Tags
blog hops, Class Act Books, Four by Moonlight, ghost stories, giveaways, halloween, Halloween story. demon, Melissa Snark, short stories, vampire, vampires
I write paranormal, including romance, and other romance genres. Here is my attempt at soft horror.
HAUNTED SUMMER
Look at her lying there on the old iron bed. They’ve just bathed her and changed the linens, so the room smells fresh and clean as a summer breeze. If only they’d open the window, she could smell the river and the sweet honeysuckle vine growing on its banks. They’ve brought videos to for her to watch other people’s lives when she has none.
I’m the only one who can breathe life into her numb body.
Maribelle would be running down by the river, swimming naked in its cool waters, if I weren’t such a treacherous playmate, leading her a merry dance across the moss slick river rocks. She slipped and hit her head. I cried as they carried her away—to this room, her world now.
Yet, she loves me still. See her eyes searching the room and when her gaze lands on my face, she smiles. She calls me. Pardon me, I shall go to her now. I’ll kiss her, and her pretty mouth will open sweetly for my tongue. I’ll suckle her breasts, caress her, and maybe even give her a good hard shafting. She loves to watch me do it to her. She can’t feel anything else, and she grows tired of the endless videos.
Being with my Mari is the only pleasure in my life. Is it because of my guilt you ask.
Perhaps. Then again, perhaps not.
They’ve gone and left her in peace. A frown has creased her smooth brow. She is remembering. See how a smile has lit her eyes. She relives the days when our passion burned bright and her supple young body would engulf me and leave me weak as a child. Yes, Belle is recalling that summer, less than a year ago, down by the river.
We met in the steamy heat of July. Eight months, she’s lain helpless in that bed. Time once meant nothing to me. Now, I count the days as surely as any mortal man. Last summer was the closest to heaven I’ll ever get . . .
***
Even now, though she could move only her eyes, Maribelle recalled and treasured the night Devlin first appeared. His beautiful body wearing an aura of moonlight, standing tall and slender, he was male perfection. His hair was true black and longish. His eyes—what could she say of those magnificent eyes—stunning and blue, yes, an enchanting blue she’d never seen before…or since. That blue did not exist in this world.
Maybe she did, maybe she didn’t, call Devlin, but that wondrous night in the grass by the riverbank she learned she could never live without him. With the water whispering over rock, he’d made good the sensual promise he’d made the first time he visited her, loving her slow and deep again and again as the moon rose.
It had been midsummer, the night alive with dancing fireflies and humming crickets. Her window was open to a honeysuckle breeze. Rich, buttery moonlight slatted through the dusty blinds drawing white lines on the bare floor. River scent stalked her as she paced like a caged animal, driven by the need to escape her small town existence. If only she could run away to the city, but she was stuck here with the gurgling, never-ending song of the river. Tonight, she turned eighteen—for all the good it’d do her.
A haunting need sang low in her body, swept up her in throbbing waves. Neither the moonlight nor the sweet summer smells offered any respite. Maribelle was wired and edgy. She coasted to a halt by the window, resting her cheek against the pane to stare at the moon.
“I’m trapped.” Her voice echoed in the silence of the room she shared with her sisters. “I couldn’t stand that old man touching me. I don’t regret telling him I’d rather marry a monkey.”
What would her folks think when they found out her answer to Mr. Jones’ proposal was to laugh? God knows, they had a surplus of daughters and could stand getting rid of one.
The old iron bed creaked as she flopped onto her back, staring at the ceiling. In the living room, the new flat screen TV droned. She resented the expensive purchase. Momma and Dad couldn’t afford it. They’d said it was for their girls. The useless, senseless words on the game show her family were watching coaxed sleep.
****
Ripe with passion, flushed with eighteen-year-old innocence, Maribelle closed her eyes and sighed. The room, well, I returned her sigh. She wasn’t beautiful but something about her appealed to me more than beauty. If only she’d call me, I’d ease her pain.
****
A tear slid down her cheek. “I want out of this godforsaken corner of Mississippi. I want a man–a handsome man to love me–not some old codger everyone says is a witch.”
The clock chimed, warning Maribelle that soon Annabelle and Florence would troop into the room and her precious alone time would end in senseless chatter. Exhaling another heavy sigh, she flipped onto her side. The room sighed its sympathy.
The wind rose, fluttering the white drifty curtains, smelling of a storm. Lightning split the sky, momentarily joining Heaven and Earth. A horrible crescendo of thunder rattled the windows. Was Old Man Jones conjuring up a storm? She laughed at a memory of her rejected suitor’s face. Witch indeed! He was just a lecherous old codger.
The stormy breeze found her lying on the bed and stroked her hair back from her neck, cooling her face. She closed her eyes. Airy fingers explored the contours of her face, her ears. As invisible lips brushed her mouth, she gasped, her eyes snapping open. Insubstantial kisses trailed like butterfly wings over her bare shoulder, to rest briefly on the top of her left breast. Pleasant chills rippled over her. Beneath her pink flannel gown, her nipples peaked. Deep within, a hot pulsing awoke. Her body was alive as never before and resonating to the phantom caresses.
