THE BEAST WITHIN ...

Zane kicks a rock into oncoming traffic on his way home from school. A car skids and the brakes screech, but Zane's head remains slumped, as dark bangs fall into his eyes and mingle with a single tear.

 He drags his feet up the front porch steps and his mother greets him at the door. 

“Happy Birthday, honey. Go wash up, dinner will be ready soon. I made your favorite, mac and cheese.”

“Mom, there’s nothing happy about this day. Remember we buried Buster this morning?”

She swallows a golfball sized lump. “I know, but tomorrow’s Saturday and you’ll have a wonderful surprise.”

“Yeah, whatever.” All I want is another dog ... a dude’s dog.

*     *     *    *     *

Zane buries his head under the pillow as sunlight streams through the bedroom window. Snarls and the sound of ripped fabric filter through his covered ears.

“What the ...” he murmurs and lifts the pillow, covering his nose. “Gross! It smells like something died in here.” Nails scratch into the hardwood under the bed and the growls and shredding noises continue.

Holding his breath, he peers over the edge and sees a scraggly, wagging tail on the butt of a little mangy mutt. “No, she didn’t ... not this,” he says through gritted teeth. “MOM!”

The door flings open. “SURPRISE! Isn’t fluffy the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?”

“No ... It’s ugly, smelly, and looks as if he’d bite anything.”

Her face flushes. “Oh, well, yes. They did say he has that problem, but with a bit of love and affection, I’m sure he’ll outgrow it.”

“He bites! Great ...”

She pulls out a leash from behind her back and hands it to him. “Why don’t you take fluffy for a walk and start to bond with him. He’s your dog now.”

Zane watches as fluffy tears apart his favorite trainer. “Yeah, right. Bond with that ...” He points at the dog as he rips apart the other one.

Time passes and Fluffy seems to enjoy his new home and the taste of Zane’s neighbors and friends. Bite-after-bite, he even licks his chops.

But what happens to them? Suddenly they start asking Zane for brains ...

MY ZOMBIE DOG by Charmaine Clancy

Will Zane be able to keep his dog from infecting the whole neighborhood? Or will it be too late to stop the plague that has erupted?

Amazon: Link

Facebook: Link

Now this in one story I can really SINK my teeth into. LOL.. BAD PUN, I know, but I HAD to say it. All kidding aside this story sounds like a ton of fun. Both kids and adults will love this. I know I can’t wait to read it.

Charmaine hails from down under, so I’m sure we will get some fun Aussie wit, in this tale. Please drop by her blog and say hi to her. I met her through the Romantic Friday Writers, and believe me she has an awesome sense of humor.

WEll EVERYONE ... This is the FINAL Book. My intro challenge is COMPLETE. I hope you all enjoyed the variety of authors I have featured and THANK YOU ALL for your support of your fellow blogger/authors. I know they appreciate your buying their books. Spread the word about your favorites. I know I have been BLAMED by many that because of my intros their TBR lists are endless. One went so far as to say she was going to charge me. LOL, PLEASE, it’s costing me too. 

Anyway, you have ALL been amazing and your comments have meant so much to me. I hope you can find time to drop by for my reflections post. Take care everyone and I will see you tomorrow? Can you believe the IWSG is TOMORROW? I don’t even get a day off! GEEZ, ALEX, YOU are relentless!  LOL.

Sending out a HUGE HUG to all of you! I couldn’t have done it without YOU!

AS THE CLOCK TICKS ...

The bride of Frankenstein diligently types at her computer. A blue ribbon sweeps up her hair, and a vintage necklace dangles between her chest. She stretches and glances at the clock. It can’t be eleven o’clock already? Two hours have passed ...

She turns off the computer screen and the face reflecting back at her is horror personified. I went to all this trouble and missed the Halloween party anyway. 

She stands and stretches, steps over to the window, and views the fog swirling the rooftops of the city; her house barely in view. Andy’s not going to be to happy. I wonder if he went out tonight or stayed home. She glances out the window again. I should’ve listened to him and taken the car.

An icy chill chokes her as she exists the building. A heavy mist now plays hide-and--seek with her vision. She decides to take the short cut through the old factory, hoping to get home quickly.

