Falling for a Dark Soul Update

In light of what's happening tomorrow (Election Day), I'm posting the update for #FallingForADarkSoul tonight. I may just hide out in my bunker tomorrow and write, ignoring social media until the nightmare is over.

So, here's an EARLY update for you.

FFn is being a whiny little bitch ... so here's the link for chapter eleven. Hopefully, chapter twelve will show up soon.  

FFADS Chapter 11 on FFn

FFADS Chapter 12 on AO3

FFADS Chapter 12 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 12 on Wattpad

FFADS Chapter 12 on FicPad

FFADS Chapter 12 on Fanfiction.online

I was standing outside of my parents’ home. I was holding a bouquet for my mom and a bottle of Macallan’s for my dad. Sam was wriggling next to me, anxious to get some loving from his doggy grandparents. I rang the doorbell with my elbow. My father opened the door, giving me a smile. “You know, we’ve told you that you don’t need to ring the doorbell, Edward,” he chided. “This is and will always be your home.”

“Well, I did it for a reason. I had no free hands,” I said, handing him the bottle. “Happy Thanksgiving, Dad.”

“Thank you for this,” he laughed, taking the bottle and Sam’s leash. I stepped through the door, shifting the bouquet to my other arm as I took off my coat. “I was hoping to meet Bella today.”

“Mom told you?” I groaned.

“She said that you had met someone. Someone very special,” Carlisle shrugged but a smile ghosted over his lips. He put the bottle into the bar in the living room. He poured us both a glass, handing me one. “She also said that you were extending an invitation …”

“I did extend the invitation, but Bella and her sister are spending the holiday with one of my team leaders,” I explained. “Their plans were made over the weekend I came to visit Mom while you were working.” I pet Sam as I moved further into the house. “I am, however, going out with Bella tomorrow.”

“You are?” Esme asked, scurrying out of the kitchen and into foyer.

“Here, Mom. Flowers,” I grinned, thrusting the bouquet toward her.

“They’re lovely. You have a date?” she breathed, dragging me into the kitchen.

“Here we go,” Carlisle snorted, following us.

“Hush, Carlisle,” Esme chided, gently slapping his arm. “What are you doing? Where are you going? Are you bringing flowers?”

“Mom, you need to breathe,” I snickered. “I have things planned. Bella’s still new to the city. So, I wanted to show her around and immerse her in Chicago culture.”

“Well, what are you doing?” Esme asked.

“That’s for me to know and for Bella to find out,” I smirked.  

“Are you going to take her out to eat?” Esme questioned. “What about her sister? Is Katie coming with you?”

“What I have planned would work if we have Katie with us, but I did express my hope that I wanted to spend time with just Bella,” I explained. “Regardless of who’s going, I know it will be a perfect day. Or, at least, that’s my hope.”

Fire of Your Soul Update

FOYS Chapter 9 on HeartForTwilight's Blog

FOYS Chapter 9 on FFn

FOYS Chapter 9 on AO3

FOYS Chapter 9 on Wattpad

FOYS Chapter 9 on Stars

 Bella was sitting in her apartment. Perusing her laptop, she was looking for the dress for the benefit. Why was it so hard to find the perfect dress? One would have the right top, but a hideous bottom. Or, it was either too slutty or too matronly.  She wanted a dress that would make Edward drop to his knees and beg.

After looking at hundreds of dresses, she made some notes on the designers she liked and decided to go to a few shops to try on some. There were several formal shops in the Seattle area. There were reviews for Dolce Bleu that were outstanding. Changing into something more conducive for formal dress shopping, Bella picked up her purse, and left for the shop.

She made her way to their coffee shop to pick up a coffee to go. Edward was working the early shift so that she couldn’t meet up with him this morning. It was strange walking in the shop and not seeing his smiling face. After she had her hot liquid of life in her hand, she stepped back out of the shop and headed towards the shop. It was a glorious day with no rain and the sun shining brightly. Sipping on her coffee, she hoped and prayed that she would find the right dress.

Turning right on Main Street, she was happy to see the shop ahead. Bella stood outside and looked at the store window display of Dolce Bleu. It was decorated with a magical wedding gown. It was form-fitting, covered with crystals in the design of flowers, and long sweeping training. Damn, it was something she could see her wearing if she was ever lucky enough to find that special man who could put up with her. Finishing up her coffee, she threw the cup in the trash and went in the door.

“Welcome to Dolce Bleu,” a tall red-head said with a sincere smile. “My name is Marci.”

“Hello, Marci, I'm Bella,” she replied.

“What can I help you find today, Bella?” Marci asked.

“I am looking for a dress for a benefit. It’s a formal event and I checked online, loving what I saw,” Bella smiled

“Is there something, in particular, you are looking for?” Marci asked.

“It has to be either black or white. I am looking for something that will stop my date’s heart,” Bella grinned with her eyes twinkling.

“We have several dresses that would work for the benefit. You have a killer body and our designs would work wonderfully on you,” Marci giggled.

