But there's nothing sweet about my interview subject today. Nor is there a possibility of hammering it down to under a minute.
Please join me in welcoming Mel from Love's Prophecy to Nocturnal Nights.
Sheri: Thank you for agreeing to this interview Wow, this guys is freaking HUGE!!
Mel: *Sits forward and shakes Sheri's hand*
Hey, thanks for having me. Brenda has told me a lot about you. Says you've written quite the story yourself. Congratulations.
Sheri: *Blushes* Thank you. I'm a married woman. I'm a married woman. Do you eat food? 'Cause I brought some chocolate chip cookies.
Mel: *smiles* Yeah, vampires eat food. Forget all the crap you've heard. It's all bullshit—well most of it. And no, thank you. I'm not all that into chocolate or sweets.
Sheri: Damnit, I'm nervous! *Stuffs a cookie into my mouth, nervous eating habit.* Is it hard to live in a commune with all the other Slayers?
Mel: Sometimes. They can be a pain in the ass. My ex-roommate Kal drove me nuts half the time.
Sheri: Watching Mel shake his long hair back, a question comes to mind. Who trims your hair?
Mel: What? *laughs* You think I need a hair cut? *grabs a strand and eyes it* Maybe I should get a trim. I usually just hacked the ends off myself, but I'll ask Breeana if she can tidy it up a bit.
Sheri: OMG, shut up, Sheri! Before you piss-off a vampire! Deep breath – think calm. You're hair is fine, it's the reason I asked. I didn't know if vampire hair was different…or something. I'm such a freak. You've lived a long while. If you and Breeana could live in any time of history, which would it be and why?
Mel: *Glances away and clears his throat* Now. The past is the past. And I'd like to leave it where it belongs.
Sheri: *Sensing there are ghosts in the past that he's buried, I'll move on.* What's your favorite food?
Mel: *Laughs out loud* You know, Breeana asked me that same questions months back, and I told her she was my favorite food. But she wanted a serious answer, even though I was serious. So, I guess I'll say what I did then and go with spaghetti.
Sheri: Spaghetti? I would have thought steak tar-tar. Favorite drink?
Mel: Jack Daniels
Sheri: How is one nominated to be a Slayer? And are any vampires declined?
Mel: We're not nominated—it's more like a duty we're born to. We don't have much of a choice in the matter.
There are certain recruits who are declined. Mainly because they lack the physical strength to fight demons. But that's rare. We need all the help we can get. There's no shortage in demons.
Sheri: Scary thought about the demons. I see what he means about physical strength. This guy is built like a brick shithouse. Is there a ceremony when one becomes a Slayer, a special something to mark the occasion?
Mel: Years ago there was what you could call a ceremony performed by The Sacred Order, but that's changed over time. Now our young recruits go to basic training camps, much like humans. Upon graduation, the warriors receive a tattoo.
*Mel leans forward and shows Sheri the tattoo encircling his left bicep* See this symbol here? This shows what clan you're from.
*He traces the black swirls* I'm from the 26th clan. And this here is the oath we take. *He smirks* Says a lot of poetic crap, but basically it says to serve and protect mankind until death takes thee.
Sheri: Holy crap! That's the biggest, beefiest bicep I've ever seen. Damn, that Breeana is one lucky chick. Mel, I'm impressed. So much information packed in one spot. It's sorta like a vampire dog-tag, huh? Has there ever been a rogue Slayer?
Mel: Yep. We have jails, just like humans, and our jails are full. Life is hard and it seems to bring out the worst in some people—humans and vampires. The fucking demons don't help—*face turns red* Sorry for the language. I'll try to keep it clean.
Sheri: *Chuckles* That's all right. I don't have virgin ears. Okay – Best and worst time. What was the best day of your life?
Mel: You really have to ask? It was the day I met Breeana.
Sheri: How sweet! And the worst?
Mel: The day the demon-bitch snagged Breeana. Shit, I can't even think of that night…yeah, next question, please.
Sheri: *Notices clenched fist the size of a sledge hammer* Absolutely, we'll move on. Any last words?
Mel: Yeah. Brenda wanted me to tell everyone to buy her book. *laughs*
Sheri: *Laughing* I'd like to thank Brenda Dyer for interceding on my behalf and allowing me this interview. And a huge thanks to Mel, for finding time tonight to drop by and answer my questions.
Mel: Thank you for having me. *glances at his wristwatch* I better get going—I have to meet Kal at The Green Tree soon, but I want to stop at home and see Breeana before I head out hunting. *Shakes Sheri's hand again*
Brenda: Bye Mel. Say hi to Bree and Kal for me. Oh, and tell Kal he needs to stop by tomorrow so we can go over a scene he emailed me the other day. I need to ask him to clarify a few things.
