The Cure Saga

Fat Girl (Poem)

2011-05-19T05:05:00.001-06:00

I built the wall all by myself

For fear that he would see

I’m broken. I can’t be fixed.

To turn off the constant aching

I turn off my heart and hide.

I lost the child that I so long to hold.

I’ve lost myself inside myself

I can’t find my way out of this fat suit.

This heavy body bag will take me to my grave.

A barren womb, and empty tomb

Does it matter either way?

I’m miserable when trying.

I’m miserable when I’m not.

Why not just be miserable and enjoy time I’ve got.

I can’t see how he’d love this…

This enormous mass of lard.

He says he does, but I’m disgusted at what in the mirror lies.

My image makes me sickly.

My weight drags me down.

One of these days the earth will crumble; in it I will drown.

No chair can support me.

No clothing can contain.

There is no escape. Accept my fait. I’m a fat girl.

Poor Liar

2011-05-19T04:29:00.001-06:00

Can you go a day without pretending?

I’d love you just for you.

I can forgive the lies; the ones you try to act like improve you.

You can be perfect on your own.

No, embellishing required.

Maybe the truth can scare the unprepared for the fire.

If you don’t feel like hanging

Tell me so instead.

If you don’t feel like driving

I’m okay with it.

These white lies drive me crazy!

Especially when I know the truth.

You don’t lie well, so you might as well

Stick to the truth.

Light Up Another Cigarette

2011-05-19T03:52:00.000-06:00

You could turn your life around; make something better for your son.

You start to try and fizzle out. Why not complete what you’ve begun?

With so much potential and empty pages ripe to fill

You could write out a great life for yourself

If you could muster up the will.

Go on, light up another cigarette! Nothing’s worth it anymore!

Do something else you’ll soon regret; life’s not worth fighting for.

If you could only see your value, like I see in your eyes; you won’t believe those lies, you would stand and fight. You won’t believe the lies.

You could put your son before you; learn to do what you must do.

All those men you gravitate to are far from worthy of you

They say before you can be loved, you have to love your inner you

So start with that and watch your back; your family’s here to pull you through

Go on, light up another cigarette! Nothing’s worth it anymore!

Do something else you’ll soon regret; life’s not worth fighting for.

If you could only see your value, like I see in your eyes; you won’t believe the lies.

You would stand and fight. You won’t believe the lies.

Where did my baby sister go? Her infectious smile has turned so cold.

Why did she run herself into the floor? She’s better than that; worth so much more.

Go on, light up another cigarette! Nothing’s worth it anymore!

Do something else you’ll soon regret; life’s not worth fighting for.

If you could only see your value, like I see in your eyes; you won’t believe those lies, you would stand and fight. You won’t believe the lies.

One Edit Book Returned

2010-08-01T13:55:00.002-06:00

Okay Readers,

So far I have received one of the edit books back, but it has been edited by two separate people. Three more books are floating around being edited and read. I am starting to review the edits so that I can finally make my book available to purchase through lulu.com. So sorry for keeping you all waiting for so long!

-Francais Anita Atkin

Book in Editting

2010-06-05T19:18:00.003-06:00

Just a quick update here. I have printed out two full copies of The Cure and given them to two separate people to edit and give commentary on. I have asked them to be brutally honest with their critique, so hopefully I'll get some great feed back on that so better this piece of literature.

In other news, I have started writing on Midsummer a bit more, so I will soon have more juicy pieces of it for you to read and enjoy. I'm thoroughly enjoying writing on the project again. There for a while, I hit a dry spot due to some events in my personal life, but the spark of writing is coming around a lot more often, now.

A Taste of Midsummer

2009-11-29T22:41:00.000-07:00

“Elizabeth, love, I forbid you to go any closer to that man.” He ordered as he stepped into my path. He smiled and caressed my cheek. “Love? Do you understand? That is final.” His words were forceful; I didn’t like it one bit.

I smiled back and lifted my hand to his. “My Lord,” I spat at him as I clenched his hand in mine. “Do you happen to recall what I said about calling me ‘love’?” I crushed his hand sharply, breaking one of his fingers in the process. I smiled wider and let the glass of blood fall to the ground. It shattered as it collided with the surface; the blood spill and splattered on the pristine floor, its scent swirling and wafting about me.

Icarus cried out in pain and tried in vain to retrieve his hand from me. “AHHHH!!!”

“Do you happen to recall, My Lord?” I growled, taking him by his throat with my other hand and lifting him into the air high above me. He tore at my arm with his good hand and struggled to get free. “DO YOU RECALL?!” I yelled at him. No answer was coming. I hissed in anger. The blood was beginning to drive me to insanity I wanted it so badly.

My ears detected the movement of the other vampires at the table. My window to reach Franklyn before they stopped me was closing quickly. In a rush, I slammed Icarus into the floor and the puddle of spilt blood, braking one of the vertebra in his neck. “Allow me to remind you.” I hissed through my teeth as I crouched over him. “’Don’t’.”

Book Two has Begun

2009-10-07T12:50:00.002-06:00

That's right, guys! I have started writing Book Two! "The Cure Saga: Midsummer" is in the works! I'd love to be posting pieces of chapters, but I am certain it would spoil the rest of Book One for you! Sorry! I do want you to know, though, that I am now working on the second book of the saga. Now, you can rest easy knowing that there is more of the story to come!

I am also polishing up the first book, or "beefing it up" if you will. True book one is only finished in its rough draft form, but it is finished, now it just needs a bit more filling in! OH! I AM SO EXCITED! I can not wait to share this new book with you guys!

Sterling Parker (the photographer that provided the cover art for book one) will shortly begin his work on the second book's cover art. If you have any concept ideas for the second cover, feel free to email them to curesaga@gmail.com. I love ideas from the readers!

Also! For those of you who are the winners of the drawing, I apologize! I have not yet sent out your prizes! Things have gotten a little crazy with my wedding coming up, so please forgive me. You will receive your prized, though. I promise!

Don't forget to pop back in to this blog to read chapter four on October 15, 2009. Okay? Until next time,
-Francais A. Atkin

BOOK ONE COMPLETE!!!

2009-09-28T02:51:00.001-06:00

Hey all you avid readers!
I have some wonderful news! I just wrote the last line in Book One of The Cure Saga!!!! That's right! It is finished!

I mean, I'll still need to do the polishing and beefing-up before it's a final draft, but it is finished! I can't believe it! Thank you all for supporting me through this! I hope that you will continue to read my book as I publicly release each chapter one at a time!

Chapter four is going to be released on the Oct 15th! So, keep checking your inboxes!
-Francais Atkin

Contest Winners

2009-09-18T15:51:00.001-06:00

I got impatient about the drawing, so I went ahead and did it! The
winners of the contest are as follows:
1st place ~ Bradley Jonsson
Bradley Jonsson has won the autographed cover art print and it
will be mailed to him within seven days of receipt of his mailing
address.
2nd place ~ Shayla Johnson
Shayla Johnson has won a mini print of the cover art and a short
note from the author, me.
3rd place ~ Elizabeth Williams
Elizabeth Williams has also won a mini print of the cover and a
short note from the author.

