#paranormal mystery | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

behindthesemasks · 4 months

Text

Mel sat between Klaus and Gabe on the ride to the hospital. She had to admit that Case’s driving wasn’t bad, he just had a definite love of speed. Not that she was surprised, he was a Louisiana, in this case pronounced Loo-zee-anna, boy after all. She was pretty much lost in her thoughts though, not paying attention to what would normally be considered picturesque scenery passing outside the windows. Klaus’s hand was on her knee, their fingers intertwined. He kept looking over at her, trying to figure out what thoughts were going through her head, but wasn’t coming up with much.

Finally Case’s voice cut through the slightly uneasy silence that had fallen throughout the interior of the car. “Boys, we got a problem. Mel get in the floor…NOW!” This was not a request, it was a command, and one that Melania did without question or hesitation.

Gabe was leaning over her a second later, his gun resting in his lap, safety off. She could hear the engine of the SUV rev as Case accelerated and they were all thrown towards the passenger side of the vehicle as he cornered, drifting the back end through the turn. The screech of tires behind them a few seconds later told Mel all she needed to know…they were being tailed. “How many?” Klaus asked as he pulled body armor from behind the seat, putting one over Mel, then handing another to Gabe.

“One SUV, at least two passengers. Driver has a pistol, passenger has a… FUCK!” Case cornered hard again as the distinctive ping of a round hitting the body of the vehicle was heard. “rifle. I’d guess AR, but there’s hella reflection off of their windshield.” It was clear he was frustrated.

Klaus slid over the back of the seat, to be in the rear of the SUV. Donning his own body armor, he pulled out his cell as he dug through the cases of munitions and firearms that were back there. Getting a hold of Donovan, he let him know the situation. “Head to the dig, our boys will be waiting for these fuckers when we hit the tree line.” Another few hard turns, and they were headed out of town. Case had the accelerator floored as the engine whined. Of course Ambrose had secured vehicles that would surpass the limits of the normal factory models, but they were at speeds well over 100mph now. Klaus had called Nic and after an exchange of profanity laden information, there was another SUV with Nic and Ambrose headed to back them up as well.

“Why are they after us? None of us were in those pictures, and Andreas had said those were his only targets.” Gabe growled as he acted as a shield over Mel. “They don’t know we don’t have Andreas. No doubt his employer has noticed him missing by now.” Klaus growled as an AR came over the back of the seat to rest next to Gabe.

“And, I realized what at least Sasha and Alexander have in common.” Case added from the front as another hard turn was made. “They were on that dig that went south in Peru with Mel. The one with the amulet of second sight.”

“Damn! That means anyone who knows where that thing is could be a target.” Klaus leaned against the back of the rear seat as he watched the other SUV trying to keep pace with them as they headed up towards the mountain the dig site was on. “If they’re taking out those who know, my guess is that it’s more information they’re wanting to bury. You’ve got two of the preeminent archaeologists in Europe on that list; that can’t be coincidence.” Gabe surmised. “Although…Alexander and Sasha’s names were on the permits for that dig. We all know the nice little artifact that Mel got ahold of. If there’s more of that kind or of historical references of the dark arts, then it could be that they’re wanting to shut it down because there’s something bigger there.” He added looking down at Mel with a tight lipped expression. He felt sorry for her getting in the middle of this. After what had happened in Peru, he felt the woman should have a break. Seemed she walked back into the line of fire completely by accident.

Another ping of a round hitting the body of the vehicle broke his thoughts as he looked back at Klaus. The other man had almost gotten his setup complete. Time to return fire. Make those mother fuckers back off till they could get to where they had more cover.

“Case, you’re gonna lose the back window…now,” was all the warning anyone in the vehicle got before Klaus fired.

The bullet took out half the back window and hit the hood of the trailing SUV. The driver swerved, causing his passenger to be jostled about and messing up the shot he was trying to take at the time. The bullet went far wide of the SUV, into the trees on the side of the road. Klaus fired again, hitting one of the tires this time. The SUV jerked again, and slowed, but didn’t give up chase.

“Fuckers are persistent. This thing have any more power, Case?” Gabe yelled forward, pulling on his ear to try to get rid of the ringing from the high caliber shots had caused. “We’re going to find out!” Case yelled back and pushed the SUV even harder.

