Halloween Event with Anchor Group Publishing

If you are not familiar with this publishing company

you must do so, a.s.a.p. Here is their link to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anchorgrouppublishing

and the lovely website http://anchorgrouppublishing.com/

 A wonderful group of authors

belong to this  firm and its imperative for all book lovers to meet them.

So many delightful books are published monthly from Anchor Group.

You will meet a few now.

Anchor Group has decided to do an annual Halloween event and giveaway for all the fans.

Not only are the authors hosting giveaways but they have also included snippets from their books.

They were asked to include the spookiest parts of their books so that the Halloween theme will spread from blog to blog.

Without further ado, here they are.

Enjoy!

Author Emily Fogle

Chasing Flames

Spooky Teaser:

"A sudden flood of panic froze me where I stood. I could only stand there, gaping in shock at the horrifying beast. Its shadow blotted out the waning light and blocked the view of the outside world. I stared at it with my mouth hanging open. The tip of my tongue held onto my scream, too terrified to let it go.

A hideous face of matted fur and gnarled teeth glared at me. Its eyes glowed blood red, and a monstrous paw with jagged dagger-claws reached out toward me. The tip of one nail snagged on my shirt and I could feel the horrendous power beneath its grip. I tried to run, but my fumbling feet got tangled together. Hard, I fell on the wood floor. I kicked my legs, trying to get away from the beast, but it closed the distance before I could back up an inch. It crouched down in front of me, kneeling on all fours, and I could see its ripping teeth.

It was so close.

            With one twisted claw, the monster ripped at his face with tearing nails. The fur-riddled flesh tore away from the wolf’s face, but the slashing fingers did not shred the skin. Instead, it melted away into a solid hunk of deformed fur. What was left in the wake of the gruesome carnage was ..."

Find Emily on FB https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEmilyFogle and attend her Release Event for Chasing Flames:

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEmilyFogle#!/events/580657295384732/

Author Karen Swart

Kasayda Hellhound Awakened

Spooky Teaser

I could hear a girl’s giggle as he stepped out silently. I followed the silent approach he was doing, and closed the door slowly. Turning around, I could see the couple in the corner of the alley; the girl was between the wall and the guy.

Chax moved along the wall, keeping his eyes on them, one slow step at a time. I looked at him and decided that this is as far as I go. I don’t want to be in the middle of whatever he has in mind. The girl suddenly screamed, and I looked away from Chax to them. The ally was dark, so I couldn’t make out what’s going on. She was hitting him on the back but he wasn’t backing off. The next thing I knew, Chax punched the guy in his side, a growl like a beast escaping into the alley.

Holy crap, it’s not a guy, it’s a freaking demon!

I took a few steps back. So not ready for this yet.

The demon turned around and faced Chax, who already had his swords drawn; he stood there ready and waiting. The guy’s face changed then, into what can only be described as a cross between a cat and a dragon. He had two large fangs sticking out of his mouth and from his chin downwards, I could see what looked like dark liquid running down, crap it was blood!

I stopped dead, not wanting to attract attention to me. The demon stormed forward attacking Chax, who only stepped aside, made two swipes with his sword and then walked over to the girl. I looked at the demon to see why the hell Chax is just leaving it and not killing it, only to see its head missing, and the body slumping to the ground.

Something hit my boot so I looked down straight into a pair of eyes, I jumped away from it. “Oh that’s so gross,” I complained and slammed into the opposite wall, keeping my eyes on the head.

Find Karen on FB: https://www.facebook.com/authorkarenswart

Author Lucian Barnes

City of The Dead

Spooky Excerpt

Confusion swirled through his consciousness. The last thing he remembered was being lashed to a tree as the main course for an army of bugs. Had they detoured around him and gone after an alternate food source? He didn't think so, but why else would he still be here?

Just thinking about it made him itch, like the massive column of insects was crawling over his skin at this very moment. Realizing he could move now, George reached with one hand for his other arm to dig his fingernails into his flesh and peel it from his bones if he had to in order to quell the maddening sensation.

            "No!" he screamed into the still dusk air as he watched his fingertips pass right through his arm. "This can't be!" Spinning around he came face to face with what was left of his body. Most of his flesh was gone, but there were still tiny fragments of tissue clinging to the skeletal frame which was bound tightly to the enormous oak. Tilting his head toward the sky George bellowed out in rage, vowing to pay the Black Knight back for what he had done to him. It was now just a matter of how and when he would exact his revenge upon his former master.

Find Lucian on FB

https://www.facebook.com/lucianbarnesauthor

Author Elizabeth Kirke

More Than Magic Series

Spooky Excerpt

It was dark, truly dark. I had thought that it was dark in the desert, but I had been able to look up and see stars. The canopy of leaves above us was so thick that I couldn't see a single star. I wasn't sure if I had ever been somewhere with literally no light anywhere in sight. The fact that I was moving made things even eerier.

