TIDINGS OF FEAR by Ericka Scott

TIDINGS OF FEAR by Ericka Scott

A psychic, a skeptic, and a serial killer...

Psychic Lia Morgan sees portents all around her. Although estranged from her family, she joins the search for her missing sister. A simple case gets complicated fast when she discovers her sister's plethora of secrets includes a son.

Professor Jared Trimble's world has no room for paranormal mumbo-jumbo. When asked to consult on a case involving a series of crossword puzzles, he's conflicted. Is he a suspect, or an investigator?

While Lia uses her physic gift and follows signs, Jared uses his wits and experience. When the two collide, passions flare and the final clue brings them both into the bull's-eye of a serial killer's target.


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Copyright 2011, Ericka Scott
All rights reserved, Lyrical Press, Inc,


Jared put his hand on Lia’s shoulder. Its warmth seemed the only heat in the room.

The officer put his pen down and looked at her with narrowed eyes and a grim expression. She shivered.

“No, I’m sorry we haven’t had a chance to call you. Do you know where Sylvie’s partner Margaret is?”

Confused, Lia shook her head. “I tried to call her earlier.”

“Please call her again.”

“Sure.” Lia pulled her phone out and punched in Margaret’s phone number.

“Put it on speaker, please.” The officer snapped.

The call went straight to voice mail.

“Then it’s not only our calls she’s avoiding,” he murmured.

“We don’t understand.” Jared said. “Has there been a new lead?”

The officer’s expression darkened, and Lia felt her eyes well up with tears. Oh God, Sylvie was dead.

“No.”

“Then, why--” Lia began.

“We have reason to believe your sister voluntarily disappeared with her son to avoid appearing in court.”

“Court?”

“She didn’t tell you?”

Lia pursed her lips. “I already told one of your officers that I haven’t had contact with my sister for seven years. Honestly, I didn’t even know she’d had a baby.”

“Well, seems the father of the child is suing for custody.”

“Custody?” Lia felt stupid echoing back the officer’s words, but she didn’t know what else to say. She’d assumed that the baby had been the result of in vitro fertilization, or whatever method of conception most gay couples used.

“Yes, she and Deion were to appear in order to obtain a DNA sample to prove Mr. Kyle Creswell’s paternity.”

Lia’s mind went numb.

“We suspect your sister disappeared voluntarily to avoid that event. It’s doubly suspicious that her partner is also missing.”

Lia swallowed, hard.

“You think this is a staged disappearance. A hoax?” Jared stated.

“Yes, we do.”

“Oh my,” was all Lia could say. Could Sylvie have simply run away, leaving everything--her house, car, business and valuables--behind? It didn’t seem like something her sister would do, but did she really know Sylvie anymore?

“We can no longer dedicate men and resources to investigating the disappearance. Unless new information comes in, we really have no choice but to close the case.”

“I see,” Lia said, her voice sounding small and unsure to her own ears.

“But what if she didn’t disappear voluntarily?” Jared asked.

The officer’s gaze softened a bit. “I’m sorry. I know this must be difficult for you, especially since you traveled all this way.”

Lia started to stand, but Jared’s hand held her down. He didn’t seem ready to admit defeat. “If we turn up something that indicates she didn’t disappear of her own accord--”

“Then, by all means, give us a call. But honestly, I don’t think that evidence exists.”

At that moment, the lights in the station flickered and went out.

The officer cursed. “Stay here, and I’ll go see if one of those damned reporters plugged too many cameras in out front and blew a fuse.”

Then, just as suddenly as they went out, the lights came back on. Lia’s eyes were drawn to the alarm clock sitting on the officer’s credenza. The time flashed on and off. The clock displayed all eights.

Lia shivered. She didn’t have an ounce of evidence to support her belief that Sylvie hadn’t disappeared voluntarily, she simply knew. If the police weren’t going to be out looking for her, that meant she had to find Sylvie.

As if reading her mind, Jared bent over, and murmured softly, “Don’t worry, we’ll find her.”

She wished she could be so sure.

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TAIL ON THE MOON by Sandra Sookoo

TAIL ON THE MOON by Sandra Sookoo

Finding herself is harder than she expected.

Rosemary Nickles is stressed out. She has no knack for magic, and lives in Crystal Falls, where that just won't do. It's not easy being a plain old human in a town full of magic makers, especially when her sister is incredibly talented in the paranormal department.

