Origin story to the Family Comes First series by Mason Fitzgibbon. The Wilcox family's horrifying and twisted traditions all began in 1873. Joseph: After the death of their parents, Joseph's younger brother announces he is leaving the farm and moving his family to New York City. Joseph is overcome with betrayal and is terrified that the Wilcox family will disappear. His son, Miles, is the only one to carry on the family name. The only problem is that Miles has always been...different. His odd behavior made him the scapegoat for the church fire a few years ago, and now, no one nearby will associate with the family. When Joseph meets Maisie, at a tavern, he realizes what he must do to ensure the survival of the Wilcox family. Maisie: Having a family was always a dream for Maisie. Her own family was full of abuse and abandonment. She only had her grandmother to rely on, but after her death, she was trapped in hell. Desperate for money, she begins selling herself to the men at the local tavern. She has a series of regulars that take turns tormenting her each night. When Joseph walks into the tavern, she sees a potential new customer. Completely unaware of his sinister plans, she leaves with him, not knowing that her life will never be the same. She finally gets a family, but at what cost? *This story can be read as a standalone *Thank you to @iamrodneyvsmith for the amazing cover

Warning! This story contains sensitive topics. ** I looked into his dark eyes and saw, what I once naïvely thought, was innocence. ** "Please!" she cried, curling into herself and holding her arms to her chest. "I want to go home! I haven't done anything to you! Let me go please!" Anger washed over me. What was she not understanding? "Mia!" I snapped, holding her neck tighter, staring down into her watery brown eyes. "You can't leave, I won't let you! I can't lose you! And you have done something. You've stolen my heart." I felt a grin play on my lips as I leaned more onto her. "and for that, baby, you've done everything." [COMPLETE]✅ (This book will be rewritten at some point!)

As a sudden zombie outbreak terrorizes their neighborhood, childless couple, Trinity and Stewart flee for survival. Their tense escape is interrupted by a gut-wrenching sight: a terrified six-year-old boy, abandoned and crying. Trinity uneasy and reluctant, protests taking the child, fearing the added danger and emotional burden. Stewart, however, is determined, refusing to leave the boy to the mercy of the undead. As they argue, the undead close in. Stewart's decision sets them on a perilous journey, navigating treacherous landscapes, scarce resources, and their own fragile relationship. With the added weight of protecting a vulnerable child, they face daunting questions: Can they keep him safe? Will their relationship survive?And what does the future hold in a world overrun by the undead?