Song to the Siren by Kelley Heckart

I came across this song by accident as I was searching through my cds for a song that I could use for this theme. My Robert Plant cd had collected dust in my cd rack and I picked it up in the hope of finding the right love song. My love song had to be something unusual because I am sort of, well, unusual. As soon as I read the lyrics to Song to the Siren, a story began to form in my mind-a twist on the Siren myth.

How will a Siren find love when her voice lures men to their deaths?

Rated - Adult - Appropriate for 18 years and older only.
Genre: Historical/Paranormal
Heat Level: Sensual

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Song of the Siren

by Kelley Heckart

Pelagios waited for the maiden to approach him, too stunned by her beauty to move. She came to him, a lovely vision of a bronze-skinned maiden with bright blue eyes, the brightest blue he had ever seen-like a clear summer sky. They gazed at one another and exchanged shy smiles. She glided toward him. Her nearness sent his pulse racing.

He reached out, touching her silky black hair. Her red lips beckoned him. Eager to know what her lips would feel like, he captured her soft mouth in a lingering kiss. Her supple body pressed against him, her breasts touching him in a pleasing crush of soft flesh and hard nipples. Thrilling tingles coursed through his body.

A sharp pain in his thigh jolted him awake. He looked up into Drakon's cruel eyes and realized he had been kicked in the thigh. The dream he'd had was still fresh in his mind, the dream maiden unlike anyone he knew. His mouth still tingled from her kisses.

"Well, look what we have here," Drakon said with an unfriendly grin. "The son of a sow is napping instead of doing his work."

Drakon's companions roared with derisive laughter.

Pelagios cringed. He wanted to run, but the young warriors had him cornered behind the stacks of baskets and wooden chests that had recently been unloaded from a merchant ship.

"What? What did you say?" Drakon leaned over close to Pelagios, his eyes narrowing with dislike. "I forgot you are too dumb too speak. It's a wonder your father is such a celebrated commander."

Pelagios stared hard at the king's son.

"He looks as if he wants to fight me," Drakon said with a laugh, "but everyone knows the son of corn-eaters cannot fight."

"Drakon, you must have something better to do than taunt poor Pelagios."

Both young men turned toward the source of the soft feminine voice.

Carissa stood with her hands on her hips, her eyes sparkling with challenge.

"Cousin, even you cannot deny he has the dark coloring of the natives," Drakon replied. "Everyone knows his father found him on an island."

Carissa glided toward the group and leveled an unyielding gaze at Pelagios. "I find him quite handsome."

Her direct gaze and blunt words made Pelagios's cheeks burn. Though emboldened in his dreams, in real life he had never kissed a maiden.

Drakon laughed. "Look, you have embarrassed him and made him speechless," he said, putting up his hand as if to wave them away. "You are right. This is a waste of my time. He will do nothing but scrub decks the rest of his sorry life." Drakon strode away with his band of warriors. Armed with spears, they headed toward the forest to hunt.

Pelagios stood, wishing he could be included in the hunting party.

"Do not look so sad," Carissa said. She put her hand on his shoulder. "Drakon is ill-mannered and probably envious of you," she said with a sweet smile. "You are much more handsome than he is."

He regarded her with what he hoped was a polite expression, but inside it humiliated him to have a female defend him.

Pelagios walked away from her and toward the wharf. His father's warship bobbed in the ocean, the giant mast creaking in the gentle breeze. The briny sea air caressed his cheek and he longed to sail the seas.

It was his eighteenth year and he should have been celebrating his life, but instead brooded about how useless his life was. He would never command one of his father's ships for to be an able commander one had to have the trust of the men.

Filled with frustration, Pelagios left the wharf and entered the thick woods on the other side of the island. He stopped before some bushes and glanced around. When he was certain no one watched him, he retrieved the spear he'd hidden there.

Using all the skills he taught himself, he crept quietly into the woods to hunt for the large boar believed to roam the forest.

He tuned his ears for any subtle sounds of movement in the brush and sniffed the air for the rank, wild scent of a boar. Shouts filled the air. Pulse racing, he ran in the direction of the shouts, dodging low branches and protruding roots.

He came upon the young warriors in the clearing. They surrounded a large boar with huge yellowed tusks.

Pelagios entered with caution, spear raised.

Tension blanketed the clearing like a thick fog.

The boar made a sudden lunge toward Drakon. Filled with excitement, Pelagios shouted, forgetting no one would hear him.

The boar stopped a finger-length from gutting Drakon and turned its attention to Pelagios.

The boar heard me.

In a flash, the beast charged at him, its beady, dark eyes filled with hatred.

