The Owl Branch Book Blog: KIRA FALLS FOR OWEN IN STARK SEPTEMBER

The Owl Branch Book Blog: KIRA FALLS FOR OWEN IN STARK SEPTEMBER: Sometimes it only takes a moment for your whole world to change . When Captain Kira Riley begins working on base at Fort Carson, she think...

The Owl Branch Book Blog: ONE MANS SECRET COULD RUIN LIVES

The Owl Branch Book Blog: ONE MANS SECRET COULD RUIN LIVES: ROSE NEVER COUNTED ON DEFENDING A CRIMINAL WHEN SHE TOOK THE JOB. Jagger Reed has a secret that could destroy lives… And one life that ...

The Owl Branch Book Blog: CHOOSE THE OWL BRANCH BOOK PROMOTIONS

The Owl Branch Book Blog: CHOOSE THE OWL BRANCH BOOK PROMOTIONS: TAKE A BREAK FROM PROMOTING YOUR BOOK- LET THE OWL BRANCH DO THE HEAVY LIFTING FOR YOU PICK ONE OF OUR AFFORDABLE PACKAGES FROM OUR WE...

WELCOME TO THE LIFE OF SEBASTIAN MASTERS IN BLOODY HEARTS

Mr. & Mrs. Masters blessed with a baby boy naming him Sebastian. His sister Ashley, puts on a show letting her parents know she is happy to have a little brother. Meanwhile, even in the hospital, Ashley Masters despises her little brother in every way possible, thinking he is a nuisance. 
While Sebastian grows up under his parents’ roof, loved by his parents Rachel and Michael, he looks towards his sister for help and is in awe of what she does. 
Sebastian Masters regards his older sister as an icon in the medical field just like his mother. Now Sebastian has a strong notion of what he wants to become, but soon Sebastian realizes that following in his sister’s footsteps comes with a higher cost.

 AVAILABLE AT AMAZON

MEET PRES FROM THE MC SERIES

Book 4 of the MC Series continues with Pres.
Pres has never been on shakier ground. Can he keep his Club, Kate and Danny happy? 
Ben lives for his Club and community with the vision of a better world, but he does it alone. His life derails when Danny asks him to become a partner with him and Kate. Pres has never been on shakier ground.
A drunken New Year's party started this unlikely trio. Danny believes Ben is the yin to his yang and puts Ben in front of his Kate every chance he gets. He'll give Kate whatever she wants and finally, she wants Ben. A house full of kids, a Club that's always watching and a President that loses his shit is a lot for one man to choreograph. He has to teach Ben what 'all in' means before Kate's deadline. It's a race he plans on winning. If he could just get Pres to fall in line.


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TEAGUE TRIES TO HELP A FRIEND

Teague's back, but this time he's helping a friend. Nadeya Raymund is one of Teague's former Army buddies. When she goes missing, he wants to know why -- especially when a man turns up at the beach, brutally murdered. Teague knows that Nadeya was looking for this man. Could she have caught up with him and killed him? The clock is ticking. Will Teague solve this mystery before it's too late?

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A LESSON FOR ALL TO BE KIND ALL YEAR ROUND!!!

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A LONG WEEKEND AT THE LAKE!!! WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?

  When three friends, Andrea, Seth, and Melanie, head up to a cabin at Hidden Lake longing for three days of rest and relaxation, they find something a lot different. First Melanie breaks her leg and then Seth and Andrea, returning to the cabin, uncover a conspiracy that began in World War II. Now they find themselves in a fight for survival against those who are keeping the hidden secrets.

GRAB THIS FANTASTIC SUSPENSE NOVEL AT AMAZON

CLAIRE ESCAPED TEMPLETON HOUSE ONCE BEFORE BUT CAN SHE DO IT AGAIN?

Claire Templeton thought she had escaped the horror of life on Butcher Harbor after graduation from high school. Now an upcoming fashion designer in New York City, Claire has to put her bright future on hold and return to Butcher Harbor when her mother attempts to take her own life. Thrust back into the world she grew up in, her past catches up with her quicker than she hoped. As she expected, the ghosts of Templeton House have been waiting for her return, refusing to let her escape their grasp. Claire reluctantly returns to the Harbor, setting off a series of events that throw the town into turmoil and could possibly cost Claire her life.