They were pulling away from the SUV and getting closer to where Donovan and Dez had taken up sniper positions at the tree line of the dig site so they would be able to disable the SUV before it got to the actual site. As the opening of the trees became visible, another black Mercedes SUV could be seen gaining on the one trailing the group. Ambrose and Nic were arriving on scene and the sound of shots coming from the rear meant they were ready for a fight too. Case ignored all the sounds of shots and focused only on getting through that tree line and to the site. He blocked out every sound and became fixed on the other black SUV that had been parked in such a way as to provide cover for the door to the Quonset hut that had been erected to protect the dig site from the elements. Bless whichever of the guys had thought to give him that gift. It would hopefully get Mel into the building safe while giving him and Klaus cover to hide behind.

“HOLD ON!” Case yelled over his shoulder as the SUV cleared the tree line. Dust and gravel flew up behind them, blocking the view of the SUV following them. Using all of his driving skills, Case was able to brake, steer, and accelerate in the right combination to bring the SUV to a stop 3 feet from the building, running parallel alongside it. “Gabe, get her ass inside.”

Not waiting for a response, Case grabbed the body armor and rifle in the back seat as he saw Klaus slipping out the tailgate and advancing towards the hood of the other SUV. In a flash his own body armor was on and he was doing likewise. Both men’s rifles were trained on where the SUV should emerge from the treeline. While the sound of the gunshots from their teammates had been obscured by the sounds of the gravel before, the sound of a large vehicle striking a tree now was unmistakable.

Klaus and Case held position. They didn’t know which of the SUV’s that had been behind them had wrecked and they weren’t going to give up the advantage of having good cover to hide behind. The treeline was now unable to be seen, the dust from the way that Case had brought their SUV to a stop was still hanging in the air. The question of which it was got answered less than a minute later when there were two shots that were unmistakable as pistol. They didn’t need to see the scene to know that instead of being taken prisoner, the driver and passenger of the vehicle had ended their own lives. This was going to put Nic and Ambrose in just peachy moods, they were both sure of this.

A moment later, Donovan and Dez came walking out of the swirling dust, rifles hung against their backs. Both were shaking their heads and obviously highly annoyed. Klaus and Case lowered their rifles as the two drew nearer; throwing the slings over their shoulders so their rifles hung like the other two’s did. They leaned against the SUV watching the two frustrated mercenaries. “This ain’t gonna be pretty.” Case said looking over to Klaus with an expression that said they both knew that Ambrose and Nic were going to go ballistic if they couldn’t find anything out from the wrecked SUV that was still near the road and a ways from the treeline. “No shit! At least none of ours got hit or killed. Though I’m not sure they’re going to like what I did to the back window.” He chuckled as Case shook his head. Dez and Donovan reached them and all four turned to head into the building. Might as well rest where the environment was more comfortable, when the two boss men got up there it was going to be anything but.

As soon as Donovan cleared the door he came to a halt, hands up. “For the love of God, please tell me these are from the two of you hiding somewhere.”

Dez raised his eyebrows to look around and saw two red dots in the middle of Donovan’s chest. “If not, you’re fucked.”

Both dots disappeared as Donovan shook his head. “You know that’s not funny.” He watched as Melania and Gabe came out of where they had been hidden. He had to give them credit. They had been pretty well hidden, until they moved he hadn’t noticed them.

“No, you know what’s not funny? Being squished in the floor of a SUV while it’s being driven like it’s on a roller coaster track. Oh, and being shot at, at the same time.” Mel was pissed, and Klaus moved to intercept before she shot one of their own guys.

“She may have made it so that if Andreas survives that he is never able to have children…with her foot. And she quite literally threatened to shoot his dick off. Not the day to mess with her bro.” Case slapped Donovan on the shoulder as he passed heading to where there were some chairs setup.

While Klaus and Mel talked in hush tones, the two obviously butting heads, the others found seats either in the folding chairs or on tables. Dez jerked his head over towards them. “I take it that they’re….together? Or is he just the one she wants to kill least?”

“No, killing least would be me.” Gabe chuckled. “Together…” he coughed, “well, from what I walked in on at the hotel…yeah. I think they literally kissed and made up.” He smirked.

“Who gave her a gun?” Donovan laughed as he watched the two arguing about something.

“She stole Gabe’s pistol and shot Andreas. After that, no one was going to tell her no.” Case answered with a chuckle.

“Yeah, I was the lucky bastard out of the four of us who had laid our guns down in the room with Andreas.” Gabe said sarcastically. “She wanted to keep it and after watching her shoot Andreas, I wasn’t going to tell her no. I like my cock where it is.” He chuckled.