Thank you all for entering into this contest. I hope that you will be
stopping in at www.thecuresaga.blogspot.com at the end of the month
for the public release of chapter three... for real this time. At the
end of the year, I will hold another contest. This one will be for a
print out of the entire book after it is finished... and before it is
published... that's huge stuff guys!!!! So, stay in the know about The
Cure Saga!
-Francais Atkin

ps: This email is being sent out in four waves. If you do not receive
it on Sept 18th do not worry, it is not because you aren't a favorite
fan. Four waves, two days! Thanks again!

A Taste to Hold You Over

2009-09-14T22:21:00.000-06:00

My voice crumbled as the last sentence formed in my mouth. “I need to speak to your council. I think that its time they were in on all the gory details.”

Carter eyed me suspiciously. “How do I know that this isn’t some trick to slaughter the council and the tracking pack?”

When I opened my mouth to speak, Carter backhanded me across the face. “ah, thank you. It was about time someone put me in my place. Now, are you going to help me or not?!”

Carter inched towards my face slowly, threateningly, but I held still. Whatever test this was, I needed to pass it so that I could save Beth from whatever terrible fate was lined up for her. Once Carter’s nose was half a centimeter from mine, he said, “Fine. I’ll take you to the council, but I will not guarantee that they will listen to a word you say. I will not defend you if they move to strike. I will no-“

“Yeah, yeah. I get the point. Can we get moving, please?” I hissed. I started towards the door and Carter followed me at an inconspicuous distance. I traced his scent to where his Subaru was parked and stopped just short of the passenger side door. “You really did fall in love with this thing, didn’t you?” I teased lightly.

Carted growled in response and roughly opened the driver side door. He unlocked my door although I half expected him to tell me I was going to walk the whole way. The drive was painfully silent. My instinctive fear kept bubbling to the surface and warning me that I may be sending myself into a trap. I forced my mind to come to terms with the fact that this was my only chance to save Beth… and The Cure.

Carter pulled us into a dingy beaten down trailer park just north of Franklyn and Jezebel’s neighborhood. This was where I had traced the wolves to years ago when I became comfortable enough to leave Beth alone for a half hour or so. I had contemplated using my license to kill by raiding the jumble of trailers and slaughtering all the mutts I could find; however when those thoughts roamed free in my mind, I was in a very bad way. So, I would not let them surface now.

EEEK!

2009-09-02T01:09:00.002-06:00

Soooo sorry guys!

Things have gotten a little crazy lately with wedding plans and me switching between jobs! I haven't gotten a chance to polish up chapter three! I hope that you can forgive me! LOL. Even writers have lives... sort of.

I promise that I will make every effort to get Chapter Three to you guys by the end of this month. Things are settling down with my new job, and my life is a little less stressful; I can feel that I will be able to write again soon. Please just hang in there with me and I will keep feeding you the good stuff as I finish it. Okay?

I hope you'll check back in around the 20th of September. I am going to hold off on doing the drawing until I put out Chapter three, so those of you who entered, I am sorry, but you'll have to wait a few more weeks! Sorry, guys!
-Francais Atkin

Elizabeth and The Order

2009-08-19T12:30:00.001-06:00

The Cure

Excerpt from Chapter Seventeen: Escape

Elizabeth Reynar

“The Order has reached a consensus. Jethro has requested that you join them in The Hall for a council.” Emerson sounded completely and utterly confused as he relayed The Order’s request.

“Thank you, Lord Emerson.” I stood and followed him out of the room and back down to The Hall. All was silent as we walked and it made me uneasy. Perhaps my request stirred up some negative reactions in The Order and I was being lead to The Hall to be given a sentence rather than the trial period I requested. I focused on reigning in my terror as Emerson led me over the threshold into The Hall.

“Masters, I give you Elizabeth Reynar.” Emerson uttered quietly.

I scanned the room and was only half surprised when I saw that only three of The Order members remained in the room. Just as last time, Jethro, Jolene, and Icarus were sitting in their bunch of three. I sank into the lowest curtsy that my new body could manage and then I arose light as a feather. “My Masters.” I greeted them, inclining my head into a respectful bow.

“My child!” Jethro called down at me. “We have discussed your unusual request!” He laughed jollily. “Ah, Jolene, my dear, would you be so kind as to…” He motioned with his hand and allowed his voice to trail off.

Jolene nodded obediently. “Elizabeth, we have decided to allow you to spend your trial period with Icarus, free from any and all duties befitting a mate. Should you at any time wish to enjoy these duties, Icarus will be granted the authority to claim you as his own. Do you understand the conditions under which we will grant you your request?” When I was human, Jolene’s voice sounded so lovely, but hearing it with my new ears, I was disgusted. Her constant tone reeked of boredom and distaste for everything.

I bowed slightly and spoke in a sweet tone, “My Lady, I fully understand the conditions my masters have given me. I would gladly accept those terms if you would grant my request.” I remained in my half bow until I heard Jethro clap enthusiastically.

“Wonderful! It is settled, then! Joy, oh, joy!” I smiled and stood up tall with pride. From the reaction on everyone’s faces, no one had ever dared make a request for The Order to change their minds as I had just done. I smiled to myself and thought of how proud Damien would be if he saw what a clever diplomat I had turned out to be.

“Lord Jethro,” I cooed towards his gleaming face. “may I inquire, what is it I am to do now?” I did my best to sound naïve as I asked him the question. Damien had told me that Jethro simply could not resist a young vampire in need of guidance and willing to accept it.

“Oh, Young One! It is simple! You will spend most of your time with Icarus, and naturally with me and dear Jolene.” He beamed at the thought of basking in my freshly churned glory. “You will learn all about our politics and our laws… and the consequences of disobeying them. In fact, I do believe we have an execution scheduled within the hour!” He shot a meaningful glance at Icarus and Emerson.

“Execution, My Lord?” I hummed.

“Yes! Yes!” He bubbled. “Our execution style is beheading. It is one of the most effective ways to kill a vampire, so that is the method we employ in the destruction of those who would defy us, my dear child!”

“I see, My Lord.” I said, faking enthusiasm. “When shall I be privileged to witness this act of justice?” I pushed my fake enthusiasm a bit further and prayed that it would not break or buckle.

“Shortly, my dear!” Jethro stood and Icarus and Jolene followed suit. “Now, Eli- sorry- Beth, come up here and take Icarus’ arm; he will show you all the ropes, and you will respect him like a mentor and friend. Understood? Wonderful!” Jethro started off toward the back right corner of The Hall. I hadn’t noticed it before, but there were doors at each corner of the room in addition to the great mahogany doors that nearly everyone entered through.

I joined Icarus and fought back a disgusted shudder when I put my arm in his. The very thought of touching him would have been enough to make me nauseous when I was a human. Now, it made me angry. I fought against the anger, knowing that I needed to preserve all the pretenses that were in place here, at Sanguine Manor. Damien told me many times that while inside the realm of The Order, it was best to just follow orders and smile and nod. Though it was completely against my nature, I was determined to follow his advice. Who knows, maybe it would save my life.