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SCARY ENOUGH TO KEEP YOU AWAKE AND THRILL YOU ALL NIGHT LONG

She was vain, beautiful and oh so deadly!

The story begins in pre-civil war Virginia. Cyrus Black purchased a massive estate consisting of fifty bedrooms. Twenty-five of which were on the haunted and bloody west wing. Cyrus was a humble man who ran away from the monarchy and in search of a smaller life as a farmer in America. He married his beautiful but troubled wife, Heather, and moved into the famed Manor. Unaware, Heather was a practicing witch. It angered her that the women didn’t bow down to her great beauty.

She lamented the aging process and found a seldom-used spell that would make her forever young. However, she would have to kill her loving husband and remove a body part or relic and hide it within the manor to be used along with five additional relics from future generations in a final ritual that would give her everlasting beauty and immortality. She cursed the mansion to only allow those named Heather Black to live in the house and each of five Heather Blacks fought the will to gruesomely kill their husbands and aid her quest. The spirits of the dead husbands offered them clues to fight the spirit of the original Heather Black.

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THE BEST WAY TO SHOW SUPPORT TO ANOTHER IS TO LEAVE A REVIEW!

A STORY OF A MAN WITH COMMITMENTS TO HIS FAMILY BUSINESS --CAN COLIN SAVE THE FUNERAL HOME?

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Can Abby accept the love of a vampire sworn to protect her? A VAMPIRE'S SAVING EMBRACE BY DARLENE KUNCYTES

A VAMPIRES SAVING EMBRACE

ONE SMALL ACT WILL HAVE SWEEPING REPROCUSSIONS. STARK SHADOWS BY CD BRADLEY.

The butterfly effect: The theory in which one small action, seemingly innocent, can set in motion an entire chain of events with catastrophic results. When Kira Riley first collided with Owen Stark she never dreamed the path it would set her on. Separating herself from Stark she was determined to achieve her mission. No more distractions. But the wheels of fate have already begun to turn. Ghosts of the past have been awakened. 
Before meeting Kira, Owen Stark had been dead inside. He had forgotten how to live and love. He tried to fill the void with anything and everything until he was just numb. From the first moment he crashed into Kira, the flesh and blood man knew there was no going back. She was the drug he must have. He knew he should have walked away. Now that he has crossed the line, he would stop at nothing to have her again. 
A relentless journey but one that has started the dominoes falling in a way they could have never predicted. Sometimes the danger in the shadows is the darkness of your own desire.

STARK SHADOWS IS AVAILABLE AT AMAZON

Bryce gets his chance to clear the air with Aubrie in SUPPRESSED CHAOS.

After the storm subsides and the ominous clouds
lingering over the small city of Ashton Brook
pulls back, the residents are left with two unexplained
occurrences. 

One involving a prominent medical professional and the other
regarding his well known,
high school aged son. 
Neither of which can provide answers. 

*********

Bryce Marshall... helpless and disoriented, 
his only salvation is the truth he has harbored 
for so long. He finally realizes he must give a 
little to get everything back… 

Aubrie Marshall is on the verge of destruction…
All he’s ever known altered and left in turmoil…
Confused, full of hatred, and despising one man…
All he wants is answers and his life back…

Will they gain peace within their lives once more or 
be consumed by the chaos surrounding them?

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A RUMBLING CRESCENDO --DUET STORIES:THE TEMO BUILDS BY BROWNELL LANDRUM

The romance is even hotter as the series goes on. Paige and Griff have made startling discoveries about themselves and the dreamories they are experiencing... Hang on for a story within a story as the two lovers commit on an even deeper level.

What are soulmates? Are people destined to be together? If so, where does "free will" come into play? Can we mess up our fate?
Delve into these questions and more in DUET stories Volume II: The Tempo Builds. The story gets more intimate – and compelling – the better they get to know each other. Starting where Volume I left off, Paige and Griffin continue to navigate some very intriguing, mysterious and poignant challenges in their quest to see if they're destined to be together, in this lifetime and…before.