“Wait…wait…” Donovan laughed, “you’re telling me that little prima ballerina literally shot Andreas? Andreas, Klaus’s cousin?”

“Yes.” Case and Gabe answered at the same time. “And threatened to put a bullet through his cock before knocking his chair over and driving her heel into his groin.” Both Case and Gabe slightly cringed at the memory before Gabe continued. “Yeah, she went all badass. And I thought she and Klaus were going to kill each other before we could get out of the hotel. Maybe we should go get the weapons from those two.” He chuckled.

“Nah, Klaus could use getting shot…again…by a girl.” They all chuckled at Dez’s quip. “Let’s just wait till Nic and Ambrose get here. I’m sure they’re going to kick all of our asses for not getting those two assholes alive anyway. Might as well let the bloodshed wait a few minutes.”

16 notes · View notes

royalprincepossum · 3 months

Text

Customizing a Calico Critter into my character Sister Broc!

#art #customizing #ooak #calico critters #sylvanian families #oc #ghost oc #badger oc #animal oc #badger #paranormal mystery #nun oc

7 notes · View notes

karlenandgail · 7 months

Text

Things get tense in the antique shop...

“There is only one problem, she is no longer here. And not just here as in New Orleans, she is no longer of this Earth.” Armaund stated in a flat affect.

Karlen felt his entire world implode.

“No…no, it can’t be!” Karlen stood and his face became hard, his back straightening, and his posture aggressive. The men were lying to him, he knew it. His eyes began to shift to a golden whiskey color as his intense stare alternated between Armaund and Jean Pierre. “I know she said she was going somewhere she wasn’t sure I’d be able to find her, but you’re lying. She is not dead. I will NOT,” his hand slammed into the table open palm, causing both the other men to flinch back in shock at the resounding boom that echoed off the lathe and plaster walls, “believe that she is dead. WILL. NOT. Now, tell me where she is, or I will find out on my own.” By the time that he finished, his voice was a growl, and there was a muscle ticking on his jaw.

Armaund looked up at Jean Pierre, this was not the reaction they had quite anticipated. After having talked with Gail before she left and even Anna, devastation was more in line with what had been expected. But, it seemed the prince did know Gail, and was determined to find her. It was time for their slight misdirection to end.

“My husband does not lie,” Jean Pierre said plainly. “He did not say she was dead. He said she was no longer of the Earth. Which she is not.” His head tilted to the side, with a slight inclination. “She is safe, and she is alive. You understand that those of us who have been protecting her could not allow just anyone to learn of her location. She does not remember your name, but Your Majesty, I knew from our first meeting who you were.” A wry smile formed on the immortal male’s face.

“Then stop fucking around and tell me where she is, or take me there. The longer you delay, the shorter my patience for this bullshit gets.” Karlen was ready to call upon his brother’s soldiers if need be to force the two in front of him to tell him where she was. He would do it. He would search to the end of creation, never had he been this close in three centuries.

“There is one problem, sire.” Armaund swallowed. “You will have to set aside your title and all benefits from it to go where she is. There is another you will have to bow to, and she does not take kindly to be challenged. Pull that explosive reaction there and you will be put on your ass, if you’re lucky. If not, Kellen will be negotiating for your resurrection.” He took a deep breath, how did Abriella deal daily with demons and not obliterate them. They were such babies.

“Excuse me?”

“Sit.” Jean Pierre now sounded like the one in charge. He too was not going to tolerate more outbursts. Once Karlen had, he too again took a seat. “She is not within the human realm, and where she is has royalty that does not tolerate such behavior and will not care who your brother is if you act like that.”

“Where?”

“Imperium.” Armaund responded this time and loved watching the color drain from the demon’s face. Oh, lovely, he’d heard of it and the spectacular woman who ruled it. “Any more questions?” There was a bit of a smirk on the immortal’s face now.

“Why is she there? You said she’s safe?” Karel was now completely confused. What in the nine hells was Sophia doing in IMPERIUM of all realms. The one where his brother held now sway, if not the exact opposite. What would happen when the found out who she was to him?

“She is a dear friend of the Queen, who is going to have one of her other friends try and help her find you. Imagine that. Your Sophia is also very dear to the two of us and one of our friends who is in Imperium with her. She is quite safe. As long as you relinquish title and standing for the time you are in Imperium, there will be no issue.” Had Karlen been from any other realm, but Uffern, it would be different. However, the realms had been at war in the past and Armaund knew that if Karlen tried to walk in there as a Crowne Prince, that it would not go well and might end up with him in the stockade. All that would do was cause Gail more upset.

