The Darkness Series by Shiela Stewart Book Tour and Giveaway :)

Seducing the Darkness

The Darkness Series Book 1

by Shiela Stewart

Genre: Paranormal Romance 

Trinity was once a fragile girl. Being taken by a powerful vampire prince changed her. Discovering him in the arms of another woman changed destiny. Alone, she’s learned fast how to be tough, how to survive, and how to protect the people in her city from the evil that lurks in the dark. She was managing just fine, until Basil walked back into her life.

Basil Hawthorn has been the reigning prince of vampires since banishing his father to the Realm of Dark Mystics decades earlier. When a prophetic dream makes him realize Trinity’s life is at risk, he decides the only way to save her is to push her away. Doing so is not easy. Trinity is the only woman he has ever loved, ever will love, and he can’t seem to let her go.

When rumors arise of a plan to raise the King and blot out the sun, both Trinity and Basil know they must do everything to stop it. Even if it means working together. Despite the betrayal and the threat, they find themselves drawn to each other. Love has no boundaries, especially in the face of danger. But will they be able to stop the ritual before it’s too late?

Or will the darkness capture them both?

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That damn itch she’d been having lately was back, and it was driving her nuts. Rolling her shoulders, she watched two redheads staggering from the bar’s exit and towards a dimly lit street. Here we go again, She kept to the shadows as she followed after them. Uneventfully, they made it to their car and drove off. She hoped the cops were out tonight and those two were hauled in to sleep off their drunk. Turning back to the club, she waited and watched for the next two hours and was glad nothing had happened. So far. But the night was still young. “Can you smell it?” She didn’t jump, but slowly looked over at Basil who appeared next to her. She hated when he just appeared out of thin air, but she knew he loved that entrance the best. “Your stink? Always.” He didn’t sneer at her but slowly lifted his hand and lit the cigarette between his fingers. “The blood of a human. Does it still draw you in, make you hunger, make you want?” “I’ve got a strong will.” Deliberately, she shifted away from him. It wasn’t only the smoke that bothered her—and always had—but his scent. It pissed her off that he could still make her ache. She waved the smoke away annoyingly and shifted just a bit farther away. “Why are you skulking, Basil? Because if you’re following me, I am going to so kick your ass.” “I was in the neighborhood.” She glared at him and growled her response. “If you’re here to drink, let me warn you now that I won’t allow it.” “Who am I supposed to drink from now that I no longer am nourished by your blood?” She chose not to answer that. “Why does it seem that you’re always around, lurking in the dark, around places that aren’t your usual hangouts? Unless….there’s a reason?” The thought stabbed into her, and though she didn’t want to believe it, she had to ask. “Are you trying to take more females of your own? Are you the one abducting young girls?” With one quick and easy flick, he tossed the cigarette into the darkness. The red tip glowed as it flew through the air before landing on the gravel to bounce and spit out a cloud of red sparkling fireworks. “I will not even dignify that with an answer.” “It’s so obvious, now that I think about it. I was young when you took me, made me yours. Is that what you’re doing, Basil, making another mate?” His icy blue eyes narrowed dangerously as he stepped closer. “I have a mate and to think you would even have such a thought sickens me.” “You don’t have me, Basil.” Her voice grew dangerous. “If I’m so wrong, then do explain to me why you’re always out in the darkness, skulking near all these young girls?” “The very same reason you are, my dear.” He ran a finger along her face, making her scowl. She snorted, stepping away from him before he decided to do something stupid, like kiss her. “Please, I hardly think you’re out here looking to find the person or persons responsible for taking four innocent girls.” Leaning against the building behind them, Basil looked off into the direction of the bar and the people waiting in line to be allowed inside. “You think so little of me and that’s a shame. But I suppose I’ve done it to myself. Yes, Trinity, I am looking to find out who took those young girls, as you are. And why you might ask?” He shifted towards her, sliding in nice and close and making her pulse speed up. He laid his fingers on her cheek, then slowly slid them along her face. “Because I have a feeling I am connected to the reason they’ve been taken.” She had all but a moment to open her mouth to respond when he closed it with a mind numbing kiss, then pulling away, turned into a dog and scampered away. Now what the hell did he mean by that? 

