About This Website

Enter into the frightful world of the macabre, where things are not always as they first seem. Open the gates to those obscure regions of your soul where fear and hidden desires wreak havoc with the imagination. I bid you welcome to Tales of Dark Romance and Horror, the official home for the fiction of A.D. Vick. 

  I'd like to give special thanks to the following: 

To Lady-Moriendistock for allowing me to use her beautiful and most romantic photo at the top of this page. Visit her gallery here.

I offer my gratitude to Miramariann and Morten Marius Hansen for gracing the cover of my book with their wonderfully romantic photo. You can check out Mira's many fabulous photographs by visiting her Facebook page

A special round of thanks goes to Marina Bocharova for the wonderful artwork she produced to accompany some of my literary offerings. Her website can be found by following this link. 

My gratitude is extended to Conrad Sawyer for his editing of the material in The Darkness Beyond the Misty Vail; More Tales of the Macabre. Also, I wish to thank my good friend K. Kiera for both her editing expertise and the illustrations that appear in my newest book, A Day of Reckoning and Other Frightful Tales. 

My gratitude also goes to Jeff Blevens for allowing me to use his magnificent photo to grace the cover of The Darkness Beyond the Misty Veil: More Tales of the Macabre.

Last but certainly not least, I am pleased to offer words of appreciation to the Insomniac, who not only offered me sound advice on various technological problems I encountered, but especially for helping to make things fit here. Follow this link to The Insomniac's Attic,
    
Come back soon for a visit. I'm sure you'll have a horror-able time!

Creepy Samples Offering: The Reaper's Hand

Hello, Dear Readers, and welcome back once again to another Creepy Samples Offering. 

It's a cloudy, gloomy day here in in the Ozark Mountains with the threat of stormy weather on the horizon. What better time could there be to feel a little....well, spooky?

Today, I'd like to talk about the Case of Travis Wilson. Mr. Wilson is an aging man who, obsessed with staying young, has taken it upon himself to live a healthier lifestyle. Part of his obsession is due to the fact that, in his younger days, he had never experienced any type of meaningful, romantic relationship. Part of his staying young strategy revolved around running, an activity he took part in quite often. On one particular evening however, his run through a local park takes on a new meaning. So, let's take a few paragraphs from the story entitled "The Reaper's Hand," and see just what has made Travis' run so urgent. The story incidentally, is found in my book, "The Darkness Beyond the Misty Veil: More Tales of the Macabre. 

This evening was different however. Travis ran along the darkening trail with the terrifying realization that his deepest fear followed in close pursuit. He had first seen the hooded and black-robed angel standing in the early-morning shadows of his bedroom that morning. He spotted it a second time in the afternoon and once more this evening, while relaxing in his easy chair reading the newspaper. He knew what it all meant; the final reckoning was at hand. The third sighting was too much for him and the thought of his impending death filled him with a sense of terror unlike anything he’d ever experienced.

The dark angel of death had come calling, but Travis wasn’t ready to leave his earthly life behind.
In a panic, the old man screamed at the unwanted visitor.“No, no, you can’t take me. I want to live!”
Travis scuttled toward the nearby forest trail without even bothering to lock the doors. He would continue to cheat death the only way he knew; by running.

The frightened old man kept a steady pace as he careened through autumn’s deepening twilight. He occasionally cast a quick glance behind, only to see death’s angel walking in his direction under the half-naked trees. The Reaper neither gained on him nor fell behind, but continued to keep pace. Travis knew he couldn’t run indefinitely. He would tire soon and he desperately needed some other way by which he could escape the relentless being pursuing him. The opportunity came when he confronted a young couple jogging in his direction. 

“Please, please!” He implored them. “I’m being pursued. Can you take me to your vehicle? I’ve got to get away from here. Someone’s after me.”

“I don’t see anyone,” the younger man replied after a quick look around.

Travis pointed directly at the frightening figure, which continued moving in his direction.
“He’s right there, heading this way. How can you not see him?”

“You’re crazy, old man. There’s nobody there.”

Travis grabbed the woman’s shoulders, shaking her in desperation.

“I know you can see him,” he insisted. “Please get me away from here!”

The woman’s companion moved swiftly, pushing Travis away from his companion, forcing him backward.

“Keep your hands off her you crazy geezer!”

Well, that's it for this time around. Until next time then, keep it spooky. 

Photo courtesy of Gothic Pictures Gallery.

Creepy Samples Offering: Horror in the Tunnel

Hello there, Dear readers! We've reached the middle of April and that means that it's time once again, for another Creepy Samples Offering.

Today's excerpt, from the story entitled, "Horror in the Tunnel," takes place in and under an abandoned railway tunnel on the East Side of Providence, Rhode Island; the same neighborhood in which horror writer H.P. Lovecraft both lived and located some of his stories in.

In this particular tale, the protagonist is drawn back to the tunnel years after the city had sealed it off. His desire is to investigate a possible connection between the pagan rituals that had precipitated the tunnel's closing, and possible supernatural or otherworldly influences that may exist there.

As we pick up the story, the investigator is in a subterranean chamber below the tunnel after hearing the sounds of a woman's screams as well as that of a slow, persistent drumming.