I refused to look at Icarus full-on, but I saw him studying my figure out of the corner of my eye. “Is there a problem, Lord Icarus?” I muttered to him in a hushed voice.

He smiled with pleasure, “You changed your attire. Was the other dress uncomfortable?” Icarus led me out the door that Jethro and Jolene had just disappeared through.

“No, My Lord, it simply does not suit my taste. This gown, however, was more to my liking.” I said glancing down at the deep red taffeta dress I had selected out of my limited wardrobe. “I am told that I have you to thank for my wonderful gowns, and for the room I have been placed in.”

Icarus nodded and grinned from ear to slimy ear. “Yes, I hoped that you would appreciate the things I chose for you.” He whispered into my ear. “Though, I admit, I had hoped you would be joining me in my bedroom suite and that that room would be only temporary.”

I sensed the seductive tone in his voice, and fought the urge to cringe away and slap him across the face. “My apologies, My Lo-“ I began.

“Elizabeth, please, call me Icarus.” He cooed at me as we followed Jethro and Jolene around the corner into the main hallway.

I faked a flattered smile and continued, “My apologies, Icarus. I am more of a free spirit. My request means nothing against you; I just need the option of having other options.” I faked a heavy sigh. “Does that make any sense? I fear my words are coming out all jumbled.”

Icarus chuckled and pulled me closed to his side. “Elizabeth, it makes perfect sense to me. I must tell you, though; I sincerely hope you will come around soon. I would very much enjoy having you for a mate.”

I smiled, but didn’t respond to his subtle suggestion that I surrender all authority concerning the matter of my freedom of choice to him. Jethro and Jolene led us down one of the spiral stair cases near the mahogany doors. I assumed whomever was to be executed was being held below the main floor. A jolt of anxiety shot through my mind as I realized Damien could be the vampire on schedule for execution! Emerson had not answered me when I asked where Damien was, and earlier in The Hall, Jethro exchanged those glances with Emerson and Icarus!

Entries in Contest

2009-08-14T11:50:00.003-06:00

So far, only four people have entered the contest for 1/5 signed cover art, framed and all!!! Remember, within the next seven years, this could become worth a lot of money!!! Email me at curesaga@gmail.com to enter the contest. Tell me your first and last name and I will enter you in!

The drawing will be held on September 1, 2009 at 1am when I post the Public Release of "Chapter Three: The Party". I will post the winner on the blog after I take Chapter Three down at midnight September 1st, so you better be paying attention, guys!!!

GOOD LUCK!
Do not email my personal email or message me on Facebook, that will automatically disqualify you from the drawing. Only entries emailed to curesaga@gmail.com will be valid entries!

Moving along swiftly

2009-08-09T23:30:00.002-06:00

I am finishing up Book One fairly quickly! It is so exciting! I thought about posting another little blurb for you guess to craze over, but I think I will make you wait a little longer. *EVIL LAUGH*

I am planning on publicly releasing "Chapter Three: The Party" on September 1st, so be ready, guys!!! I've already started polishing it, so make sure you have the time to read it while it is up! I'll let you guys know when I begin seriously writing in Midsummer! Until then, farewell!

Public Release of Chapter Two Expired

2009-08-03T23:54:00.002-06:00

Okay, if you have come to this page to read the public release of chapter two "One Week", I have some bad news for you. You missed your chance to read it. It was posted Sunday morning through Monday at midnight. I am sorry if you were unable to log on to read it.

If you still want to read it, email me and I will send you a digital copy so that you can continue to enjoy the story. curesaga@gmail.com

CHAPTER THREE: THE PARTY will be released for a limited reading on September 1, 2009, so please plan ahead so that you can continue reading about Beth's adventure!
-Francais Atkin

Apologies

2009-08-01T23:53:00.002-06:00

Hey, sorry guys. I've been really under the weather this week and I wasn't able to get Chapter Two posted on time. I am fixing a few things right this second and will be posting it shortly. I am so sorry for dropping the ball... I feel really bad. Hang in there, its almost done!
Francais

"Escape" Excerpt from Ch. 17

2009-07-25T13:27:00.000-06:00

The Cure

Chapter Seventeen: Escape

“Masters, I give you Elizabeth Reynar.” Emerson uttered quietly.

“My child!” Jethro called down at me. “We have discussed your unusually request!” He laughed jollily. “Ah, Jolene, my dear, would you be so kind as to…” He motioned with his hand and allowed his voice to trail off.

“Lord Jethro,” I cooed toward his gleaming face. “may I inquire, what is it I am to do now?” I did my best to sound naïve as I asked him the question. Damien had told me that Jethro simply could not resist a young vampire in need of guidance and willing to accept it.

“Oh, Young One! It is simple! You will spend most of your time with Icarus, and naturally with me and dear Jolene.” He beamed at the thought of basking in my freshly churned glory. “You will learn all about our politics and our laws… and the consequences of disobeying them. In fact, I do believe we have an execution scheduled for this afternoon!” He shot a meaningful glance at Icarus and Emerson.

“Execution, My Lord?” I hummed.

“Yes! Yes!” He bubbled. “Our execution is beheading. It is one of the most effective ways to kill a vampire, so that is the method we employ in the destruction of those who would defy us, my dear child!”

“I see, My Lord.” I said, faking enthusiasm. “When shall I be privileged to witness this act of justice?” I pushed my fake enthusiasm a bit further and prayed that it would not brake or buckle.

“Shortly, my dear!” Jethro stood and Icarus and Jolene followed suit. “Now, Eli- sorry- Beth, come up here and take Icarus’ arm; he will show you all the ropes, and you will respect him like e mentor and friend. Understood? Wonderful!” Jethro started off toward the back right corner of The Hall. I hadn’t noticed it before, but there were doors at each corner of the room in addition to the great mahogany doors that nearly everyone entered through.

The Plot Thickens

2009-07-22T13:51:00.002-06:00

As most of you know, I have the whole outline for the whole saga written down. Well, I have made a few new additions that will make the plot thicker and more juicy! I am fairly sure that you will love the additions!

I just wanted to give everyone an update and all that jazz! It looks like I should be finished with writing the first novel by the end of September. After that I will be doing a lot of polishing and beefing up. I just want to make it as good as it has the potential to be!

Thank you for being supportive. If you are reading this, than that means you are one of the people that I appreciate greatly. Thanks a million!

-Francais

Book One Nearing Completion!

2009-07-14T22:11:00.002-06:00

Good News!

Book One of The Cure Saga is nearly done!I have almost finished writing all of the contents and I will proceed to edit and fine tune it until the end of August! I will continue to do public releases of the chapters one at a time and space a month apart so I have time to perfect each chapter.

If you fall behind and miss a chapter, just let me know and I will work something our so that you can have the opportunity to read it! I am so excited that I am almost done writing book one! Thank you for all of your support!