Part-time firefighter, full-time hottie Luke Nolin harbors a secret. Every month he turns furry and howls at the full moon. Even living and working in Crystal Falls, he's not comfortable being a werewolf. Years earlier he nearly killed someone, so devotes his energy to hiding his inner lycanthrope.

If Luke can learn to embrace his true self, then Rosemary might just discover there is more to her than even she knows about. Their path to true love isn’t easy - the town is a mess, the resident witch and order-keeper is gone, and a gang of thugs has taken over Halloween. But this is Crystal Falls, where through acceptance and love anything is possible...just remember to watch out for things that go bump in the night.

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Copyright 2011, Sandra Sookoo
All rights reserved, Lyrical Press, Inc.

Almost there. She strained forward and, giving every last smidge of energy she had left, ran toward the opening in the trees. Beyond, the dark pavement of the road glimmered, bathed in moonlight. All she needed to do was follow the road into town, providing, of course, the boys didn’t follow.

Her heart felt stuffed in her throat. Behind her, a rifle shot broke the silence of the night. Rosemary took another step then faltered as a searing pain ripped through her right hip. Sticky wetness dribbled over her skin, tickling as it edged down her leg on gravity’s pull. In disbelief, she put a hand to the affected area and when she brought it up, blood clung to her fingers.

She wondered why the boys had shot her, but not having an answer, she had no choice except to continue. Not paying attention, she tripped over a rotted, fallen log and pitched down a slight rise. Face first in the cool grass, she lay still, hoping the teens would get scared and leave her alone.

As soon as the hoodlums burst from the trees, the roar of a motorcycle droned into the silence, steadily increasing in volume the nearer it came. Rosemary risked a glance up. The teenagers scattered, cursing as they melted into the wooded area. Struggling to her feet, she staggered toward the road. She had to get home to be safe.

By the time she felt the rough texture of the asphalt beneath her toes, she was shaking and nearly in tears. Why had they singled her out? More than that, why didn’t they leave the town alone? She wrapped her arms around her torso. The white beam of the motorcycle’s headlight cut through the gloom, competing with the moon to illuminate the roadway.

She squinted, sucking in a breath of surprise when the machine rolled to a halt a feet few from her. Without a helmet, the man’s shaggy brown hair danced about his forehead in the breeze. Concern shone from glittering eyes while his stubble-covered jaw worked in amazement.
“Ma’am, are you okay?”

Rosemary stared at his wide shoulders and barrel chest. Her knees buckled and she sank to the chilly pavement. He sounded exactly like the voice she kept hearing in her head.

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LIFE, SUDDENLY by Sandra Sookoo

LIFE, SUDDENLY by Sandra Sookoo

Sometimes life happens suddenly and when you weren't looking for a change.

Tala Henderson grew up with her Native American roots playing a role in her day-to-day life. But when she caved to familial pressure and gave up the one man she could love, the pain she felt told her she could no longer afford to let anything - even her deep investment in her culture - determine her destiny.

Craig Wordell was all but destroyed when Tala ended their relationship before it could begin. A small town boy who made good, he never forgot the one who got away nor has he forgiven her for choosing her family's ideals over him. Wanting one more chance, he looks her up and tracks her to the church on the day of her sham wedding.

As soon as they see each other, the simmering passion they've felt for fifteen years boils over and they give into their baser instincts, where souls collide and mesh. When a simple misunderstanding threatens to undo the tentative trust and bury the love they've discovered, it will take acceptance and love on both parts for them to realize that sometimes life happens suddenly and maybe fate just waited for them to find the right path.

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EXCERPT:

“I’m assuming the happy nuptials are off?”

“I can honestly say they are, which is a good thing.” A shiver shook her body and caused the sequins on the shoulder straps of her gown to wink in the sunlight. A grin lifted the corners of her full, kissable lips. “I really need to get going.”

A stab of annoyance pricked him. Oh, she didn’t get the option of dismissing him this time. “I don’t reckon you’ll get far in the snow in those fancy sandals.” He glanced pointedly at her feet then smiled when she released the skirt and the fabric hid the shoes. “Wait.” A few strides brought him to her side and he grabbed Tala’s arm, her skin cold beneath his fingers, swinging her around to face him. “Where are you headed? I’ll take you anywhere. Consider it a gift from an old friend.”