"How well can you see in the dark?" I had to ask. TS hadn't stumbled once, even though I could feel him hopping and stepping over obstacles.

"Me?" TS asked. "Well enough."

We probably walked for another five minutes when TS stopped.

"You smell that?"

"Yeah," Thomas said. "Been hearing it, too."

"What?" I asked.

"We're being watched," Thomas whispered.

"Why do you come here?" an unfamiliar voice asked. I nearly jumped out of my skin. Suddenly a horrible snarling hiss came from way, way too close to me. TS tensed and growled.

Find Elizabeth on FB http://www.facebook.com/morethanmagic

Author Christy Sloat

The Visitors Series

Spooky Excerpt

Ephraim kissed me in an attempt to distract me, and for a moment it worked. I got lost in his arms as he held me gently. The kiss deepened a bit more, and then I opened my eyes. That’s when things went all wrong. I saw a misty cloud coming toward us. At first I thought it had to be low lying fog, until I started to see the eyes forming in the mist. I pulled myself away from Ephraim and he turned around to see what I was seeing. There was no way he would be able to see it, because he didn’t see the dead. But they say those who are close to death can see death. It’s completely true because he saw them. At first he was frozen as they walked closer to us. Then he got up and backed away, scared. He wasn’t used to seeing them like I was. Scratch that! I was never going to get used to this, but I had to try if this was my life now. I went toward the mist as the dead started to surround me, locking me inside a circle of their bodies. Their eyes were glassy and their faces veiny and gruesome. They didn’t look like their former selves, unless they were zombies in their life. A woman put her hand on my arm. I froze as her clammy palm rested on my skin. It felt cold at first, and then wet.

“Who are you?” I asked with a shaky voice. She tried to talk, but her mouth was sewn shut. Her lips were moving so fast; she was desperately trying to tell me something. Only murmuring came out.

“Brylee, get away from them,” Ephraim called.

I didn’t try to get away, like an idiot stayed there. A man, whose lips were not sealed, came forward. “You surround yourself with the dead?” he asked as he pointed to Ephraim.

“He isn’t dead. He is alive. Why are you here?” I snapped.

“He isn’t dead yet, but he will be soon.” I shivered at his words. The woman pointed to a spot in the grass and led me to it. I was being shoved toward a place I had no clue of what it was. Once I was on top of it, I saw them … graves. The headstones bore the names of the dead that now surrounded me.

Find Christy on FB www.facebook.com/christysloat

Author Amy Richie

Sapphire City

Spooky Excerpt

“There’s nothing to be afraid of,” I whispered to myself. Just a mysterious light in the ocean. Probably happens all the time.
I reached the dock and hesitated again. I would just have a quick look and then leave. No big deal. I took a deep breath and walked all the way to the edge of the dock.
“Stella.”
With my heart hammering fast enough to make me dizzy, I looked down into the calm water. I didn’t really expect to see anything, but there it was … a small circle of beautiful orange light. My breath caught.

Find Amy on FB https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amy-Richie-Author-Page/167413166631322

Author H.J Daly

Awaken

Spooky Excerpt

As they fought with the tangled branches and thick undergrowth it took them a while to reach their friend. They could already see the blood pouring down his cheek, his pupils blacker than the night. He stood motionless, caught in some sick game between two creatures who were circling him in the small clearing. The creatures had no need for weapons, their claw like hands were tipped with razor sharp talons, each tip delivering a small dose of poison. One ran up to Bendrin, its thick serpent tongue lashed out, licked the blood from his face and sighed in ecstasy.

The boys had seen enough and managed to angle a bow in the small space to hit one of the creatures in the neck. It shrieked out and fell to the floor, seeing its opportunity, the other dived on top of its fellow creature and started to devour the flesh before it had even stopped struggling. Quickly, they reached Bendrin and between them, began to drag him back through the trees. It was a wasted effort, the cries from the dying creature had brought others and they all wanted to play.

                                   Find H.J on her blog: http://redribbonwrites.blogspot.co.uk/

Author Katherine Polillo

The Watchers Trilogy

Spooky Excerpt

I shot down a side street, thinking it was probably no one, just my mind playing tricks on me, but why not try to lose them anyway. As soon as I turned the corner, I felt better. I let a sigh escape my lips as I tried to determine how to get where I needed to go from my new location. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed through the dark alley and a distinct panting noise rose along the quiet night. I lost all control and broke into a desperate run for the opposite end of the alley, where I would again be shot off onto a street with hopefully someone in screaming range, or at least a streetlight. I really didn’t want to face my attacker in the dark. I could face the minions of Hell, just not in the dark. I hit the end of the alley at a dead run and promptly dove into a large hydrangea bush meant to mark the property line of someone’s front yard. I clamped a hand over my mouth and attempted to slow my racing heartbeat. Crouching down, I attempted to make myself as small as possible while I waited to see who my assailant was.

