Aern's only job is to protect the chosen. Things are tricky enough, but when her sister shows up to take Aern hostage, all bets are off. He discovers she's working toward her own prophecy, and he's got no choice but to keep her safe. When the opposition descends, their only hope is to stick together, but the truth unravels, and together might prove the biggest complication of them all.Twenty-two-year-old Aern is done watching his brother destroy the only thing that matters. He never wanted to take Morgan’s place among council, never wanted to rule their hidden world. But when the key to the prophecy is found, a young girl named Brianna whom Morgan will destroy, Aern knows he has to take action.What he really wants, is for things to go back to normal. But now he’s kidnapped a girl, and his brother’s men are after him. His only hope is to join with the Division, but they have plans of their own, and it’s the last thing Aern is willing to do.Emily just wants her sister back. She doesn't care about the prophecy, or realize what’s at stake. But when she goes after Aern, the truth of the matter uncoils, and Brianna isn't the only one who’s in danger.Suddenly, they’re at the center of a secret war, and unless they can work together, they’ll both have a sacrifice too big to make.

The first time Erica saw the black, low-slung sports car, she felt shock at its sensual pull deep within her soul. But when she began to succumb to its whispered promises, she didn't suspect she might be losing more than her mind.The first time Erica saw the black, low-slung sports car, she felt shock at its sensual pull deep within her soul. But when she began to succumb to its whispered promises, she didn'suspect she might be losing more than her mind.~~~This 1500-word paranormal tale is a 'short-short' story from the "Monsters in the Machines" collection by Roh Morgon. An excerpt from her novel "Watcher: Book I of The Chosen" is included.

A masked ball, on a dark and stormy Halloween night, leads to the innocent and sheltered Annabelle finding the woman of her dreams with the seductive Trinity. But Annabelle gets more than she bargained for when her fantasy turns into a macabre nightmare.The Hunted is a Prequel Novella to the Blood Series Books starting with Blood of a Werewolf. As an added bonus the first ten and a half chapters of the first book are included with The Hunted. Devon and Blake have been running from hunters most of their adult lives. They're used to life on the run - so much so that they've got it down to a science. Meet our brother duo before they venture to California and meet up with their destinies in the shape of the O'Rielly sisters.

In 2014, Kiss and Tales: A Romantic Collection published by The Indie Collaboration got national and international media exposure and rocketed to the top of the "free" best-seller list on Amazon and Smashwords for the Valentine's season. This year they're back with a new collection of romance and poetry for you to enjoy on Valentine's day.In 2014, Kiss and Tales: A Romantic Collection published by The Indie Collaboration got national and international media exposure and rocketed to the top of the "free" best-seller list on Amazon and Smashwords for the Valentine's season. The Indie Collaboration was happy to offer a diverse collection of free short stories and romantic poetry highlighting a wonderful group of authors from all over the world. This year they're back with a new collection of romance and poetry for you to enjoy on Valentine's day.

What do you do when your best friends dare you to kiss the prettiest girl in school?"You will always be fifteen, just like everyone else here.""But, where are the adults, the babies, the cities?""There are none. It’s just the castle, the forest, the cornfield and us."Welcome to Fifteen, a world where each inhabitant is fifteen years old and dangerous. The laws of this strange world demand that boys and girls remain mortal enemies and these laws are upheld with cold-blooded determination.When Akeem and his best friend Quinn find themselves in the world of Fifteen, they become opponents on opposite sides of an endless war. Though separated, they have the same goal, to find each other and find a way home but their friendship is forbidden and they would face a death sentence if their true feelings for one another are ever discovered. Will Akeem risk the wrath of the collective to find Quinn or will he save his own life by hunting her down?

