When Dmitri meets Jay on a dating app, their connection is instant—intense, electric, and deeper than either expected. But Jay isn’t who he claims to be, and when his out-of-this-world secret comes to light, it shatters Dmitri’s understanding of reality.
For Jay’s people, love is considered a dangerous defect—a personality disorder to be cured. But he’s already fallen hard for Dmitri, and walking away isn’t so simple. As their lives entwine—through Dmitri’s career struggles and the shifting responsibilities of caring for his younger brother—Jay hides a devastating truth: his time on Earth is running out.
If he stays, he won’t survive for long. If he leaves, he’s gone forever. And if the extent of their relationship is discovered, they will lose everything, including their memories of each other and Jay’s entire sense of identity
As Jay faces a choice that could cost him his very life, Dmitri must decide whether to fight for a love that might not be allowed to exist. Can they hold on to each other in a world determined to erase them? Or will they be forced to forget everything they’ve built—each other, their love, even who they are.
World Enough and Time is a steamy contemporary sci-fi romance that asks: What would you sacrifice for love?
Dmitri spent the rest of the day with his stomach in an anxious knot. He was not the kind of person that enjoyed putting himself out there, and this felt like a big thing to ask of someone he’d only met the day before. But he truly didn’t have another solution, so he was just going to have to throw himself on Jay’s mercy and try not to make it weird.
Just before he left for the day, he texted Jay: Are you up for a phone call? I have a question and it will be easier to have a conversation about it.
As he was settling into the driver’s seat, his phone rang.
“Hey, you.”
“Hi,” Jay said. He sounded nervous, but that could not possibly be true. “How was your day?”
“It was a Monday, and I got some kinda bad news. Not terrible, but I have a problem I need to solve.” Was this the right approach? In terms of not making it weird, Dmitri was not off to a great start.
“How can I help?” Jay replied, and it was exactly what Dmitri needed to hear.
He blew out a breath through his teeth and said, “Ok, here goes… my ex is getting married this weekend, and for complicated reasons I won’t bore you with, she wants me there and is requiring me to bring a plus one. My brother was supposed to go with me, but now his dad wants to take him to Disneyland, so…”
“So, you need a date for the wedding?”
Dmitri groaned. “That’s about the size of it.”
Jay paused, then said, “When is it?”
“This Saturday at three o’clock. In the city. I know this is short notice…”
Jay cleared his throat. “Just so I’m clear about this, you are asking me to go with you?”
Dmitri slapped his hand across his forehead. All of that and he hadn’t even actually extended the invitation. “Yes,” he said. “You would really be saving my life. Well, not my life, per se, but you’d be saving me from embarrassment.”
“Which is a fate worse than death, yeah…” Jay laughed now, and Dmitri realized he quite liked the sound. “I think I can make that work.”
“Oh, Dear God, thank you! I know you just met me and all, and I have no right to expect—”
“Dmitri, it’s fine,” Jay said, interrupting him. “It sounds fun.”
“I’m not sure I can promise fun, exactly, but I’ll try to make it worth your while.”
Jay chuckled again. “I think I might even have time to dry-clean my best suit.”
“Probably? I know a twenty-four-hour place, if not.”
“I’m honored that you thought of me,” Jay said. Dmitri’s gut twisted up for an entirely different reason.
“And just so this isn’t as big of a deal, do you want to get together sometime this week before the wedding?” Dmitri asked him. “There’s a new fusion place I’ve been wanting to try.”
“That sounds nice. Thursday night okay?”
“That’s perfect. I’ll send you the details.”
“I’ll hold you to that,” Jay said.
Dmitri thanked him again, then they disconnected.
Well, that had gone as well as it possibly could have. Jay hadn’t seemed to be put off by the request. Dmitri couldn’t imagine asking this of anyone else he’d ever dated, even if he and Jay weren’t technically dating yet. But for now, his problem was solved, and though he was nervous about it, for the first time, he was actually looking forward to the wedding.
Giveaway
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Chad Grayson has worn many hats: tech support flunky, gas station philosopher, reluctant middle school wrangler, and, for one unforgettable night, cheese-mold removal specialist.
These days he lives in far Northern California, where he writes hopeful, character-focused sci-fi and fantasy that will break your heart and duct tape it back together.
He can usually be found painting tiny fantasy heroes and monsters, wandering the woods in deep narrative contemplation, or yelling at his plot outlines like they’ve personally betrayed him (they know what they did).