-Francais Atkin

The Cure Saga 3 Months Old!!!

2009-07-11T17:17:00.003-06:00

Hey Readers!

On August 1st, in celebration of the three month anniversary of the day I started writing The Cure Saga, I am going to do a public release of Chapter Two on this blog. Also, I will be hosting an virtual auction for an autographed copy of the original book cover for The Cure Saga, Book One: The Dark Corner.

There will be no real money involved. It is more to see how much you'd pay for an autographed copy of the book cover. Please keep in mind, that there are only 5 first editions of the book cover, and four of them are already spoken for. It is copy 1/1 that will be "auctioned" off. So, if you are interested let me know. Each participant is only allotted three bids.

I hope you'll join in the celebration with me!
-Francais Atkin

Public Release of "Chapter Two: One Week"

2009-07-09T20:36:00.002-06:00

Hey Readers!

July 31, 2009 I will be posting Chapter Two for your pleasure. I hope that you will enjoy reading it!!! I will keep it posted for a full 24 hours, so make sure that you get online to read it before it is gone. If the demand is high enough, I might post it a second time later on, but please, do not bank on that. I am putting a lot of work into this saga, so I hope that you will continue to be supportive and read my writing. Thank you all so very much!
-Francais Atkin

Driving with Damien

2009-07-02T16:23:00.001-06:00

The Cure Saga

Book One: The Dark Corner

Excerpt from Chapter Thirteen: Sanguine Manor

I climbed into the front passenger seat, and buckled my seat belt. I realized how noisy I was compared to Damien; I hadn’t even heard him shut his car door. The SUV rumbled into life beneath us. Damien backed out of the shed, crept down the driveway and pulled out onto the gravel road. We drove down to the paved road that Anthony and I had reached on our first run together, then we pulled out onto it due west.

For most of the trip, I sat quietly and watched the scenery roll by. A long ride in a car felt humanly normal; it was refreshing. An hour passed before the mountains dissolved around us and morphed into the outskirts of Provo, Utah. We were driving on I-15 Northbound. I smiled, happy that I knew where I was and how we were going to get to san-gin mansion. “Dame? What was the place called again? San-gin?” I asked. I felt like a three year old just barely learning how to talk.

He chuckled. “It is called Sanguine Manor. San-gwin Man-or” I enunciated slowly so that I could better understand how to pronounce it. I repeated the name a few times out loud to get it down. “I find it ridiculous that they chose that name for their dwelling. Seriously, what human wouldn’t get curious about a place that’s name means ‘blood thirsty house’?”

I thought about it for a moment, then as if a light bulb came on inside my head. “Oh!!! Sanguine!!! Yeah, that was one of our Fab Vocab words in AP English senior year!” I smacked my head. “I feel like an idiot now.”

Damien chuckled again, and resumed his silence. I returned to staring out the window, reveling in the human world that I couldn’t touch. A knot began to twist in my stomach; I was anxious knowing that we would be driving right past the exit that would lead me home. It felt so wrong not being able to take a quick detour to say hello; it wasn’t fair. I squirmed in my seat when we were within two minutes of the exit. Damien glanced over and gave me an apologetic look.

“It’s not-“

“Fair. I know.” Damien said gently. “I know, Beth. I know.”

Elizabeth and Anthony for a Moment

2009-06-30T16:31:00.000-06:00

Excerpt from Chapter Eleven: Banished

“Beth!” Toney whispered. His voiced sounded relieved, pained, confused, and a little worried.

I glanced to where the voice came from, and I saw him. His big eyes were filled with something that I could not place. It looked to me like he hadn’t slept in a week; I wondered if that had anything to do with Damien banishing him from the property. Toney was standing near the curtain of willow tree leaves, with his shoulders squared and his arms hanging limp at his sides. He looked nervous.

I smiled widely at him, though I fought against it with all my will power. He reached out one of his hands, an open invitation, and I came to where he was and took his hand. “Toney.” I spoke his name with care.

“Will you walk with me?” He hummed quietly.

“Tonight, yes.” I uttered shortly.

He led me into the back yard, as he did the first time, and stopped at the edge of the small foot bridge to the hidden pocket of the yard. He led me across the little river slowly, carefully, and lovingly. For some reason, my automatic defenses weren’t going up. We walked under the cover over the trees where the night was even darker than it was in the yard, and we sat on the bench that was hidden there. Anthony never released my hand.

We sat in silence for a few moments before Toney stood up and beckoned me to follow him with his sweet smile. He brought me to the middle of the hidden space, and turned to face me. “Will you dance with me?” He whispered into my ear.

I smiled weakly, and fought back the urge to cry at his sincerity. “Tonight, yes.” I repeated my answer from before.

Toney took me up in his arms and led me in a casual waltz. We danced through the whole hidden alcove looking at each other, studying the others’ face, the others’ reactions. It felt unreal. I knew that if I were in my right mind, I would not allow this to happen. But I could not resist his eyes, his smile, and his voice. Some deeper level of my consciousness was responding to him and not giving me any other choice.

Toney slowed the pace until we finally stopped. He stood there, holding me in his arms tenderly, and gazing into my eyes. He inhaled happily, and leaned in to whisper in my ear, “Will you let me kiss you?”

I did not hesitate. The words came out of my mouth without being run through the checker in my mind. “Tonight, yes.”

Toney cupped his hands around my face gently and leaned in slowly. I closed my eyes and waited. His soft warm lips met mine and kissed me lightly before they were gone. I opened my eyes and looked at him. There he was before me, practically handing me his heart, and I was letting some part of me accept it! What was wrong with me? He gazed even deeper into my eyes and I forgot my anger with myself. “Are you in love with me?” His voice was so quiet that I barely heard the words, but his eyes asked the question much louder than his voice did.

“Tonight…” I paused and searched my feelings. Was I about to lie to him? Or was I about to tell him the truth that I’d been lying to myself about? The deeper part of me answered before I could shut it down. “…yes.”

Toney pulled me in more confidently this time and kissed my lips longer than before. I could feel myself kissing him back… I could feel myself wanting to kiss him back. I let my hands wander up his chest and entwined my fingers behind his neck. He moved his hands slowly until they were in just the right position to scoop me up into his arms. My breath caught from surprise, but Toney didn’t miss a single beat. I could feel him walking and then sitting with me still in his arms. He embraced me as if he would never let me go, as if he would never leave me again.

Tears began to trickle down my cheeks. Was I sad? Happy? Guilty? Angry?

Toney pulled away slightly, kissed my lips just as he had the first time, and then leaned back to gaze at me again. “Why are you crying, Love?”

“I don’t know, but it does not matter.” I whispered.

He held me close to his chest, and I listened to his heart beating. Being in his arms felt so natural, so right. The last thing I remember hearing was Toney whispering into my ear, “Happy late birthday, Beth. I love you.” After that, I slipped into a peaceful, restful sleep.