Confusion played through her dark eyes as she stared into his face. “What the hell. We only live once, unless you’re my mother, who tells me daily I’ll return to the earth as a wolf.”

“Because you’re on the prowl?”

“You wouldn’t understand.” For a few fleeting seconds, her expression was veiled.

His stomach clenched with old hurts. “Try me. We’ve both grown up.”

Her gaze was curious, assessing. “Maybe I’ll explain later.”

“Okay.” Craig released his hold, stepping back in order to put space between them. “Were you in love with him?” She didn’t look like a woman who’d just broken off an engagement.

“Actually, no.” Her eyebrows sloped downward in a frown, and a few wrinkles marred her high forehead. “Miles is a good friend. When he asked me to marry him, I accepted thinking at least I’d have someone to pal around with for the rest of my life.”

“Or was it because of his heritage?” He shouldn’t have said that. It was low.

“There’s that.” She visibly swallowed. “And, with marrying Miles, I wouldn’t be alone.”

“Either one sounds like a stupid reason for getting married.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “Why not move in together as roommates if you felt that way?”

“I--” A flush colored her cheeks and she stared, beyond his right shoulder.

“What about passion, Tala? God, you were such a fiery girl back in school. I can’t imagine you’d have lost the spark now. Don’t you want to feel what it’s like to be consumed by that one person who you’ve searched for all your life?”

“Well, I--” She smoothed a hand over her hair, still refusing to look at him.

“Life’s too short for excuses and living as a shadow.” The urge to release her hair from its pins gripped him. Would it be as thick as he remembered? Would it tangle around his hands if he embraced her? “You deserve a man's full attention, his devotion and desire. Only the lucky ever find a true fit.”

She met his gaze and held it for a few long seconds before responding. “Why are you here, Craig? I haven’t seen or heard from you in years and now, all of a sudden, you’re at the same exact church on my wedding day. What gives?”

A heated flush rose up his neck. “I, uh, have a subscription to the local paper here and saw the announcement.”

She arched an eyebrow in her disbelief. “So you rushed here to congratulate me in person?”

“No.” Shoving his hands in the pockets of his jacket, he gave her a smile. “Honestly?” When she nodded, he sighed. “I came to talk you out of it.”

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MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S STEVE by Sandra Sookoo

MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S STEVE by Sandra Sookoo

A Holiday Magic Story

She's not your grandma's Tooth Fairy.

Three months have passed since Steve Compton's last visit to Crystal Falls. Now he's back, but far from pleased about it. Convinced there is more in the air than clean living, he's a journalist on the hunt for a story that'll launch his career into the stratosphere.

Zoe Nickles loves the small-town atmosphere, the people, and most especially the great hiding places in Crystal Falls. She's heard rumors about the magical aura in the tiny town, and when her powers come to fruition one June night, she knows the whispers are true. She's the Tooth Fairy--with a sexy new look!

But there's a problem: a nosy reporter is on Zoe's trail, with just enough street smarts and cynicism to thwart her ability to practice her newfound skills. Can she convince him Crystal Falls is harmless before he tells the world about the town's "unique" quality, or will Steve blab the news, putting Zoe and all the paranormal residents at risk?

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Excerpt

No, no, no. Panic zigzagging through her system made her feel like an old-time pinball machine. This wasn’t what she wanted.

A girl saw a hot guy. He liked her, she liked him, they had a normal conversation about normal stuff and then they kissed and lived happily ever after. That was how life was supposed to work. She huffed her annoyance. “Except I’m not exactly normal and he’s too stubborn to see the forest for the trees.”

It was the last glance at his jeans-advertisement-worthy rear end that made the decision for her. She’d seen the need in his eyes before he walked away. He wanted the kiss just as much as she did. It was time to add another line to the story. Girl saw the guy she wanted, ignored that he was acting like an idiot and went after him.

“Steve, wait!” When he turned around, she half-ran, half-stumbled across the lawn and threw herself into his arms. “There’s one more point I need to make.”

“What--”

She didn’t let him continue. In her ridiculous heels, she barely needed to maneuver into position. Capturing his face between her palms, she held him steady and claimed his mouth. The day’s growth of stubble scraped against her skin and his lips, both firm and pliant, were warm beneath hers. Pulling slightly away, she searched his gaze for a sign to continue, and when he slightly lifted an eyebrow, she smiled. He felt go good, she wanted another taste. Zoe wound her hands around his neck and kissed him again.