His superpowers include procrastination, dyscalculia, and making emotionally devastating story beats sound like a perfectly reasonable life choice.
Find him at chadgrayson.com (where you can sign up for his bimonthly newsletter full of exclusive posts, previews, book reviews, and updates).
Exiled alien prince Jarren Graf has never encountered a scent like Lissa Reyes.
To Desire the Stars
by Venus Campbell
Genre: SciFi Romance
Exiled alien prince Jarren Graf has never encountered a scent like Lissa Reyes’.
Abducted from Earth by Jarren, high-achiever Lissa Reyes discovered something hunted her scent. Both their scents, that is.
As the key to reclaiming his throne and ending generations of galactic subjugation, Lissa knew Jarren could not let her go.
But as a prince from a world built on olfactory power, Jarren’s passions flared with her close. Every whiff grew their desire. Every touch increased their hunger for each other. By fate or chance, their love would change his civilization.
“And why should I suffer alone?” He frowned. The question burned in his mind. A few moments with the Subduer off couldn’t feasibly produce enough traceable hormones to endanger anyone.
Jarren needed to know she wasn’t a possible mate. Life-mate, true life-mate, no mate at all. It had to be the not knowing that was driving him insane. Jarren pressed his thumb over the Subduer, felt for the little metal catch, and pushed in. Then he stood still a moment. He didn’t feel any different, but something had changed.
He needed to act quickly. Tracing such a small release of his scent from off-planet was impossible, but there was no telling when the mercs would locate Terra and send someone earthside.
Jarren walked out of the bathroom. Melissa stood waiting, itinerary in hand, her gaze expectant. Reaching out, he approached. “I’ll take a look at those now.” His voice shook with controlled tension.
“Yes, sir.” Melissa stepped forward then stopped. The papers in her hand fell with a rustle to the floor as her eyes widened. Her mouth went slack.
Jarren frowned, worried. He hadn’t expected such an abrupt response. “Melissa?”
As if entranced, Melissa walked toward him, her hands reaching until her fingers brushed across his heated skin then under his T-shirt. Jarren shuddered. His body stiffened in anticipation.
Her hands blazed a trail up and over his shoulders as she leaned her body into him, coaxing a gasp of want from his suddenly parched mouth. Her breasts’ warm firmness connected with his chest through the material of their clothes, heating the air around them.
Jarren groaned. She might not have been wearing anything at all. He couldn’t resist. He was starving for her. His arms encircled her waist, pulling her closer as his body tingled with need. Jarren grew ready. One skirted leg brushed against him in invitation as all logical thought vanished.
He claimed her mouth, hungry, desperate. The earthy undertones of her natural fragrance, that Egyptian musk with such sweet papaya, swirled around him. His hand came up, weaving into the falling tendrils of her hair to hold her to him. His lips suckled hers, his tongue darting to taste her mouth’s nectar, stroking the warm insides, lapping at her sweet moistness.
She moaned, her breathing erratic, her mouth searing his lips, tasting, teasing.
She pulled his head closer as her tongue danced with his. She caressed the warm walls of his mouth then drew away, letting the air cool the lingering impression of her lips against his. Her eyes blazed. She wanted him. He could smell her desire; potent, heady. It surrounded him. It taunted him.
A breath of Egyptian musk rose like an embracing cloud to envelop them both. His body vibrated with primitive need as realization struck. On a world light-years away from home, he’d discovered a possible life-mate. Jarren let go all control, reclaiming her mouth ardently.
He pulled her against him, devouring her soft lips to dominate her. His nose filled with the fragrance of blooming papaya. His body craved to possess her, fill her, bind her to him forever.
She belonged to him and he to her. He wanted to thrust them both over the brink of desire. Pulling away, he placed demanding kisses along the curve of her jaw until he found the sensitive skin of her earlobe and drew the honey-sweet softness into his mouth.
She moaned low and pressed closer, her warm breath caressing his skin. In a musk-induced daze, his eyes were drawn to the fullness of her breasts, the arching curve of her hips. He tightened in response, his need rocketing to the hard shaft between his legs.
Her mixture of scents intensified, calling to him, overwhelming him. He ached. His lips moved lower, tracing passion-heated kisses over the curve of her collarbone to her shoulder. Her fingers dug into his skin as her head fell back, the tresses of her hair clinging sensuously to his forearms. She gasped.