Following a nuclear holocaust, Nathan Taylor and his family face grim choices in order to stay alive. Fleeing deadly radiation, plague and desperate men, Nathan, an army officer, leads his wife and their two teenage sons away from chaos and madness toward his ancestral home in Kentucky.Following a nuclear holocaust, Nathan Taylor and his family face grim choices in order to stay alive. Fleeing deadly radiation, plague and desperate men, Nathan, an army officer, leads his wife and their two teenage sons away from chaos and madness toward his ancestral home in Kentucky. Horrors lie in their path. From the prison struggling to maintain control of its inmates, to the desperadoes who enslave anyone who comes their way, even survival may cost Nathan his humanity...or that of his sons, Joshua and David. Nathan struggles to keep his family intact, but it requires making brutal choices. He wants to protect his sons, but knows they now must be deadly and cold at times.Nathan's home has been spared from the worst of the destruction, but a larger conflict over scarce resources erupts. For the survivors to have any chance they will have to fight and the desperate journey has transformed young Joshua and David into men called upon to lead and sacrifice. Torn between harsh realities, and wanting to hold onto fleeting childhoods, they are often conflicted and angry about the roles thrust upon them. Much will depend on how Nathan and his sons respond to a madman and his military regime seeking to conquer the fledgling community they are helping to build.GLIMMER OF HOPE is an epic tale of one family's endurance and triumph after tomorrow's apocalypse.

Two dragon brothers, Waveripple and Whiteswirl, are separated before they hatch. Whiteswirl was turned into a Vampire dragon while still in his egg, while Waveripple remained a normal Amphibian dragon.A Vampire dragon named Redclaws steals two of the three eggs of a pair of Amphibian dragons. She successfully converts one of them into a Vampire dragon egg, while the other is accidentally killed. Splashsail and Flowerwater, the parents of the eggs, move to a different forest to protect their last egg. Out of this egg hatches an adventurous young Amphibian named Waveripple. Waveripple soon meets two other hatchlings, and the three of them discover that something is wrong in the forest. Dragons are disappearing without a trace. Waveripple and his friends try to figure out what is happening to them-before any other dragon goes missing. Meanwhile, the stolen egg has also hatched, into a Vampire named Whiteswirl. Whiteswirl finds a cavern that he is content to spend most of his time in, but dragons are discovering his kills. He must always be careful not to be noticed, because every dragon would kill a Vampire on sight.

Awesome! Suspenseful! Adventures! Free E booksTruth as well as fictional is actually the backbone of the high-speed adventure having a salty sprinkle of mystery and also suspense for you.Awesome! Suspenseful! Adventures! Free EbooksCrimes Of Murder is really a gritty, suspenseful and also daring variety of tales you most likely won’t locate any place this cool. The PI Keith Jackson really does posses an often for the most part a fondness for crack cocaine and in some cases booze. Yet this doesn’t slow down the fueled mental ability this specific nigga has or his physical capability, stability of judgment which enlighten his great detective skills in taking down the callous badasses around the world. The characters are extremely psychotic bastards that murder with no sense of respect for the individual. Their quest for blackmail, rape, murder, lies, and self-fulfillment is definitely understandable to make this particular story work, but clearly not acceptable.The very first story is known as The Situation of Dancer Joel Luis. This particular tale features a down and out private eye Keith Jackson in the quest for a killer who actually slain a professional dancer, during a Cinco De Mayo celebration.The second tale is referred to as The Truth About The Shoestring Killer. This tale is all about a ruthless serial killer who was simply given the name “The Shoestring Killer” due to the fact he strangles his victims using a shoestring, is unquestionably on the move after murdering two interns to escape from a mental hospital.The third saga is referred to as The Ugliest Superhero vs. Oakland CA. This amazing tale in regards to a Meth addict who actually turns into a superhero by simply getting high to stop the raising criminal activity in the city of Oakland CA.With such potent stories in your arsenal will keep your brain full with nonstop adventure and also suspense just like most stories claim they can do. Life may be suited up with intense boredom at times. And you may be down in the dumps pondering murder or even suicide. But with these slamming stories just like meditation your thoughts will probably be cleaned out from the awful daily grind and be kept entertained as a result of other folks misery. So I hope this unique eBook had been useful. Best of luck and enjoy!

Christian Drama | Short Novel - Will has problems. A few years ago his pregnant mother died. His Dad has reduced himself to a drunk. Dad gets violent when he drinks, which is all the time. Will decides to run away, but ends up destroying another family by taking all of his anger towards his dad out on a stranger. How will this all be reconciled?Eddie Montez has just moved to the desert of southern California from the city. His only friend is a frequently-injured skateboarder named Beady, who forces Eddie into one uncomfortable situation after another. Arson, hitchhiking, and shoplifting all factor into a pivotal night during which Eddie must choose the person he wants to be.Previously published in "Storychord".