Slowly, one-by-one, the tiny buttons on her gown opened. The faded fabric parted, exposing her breasts to the searching lips. She shivered as thrills chased over her. Anticipation coalesced into a pulsating between her legs.
Maribelle craved these wondrous sensations more than the next breath. Many times, she awoke in the night drenched in sweat, longing for a lover. Moist and warm, a mouth closed on her nipples. Teeth scraped, bit at the sensitive nub. The delicious pain shot desire through her. She twisted on her bed, moaning. The pleasure was becoming unbearable. Her hips swiveled up to meet . . . nothing. She needed weight pressing her into the feather mattress. She wanted to be filled, impaled. She was so ready. She needed to meet passion head-on.
The invisible mouth trailed to her other breast. Fingers closed, rotating, pinching on the abandoned nipple. Her body melted into the sensual caresses. Hands explored lower, now gripping her hip bones. And then she felt the lips on her stomach, hands cupping her bottom, drawing her hips up to meet the pleasure. Gentle fingers parted her. Other fingers, not gentle, pinched her nipples to unbearable hardness. The excruciating need grew more intense, lifting her, without will, borne solely by instinct. Her body trembled in a prelude to satisfaction.
Maribelle groaned and forced her eyes open. This dream was too real. Too incredibly, wonderfully real.
The arousing attentions of hands and mouth ceased. Her breath caught in her throat. Her scream froze. This was no dream. Silhouetted against the window stood a tall figure fashioned from moonlight and river breezes.
“Mari.” The voice was full-bodied, rich as homemade wine.
She went cold inside, shivering as she reached down to cover herself, but the flannel material draped across her knees. Her shiver of passion became a tremor of fear. She managed to force her words past the lump in her throat. “Who are you?”
“I am Devlin.” Light cascaded down a river of luxurious dark hair and reflected on a high cheek bone.
Maribelle struggled in vain to capture a glimpse of her visitor’s face. “Who are you? What are you doing in my room?”
“You called me. You wanted me.” A low, thrilling laugh sent a shock of arousal through her. “Very, very much.”
“Did Old Man Jones send you? Are you a demon?”
A whispered laugh answered. “I am Devlin. No more. No less.”
Drenched in humiliation, she couldn’t speak, couldn’t think.
“My love.” The words and the spirit materialized above her.
Their gazes locked, and for the first time she saw his enchanting eyes. She drew a long breath to speak, but slim fingers curled around her chin. Her protests melted in expectancy. Unspoken words filled the silence. She knew what was going to happen. Wicked, commanding lust danced in eyes so blue they shamed the sky. There was ample time to avoid the kiss as his face drifted toward hers, but she was mesmerized, each particle of her being poised, waiting.
The storm broke. Through the open window, rain splattered the floor and soaked the filmy curtains.
He kissed her lightly on the mouth, then straightened. “Your sisters come. I’ll return. You have but to call. However, you must tell no one about me. I am your secret. Meet me tomorrow night by the river, sweet Maribelle, and I shall teach you about love. You are mine now. I am yours.”
*~*
For an adventure into the paranormal realms, my anthology of ghosties, ghoulies, long-legged beasties, and things that go bump in the night, released October 15th by Class Act Books. The book is available on Class Act’s website as well as Amazon.
Four by Moonlight
An anthology of love in the moonlight…in the paranormal realms.
Gypsy Ribbons – A moonlight ride on the moors and meeting a notorious highwayman will forever change Lady Virginia Darby’s life.
Star Angel – Lucy was stuck in a rut and in an Idaho potato patch. She’d seen him in the corner of her eye—a fleeting glimpse of beauty—now he stood before her in the flesh.
The Night Before Doomsday – All his brothers had succumbed to lust, but Azazel resisted temptation until the wrong woman came along.
The Gate Keeper’s Cottage – Newlywed Meggie Richelieu’s mysterious, phantom lover may be more than anyone, except the plantation housekeeper, suspects.
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Other Reads by Linda Nightingale:
Gemini Rising – Controversial Dark Fantasy with deep psychological undertones
Morgan D’Arcy: A Vampyre Rhapsody
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My giveaway? An eBook of Morgan D’Arcy: A Vampyre Rhapsody, an anthology, with a swag pack including autographed bookmark. Comment to be entered to win. Thanks for stopping by and have a Spooktacular Halloween. To find me and my books, please visit my website: http://www.LindaNightingale.com
The Hop includes many authors, blogs, and GIVEAWAYS. For more fun and more chances to WIN, follow at the Halloween Hop. There is a $100 Grand Prize via a Rafflecopter giveaway
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I’m hopping all over! Stay tuned and scroll down for the ABA Halloween Hop with a $50 Amazon gift card as grand prize and many others from great authors. Plus my Halloween short story, The Acolyte–first installment; final installment Halloween!
Samantha Loving said:
loved it. thanks for the chance:) indiansgirl9@aol.com
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Linda Nightingale said:
Thanks for visiting and for your comment!