Chapter 12 Excerpt for Reading

2009-06-25T17:33:00.000-06:00

The Cure Saga

Book One: The Dark Corner

Excerpt from Chapter Twelve: Visitor

Elizabeth Reynar

“I don’t love him” I said flatly. I stared at the floor, though I was not focused on it. Damien must have sensed an impasse, because he crossed the room and left without another word.

In my chest, I felt an aching pain; my acid reflux had been getting increasingly worse over these last two weeks. I attributed it to Damien’s cooking; he cooked a lot of pasta oriented dishes. I clutched my chest and hoped the pain would subside. I stumbled to the closet and threw on one of the jogging outfits that Damien had gotten for me. After I had my socks and shoes on, I made a quick trip to the bathroom, then went into the living room to meet Damien.

When I entered the room, he didn’t look at me; he just sat staring at the television. One of his home videos was playing; it was muted, so I hadn’t heard anything from my room. The video was in my back yard at home. It looked like it was from when my dad had done the landscaping with Carter and Damien.

I smiled and glanced back to Damien’s face hoping to see his foolhardy grin reaching from ear to ear; all I found was sadness, there. He still wouldn’t look at me. I shrugged and went into the kitchen to get a glass of water. My throat and chest were burning and aching; I hoped a glass of water would suppress the acid reflux long enough for me to get through my morning training.

After draining two full glasses of tepid water, the pain was more pronounced than it had been in the bedroom just moments ago. I clutched my chest and folded over on myself. Breath, Beth. You are okay. This will pass. I had thought that to myself a million and one times over the previous weeks, but it never seemed to do much good.

A cool hand touched my bare shoulder. “Beth, are you alright?” Damien questioned with concern.

I peeked up at him, wincing when the pain got worse. “I- I’m fine. Acid reflux. It’ll pass” I explained shortly, cringing with every breath that I took.

“Are you sure that it’ll pass? You know, you were cringing like that this morning before you woke.” He was always so observant and caring. I hated having him around; everything was always about me. I was always the nucleus of the day’s events, and all the stories he told me. I hated it! Me, me, me, me, me! I’d had enough.

“Would you stop that!” I hissed though my head was between my knees. “I can’t stand having everything be about me! Ugh!” I cringed once more. The pain had reached a new climax. Damien eyed me wearily. I huffed, “Okay, I changed my mind.”

“You… changed your mind about what, exactly?” He looked thoroughly confused.

“I need to take a break. I think that my body needs a day to rest. I mean, we’ve been training practically non-stop for two weeks.” Every word hurt.

Damien nodded and steered me to the living room, where her laid me down on the couch. I curled up into a ball, hugging my knees and focusing on breathing evenly. I avoided his face; seeing the concern would just drive me bonkers. The movie that Damien had been watching was still playing; Damien turned up the sound so that I could hear.

New Additions to the Official Blog!!!

2009-06-24T16:58:00.000-06:00

You may have noticed some new additions to this page recently. What do you think?

I have added a hit counter, an embedded radio with the soundtrack for Book One: The Dark Corner, and a sneak preview of the cover art for Book Two: Midsummer. Tell me what you think of the new addition. Take a listen to the soundtrack and become saturated in the tone of the first book in the saga!!! Enjoy guys!!!

Thanks for all of your support!

Francais

Encore Release of Chapter One!!!

2009-06-24T01:02:00.001-06:00

Okay,
There are some people who didn't get a chance to read chapter One when it was posted last Saturday. So, next Friday and Saturday, I will be posting chapter one all day long so that people will have a better chance to read it! post comments so that I know what you think, okay? Happy reading!
-Francais

The Cure Saga ~~ Excerpt from Ch. 3

2009-06-22T00:40:00.001-06:00

The Cure Saga

Book One: The Dark Corner

Chapter Three: The Party

“Beth! Hey, Beth!!” Sarah called after me. She had to grab my arm to get my attention.

“Oh! Hey! I am so glad to see you here!” I shouted at her over the noise.

“Do you wanna get out of here? I mean, like just until it’s time for birthday cake and presents?” She yelled directly into my ear. Her big brown eyes looked filled with excitement and pity as they measured my reaction.

I smiled widely. “You have NO idea!!” I shouted back.

She took my hand and led me through the crowd, her short blond hair bobbed up and down with each step. We went down the side yard that was completely empty, and round to the house next door. Sarah had lived in that house since we wre five years old; we were instant best friends. We walked down her side yard into her quiet back yard. I never realized it before, but the rose bushes in my back yard trapped most of the noise in its boundaries.

“Oh, my gosh! You are a God-send!” I breathed at her.

“I know!” She chirped, “So, what’s up?”

We walked over and sat in her swing set together. “Well, nothing really. Actually, I am going to San Fran for a while.” I told her quietly. “I really need to get away from everything.”

“Oh, well that sounds fun.” She said thoughtfully. “How long have you been planning this? I had no idea…”

“Oh, I decided right after graduation.” I sighed. “I got home and realized that I couldn’t stay here much longer. I just- I needed to get out.”

“Oh, I see.” Sarah said with complete understanding. Then her face changed. “So, does any of this have to do with your dad?”

“What?” I laughed. “What would make you think that?”

She smiled sheepishly, “When you spent the night weekend before last, you were talking in your sleep. It sounded like you were looking for your dad.” She looked down at her shoes and spoke more quietly now, “It was so sad listening to you, but I didn’t want to say anything and upset you, or embarrass you.”

“Oh” I breathed, “Well, honestly, I did sort of freak out when I realized that I only moved into the downstairs apartment to feel closer to him.” I sighed and looked at my shoes, following Sarah’s example, “I even cried, Sarah. Being here is getting to me…”

“So, you have to go.” She finished my sentence.

I smiled at her, “Thanks.”

Sarah sighed, “No, one understands you better than I do.”

“I’ll come back for a few days before I have to head to Southern California for school…” I glanced at her smiling.

She, however, wasn’t smiling. “Yeah, I’m actually headed back east early to get settled. I’ll be leaving in one month.”

“Oh,” my smile faded. “So, then, today is the last day we’ll see each other for the better part of a year. Wow. Didn’t see that one coming.” I continued staring at my shoes, knowing that Sarah was thinking the same thing that I was.

“Or the last time forever.” We said in unison.

“I’m not very good at goodbyes…” Sarah began.

“Well, neither am I.” I smiled weakly and fought against the tears that threatened to stain my face before we had to go back to the party. “Maybe, we shouldn’t say goodbye. I mean, if we drift apart…”

“Beth, I love you. Come what may, I hope that I will see you again soon. I hope that our friendship will not fade. But above all the hopes and fears, just know that I love you.”

I was staring at her in shock. I didn’t know that she could be so incredibly fluid. It was too much; a sob escaped my throat. “I love you, too, Sarah!” We sprang from our swings and embraced each other in, what we hoped, wouldn’t be the last hug.

As our heartfelt embrace ended, the noise from my backyard swelled to a new high. People were cheering, laughing loudly, and clapping. The music had stopped. Sarah and I looked each other in the face and began to wipe away all the evidence that we had been upset. I fixed her hair and she straightened my blouse.