Candy Dish is a short collection of five hundred word stories. These stories are just like candy for the brain.Candy Dish is a short collection of five hundred word stories. These stories are just like candy for the brain."There were some interesting ideas and the author clearly respects the power of language and knows how to leverage the same in creating sound plot structures and narratives." - Katie Lawson, 4/27/2015

Don Phillips lives in a part of Spain where you have to speak the language. These four amusing and basically true stories reflect various moments in the last twenty five years he has lived there where this has caused the odd problem.Living abroad can be good and enjoyable, but there are some things that have to be taken into consideration before you go. Firstly the locals will almost definitely talk a different language and it is really up to you to learn enough of it to at least get by. Secondly, you have to accept that the natives will have different values and culture to the one you are used to. Lastly, if you do not accept all this and learn to live with it then you will be at the mercy of others whenever you want to do anything, such as buy or sell a house or query something in your bank statement. These four stories illustrate some of these difficulties in a humorous way.

After experiencing tragedies that lead her to a checkered life, Natasha has decided to go on the path to redemption. There is promise with her membership at Reverend Jamison’s church. When discoveries are accidentally made, does Natasha stay mum about what she’s learned or does she place a taint on religion? (short story)Disclaimer: Deals with adult situations.Short Story (approx. 4,500 words)Natasha was taught three things: to love God, to love herself and to always go to church. When a sea of tragedy strikes in her youth, she strays from the path of God. Realizing the error of her ways, she seeks redemption in her adult years. Reverend Jamison and his church looks to be the answer to her prayers. Yet when things in the dark come to the light, Natasha is faced with a tough decision. Does she stay silent with her discovery or does she dare put a taint on religion?

This is a short story based on events that happened within the Kasadya Hellhound Series.What ever happened between Max and Nanini?This is a short story based on events that happened within the Kasadya Hellhound Series.What ever happened between Max and Nanini? Nanini is determined to make Max as miserable as possible. She doesn’t want a mate, she just wants to be free. She is not going to submit, no matter what.Max is determined to make this doom mating work. But taming the flaming fae isn’t going to be easy. She doesn’t want anything to do with him, and fights him around every turn. Will destiny take the lead, or is Max in for one hell of ride?

Here is the second story. It is more raw and deals with a challenging subject, but it is what happened. Many women will have faced this dilemna so check it out and see if you agree with the lesson learnt!Every person has their own story. And as a Teacher I heard many stories that astounded me and I wondered why they happened! Then I suddenly realized that each person is unique and is experiencing life differently to everyone else. But why? Then I made another connection – each person has a different life here on this planet so as to learn a lesson or lessons. And some of these lessons are painful to learn and some are pleasant. Once the lesson is learnt a person does not have to experience it again. The problem goes away and a new challenge comes into your life. Rather like a person changing jobs because they are bored and want a new challenge.So I am writing a series of short stories based on real people who I have met or know about. Many of the stories are based on different Asian female students I have taught. Why females, because there were more of them than males!.Each story is between 1,000 and 2,000 words in length and they cover a period of 22+ years from 17 – 39 years of age.I have not used the person’s real name to protect their privacy and usually I have expressed the story in a dramatic way and introduced other issues to emphasize the main theme of the story. So they are fiction based upon true events. The overall theme is Self Discovery and Spiritual Lessons learnt from the experience.

Katryn Johnson is an uncommon first time political candidate for office. Political campaigns and conspiracies are common in America. Strange events happen around her. She often does the unexpected. How will she respond to them? World events, fame, and answers to important questions will change Katryn's life and American politics.Everyone has secrets. Who uses them? What does Katryn know? What secrets are hidden from her? The Announcement takes readers on a journey through politics with a new candidate. Katryn Johnson is an innocent, a first time candidate. Katryn will find herself in the American political version of shark infested waters. Katryn discovers she is the chum every shark wants to eat as the waters grow warmer. Every four years elections are a dirty war for power. This series follows her from innocence into the feeding frenzy of The Election. Life or death may become the important question for Katryn and the people around her. This is the first story in a new, free series. The Announcement kicks off a wild ride into too much money, conspiracies à la carte, betrayals, intrigues, and, of course, murder.

