The Renfield Syndrome, Dark Hunger Excerpt

Since many of you are curious about The Renfield Syndrome, I figured I'd impart a bit of my journey in creating the story.  As many of you are now aware (and if you're not, stop now, spoiler alert!) in the original Dead manuscript, Disco died.  It was a very emotional scene, but I felt it was necessary at the time as the direction I wanted to take the series was somewhere else all together.  Fortunately, my mother-in-law forbade such an ending. So Disco was given a second lease on life, Rhiannon was faced with a questionable future, and I wasn't really sure where in the hell the book would go.

For the first time, I had no clue what I planned to do with a book.

When it came time to write The Renfield Syndrome, I'd made some decisions regarding things, but many of the side stories were floating in the free abyss of my muse.  How would I reconcile the changes Rhiannon was facing? How could I make her more vulnerable this time around? The answer came in ways I never expected, which veered me off course and worried my crit partners.  When I finished, I sent the manuscript off -- and I was terrified.  There is a lot of interest in what will occur with Rhiannon, her future, and her journey into the unknown. A lot of things occur that readers will not see coming. Hell, I didn't see them coming.  As I wrote the story there were moments I had to stop writing and step away, take a breather, and return. I was forced to venture into very dark places, places that I generally try to stay away from.

To my relief, my betas and crit partners loved the book.  Still, worries linger for me.  Some of the things I've told readers about the book, while remaining true, skirt a fine line. It wasn't intentional to say something that might be taken as a lie, even though I do believe I have been honest in what people can expect. I've since learned it's best to not say anything at all, as you don't want to reveal too much.

I'm currently pondering what will occur in The Ripple Effect.  As with The Renfield Syndrome, things will remain extremely complicated.  Although I'd prefer not to take a journey back into the darkness of Rhiannon's past and future, it will be necessary to see her grow as a character.  I just hope that her story continues to entertain you -- even if certain things might break your heart.

Today, I'm writing more on Dark Hunger on a Killing Moon.  I figured since I've been stingy with snippets, I'd share a small one here. So far, the story is coming right along. As soon as I wrap up (I believe this book will be between 50-60k words), I'm going to finish The Company of Wolves and then it's back to Rhiannon.

I hope you enjoy the excerpt.  Unlike Eternity and a Day, Dark Hunger focuses on the complexities of a relationship between enemies.  I'm really enjoying the story so far.  I hope that when it's finished, you will as well.

Dark Hunger on A Killing Moon Blurb:

Temptation is always made worse when you long for the forbidden...

Vampire King Bridon Walkyr has waited centuries for the return of his Chosen. Yet instead of the docile and fragile human he anticipates, his beloved has been reborn of the very race that wishes to destroy his kind. Unwilling to lose her a second time, he travels to the mortal realm under a guise to intercept his mate and challenge fate.

Lycae Princess Willow Miloradovic lives under the strain of a preordained destiny she has yet to commit. From the time she could conceive of right and wrong, she has been told she will bring about the downfall of her pack. For her Fated is not only her enemy, he is the very ruler of the blood drinkers they detest. Intentionally guided into the trap Bridon has placed, she has special instructions from her alpha -- kill the vampire king and sever their connection.

When Bridon and Willow clash, sparks will fly, passions will ignite, and enemies will become lovers. But with a killing moon on the rise, their union can signify only one thing -- death.

Snippet:

She cried out as Bridon’s teeth broke through her skin and the fire in her abdomen felt as if it burst and spread outward. The consuming warmth and electricity moved from her belly, traveling in a direct path to her sex. She arched her back, caught in a maelstrom of heat that seemed to lick the underside of her skin as she fell apart and shattered. Bridon was there to catch her, keeping her afloat as he drew from her neck. Each suckle sent her into a tidal wave of bliss as strong as the one before, the currents of pleasure almost too much to bear as her muscles went taut and spasmed.

Bridon swiped his tongue along her neck and, before she could protest, he was moving down her body. He grasped the top button of her jeans, yanked it open, and released the zipper. Despite the tingles left over from his bite, she started to protest. A bite, some foreplay, and mutual sexual pleasure was A-okay. Sex, however, was not on the menu.

“You promised,” she said in a voice that was throaty and hoarse.

“And I’m not breaking my vow.” He yanked her panties down along with her pants and cursed when he came to her boots.

“What are you doing, then?”

The hands on her jeans went still, and he nailed her with a look that promised future pleasures. “We’re just getting started, love.”

Fates, it was impossible to turn away from him. His hair was messy around his shoulders, his eyes now a steely grey. “Getting started?”

He began removing her boots, his motions rough. “I’m going to worship you until the moon rises once again. Before this day is done, you’ll know what it means to be loved. By the Gods, you’ll never forget it.” He looked her in the eye once more as he removed her jeans and socks, baring her from the waist down. “You’ll never forget me.”