“Um, well, thank you,” Bella replied, unsure about Marci’s compliment. Bella had a nice body and she was comfortable in her skin, but she wouldn’t describe herself as ‘killer.’

Marci showed Bella to one of the dressing rooms. They were larger than a standard room, giving the customer room to try on full-skirted gowns. The room had a plush tufted bench, a pedestal, and a full-length mirror.

“Please remove your clothing and put this on,” Marci urged, handing her a white silk robe with the boutique logo on the right breast. “I’ll be back in a few moments with some dresses that would work for the benefit.”

“Thank you,” Bella replied. Once Marci closed the door, she removed her dress and slipped on the robe. Ten minutes later, there was a small knock on the door and Marci came in with an arm full of gowns in plastic bags. Hooking each hanger on the rack, she began to unzip each bag.

“I’ve brought in a wide array of styles,” Marci began.

A Single Step Update

A Single Step Chapter 8 on FFn

A Single Step Chapter 8 on AO3

A Single Step Chapter 8 on Wattpad

A Single Step Chapter 8 on Stars

A Single Step Chapter 8 on FicPad

“Mom, can’t you come to my game?” Seth asked. He was dressed in his soccer uniform. After hearing what Riley had done, Jake and Charlie worked out a deal to find a new soccer club for Seth. He was playing with a travel team out of Tacoma. Bella was able to attend, as well. They were indoor games, with easy access for Bella’s wheelchair. “I’m the starting right wing today!”

“Seth, bug, I’d love to come, but I have plans,” Bella said. “You knew about this. I told you on Monday.” Seth growled and stomped to his room. “Seth Michael Biers, do not slam your …” SLAM! “Door.” Bella pinched her nose and smoothed her skirt. She rolled toward the living room when the doorbell rang. She checked her watch. Edward was early. She opened the door and smiled at Edward. He was wearing a pair of dark jeans and black dress shirt, with a black leather jacket over it. “You’re early.”

“I am. Alice noticed how antsy I was and she sent me home,” he laughed, holding out a bouquet of lavender roses. “For you, Bella.”

“Please, come in,” Bella said, gesturing into her home. “Thank you for the roses. It’s been a long time since I got flowers.” He stepped inside. “I will need some help. My vases are above my head and I don’t feel confident enough to stand without the bars.”

“Of course,” Edward replied. They walked to the kitchen and Bella pointed to a crystal vase above the sink. Edward tugged it down and filled it with water. Bella arranged the roses, putting the vase on the kitchen table.

“Mom?” came the deeper voice of Jacob. “When is Poppy coming?”

“I don’t know,” Bella answered. “Check my phone. It’s charging in my bedroom.”

Jake came into the kitchen, smiling when he saw Edward. “Hey, man! I didn’t expect to see you. I thought we’d be on our way to the field for Seth’s soccer games,” Jake said, shaking Edward’s hand.

“You’re not playing tonight?” Edward asked. “Isn’t it sectionals for the football team?”

“It is, but we sucked,” Jake laughed. “We weren’t eligible. So, I’m watching over my little brother with my grandpa, if he ever gets here.” He handed Bella her phone. “Well?”

“Damn it,” Bella snapped. “One of his deputies is out sick and he needs to work.”

“Deputies?” Edward asked.

“My dad is a police chief in the town where I grew up, Forks,” Bella answered, with a heavy sigh. “Technically, he’s semi-retired. The new police chief will be starting after the first of the year.” She gave him a frown. “How do you feel about going to a soccer game instead of what you had planned?”

“It’ll be fun,” Edward nodded.

“Really?” Jake asked. “You’re not going to throw a bitch fit like my asshole father?”

“Why would I? I get to spend time with you, your brother and your mom,” Edward said. “Jake, not every man is like your dad.”

“I know that. I see that with Poppy and with how you treat my mom. But, is it normal for a physical therapist to bring flowers to his patient?” Jake asked, a smirk spreading over his face.

“Smart ass,” Bella laughed. “I told you I was going on a date with Edward.”

“I know,” Jake snickered, but sobered quickly.

Jake Biers

Seth Biers

Isabella Swan

Edward Cullen

A Single Step Teaser

“Mom, can’t you come to my game?” Seth asked. He was dressed in his soccer uniform. After hearing what Riley had done, Jake and Charlie worked out a deal to find a new soccer club for Seth. He was playing with a travel team out of Tacoma. Bella was able to attend, as well. They were indoor games, with easy access for Bella’s wheelchair. “I’m the starting right wing today!”

“Seth, bug, I’d love to come, but I have plans,” Bella said. “You knew about this. I told you on Monday.” Seth growled and stomped to his room. “Seth Michael Biers, do not slam your …” SLAM! “Door.” Bella pinched her nose and smoothed her skirt. She rolled toward the living room when the doorbell rang. She checked her watch. Edward was early. She opened the door and smiled at Edward. He was wearing a pair of dark jeans and black dress shirt, with a black leather jacket over it. “You’re early.”