Desiring the Darkness

The Darkness Series Book 2

With the cloak of darkness surrounding Jacob’s Cove, Dante Vega must work to protect the humans from the blood-thirsty vampires trying to take over the human race. When a half-naked young woman races into his arms begging him to protect her, he is compelled to help despite the fact that she is a vampire.

Before all hell broke loose, Gypsy Dawn was an average woman carrying on with her ordinary life…until she’s turned into a vampire. With no family and no where to go, she clings to Dante. Aside from his dark, mysterious, good looks, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him. And when his life is threatened she discovers just how protective she has become.

Trying to bring back the sun is not easy, especially when the creature responsible, has gone into hiding. With Dante’s long lost brother working with the enemy, one friend is killed and another is taken hostage.

Will Dante be able to save him before it’s too late?

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“Remind me again why I have to be the bait?” Dante heard Jonah’s voice in his ear as he hid behind the dumpster. Lowering his voice, he replied, “Because I was bait last time.” “Right. You’ll tell Ariel I love her if I don’t make it?” “You’ll be just fine, Jonah. I’ve got you covered and Basil is lurking about, ready to jump in and snatch the bastards. Just stay calm.” “Yeah, easy for you to say. Oh shit! Bloodsucker, eight o’clock.” Dante swiveled in his spot behind the garbage bin, looking in the direction Jonah instructed. He saw the chubby guy heading Jonah’s way and prepared himself for the attack. The vampire’s ugly yellow eyes caught sight of Jonah and Dante could imagine what was going through his mind. Fresh meat. Not this time. “Get ready.” “I’m ready.” Pulling the tranquilizer gun from his belt, Dante aimed it at the vampire and waited. Because Jonah had the microphone pinned beneath his jacket, Dante could hear everything, including the vampire’s comments. “Well, looky here. What have we got? Oh, and I smell lots of fear. Gonna be a nice snack for me.” “You don’t want to drink me. I’m anemic. I won’t satisfy you much,” Jonah added with a great deal of quiver in his voice. “Oh, I’m betting you’ll be just what I need.” He heard the growl, heard Jonah scream, and took his shot. The dart hit the vamp right in his backside and as Dante stood up, he saw the vamp pull back in shock. He didn’t waste any time and took another shot. This time he hit the vampire in the arm. The vamp looked up, searching for where the shot had come from as Dante raced towards him. “Took your time. He was about to bite me.” Jonah took a couple steps away from the vamp. “I had to make sure I got a good shot.” The vampire hissed as he approached, then his knees gave out and he went down. “Damn, I was hoping to knock him around a bit first.” “You’ll get your chance later.” “Jesus Christ, Basil! I hate when you do that.” His heart pounding, Dante aimed a steely glare at Basil. The guy loved to make an entrance, but did he have to appear out of nowhere without warning and scare the living shit out of him? “Good shot,” Basil stated as he lowered down to the vampires body. “But next time, aim higher. If you can get the neck or near the heart, he’ll go down with one shot.” “Yeah, thanks for the advice.” He’d only known Basil a few short days and was still on the fence about him. The guy was the last of the true vampires and had several advantages over the rest of the vamps. For one, he could materialize at the blink of an eye and transport himself anywhere. Two, he could transform into any creature and blend in everywhere. And anyone that didn’t know him personally would think he was your typical average human being. Until he bore his fangs and his icy blue eyes began to glow. Only the truest vampires had the icy blue eyes, all the others were yellow. A sign of their impurity. “He one of Chaos’ men?” Dante asked, looking down at the unconscious vampire. “Won’t know until he wakes up and talks. Let’s call it a night for now and get some rest.” Basil hoisted the vamp over his shoulder. “You can ride with me, Jonah, and make sure this guy doesn’t wake up before we get to the castle.” “Gee, thanks, boss.” “You can follow us in your car, Dante.” While the sun was nonexistent they had all agreed to stay at Basil’s castle. It was a smart idea, keeping them all under one roof, but Dante was feeling the crunch of hanging around the same people day and night. He needed a bit of a break now and then, and though Basil’s place was huge, he still managed to run into someone often enough. He was used to living on his own, having no one around but himself. He missed his privacy. But he climbed into his car, ready to follow them anyway. Glancing in his rear view mirror, he watched them pull away and saw what looked like a woman, running towards him. He turned around to get a better look, then hustled out of the car. It had been a woman running towards him, clad in only a bra and panties. And two burly men were right behind her. “You’ve got to help me. Please, help me,” she screamed as she ran. Running towards her he pulled out his revolver. “Get behind me,” he ordered to her and took aim. It utterly shocked him when the two men halted then spun around and took off in the opposite direction. “Fuck!” He turned to the woman who was shivering in the cold air. “Get in the car and lock the doors. I’m going after them.” “No, no, please, don’t leave me.” She grabbed hold of his arm and pressed her body so tightly to his he could feel the curve of her breasts through the thickness of the suede jacket he wore. “I have to go after them.” “No, please, just let them go. I don’t want to be alone.” She clung to him even tighter. What was he going to do, shake her off of him and drag her to his car? Not likely. So the only chance he had was to stick by her. “Okay. I won’t go after them. You can give a description of them to the cops—” “NO! No police. Please, don’t take me to the cops.” He didn’t know what her deal was but she sure was adamant about not involving the cops. And that worried him some. “You have to tell them you were attacked.” “I don’t want to follow up on this. Please, don’t make me. I don’t trust the cops,” she sighed, still clinging to him. He could feel her body tremble and he wasn't sure if it was entirely from the chill in the air, or from fear. “Okay, I won’t take you to the cops. You’re cold. Let me give you my jacket.” When she didn’t release him, he patted her arms. “I need you to let me go so I can take off my jacket.”