“How do I-“

“Ya look great, Beth. Now, let’s go blow out some candles!” Sarah whispered. Hand in hand we ran through her side yard, around the fence, down my side yard, and into the crowded back yard. We apparently arrived just in time.

Fight Against Cervical Cancer!!!

2009-06-20T16:23:00.001-06:00

Cervical cancer is caused by the HPV virus. HPV is spread by skin-to-skin genital contact and chances of getting HPV can be reduced by abstaining from skin-to-skin genital contact or having fewer sexual partners. See www.cancerutah.org/prevent for more information.
Cervical cancer is caused by the HPV virus. Females between the ages of 9 and 26 can get an HPV vaccine that prevents 70% of cervical cancers. See www.cancerutah.org/prevent for more information.
To prevent cervical cancer women over the age of 18 should get regular pap tests even if they have had the HPV vaccine. See www.cancerutah.org/prevent for more information.

Win prizes by RTing: Prevent cervical cancer through abstinence, HPV vaccine & pap tests. See www.cancerutah.org/prevent #HPVwin

The Cure Saga ~~ Specail Treat Next Friday and Saturday!

2009-06-20T14:03:00.002-06:00

NEW ~~ Excerpt from Chapter Six

2009-06-18T14:58:00.002-06:00

The Cure Saga

Book One: The Dark Corner

Chapter Six: Sunlight

I closed the front door and looked around the trailer. When I first came out of the bedroom, I was too preoccupied to notice my surroundings. For a trailer, it was actually pretty nice. From my brief glimpse outside, it looked like the trailer was facing south. In the middle section of the trailer, there was the front door with a little foyer, and a living room across from the front door. The east side of the house was the bedroom, a bathroom, and a coat closet. The west side of the trailer was comprised of a spacious kitchen (for a trailer) and a nice little laundry room by the back door.

I made a quick visit to the bathroom, and then I got a little snoopy. I started looking through everything. I started with the cupboards in the bathroom vanity, but all I found was a shopping bag with some toiletries for girls. I assumed that Damien had just gone out and purchased it for me. I returned to the bedroom and went through the dresser. There was maybe five changes of clothes; all non-descript.

In the corner of the closet on the floor, I found a large shoe box. I half expected to find a pair of shoes in it, because all my rummaging around hadn’t turned up anything of any interest yet. But, when I opened the box, I saw that it was filled with little memorandums, and four video cassette tapes. I seized the tapes and headed for the living room.

I turned on the TV and VCR and put the first tape in.

The black screen morphed into the scene of a wedding. I made myself comfortable even though I expected this to be a boring home video. Damien wasn’t the one operating the camera! I was a little surprised to see him standing up by the altar smiling widely at a guy who appeared to be the groom. From what I could tell, Damien was the best man.

The groom had honey blonde hair, and piercing blue eyes; he looked like the old photos I had seen of my dad. I froze. Suddenly, I was paying a lot more attention to the video. Looking closer, I saw Carter standing next to Damien, then Jimmy, then Tanner! This must have been my parents’ wedding.

The Cure Saga ~~ Chapter Ten: The Funeral (Excerpt for Editing)

2009-06-14T14:52:00.003-06:00

Anthony Larsen

Trying to sleep was hell! I could hear her in her bedroom, calling my name in her sleep. She sounded like she was in pain. Every fiber of my being wanted to run into the bedroom and take her up in my arms, shake her awake and tell her I was there… that I would always be there. By some miracle, I was able to make my body go to sleep. My mind was still completely awake and aware, but my body was resting.

I heard Damien enter the living room and approach the couch. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up in alarm. I couldn’t turn off my werewolf instincts; of course, neither could Damien, so I suppose it didn’t matter either which way.

Damien nudged my foot, “Okay, pup. She’s under your guard.”

I sat up and stretched. “Okay. Any advice or warnings?” I asked sarcastically.

“Well, I’m sure you’ve noticed her sleep talking.” He watched for a response, and I nodded. “Well, considering that it is you she is crying for, I would recommend that you go in there and hold her hand while she sleeps.”

I raised an eyebrow suspiciously, “Are you trying to get me killed?”

Damien chuckled quietly, “No. I just think that if she knew you were there, subconsciously of course, she might be able to rest more easily.”

His explanation made sense. “Yeah, okay. I’ll do that then.” I stood and walked with him to the door. “Have fun at the funeral, Pops.” I said, with all of the sincerity in the world.

Damien smiled weakly in response, “Thanks. Take care of my little girl.” I saw the pain on his face as he turned away from me. It had been almost the same routine the day before, when he had left to go get some things for Beth. It hurt him to leave her. He really did love her as a daughter.

Once, he was gone, I shut and locked the door. I stretched one more time, before I went into Beth’s room; it was going to be a long night sitting in a wooden chair and holding a sleeping lady’s hand. When I opened her door, her beautiful voice was louder than it had sounded from the living room. Under the dim light from the nightlights plugged into the wall across from the bed, I saw her agonized face. My heart ached.

“Anthony?” Beth’s whisper crept across the room and summoned me to her side. “No, no, no… Anthony?” I would have given anything to know what she was seeing in her dreams.

I sat in the chair next to the bed and reached towards her hand. As if she had seen it coming, her hand opened at exactly the right moment, and closed around mine as I set it in hers. A smile broke across my face. “She may not know that she loves me, but I know that she does.”

Special Treat on Saturday!!!

2009-06-11T00:21:00.000-06:00

Hey Readers!

I have a special treat for you! On this Saturday, I will be doing a public release of Chapter One: Cabin Fever, from Book One: The Dark Corner of The Cure Saga. Be one of the first to read it!

I will be posting it at 4:00 Mountain Standard Time, and I will take it back down at 7pm that same day. So, be sure to read it while it is up! Yes, I will be posting the whole chapter. No, I am not kidding!

If I know you personally, and you will be working at the time when Chapter One is available, email me and I will set something up for you especially! Put it on your calendar!!! I'll see you Saturday!

-Francais Atkin

Short Reminder

2009-06-09T00:52:00.001-06:00

Hey Readers!

This is just a short reminder for you all. I created this blog so that you can comment on and edit the sections that I post. It is not for you to read the book. That is why I am not posting them in any order that makes sense.

I apologize if this confuses you. I do appreciate your input. So, if all you can do is read a section and tell me that is good, I would be grateful for anything you can offer. Thank you!

-Francais Atkin

The Cure Saga ~~ Chapter Sixteen: Ambush Excerpt for Editing

2009-06-07T15:58:00.003-06:00

“Lizzy Lou, there is nothing out there that can get you. I won’t let it.” He walked back to me and hugged me closely. “I won’t be far, I promise. If you really need me to come back, call me on my cell, and I will run as fast as I am able back to you.” He smiled and kissed my forehead. “I’ll be right back.”