I didn’t have to wait long. From the alley emerged a large chocolate lab, its owner not far behind. The dog’s leash grasped firmly in his hand as he jogged out of the alley and made a left onto the main street. The adrenaline slowly began to dissipate, leaving me feeling euphoric and foolish all at once. I sat back on my backside, relief and chagrin mixing as a giggle escaped my lips. I had surely brought paranoia to a new level. Standing, I started attempting to free myself from my hiding spot, realizing the poor bush was never going to be the same. I caught a reflection out of the corner of my eye and I froze in place. It was as if the sun had glinted off something metallic, only there was no sun … it was midnight. I stood, still half in the bush, waiting for the reflection to happen again. I glanced around the seemingly empty street, waiting, but it didn’t reoccur. Jerking my purse free of the branches that entwined it, I hurried off for home. I couldn’t quite shake the feeling that I was being watched .

Find Katherine on FB: https://www.facebook.com/WatchersTrilogy.

Author Stacey Rourke

The Gryphon Series

Spooky Excerpt

 Somewhere between sleep and awake he came to me. The mattress shifted under his weight as he settled in beside me. Warm breath teased against my ear. “I could ne’er leave you, lovey.” His wandering hands gripped my waist and rolled me to face him. This warbled land governed by sleep couldn’t conjure his whole essence—too much time had passed for that. Instead it teased me with glimpses of what I’d been missing; silky hair caressing my cheek. Hot kisses traveling down my neck. Emerald eyes filled with an insatiable hunger. The sensual awakening that jolted through me when his mouth found mine. “I’m always with you,” Caleb whispered against my lips. I twined my arms around his neck and pulled him closer—a move that garnered a low groan of appreciation. His hands roamed up my arms and encircled my wrists. In a sudden, shockingly violent, move he forced them down against the mattress and pinned me there. I gaped in confusion as green eyes blinked to sapphire blue. His seductive stare twisted into visible disgust and hatred. Like ink dumped from a bottle, the black drained from Caleb’s hair. The dripping color leaked away to reveal long strawberry blond hair ponytailed at the nape of his neck. Alec. But not the latest version of him currently possessed by a three hundred year old demon. This was the Alec I first met whilst rolling a tire. The carefree boy I had started to fall for before fate intervened. Yet the look that darkened his gaze was more murderous then welcoming. I thrashed and bucked beneath him but couldn’t seem to summon one iota of strength. His grip on my wrists tightened to the point of pain. “Is he worth it?” He hissed in my face, “Is he worth the blood on your hands?” Crimson red blood bubbled up Alec’s throat. It seeped between his teeth and dribbled down his chin. “Will he still want you when he knows what you’ve done and what it cost?” Squeezing my eyes shut, I cringed further into the mattress as blood rained down. The warm stickiness, with its pungent rusty smell, dripped on my face and soaked my shirt. I risked a glance up to see Alec’s lips curl in an evil grin. “Now, how ‘bout a kiss?” He bowed his head and crammed his blood soaked lips to mine. My muffled scream quickly turned into a gurgled gasp for air as I fought not to drown in this crimson hell. -Excerpt from Ascension, Gryphon Series Book 4 releasing in November

Find Stacey on FB https://www.facebook.com/staceyrourkeauthor

Author Alicia Michaels

Lost Kingdom of Fallada Series

Spooky Excerpt

“Such anger,” she said with a ‘tsk’. “I can see that you have much passion, Elf. I shall enjoy your company greatly before I kill you. Perhaps watching your beloved die will take the wind out of your sails.”

Kai simply glared at her, his eyes cold, blue slits of rage. His chest heaved with the force of his anger. Eranna shrugged and turned back to Zara, approaching the stone slab again, her lips parted in a gruesome grin. When she reached the altar, she plucked a lock of Zara’s hair from the ground and inspected it with interest.

“Such beauty,” she murmured. “Such freshness and youth, wasted on a mere human. I know of your father’s treachery, girl. He stole from Fallada what was rightfully mine, and I intend to have it back.”

“Please,” Zara pleaded, hoping to appeal to the woman’s sense of right and wrong—if she possessed any at all. “Why are you doing this? What did I ever do to you?”