“Oh, okay.” She released him and wrapped her arms around her chest. He striped from his jacket then held it out to her. “Here, put this on before you catch a cold.” She took the jacket and hurriedly slipped into it. “Thanks.” “No problem. So why don’t you tell me where you live and I’ll give you a ride home.” “I don’t have a home.” Dante’s brow lifted and she continued. “I was evicted a few days ago.” He heard glass breaking in the distance and assumed someone was breaking into yet another building. “This isn’t the safest place to be right now. Why don’t I take you to my place and we can figure out what we’re going to do next.” He held his hand out to his car then walked with her to it, holding the passenger side door for her. After she’d settled in, he hurried to his side and climbed behind the wheel. He got them rolling and was damn glad they were only three blocks from his office/apartment. “My name is Dante, Dante Vega.” “Gypsy Dawn.”

Embracing the Darkness

The Darkness Series Book 3

One upon a time Jonah Moore had it all. Then his wife and unborn child were taken from him, leaving his life darker than when Chaos and his evil vampires stole the sun. Now, Jonah has lost the will to face another day, which could be a problem, considering he’s just been turned into a vampire and is now destined to live for eternity.

As a nurse, Raven Moony is used to tending to the needs of others. Until an accident changes everything. When she is abducted and forced to tend to Chaos’ needs, she is more than ready to give in and willingly accepts her role as his slave.

When Jonah enters the picture, she finds herself fighting for his safety and freedom as well as her own. Can she convince Jonah to go on despite her own doubts? And can they open their hearts to love and learn that there is indeed life after death?

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Charming the Darkness

The Darkness Series Book 4

Daniel Vega had never been comfortable as a human so when he was offered eternal life as a vampire, he turned his back on his family and welcomed the darkness. Then Chaos, the one man Danny thought he could always count on, goes missing. Now, shunned by his own kind, it seems that leaving Jacob’s Cove is his only option. Until he crashes into a high-spirited redhead.

Born from witches, Starla Raine has spent her entire life learning to control and manage her powers. Drawn to Jacob’s Cove, a city magically cloaked in darkness, Starla runs into Daniel, a man connected to the infamous spell, and she knows just what to do. Hold him hostage and, use any means possible to make him give her what she wants.

The two forge an unlikely partnership, with Danny agreeing to help Starla find the ritual, but only if she’ll work with him to locate Chaos. At first he doesn’t mind using her magical abilities, or her body, for his own gain. Sex is just sex, after all… until someone’s heart gets in the way.