What are DUET stories?

A DUET is defined as a “contribution for two voices." It involves harmony and melody, progression and passion, give and take, growth and development and, most importantly, love. 

In a similar manner, DUET stories are a series of novels that entertain, inform and enlighten. They delve into the dynamics of attraction, love, spiritual connection, purpose and promise through the lens of music, humor and intimacy. 

DUET stories are fiction, yet they are also “truth.” 

The forces that draw people together. And sometimes keep them apart.

DUET stories:
Lose yourself in the fiction… 
…Find yourself in the truth.

DUET stories are available in both Adults-only and PG-rated versions of the novels. (This is the spicier Adults-only version of DUET stories Volume II: The Tempo Builds).

BOLD & SPICY VERSION--ADULT

MILD --PG VERSION

GET READY COMING SOON THE THIEF OF THE NIGHT GUILD BY ANDY PELOQUIN

Ruthless criminals are made, not born. Queen of Thieves—an insight into the transformation from innocent child to thief and killer willing to do anything to save the ones she loves. 

               ABOUT THE BOOK

I am Ilanna, Journeyman of House Hawk. I do the impossible."

A cunning thief of unrivaled ingenuity, Ilanna is determined to secure her freedom. Nothing will prevent her escape from the Night Guild's callous cruelty, not even the most powerful man in Praamis, Duke Phonnis.

Commanding a crew of pickpockets, bounty hunters, poisoners, and assassins, Ilanna schemes to disgrace the Duke. She must survive blackmail, a bloodthirsty rival syndicate, and enemies within her own House to claim her spoils: vengeance for the deaths of her friends and gold to buy independence.

But all Ilanna's skill may not suffice to protect the one person who matters most: her son.

Fans of Sarah J. Maas and Scott Lynch will love Queen of Thieves…

WANT A SNEAK PEEK?

OK, YOU ASKED FOR IT.

A click sounded behind her. She whirled, drawing her dagger. The room spun and she staggered.

"Ilanna!"

She caught herself on the stone wall. "I'm fine," she growled.

Concern furrowed Allon's brow. "I can see that." He wrinkled his nose at the liquor bottle. "Smell of that stuff makes it perfectly clear how 'fine' you are." His eyes darted to her dagger. "Want to put that thing away?"

Ilanna slipped the blade into its sheath on the third try. She collapsed onto the bed, not even feeling the thunk of her head hitting the wall. "What d'you want?" She glared at him. "S'not really a good time for me right now."

Allon sat on the bed beside her. "I didn't come for that." He gripped her hand. "I came to check on you. It's not easy to lose friends."

Ilanna sneered. "I don't need friends!" The liquor made her head whirl, her movements clumsy. The last thing she wanted was for anyone—especially Allon—to see her in her current state. "Leave me alone."

"I'm not leaving, Ilanna." He pried the bottle from her fingers. "Not while you're trying to drown your pain in drink."

"What do you care?" She pushed him away. "You're a Hound! They meant nothing to you."

"Fair." He shrugged. "But my House lost a Journeyman today, too. And he's not the first one we've lost. Duke Phonnis has increased his efforts to suppress the Night Guild ever since the Black Spire." He didn't meet her eyes.

The Duke's words swam through her drink-benumbed mind. "You know who you are. You know what you have done. You will not escape me. You will not escape justice. I will find you."

Duke Phonnis knew the Night Guild had breached the Black Spire and this was his response. He'd have his vengeance—if not on her, the thief who had humiliated him, he would make her friends suffer. If only he knew how close the blow had struck.

Worst of all, she could do nothing to stop it. He disguised retribution as carrying out the law. The Chief Justiciar of Praamis, highest authority after King Ohilmos, retaliated by killing her friends before her eyes. The Field of Mercy made a mockery of the “Watcher's justice”, as he called it. No one had ever survived the crossing.