He turned and blurred out the back door. I sighed and trudged into the living room to sit; I had been standing up, running, and training all day long and my muscles ached for a little relief. When I sank into the couch every part of my body rejoiced, and thanked me over and over. I moaned with satisfaction. I didn’t feel like watching a movie, so I just sat on the couch enjoying the relief.

I started rehearsing the exercise of administering the venom to myself, experimenting with the idea of injecting it into my heart. I replayed the motions over and over again. Allowing my body to memorize the sequence of actions I would need to take.

A noise outside interrupted my mental training. Was Damien back already? I went to the wall and shut off the light so that I could see better outside. Then I walked up to the window in the living room and stared out, searching the darkness. As my eyes adjusted, I saw that Damien had installed a rather unruly line of rose bushes across the middle of the back yard. They weren’t trimmed up and pretty like every other aspect of the yard.

Curiosity made me stay at the window studying the odd bushes. The longer I stared, the more I realized that they were not rose bushes at all. What could they be? I heard another howl, but this time it sounded unreasonably closer. That’s when I put the pieces together… The odd bushes were werewolves!

I staggered backward, out into the foyer. Were they only in the back yard or…? I tiptoed to the door and peeked out the window to the left of it. My God! They were circling the whole trailer! Panic rushed to every part of my mind and body. What do I do? I went back to the living room and pulled out my cell phone. I hit the speed dial one. He answered.

“Damien…” I hesitated, staring at the potential monsters surrounding the trailer. I still wasn’t sure what they were, but I had figured out that they weren’t rose bushes and that they were alive. What should I tell him?

“Beth, if it’s important, just spit it out.” Damien growled through the phone. Maybe Anthony had brought him bad news... Maybe Anthony was trying to warn him about this siege on the trailer!

“Damien, I… I think they’re here… at the trailer.” The words sounded unreal, even to my ears. “The Pack. They’ve come for me.” I whispered into the receiver.

“I’m coming. Don’t leave the trailer! And Beth… whatever happens, do not let them bite you.” The line went dead. A chill ran down my spine and sent goose bumps rippling over my body. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the window. I wished it wasn’t so dark; I wanted to really see them.

A low growl echoed in a wave around the trailer; I could hear the sound from every direction. Had Damien come? Was he here to save me? How would we escape from the werewolves safely? Would Damien lose his “life” to rescue me? To save The Secret?

Tears started rolling violently down my face, leaving a trail of burning flesh behind them. This was it. This was the end of my waiting period. My number was finally up.

The Cure Saga Character Descriptions

2009-06-06T15:04:00.001-06:00

Elizabeth Reynar: Daughter to Jezebel and Franklyn Reynar. Carrier of The Cure. Athletically and musically talented. Medium length medium brown hair, 5’6”, 135 lbs, pale blue eyes with a few flecks of gold. Bad habit: picking at nails.

Jezebel Reynar: Mother of Elizabeth. Widow of Franklyn Reynar, ex-girlfriend of Carter Williams. Clumsy but talented in interior design. Long wavy dark brown hair, 5’4”, 160 lbs, honey hazel eyes. Bad habit: nail biting.

Franklyn Reynar: Father of Elizabeth. Talented at drafting, carpentry, and piano. Short cropped straight honey blond hair, 6’3”, 190 lbs, piercing pale blue eyes. Bad habit: knuckle popping.

Damien McDougal: Best friend of Franklyn Reynar and assigned guardian of The Secret. Wrestler in high school, plays guitar, and is a talented cook. Dark red curly hair, 5’9”, 205 lbs, dark brown eyes. Bad habit: finger tapping.

Carter Williams: Second best friend to Franklyn Reynar and sworn protector of Beth Reynar. Ex-boyfriend of Jezebel Reynar. Talented contractor, public speaker, and natural leader. Light brown hair, 6’9”, 250 lbs, sharp green eyes with flecks of gold. Bad habit: zoning out.

Sarah: Best friend of Elizabeth Reynar, and the girl next-door. Track runner with Beth, and flautist in the orchestra in high school. Has a knack for strategy, and thinking outside the box. Short dirty blond hair, 5’4”, 120 lbs, dark brown eyes. Bad habit: speaking before thinking.

Anthony: The werewolf that Beth falls in love with. The werewolf that turns Sarah. A member of The Fur. He and Carter are the two wolves that watch the Reynar house and report any changes back to The Tribe. Black hair, 6’0”, 180 lbs, deep green eyes, freckles on checks. Bad habit: playing with his hair.

Icarus: The Vampire that falls in love with Beth. A member of The Order, his job is to recruit humans who have been military trained and select Vampires to be one of the Knights of Noir. Pale blond hair to his shoulders, 6’5”, 187 lbs, jet black eyes, a tattoo of the moon on the back of his neck. Bad habit: tapping his foot.

Silvia: The vampire that Damien is in love with. A member of The Order, her job is to issue the Prophecies leaving out details that The Order wants hidden. Her surface job is PR for the high-end hotel and spa that The Order owns and operates. Waist length dark brown hair, 5’5”, 125 lbs, baby-blue eyes, a small mole just above her lip. Bad habit: snapping her fingers to get attention.

Chapter Four: Leaving Excerpt for Editing

2009-06-06T11:33:00.003-06:00

Going into the small hallway just off of the living room, I grabbed a towel from under the vanity, and went into the bathroom. I turned on the light and started to run a hot bubble bath. The sound of the oversized tub filling up with water soothed me into a very relaxing mood. When the tub filled, I stripped and slid into the warm water.

I bathed slowly, and thoroughly. I hated getting off of a plane and feeling gross. I shaved my legs, and conditioned my hair twice before I had enough resolve to end the heavenly relaxing soak. I drained the tub, dried off, braided my hair, wrapped a towel around me and went out to the front room to retrieve the clothes I had set aside for the flight.

As I walked into the living room, I realized that I had left them folding in a small stack sitting on top of the dryer. I flushed with embarrassment at my forgetfulness, and headed towards, the kitchen. The cool kitchen tiles felt good on my bare feet, and the soft padding sound of them making contact, sounded surreal. I almost felt like I was sleep-walking.

I rounded the corner to the stairs and took each step with thoughtfully. When I reached the lower landing, I looked into the basement. It didn’t look or feel like it was mine anymore. Suddenly, I felt scared to enter. It was like I was reliving the first time I saw the basement, thought things weren’t in the same place anymore.

Standing there in the doorway, wrapped up in a towel, I couldn’t make myself move. I was frozen. Sudden hysteria shot through my body as I registered a sound from above… footsteps! Someone was in the house! I still couldn’t move. I listened, frozen where I was, as the footsteps made their way through the kitchen, the dining area, and rounded the corner to the stairs. I couldn’t even make myself turn around to see who the intruder was.

“Beth?”

I jumped where I stood and nearly dropped the towel that was covering my body. I was free from the frozen prison that had me in its grasps only moments ago.

Chapter Three: The Party-- Section for editing

2009-06-03T12:33:00.001-06:00

The doorbell rang. Jezebel ran through the house to open the door. The very next minute the back yard was absolutely swarming with kids from my graduating class, family friends, relatives, and some people I didn’t even know.