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Dusty dove behind a turned over car, covering his head. He heard shouts from the men behind him, more crackling before everything went silent. He waited a bit before taking his hands off his ears. Carefully, he inched over to peek around the car. Seeing Slasher along with the others get to their feet, Dusty kept behind the car, still not sure what was happening. “What we got here?” “She looks real pretty.” “Maybe she’s an angel, dropping from the heavens like she did.” “Looks ripe to me. Smells fresh too.” Curiosity getting the best of him, Dusty shifted from behind the car, keeping low to the ground in hopes he wasn’t noticed. He ducked behind another vehicle, peering around the edge to see who they were talking about. He heard whimpers that sounded distinctly female. One sounded very child like. “Aw, look, she’s scared. We should hold her and make her feel better.” Dusty watched as Slasher moved forward and lifted someone up. He caught a glimpse of something white with feet kicking out. He moved closer, wanting to get a better look. “Let her go!” He saw her now, but it wasn’t just a woman, a child as well. 

What he saw next absolutely mesmerized him. The child began to glow—there was no other explanation for it. A white light began to shimmer off her, and as if it burned him, Slasher dropped her quickly and backed away. When she began to glow brighter, burning his eyes, Dusty ducked down behind the car. He heard the men screaming, and a loud snapping noise that rang in his ears. Then it all went silent. Dusty inched his way to the edge of the car. Slowly he looked out over the hood. The young woman was holding the child and all around them was piles of blackened dust. “What have you done, little one?”

“They were going to hurt you.” “You know not to use your powers on others.” His breath caught when the child turned to him, her eyes glowing bright blue. “Felicity, no!” The young woman, stepped in front of the child and he dove back behind the car. “Let me find out who he is. Hello? Are you still there?” Leaning his back against the car, Dusty kept quiet. Maybe if he didn’t answer she would go away. “We mean you no harm, if you mean us no harm.” Right, after what he saw he wasn’t entirely sure. The he felt his body being pulled up and away from the car. “What the hell?” “Felicity. Let him go.” “But he didn’t answer you.” “Look at him. He’s clearly frightened.” Oh, she had no idea. “Release him.” The young woman demanded. “Fine.” All at once he felt his body come back to life and his legs crumble beneath him. Before he knew it, he was face planting the sidewalk. “Oh dear, are you all right?” He tense when the young woman knelt down beside him. “I won’t hurt you.” All he could do was stare. For the first time he actually saw her, really saw her. Her hair was the color of gold and she had delicate features. Her face was a soft pale pink and eyes so deep brown they almost looked black. Her pale lashes looked were so long they touched her eyebrows. It wasn’t fear that made him speechless. It was her beauty.

“Do you want me to make him talk?” “No! I promise young man, I won’t hurt her.” “Maybe not you, but I’m not sure about her.” The child, whose black hair nearly touched her mid calves, scowled at him. “I promise she won’t harm you. Felicity, settle down and come say hi to…” “Dusty,” he supplied. “That’s a funny name.” The child remarked as she crouched down beside the pretty woman. “Felicity. That’s not nice. Apologize.” With her face scrunched up, the child did as she was told. “I’m sorry I think your name is funny.” “Felicity!” “It's okay. It is kinda funny.” He’d been teased about it as a child by school mates. “My name is Amara and this is Felicity. What are you doing behind this moving thing.” “It’s called a car,” Felicity supplied. “I was trying to get away from those guys… what happened to them?” “I ended them,” Felicity said as if it meant nothing to her. Why were you running from them?” Amara asked. “They were trying to make me kill someone to feed.” “You’re a vampire?” “Yeah. A newbie.” Amara tilted her head as if she didn’t understand. “I was only turned a few months ago, but I was held captive until today.” Amara stood and held out her hand. He took it and got to his feet. “Where did you two come from?” “The Realm of Mystics,” Felicity informed him. “What’s that?” “You were never told of it? How odd. The Queen Rajana created it to hide from the world who meant her harm. She rules over the vampires and punishes those who don’t comply with the rules. Her son is the prince and lives down here with his female, the princess.” “My parents” Felicty remarked excitedly. “Do you know them?” “I don’t know. What are their names.” “Basil and Trinity.” “I’ve never met them, but I have heard of them.” “Can you take me to them?” “I don’t know where they live. Sorry.” Felicity pouted and he felt bad for her. “We can’t stay here.” He looked around to see where they could hide.” “Do you have a home?” “Not here.” He walked to the building beside them and tried the door. Luckily it gave with no problem. “Let’s check this out.” He stepped inside, heard them follow him. He flicked the light switch on and the room illuminated. There were turned over chairs and a booth near the back of the room. He stepped further in and jumped when the door snapped shut behind them.