The scent of vinegar chips carries on the winds and her stomach growls. A few moments later, she continues on her way and munches on the salty snack, drizzling ketchup down the front of the white wedding dress. Let’s add a bit of gore ... now I really look the part. 

The remaining gap between her and the peeled away hole in the fence grows smaller. She squeezes through and catches her coat on a piece of bent wire. Her ankle twists and a snap rings out as she hit the icy ground. She struggles to stand but her ankle gives, collapsing again. The air chills and wind howls. She starts to panic.

With all her strength, she manages to pull herself upright. She takes the first step and a gasp escapes. The fog sinks low around her shoulders and limits her vision. Her arms stretch out like a real zombie, feeling along the factory wall. 

Pain shoots up her leg, but she continues to move on. Something slices through her hand and blood drips toward her wrist. Tears steam, collecting on her lips and her breathing grows heavy. Nervous laughter emits from her scratchy throat. She hears it echo. Was someone there?

She cups her ear and her eyes dart in different directions. She continues following the wall. Laughter rings out. Am I losing my mind? That wasn’t me ....

Who is laughing?

She turns and looks over her shoulder ...

She couldn’t see through the fog ...

She takes another step ...

Young Eighty by Marjie Myers

Will she make it home? Or does the stranger have other plans? 

As the clock ticks toward midnight anything strange can happen on All Hallows Eve .... And it does.

Amazon: Link 

GoodReads: Link

What could possibly happen to this woman next? Wouldn’t you all like to know? Ha. I do, and it’s an amazing twist. Nothing like you’d ever expect. Marjorie also pairs this short with another story equally as intriguing. So do check it out. I know you won’t be disappointed.

And guess what? Marjorie is offering it today FREE... Isn’t that FANTASTIC? So drop by her blog here. Now you will ALL can find out what happens.... And, all this excitement just happens to fall on my birthday..... What a fantastic coincidence... I am currently at Epot today celebrating. But I will check in VIA iPhone to enjoy the fun...

And TOMORROW is the last day of the challenge. PHEW, we are almost there. Another fun intro coming so do drop by for the final one. I hope you all enjoyed today’s intro. Be sure to drop by Marjerie’s site and thank her for the download.

Have a GREAT day everyone. I know I will... LOL.

A UN-X-PECTED TRIP TO X-TACY ...

The heat of another summer day peaks. Tears splash onto a lab printout: the results of her biopsy.  Cancer ... could it be any worse? Yup, being left at the altar. 

Mollie pics up a beaded, lace wedding dress and sobs into it. Where do I go from here? 

The question rolls through her mind like a locomotive over a track. She dries her eyes and gently packs the dress into the original box, drops it onto the floor, and shoves it under the bed.

The phone rings. Not again. “Hello, Jen.”

“How did you know it was me,” a shrill voice blasts out of the receiver.

“Lucky guess.”

“Are you packed yet?”

“No. I don’t think it’s a good idea just to take off and see where the wind brings us.”

“We’re on the way.” 

Click.

A road trip to nowhere?  Fun ...

*      *     *     *     *

A oversized, oddly shaped blue and red marquis reads  Welcome to MONTANA.

Mollie rolls her eyes. “Montana? You’ve got to be kidding me? Girls, are you sure about this?”

“This is where the coin toss led us. Where’s your sense of adventure, Molls,” Jen said with lilt in her voice. “Besides, we may run into some hunky cowboys.” Jen flexes her golfball size biceps. “Gotta love the guns on those boys.”

Mollie flinches. That’s the last thing I need.

With the gas tank running on nearly empty, they pull off the highway at the first exit.  A small town comes into view. A chipped white pole with GAS printed in faded red letters pierces the periwinkle blue sky.

“Fill up fast and let’s get out of here,” Mollie said.

“What’s the hurry,” Jen piped. She turned around. “I’m starved and thirsty. It’s nearly five o’clock. I’m up for hanging here tonight. What about you girls?”

The two other girls nod. Three brightly lit faces beam at Mollie. 

“All right, I guess.” Mollie sighs.

“Great. We’ll ask the attendant where the locals hang. It’s Friday night. There’s bound to be some hotties out tonight,” Jen said, and jumps out of the car.