After about ten minutes traversing this odd walkway, the incessant rhythm of the drum and the strange voices of the participants reach a volume so intense that I pause and turn off my light. In its absence I can see a flickering orange glow reflecting on the walls ahead of me. For a few moments I allow my eyes to grow accustomed to the dim light before proceeding. As I inch forward, my heart is pounding so wildly that I wonder if it can be heard over the ruckus that is taking place so close to me.

A few more steps brings me to the point where the end of the passageway comes into view. It opens into a moderately sized cavernous chamber. At its center is a stone slab roughly the size of a queen-sized bed. Behind it a beautiful but stately woman sits upon an elevated throne. She's wearing an elegant black dress as she watches the activity taking place around her. Burning torches encircle the center of the cavern, leaving an open space directly before the stone slab.

There are at least a couple of dozen participants drumming, dancing or otherwise moving around the cavern. All appear to be wearing masks and long, ragged robes. Still, the masks are the most realistic that I've ever seen—ghastly even!

Wait a minute! Their facial expressions change as they communicate. They're not masks at all. Their faces are inhuman--shriveled, distorted and skeletal with bulging, jaundiced eyes. The creatures' hands are almost claw-like, with long fingers and rotting nails on the ends. Their thick skin appears stained with blood.

My mind reels as I stare at the spectacle before me. My God! I have stumbled upon the secret of the tunnel and it's more horrifying than I could ever have imagined. I should leave while I can but...

My thoughts are interrupted by s spine-curdling scream. It's a woman's voice; possibly the source of the screams I heard earlier. I stand almost spellbound as I watch two of the ghoulish creatures leading a hysterical, naked woman to the central slab. Without hesitation, they force the struggling woman onto the central stone face up and set about chaining her limbs tightly to the stone's extremities.

I stare in amazement, wondering if I have stumbled upon some secret BDSM ritual. Yet, how could that be, as these repulsive creatures before me appear as real as anything I've ever seen. And the victim is clearly frightened, struggling.

Suddenly, the stately woman arises from her throne and for a moment, the drumming stops and an eerie silence falls over the cavern—a silence that is only broken by the captive's pleadings. “Please let me go. Please!”

As the woman in black takes her first steps toward the terrified female, the beating of the drums begins anew. This time, the rhythm is agonizingly slow as hands and sticks strike the instruments in unison once every three seconds or so. The sound echos throughout the chamber like some sort of death march as the obvious leader of the assembly walks toward the terrified person lying before her.

The drumming ceases when she reaches the panic-stricken prisoner. The woman looks down at the young lady affectionately as she gently brushes back her hair and strokes her face. The girl is whimpering amid hysterical cries. “Please, please!”

I realize that something sinister is happening here as I contemplate the possibilities. Clearly, this is no consensual ritual; at least, not as far as the woman on the rock is concerned. Yet, I feel a certain excitement when the lady in black bends over and whispers something in the girl's ear. I watch in amazement as she begins moving her lips slowly and sensually along the captive's neck. Before long, she ceases her movement and lets her lips linger, kissing her victim passionately. The affectionate attentions of the woman in black seem to calm the young woman down as she begins moaning ecstatically, offering her neck to her captor's passionate caresses. I find the scene before me both unnerving and yet, exciting, as my mind fills with conflicting feelings of guilt and arousal.

The sinister woman's ministrations continue for several minutes until finally she backs away from the now still form lying below her. A crimson liquid covers part of her face and runs in streams from her mouth until she wipes it away with a hand, which she in turn, licks hungrily.

Oh my God! She bit her. She tore open the flesh of that poor girl and drank her blood! What the hell's going on here?

Without warning, the slow drumbeat commences once again as the first of the ghoulish creatures, which had led the young victim to the stone, steps before her limp body. The second hands him a colorful but folded and elongated piece of cloth. He at first, holds it above his head for all to see. Then, he carefully places the fabric on the stone next to the young woman's body, where he begins unfolding it. Within moments the content of the package is revealed as he lifts a fearsome looking dagger above his head. The assembly roars in approval, but the sounds emanating forth form a chorus of ghastly, ungodly moans--sounds capable of making the bravest man's blood run cold.

The chamber becomes quiet once again as the creature lowers the knife toward the young woman's body. Although my body is almost stiff with fear, I cannot stand by watching this spectacle any longer and I react without thinking of the consequences.

“No, no! Get away from her you bastards!”

My hand reaches into my coat pocket and within a matter of nanoseconds, my weapon is out and I aim it at the creature with the dagger. Two shots ring out in rapid succession. The ghoulish thing drops the dagger and reaches for what must have been a wound in its left arm while the rest of the assembly seems caught off guard. All heads turn in my direction as I struggle to take control of the situation by shouting at the gruesome beings once again.

“Get away from her!”

There you have it! I hope you enjoyed that. If so, please check back here again around the beginning of May, and we'll do it all again. Today's story comes from the book entitled, "The Darkness Beyond the Misty Veil: More Tales of the Macabre." So until next time, keep it spooky!

Photo source: Waymarking dot com. Photographer unknown.