Pressing her mouth more firmly against his, she nibbled his bottom lip, surprised by its supple curve. His fingers stroked up and down her back, traced the line of the zipper in her costume. Zoe shivered at the light touch, craving skin-to-skin contact. When his questing fingertips explored her wings, like they did before, the shivers turned to massive quakes of need that made her tingle from head to foot. Her nerves almost sang with acute awareness.

All too soon he ended the embrace, his ragged breathing blending with hers in the quiet of the yard. “Whoa.”

“Gee, with that sort of vocabulary, no wonder you’re a journalist.” Sarcasm dripped from her words. Zoe’s traitorous heart beat a frantic rhythm. Seconds before, she’d been sure the doubt she’d caused had thrown him off track. Now that they’d kissed, she wasn’t so sure she hadn’t created a new set of problems. He’d felt her wings--twice now. What did he think of them, of her? As the corners of his mouth tilted upward with a grin, she swallowed. She knew his eyes would be warm pools of chocolate, and she rued the fact the darkness obscured them.

“Wow, I like the way you debate.” He released her so quickly she stumbled. “Still, it’s not enough to distract me.”

“What do you mean?” Her earlier passion fled in the face of chilly foreboding. Zoe clutched the satin bag that hung from her wrist as she remembered the admonitions from the Institute. Standing here, talking to Steve would probably not reflect well on her new position. Above all, she had to make sure he didn’t really believe she’d flown.

“You know what I’m after, Zoe, and it’s not a tryst in someone’s backyard.” Steve shoved a hand through his hair, upsetting the waves into a disheveled haystack. “I came back to this town to ferret out the magical and the strange. Quite frankly, your appearance tonight is the strangest thing I’ve seen in some time.”

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THE BETA by Annie Nicholas

THE BETA by Annie Nicholas
The Vanguards Book 3

Three days of hell, in charge, and running out of antacids.

As the pack's Beta, Robert needs to watch over the Vasi werewolf pack for a few days. He hates the responsibility, but his job is to dissolve any problems while his alpha honeymoons. Nevertheless, trouble comes to town and her name is Esther. She's beguiling, beautiful and picks his pocket. Although Robert doesn't trust her, he still wants to possess her.

Esther arrived in Chicago with the intention of slaying a vampire named Daedalus. While trailing her quarry, she encounters Robert who unhinges her world. He doesn't know her trade, and she doesn't know his connection to the vampire. Disturbed by her attraction to this unusual werewolf, she can't decide which prey to hunt. The one who's stolen her heart or the one who'll fill her bank account.

Hot graphic werewolf sex, growing body parts, and one pissed off Nosferatu.

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Excerpt:

Another man exited the building not long after the vampire. He wore a rumpled button-down, short-sleeved shirt tucked into loose jeans. His mouse brown hair cried for a cut and a comb.

He pushed his glasses up his nose and bent to tie his running shoes.

Recognizing him as the person who had accompanied Daedalus earlier, Esther heard opportunity knocking. He didn’t look like a threat being thin and weak. She crossed the street and approached him from behind. “Excuse me. Do you have the time?”

Glancing over his shoulder, his gaze traveled along her bare legs, to her knee length loose skirt, and finally met her stare. Her breath caught in her throat. The irises of his eyes reflected a non-existent light and shone pale amber. He blinked and it vanished, must have been the glasses that gave such a strange effect.

He rose in a single fluid motion that set her predator alarm off. Checking his cellphone, he gave her a shy smile. “It’s ten after two.” He scanned the area around them. “This is a dangerous part of town, ma’am. You shouldn’t walk around alone. Trouble is going to find you.”

Or maybe find him. She eyed his wiry arms and changed her assessment of him. Lean, tight muscles slid under his skin as he moved. He wasn’t weak, more like a cross between a martial artist and a geek.

“Are you offering to walk me home?” Flashing him her most flirtatious smile, she toyed with a piece of her hair.

He swallowed. “S-sure.” Shuffling to her side, he fell in next to her, eyes darting around them.

Men were so easy to manipulate, but this one actually wanted to protect her. So cute, she could have pinched him. Trying to be discreet, she took quick peeks at him. Nice strong chin and straight nose. Maybe a hint of freckles? It was difficult to tell in the dark.