Eranna laughed. The sound was bitter and raw. “Do to me? Why, nothing, child. You are my enemy simply by circumstance of your birth. You are an abomination, an anomaly; you have no right to exist. What right do you have to such power? You do not even know how to control it! You are weak, a simpering little girl with no idea the kind of might she possesses within her bones! And why should you possess it when I am so much more worthy? Why should you experience the joys of a lover’s embrace and his child in your belly while I …” she trailed off, her expression crestfallen as she turned her back on Zara. For a moment, Zara thought she detected the glisten of tears in the queen’s eyes. “It is no matter,” she continued, her voice gruff and choked. “I will amass so much power unto myself, that no one will stand in the way of what I want. I shall have it all; beauty, youth, power, eternal life.” She turned back to Zara, her knife glistening in the candlelight. “And I shall begin by taking from you what I so rightfully deserve.”

Zara could only stare, hypnotized by the madness in Eranna’s eyes as she advanced on her knife raised. Through the roaring in her ears, she faintly heard Kai’s roars of anger, his voice growing hoarse, soon smothered by the rattling of his chains as he fought against them to no avail. The glint of the knife caught her eye as Eranna lifted it high over her head.

Her smile was sad as she turned for one last look at the love of her life. He’d ceased struggling and stared back at her with tears in his eyes, silent sobs shaking him from the inside.

“Zara,” he whispered as he realized then that the fight was over.

“I love you,” she whispered, closing her eyes as a swift current of air warned her of the knife’s descent.

From Beyond the Iron Gate: Zara’s Journey

A FREE read, and prequel novella to the Lost Kingdom of Fallada Series

Find Alicia on FB: www.facebook.com/fantasybyalicia

“Wow, that’s the craziest thing I’ve ever heard ... since the last time you opened your mouth. And if you knew my mother you’d know just how crazy that is. I’m outta here.” I stood up and began storming off towards the parking lot. I had had enough. No way was I going to sit there and listen to his crazy shit. If I wanted crazy, I would go home. 

“Your mother sees your destiny. She knows the truth. Haven’t you ever wondered what she sees?” he shouted after me. “I’m the one who told her about your destiny!”

I expected him to follow me, to try to convince me he wasn’t crazy, but when I got to the parking lot and glanced back I could just make out his outline standing by the soccer field watching me leave.

Chapter 6

Daniel 8; 16: “And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.”

All the way home all I could think about was that it figured, a boy who seemed interested in me would turn out to be a total nut. I should have seen this coming, all the signs pointed to him being totally weird. As I walked onto my block and my house started coming into view, I began thinking about what he had shouted at me. “Your mother knows the truth.” He didn’t even know my mother, as far as I knew they had never met.

Then I began thinking about what Dad had said. About Mom seeing things trying to get me, but not just things, angels and demons. Dad said her hallucinations made her believe these things were trying to use me or hurt me. How would Gabriel know about that? I didn’t even know that her hallucinations were of angels and demons until Dad had said something earlier tonight. The only logical explanation was that he was some kind of crazed stalker who had done his research, looked through her medical records somehow or whatever. All I knew for sure is that when a crazed stalker is your most logical explanation you’re in some deep shit. I hated to bust his bubble, but I was hardly worth all the effort. Of course, didn’t cults and kidnappers target social outcasts? Still seemed like a lot of research for just little ole me.

When I finally reached my front door I resigned myself to not think about this anymore tonight. I was exhausted. It had been a terrible week at school with the whole Cami problem, and the excitement I had felt about meeting Gabriel was replaced by mental exhaustion now that I knew he was a nut. I slipped in the back door, expecting Dad to already be asleep, and hopefully Mom would be, too. I threw my jacket over a chair in the kitchen and was going to slip through the living room to my bedroom when I noticed the television was still on. I went into the living room to turn it off, and that’s when I noticed my mother was still up. She was usually in bed by now. I walked over and switched off the TV and was about to help her to bed when she shot off the couch.

“He told you!” she shouted. “It’s starting. The trumpet is sounding, truth is upon us, and the Judgment Day nears!” She caught me so off guard that I stumbled backwards and almost landed square on my butt. The racket must have woken Dad up because I saw a light come on down the hall. “The first seal is broken, the white horse is here. Protect yourself!”

“Mom, Mom! Calm down, it’s just me, Michelle. I was going to help you to bed,” I attempted to calm her down.

Just then Dad appeared at the end of the hall. “What are you still doing up, hon?” he asked. He put his arm around her shoulders and began to steer her towards the bedroom.

She jerked out of his grasp and turned back to me. “Wear your necklace, it’s protection. Don’t remove it!” And just like that she turned back around and let my father lead her to bed without another word. Dad glanced behind her and gave me an apologetic, sad smile. I took several deep breaths to calm my racing heart and turned to head to bed myself. Something told me I wasn’t going to be able to forget about Gabriel or my mother, and I probably wouldn’t be getting much sleep tonight either.