The Duke had declared war on the Night Guild, declared war on her when he took her friends. She would not let it stand.

"You've got that look, Ilanna." Allon's eyebrows drew together. "The one where someone dies."

Ilanna balled a fist. "You're damned right. I'm going to make him pay. I'm going to kill the Duke."

Allon shook his head. "You can't."

"Can't?" Ilanna whirled on him, heat flaring in her chest. "You think I'm not—"

"No!" Allon held up his hands. "What I mean is you can't go after the Duke, not directly."

She bared her teeth. "Why not? He'll die just as easily as…" She caught herself before she spoke Sabat's name. "…anyone else."

"Yes, but remember, he's the King's brother. Kill him, and you'll start a war."

"Good!"

"Not good." He spoke in a measured tone. "Think about it first. King Ohilmos has the Praamian Guard. There're more of them than there are of us. Even if every Guild member stood against the Praamian Guard, we'd lose. We can't wage war on the King. Which means you can't harm the Duke."

Ilanna threw herself to her feet. "Don't presume to tell me what I can and can't do, Allon!" She thrust a finger at the door. "If I want the Duke dead, I'll bloody well put the dagger in him myself."

AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW!!!!

THE SHADOW IS A MUST READ FOR SEACLIFF HIGH FANS AND READERS

The Shadow is a paranormal mystery that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. Find out why it is rated 5 out of 5 stars.
amzn.to/2n2aWBq

 

Seacliff High Where the ghosts are as real as the friendships

"The book is intense in an emotional way. The main characters are intelligent and dedicated, Alyson mature beyond her years. Whatever clues the reader puts together as the kids discover facts, the ending will leave you both emotionally drained and wanting to know more."

"Wow! I think this book is the best yet in the Seacliff High series! Packed with suspense, wicked twists and as always, Ms. Daley's wonderful style, combining mystery with the value of family and friends."

"Wow! What a great story. I am so happy to see this series back again. This is well-written with a little bit of paranormal. The ending has my mind reeling and anxiously waiting the next installment."

"I was pulled in to the mystery from the start and read until the end. It's a very good page turner! Lots of twists and turns and believable characters and very good friends."

"My mind is reeling as I sit here thinking about this book that I just finished seconds ago. All I can say is Wow! I want more, I want to know what happens next."

"This fast-paced book has an intriguing plot that involves teenagers solving mysteries, as well as a great storyline and excellent character development. I love Ms. Daley’s writing style; there is always a strong message of the value of friendships and family, while incorporating intriguing mysteries. I highly recommend this series to readers of all ages who enjoy a good, clean mystery."

CALLING ALL BUSY AUTHORS THE OWL BRANCH IS HERE FOR YOU

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YOUR BOOK(S) OUT THERE!!

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EVERY NEED AND BUDGET!!!

ONE LAST ADVENTURE IS FRAUGHT WITH DISASTER AND MAYBE SOME ROMANCE.

Before retiring France Hunter decides to go to the place where she found her first new
species of owl: The Amazon. Her group follows a well-known angler, John Sinclair, and his team, along with a reporter who wants to do a story on Hunter.

Once arriving at the site, Sinclair leaves to go further up the river. He has a show to record and is hoping to catch an even larger fish this time.

Hunter and the group with her run into a gruesome nightmare with the satellite phone
destroyed and one man fighting for life. Sinclair is not due to pick them up for another week. 

Will they survive?

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READ BLAZING HEARTS SEBASTIAN FINDS LOVE ---MAYBE MAYBE NOT

HAS SEBASTIAN MASTERS FINALLY FOUND THE ONE?

Dr. Sebastian Masters has lost his job from Eastbridge hospital, due to insubordination. But now he has come across the perfect woman, Dawn Turlo, who would give him another opportunity - another job offer and his own building with staff. The only catch is marriage. But the problem lies deeper with Sebastian. He doesn't know how to love someone and turns to his long-time friend, Jaysen Stripe for help.
Meanwhile, Adam Ludsgarden, Sebastian's nephew, has sunk deeper into depression due to the loss of his best friend Curtis Brown. Adam has secluded himself in his room and only comes out when necessary, and where Sebastian fails to try with him, Jaysen finds the proper words to soothe his pain.
But as Dawn starts to show her true colors and the way she feels, everything starts to spiral downward under the same roof. Can Sebastian hold everything together? Can he keep the peace? Can he keep his feelings in check after everything that had happened before with Jaysen? The suspicions grow intense, and finally, Dawn Turlo is exposed to the truth. What Sebastian and Jaysen find out is astonishing.