Creepy Samples Offering: The Arrival of Narkissa Laveau

After a bit of an absence at the beginning of this month due to computer problems, I'm back with the next Creepy Samples Offering for mid-February. Today's entry, The Arrival of Narkissa Laveau, comes from the pages of my second publication, The Darkness Beyond the Misty Veil: More Tales of the Macabre. Before we actually delve into the actual story, a bit of background is in order.

A soon-to-graduate university student named William gets on Facebook one day to discover a new friend request. As he investigates its source, he discovers that it originated from a dark but beautiful woman, who plays the part of a vampire for internet productions. He accepts her request, and over time, can't get her out of his mind. When summer arrives, he discovers upon her invitation for a visit, that she lives only a few hours away in a small Ozark town called Fox Grove. He is to meet her in the local cemetery after dark. Although he believes that she is carrying her acting role a bit too far, he agrees to the meeting. We pick up the story as he awaits Narkissa's arrival at the cemetery. 

The late afternoon heat had tempered somewhat by the time William walked into the cemetery. Evening had arrived. With its presence came the loud buzzing of cicadas emanating from the treetops and the cawing of crows, warning their brethren of his arrival. He gazed around the graveyard, hoping that Narkissa might have arrived ahead of him, but there was no sign of her.

She did tell me to meet her after dark, he reasoned. It's early yet. So, I might as well find a way to amuse myself until she arrives. He decided to explore the cemetery, and to see what he could learn about the earlier residents of Fox Grove.

He took note of a boarded up old church with its steeple and bell tower situated on one side of the cemetery. As he walked in the midst of the deceased, a feeling of sadness overtook him. The epitaphs carved into the stone markers told the tales of those who had come before. These had once lived as he lives. Yet, they are long departed; their memory nearly extinguished. Some had left this world at tender young ages. Others had died of accidents and disease. Yet, others had lived to ripe old ages. He didn't particularly care for graveyards. The burial ground upon which he stood reminded him of his own mortality; that one day he too would join their ranks and become nothing more than a fading memory.

The buzzing of the cicadas eventually gave way to an almost eerie stillness as day morphed into twilight. Fireflies arose from the graveyard's grassy bottom, beginning a nightly spectacle that would soon cast a dim, flickering illumination upon the tombstones. Bats emerged from the church steeple, beginning their erratic flight far above the resting places of the dead.

Alone and unaccustomed to the quiet darkness falling over the landscape, a sense of unease—even dread, began to swell up from somewhere deep within his soul. He walked nervously toward Narkissa's altar tomb and sat down upon it, waiting in silence as the darkness deepened.

Without warning, the sound of rustling vegetation and the snapping of fallen branches coming from the nearby woods broke the silence. Something of considerable size was moving around just beyond his limited field of vision. He shuddered as he contemplated the possibilities. William, although unaccustomed to the country, understood that black bear and even worse, wild hogs inhabited the Ozark region. He sat in silence, making not the slightest move out of fear that it would attract whatever predator might be lurking in the shadows nearby.

The last vestiges of twilight had given way to night by the time the disturbing sounds moved off into the distance. He breathed a silent sigh of relief as he gazed up at a quarter moon rising above the tree line to the east, shedding a dim, eerie light upon the grave markers and monuments, which in turn cast long but barely distinguishable shadows across the grassy floor.

I can't take any more of this, he decided. This is too creepy, and I'm not going to sit here for another minute waiting for some ungodly creature to attack me. I've been played for a fool and I'm getting out of here right now.

He stood up, turned toward the highway, and began walking toward his vehicle. He had only taken a few steps when something took hold of his shoulder. Sheer terror gripped at him as he spun around in an attempt to break it's grasp. “Augh!”

“Why William, what's wrong?”

His heart beat so furiously he thought it might jump out of his chest. Although completely unnerved and somewhat embarrassed, he now stood face to face with the beautiful Narkissa Laveau.

***

“I....Uh....” He was speechless, embarrassed, and unable to do anything more than stand before her sheepishly.

She chuckled at his discomfort before addressing him. “You are William, aren't you?”

“Uh yeah, I am.”

“Did I startle you?”

Seeing a way out of an embarrassing situation, he quickly collected his thoughts. “Yeah, I guess you did. I didn't see you coming and all of a sudden, there you were.”

“We vampires are hunters and creatures of the night,” she responded. “How could we stalk our prey if we announced our presence beforehand?”

She stared at him intently in the dim moonlight, her eyes reflecting the luminescence with a greenish hue. Narkissa's beauty ensnared him; yet, her facial expression betrayed any attempt on her part to hide her hunger—a hunger he could not define. Was it sexual? Or was it something else?

“So, is that what I am,” he asked flirtatiously, “your prey?”

“Isn't that why you came here? Didn't you imply that you'd like to be my victim?”

Although he was already under her spell, feelings of unease arose from within him once again. She's sure taking this vampire thing seriously, he admitted to himself. I sure hope she's not detached from reality. Wouldn't that be just my luck?

“Would you like to see my lair?” She asked. “You know, the one I've highlighted in some of my photos? After all, I'd like to put you at ease and make you as comfortable as possible.”

“Sure, lead the way.”