I finally fell into a restless sleep around four a.m. The dream started well enough.  I was on the school football field, the stadium lights were on the field, but the bleachers and surrounding areas were black with night.  I was standing on the fifty- yard line alone, as if I was waiting for someone. 

(The secret word is Dream!) 

Amazon Buy link!  

Smashwords buy link! 

Christmas for Authors 

Christmas 4 Authors

Stay tuned for updates on how to be entered to win great prizes and goodies for Young Adult and Teen Readers Christmas 4 Authors event!  Don't Miss out!

http://www.facebook.com/YaTeenReaders

Katherine Polillo wants to be America's Next Author

Please Vote!  

Katherine Polillo wants to be America's Next Author

Come Join me on November 10th and check out Destine! 

Welcome to Madame Zola’s

          The cool, crisp October air caresses your skin.  The scent of hot dogs and popcorn hangs heavy on the air.  A chill climbs your spin as you wonder into the darkness.  The carnival music fades behind you.  The incessant buzzing of games, music of rides and the screams from cheap thrills slowly fades away into the background as you approach a tent placed on the outskirts of the fair grounds.  Again the breeze kicks up, reminding you that winter hangs like an ominous cloud over the October night.  The smells of the carnival are replaced as the thick, rich scent of incense reaches your nose.  The rich burgundies and golds of the tent lure you towards it, away from your companions and reality.  The smooth texture of the tent slips along your fingers as you pull the curtain back and prepare to enter. 

         “Come in, let me tell you a story,” a woman calls from inside the tent.  She is hard to see amongst the candle light and incense’s smoke.  You feel uneasy, but your feet more of their own fruition, and you find yourself seated in front of this woman.  A large crystal ball lays on the table in front of you, candles are lit and flicker in the breeze that has followed you into the tent, her gold hoop earrings twinkle in the fire light, and a large all seeing eye graces the wall of the tent.  “I have much to tell you,” the woman replies as she leans towards you and over her crystal ball.  The ball begins to glow and you are transfixed by the images that begin to appear and the story that is about to be told.  

  Blessed Curse

Rebecca Cross stared into the vibrant green eyes of her ten-year-old daughter and felt like the luckiest women in the world.  She had a wonderful, happy child that filled her days with laughter and light.  Her husband was back to work and the financial restraints that had burdened them the last few years, appeared to be ending.  Michelle erupted in a fit of giggles as she snuck a taste of the chocolate chip cookie batter, Rebecca was currently stirring.  Michelle’s auburn hair looked like spun copper as the afternoon sun from the kitchen window reflected off her long wavy locks.  Michelle’s closest friend, Cami, scrunched up her face in disgust as Michelle popped the raw cookie dough into her mouth. 

“You’re gonna get worms,” Cami warned in equal parts fear and disgust.  “My Mom says that eating raw eggs will give you worms!”  Rebecca stared at her daughter’s best friend with affection.  The little blond was adorable, seriously Shirley Temple cute, with her spiraled ringlets of blonde hair but Rebecca could not stand her parents.  Cami’s parents seemed completely oblivious to the fact that they had a daughter, constantly working long hours and taking weekend trips whilst dumping their only child with The Crosses, not that Rebecca minded.  It would figure one of the only things Cecilia Clark would tell her daughter would be rooted in fear and hypochondria. 

“Well, I’ve been doing it my whole life and I’ve yet to get worms,” Rebecca joked as she scooped a small clump of cookie dough out of the bowl and popped it into her mouth.  Michelle immediately erupted into more giggles, clapping happily at her Mother’s bravery.  Cami arched one eyebrow and stared intently at Rebecca, waiting to see if the scary raw cookie dough would claim another victim.  Finally, when nothing happened Cami returned her attention to the bowl in front of them.  She hesitantly scraped a small morsel of cookie dough from the side of the bowl, and with a look of determination oddly out of place on the petite, ten year olds face she popped the cookie dough into her mouth.  Michelle squealed and clapped again to honor her friend’s bravery.  The look of apprehension and determination quickly melted off Cami’s face as she realized what she had been missing, within moments Cami’s giggles matched Michelle’s. 

Rebecca reached down and lifted the bowl off the counter, ‘All right girls, we actually have to cook some of these.”  Both girls gave simultaneous pouty faces.  “What will Dad think if he comes home, and there aren’t any cookies?  We promised him we were baking cookies today,” Rebecca reminded the girls. 

“And chocolate chip cookies are Daddy’s favorite,” Michelle rejoiced bouncing around the kitchen. 