The table for gifts was overflowing not ten minutes into the party. It was complete chaos. I was being passed from person to person like a hot potato. People crowded on the upper and lower decks, on the lawn in the house on the front porch; people were everywhere.

Everywhere I looked people were eating, and talking and laughing. Some of the goofy boys from my graduating class were playing on the merry-go-round, swings, and the slide. I had seen a few couples sneak off into the play house, most likely with intent to make-out in public and not get caught.

My mother was on the lower deck sitting at the table under the umbrella telling embarrassing stories about when I was a child. My father’s buddies were all gathered around the grill talking quietly, and smiling widely. It was obvious that after my father died it was hard for them to stay in close contact.

I kept getting compliments on my hair, and my makeup and my outfit, and how good I was looking in general. A few of my courters from high school tried yet again to persuade me to go out with them. It was like reliving four years of high school in one little party.

Tanner left the group by the grill and started playing DJ a little more. The people my age responded as one entity. They all made their way to a firm and flat surface and began dancing and singing along with the songs. It was so loud I couldn’t even think.

Excerpt from Chapter Thirteen Visitor

2009-06-02T21:41:00.003-06:00

It didn’t seem like very long before we reached the Salt Flats. I kept a searching eye on the horizon, trying to spot Sanguine Manor. I hadn’t seen anything when Damien turned off of the highway where there wasn’t an exit or an off road. He drove straight out onto the Salt Flats.

I continued to scan the horizon for signs of some form of structure. Damien seemed to already see it, but my weak human eyes only saw a sea of salt in every direction. “I don’t see anything!” I whined, leaning in towards the windshield as if it would help me see my invisible target better.

Damien chuckled, “It’s right ahead of us, there.” He said calmly. “There, at the base of that mountain in the distance.”

I followed his gaze. “Ah, I see the mountain!” I chirped happily.

“And Sanguine Manor?” He asked mockingly.

I folded my arms and sat back in my seat. “No. I don’t see Sanguine Manor, yet.” I glared out the windshield while Damien laughed at my expense. “Stupid vampire.” I hissed.

It was another ten minutes of driving before I saw Sanguine Manor for the first time. From that distance, it looked like a small house; I couldn’t make out much detail. I pointed excitedly, “Damien! I can see it!” He smiled and stopped the car. “What’s up?” I asked confused.

“We need to announce ourselves; The Order does not like it when anyone arrives without giving them a small degree of advanced notice.” He explained patiently.

“Oh, yeah! You told me something about that… So, how do we announce ourselves?” I moved to open the door. Damien blurred around and pushed the door shut as soon as I had opened it. “Hey!”

He tilted his head to the side and smiled, “You are going to stay inside the car where you can’t get your gown dirty, young lady!”

I rolled my eyes and sat back in my seat again. I hated it when Damien treated me like a baby. I watched Damien walk back around to his open door. He stood for a moment, then he spoke in a repulsively polite tone, “My Masters, I come to you per your summons. I bring with me The Secret for you to see. Pray, grant us council with your Lordships.”

My mouth dropped open. Was this really how we were supposed to address these self-proclaimed royalty? I gawked at Damien; he continued to stand, as if waiting for an answer. I listened but did not hear anything.

“Thank you, Masters. We will approach and join you momentarily.” Damien climbed back into the SUV, started the engine and resumed our slow approach towards Sanguine Manor. “Beth, I hope that you are reviewing all your lessons on vampire etiquette; I’d hate for you to make a mistake.” His words were full of concern.

I smiled at him, “I am. Don’t worry; I’ll do my best.” I began reviewing everything he had told me, and running through the motions in my head of curtsying and the slight nods of the head. There was so much.

New Section for Editting and Ideas

2009-06-01T06:25:00.002-06:00

Anthony sighed on the other side of Damien. I felt terrible; the guilt was getting to me before Damien could. “Toney, I am so sorry!” I blurted, my head whipping around to see his face. Both Damien and Toney jumped at my sudden outburst.

“Beth, there’s nothing to apologize for.” Anthony reassured me without meeting my gaze. He was hurting, but I couldn’t make him feel better. I didn’t love him, like Damien thought; I didn’t like him they way he liked me anymore.

Damien grinned from ear to ear. “What, was Beth putting the moves on you, mutt?” He nudged Anthony in the ribs playfully.

“Hardly,” Toney growled. “I was trying to put a few moves on her, but she shot me down before I even tried!” He shouted at me across Damien.

I was shocked! He’s blaming this on me?! “I said I was sorry!” I shouted back. “Would you have preferred I let you do whatever you want with me?!”

Damien shot off of the couch and pinned Anthony to the back of the couch by his neck. “What were you trying to do, Anthony?” He hissed through his teeth. “What exactly did you have in mind with my daughter?!”

His words stunned me. His daughter? He couldn’t possibly have meant it. My head started to spin. I felt a full on panic attack coming. Breathe. Focus on breathing! I thought to myself angrily.

Toney struggled to speak, “I- ugh- I only wanted-uh-to tell her how I felt about… her”

Damien tightened his grip. “Do you swear to me that that was your only intention?” Damien growled through his gritted teeth.

“I-huh- I swear it!” Anthony managed.

Damien released his neck and stepped back across the room in the same second. Toney coughed and gasped for air. And there I sat, still as could be, turning pale and focusing all my efforts and thoughts on breathing.

“I warned you, Anthony. It is no fault of mine, that the situation seemed different than it was.” He had his hands up, trying to make peace. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Anthony, still struggling for air, waving one hand in the air as if to say, “no harm, no foul.”

Once Toney had regained his ability to breathe without struggle, he began to laugh uncontrollably. Damien joined in with him. The sudden change of atmosphere helped to speed my recovery from my almost panic attack. In no time, I was watching the two of them hootin’ and hollerin’ on the floor.

“Oh, Pops! I seriously thought you were going to kill me!” Anthony said as he settled back unto the couch next to me. “In front of her and all!”

Damien smiled back at him darkly, “Well, count your blessings, pup. If you really were hoping to take away that little girl’s virtue I would have had your head on a silver plate.”

Toney swallowed hard. “Oh! Well, then I guess it’s good that I am not that kind of guy, huh?” They both looked at me as if they expected me to join in on the laughter after the disaster.

Back cover of The Cure: Book One

2009-05-31T12:02:00.001-06:00

Born with a cure in her blood, Elizabeth Reynar
is predestined to change the supernatural world
by saving those damned by the vampire virus
and the werewolf virus. This is the story of her
fall into the hidden world of vampires and
werewolves and her struggle to fulfill the prophecy
against all opposition.

Cover Art for The Cure: Book One

2009-05-31T00:23:00.002-06:00

This is the Original idea for the cover art for Book One in The Cure Saga. I have a feeling that when the first book is complete, I will change the cover art and replace it with something much better. For now, however, I would like everyone's opinion on this. The text on the cover will read:

The Cure
Book One: The Dark
Corner
By Francais A. Atkin