Tempting the Darkness

The Darkness Series Book 5

For twenty long years, Cooper Hawthorne has kept the brightest light in his bleak existence a deeply hidden secret. All this time, his beloved Gabriella has slept safely in cryogenic stasis, awaiting the day he finds a cure for her terminal cancer. As love blooms amidst the Darkness, and still no cure in sight, loneliness drives Cooper to drastic measures. He awakens Gabriella and breaks his last promise to her—by turning her into a vampire. Gabriella’s sense of betrayal weighs heavily on her attempts to deal with what Cooper has done to her. Pushing him away, she turns to his friends for support—and finds she isn’t the only one hurt by his actions. Cooper fights the temptation to use his powers to wipe her mind of the damning memories. But, when he comes face to face with the monster that created him, he knows what he must do.

Will Gabriella be able to save him before it’s too late? Or will the Darkness swallow him whole?

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“Cooper…no!” “It’s the only way,” he said, then sunk his teeth back into her neck. He drank in her blood, sating not only his thirst for her, but his need to have her as well. He felt her struggling beneath him and knew he needed to calm her before the final release. Rising up, he cupped her face in his hand, steadying her as he looked into her eyes. “There is no cure, my sweet, and I could not live without you in my life any longer. This is the only way. I love you,” he proclaimed and took her neck once more. As he drank her life into his, he felt something damp slide over his fingers. Glancing up, he saw that they were her tears. It would all be better in no time and then they could be as happy as they had been so long ago. When he felt her heartbeat slow and her pulse weaken, he pulled away and bit into his wrist. “Drink from me, my sweet. Drink and live.” Her eyes drooping, she opened her mouth—he knew to protest—but he placed his bloody wrist over her mouth instead. “Drink, Gabriella. It’s the only way to save you.” She hesitated but when the blood coated the back of her throat she gagged. To ward off choking, she began to swallow. She drank and drank and drank until Cooper felt his own pulse slow. He pulled his wrist away and took her lips. She tasted of his blood mixed with the sweetness that was his Gabriella. He could feel her body as it began to regenerate, as it began to meld with his blood. When her mouth grew more eager, he pumped himself into her until they both screamed with their release. “Why?” she whimpered, her arms falling to her sides. Pulling free, he laid at her side, stroking her face. “It was the only way for you to have a life. Shh now, you need to sleep. Your body needs to reform.” He kissed her once more and sent her to a sleepy slumber. Cooper dressed, feeling more alive than he had in more years than he could count. Mostly it was from the fresh human blood which he hadn’t had in many years, but he also knew it was because he had his love back. Looking down at Gabriella as she slept, her body pink from their lovemaking, he felt the love wash over him. Finally, he had her back. Now all he needed was to bring her home.

Penetrating the Darkness

The Darkness Series Book 6

A kidnapped child, a young woman in charge of protecting her, a newly created vampire, and a city cast in darkness. Three innocent lives are about to change.

Amara loves her job caring for Felicity, the child stolen from her parents by the vampire queen. Gifted with more power than a child should possess, Felicity escapes to look for her mother and father, and takes Amara with her. Thrust into a strange, dark world, Amara’s loyalty and caregiving skills are put to the test.

Dusty hoped to finish college and become a biologist. Until a sadistic vampire kidnapped, tortured, and turned him. When he’s taken to find his own victim, Dusty’s chance to free himself arrives in the form of a bright white flash, a beautiful young blonde, and a small child with the ability to incinerate anything and anyone with merely a thought. As the three work together to find Felicity’s parents, Dusty and Amara discover a deep affection for each other.

Can their budding relationship survive the power struggle between warring vampire factions?

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Consuming the Darkness

The Darkness Series Book 7

In Jacob’s Cove, where death is as common as apple pie, a serial murderer is a first. Lieutenant Sienna Storm, the town’s newly minted homicide detective, is eager to prove she’s up to the job of tracking down the demon who rips out his victims’ still-beating hearts. Even if it means using her abilities.