“Alright outside with the both of you, I’m turning on the oven and I don’t want anyone getting burnt.  Go play, I’ll call you for dinner.”  Both girls scurried outside and into the back yard.  Rebecca glanced to the neighbors yard, “Stay out of Mr. Wright’s yard!” she yelled to the girls.  “The grass is tall enough we may lose you in there.”  Rebecca shook her head.  She knew Mr. Wright worked long hours, but he seriously had to start keeping better care of his lawn.  A sharp, shrill scream cut through her thoughts as Cami came flying like a bat out of hell across the lawn, hiding her face behind Rebecca’s legs. 

“Mama Cross, make her stop,” Cami whined pathetically.  Rebecca glanced up to see Michelle rolling with laughter as she clutched a small garden snake in her left hand.  A chill rose of Rebecca’s spine and she had to physically shake it off.  She had always hated snakes, too many years of Catholic school had taught her to draw the correlation between serpents and Satan, at least that’s how she rationalized her fear. 

“Michelle Faith Cross! You put that snake down this instant and stop torturing your friend.”  Michelle did as she was told, but continued to smile the whole while, pleased with her little joke.  Rebecca shook her head, that child had no fear.  Not sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing, she scooted Cami out from behind her encouraging her to go off and play, and turned to go back into the house and finish the cookies and dinner. 

Later that evening Rebecca lay in bed listening to the deep breathing of her husband beside her, and reflected back on her day.  Isaac had come home in time for dinner and they had all sat down to a pleasant dinner, complete with chocolate chip cookies for dessert.  Isaac had spoiled the girls with complements about how delicious the cookies were, and what good cooks they were.  He had arched his eyebrow when Cami had interjected, “and we didn’t even get worms either,” but bless his heart he had kept right on chewing.  Cecilia had come to pick Cami up at 10 o’clock, far too late in Rebecca’s opinion, she had actually had to go in and wake the child from where she slept next to Michelle.  Rebecca gritted her teeth and kept her opinions about Cecilia’s parenting to herself.  She would like to tell the woman that Cami was a living, breathing human being not some possession to dress up and show off when it suited her.  Thank God, Cami had been born adorable, she would hate to think how much less attention The Clarks would pay their child is she had been born awkward and gangly. 

Rebecca rolled to her side, pulling the covers up to her chin, with a feeling of contentment and peace she slowly dozed off to sleep. 

Suddenly Rebecca woke with a jolt.  She was standing in a white room, with no visible doors or windows, the white so bright it actually hurt her eyes.  She couldn’t be awake; this must still be a dream!  A feeling of claustrophobia began to set in and panic rose in the back of her throat.  What sick nightmare had her subconscious created for her?  She really needed to stop reading those murder mysterious before bed. 

Rebecca was one heartbeat away from letting loose a blood curdling scream when she felt a presence behind her.  She spun around with such force, that she almost lost her balance.  Before her stood a man, he was tall with thick curly, black hair.  He wore armor across his chest, forearms, and shins.  He looked the part of an ancient warrior; only instead of a sword he carried a trumpet.  Rebecca gasped when her gaze fell on his eyes.  They were so clear, so absent of color that she thought he must be blind, but they were not the cloudy color of a blind man but clear.  Those eyes held an emotion that Rebecca could not place, but she knew she did not want to be under their intense scrutiny.  His gaze made her uneasy, like bugs ran along her skin; she wanted him to stop looking at her.  It was then as her gazed skirted away from his face that the enormous gray wings registered.  He had them folded to his back, but they were still clearly huge, rising above his shoulders and their tips sweeping the floor. 

“Are you an angel?”  Rebecca managed to squeak out in shock. 

“I am the Archangel Gabriel, the messenger of God himself,” the man replied. 

“Why am I here?” Rebecca questioned with a calmness that shocked even her own ears. 

“I have broken My Father’s laws for he does not know that I speak with you.  I have come to warn you.  He cannot track my presence, for your dreams are the only area out of his control.  Many of my kind and those gone beyond can communicate with those on your plan through dreams.”

Rebecca’s head was spinning.  Did he just say he was the Archangel Gabriel?  The Messenger of God?  Here to speak with her?  If he really was an angel she needed to utilize this opportunity and ask an important question.  How do we achieve world peace?  What is the meaning of life?  What happens when we die?  What came out of her mouth was a very ineloquent, “Huh?”

“I have invested myself fully in the human cause.  I cannot leave his future to chance, and I am not ashamed to tip the scales in humanity’s favor,” he continued with little regard for Rebecca’s confused expression. 

“What are you talking about?” Rebecca snapped, finally finding her voice.  She began backing away from the crazy man with wings.  Her hands held out in front of her in an “I mean you no harm” type of way.  She had no place to go though, the bright room was absent of any doors or windows and seemed to glow from within.  Rebecca pinched the bridge of her nose and squeezed her eyes shut, the brilliance of the white room was starting to make her head hurt.  “I don’t understand what you’re talking about.  What does any of this have to do with me?”

