Blood On The Moon Cover
My third novel was finished and published in time for Halloween and I had a launch at Waterstone's at Sheffield.
The full book cover, done by the wonderful, talented, brilliant Paul Mudie
Other Images from Pixabay or Google (Free Usage)
Ch1 Jessica (Rabbit) has entered the Lion’s Den – Wolf’s Den – of her own accord and is neck-deep in her greatest desire (Be careful what you wish for).
Ch2 Red is speaking to a Wolf she knew from long ago and has been astonished once by his revelation.
Ch3 Jessica is in over her head, no other human in sight and is bouncing from one encounter to the next - including in the dream-state.
“Introductions then,” Falco said. “Jessica this lady is Selene. She will be your mentor, your guide and tutor until you are deemed fit to run with us unaccompanied.”
Selene nodded politely but said nothing.
“Selene will teach you our ways and our First Laws. She will help you to find your path amongst Wolf and Hume and she will teach you many things about us, many fantastic things. I will not drone on, but I will leave her to dress you appropriately for dinner. I expect to see you soon.”
With that short speech, he gave a slight nod to Selene and left the room.
Selene sat on the only chair, beside the window.
Jessica sat herself on the bed and waited.
Eventually, Selene spoke. “Falco is your sponsor. I am your mentor. You shall be allowed to live here for as long as you are learning. After that, you must negotiate with Falco or find other lodgings.”
“I have my own house, couldn’t I go back there?” Jessica was puzzled.
“Not for the time being. Depending on how well you do at your studies and also where your house is situated, we may go and stay there from time to time, but not on a permanent basis.”
“How long do you think my studies will take?”
“Before you are experienced enough to be let loose on your own?”
“Yes.”
“It could be a few months, but it could take years - although I don’t anticipate you being that slow. There is something about you, Rabbit.”
“So you will come with me to fetch my clothes then?”
“They are already here, or at least some are. That is what was taking Paul so long last night. He fetched them. I have had a look through and there are a few nice things, but not many that are suitable for the dinner this evening. That being the case, I shall lend you something of mine. Get dressed; the dressing room is through that door. When you are dressed, I shall come back for you. Don’t be long.”
Selene left the room and Jessica investigated the dressing room.
She was no sooner dressed than Selene knocked on the door again. Jessica opened it and Selene turned and walked along the corridor. It was obvious that she expected Jessica to follow.
Just a few steps down the hall, Selene stopped and opened a door, and then she stepped back in order to allow Jessica to enter.
The room was probably the same size as the bedroom she had slept in, but without the dressing room and bathroom partitions, it looked larger. It was decorated in subtle style, comfortable and elegant. Jessica was quite astounded when she remembered that there was actually a bar beneath them.
“Now we shall begin your lessons.”
“Is there any chance of food? I haven’t eaten in hours.”
“Yes, it is being prepared; we shall eat in a few minutes. First, are there any questions that spring to mind immediately?”
After a moment’s thought, Jessica asked, “What will I be learning?”
“Numerous skills, Rabbit. I shall teach you how to rejuvenate, how to grow strong - even stronger than you can imagine. I shall teach you how to cleanse your body of any sickness - although you will most likely never become ill. Under my wing, you shall become a creature of myth and legend and more so. The stories of werewolves don’t even come close to what we actually are.”
As Selene spoke, she became more animated; obviously she loved her subject and enjoyed lecturing on it.
“If you learn well, you will never know old age and infirmity. You will never become ill; sickness and diseases will be shaken off without you even knowing symptoms. Not even the modern and devastating blood diseases can touch us.” Again she paused but this time she listened intently.
Jessica sat and watched. Selene stood and crossed to the door and she opened it for the man bearing a tray of food.
When they were alone again, Selene continued. “You will also learn to harness, accentuate, and moreover, appreciate your five senses. As you saw, I heard him a long time before you did. My eyesight is also far beyond yours. Night time is our friend. It conceals us when we are hunting and as we make our escape. Our sense of smell too is more than you could imagine, we have not lost touch with our senses over the centuries, and we have not made the effort to evolve our natural abilities away. We have kept in touch with them and use all of them to help us in our daily existence. To touch as a Wolf brings great pleasure also. You have such a treat in store, I am almost jealous of you. Our skin is vibrant; the feel of the very air as we walk naked is an almost orgasmic experience if you concentrate.”
Selene closed her eyes as though experiencing the very thing that she was describing. It really did make Jessica want to try it right at that very moment too.
“And last but certainly not least, our sense of taste. The difference between Hume and Wolf taste sensations are indescribable. The flavour just of plain food is glorious and it never wanes. The exquisite taste of fresh blood on my palate is enough to make me salivate at the merest thought of it.”