She took his hand and led him across the graveyard toward the abandoned church. Her hand was cold to the touch, but he hardly noticed, so intoxicated was he by her contact.

There you have it. I hope you enjoyed this month's offering and until next time, keep it creepy!

Photo source: Gothic Pictures Gallery

Creepy Samples Offering: A Very Special Christmas Eve

The daylight continues to diminish as the darkness of night grows longer and deeper. The Yule season is nearly upon us; the longest night of the year draws nigh.

It is indeed the middle of December and that can mean only one thing: It's time once again for another Creepy Samples Offering. I intend to make this one a bit different however, because I want to offer my readers and followers a holiday treat. Oh yes, this caliginous tale, entitled, A Very Special Christmas Eve, will present to you a very different side of this particular holiday, as it demonstrates what sometimes happens to little girls and, in this case, boys, who prefer to be naughty instead of nice. Are you intrigued? I certainly hope so.

A Very Special Christmas Eve appears in my second publication, The Darkness Beyond the Misty Veil: More Tales of the Macabre. It first appeared on my blog, "The Gothic Embrace," back in December, 2014. Because the piece still appears there in full, and because I'm feeling especially generous today, I have decided to simply link from here to the full story. Enjoy dear readers, and may your holiday season be spooky. 

 

You can read the story by clicking here.

 

 

Creepy Samples Offering: Night of the Harvestmen

Hello everyone! We now find ourselves at the beginning of December, and that can only mean one thing. Yes indeed, it's time for another Creepy Samples Offering. 

This time around, I'm going to feature one of my personal favorites, which is found in my first book, Tales of Dark Romance and Horror. This particular story, Night of the Harvestmen, was featured in a Horror Addicts dot Net podcast back in 2015, and it won the Horror Addict's Best in Blood Award for Season 9. It is featured in the Episode 99 podcast on the above-mentioned website. 

We'll pick the story up the morning after our protagonist had returned home from a visit to the city, where on the night before, he'd had a brief encounter with a lady that rocked his world. Also on that same evening, he had discovered a lone harvestman occupying his bathroom. 

The following morning, I put on the coffee and made my way to the shower. I stepped into the stall and found myself taken aback by the sight of two more harvestmen standing side by side as they clung to the inside of the curtain. “Damn it! I thought I told you to stay out,” I scolded. I reached for one of them but the movement of the shower curtain caused the other to fall to the floor. “Shit!” I exclaimed as the critter scurried past my feet and out of sight. Without hesitation, I took my captive to the door and threw it into the adjoining greenery. “Now stay out,” I warned, slamming the door shut. I returned to the shower in a somewhat unnerved state as I considered that the second harvestman might still be lurking nearby.

During the days that followed their numbers increased exponentially. I would find them lurking on the shelves, scurrying along the sink and staring at me—yes, staring from the darker recesses of the restroom—each with its front legs wagging back and forth—scanning—monitoring my every movement. Perhaps they’ve been driven inside in search for water by the summer’s drought, I reasoned.

They moved under the cover of darkness and at times, I awoke to find one or two hovering on the ceiling above my bed or viewing me from behind one of the ghostly marionettes that decorate my wall. The creatures’ persistence continued to unnerve me and I responded by devising a new method for removing them, a wide-mouthed bottle with which I would scoop them up en masse before releasing them into the wild, far enough away that they would never bother me again. Gentle soul that I am, it hadn’t yet crossed my mind to kill them—and never with chemicals, to which I am overly sensitive.

A couple of days later I noticed my prey running into the narrow space between the shower stall and the adjacent wall—a gap too small for me to fit my bottle into—a place too small and dark to capture them. “Aha! So that’s your place of safety, is it? Well, we’ll see about that!”

Truth be told, the idea of looking into that dark corner of the cottage filled me with dread. A horrible thought took hold—one so revolting I attempted to expel it from my mind at once. Still, it forced itself to the forefront of my consciousness and filled me with loathing. Perhaps they’re breeding in there, sensually rubbing their long, skinny legs and bodies together in some grotesque sexual dance! The horrific possibility of it all kept me from peering behind the stall for a day or two. I couldn’t muster enough fortitude to confront the revolting spectacle I might find in that obscure place.

Before long, the need to gather intelligence on my new adversaries superseded my revulsion over what I might find. On the morning of the second day I stealthily approached the shower stall with flashlight in hand. I took a deep breath and shined the first rays of artificial light into the darkness.

“Oh shit!” I exclaimed as I gazed at the sight before me. The monsters had gathered in hordes—standing side by side—dozens strong, lining the wall. Their front legs swung back and forth like tentacles seeking to draw some unsuspecting prey into the hideous creatures’ bosoms, all the while strangling the life out of it.

At first, I retreated in utter disgust. Then, I cast the luminous rays into the dark corner once again. This time, I grabbed one of the little monsters by the hind legs and brought it under a magnifying glass for closer inspection. What I saw only served to increase my anxiety. I saw a creature with bulbous eyes and two projections from its mouth resembling a monstrous beak, one ideal for tearing and slashing!

