"Are you sure you want to do this?" I asked Xander, my voice void of any emotions. I was in my warrior stance in front of the whole pack. Back straight, hands folded in front of me and feet shoulder-width apart. I know I looked composed because that's my training. Be composed; don't lose control. Don't lose the battle. But all I wanted to do was run into his arms. Beg him to reconsider. Promise him that I would be the best for him. "I, Xander Valverde, Future Alpha of The Nightfall Pack reject you Anala Rozinov as my mate." With those words, I felt our bond begin to break. It was agonizing like being whipped and have those wounds have acid poured on them. That burning sensation started in my heart, and I felt it spread throughout my body. I took a shaky breath but remained cold and emotionless. I needed to leave quickly; I need to find somewhere safe. "I, Anala Rozinov, Daughter of Beta Keone Rozinov accept your rejection as your mate," I replied my voice, surprisingly even and cold. "You are now free to join the Alpha King's Army. Please go pack your things and report to my office. The King will be sending someone to collect you." He said, his voice rough with emotions. "Sorry Alpha. But I have decided I will go rogue." There were gasps among the crowd. The Alpha looked appalled this wasn't a part of the plan. No one refused the King. But I refuse to be another playing card for another pack. No more. I want my freedom. If my mate isn't it, I will find my own way. PS: I do not own any of the images used within the story; they have been borrowed from Pinterest or Google and belong to their respected owners. #TheLitAwards2019

Seven hours in an old abandoned sanitarium, with only a flashlight and herself for company. It was a dare done in poor taste, yes, but five and a half hours had gone by without incident, and she only had one and a half more to go. But when the clock strikes three, some things end up not what they seem.

[2021 WATTYS Winner] Giovanna joins a handsome nobleman to save a friend from an arranged marriage, but they discover a plot that may have victims of Venice's Black Death rising from their graves. * * * As a child, Giovanna Visconti learned the arts of bloodletting and elixir brewing from her father with an intent to simply support his work, not take it over. But when he falls ill from the pestilence that's been ravaging Venice for months, she reluctantly dons the beaked mask of the plague doctor. Vowing to protect her father however she can, Giovanna hides him away and sees her first patient--the handsome, but alarmingly feverish Matteo Barozzi. Although she successfully treats this son of a high-ranking official, in a careless moment Giovanna fails to properly conceal her identity. The only reason she isn't tossed into a dank jail cell is thanks to the young man's honor and feelings of indebtedness. The association between the charming aristocrat and the clever commoner should end there, but when Giovanna's dearest friend goes missing right after her betrothal to the Doge's son and amid strange reports of nighttime attacks, violent commotions, and inexplicable behaviors in the community, the only person Giovanna can turn to for help is Matteo. Together, they must carefully navigate Venice's increasingly deadly canals to uncover a sect peddling false cures and a smuggling plot involving the highest levels of government or risk the entire Republic falling victim to something even worse than the plague: the risen dead. Historical Fiction with Fantasy Elements THE BORGIAS X FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH * * * WATTYS 2021 winner for Historical Fiction and special HQ prize for "Catchiest Hook" AMBYS 2022 winner for Best Zombie story Content Warning for adult situations including assault and death.