Mel: Will do. Later, ladies.
Brenda: *Brenda smiles at Sheri* So, what did ya think of Mel?
Sheri: OMG, Brenda! You weren't shitting me! He's great!
Brenda: Gorgeous isn't he? He was a little nervous for this interview but I told him you wouldn't ask him anything that would make him uncomfortable. Thanks for that by the way. And thanks for having us on your blog.
Sheri: I could have cut my tongue out on a few questions. Thought he was going to be pissed at me. Thanks so much for stopping by. I sure miss our talks, but I CAN'T WAIT for your next book! *claps hands* Can you give us a hint at what's to come?
Brenda: The next book as you may have guessed is about Kal. It's called Prophecy's Child. You got a taste of Kal's personality in Love's Prophecy, and he comes across as pretty happy-go-lucky, but he has a lot of emotional baggage he's kept hidden. Even from his best friend, Mel.
Kal isn't as happy as he likes to make out. He has regrets and he will come face to face with them in his story.
I can't thank you enough for stopping by today. I want everyone to be sure and grab a copy of LOVE'S PROPHECY. It's paranormal in a class all its own.
Dark warriors of might...
Mel is a vampire warrior sworn to hunt and kill demons in the dark streets of Vancouver. But he's burdened with a new assignment: find the meaning behind the Vampire Prophecy. Having no faith in the gods and their empty words, he believes there's no truth to the ancient legend until he meets Breeana, a human woman who bears the mark of the prophecy and resembles the mysterious woman haunting his dreams. When a vengeful demon spies Breeana in his arms, she is marked for death. He must take her from the world she knows until he can eliminate the threat. But the real danger is the role Breeana must play in fulfilling the prophecy and the intense feelings she brings out in him. Mel is forced to choose between his obligations to his kind, the world, and the woman he loves. Does he have the courage to let the one woman who could heal his wounded heart and soul go, or will he risk her life and bind her to him for all eternity?
Small warriors of light...
Veterinarian, Dr. Breeana Spencer yearns for love and companionship, but the disappointment of failed relationships has left her bitter. She now finds solace in romance novels. But when she meets a mysterious stranger, she's drawn to him by a connection so forceful it shatters all reason, leaving her incapable of resisting him. Yet there's more to him than smoldering good looks and a rock-hard body. As she's drawn deeper into his danger-filled world, she learns she's part of an ancient vampire legend. Breeana fears her future is no longer hers and will not include Mel. As their enemies close in, desperate to destroy them both, she must fight to convince Mel her place is at his side. A life-altering choice is before her—one that will take all her courage and love to make.
You can find Brenda Dyer's book, Love's Prophecy, sold at these fine locations:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00702YWF0
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/128967
Barnes and Noble: Coming soon
Allromance e-books: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-love039sprophecy-677191-139.html
And here's where you can find Brenda:
Website: http://www.brendamdyer.com
Twitter: twitter.com/brendaMDyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrendaMDyer
I also blog on the 12th of every month on Nocturnal Nights: http://tabithablake.blogspot.com
Author Bio
Brenda Dyer lives in the small town of Sooke off the coast of British Columbia with her husband, two teenage boys, and an assortment of animals.
She is a graduate from LongRidge Writers group.
When she isn't writing you can find her out in her gardens or working with her two miniature horses.
Brenda loves to hear from readers. If you would like to contact her, visit her website.
http://www.brendamdyer.com
EXCERPT
Once inside the bedroom, Mel closed the door as Breeana sat on the edge of the bed. He paced in front of the dresser.
“Mel, I need to ask you—”
“Please, let me go first.” His mouth opened, and then closed several times. He cursed and continued pacing.
Breeana's hands gripped the comforter. “Just tell me for Christ sakes. Your silence is scaring me.”
He came to a stop directly in front of her. “I'm taking you home tonight.”
Her heart slowed to a crawl. “What do you mean? Why are you sending me home?”
He crouched and rested his hands on her knees. “Kal killed the she-demon last night so it's safe for you to return home.”
Now it made sense why Mel was so upset and why Kal had sounded like he was saying good-bye to her—because he was.
Tears welled in her eyes and she gripped his forearms. “I don't want to leave. I love you. I…please.” A tight knot formed in her throat. She swallowed, trying to relieve the pressure. “Please, don't end this. I beg you.”
“Breeana.” He sighed, and wiped away her tears with the pads of his thumbs. “You have to go back. We've discussed this before. You know why it has to end.”