“I would die for her, my title and standing in any court mean nothing if she is that close and I cannot reach her. What do I need to do in order to be seen by the Queen and King? I will do it now.” Karlen didn’t even hesitate. His crown had never done anything for him in Uffern but make his life a pain in the ass dealing with Korben and Persephone. Kellen and Calliope were the only two sane ones.

Jean Pierre was impressed, he had expected Karlen to try to bargain, but this was almost too easy. He wasn’t sure he believed it, but he knew Abriella would see through any deception in a second. “Wait here. I will go talk to Abriella. Armaund, please see to our guests needs while I am gone.” His husband nodded to him. He knew he would, but he wanted Karlen wondering what was going on.

In an instant Jean Pierre was in the reception area of the Palace in Imperium. He waited, knowing a guard would soon appear to see who arrived and what they wanted. He was not disappointed when Thenasus wandered in, full gear, looking surprised to see the immortal Grigori standing there. “Is something wrong on Earth?” The demonic nephilim’s eyes narrowed in question.

“Tell Abriella that Gail’s Prince has arrived in New Orleans and is currently having coffee with Armaund and I.” Watching Thenasus’ eyes widen almost had Jean Pierre chuckling. “If she could please come most expeditiously, we would appreciate it. He is…touchy…and a bit impatient to see his redhead.” Jean Pierre smiled.

15 notes · View notes

erinfulmerwrites · 3 months

Text

✨WE’RE LIVE BABY!!✨

Half-human. Half-succubus. All work and no play. Ambitious prosecutor Lily Knight fights like a demon in the courtroom, but she’s as dangerous to herself as others. Touch-starved by choice, she refuses to live beholden to any lover.

“Innocent” doesn’t describe Sebastian Ritter’s craving for dominance in bedroom and boardroom. But one brush of his fingers over her skin tells Lily that he didn’t commit the murder he’s charged with.

With her life and secrets on the line, Lily races to find the real culprit. From the infuriating incubus who taught her to tempt and take, to intrigues and indiscretions at a masked cabaret, each unraveling thread entangles her further in a perilous game of seduction and lies.

To survive, she must embrace her power, unleash her hunger, and surrender control…at the risk of losing herself to the demon inside.

CAMBION’S LAW offers trope-flipping paranormal suspense, modern noir fantasy, and dark romantic tension with a slow burn, subversive power dynamic grounded in mutual consent. Perfect for fans of Book of Azrael, Ninth House, and TV’s Jessica Jones or Lucifer.

#tropes #forbidden lust #demon girl #demon oc #paranormal mystery #supernatural #masquerade #my book #my writing #writers on tumblr #urban fantasy #author #book release #new books #sex positive #spicy content

5 notes · View notes

devil-in-the-details-ay · 5 months

Text

*****

A short time later, a contract appeared on Lucifer’s desk. He looked sideways at it, wondering where it had come from and the meaning of it appearing. As he reached for it, he recognized it. So, Astaroth and Yara had fulfilled all the requirements. A muscle in his jaw began to tick. This was not the end of things, not even remotely. This was just the beginning. Astaroth had just made an enemy, and he was a powerful one.

Hours later, Astaroth watched relaxed in a hammock as his bride slowly walked through the ankle deep water of their cloaked private island that he’d created for them just off the Maldives. It had been her choice of locations to honeymoon in, but she still had nerves and was trying to become accustomed to his attentions to her. He had a feeling that the attention of other women to him, even human women, might make her even more insecure. Just based off the scant conversations they’d had, he had discovered that her father and brothers had done quite a number on her self confidence. That was something that he intended to remedy, starting on this very vacation.

Yara could feel Astaroth’s gaze upon her, but it did not make her uncomfortable, rather the opposite was true. The more that she felt him watching her, the more it gave her a deep sense of warmth, safety, and being cherished. Whenever she’d look back over at him from where she was watching the small fish, shrimp and crabs scatter as she stepped, she would find his gaze one of affection and a heat in it of lust that she did not mind, in fact she was coming to like quite a bit.

It was not as if Yara had been a virgin when she married Astaroth, but the way he looked at her was unlike any male had previously. It would have been hard for her to describe how exactly he was different, just that he was and that she enjoyed that difference immensely. That he was very nice to look at did not hurt these feelings at all. If her father had to force her to marry someone, she could not think of any other within the realm of Hell that he could have picked that she would have enjoyed more.