“I’m Esther.” She held out her hand. What the hell prompted her to use her real name?

Wrapping a firm hand around hers, he shook it. “I’m Robert.”

His touch sent tingles along her arm. The name seemed too mature for him. “What are you doing out so late, Rob?” How did such a polite man like him get involved with a Nosferatu? She checked his neck for bites and didn’t see anything, but there were more places on the body to feed from besides the neck. It would be a shame if he was a blood slave.

“Robert is fine. I was checking on a…friend.” He stuffed his hands in his pockets. “And you, Esther?”

She laughed. “I’m up to no good.” And she winked at him.

A rosy blush surfaced on his cheeks as he stumbled.

Something in this man attracted the devil inside of her. She entangled her arm around his and leaned into his hard body. The strength hidden under the geeky exterior sent a pleasant shiver through her body. Not all things were as they appeared. She hated surprises but not this one. If this was an act then he deserved an Emmy. She glanced at him, pleased that she needed to arch her neck back slightly to meet his sharp green gaze.

God, what was she doing? She assessed him like a potential lover instead of a possible avenue to get her mark. Stupid, focus. Once Daedalus was out of the picture she’d come back for Rob if she still wanted him. Until then…she stopped in front of a duplex. “This is my place.” She lied with the ease of an expert.

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SHATTERED by Ericka Scott

SHATTERED by Ericka Scott

Do you really know the people you love?

Karen Ferguson has it all. She's on the verge of graduating, has an enormous trust fund, and she's newly married to a gorgeous man. Life is wonderful until a letter arrives for her husband Tony: His mother has died and he's inherited a run-down but beautiful country house.

Karen expected Tony to be upset. He wasn't. In fact, Tony's curious reaction to his mother's death bothers Karen so much that she goes in search of answers. Once she unearths the first clues at the farmhouse, she begins to wish she'd left well enough alone. But it's too late, and what she discovers will forever change the way Karen looks at life, at men, and especially at her husband...

Available in ebook and print.

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Excerpt:
We slept in Tony’s old bedroom. After making love, I dropped off to sleep almost immediately. Around three o’clock in the morning, I woke up alone. Where was Tony? Perhaps in the bathroom. When twenty minutes had passed, I went in search of him. He was nowhere in the house, but when I looked out the window, I could see a light on in the garage.

Poor guy must have been looking for the box of his mom’s stuff. I really needed to go help him find it. I’d had the workers put some of the furniture out in the garage, and they had probably buried the box. I pulled on my robe and found my way downstairs.

Buster whined from his dog run, and I paused to pat his head. Hopefully Tony would warm up to the pooch and I could let him run free tomorrow.

Through the half-open garage door, I could see Tony. He was picking up things and throwing them. I jumped at the sound of glass shattering. He bent down and picked up an object. I recognized it as the answering machine. It was an old one that used a cassette tape to record the messages. As I watched, he tried to pry the flap open with his fingers, but it was jammed shut. In a fury, he heaved the machine against the wall. It dropped, unopened. To my dismay, he dropped his head into his hands, and I saw his shoulders shake. He was crying. I started forward and then stopped. He hated any show of emotion, especially tears. He’d never forgive me if he knew I’d seen him cry. He wouldn’t believe that it made me love him more and not less. So I turned and crept back to the house, leaving him alone with his grief.

Poor Tony.

Had he ever called his mother? He had to be haunted by the thought that she was lying there, alone and dying, perhaps listening to someone leave a message and unable to tell them she needed help. Tears prickled the inside of my lids.

A dark shadow fell over me. Tony. I was glad I had my eyes closed.

His weight shifted the bed as he crawled in beside me. I hoped he couldn’t tell from my breathing that I was only pretending to be asleep. I couldn’t stop thinking about that answering machine. Would unscrewing the bottom of the unit expose the tape? After Tony had thrown it against the wall, it wouldn’t matter if I ruined the machine by taking it apart.

It seemed like hours, but finally Tony’s breathing evened out. I slipped out of bed. It only took a minute to find the screwdriver in the kitchen drawer where I’d put a few tools. I turned on the light in the garage and went to work on the answering machine.

I was right. There were six or seven screws, but once they were loosened, the whole machine came apart in my hands. The tape slipped to the floor, and I bent to retrieve it, resisting the urge to pump my fist in the air in victory. My delight was short-lived, for suddenly I couldn’t breathe.

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