Detective Nathan Powers lost his partner to the aptly named Heartless Killer, and the trail of bodies leads him to Jacob’s Cove, a strange world populated with bloodthirsty demons and run by a vampire. Still, the leggy blonde, Sienna, is a pleasant distraction. Until he discovers she’s after the same killer—and she’s not sharing.

On the hunt, the more they cross paths, the harder it is to stay apart. Together they discover not only clues, but a searing desire, one that may be their downfall when the killer targets Nathan, and Sienna risks everything to get him back.

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“Behind you! Get down.” The gun came up in his hand, aimed at her head. She felt the presence of the vampire as he jumped out from behind the dumpster. As she spun around to take him down, the gun fired, hitting the vamp in the right shoulder. He jerked back, screeching like a banshee. “What the hell are you doing?” she yelled at the man with the gun as she ran to the vamp. “Daisy, stay!” Daisy sat as she’d been instructed while Sienna knelt down beside the screaming vamp. She pressed her knee to the vamp’s bleeding shoulder to ensure that he wouldn’t move. “You are under arrest for breaking the laws of human and vampire and will be detained in the local jail while awaiting trial.” “You’re a cop?” the guy behind her responded.  “Yeah, I’m a cop. Oh, stop your screaming already,” she yelled at the vamp, then flipped him onto his belly and pulled his arms to his back, pinning them in one hand while she searched for her handcuffs. “Damn it, why don’t I have my cuffs on me. Wanna tell me why you were about to attack me?” “I wasn’t …honest … I was only … out for a walk. Yeah, I was walking. I’m going to sue the cops for harassment. I was minding my own. Fuck, my shoulder is killing me. Police brutality!” “Shut the hell up. No one gives a damn.” “Here.” Sienna glanced up to see a set of shiny silver handcuffs dangling down before her. Glancing up, she took a moment to survey the gentleman and noticed he wasn’t bad on the eyes. His dark brown hair was messed up, but somehow looked natural. And wow! The guy had a hell of a body. Broad shoulders, wide chest, and narrow waist. His face was pretty decent to look at, even with that thin line of hair over his upper lip that ran down the sides of his mouth to cover his chin. He had nice eyes, dark, round, with long lashes. “I’d prefer a regulation set rather than your bondage toys.” “These are regulation. I’m a detective. Nathan Powers,” he introduced in a deep, throaty voice that sounded as if he’d had one too many cigarettes. The vamp squirming beneath her, she took the cuffs. Before slapping them on the vamp’s wrists, she made sure they were regulated. Flipping him onto his back, Sienna pinned him with her knee as she had before. “Don’t try anything stupid.” “Bitch!” the vamp spat. “What the hell’s with the yellow contacts and fake fangs?” Sienna glanced over her shoulder as she responded to the detective. “What? You’ve never seen a vampire before?” “A what?” “A vampire.” “I heard you. I thought I’d seen it all, but I guess not. Now we’ve got junkies playing vampire,” The detective chuckled with a shake of his head. One look at the guy told her he was serious. “Oh jeez, he’s a virgin.” She rolled her eyes. “I told you to shut up.” She yanked the screaming vamp to his feet. “This is a vampire, not a fake, the real deal and if you plan on being in Jacob’s Cove for any amount of time you might want to be on the lookout for them. Some of them refuse to abide by the new laws. Isn’t that right, screamer?” “Seriously though, he’s a vampire like the blood-sucking kind?” “Don’t know any other kind.” “Shouldn’t you like … you know, jam a wooden stake through his heart? I can’t believe I just said that.” He laughed boldly. Was he for real?  She didn’t care for the sarcasm in his voice. “Neither can I. We prefer to rehabilitate them rather than turning them to dust.” Holding the vamp in one hand, she pulled her cell phone out with the other and dialed the station. “Lieutenant Storm here. I have a rogue vamp I need brought in.” “I wasn’t doing anything, you stupid bitch.” She clamped onto the squirming vamp a little tighter as she gave her location. She slipped her phone back into her shirt pocket when she was through and gave the vamp a hard shove against the dumpster. “Right, you were only skulking in the dark because you needed a smoke, right?” “It’s a free world last time I looked.” “Sure, except when you’re attempting to drink someone dry. Save it for the judge; I’m done listening.” “You can’t prove anything. I’m innocent.” “Do you know what I am?” she asked as she leaned in real close. “I’m a Tejakkan which means I have precog abilities. I saw you moments before you jumped out and I saw just what you’d planned to do so save your ‘I’m innocent’ act for someone who gives a damn.” “Bitch!” “That’s right and remember it.”