“What is it that is on your mind, my beautiful Papilio, that has you smiling so? And what is it going to cost me?” Astaroth teased Yara. He loved the sound of her laughter and the way her smile lit up her whole face, especially when he was the reason for either one of them.

“Do I have to have a reason to smile now, Asti?” She could tell from his tone that he was teasing her, something that she was still getting used to. She wasn’t sure that anyone had before. If they had, it had been so long ago that she could not even remember it. He seemed to be enjoying doing so, as long as she laughed or smiled about it. If it upset her, he would apologize, another new thing she was learning about. She was used to being the one giving apologies, not accepting them and they made her a little uncomfortable.

“No, but you tend to have one. For that reason, I am curious.” His eyes remained on her, enjoying the lovely sight of her tanned skin glistening in the sun with nothing on. Another bonus to a private and cloaked island with just the two of them, no clothing. For a demon, she was a bit demure. He figured it had something to do with the wonderful relationship with her father and brothers. Yet another thing he was looking forward to getting rid of in her brain.

A soft blush rose to Yara’s cheeks as her eyes briefly dropped again to the water where she splashed her feet a little as she walked, then back up to Astaroth. “Maybe I just like the way my handsome husband looks at me, and it makes me smile.” She could feel the heat growing on her cheeks again.

Stretching and extricating him from the far too comfortable position in the hammock, Astaroth sauntered over to where his wife had paused in the water, a rather smug smirk firmly in place. He could not deny that her answer pleased him greatly. “Is that so? I will have to make sure while we are here, Papilio, that I look at you as often as you like and for as long as you like then. I cannot deny that I also enjoy feasting my eyes upon you.” His hands landed lightly on her hips then slid over her smooth skin to find purchase on her lower back as he gazed down into her eyes he swore had changed colors since they arrived at their destination to now match the teal of the sea around them.

“Flattery will get you everywhere, Asti.” A soft chuckle fell from Yara’s lips as her eyes closed for a beat before opening again to meet his as a smile formed and her cheeks pinked while her hands lightly skimmed the warm skin of his biceps. She had come to love the feel of his skin under her fingertips, and his fingertips over hers. “Maybe this is where our home should be, A true escape from everything, everywhere, and everyone.” One of her brows rose as she made the suggestion. They both agreed they did not wish to reside in Hell, Earth wouldn’t be so bad. The island was perfect, especially since Astaroth had created it, so they were the only ones to ever have been there or know about it.

The corners of his eyes creased with his smile as he pulled her even tighter against him, he did like the way that she thought. “Not even a week married and you are already thinking like me. I cannot deny liking that fact.” There would no doubt be disagreements in the future, so he would enjoy the commonalities as long as he could. “Would you like to move the entire mansion out of Hell, or design one of our very own here that is unique?” His brows rose in question just before his head dipped to brush his lips over hers. The latter option had just come to him, and it was his preferred option if she asked. No history for either of them, and there was something about that which appealed to him.

“You’d build an all new one?” Her brows drew together slightly as she gazed up at him, her hands stilling on his shoulders. “We could completely start fresh here with things that were just ours?” Was it too much to ask that was what he had in mind? She hated that she kept finding herself jealous whenever she thought of his past. It was not as if she did not have one, and she felt foolish for wishing he did not. The difference was that there was no one in her past that could compare to the way that he treated her, the way he looked at her, and the way that he made her feel; where as she was a mess and she was sure that there were others in his past who were not.

“Together. Wasn’t that what we said from the beginning, Papilio? I think it would only be fitting to once more make our home something we do together.” His lips lingered on hers longer now after seeing how her eyes had lit up at his response. He still didn’t know why he enjoyed surprising and delighting her quite the way he did, but he was not going to argue with the feeling it gave him. Yet another reason they would soon be going to visit an old friend of his for some answers. “You were concerned before about who had been in that bed with me, now no one will have even been in the whole house.” His expression softened as his forehead came to hers.

“I like this idea.” She gazed up into his gorgeous eyes as her lower lip caught between her teeth. “We can make it completely ours.” Her eyes sparkled in the afternoon sun. She couldn't remember a time she'd been quite as excited. Once more she was thankful for her new husband.

“Tomorrow we can start the planning. Tonight, I would like to take my bride to dinner and dancing to celebrate the start of our happy partnership.” His fingers gently caressed the side of her face before tucking some stray locks of her hair behind her ear. They had never had anything akin to what could be considered a formal “date” and he thought that their honeymoon was the perfect time to embark on one. “Do you have something you think would be appropriate, Papilio? Or do I need to take you shopping?” Astaroth smirked as he gazed down lovingly at Yara. He truly cared not which her answer was. Whatever she wore, he was sure that he would appreciate her in it.