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anitaphilmar said:
So glad to see you in the hop. Thanks for sharing all the information.
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Linda Nightingale said:
Anita, glad to see you here!
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maggiejensentigermom said:
I love your blog.
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Linda Nightingale said:
Thank you, Maggie!
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Christine Bean said:
Thanks for the chance to win!
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Linda Nightingale said:
Hi Christine, thank you for stopping by my blog!
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MelissaJ72 said:
Love! 💜 Thank you for the chance to win! Crossing fingers and toes 😉
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Linda Nightingale said:
Appreciate your visit to my hop stop, Melissa. For a chance to win the Grand Prize, please enter the Rafflecopter at the link below.
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Denise Winchell said:
LOVE LOVE LOVE… Thanks for the joining the hop.
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Misty Dawn said:
Hi, you are a new author to me, but I love your blog. Thanks and Happy Halloween!
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Linda Nightingale said:
Misty, happy to “meet” you. Please check back often. I have interesting guests and lots of giveaways.
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alyssaweinzapfel said:
Awesome sneak peek. Thanks.
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Linda Nightingale said:
Hi, Alyssa! Glad you enjoyed. Come back often.
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Shelley G said:
Thank you for participating in the Halloween hop! I love meeting new authors and discovering new books! Your books look really good and I can’t wait to pick up a few! Thank you again!
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Jana Leah said:
Four by Moonlight’s cover is so pretty. Love the red-tipped feathers. Thanks for the chance.
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Penny Olson said:
Thanks for participating in the hop!
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shineefan23 said:
Thank you for joining the HOP. There is so many Authors that i have found and i love it. I like getting the chance to read more books!
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Shannon Coley said:
Look forward to checking out your books! Love the cover for Four by Moonlight!
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Linda Nightingale said:
Shannon, you’ve said the magic word. My son Simon did the cover for Class Act Books. He contracts with them to do covers. I love the cover, too. Thanks, and I’ll tell him you liked it. I’ve gotten great compliments on it.
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Linda Nightingale said:
Shannon, I appreciate your participation, as do all the authors on this Hop. I hope you will check out my books and find something you really like, well, all of them, in fact.
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Lynn Johnson said:
Thank you for being a part of the hop! Happy Halloween!
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Linda Nightingale said:
It’s fun being part of the Hop, and a Happy Halloween to you, too!
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Nicole Ortiz said:
Thanks for the chance
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Bonnie said:
Thank you for participating as an author in the hop! We readers really appreciate it!
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Linda Nightingale said:
It’s fun participating and I’ve “met” so many wonderful new friends through the Hop. Thank you, Bonnie, for hopping on over to my stop.
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Linda Nightingale said:
Bonnie, glad you could visit. Delighted you are enjoying the hop. Readers are a big part of why writers write! The other is the inside force that drives you to scribble words on a page. 🙂
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Bonnie said:
Thanks again!
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Julie Tipton said:
Thank you for being a part of the hop, Hope you have a Great Halloween!
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Karen Michelle Nutt said:
Stopping by again for this hop. Such fun. Waving to you.
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Linda Nightingale said:
Hi Karen! Good to see you back. I’m so glad you’re having fun hopping. I need to start. I’m way behind.
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bn100 said:
interesting story
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Linda Nightingale said:
Thank you!
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bunnyclem said:
Thanks for the chance! 🙂
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Teri Garofalo said:
Wow! I really enjoyed reading that. It truly left me wanting more. Thank you for the chance to win!
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Linda Nightingale said:
Thank you, Teri! It always makes a writer feel good to receive good feedback.
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Melissa said:
Thanks for doing this!
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brittany2323 said:
♡♡♡ Happy Halloween!
bw2323bro@yahoo.com
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Kristi Van Howling said:
Your books are amazing! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
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Linda Nightingale said:
Thank you, Kristi! Check back. I often feature authors with giveaways. Follow the hop for more prizes!!
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Cynthia P said:
Such a sexy excerpt! I loved it and want more.
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Linda Nightingale said:
My books are spicy! Take a look at my website for a sexy vampire story and excerpts of my books! http://www.LindaNightingale.com
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Michelle Willms said:
I really enjoyed the excerpts. Thank you for sharing with us.
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Linda Nightingale said:
The Acolyte was half a story, the end to be published tomorrow. The other one is a complete story. Thanks for dropping by.
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Sharon Azmier said:
Thanks for participating in the hop
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Lori Shore said:
Loved it! Thanks for the chance!
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Linda Nightingale said:
Thank you one and all for stopping by and commenting and for your thoughts on the story and books. I will announce my winner in the morning.
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shancol19 said:
Did you announce who won?
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Linda Nightingale said:
Yes, I emailed her privately. Teri won the book. Unfortunately, I’m not the one who will announce the winner of the Grand Prize. I don’t know who won. Melissa will announce that winner. Thanks again for visiting the hop and particularly my stop. If you’d like a free vampire story. please visit my website http://www.LindaNightinglale.com. Best! Linda
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