Millions of stars twinkle in the midnight blue sky as Mollie enters the local bar.

The bartender hands her a drink, as three guys surround Jen with broad smiles and matching shoulders. Their twanged, husky voices boom in time with the beat of the music.

Mollie inches herself away from the forest of men to the other side of the bar. Why am I here? I should go back to the room. She swallows another sip of her drink, places the glass on the bar, and heads toward the door.

It opens. Mollie steps through and continues down the front stairs. A high pitched whistle forces her to turn.

“Whoa, darlin. What’s the rush.” Perfect white teeth glow from a rugged, tan face.

Mollie blushes and remains speechless. 

“The quiet type, eh? I’m Craig.” He flashes another smile.

Mollie gulps some air. “Hi. I was just leaving. Have a good night.” She turns on her heel and continues down the stairs.

“How can I now ...” He lowers his head. “... when the prettiest girl in town is leaving and taking my heart along with her.”

What a load of cra— Her eyes lock on his puppy dog eyes. 

He extends a tattooed muscular arm ...

Could this be the beginning to another painful end? Or, the sac of sugar to cure her aching heart and body?

Mollie’s doesn’t want to complicate her life any further. But, hunky Craig has other ideas and falling in love isn’t one of them.

HEALING SUMMER by Elizabeth Seckman

Purchase: Link

What an intriguing premise. I like the fact that Mollie isn’t your normal character. She is not only hit with emotional scarring from being jilted at the alter, but to have a a malignancy too. Talk about a being hit below the belt! I certainly would like to know more about her healing ... wouldn’t you?

Elizabeth is an amazing talent and has an infectiously fun personality. If you don’t know her, drop by her blog ... you won’t be disappointed. 

Everyone, have a fantastic Saturday and weekend ... I hope you all enjoyed my special X intro. X is for an X-citing surprise!  I certainly hope you were...

A TWIST OF FATE ...

A young girl waits. Any moment her destiny will be revealed. She paces. Her mind races in several directions. I must be accepted. I must.

The heavy iron and wood planked door creaks open. The chancellor to the  king enters, carrying a scroll. He clears his throat and unravels the parchment. “By the decree of our illustrious King of Arnhem, Aislinn of Bairbhe will be indoctrinated as a page.” He rolls the parchment and eyes her suspiciously. “Your training starts at once. Now go to the stables.”

Aislinn’s face flushes bright red. She swallows hard and races out of the chamber. A smile etches her face, as for now she can honor the death of her treasured brother. Mother will be horror stricken, but I don’t care... this is what I want.

She arrives at the stables. Several pages immediately mock her. Prince Caelan glances toward her with disgust. Aislinn stands tall but only brushes up to their shoulders. She meets their eyes and doesn’t blink ...

*     *     *     *     *

Years pass. Aislinn spars with the Prince and cuts him down. He meets her eye and a grin plays across his smooth, chiseled face. 

“Well done, Lady Knight.”

She beams and pulls him to his feet. He sweeps away the loose hair from her cheek, and locks eyes with her ... 

War with the Speicans is a constant threat ... Aislinn pledges herself to serving Arnhem and her king, but at what cost? Is she willing to give up everything for her love for Caelan?

WOMAN OF HONOR by Nicole Zoltack

The Kingdom of Arnhem trilogy: Woman of Honor, Knight of Glory, and Champion of Valor

Available from: DBP ~ Amazon ~ ARe ~ B&N

Such an interesting twist to this story. A lady Knight forced to chose between her love for a prince and the love of her country. What will she do? I know I’m intrigued. Aren’t you?

I’d like to take this time to thank all of you for dropping by so regularly. With only a few more intros left, I hope you enjoyed my spin on these amazing books and Thank you all for supporting these authors.

Tomorrow is Mysterious X marks the spot.. who will be featured. Tune in tomorrow to find out. See you then and have a great day!

WILL HE? ... OR ... WON'T HE? ... TIME IS RUNNING OUT ...

Vanishing with style is one of his many attributes. But his infinity for trouble proceeds him.