When Alice’s husband, Chuck, dumped her for a beautiful, richer version, Alice wanted revenge. She had the opportunity, but she never acted on it. Now, Todd’s time machine gives her a chance to correct the past. Will she take it? And, if so, what are the consequences?Charlie Eastman, whom everyone repeatedly mistakes for a Texas Ranger, is the protagonist in this fast-paced, contemporary authentic Texas mystery. Set in West Texas today, The Grave On Peckerwood Hill is chock full of authentic dialect, historically accurate facts and geography, and natural humor. The story begins with two teenage boys from drastically different backgrounds sneaking out of their homes after midnight during an ice storm and unwittingly videoing their own murders. Lacking clues, a sheriff begs the help of Charlie Eastman, a retired corruption investigator for the governor’s office. Eastman declines, citing a recent mental breakdown. Unfortunately, Eastman has an auto accident that traumatizes Austin Blackie, a champion stud bull owned by the wealthy widow of Red Pirtle, a simple plumber who launched the do-it-yourself store craze in the fifties. After convincing Eastman that he rendered the bull impotent—“His pecker’s broke,” she tells him—the old woman and a mysterious tattoo artist scam Eastman into searching for her brother, whom she hasn’t seen for seventy years. The case partners Eastman with Doc Page, the red-haired town doctor whose terrible, swift tongue and smell of Noxzema cleansing cream drives him wild. A statue of three enormous peanuts on the town square that locals call Gooberhenge and a one-eared donkey that's mistaken for a unicorn lead Eastman, Doc, and the tattoo artist to the missing brother, who is protected by Central American mercenaries. During the search, Eastman discovers a strange stash of Nazi-plundered relics, the solution to the river bottom murders, and the man responsible for the New London school explosion that killed hundreds of children. The Grave On Peckerwood Hill is second cousin to No Country For Old Men, yet it is more than the pursuit of an evil force sporting an eighties haircut. The protagonist, Charlie Eastman, is Harry Potter in mid-life crisis. He’s a magnet for everything he wants to avoid. The story is as multifaceted as a Curb Your Enthusiasm episode with a mix of humorous, sociopathic characters. Fans of Elmore Leonard should find it to their liking.

First comes the invite then the obsession and finally possession. In a village in Lincolnshire a dark spirit looms waiting to preoccupy its next victim. A young girl comes into sight, her father dead and her mother is insane. Charlotte invites the spirit into her life and body. She has no idea what she has got herself into. But there is still hope can her cousin and Friend save her in time?When Tom's Uncle goes MIA his mother decides she has to be with her sister. She moves to the small town of Northlands in the middle of Lincolnshire England. Charlotte Tom's cousin is taking her father's disappearance hard and refuses to talk to anyone even her Best Friend Holly. Then she makes a huge mistake she lets a Demon into her body and mind. Can her Friend and Cousin save her in time or will she become the Trader's next victim.