He buried his head in the slope of her neck as he was curtained behind the silky locks of her hair. Gods, how he loved her hair. Lifting her up, he inhaled her perfection, nuzzling his face against her full breasts.
His blood pulsed as he absorbed the smell of her sweetness. She did belong to him. He belonged to her. His skin dewed with fever, and instinct took over. He would claim her now.
He’d just reached to push aside her blouse’s collar when her body stiffened.
Fighting his instinct to mate, Jarren loosened his grip until her feet touched the floor; then he pulled away, his breathing jagged. He struggled to create a thought. Her aroma still tugged at him, drew him like the sweetest nectar.
But he was endangering his world and her by revealing his scent. And he could sense she’d refused him. He would never force himself on a woman, not even in the primitive throes of their intermingling essences.
A new awareness crashed into him. The depth of his desire had forced his sanity to temporarily flee. Comprehension slowly re-emerged, and with it, his awareness that the ramifications of his actions could be catastrophic. He looked down at her horrified expression even as the last tendrils of her hair loosed themselves from the static charge between their bodies. discarded itinerary on the floor.
Giveaway
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Venus Campbell is the Principal of the Book of Venus publishing and the Winner of the Kroger Award for Excellence in Creative Writing.
She has finaled in various writing contests such as the Central Ohio Ignite the Flame and the New England Chapter- RWA First Kiss. Campbell is a member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) and the Authors Guild.
Campbell has written professionally since 2006 and has completed five single title manuscripts. To Desire the Stars is her second publication.
Campbell focuses on interweaving paranormal elements into romance stories, creating unique worlds which challenge people’s perceptions of self and preconceived notions of human love and relationships.
She’s marked by stars, hunted by shadows—and destined for a love that spans worlds.
Insight
Insight Series Book 1
by Jamie Magee
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
“Spellbinding lyrically crafted fantasy series.” Sarah Dodd
“Magic, action, and paranormal romance offer an escapism that will engross readers—the story stays with you, unforgettable.” – M. Mass
Cursed with an empathic insight, Willow Haywood has lived her life as a proud introvert in a small town. Her world shatters when a nightmare brands her wrist with a star. The foreboding omen forces her family to unveil ancient secrets that bend the boundaries of reality, dreams, and dimensions.
In the chaos of this revelation, Willow focuses on the good dreams she had every night of her life. Her instinct promised her that the angel in them was real, that he was her soul mate, and together they would be an unbeatable force in the promised war of young gods.
The conflicted path to him was easier to face than the mystery, magic, and danger haunting the shadows of the cosmic storms on the horizon. With or without him… her nightmare would soon be her reality if she did not flee to the dimension her soul once roamed.
Guided by love, tormented by fear, and hunted by those who would twist her gifts for their sinister ends, Willow’s journey is one of self-discovery, sacrifice, and the relentless pull of destiny.
Insight is a spellbinding tale of love, prophecy, and the courage to find your true self. Perfect for fans of young adult fantasy and multidimensional adventures, it’s an unforgettable story that will stay with you long after the last page.
Are you ready to step into the storm? The journey begins here.
“We lost ourselves in the teen angst of Fallen, and Hush, Hush. We found courage in the pages of Hunger Games and Divergent. Our imagination was on fire inside of Mortal Instruments, Throne of Glass, and The Red Queen. And now we have the compelling, enigmatic, character-driven thrill ride of the long-reaching contemporary fantasy series INSIGHT.” Colleen Riley
Jamie Magee is not your average author—she’s also an astrologer and the host of Scheduling Fate, a podcast where insight meets inspiration. With over 22 published novels spanning Young Adult, New Adult, and Contemporary genres, Jamie has captivated readers with stories that stir the heart and awaken the soul.
Her passion for storytelling is matched by her love of astrology. Whether she’s guiding you through fictional dimensions or decoding the deeper meaning of life’s turning points, Jamie helps her audience align with purpose, embrace their own rhythm, and schedule fate with intention.
Haley Cavanagh is a military veteran, wife, and mother. She was awarded the League of Utah Writers 2020 Silver Quill Award for Retaliation, the second novel in her Oceanstone Initiative series.
Haley is an alumna of Columbia College, a musical theater nut, and she loves to dive into any book that crosses her path. Haley resides with her family in the United States and enjoys spending time with her husband and children when she’s not writing.
She loves to hear from her readers and encourages you to contact her via her website and social media.