Insightful way beyond his years, he learns all his skills from the streets of New Orleans. Many of his teachers are out to kill him, but with a bright smile and infectious sense of humor he manages to always land on his feet ... presently that is ... one can only guess about tomorrow.

Cast aside by his mother at a young age, she reappears from time-to-time to lend a helping hand ... well perhaps not, more like pushes him over the edge.

Time is running out for our young hero ...

Once more he must escapes death. But how? What’s his next move?

Reading the books already written about him will certainly give us a clue.

Shivers run up my spine just at the thought!

Too many times he escapes with the help of his girl friend.

Alice Wentworth’s a charming, proper, and well read thirteen-year-old girl. A perfect match for our hero. But she has one minor flaw ...

Nearly a day doesn’t go by that she doesn’t crave human flesh. Sadly, Alice is a ghoul, but that doesn’t stop our hero for falling for her.

Don’t they sound like the ideal teenage couple?

In so many dangerous venues, Alice comes to the rescue by helping herself to a tasty snack. It’s a win/win situation. Don’t you think?

Sometimes obstacles far to explosive thrust our teenage couple into a cyclone of impossibilities ... But ... 

Help comes to them, through a mysterious stranger dressed in all black. With bright dark eyes and shiny white hair, no ghost, ghoul, shade, or otherwise could ever stand a chance against him.

May he always be there, just in case ...

Underworld leaders are growing restless. An act of supreme violence against our hero will surely take place soon. The final act ... 

Surely something can be done to stop this atrocity?!

This must not happen! What will we do without that scamp and his outrageous adventures?

Don’t even think of it!

It can’t happen ...

Everyone clasp hands and chant, “He must live ...”

Will this be the end of Victor once and for all?

VICTOR STANDISH MUST DIE by Roland D. YEOMANS

Amazon: Link

I certainly hope not! I’ve grown very fond of Victor. And so have many of you, I’m sure. 

This story was written primarily to introduce Victor to a new audience. Roland has another book already published that continues the story. THE THREE SPIRIT KNIGHT, it’s book four in the Legend of Victor Standish Series.

For today’s intro I’m sure you noticed something a bit different, If you put the first letter from each paragraph together it spells out something. Sneaky me. LOL.

I hope you enjoyed today’s intro. Have a wonderful day everyone!

WHAT DID YOU SEE UNDER YOUR BED? ....

Milo entered his room after his first day of school. High school is not all what it’s cracked up to be, he thought as he flung his backpack onto the bed. Something thumped onto the floor.

He picked up the package wrapped in brown paper tied with twine. Odd. I wonder who left this hear? A simple white envelop hid on the bottom. He pulled it out from underneath and opened it.

Starting over is never easy ... especially for a kid like you. 

A kid like me? What does that mean? He unwrapped a book. A disturbing eyeball looked back at him. He glanced at the title and author. Never heard of this guy before, but I do like weird stuff.

Milo dropped onto his bed and flipped to the first page. Hmmm. A collection of seven Science Fiction, Horror, and Slipstream stories ... cool.

He turned to the first flash story. From Scheol My Soulfire Burns ... How appropriate ...

Imaginary Friendships Aren’t the Easiest to Break .... You said a mouthful. Milo thought of his first friend when he was only five.

You Kill Me ... Hmmm. Wonder what that’s about?

Milo skimmed over the remaining four stories. All intrigued him, but he settled back into his pillow and skipped ahead to the last story, A Monster by Any Other Name.

He thought back at the time when he was seven ...

Imagine the possibilities ...  If you dare.

unseen things by Milo James Fowler

Amazon: Link

It’s always fun to read a collection of shorts. And Milo knows how to catch his readers by surprise. How fun would these be to read on a stormy night? Wouldn’t YOU like to know? I certainly would.

If you can, drop by Milo’s blog. He always has great links to publishers who are looking for short stories. He is one of the most successful short story writer’s I know. And this collection will be sure to please.

AND, if by chance you have a few extra minutes, I have been KNIGHTED... that is correct so please click here and you will be whisked away to a magical place. But sadly the magic doesn't begin until 10.00 am eastern time. I hope to see you there.

Have a great day everyone. Tomorrow an adventure of a different sort. I hope to see you ...