Surviving the Darkness

The Darkness Series Book 8

You can run, but you can’t hide.

Surviving an abduction, and running home to hide, might seem like a good idea. Except home is now run by vampires.

Deborah Carmichael had it all.  Fame, fortune and an amazing gift bringing songs to life on her piano. Until a madman began stalking her. At first he seemed harmless, attending her concerts, asking for autographs. Then he turned creepy, sending photos of himself wearing identical dresses she wore, dressing up mannequins in her likeness. But she made a vital mistake, sending her bodyguard away. It was the perfect opportunity for her abductor to strike.

Rich, debonair, and owner of the only vampire/demon establishment in Jacobs Cove, Zachary Adams has it all. Or so he thought. When a beautiful, troubled young woman walks into his club, he is instantly taken by her.  Helping her overcome her fears, teaching her to stand up and fight, Zach knows she is the one.

When her abductor finds her, and takes her captive, Deborah fears this will be the end. Will Zach find her on time, or will Deborah find the strength to fight?

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“What is that?” A rag doll like dummy held up by posts on either side stood in the living room. His furniture had been pushed out of the way. “Your enemy.” Taking her hand in his, he led her to the dummy. “Meet Buster.” “Buster?” “He’s here for you to beat on.” “Come again?” “I can feel you hesitating when I’m teaching you self-defense. I know it’s because you don’t want to hurt me, so this is my solution.” “You want me to pound on this rag doll?” “I do indeed. He can take it.” To demonstrate, Zach threw out a right cross that shook the dummy on the release. “You’re a very strange man.” Yet it made her smile. When he took her in his arms, drawing her to his chest, and kissed her forehead, then her lips, she felt every muscle relax. “I love the dreamy look in your eyes after I kiss you..” Deborah stood still, her mind numb. He had a way of making her feel safe. He had a way of making her feel. Period. “Let’s get started, he said” “What do you expect me to do with that silly looking doll?” “I want you to hit it. Punch it. Give it a try.” She felt absolutely ridiculous, but she stepped up to it and jabbed it with her right fist. Zach snorted beside her. “My grandmother can punch harder than that. Come on, Deborah, give it all you’ve got.” Deepening her frown, she jabbed the dummy one more time with a little more heat. “If he had a voice he’d be laughing at you right now. Hit him, Deborah!”

Shooting Zach a heated glare, she balled her hand and plowed it into the dummy’s gut. It rocked, it teetered, but it remained standing. “See. Now kick it.” He demonstrated with a kick to the dummies shin. “This is stupid,” she said with a roll of her eyes. “Kick it.” He was beginning to piss her off. Lifting her right foot, she slammed it into the dummy’s gut with enough force to have it rock back and forth several times before coming to a stop. “Happy?” “Not particularly, no.” He walked behind the dummy and lifted one ragged arm. “Is that all you’ve got?” he said in a whimpy high pitched voice. “Come on weakling, bring it on.” “Now you’re just being foolish.” “Look at you, all frail and scrawny.” He continued with the silly voice. “Those arms are like toothpicks. You can’t take me. You’re too weak.” “Why do you want me to beat on this poor, defenseless object? We both know I can punch and kick.” “Why did I get you to scream for two days?” “Because you’re a sadist?” One blond brow lifted. “I’ve never been called that before. No, it meant to open you up, bring out the fighter in you. Now kick me, Deb and do it with meaning.” “You never call me Deb.” She hauled off and planted her foot in the dummy’s leg. She was sure if Zach hadn’t been behind it, the thing would have toppled over. “Because Deborah suites you better. The dummy called you Deb. Do that again, only this time with your left.” She did, but she didn’t have as much power in her left as she had in her right. “Good, now try the side kick I showed you and go for his mid chest.” “This is all fine and good for a dummy, but there is no way I can do this to a human.” She did as he asked and shifting to her left, raised her right leg, then jammed it into the dummy’s chest. “Yes you can and you will. Now go with the left.” She repeated the move with her left, frowning at Zach. “No, I can’t and I won’t. I can’t hurt anyone.” “Oh, so you would rather they hurt you. It’s your life or his—which one do you value more?” “That’s a stupid question.” “Answer it.” “Mine,” she said with a determined expression. “I don’t think you really mean that,” Zach taunted, flapping the dummy’s arms at her. “Say it with conviction.” “Mine,” she repeated a little firmer, throwing her right fist out at the dummy’s abdomen. “Still not good enugh.” “Mine,” she snarled, and this time she put everything she had into the kick. She gasped when both Zach and the dummy went tumbling backward. Zach came down hard on his back, dummy resting on top. “I am so sorry! Are you all right?” Rushing to his side, she pushed the dummy away, amazed at its heaviness, and placed her hand on Zach’s face. “Now, that’s better.” Looking up at her, he smiled. “Are you hurt?” “Nothing I can’t manage.” The air rushed from her lungs as he yanked her down on top of him and planted his mouth over hers. By the time her mind cleared, her body began to react. His lips were so smooth, so gifted, and as he took the kiss deeper she gave in.