Dynamic Characters and Unexpected Twists: Unveiling the Intricacies of River and Delene in “Shadowed Skies”
As the architect of “Shadowed Skies,” I am thrilled to invite readers into the captivating world where dynamic characters and unexpected twists converge to create an immersive narrative. At the heart of this tale are two characters, River and Delene, whose journeys through survival, love, and resilience challenge conventional storytelling norms.
River: The Lone Survivor with a Complex Past: I took great pleasure in creating the character of River, a lone survivor whose escape into the mountains sets the stage for a profound exploration of his past and present. River’s memories of his grandfather Pops and twin brother Porter are poignant anchors, influencing his decisions and interactions throughout the narrative. Through my writing, I aimed to breathe life into River, presenting a character whose complexity mirrors the unpredictable landscapes he navigates.
River’s evolution from a solitary figure to a reluctant companion in the mountains is marked by unexpected twists that showcase the resilience of the human spirit. Through River’s eyes, I sought to create a protagonist whose journey resonates emotionally, offering readers a chance to connect with a character grappling with the weight of his history while forging an uncertain future.
Delene: A Woman of Extraordinary Abilities and Unyielding Spirit: Delene, introduced as a captive in a lab run by the sinister Dr. Lytle, is a character I enjoyed shaping within the narrative. Tortured for her abilities and fueled by a vow to escape after the death of her sister Lily, Delene emerges as a young woman marked by strength and determination. Her psychic abilities and unyielding spirit add layers to her persona, creating a character that defies traditional archetypes.
In crafting Delene’s journey, from escaping the lab to finding refuge in River’s mountain nest, I aimed to portray a character who goes beyond the stereotypical damsel in distress. Delene’s resilience and unwavering spirit become central themes, showcasing her internal and external battles as she navigates a world filled with threats. When River and Delene meet, they’re both two extraordinary people who are incidentally suffering from severe loneliness and personal trauma while the world hunts them.
Unexpected Twists that Defy Conventions: In “Shadowed Skies,” I set out to subvert conventions and challenge readers’ expectations through unforeseen twists and turns. Each plot development adds layers to the narrative, keeping readers engaged until the final page.
Through River and Delene, readers are invited to join me in exploring the complexities of love, loss, and the indomitable will to survive in a world where the unexpected becomes the norm.
Conclusion: As the author of “Shadowed Skies,” I am excited for readers to embark on this journey with River and Delene. These characters, with their unexpected twists and turns, represent more than fictional personas; they embody the resilience of the human spirit. I hope their stories’ complexities and nuances resonate with readers, making “Shadowed Skies” a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
Featured Book:
His mountain solitude shattered. Her lab prison escaped. Together they’ll find refuge or die trying.
Shadowed Skies
by Haley Cavanagh
Genre: YA Clean Dystopian SciFi Fantasy Romance
Hunted for their blood. Fighting for their future.
River
He’s the last of his kind, a winged warrior hidden in the mountains. River Shaw has lost everything: his sanctuary, the only shield from a world that fears and hunts him. When Delene, another of his kind, crash-lands into his life, wounded and on the run, his solitude is shattered.
Delene
She’s a fugitive with a secret, escaping the clutches of dark forces that took everything from her. Delene Fairborne’s flight to freedom leads her to River and the spark of a bond neither can deny.
In a landscape scarred by betrayal and danger, River and Delene must navigate their growing feelings and the sinister scientist who will stop at nothing to harness their power. Shadowed Skies is where love takes wing, hope soars, and destiny entwines. Dive into a world where every heartbeat is a rebellion, every glance a promise, and every flight a taste of freedom.
Standing up for magíq means the world stands against you.
Call Forth the Moonlight:
A Magíqon’s Guide to Gryphon Liberation
by Z.M. Celestaire
Genre: LGBTQ Ecopunk Fantasy Romance
Deubrise is a land blessed by the breath of the slumbering gods. Magíq lives within nature, powerful and beautiful. Few else can harness it besides the gryphons that reside in the mountains near Nico De Falco’s home, and the rare magíqon like Nico’s little sister. But magíqon are shunned and feared by modern society.
To protect himself from such treatment, Dr. Ackerleigh Sebring keeps his magíq a secret. Yet his “radical” teachings of magíqal history gets him fired from Ravensbourne University. Desperate, he finds a gamekeeper job caring for an imprisoned gryphon. Finally, he can be his whole self.
