memorized everything’s location. The house contained a few cooking utensils and three or four cooking pans already. It appeared he purchased more cookware too. Well, at least there was enough cabinet space, unlike her small apartment. It had ten full-sized cabinets, including the two below the sink. It was why most of her pots and pans hung on her dining room wall. She’d make it attractive using a creative touch, but it was still a pain not being able to put them away.

Miranda was off-side the sink, putting away the dishes he purchased. There were four plates already in the cabinet, now there were twenty. The silverware and silver servers went into two drawers next to the sink. Moving down another cabinet, she looked through the grocery bags for the spices she glimpsed while carrying in a handful of bags. She heard a quick whistle and turned in enough time to catch one, then another seconds later.

“You’re lucky I’m a darn good catch, buddy.”

“I already knew you would be. You were on the baseball team, remember?”

“Yeah, in second grade! I guess I still got it.”

Marcus’ eyes raked her from top to bottom. In a deep, sexy voice he answered, “You most certainly do.”

Miranda looked at him through her lashes, feeling more comfortable with his teasing. It felt good to tease him back.

“Hey, catch!”

He turned in enough time to catch a bag of powdered sugar. Unfortunately, the bag was torn along the bottom. With a muted poof, the bag exploded in his hands. His face, shirt-front and the tips of his hair were a stark white.

Doubling over, Miranda laughed hard until she felt hands pull her upright. She tried to stop smiling, really she did. She even bit her lips. When his glare turned into an evil grin, she became suspicious.

His grip on her arms tightened only slightly, enough to let her know he wasn’t going to let her go. He shook his head and body wildly and Miranda felt the powdered sugar settle on her nose, chin and some even went down her shirt, making her squirm with the need to itch. Opening her eyes, she realized some had landed on her eyelashes too.

“Okay,” she laughed easily. “Now we’re even. I really didn’t know the bag was going to explode, Marcus. Honest.”

He didn’t speak. His smile slowly vanished and his focus lowered to her lips. When she licked them, he groaned and pulled her into his arms, his mouth finding hers, sweet with her own special flavor, rather than the sugar coating her lips.

Wrapping her arms tightly around his waist, his overlapped hers, pulling her closer. Marcus tilted his head and she followed suit, giving to him as well as meeting his passion. He reached into her mind and saw her fear, knew that she was not very sexually experienced. It thrilled him that her body remained pure. He hoped his loving wouldn’t taint her purity.

Crawling up his belly was the raging hunger that set him apart from humanity. Any second he would need to pull away or reveal his true self to her and he wasn’t sure she was ready for that quite yet. Two incisors slid along his upper gums reminding him of the inherent danger he placed Miranda in. He must pull away…now.

Breaking the kiss abruptly, he hugged her hard rather than turning away as he’d done before. That hurt her badly, he knew, and he was trying to avoid doing it again.

“Marcus? It’s okay, really. I love your touch. Please don’t stop kissing me.”

It was her innocence talking. As the more experienced of the two, he would make the right decision, for both of them. He needed to be honest. She deserved to know the truth.

He kept her tight in his arms, his head alongside hers so that she couldn’t see his face. “Remember when I said I wanted to tell you everything, who and what I am?”

“Yes, I remember.”

“I care about you, Miranda. I want to be with you and hope you feel the same—after tonight. It’s time you knew the truth. Please, no matter what you see, do not be afraid of me. I would never harm you, Miranda, ever. Do you believe me?”

Silence.

After a moment Miranda spoke. “I believe you, Marcus. I’m afraid—I will be honest, but I trust you.”

Very slowly, Marcus pulled back, revealing himself to her.

Miranda gasped and tried to cover her mouth, but her hands were still trapped under his arms, her body snug in his grasp. His eyes were as black as the depths of space, and his teeth… Dear God, he has a vampire’s teeth. The white powdered sugar on his face only added to the image. Does this mean he’s—

“A vampire. Yes, Miranda...”