AVAILABLE IN KINDLE AND PAPERBACK

PARANORMAL COMES TO THE MC AND PRINCES--CHRISTIAN HAS SKILLS!

Freaky kids abound!
Paranormal is taking over the Princes and MC. Christian learns, loves and leads us into the new generation of Protectors. He does it the only way he knows, Badass.

This is a continuation of the MC and Princes of Prophecy Series:
Contemplating ending the constant barrage of death and destruction he's seen his whole life brings Christian closer to his family. With Dakota's help, Christian learns and uses his ancestors to control and manage his visions and abilities. Gaining peace for the first time in his life still leaves him lonely. With all he's been gifted, the ability to be touched is not among them. 
Dean thought using her ability to help the police find a killer was a good thing until she realized she was now the hunted. Losing her parents, in an explosion meant for her, she finds her way to the Princes and a man that not only protects and understands her but can hold her too.
Christian has his work cut out for him. Showing Dean, the Princes and the MC what all in means isn't easy when it's wrapped around 'freaky kid' abilities.
This is the story of Christian and Dean.

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JUST WHAT DID HAPPEN IN ROOM 103

Back for her college reunion, Deputy Marshal Marice Houston doesn't expect to hook up with an old boyfriend. Nor, does she expect to be a witness to a deadly assault, which was motivated by a decade-old rape case. Orson Roberts is dead, killed by the owner of the motel where she's staying. Was it really self-defense or was it murder? Can Marice discover the truth of what happened that night in Room 103?

AVAILABLE AT AMAZON

Join Captain Frankie on a trip to Africa to see the big 5 wild animals

This is one chance you won't want to miss out on!  See Africas big five wild animals in action on the Serengeti Plain.  All aboard for fun and learning.

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GET READY!!!! HERE COMES RUSTY

Rusty’s Chronicles

Rusty embarks upon an adventurous journey through life facing different vulnerabilities, conquering handicaps empowered by devotion to his unconditional love. 

This odyssey leads a young pup through challenges facing danger and conquering fears through the first year of his life. The growth and knowledge of some experiences gained are through trial and error. The structure of family and friends strengthen the learning experience while the young pup enriches each life he encounters. Creatures come to life to share inspirations from a magical world of nature. 

Each journal entry portrays a short story or lesson learned. A final thought or reflection closes the segment. How often do we reflect on our experiences and feelings throughout life? The journal format provides an easy method to allocate time periods of a natural progression of growth. The wisdom of insight or enrichment gained from success or even failures intensifies the need to survive. 

Rusty’s Chronicles takes us on a journey visualizing life through the eyes of a lovable pup. Each encounter allows us to laugh, to cry, or just give in to the warm fuzzy feeling of his innocence.

An excerpt:

Mother Nature surely has a plan for all to envision her splendor whenever she beckons. The universe around us is so great and holds within the essence of our very being. Life evolves as we experience changes and growth. We set forth both enduring and embracing our destiny.

Yes, growth; toes sinking down into the soft gooey mud with rain pouring down drenching what use to be nice warm pajamas. The booming thunder overhead provides a challenging setting for nature’s calling for a young pup. The sheer joy of not being fried to a crispy critter by the lightning bolts does tend to leave a certain sense of gratitude.

Rusty’s Journal Entry: Flashes of Light

The splendor of a sunset normally leaves a peaceful feeling with the most beautiful colors painted across the sky. The closing of yet another adventurous day, with nightfall and darkness drifting throughout left an air of uncertainty for me. I snuggle down into my soft, cozy blanket. Binky Bear is already fast asleep and snoring rather loudly…or maybe that is Dad again. The air has a funny smell causing my little puppy fur to stand on end, which is not easy for all those ringlets to do. I close my eyes and put my chin on Binky so that he will not be afraid.