“I am. Alice noticed how antsy I was and she sent me home,” he laughed, holding out a bouquet of lavender roses. “For you, Bella.”

“Please, come in,” Bella said, gesturing into her home. “Thank you for the roses. It’s been a long time since I got flowers.” He stepped inside. “I will need some help. My vases are above my head and I don’t feel confident enough to stand without the bars.”

“Of course,” Edward replied. They walked to the kitchen and Bella pointed to a crystal vase above the sink. Edward tugged it down and filled it with water. Bella arranged the roses, putting the vase on the kitchen table.

“Mom?” came the deeper voice of Jacob. “When is Poppy coming?”

“I don’t know,” Bella answered. “Check my phone. It’s charging in my bedroom.”

Jake came into the kitchen, smiling when he saw Edward. “Hey, man! I didn’t expect to see you. I thought we’d be on our way to the field for Seth’s soccer games,” Jake said, shaking Edward’s hand.

“You’re not playing tonight?” Edward asked. “Isn’t it sectionals for the football team?”

“It is, but we sucked,” Jake laughed. “We weren’t eligible. So, I’m watching over my little brother with my grandpa, if he ever gets here.” He handed Bella her phone. “Well?”

“Damn it,” Bella snapped. “One of his deputies is out sick and he needs to work.”

“Deputies?” Edward asked.

“My dad is a police chief in the town where I grew up, Forks,” Bella answered, with a heavy sigh. “Technically, he’s semi-retired. The new police chief will be starting after the first of the year.” She gave him a frown. “How do you feel about going to a soccer game instead of what you had planned?”

“It’ll be fun,” Edward nodded.

“Really?” Jake asked. “You’re not going to throw a bitch fit like my asshole father?”

A Modern Day Fairy Tale Teaser

I was dressing for my date with Bella. Tia was with her, helping her decide on her attire for the evening. In her way, Tia did the same with me, pushing a dark grey Dior suit into my hands with an arched brow. So, I was looking in my closet, trying to find a tie to go with the ensemble Tia brought for me. I decided to keep it simple, swiping a subtly printed black tie. Looping it around my neck, I tied it and slid on my jacket. I added some cologne before walking to the living room.

“Looking sharp, your princeliship,” Jacob sang.

“Thanks,” I smirked, blinking over to him. “You, too.”

“Tia said that I needed to look like a bodyguard of an elite royal. My bargain suits from the bureau weren’t cutting it,” Jacob said, rolling his eyes. “Despite buying my suits at the Men’s Warehouse, I look nice!”

“You do, but it’s opening night. This is cut like a tuxedo,” I said, brushing my hands over the wool. “As is yours.”

“It makes hiding my guns difficult,” he grumbled. “I need more room, or I’ve got this bulge.” I shot him a withering glare. “Not there, you perv!”

“Behave, Jacob William Black, you’re working for the Gevalian government and your actions are representative of us,” I said. He laughed, flipping me off and walking back to his room, grumbling about using his ankle holster. I double checked reservations with my attaché, which were verified, and confirmations sent to my cell phone. I heard the clicks of heels. I blinked up, hoping to see Bella, but seeing Tia. “Everything okay?”

“Bella’s good to go, bitching about you spending too much money on her,” she snickered. “But, I picked out a gorgeous cocktail dress for her. She’s just talking to her dad. He’s talking to her about dating. She’ll be out in a little bit.”

“Thank you for all of your help, Tia,” I said, shaking her hand. “And for this.”

“Your mother found out you were going to the opening night of the Radio City Rockettes and she said you needed to be a representative of the Gevalian royal family.”

“Nice of her to call me and tell me,” I grumbled.

“She, instead, called me,” Tia snickered. “Or rather, her people called my boss. Something about the consulate forwarding over your schedule.” I huffed out a breath. “I don’t know how you do it.”

“I don’t. Initially, I fought this assignment, but I’m grateful I’m here and not there. My mom can be an overbearing shrew, but I love her,” I chuckled, tugging on my hair.

“My mom is just as overbearing and she’s not a ruler of a country. If she had her way, I’d be married to a man and popping out kids,” Tia snickered. “I like girls and I’m not having kids. My girlfriend or wife can do that, or we’ll adopt. Anyway, I’ve got to head back to the store. I’m earning some overtime by setting up the holiday window for the couture floor.”

I nodded, getting her coat and waving as she left. Turning around, I saw Bella standing just inside the living room. She wore a black cocktail dress with her earrings and a simple bracelet. “Wow,” I breathed. “Bella … you’re …”

“It’s not too much?” Bella asked, tucking an errant curl behind her ear.

“No, cherie. You look so exquisite,” I smiled, walking to her and sliding my arms around her waist. “I love you, baby.”

She blushed, biting her lip and laying her hands on my chest. “I love you, too, your majesty,” she whispered, her lips curled up into a coy grin.

“Technically, since I’m not the ruler, I would be classified as ‘His Royal Highness,’” I gently corrected. “But, I prefer to be Masen. Just Masen.”

Bella's cocktail dress

Masen's suit

Radio City Music Hall