For her part, Yara was surprised at his suggestion, but not upset at all. Her husband wanting to be seen out with her amongst the humans and other beings actually gave her butterflies and brought a blush to her cheeks. It was a rather new situation for her, but one that she was looking forward to. “I do have something that I hope you will like.” Yara’s teeth caught on her bottom lip. “If you don’t, I’m sure we can quickly find something more to your liking, Asti.” She was all but glowing as her hands ran across his broad shoulders before burying themselves in his thick, black hair to pull his head down so she could once more capture his lips with her own.

6 notes · View notes

rubywrite · 10 months

Text

Meme Monday Tag

Thanks for the tag @clairelsonao3!

Here’s a meme from my WIP: Only Imaginary

Tw: swearing

#meme monday #tag game #wip: only imaginary #paranormal mystery

9 notes · View notes

berenwrites · 7 months

Text

youtube

I am celebrating my 100th week on YouTube and hence have created a longer story vid as well as all my shorts this week. It's a paranormal murder mystery. Enjoy!

Watch to the end to find out how to get a free copy of the eBook too.

Survival of the Fittest: Werewolves & Witches & More

On the surface, a quiet sleepy town, but it has ancient and deep secrets. Lil, the sheriff of this small, supernatural backwater, is the only thing standing between the cheerfully oblivious humans and the powerful supernatural beings that live alongside them. When a body washes up on the shore of the lake, Lil must face off against the supernatural conflict that threatens to tear her town apart. With the stakes higher than ever, can Lil uncover the truth and solve the murder of the werewolves’ alpha before it’s too late?

Many thanks for any reblogs.💖

#Survival of the Fittest #paranormal mystery #murder mystery #free fiction #free eBook #Natasha Duncan-Drake #original fiction #werewolves #witches #dryads #free read #free watch #stories read aloud #Youtube

4 notes · View notes

doodlesink · 8 months

Text

Witches Get Stuff Done by Molly Harper -- Book Review

Happy Tuesday! Witches Get Stuff Done by Molly Harper is out today. Check out the debut of the Starfall Point series. Happy Reading!

https://bibliophileandavidreader.blogspot.com/2023/09/witches-get-stuff-done-by-molly-harper.html

#theavidreader #the avid reader #book review #paranormal mystery #paranormal romance #sourcebooks casablanca #molly harper #starfall point

3 notes · View notes

sephie-books · 11 months

Text

ok i finished book 1 of the Grey Gate series "Outcast: The Grey Gates - Book 1" by Vanessa Nelson and I'm invested to read book 2

book blurb:

If no one knows that you saved the world, does it really count? Eight years ago the world almost ended and Max lost everything, accused of betrayal and failure. Now working as a Marshal, keeping the city and its people safe from supernatural dangers, Max thinks she's broken all ties to her past. She's just trying to do her job and live her life. Asked to help local law enforcement with a series of vicious murders, Max is willing to assist but soon realises that she might be next. Can she keep her secret while finding the killer?

the story is a supernatural/paranormal mystery in a world that I'm not sure is our world or not. There's cars, technology, phones, guns, etc.. but there's magic and geography and history don't line up. So I'm not sure if this is a magical au of our world or a different world completely.

but in any event, the book has interesting characters, an air of mystery beyond the serial killings, in that you want to know what's really happening, and what happened to Max 8-10 years ago (this is what is really driving my interest in this book series now. like what the hell is going on?)

no romance elements yet, just straight paranormal mystery, but I wonder what will happen with a character from her past that she keeps running into

anyhoo, really good! It's only 99 cents. So if any of this sounded good, it's practically a steal at 99 cents and I highly suggest you buy it.

5/5 for me

#book review #vanessa nelson #the grey gates series #paranormal mystery

4 notes · View notes

mila2010 · 10 months

Text

Dark Corridors - The Phantom Painter (@phantom.painting) • Instagram

#aiartwork #paranormal mystery #horrors

5 notes · View notes

behindthesemasks · 5 months

Text

“Whose gun was that?” Case asked looking at the rest of the team members still assembled in the room after Mel had left. All heads turned towards the table where the weapons had been laid.