I tossed the spider-like being outside before grabbing a piece of newspaper and making my way back to the shower. I folded the newspaper over my right hand and reached behind the stall and applied pressure, crushing the life out of the invaders. Bodies fell to the dank netherworld below while others from among the ranks scattered in all directions. Again and again I struck at them, grinding them into the moist wall, leaving behind any compassion I once felt for them.

My struggle against the eight-legged horde continued unabated over the next several days as they began moving about in herd-like formations, climbing on windows and screens, darkening the walls with their numerous bodies—advancing, always advancing until they had taken over my cupboards and closets. At night they sometimes ran across my body as I attempted sleep—mocking me and my inability to vanquish them. In turn, I fought them with whatever tools I had at my disposal until, their numbers greatly diminished by my continued efforts, the survivors lost interest in continuing the fighting. Defeated, the beasts evacuated the premises. They’re gone. Victory is mine!

Well, I hope you enjoyed this week's entry. The next Creepy Samples Offering will feature a Christmas-related tale. I hope you'll be here for that one. So until next time then, keep it creepy. 

Photo artwork: Marina Bocharova You can check out her Facebook Page,   Marina Bocharova Art here.

  

 

Creepy Samples Offering: The Beckoning

Time flies by so quickly. One moment it's Halloween and seemingly on the next, we're approaching the holidays. There's no need to fret however, because it's once again time for another Creepy Samples Offering. 
 
This time we take several paragraphs from a story entitled The Beckoning, which is found in my first book, Tales of Dark Romance and Horror.
 
In this tale of pure horror, our protagonist continually experiences a vivid, unsettling dream in which he is drawn to a hidden crypt, in which appears an incredibly seductive woman from out of the darkness. She taunts him with her sensuality and desirability--invites him to join her. Still, he fears that to do so, might result in his own death. 
 
We pick the story up just hours before All Hallows Eve, where the narrator, unnerved by the latest dream, attempts to drown his unease with a glass of absinthe:
 
“Clearly, I need some fresh air,” I say to myself as I head for the door. Perhaps I drank a little too much this afternoon.

Stepping outside, I hear the familiar creaking sound of the wooden screen door. I am somehow reassured and grounded by its resonance; that is, until I take in the new landscape in which I find myself. I gasp at what I see. “Shit! Fucking shit!”

Gone is the gently rolling prairie that surrounds my habitat. In its place is the forest that doesn’t exist—the forest of my dreams. It is a forest of hickory, oak and maple. The brilliant sunshine, to which I earlier denied access into my domicile, is now obscured by a thickening veil of clouds. The wind is rustling through the trees, slowly stripping them of their colorful bounty. 

For a while I watch, as leaves of yellow, red and golden brown swirl toward the ground—their final destination. This isn’t real. It can’t be. I must be dreaming!

The sensation of the wind blowing through my hair and its caress upon my skin tell me that that I am attempting to deceive myself. This is no dream. It is very real. Intuitively, I understand that now is the time to realize the reality that lies behind my nocturnal visions. Now is the time to take the step from prophecy to fulfillment. My blood boils with an almost exquisite level of excitement, for I fully understand with whom I am about to have an encounter—she whom I cannot resist. Still, I am filled with a potent sense of horror and dread. I think of the crypt, the coffin contained within and the two hideous gargoyles and their dire warning: Nevertheless, I’ll do what I must. Casting one last look at my country home, I set out for my final destination—an encounter with fate. 

 
The walk through the forest is exactly as expected. There is death and decay here. Decomposing leaves, acorns and mushrooms cover the damp forest floor. Eventually, I come to an all too familiar clearing at the base of a hill. “There it is,” I mumble to myself, “the cemetery, just as I remember it.” Then I cast my eyes upon the crypt! A voice wells up from inside me. Go back. Forget this forsaken place! I can neither forget nor turn back however. So haunted am I by the mysterious woman who resides within the crypt, that dark but irresistible angel of death, that I have no choice but to continue on. 

All is as I saw it in my dreams—the rusting lanterns, the descending stairway, the near blackness enveloping the interior of the vault. I tremble with fear as I distinguish the vague outlines of the ghoulish gargoyles as they forever stand sentry over the casket.
Suddenly, the multitude of candles comes alive with flame; their shadows dancing upon the walls. My heart is racing; the sound of its beating pulsates through my eardrums. In spite of the still evident intoxication induced by my afternoon revelry with the Green Fairy, pangs of terror permeate my entire body and cut to my very soul. The gargoyles cry out to me. “Stay back! Flesh and blood may not enter here. Still, I stand my ground.

Then I hear it; the sound of a woman’s heels—footsteps, walking slowly and deliberately toward me through the passageway. Each step is louder than its predecessor; every stride she takes brings me closer to the unknown. Yes, the unknown, because all of my previous visions ended with an awakening. This time there will be no such return to my familiar surroundings. This experience is authentic. Reality has shifted somehow, but this is reality nevertheless.

 
“Hello there lover,” she greets me from the beginning of the dark passageway. Walking toward the coffin she continues. “I’m so glad that you decided to meet your true destiny—the fulfillment of your dreams.” A seductive smile comes to her lips. “Do you find me desirable? Are you willing to share your deepest and darkest yearnings with me?”
  