“You are the caregiver for hope.  Without your protection humanity may have no chance.  I need to you to protect him,” the angel claiming to be Gabriel stared expectantly back at Rebecca. 

“Oh, good that cleared it all up, thanks,” Rebecca retorted sarcastically. 

“Good, I am glad you understand.”  Clearly angels were not fluent in sarcasm.  Rebecca attempted to explain herself, to make the angel understand that he had the wrong gal, but as she opened her mouth to explain Gabriel began to advance on her.  Panic filled her chest.  He was an angel, a messenger for God, why was she so terrified?  But her gut instincts told her to get away, to run.  Rebecca continued to retreat away from the angel who was slowly moving her way, but her back hit the wall behind her.  There was not where to go and no place to hide.  As Gabriel neared, Rebecca saw fog role across his amazingly clear eyes, darkening them into a slate gray.  She braced herself, squeezing her eyes shut, and waiting for the worst. 

Gabriel reached out and laid his hand on the side of her face, his fingers pressed against her temple.  He leaned forward and whispered into her ear, “I am sorry, you must protect him.” 

Clarity filled Rebecca’s brain, she knew what he was talking about, she understood.  She shot her eyes open with the words, “He is a She,” on her lips, but when she opened her eyes she was back in her bed.  She sat up with a gasp, throwing the tangled blankets off of her.  Surely there was some mistake, this couldn’t be accurate, the angel had to be mistaken.  Rebecca let out a strangled sob as her new knowledge set in. 

Isaac sat up in bed, and reached for his wife.  “What’s the matter Rebecca?  Was it a bad dream?” 

Rebecca turned and stared into her husband’s eyes with his calm resolve, his loving demeanor.  There was no reason that they both should carrying this burden, and in that moment she decided to keep it all a secrete.  He was a good man and a good Father, why place this burden on his shoulders as well?  “Yes, a bad dream,” Rebecca replied her voice still quivering from the now rescinding adrenalin rush. 

“Sshhh, shhh it’s alright, I’m here.  Everything is fine and nothing will hurt you,” he cooed soothingly into her ear.  Rebecca felt herself melt into his embrace, feeling safe and secure, but the evil that was looming and the destiny that had been set in motion was larger than them both.  Rebecca felt as if a large boulder had been pushed from a hill and was gaining speed as it rolled in their direction.  Sooner or later they would both be crushed by the weight of it, but until then it was her job to protect both Isaac and Michelle.  She would protect Isaac by keeping him blissfully unaware, and she would protect Michelle from all that would threaten her.  With this conviction, Rebecca took a deep breath and attempted to calm her shacking nerves.  She would carry this burden, and she would do all in her power to protect those she loved. 

Rebecca smiled reassuringly at Isaac, although she was sure the smile didn’t reach her eyes.  “I’m okay, I’m fine.  Go back to sleep you have to get up early for work,” she reassured. 

Isaac hesitated for a moment unsure of whether or not to believe his wife.  Rebecca smiled again in his direction.  Reaching over and placing a kiss on her check he rolled over and closed his eyes, within five minutes Rebecca heard the deep rhythmic breathing that reassured her that he was again asleep.  As quietly as she could she crept from the bedroom and slowly made her way down the hall.  Pushing gently on her daughter’s door she slipped through and stood at the foot of her bed.  Michelle lay amongst her stuffed animals, her auburn hair tussled from sleep, look as angelic as a child could.  Rebecca longed to touch her, but didn’t for fear she would wake her.  Without really thinking about what she was doing Rebecca kneeled by her daughter’s bed and began to pray.  She prayed for her to be strong, she prayed for her to be able to handle the enormous task set before her, and she prayed that she would be able to protect her daughter from all the evils that now hunted her.  Her daughter was the key to stopping the apocalypse.  Her daughter was humanity’s key to surviving the antichrist. 

Sun streamed through the window as Michelle awoke to the sound of birds chirping outside her window.  Rolling over she saw her Mother sitting in the old rocking chair in the corner of her room.  “Mom, were you watching me sleep?” she giggled. 

Rebecca snapped out of her thoughts at the sound of her daughter’s voice.  She smiled lovingly at her daughters groggy, sleep filled expression.  “Yes baby, I was,” she admitted. 

“Why?”  Michelle questioned with a look of confusion on her face. 

Rebecca racked her brain for a reason that would make sense to the ten year old.  “I was so excited to go to the park today, that I couldn’t wait for you to wake up,” she smiled. 

Michelle’s face lit up with happiness.  “Yeah!” she cheered leaping from bed.

After a quick breakfast of oatmeal, Rebecca and Michelle made their way to the park.  It was a beautiful Saturday morning, sun shining and a cool breeze keeping the day comfortable in the bright sunshine.  Rebecca’s mood lightened with the rising of the sun, leaving her feeling much more confident than she did the night before.  It was amazing how even the biggest problems looked less in the light of day. 