That is, until Nico follows a misguided impulse and frees the gryphon, injuring Ackerleigh accidentally.
Their fates—and feelings—become entangled in their determination to protect the sacred magíq of the gryphon. Ackerleigh and Nico will stop at nothing for the sake of liberation.
**Order direct from the author and get extra goodies!**
Z.M. (they/them) is a writer, artist, and therapist. Writing and art have been a hobby for some twenty years now since they were a goofy little middle schooler.
Z.M. grew up devouring urban fantasy authors like Charles De Lint, Holly Black, and Patricia C. Wrede.
Z.M. lives in Saint Paul with their spouse, human child, and fur children.
Romance is in the air with this amazing new series by best-selling author Libby Kay. Pinegrove has it all, sexy firemen, town busybodies, and tons of charm! When these sparks fly, a happily ever after is in the cards!
When Sparks Fly
A Pinegrove FD Novel Book 1
by Libby Kay
Genre: Contemporary Small-Town Romance
Two broken hearts, one charming small town, and a few sparks may be the recipe for love…
Whitney Kerr is at a crossroads—literally. After jumping behind the wheel to flee Savannah, and a bad breakup, this Southern Belle is in search of a fresh start. Stopping in a charming smalltown seems like the perfect place to catch her breath and find herself. It’s too bad a certain fireman with a crooked grin and kind eyes could have her plans of self-discovery going up in a puff of smoke.
Trevor Mays is at a crossroads—figuratively. Still grieving the loss of his father, he was unceremoniously dumped by his fiancée, who quickly rebounded with his work rival. Just as he thinks things can’t get worse, he loses the captain’s promotion—to the man who stole his ex. He’s about to give up on ever smiling again when a curly-haired beauty with curves for days stumbles into his hometown.
With some help from the residents of Pinegrove, this pair will discover that much like the perfect fireworks show, love only needs a spark.
Fans of Sherryl Woods’ Sweet Magnolias series and Sarah Adams’s When in Rome series will fall in love with Libby Kay’s sweet fireman romance. Ms. Kay’s engaging stories fill your heart and head with possibilities and will quickly become your new favorite!
Libby Kay lives in the city in the heart of the Midwest with her husband. When she’s not writing, Libby loves reading romance novels of any kind. Stories of people falling in love nourish her soul. Contemporary or Regency, sweet or hot, as long as there is a happily ever after—she’s in love!
When not surrounded by books, Libby can be found baking in her kitchen, binging true crime shows, or on the road with her husband, traveling as far as their bank account will allow.
Libby cohosts the Romance Roundup podcast with Liz Donatelli where they recommend romance books and interview authors, influencers, and publishers. Check it out for your weekly dose of romance!
Blood binds them. Danger surrounds them. Love could destroy them.
Bound
The Elite Series Book 1
by Charley Black
Genre: Dystopian Vampire Paranormal Romance
Bound by blood, Marked by rebellion, Destined for a love that could save or destroy them.
A forbidden bond. A crumbling city. A choice that could change everything.
Serenity
Becoming an Elite—a blood donor for the Vampyr—was never part of the plan. But with my family’s lives on the line, I had no choice but to step out of hiding and into a world I barely understand. My rare blood has made me a target, and now, I’m bound to Kane—the ruthless, untouchable head of the Vampyr Council.
The rebels want to use me. My family depends on me. And Kane… he’s the only one who can keep me alive—but trusting him? That might be the most dangerous gamble of all.
Kane
I never wanted an Elite. I certainly didn’t need one—especially not Serenity. She’s everything I’ve avoided: human, stubborn, and a complication I can’t afford. But from the moment I met her, she turned my world upside down.
Her blood sustains me, but it’s her spirit that leaves me hungry for more. As rebellion threatens to tear the city apart, my focus should be on holding everything together—not on the one woman who’s become my greatest weakness.
She’s more than just a distraction. She’s a risk. One I shouldn’t take.
But I can’t let her go. And if I’m not careful, she might destroy me—or save us all.
In a world where blood is currency and love is forbidden, Bound is a spellbinding tale of passion, betrayal, and a bond that could shatter a city—or bring it to its knees.
Fans of dstopyian fantasy, forbidden romance, and slow-burn tension will devour Bound, the first book in The Elite Series.
Every person, regardless of age or hatred for their kind, yearned to be selected. Deep down, they craved the privileges of being an Elite—the ones who willingly offered themselves to the vampyrs. But not her.