Her black lips draw me. Her jade-colored eyes sparkle in the candlelight like the eyes of a cat caught in the headlights. In spite of whatever may come next, I can only muster a barely audible “yes.”

“Then what are you waiting for? Come to me. Embrace me.” She beckons me with her seductive smile and manual gestures. “Come on; let me feel your body against mine.”

“The creatures that stand watch here, they warn me that flesh and blood may not enter. They terrify me.”

“You must overcome your fear to earn my affections. Put them out of your mind and approach.” With a deep breath I make my advance toward her.

***

That does it for this week's offering. So, what happens next? The answer lies in the book, dear reader. 

Photo Source: Gothic Pictures Gallery

Creepy Samples Offering- The Coven

Halloween is behind us, but fear not; it's time once again for another Creepy Samples Offering.

Today's sample comes from a piece included in my first book entitled, "Tales of Dark Romance and Horror." The title of the story is "The Coven."

This time, we return once again to North Carolina's Outer Banks where, after the Appearance of a charming stranger at Angela's Collectibles, Jasmine and Angela drive up to Nags Head for a goth event held by a coven of human vampires at a venue called The Sea Hag. As the two make their acquaintance with their hosts, a desperate figure walks a lonely neighborhood before arriving at the venue.

Several blocks away, a dark and lonely figure walked along the quiet street; his solitude broken only by the occasional passing vehicle. Weak, and with an intense desire that had to be quenched, a man staggered toward his destination. I must not let them see me like this, he thought to himself. I simply must find some form of sustenance before I make my appearance.
Triggered by the sound of the man’s staggering footsteps, the voice of a barking dog suddenly penetrated the silence of the night.
“Oh yes! Perhaps all is not lost after all,” he mumbled to himself.
The dark figure turned down the next available side street and focused upon his urgent new mission. Although physically weak, he was still in full control of his mental abilities; and as he drew closer to the noisy animal, he concentrated on a mental command. Relax! There is nothing to fear in death. It is your destiny!

The dog ceased making its agitated sounds before the source of its agitation arrived at the back gate. Upon eyeing the figure standing before it, the dog let out a quiet whimper—the sound of surrender.

“Now, now, it’s okay,” the mysterious person whispered while petting the dog. “It’s okay.”
Slowly—ever so slowly he moved closer—locking his victim into an affectionate but deadly embrace. With a deep breath the being opened his mouth; and with fangs that surpassed those of his prey in size, tore open the animal’s jugular. Even as he feasted upon the canine’s warm sanguine liquid, he could feel his own strength returning—filling his veins with a renewed energy—and strength! Within moments the dog laid dead upon the ground, completely drained of its life blood.

“Ah! Not perfect perhaps, but certainly better,” he said to himself with a new vigor. This will hold me and will make me appear far less suspicious as I pursue my ultimate goal for the evening.”
Partially sated, the somewhat invigorated predator strode back toward the main street.

After our Halloween celebrations, I hope that you the reader can handle a bit more vampire material, because that's what this offering is about.

Until next time then, thanks for reading and liking this page.

Photo Source: Gothic Pictures Gallery

Creepy Samples Offering: The Caretaker

 October has arrived, and with it a growing anticipation that speaks of Halloween drawing near. With the special night only 30 days away, and its spirit growing in intensity with each passing day, what better Creepy Samples Offering could I feature at this time than a ghost story involving a cemetery caretaker who happens upon an old, previously undiscovered grave in the nearby woods?

This week's offering is taken from my book entitled "The Darkness Beyond the Misty Veil: More Tales of the Macabre." The name of the story, perhaps not surprisingly, is "The Caretaker:"

The caretaker examined every bit of ground in the vicinity. As the minutes passed, the brightness of the rising moon increased, illuminating the terrain well enough that Elena's grave marker, although small, should easily have been seen. Yet, his search remained fruitless, and his frustration grew. Damn it! I know I'm in the right place. Why can't I find it?

The discomfited man, having covered the entire area to no avail, paused momentarily. As he gazed toward the forest beyond his field of operation, he couldn't help noticing how uncannily foreign the surrounding landscape had become. The trees now seemed larger, older than before; their thick, majestic trunks and limbs reaching toward the heavens. He was struck with a sudden realization that the cold northerly breeze, which had accompanied him into the forest, was absent. In its place was a translucent, swirling fog that seemed to emanate a dull light of its own. The moon was no longer visible. Nothing was recognizable, and he felt as though he had been snatched from the world with which he was familiar and placed into a new, unfamiliar reality; one much more eerie and portentous than his own. The sudden stillness of the place unnerved him.

Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the silence. These were unlike the earlier disturbances. They were slower, more deliberate—human! For the moment the thick fog continued to block his vision as well as that of whoever was approaching.
The caretaker took advantage of the opportunity to take cover behind the thick trunk of a nearby tree. The sound grew louder with every step and then...

Is that a woman's voice I hear? It is indeed, and she's singing!