Yesterday was Oblivion, tomorow Desolation arrives, but tonight we stand in the silence between both and neither.*Excerpt, from the works of Grand Scholar, and The Great War expert Djanus Todomari from the Imperium Archives*The battle of Volun 3, fought from Daliupus 24th to the 27th was the decisive large scale fleet engagement of the Volunian-Imperial war of 1894 and thus turned the flow of the whole conflict decisively in the favor of the Empire.The stunning victory had not only destroyed the Volunian Navy, but also effectively neutralized any immediate threat of Federal intervention, since what managed to escape the battle was in no condition to fight.This combined with Field Marshall’s Cornelia’s rapid call for reinforcements and taking of Volun 4 now directly threatened not only Galiana, but much of the Federal and Republican economy.Galiana was more than a fortress, it was located at the intersection of the entire western galactic warp highways, making it vital for commercial trading and military supplies and an essential route for previous invasions of Imperial territory.But with Volun 4 now taken, the Imperial’s now had the means to effectively stop such a vital artery from flowing.The war was now for the most part won, but we had to be careful, less we lose the peace!For the battle was a complete success, the economy would flourish and our then foes where for the most part vanquished, too many it seemed like everything had ended well.As such it was plain for the few wise ones amongst the Empire that it was a recipe for disaster!The most effective way to explain this was by analyzing the words exchanged by the high ranking officer during the strategic meeting after capturing Volun 4.The Empire up until that point had never been acknowledged as a sovereign nation by the Federation.Despite the fact that it was not originally part of the Old Commonwealth, which the Federation and the Republic was its successor, they had always used as their main argument for battle the right of governance, since the Federation like the Commonwealth, claimed that it and it alone was the only legitimate body for ruling all of space.And that was why the capture of Volun 4 was the recipe for disaster.To them and the Federal public at large, it’s loss meant that Galiana, the fortress that was the only thing that stopped the ‘imperial barbarians’ was now directly threatened , thus any and all reservations for the war where being swept away in a sea of panic and hysteria.Also, it was by then clear for all to see that the Volunian-Imperial was would escalate into the Federal-Imperial war and with Galiana on their side the Federation had a decisive advantage.And although taking Volun 4 was a sound decision from a strategic and tactical point of view, from a logistical one it was a nightmare waiting to happen!The supplies needed for such an endeavor could only be brought either by a convoy which itself needed a sizeable escort, or by a small warp train which could not be depended to supply the full needs of the fleet and fortress required to hold Volun 4. In contrast Galiana had hundreds of trains, a huge storage capacity, massive defensive capabilities, and on top of it all it had its own agricultural, industrial and military facilities, along with access to solar and other means for energy made it a self sufficient fortress which even cut off from the rest of the galaxy could sustain a fleet of 60 to 80.000 ships indefinitely and a sizable population of 18.000.000 without too much difficulty.Thus even with the fleet in shambles, they could still hold on against an Imperial assault and if and when the Federals would send a fleet to reinforce Galiana, the combined forces could in a battle of attrition defeat the Imperial forces and outlast them supply wise. And even worse the Republic who up until that point had maintained neutrality would no doubt use this instance to further their influence.We had gained power, now we had to use it wisely!Grand Scholar and Great War Expert Djanus Todomari Imperium Archives8th BALADA book.

The sad and depressing Chicago ER has worn down Dr. Michael Sheehan. He wants more. He wants to make a difference. He wants to give back. And what goes around comes around. ~~~~~ Doctors Without Borders has just the spot for Doc Sheehan, and Pablo is glad Doc came. The local historian and storyteller believes in paying it forward, even if no one can understand quite how he pulled it off.Evolved Publishing presents a feel-good story to brighten your day. At just over 4,000 words, this quick story from the author of the psychological thriller "Forgive Me, Alex" is the perfect distraction from your hectic day.~~~~~~~~~~...Stress stalked like a murderous mistress in any profession, but particularly so for a surgeon. Stress begot distraction, distraction begot mistakes, and one simple mistake by Dr. Michael Sheehan could well beget death. No one demanded he be perfect, of course--no reasonable person would expect such a thing.......They merely required he make no mistakes....~~~~~~~~~~The sad and depressing Chicago ER has worn down Dr. Michael Sheehan. He wants more. He wants to make a difference. He wants to give back.And what goes around comes around.~~~~~Doctors Without Borders has just the spot for Doc Sheehan, and Pablo is glad Doc came. The local historian and storyteller believes in paying it forward, even if no one can understand quite how he pulled it off.This feel-good story is a reminder that when we do good, we get good.

Alex Baker has been waiting for Rafe Sanchez to ask her out ever since she started working at Holly Day’s Diner, where Rafe plays guitar five nights a week. But when he finally invites her to spend Christmas Eve with her, a nursing home is not what she had in mind. But Christmas is a time for surprises, and such is the case with Rafe… and his mysterious holiday date!Sometimes, it's very difficult to draw the thin line between what is right and what is wrong. A case at hand is the one provided in this heart aching short story... how is this wrong? Is something wrong because there are circumstances that made it so or is it wrong because there is a universal judge? These questions and others are humorous implied in this short story. Michael is perhaps crazy enough to put all of us in a place where we are the ones to answer the question for him.

A short story for the lunch time break about how when too much religion can turn a person the other way. And others that take advantage of the situation for their own benefit.Jules' job as a homicide detective has become the perfect cover as he pursues supernatural beings that are determined to eliminate him. This short thriller will have you wishing for more... once you catch your breath.