The loud thunderous boom shakes the walls and even the floor causing my bed to walk a few steps across the room. I raise my head and open my eyes wide to adjust to the darkness. Sudden bursts of bright light fill the room ever so often. I look under my bed to see if Dad put training wheels under it. Logically this would explain my sudden departure and relocation. I wag my tail finding the most wonderful surprise…my lost doggy biscuit is right there. Maybe the tooth fairy pup left it since I gave her my first little tooth. Well actually, I think I gave it to Dad since he found it in his foot. Mom convinced me not to eat the tooth. She said that if I put it under my bed, the tooth fairy pup would bring me a treat.

The loud booming thunder and crack of lightning bolts across the sky send my whole little puppy body right out of bed. I race across the floor to find Mom at a lightning fast speed. As I snuggle down beside her, I must have accidentally pointed the wrong puppy part right in Dad’s face. I cannot tell if the word’s “Rusty” or the booming thunder is louder. Which prompts me quickly to snuggle down under the covers to my safety spot; my cave as Dad calls it. I carefully tiptoe down to the end of the bed as not to put my little paws on Dad. That is until I find his toes. What a smell, this is better than my bugs…maybe he will not mind if I just sample a few of them. My tiny tongue licks ever so lightly on first his big toe and then the next one. My delight, suddenly brought to a halt, as Dad bolts upright in the bed leaving the cave door open for both of us to be exposed to the firework display. Dad must have found his vision to be able to move that quickly. I wonder why he is grabbing the legs of his pajamas shaking them as if he found a bug. I remember how Dad put a bug in his pocket…I wonder if he puts them in his pajamas too.

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Get ready to welcome THE MAKER to THE LONEWOLF SERIES OF SCIFI ADVENTURES BY DELLANI OAKES

The Maker – Book 3 in the Lone Wolf Series by Dellani Oakes

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT!!!!!

If anyone had asked Wil VanLipsig where he'd be in five years, he surely wouldn't have said he'd be fighting the ultimate evil on an unknown planet in a lost galaxy. Fighting a war, probably. Killing off insurgents, righting political wrongs, following another man's agenda, decidedly. Funny how life throws things in our paths that we must overcome. Wil is no different. With the help of his wife, Matilda, their good friends and benevolent aliens, they battle the Kahlea's slaves, wondering when the Grand Master himself will arrive. What's next for this tiny, insignificant oddment of miners and marines? Travel to the forgotten world of Shakazan and find out!

The Maker is Book Three in the Lone Wolf Series, with more to come. The story is far from being told.

HERE'S A LOOK AT A SCENE

Wil dragged Matilda back down the tunnel. Roaring, Surau rushed them from the rear. Ben and Marc took shots at him, but they didn't have time to aim carefully. The shots went wild, zinging around the tunnel dangerously. They holstered their weapons and provided a meat shield for Matilda. Wil ran, dragging her down the tunnel.

They encountered nothing until they got to the first junction, where the metal passage intersected with the stone tunnels. Instead of being empty as it had been, they found themselves facing tall, dark humanoids. These carried lethal looking spears and didn't appear angry, just startled. Raising their spears threateningly, the dark men charged the group.

Finding the way blocked, the unlucky humans veered off down the metal passage, footsteps echoing hollowly as they ran. Matilda tripped over her skirt, as it wrapped around her legs. Taking one set of claws, she slashed a portion of it away, freeing her feet to run more efficiently. Wil's grip on her arm was painful, bruising her skin, leaving her muscles feeling numb. She did her best to keep up, but his legs were far longer than hers, his stamina greater. The passage grew increasingly dim as they went further in. They had never been so far from Sentience and her repaired networks before. They initiated their Kindred suits as the air around them thinned and grew stale.