With that realization the object of his attention emerged into view. The lady moving in his direction seemed the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She continued walking slowly, pensively, all the while singing words of love to a tune he'd never before heard. She sported a stylish wide-brimmed hat, which partially covered her flaming red mane--hair that cascaded well over her shoulders. Her beige dress, although voguish, reminded him of something folks would wear to civil war re-enactments. And then he noticed it—a necklace bearing what appeared to be a heart made of ruby. His mind raced as the exquisite female drew near. Pieces of the puzzle began falling into place.

My dream, she looks just like the woman I dreamed about a couple of weeks ago. And that ruby heart, could it be her prize....

“Hey lady, Lady! Hold up a minute!”

She paused and looked back disdainfully at a dirty-looking man running in her direction. Taking her eyes off him for just a moment, she tucked the ruby heart under the cover of her dress before turning around to confront him.

“Want some company?” He asked her. “After all, a pretty lady like you ought not to be walking in the woods alone; 'specially, not in the early evenin' like this.”

He stared at her with beady eyes, not removing his gaze from her. Feelings of anger and even jealousy began gripping at the caretaker as the uncouth man continued with his nauseating pursuit of the woman.

Well that about does it for this week's sample. I hope you enjoyed it. I'll be back with another Creepy Sample's Offering around the 15th. Until then, don't forget to keep it spooky! 

Artwork and photo by Marina Bocharova. You can visit her website by following this link.

Creepy Samples Offering: Jessica

It is the middle of August and that means it's time for the third in a series of Creepy Samples Offerings. This excerpt is taken from the story entitled "Jessica," which is found in my first book, "Tales of Dark Romance and Horror.

We pick up where Jasmine, after leaving her friend's collectible's shop, arrives home with a creepy doll named Jessica. As Jasmine walked along the dreary streets of Sea Haven, she'd had the distinct feeling that someone or something had followed her along the way. Now that she's at home, that feeling has not dissipated.

"Outside, the stalker stands idly by the gate. Barely noticeable to the naked eye, the being pauses – held back by fear. It is not a fear of being seen by passers-by in their swift vehicles; more likely than not, they would have to be aware of this visitor’s presence to see it – to see him! Oh no, it’s the human – the woman that lives in this house – who now has the body of his beloved in her possession; she’s the one to be concerned about.

"I know she’s aware of my presence, he thinks to himself. She walks between the realms; she has power. Still, I must go in there. I must be re-united before it’s too late. I have to be brave. I’ll wait until she sleeps – they all sleep. Then I will see my beloved.
***

"Jasmine returns to her living room, puts the soup, sandwich, and a cup of herbal tea on top of the coffee table, then moves over to the fireplace where a grate, already stacked with paper, kindling and logs, awaits the flick of her lighter. Still convinced that an unknown presence lurks nearby, she watches as the fire begins to take on a life of its own, then steps outside the front door and stands on the small deck silently – not looking for anything in particular, just feeling – sensing. For just the briefest moment she sees a dark distortion by the gate - perceives might be a better word. 

Nevertheless, even though it appears to have temporarily moved away, she is aware that it remains nearby. She’s aware that it has an intention – an intention that will somehow involve her.

"'Show yourself,' she says in a conversational tone, 'show yourself to me so that I can know what you want.'

'There is nothing else to be seen or heard except for the fog horn blowing in the distance and the waves as they continue to crash upon the nearby shore. After standing in silence for a few more moments with nothing manifesting, the intuitive woman returns to the shelter of her small but comfortable home.

"Once more inside the living room, she lights her wall candles and a stick of incense, chooses a CD to play, and then turns off the lights. “This ought to make you feel right at home Jessica,” she says quietly while casting a glance at the figurine, 'I bet you can handle this just fine; and maybe – just maybe, we’ll get to the bottom of what’s happening here.'

"As she settles onto the sofa with her snack, the sound of music fills the air. It is slow and melancholy; yet, dark and beautiful – funeral doom, encompassing the small abode in an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Within a few minutes of finishing her meal, she reclines against the back of the sofa with feet on the coffee table. The slow but hypnotic beat of the music mixing with the flickering light and fragrance of incense brings her to the brink of trance – only to the brink however, for she knows that it is necessary to stay alert – at least until she confronts that which remains nearby.

"After a moderate amount of time transpires, there is a slight movement of the door, but it is enough to garner her attention. Gazing toward the entrance way she sees a short but translucently dark figure looking back at her. Sensing the being’s caution – its fear of her, Jasmine is able to release any apprehension she may have had. Without moving, she watches as the unearthly visitor inches forward and away from the door."

Well, there you have it; the second Creepy Sample's Offering for the month of August! Stick around, because the next offering is just over two weeks away. Until then, keep it creepy!

Photo Source: Gothic Pictures Gallery.
Artist: Unknown

Creepy Samples Offering - August 1 Edition

Once again, it's time for another Spooky Samples Offering. This time, the excerpt comes from a story entitled, "The Collective Evil," which is the second of my "Raven" series.
In this tale we once again glimpse into the Land of the Dead, where an unspeakable evil wreaks havoc with the inhabitants thereof.
Let's join a band of Fae horsemen as they plan their defenses against the evil that threatens their existence:

Somewhere out in the darkness of the night, Lord Sorin signals the other horsemen to stop, even as he attempts to quell his own mount’s nervousness; this, after hearing what appears to be an explosion - one that is quickly followed by a hideously-low growl – an almost sadistic, yet sickeningly vile sound. “What in the name of the Goddess was that?” he asks aloud – his question not aimed at anyone in particular.