“Fuck! Mine.” Gabriel growled before heading to the door to follow the petite brunette who had left the room stunned by her actions. None had ever even thought she’d do anything like she had, let alone use that kind of language. She had always been more of the quiet and reserved type of person. Now Gabe worried what she might do, and who else she might shoot, with his gun.

“Well, that was exciting!” Cam chuckled as he reached down and flipped the chair with Andreas in it back upright. Everyone was pretty much ignoring the whimpering of the man in the chair, although his groans when the front feet of the chair hit the floor again did make Cam chuckle even more.

“Come on; let’s keep her from killing someone. Erik, Cam…you two play nice with our guest here and see what he has to say. If he stops cooperating, let me know and I’ll have my granddaughter come back in.” Ambrose grinned and winked at Andreas. He was quite proud of Mel; he wouldn’t have suspected she was capable of such violence. One should never judge a book by its diminutive and graceful exterior though; it was all just a mask that hid what lay underneath. “The rest of you, come on. We have some work to do.”

Ambrose and the others left the room, leaving only Andreas and his two interrogators. The reduction of people in the room didn’t make him feel any better though. He was quite sure he wasn’t leaving the room alive and that one of his two cousins would be the one putting a bullet in his brain in the end of it all. That Mel would be back and inflict more pain also seemed to be a foregone conclusion in the man’s mind as well. He had known her for years, and never had he seen her like that. When she found the one that hired him, he did not envy what she or those around her would do.

Back in the suite, Mel had changed out of her dress and into a black tee and jeans. She was just pulling on her hiking boots when Gabe came in. “If you’re thinking of trying to stop me, I still have the gun and I’ve just proven I’ll use it.” Her eyes were hard and full of fury, but her expression also said that she didn’t really want to hurt him, which made Gabe relax some. He honestly didn’t blame her for her reaction to Andreas. She wasn’t the only one who wanted to shoot him; she was just the one that had.

“I’m not here to stop you Mel. I’m here to make sure that you don’t kill a friendly or get yourself hurt while you lash out in this anger.” Years of experience allowed Gabe to keep his voice calm as he spoke to her. Inside his heart was racing. He knew there was no way that if she went for the weapon that lay on the couch beside her that he could stop her in time for her not to get even a poor shot at him, and at this distance that meant a world of pain for him. Never had it crossed his mind while they’d been in the other room that Mel would take any of their weapons. All of his years of training and attention to detail was now nagging in his brain that he was an idiot for giving her the chance.

“I’m not going to hurt anyone. I’m going to the hospital. Alexander and Sasha are both there. I don’t know who that third man is, but someone needs to be there to keep an eye on them, and not just Caden.” Mel stood after tying the laces on her shoe. Picking up the pistol, she unscrewed the suppressor and tossed it to Gabe. “I don’t need that part. You can either come with me or stay here, but I’m not giving back the gun Gabe.”

Catching the suppressor, Gabe nodded. He wasn’t going to argue with her. “I’ll go with you, but will you give me a minute to go get another pistol. You happen to be holding mine and I don’t like being at a disadvantage.” Gabe gave her a half smile that was a little sheepish.

Nodding, Mel lifted the back of her shirt and slid the weapon into the back of her jeans, after making sure that the safety was on. As he turned to leave the room, she started to follow him. Their path was blocked by Klaus, Case, Nic, and Ambrose. The four of them looked at the pair expectantly, eyebrows raised.

“And you’re going where?” Nic asked, his eyes alternating between the two of them.

“The hospital.” Mel’s tone was flat and her gaze even.

“I’m going with her, but since she has my gun, I have to get another one.” Gabe followed up with a look of resignation on his face and a slightly sarcastic smile on his face as he held up the suppressor.

“I don’t think so.” Klaus challenged her, earning raised eyebrows and amused expressions from Nic and Ambrose. Had he just watched what they had? Did he really want to challenge her right now?

One eyebrow rose and Gabe stepped back as he saw the woman tense. “Excuse me? I don’t remember asking your permission. And what’s more…I don’t need to.” The challenge in Mel’s expression and tone of voice said that if thought he was going to stop her that he was severely mistaken.

Growling, Klaus’s jaw ticked. How had things gone so sideways? “Fine,” he ground out, clearly displeased. “But it won’t be just Gabe going with you. Case and I will be too.” It wasn’t a request, it was a statement. A flat out statement. His expression was a stubborn one and as set as hers was. It was going to be a meeting of the wills and the other four standing there weren’t sure who was going to win.