“No, it doesn't. You said you love me, and I love you, so please, Mel, please—”
He straightened and raked his hair off his forehead. “I do love you. God, I love you so damn much this is killing me, but I won't have you leave everything for me.”
She jumped up, wrapping her arms around him. “I don't care about all that. I love you more than anything my old life has to offer. Don't you understand?”
“You say that now, but eventually you'll change your mind. You could never go back to your old life. Over time you would come to hate me for it.”
She stepped back so he could see her face and know what she said was the truth. “I would never regret my decision to stay with you. Never.”
He framed her damp face with his calloused palms. “I won't prolong your life.”
A shadow of doubt flashed through her mind but she cut it off, discarding it quicker than she'd drop a poisonous snake. Besides, in time he'd change his mind, she was sure of it. “I don't care. I still want to stay.”
His silver-gray eyes bore deep into hers, then sadness crept across his face. After a few moments, he turned away. “I won't change my mind,” he stated more to himself. “You may not understand, but I do this because I love you so much.”
Anger and pain coiled around her heart. She clenched her fists. Rage and frustration mounted and streamed through her, hot as lava. “You do this because you love me?” She jumped at him, grabbing the front of his shirt, balling it up in her fists. “You break my heart into a million fucking pieces and you have the gall to say you do so because you love me?”
“Yes. Believe it or not, it's the truth.”
Breeana shoved him and stumbled backwards. “Don't…you…dare say it's because you love me!” Tears flowed unchecked down her cheeks, dripping off her chin. “How dare you try to justify your actions by sugar-coating them with words of love.” Her voice rose as hysteria and madness took over her heart and mind.
“I'm doing this for your own good!” he shouted back.
“My own good? No you're not. You're doing this for your own good.” Her eyes widened. “Oh…my God. You never loved me.”
“How can you say that—”
“If you did, you wouldn't be able to imagine a second without me, so—go to hell!” She jabbed a finger toward the door, her body vibrating with unrestrained rage and pain. “Get out.”
Mel grabbed her arm, but she jerked it from his grasp. “Breeana, you're better off without me. Please try to understand. This isn't easy for me either.”
Madness completely took over and she spun away, screaming, “Don't touch me! Just…leave so I can pack.” She marched across the room to the closet and grabbed her bag.
“Breeana, please listen to me.” He tried to stop her by stepping in her way, but she stalked around him, grabbing her clothes along the way, shoving them into the bag.
On her way to the bathroom, she stopped and glanced at him over her shoulder. He stood in the middle of the room, his face a mask of hurt and pain. “You're right about one thing, I do hate you. I hate you for breaking my heart. I hate you for deceiving me, but most of all, I hate you because you're a coward.” The last one was low but she really didn't give a shit. She wanted to hurt him. Wanted him to feel as miserable and dead inside as she did.
“If you believe nothing else, believe that I love you and always will.” He took a cautious step toward her but she backed away, holding up one hand.
“Don't.” She sniffed. “I can't—I won't listen to any more of your lies.” She brushed at her damp cheeks. “God, I'm pathetic. I was really sucked in by you, wasn't I? Did you have a good laugh at my expense? This silly little human woman falling for all your bullshit. Well, I see you now for what you really are.”
He launched at her and grabbed her arms, hauling her against his chest. “Don't you dare. I never lied to you.”
She tore from his grip, her breath coming in shallow gasps. “You're right, you didn't lie. I guess I was just a fool and an idiot. I was hoping our love would be enough, but obviously not. Though I maybe be an idiot, but at least I'm not a coward.” She squeezed her eyes shut, blocking out the hurt and anger on his face. “You're so afraid to take a chance on love because of what-ifs. You're so worried that something will go wrong that you opt to throw it away first. And if you think so little of yourself that you feel you don't deserve love, then you are more messed up than I thought.”
Mel backed away from her until the backs of his thighs hit the bed. He sagged down. His eyes were slits of glittering silver riveted on her face. In a barren voice he said, “If you need to hurt me, go ahead, I deserve it, but never question why I'm doing this or that I love you. I do this only to keep you safe.”
“If I hear that excuse one more time, I'm going to scream. You do this to keep yourself safe. You never even gave me a choice. You made the decisions for me. You decided I would come to hate you, not me. You decided I'd be better off without you, not me. So, please, get out and let me pack.”
Breeana slammed and locked the bathroom door. How am I going to get through this? How can I live without him, loving him as much as I do?
Her legs gave out and her back slid slowly down the door. Covering her face with her hands, she cried, terrified she'd never be able to stop.