Rebecca sat down on a bench in the sunshine as Michelle hurriedly ran off to claim a swing.  Rebecca looked around at the other people enjoying the park in the beautiful sunshine.  She recognized many of the faces and smiled warmly at her neighbors and acquaintances.  Rebecca’s eyes fell on the landscaper pulling weeds from a decorative garden on the outskirts of the play ground.  At first Rebecca noticed nothing remarkable able the man, but just as she was about to glance away the man turned and glanced at Michelle.  In profile Rebecca noticed that the man’s skin looked as if it was melting from his bones, in place of his eyes were to large gaping black holes, as if someone had scooped them out.  His lips had disappeared leaving a crooked and horrify exposure of teeth like a macabre smile.    

Rebecca’s heart slammed in her chest and a scream rose in her throat.  She shot to her feet and ran across the playground, pulling Michelle from the swings and shoving her behind her.  Michelle stumbled behind her mother in confusion, peering out from behind her in equal parts fear and curiosity.  “Stop looking at my daughter!” Rebecca screamed at the landscaper in terror.  “I know what you are!” 

People began to stop and stare, parents began pulling their children from the playground equipment and moving them away from the confrontation.  Rebecca wrapped her hand around Michelle’s hand and began pulling her as they back pedaled away from the demon landscaper.  Finally reaching the sidewalk Rebecca turned to her daughter, “Ready for a game, baby?” she questioned.  Michelle still shaken from what had just occurred looked at her mother in confusion.  The little girl nodded her head in an apprehensive way, looking more than a little unsure of her Mother’s words.  “We are going to race all the way home, okay?  I don’t want you to stop, or slow down at all.  Can you do that for me?”  Rebecca quizzed her daughter squeezing her hand reassuringly.  Again the little girl nodded, with slightly more resolve this time.  “On your mark, get set, go!”  Rebecca called and off they went.  Rebecca never let go of Michelle’s hand as they ran the three blocks back to home.  Along the way Rebecca saw more people like the landscaper, their skin hanging from their faces, deep gaping black holes where their eyes should have been.  She also noticed one of her neighbors casting an odd shadow upon his lawn.  As he checked the mail, Rebecca noticed large wings extending off of the man’s shadow as if he wore a set of wings, but his physical body showed no signs as to what was casting this shadow. 

Crashing through the back door, Rebecca slammed the door behind her and Michelle, locking it with a frantic sliding of the dead bolt.  She quickly hurried around to the windows and other doors to ensure they were all locked, closing the blinds and curtains attempting to protect the evil from seeing in.  Once that task was finished she let out a shaking breath.  That would be the last time they went out.  If that was the evil that lurked around every corner, those demons spying on her daughter’s every move, waiting till the time they would pounce.  Never again!  Rebecca’s thoughts wondered to the neighbor with the strange shadow.  Where the angels stalking her daughter as well?  What was their role in this? 

The images begin to fade in the crystal ball, you are drawn to the face of the little girl, to Michelle.  Her auburn hair is slipping loose from its ponytail and beginning to curl around her face.  She stares with large, emerald eyes at her Mother, a look of panic and fear on her face.  As the images fade from sight, you can see the creases of worry lines on the little girl’s forehead, the shine of unshed tears in her eyes.  Life would never be the same again, and somewhere in the ten year olds mind she understood this.  The crystal ball clears and you are left staring at nothing. 

You glance up at the gypsy woman seated across from you, only there is no one.  You have been so transfixed by the images she displays that you were unaware of her absences.  You glance around the empty tent, the candles have burned down, and some sputter out in pools of their own wax.  You slowly rise from your seat, pulling your sweater tighter around you, attempting to fight the chill that has suddenly began to climb your spine.  You slowly make your way out of the tent and back out into the October night.  The images you have just seen still clouding your mind.  The carnival is silent, the rides shut down, the lights turned off and all the customers gone home.  You glance around in a panic as the smell of incense again wafts by your nose; you turn and run to the parking lot.  Towards the lights and the cars, and hopefully someone you know.  As you flee you barely hear the soft whine of the violin and flute, as traditional Romani music floats along the breeze, you quicken your pace. 

Fortune Telling Fun For All

http://keygames.com/skull-fortune-teller-game/

Great game for kids!

http://www.goddessflight.com/crystal_ball.html#.UFs9JN12X3U.blogger

Fun website that will provide yes and no answers to proposed questions.

http://www.appbrain.com/app/fortune-teller-free/ente.ftfree

Android Fortune telling App

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-amazing-fortune-teller-3d/id463382790?mt=8

iPhone Fortune telling App