A Christmas Vow

{short story}

Life is a funny thing when you’re six years old. Shanda Bratton knew she and Chris would be friends forever. Chris didn’t know about the secret love she held for him in her heart, even though he was a lot older. She would love him forever, even after she grew up. It was set in stone. But would Chris ever see her as anything other than the kid he’d known all his life?

With a difference of five years, Chris Milano knew that his and Shanda’s ages would always separate them. That is, until the day she came home after graduating college. He was shocked to find a full-grown woman, rather than the fresh, young girl he remembered. His desire for her had never vanished, though she’d been much too young for him to show it when she was sixteen. He could no longer use that as an excuse to avoid her attentions. And looking into her eyes – the eyes of a grown woman – did he really want to?

This Christmas would be one neither would ever forget.

Available on the "Short Stories" page!! Go there for an excerpt!

Someone To Watch Over Me

Angels of the Realm series: Book 1

2008 P&E Poll - Tied in 11th place for Artwork!!! That was my previous cover. The one above is the updated cover!!

Author, LAURA SHINN will take you on a journey where heavenly creatures of an unseen realm battle for the protection and happiness of mortals. Two worlds collide and an angel must make the most important decision of his existence. The wrong decision will end in his destruction.

Someone To Watch Over Me

Deep within the forest, David -- a Guardian -- watches over a hunted child and her mother. David has battled, protected and encouraged human authorities for centuries as an Avenging Angel, since the dawn of Earth's creation. But now he faces a new challenge...and a new problem. How does an Avenging Angel under new assignment become a Guardian, and how should he cope with his growing feelings for Sarah, the child's mother?

Time has run out and a hitman is on their trail. Forced to run, they must find the evidence to protect Nicole before a ruthless killer finds them. Determined to win Sarah's heart and still maintain his heavenly status, David accompanies them on their quest. Will the Lord allow David, Sarah and Nicole to be a family...a mortal one?

To read an excerpt Click Here and then scroll down

For Gift Certificate purchases:

NIGHTLIFE Anthology

2008 P&E Poll - Tied in 10th place for Artwork!!!

Author, LAURA SHINN has created two worlds where hidden creatures live among the mortals they rely upon for their existence.

A Light in the Darkness

Thaddeus, the oldest and strongest of the vampyre, has become a masterful killer...and is after Miranda. She alone is the key to breaking the curse surrounding him. Once broken, Theodore will finally be able to put an end to Thaddeus' madness. Winning Miranda's heart, though, would not be easy. For thousands of years Theo has watched over her, protected her, hungered for her...waiting for the day when she would agree to be the light within his dark world.

Out of the Night

A woman of innocence, Spring has vowed to never hurt a fly...even though she's a vampire. Jim is amazed by Spring's love of life and her unwavering honesty. But his four year old daughter must be his first concern, although he's drawn to Spring's charm and her irresistible sensuality. Will their passionate love survive the nightmare of a rogue vampire? The one that's after his baby girl....

To read an excerpt Click Here and then scroll down

For Gift Certificate purchases:

A Matter of Trust

The Men of Wellington, Texas series : Book 1

Candice is thirty-four, and not getting any younger. She has a great job, a great boss and absolutely no love life. Then a miracle happens. Without realizing how it happened, Candice becomes engaged to a wonderful man, twice her age. Love is not important. Why, she could live the rest of her days without that fickle emotion!

Or so she thought.

Passion and desire burst into her life the moment Nathan walks through her door. Tall, tan and sexy, the cowboy towers over her petite body, thrilling her with his unexpected touch. But, wait a minute! She can't feel this way. Her engagement to Henry means everything for her future: security, friendship and....

What about love?

And what will become of the blossoming relationship between she and Nathan once Henry discovers her true desire is for his eldest son?

This is a story of discovered passion, heartache, laughter and the joys of learning to trust.

Coming Soon!