“Fine, you two can have a pissing match later. I need a gun.” Gabe sighed and started to move forward. He had a new respect for the female, but that didn’t mean he wanted to stand there and watch as she had a stare down with Klaus. He’d seen enough people do that over the years that he knew that it was better to just carry on and let them catch up later.

Ambrose reached behind him and pulled his weapon, handing it by the barrel to Gabe. “Take mine. You,” he pointed to Mel, “don’t argue and take all 3 men. You,” he pointed to Gabe, “keep them from killing each other. You,�� he pointed to Case, “be the lookout, take up a sniper position when and where you can. I want you to be the ghost of the operation. And finally you,” his eyes met Klaus’s with an expression that said he was in control here and wasn’t going to be challenged. “You are going to make sure that she gets out of there exactly like she is right now. One bruise and we’ll have words. Got it?” Klaus nodded, as did the others.

Mel smirked and went to her toes to kiss Ambrose on the cheek. “You got it boss.” She gave him a wink before grabbing the front of Klaus’s shirt and started to pull him out the door to the suite. “You heard him, make sure I don’t get myself killed. Your job is to watch my ass, and I doubt you’ll have a problem with that.” She had mostly gotten her way, if she was going to have an entourage; she was going to give them hell.

Case about choked as he laughed and Gabe rolled his eyes as he followed the pair. They could both see the tick in Klaus’s jaw. Neither was exactly sure what he was restraining himself from…throttling her, or kissing her senseless. Knowing Klaus, it might be a mixture of both.

“Who’s driving?” Mel’s voice came from the front.

Case and Gabe looked at each other for a second before Gabe answered, “Case. You get to play pampered princess in the back seat with me and Klaus.” He slowed up a bit, half expecting her to come round at him.

“At least you have it down what my position is in this.” The sarcasm was thick in Mel’s voice and this brought a full on laugh from Gabe. She was going to give them hell every step of the way, he was sure of it. Not that he really expected any less of her.

“You’re not going to make this easy, are you?” There was no missing the resignation in Klaus’s voice that she was not going to give an inch and be in charge.

As they waited for the elevator, Case and Gabe took up positions on each side of Klaus. They were ready to block anyone coming from the back and shield anyone coming off of the elevator. Given they were taking the entire top floor of the hotel, the first wasn’t really too great a possibility unless it was another member of the team. And since this floor required a key to get to, the same was true of the elevator, but one never knew and you always planned for contingencies.

Mel turned to face him. “I’m going to do what needs to be done. That’s what I’m going to do. They’re after Alexander, Klaus; do you really expect me to sit her on my hands and do jack shit? It’s your cousin in there, who shot one of the nicest people I’ve ever met and would have put the red dot on Alexander’s head too. So, no, I’m not going to make it easy. You’re going to tell me when you run and op that it’s always easy? Of course not…so if you can’t handle things…”

Mels’s words were cut off as she found her back against the wall and Klaus’s face in hers. His eyes were hard and even she saw his jaw tick. “If I can’t handle it, what? I can walk away. NOT.FUCKING.HAPPENING. Feel me, doll? You can try to push me away all you like, it ain’t happening again.” His breathing was heavy and it was clear she’d hit a nerve. Still her face didn’t relax, she was defiant as ever and he found it sexy as fuck. Watching her when she’d been sad and meek had broken his heart, this was the woman he had fallen in love with all the years ago. The one who was ready to take on the world.

Before she could stop him, his lips crashed into hers. One hand was next to her head, against the wall, and the other was holding the back of her neck, his thumb by her ear. His kiss was rough, demanding, and possessive. All truth, he wanted to pin her against the wall and do much more than kiss her, but he knew this wasn’t the time or the place. His cock straining against his pants wanted to argue that point though.

There had always been something about his possessiveness and dominance that was a turn on and that was no different now. The fist holding his shirt tightened, digging a small pearl button into the palm of her hand. She kissed him back with the same passion, not caring about the two other men who were standing there. They were big boys, they could deal.

Finally Klaus broke the kiss, keeping his forehead against hers and looking into those clear blue eyes he adored. “I’m not gonna back down, doll. You want to take out my cousin? So do I. He’s gone too far. And I want to make sure Alexander is safe too. But you going off half-cocked and getting yourself hurt, or worse…it isn’t going to help a damn thing. So be pissed we’re with you if you want, but it ain’t changing. So we can have the rest of this discussion later.”

As the elevator dinged, arriving at the floor. Klaus’s lips curved into a smirk and he kissed the top of her nose. “Now get that sexy ass in line and let’s do this.”

7 notes · View notes