Serenity had no such desires; she refused to be a meal for anyone, no matter how tempting the rewards seemed. Yet, her personal feelings were irrelevant now. This program was her last hope, and if it didn’t work, she dreaded turning to Jax for help—something she desperately wanted to avoid.
Looking up at the clock, its hands slowly ticked as she waited for the nurse to arrive and begin the process that would, hopefully, improve her and her family’s lives.
Sighing deeply to calm her rising nerves, Serenity’s eyes wandered around the office, taking in the sterile and impersonal atmosphere. Four white walls encased a stark, bare office containing only the essentials: a simple desk, a utilitarian chair, a computer, a printer, and a cold, metal filing cabinet. There were no pictures or decorations. It was as if they intentionally designed it to be unwelcoming, discouraging any sense of comfort or happiness.
Honestly, it didn’t make any sense. One would think they would try to create a more inviting space to welcome potential Elites. The environment’s lack of warmth and care showed her what she was truly signing up for and how she’d be treated as soon as her application was approved.
And they would approve it. She did not doubt that.
Serenity had the type of blood that the vampyr wanted… and craved. At least, that was what her father told her. Only those with the rarest of blood types were selected as Elites.
Anyone whose blood type was A or B was automatically entered into the system as a donor, regardless of whether they were positive or negative. O positives were rarely chosen, and O negatives had better chances only if specifically requested. AB positives, the rarest of the rare type, were treated like gold and were consistently selected as Elites, typically matched with the wealthiest of the vampyrs. This made Serenity think despite their claims, money still talked within their society. AB negatives were a myth, according to the locals. Still, they were believed to represent a divine gift in vampiric lore, ‘ambrosia,’ so treasured that only the upper echelons in vampyr society knew of their existence.
As an AB negative, her blood was revered as the most delectable drink. She almost felt violated knowing that such an intimate part of her was seen as a commodity, something to be consumed with primal delight. It wasn’t just about her, though.
The Elite program was supposed to bring balance and peace between the two races, a part of the treaty the humans and vampyrs signed before she was born. But it seemed the vampyrs ruled their lives, despite humans sitting on the city’s governing Council. All the rules seemed to cater to the vampyrs survival, not humanity’s. It was infuriating.
When the office door opened, Serenity turned in her chair to see a petite woman in black scrubs walking through. The woman had caramel-colored skin and dark eyes. A laminated card clipped to her shirt read “Shelia” in bold capital letters.
“Can I have your name, please?” the nurse asked, sitting on the other side of the desk and placing a clipboard with an application next to the computer.
Such a simple question, but for Serenity, it was surrendering to the inevitable. Call it an innate feeling, but she had always known she would end up here signing up to be an Elite.
She couldn’t explain how, but a small part of her, deep inside, suspected it had to do with the rarity of her blood type. As if it had always known this would be her fate. But it was only a feeling and possibly the wariness of her situation.
Either way, she was here now. Taking a deep breath, she reluctantly spoke her name aloud. “Serenity.”
The words felt like a prison sentence once they left her mouth. Every inch of her screamed for her to get up and run away. They only had her first name. There was still the possibility of escape. She could get on the bus and go back home, where it was safe.
But she couldn’t. Not if she wanted to save her family. This was her choice, her sacrifice.
Her mother couldn’t become an Elite because of her sickness, and her sister was too young and sick, so it had to be her. They needed medicine, and this was the only way they could afford it.
Shelia’s kind smile and soothing voice washed over her, easing the tension in her shoulders. “What is your full name, honey? You don’t have to be nervous. You may not even get approved. This is just the application stage,” she assured her.
She was right; this was just the application process. She hadn’t even given a blood sample yet.
If Serenity was being honest with herself, she couldn’t deny the fear that gripped her. The thought of encountering a vampyr had always terrified her. She had hoped never to face one, but now, everything was about to change. She was preparing to leave behind everything she knew.
But she pushed those thoughts aside for the moment. She needed to focus on getting through this, or else her instincts would take over, and she would flee. Steeling herself with a deep breath, she forced the words out. “Serenity R. Wright.”
Shelia punched her name into the machine, attempting to assess her medical history. Her father had burned and erased every document that could identify her blood type a long time ago, insisting it was to keep her safe from them.
As Shelia stared intently at the screen, Serenity knew she was seeing the bare minimum of information. Her father had been thorough in keeping her out of the system. She had been homeschooled, never left the human districts, and always kept a low profile.