Shiela Stewart is a paranormal suspense author with a writing history that stems back to her youth. Always a dreamer, wondering if her stories would ever reach an audience, she was finally published in 2006 and hasn't stopped since. It is rare to find a stand-alone book as she prefers series stories. Her longest running series to date is her Darkness series which is a vampire romance.

Her joy for scary suspense is evident in each of her books. She has had several accomplishments including fighting for the top spot in rankings with author Stephany Myers, receiving glowing reviews as well as interviews on television.

When not writing, Shiela spends her time with the love of her life, William, and their children and grandchildren. She enjoys getting her hands dirty, working in her gardens and planting flowers. Her strong affection for animals is evident in the many cats, fish and birds she cares for.

Her favorite time of day is at sunset.

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Stuff about you:

Can you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
Thank you for having me here today. I’ve been married to a wonderful, caring and funny man for 33 years. We’ve known each other for 35 years. If you didn’t know us you’d think we hated each other. Far from it. We like to kid, and tease each other and play practical jokes. It’s rubbed off on our kids. They’re pranksters as well. Speaking of kids. I have three wonderful adult children who have given me four adorable grandkids. Being a mom is awesome. Being a grandma is incredible. If I’m having a bad day, all I need is to see their smiles and its all good.
People call me the crazy cat lady when in truth, its my husband who brings the cats home. We only buy rescue cats and that is why we have six. My hubby is a softy.

What is something unique/quirky about you?

I can cross one eye while the other stays straight. It freaks my hubby out. So of course, I do it as much as possible around him.

Tell us something really interesting that's happened to you!

I created the logo for my elementary school when I was 11. The mayor came to the school and gave me an award for it.

What are some of your pet peeves?
People who wear socks and sandals. When my dishwasher isn’t loaded properly.

Where were you born/grew up at?

I was born in a hospital, but spent the first nine years of my life on a farm before moving to the city.

Who is your hero and why?

My hubby. He’s incredible. He works at a very stressful job and is part of the union and travels a lot. He’s a brave man, one who will stop and help someone when needed. I along with my mother, daughter, granddaughter and hubby were in a car accident three years ago and I suffered a back and pelvic fracture as well as a severe hand injury. Thankfully, no one else was seriously injured. He stayed calm, dealt with the situation.

What kind of world ruler would you be?
The kind that wouldn’t stand for bull S#!%

What do you do to unwind and relax?
I like to crochet and work outside in my garden or with my flowers.

How to find time to write as a parent?

When my kids were little, I waited until bedtime to write. Now, for the most part I can write anytime, except when I’m watching the grandkids.

Describe yourself in 5 words or less!

Kind, Funny, Helpful, Supportive.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When my first book was published. Until then I just liked to tell stories.

Do you have a favorite movie?

House on Haunted Hill. It’s a paranormal suspense movie with vengeful ghosts.

Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?

Secrets of the Dead. It's got a vengeful ghost, romance. Everyone loves a ghost story.

As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

A cat.

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