One of the other riders, a woman, approaches and stops at his side. She removes the hood that has been restricting her hair, and giving her head a shake, frees her long curly locks. Her hair is so intensely red that its color can be discerned even on a night as gloomy as this. “During all of the time that I have lived in the land of Mircea, I’ve never heard a sound as horrific as that.”

“Neither have I Alexandreina. And I cannot believe that this is not some hideous manifestation that has come to us by way of the humans.”

“Perhaps, but we cannot forget that the human world likely contains as much diversity of thought and action as does our own. Earlier tonight, you spoke with the human witch that took residence here after her departure from the Earth plane. What are her plans?”

“She intends to consult with her familiar, the one named Sebastian. I must admit that he displays magnificent powers of perception. I would…”

“Then I must attempt to contact her clairvoyantly, she interrupts, “I doubt that whatever is afoot here can be defeated by bow, arrow and sword alone. I suggest that we hold up here for awhile and that you and the others allow me the solitude needed to make contact.”

“I will make it so Alexandreina.”

Their conversation concluded, she leaves his side and rides off in search for a place of solitude. As the sound of her horse’s hoofs retreats toward a nearby rock formation, something new becomes audible. It is the sound of a traumatized people –screaming – fleeing from some unspeakable horror that lurks somewhere in the darkness. 

There you have it. I hope you enjoyed this week's sample and will come back here again around August 15 for the next Spooky Samples Offering.  Until then, keep it creepy!

Photo source: Gothic Pictures Gallery.

Creepy Samples Offerings

Welcome to the first of many Creepy Samples Offerings. Around the first and fifteenth of each month, you will be presented with an interesting segment from each of my stories for your entertainment.

Today's presentation comes from the first tale appearing in the book entitled Tales of Dark Romance and Horror. The name of the story is Raven. Enjoy!

It was nearing sunset when I reached the cemetery. Upon entering, a crow called to me. Ah yes, the crow, I think to myself, messenger of death, and harbinger of magick. “What is it that you are trying to tell me?” I asked quietly.

Often the cawing of a crow is not directed at a human being; after all, crows have their own social systems and communicate with one another often. Still, there are other times when one must listen – respect the wisdom and await the manifestation of the crow’s message. At that moment I felt that this must be one of those times. An omen had been delivered to me. This wasn’t the first time that such a thing occurred in my life.

The crow cawed again. Looking up, I could see her sitting high in a tree branch. She was looking down at me. Realizing that my arrival home would be delayed somewhat; I sat under the old oak tree that stood next to the church. Then, I waited for something to happen.
With the setting of the sun came the twilight; which in turn, deepened as if in some mad rush to bring about total darkness. I looked toward the east and noted the rise of the waxing moon. 
Then, upon gazing back to the opposite end of the cemetery from which I sat, I saw a woman walking past the further-most grave markers – a beautiful woman! It was hard to see her well in the deepening darkness, but I could discern that she had dark hair – long flowing black hair, and I could see that she was wearing a full black dress, which perfectly accentuated the curves of her body.
How did she come in here without me seeing her? I asked myself. Did she come in through the woods instead of through one of the entrances? Why would she walk through the woods with it getting so dark?

Suddenly, she paused and looked in my direction. Her gaze was electrifying! Suddenly, I was overcome with a need to meet this woman – this woman whose face I could not see, but whose spirit and essence I felt like I had known for ages. My rational mind struggled to keep up with this sudden turn of events: Why am I so affected by simply seeing a woman in the cemetery? Besides, who is she? I’ve never seen her before, so why should I get so bent out of shape simply because she looks my way?

The answers were not forthcoming; I responded to her gaze with a simple wave – a wave that somehow did not seem to be an appropriate response to the electrifying jolt that she had just sent me. Then, turning toward the nearby woods, she continued her slow walk and then…she disappeared from my sight, just as quickly as she first appeared to me.

Above Photo: Author unknown. 
Source: Gothic Pictures Gallery

Tales of Dark Romance and Horror:

Tales of Dark Romance and Horror is a collection of short stories and novelettes that share very human themes; romantic love, forbidden desire, seduction, and the struggle against one's personal demons. Then again, there are demons here of a different sort as well. These inhabit realms that exist outside the human experience, beyond that which is seen by the naked eye. Indeed, they inhabit the dwelling places of the dead and manifest as alluring spirits as well as loathsome, destructive entities. There are also monsters and dark beings that walk among us in the modern world we inhabit. These are the stuff of folklore and legend. They can be darkly seductive and yet, oh so deadly. We speak here of monsters that lurk by the forest in the murkiest swamp lands, and we speak of the undead, blood-thirsty vampires that walk among us during the dark hours of the night. All this and more is contained within the fables presented on the pages of this book.

Tales of Dark Romance and Horror is available in paperback and ebook form at the Lulu bookstore.
It is also available at Amazon Dot Com where it can be found in Kindle format, Barnes & Noble,
and other similar vendors.

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