The scent of her mother’s homemade herbal concoction lingered on every piece of clothing she wore. The blend of lemon tea tree oil, activated charcoal, rosemary, and vanilla was meant to hide her natural scent.
Since she was young, she’d relied on it to cover up her unique scent. Her mother would create soap and shampoo for her to use and a specialized spray for when she ventured out into public. She always carried a small bottle of vinegar with her, a precaution in case she encountered any vampyrs.
She also wore a light brown cloak whenever she went out. But her mother believed her father’s true intentions were to hide her curly hair and honey-brown eyes, fearing they would attract unwanted attention. She never left without her cloak whenever she traveled, especially outside their district.
Except for today. She felt vulnerable without it but wouldn’t need it after this.
Shelia glanced up from the computer with curiosity evident in her eyes. “The only record we have of you in the system is your birth date. Have you never had a physical?”
It didn’t surprise Serenity that the woman was curious. If she were in her shoes, she would feel the same way. Her answer was simple: “My father was a doctor. He handled all my physicals and medical records.”
The memory of her father hung heavy in the air. He had been training her to be a nurse to help her mother and sister with their medical needs. But his life was cut short by a sudden heart attack during one of his routine trips into the city for more medicine.
With his absence, Serenity felt a part of herself missing; however, her family relied on her strength.
“He didn’t update your records.” Shelia glanced back at the screen and asked, “What was his name?”
“Dr. Richard J. Wright.” She wouldn’t find him in the system. He never officially returned to practicing as a doctor after the war. He only worked as an informal doctor for their neighbors and friends.
The nurse’s brows scrunched in concentration as she surveyed her computer screen. “I can’t find him in the system, and your records have not been updated. We’ll need to do a physical today and draw blood to get your blood type for your application. Let me see if we can squeeze you in with Dr. Bradford.”
Serenity anticipated this; she had mentally prepared for this precise moment. But even with all her preparation, she couldn’t shake the waves of anxiety that threatened to engulf her. Soon, they would know her secret, and she would be in danger. But her family would be saved, reaping the benefits of her becoming an Elite.
She despised the crushing weight of her family’s future on her shoulders; the pressure was almost suffocating. Her palms were slick with sweat, and her chest tightened as she struggled to hold back a sob.
Needing to gather herself, she inhaled deeply and closed her eyes, seeking respite from the tension. Her mind raced with conflicting thoughts, and she was torn between the responsibility she bore and the fear of what lay ahead.
It was a delicate balancing act; her determination to be strong for her family clashing with the nagging doubt and uncertainty gnawing at her resolve. She knew she had to be here, but that didn’t make it any easier. The emotional turmoil within her was like a storm raging beneath a calm exterior.
With a quiet yet determined resolve, Serenity opened her eyes, squared her shoulders, and braced herself for whatever lay beyond those cold, impersonal walls. She couldn’t let anxiety derail her; her family depended on her strength.
“Don’t worry, honey.” The sympathy in Shelia’s eyes didn’t help her worry. “The physical exam is painless, and the blood drawing is quick and painless.”
But it wasn’t the exam that made Serenity anxious. She was uncertain what would happen once her application was submitted, and there was no turning back.
Shelia typed a few more notes on her computer.
“Alright. I was able to squeeze you with Dr. Bradford. She is wonderful. This way.”
Shelia stood, grabbing a piece of paper from the printer before moving towards the door. Serenity stood to follow when suddenly Shelia stopped and turned back to her.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Shelia asked with a seriousness that almost made Serenity want to run. “Once we walk out the door, there is no turning back. Your name will be filed into the system forever.”
Even if she wasn’t approved by some chance of fate, her name would still be recorded in their databases, making her a potential target in a future blood drought—which meant that if they ever ran out of human recruits, they could call upon her. It was one of the risks she took by even walking into the clinic, but it was her only choice.
“I understand your concern, and thank you for it, but I have to do this.”
Shelia nodded slightly and opened the door. Her eyes, wide with uncertainty, met Serenity’s briefly before she led them into the hallway, closing the door behind them.
Serenity was happy to know that at least one of the nurses here cared about the humans who signed up and ensured this was their choice. This gave her some hope that this whole process wouldn’t be as dreadful as she thought.
Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself and followed Shelia into the hallway, heart pounding as she contemplated what lay ahead.
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