First Paragraphs

This page is where I’ll put the first paragraphs of each chapter of whatever I’m working on.

Since I’m working on Blood Ties, the second book in the Blood Promise series, I’m letting you guys see my writing process and get sneak peeks of the first paragraphs of each chapter. When I’m able, I’ll put up a new chapter beginning.

 

Prologue

 The large wolf quietly stole through the small house, scenting the air to find his latest victim. It didn’t take long—he just followed the scent of sex and booze. At least he got some action before he dies tonight.

Chapter 1

“This has got to be your room,” I said to Odin while my eyes traveled about the opulent room layered in gold and jewels. He simply gave a slight smile.

A stunning gold chaise was against a red and gold-swirled wall with a luxurious gold canopy draped above. My eyes were drawn across the room to an intricately carved oak and cherry table with matching chairs for four. I went over and knelt down to inspect one of the table legs. My fingers brushed the wood as I studied the scenes depicting naked men thrusting swords into each other as naked women cried out in woe, while a large serpent wove about in between the men and women; it was horrific yet hauntingly beautiful at the same time.

“Where did you find this?” I asked.

“I had it commissioned. Unfortunately, four supposedly brilliantly talented craftsmen had to die while attempting to create it.”

Eyes wide, I looked at him while my heart quickened in fear. “Had to die? Why?”

“Because their work wasn’t on par with what I considered brilliantly talented. However, as you can see for yourself,” he nodded to the table, “the fifth one lived.”

Chapter 2

Every atom in my body seemed to stretch and squeeze through a tube of space and time. I still wasn’t used to teleporting, and it was a bit disorienting as my cells unscrambled and came back together. When my feet touched the floor, the darkness receded to the morning light and the library came into focus.

“Well, look who’s back,” Kaige said as I materialized in front of him. Coffee cup in one hand, newspaper in the other, he sat on the leather sofa in only his pajama pants. “I didn’t think Odin would’ve let you leave so soon.”

My eyes roamed, appreciating the lines of his body and his dark wavy hair that fell past the shoulders, framing a rugged jaw that currently held yesterday’s stubble.

After being stretched like a rubber band, I tried to compact myself by squatting down and squeezing my knees to my chest. “I convinced him to let the Valkyrie come here to train.”

His brow rose. “Really? Where?”

Trying to keep a straight face, I said, “Ryk’s.”

Kaige laughed. “I hope you talked to him first.”

“Nope. He doesn’t have a clue.”

Chapter 3

Ryk or Blaed…who to contact first? The midday sun streamed in through the library windows, thankfully not heating the cool room. Phone in hand, my finger hovered over the call button. Might as well be Ryk. I was fairly certain Blaed wouldn’t have ripped out a man’s throat and then sent an anonymous note reasoning why; he’d prefer an audience instead.

Chapter 4

So, here we are to Chapter 4 of Blood Ties. You’ll notice I have a word blanked out; that’s for those of you who haven’t read Blood Promise. I didn’t want to give out any spoilers for those of you who still need to read the book.

“Why are we taking the elevator?” Crossing my arms over my chest, I blew my bangs out of my eyes and leaned against the side wall next to the control panel. A quick glance at my watch said it was already past two-thirty. My stomach growled, reminding me I’d need to fuel up soon. As a ________, I tended to burn calories at a fast rate. “It’d be faster to run upstairs.”

Ryk pulled out his set of house keys. “Because this is the fastest way down.”

“Down? You mean…there’s a basement?” I’d lived in this house for months now and never knew it had a basement. How did I not know that?

He inserted the garage key into a lock, twisted, and flipped a panel up to reveal a keypad. “You’ll see.”

My jaw dropped. “There’s a secret keypad? What else does this house have that I don’t know about?”