The dark men surged down the tunnel after them, their numbers overwhelming. Ben and Marc formed a wall, with Wil directly behind them. He tried to contact the ship to teleport them out, but there was too much interference. Backing slowly as the men advanced, Marc picked off two with carefully aimed shots. Ben joined him, taking out a couple more. Their weapons were set to stun, but to the dark men, their comrades appeared to be dead.

Instead of stopping, the men grew more determined, advancing rapidly. As one, they suddenly lunged forward, making a grab for the small, retreating party of humans. One grabbed Marc, who crushed the dark man's skull with a blow from his gun butt.

Another held Ben, who summarily broke his arm, yanking it from the socket. The dark man screamed in pain as Ben's blow to his head killed him. Wil kicked a third in the teeth, before aiming down the tunnel, targeting the leader. His kill shot was true.

The dark men stopped advancing as their leader's head exploded. With a mighty roar, they made a last, monumental attempt to grapple with the humans. Wil pressed his wife behind him, trying again to contact the ship. There was a crackle of static and a faint acknowledgment from Hammer.

"Smith, get us the hell out of here!" Wil roared into his com.

The dark men gathered their dwindling numbers, preparing for a final assault. Growling angrily, they reformed their ranks around the fallen, glaring at the humans with hatred.

Wil shouted to his wife, "Run, Matilda! We'll catch up to you! Run! Run!"

Matilda hesitated a moment. The passageway was dark, she could feel it surround her. Even the Kindred suit couldn't compensate for the complete lack of light. Her nightmares came back, freezing her in place.

"Wil, I can't! I can't see a thing! Oh, God, Wil, I'm so scared!"

"Babe, it's okay. Hammer has us. He'll get us out of here. Please, keep going a little longer."

Hesitantly, she picked her way along, the floor sagging beneath her feet. The ceiling was partially collapsed, filled with so much rubble, she had to stoop to move. The others were engaged in combat, she could hear it. All her instincts screamed at her to go back, to fight beside her mate.

Wil's voice echoed down the passage, "Run!"

One of the dark men broke through their line, scrabbling over the stones, nearly on top of her. Matilda knew Wil was aiming at him. Flattening herself against the wall, she pressed back as far as she could.

"Now!" she screamed. "You have a clear shot!"

The weapon fired as she ducked, turning further away, sensing the electromagnetic pulse from Wil's gun, hit the dark man in the back, hurling him toward her. She tried to dodge him, but a hand shot out from his dying body, clutching at her flowing dress, dragging her with him. The floor collapsed beneath their combined weight. The man fell like an anchor into the nothingness below her. Kicking wildly, Matilda struggled for a hand hold, screaming hysterically.

Wil heard her scream, felt the give in the floor and ran full speed down the passage. The ceiling collided with this forehead, the sides of the passage snagged his clothing. "I'm coming! I'm coming! Hang on!"

"Wil! Oh, Wil! I'm falling! Wil!" A scream ripped from her throat, fading away as she fell.

Wil reached for her a second too late. He saw her dropping into the bottomless pit. His cry of despair turned into a howl of grief. A moment later, the men found themselves on the bridge of Hammer. Matilda wasn't with them. Wil lay on the floor, still as death.

"Oh, God," he whispered. "Oh, God! No!"

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dellani Oakes is a Tennessean by birth, a Floridian by a quirk of fate. She resides in a town south of Daytona Beach where her constantly changing household usually has at least one grown child in it. Dellani loves science fiction and grew up reading the greats. She always felt something was missing from their story lines—a little romance. Taking that idea to heart, she began her Lone Wolf Series, incorporating all she loved about sci-fi, but adding a strong romantic bond between Wil and Matilda.

Dellani is an avid writer, but when she's not writing, she's reading anything she can get her hands on. She leads a small writers group through the Council on Aging, enjoying her time away from home. She also hosts two blog talk radio shows a month, Dellani's Tea Time – Every 2^nd Monday of the month, and What's Write for Me – every 4^th Wednesday. She and her co-host, Christina Giguere, interview other authors.

The Maker – Book Three is ready for pre-order and will be available May 15, 2017 

AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER

ALSO IN THE SERIES