The thrill of taking down a large boar surged through his body. He waited for the animal to reach the tip of his spear, his body coiled and ready, his heart thundering in his chest. On shaking legs, he stood his ground and thrust the spear into the boar's heart.

The boar grunted and fell over, dead.

He wondered at the strangeness of what happened, how the boar could hear his voice. What did it mean?

Silence filled the clearing.

The young warriors, including Drakon, stared at him open-mouthed.

While Drakon stood silent, his companions approached Pelagios and slapped him on the back in congratulations.

For the first time, he smiled with happiness.

Later that night, the great Mycenaean king, Xenos, armed Pelagios with weapons and made him a warrior.

"Today Pelagios proved his might as a warrior, saving my reckless son's life," King Xenos said, his deep voice booming with appreciation.

Everyone in the feasting hall cheered Pelagios on. Carissa smiled sweetly at him and his father looked proud. The only frown Pelagios saw was on Drakon's sullen face.

That night he lay on his bed pallet, thinking of what had happened that day, how his life appeared to be changing. The lovely maiden filled his thoughts and he composed a poem to her, thinking of her red lips as sweet, ripe berries, her eyes as endless pools of sparkling blue.

He fell asleep with a smile and dreamed of the maiden again. She looked happy to see him and pressed an eager kiss to his lips. Filled with confidence in the dream, he pulled her close in a lingering kiss that set his blood on fire. She moved her mouth down to his neck and used her tongue to caress his earlobe.

His body screamed with need, his penis growing hard. He had only one thought-to bury his erection deep inside her soft flesh.

He awoke with a start burdened by an erection and frustration that his dream had ended so suddenly.

* * * * *

Melina sat on her small island, pining away another day of loneliness. Years ago, her sisters had cast her out for the crime of wanting to love a man.

But loving a man was impossible because her song always lured them to their deaths. With a forlorn ache in her heart, she stared at the piles of bleached human bones scattered on the white sandy beach below.

Yesterday and last night she dreamt of a young man, a handsome man with long black hair and green eyes. Hope filled her body with warmth. She recalled every contour of his body, how his firm male lips captured her in a passionate kiss, how his muscular chest pressed against her. It was as if the dream were real.

She tried to fall asleep during the day again, but was unable to achieve the deep sleep needed for dreams. She waited out the day riddled with impatience, eager for night to come so she could dream of him again. And for once since her exile, the sunset looked more beautiful to her, the golden red hues dancing across the top of the water in a glittering display. Comforted by darkness, sleep claimed her, opening the doorway to her dreams.

He looked happy to see her, his eyes filled with affection. She decided to speak to him, thinking he would be safe from her harmful voice in dreamland.

"What are you called?" she asked, allowing him to take hold of her hands. His touch filled her with anticipation for more of his kisses and caresses.

He looked solemn for a moment, shaking his head and said, "You cannot hear my voice."

"I cannot hear your voice?" She watched him with curiosity.

With a surprised expression, he asked, "You heard me?"

She nodded.

His eyes brightened with joy. "No one has ever been able to hear me." Grasping her hands in a firm, tender grip, he said, "I am called Pelagios."

His resonant voice sounded magical to her.

"And you, what are you called?" He gazed down at her, drawing her close.

"Melina."

"Your name is as beautiful as you are," he whispered. He dipped his head and kissed her.

His strong hands gripped her shoulders and moved lower, tentative strokes that grew more confident with each caress. Her dress slipped from her shoulders, falling in a whisper at her feet. Tenderly, he cupped her breast, lowering his mouth to trace her nipple with his tongue.

A powerful tingle rushed from her nipple to her sex. Her inner thighs throbbed with yearning. He kneaded her backside, pulling her into his erection. The ache between her thighs deepened and she let out a soft moan. He gently pulled her down to the ground.

He pulled off his tunic and stood naked before her. In the dream world, her fears about joining were replaced with eagerness to lay with him. The sight of his jutting phallus filled her with anticipation of what pleasures he could bring her. The weight of his body pressed down, his mouth delighting her with passionate kisses. His erection caressed the tip of her sex and plunged inside. Sensations of heat and pleasure pulsed within her. He thrust deeper into her core, sending her into bliss.

Breathless, they lay side by side in dreamland.

She awoke the next morning with the sunrise. Her body still tingled from her dream tryst, her lips feeling tender and bruised.

For the next couple of weeks they met in their dreams. On the last night, they lay together in a tight embrace.

"How can we meet outside of our dreams?" he asked.

His question made her bristle.

"Melina?" He glanced at her.

Fear gripped her. She backed away from him. "We cannot meet outside our dreams."

"Why not?" He reached out and held her hand.

"Please do not try to find me," she said, her heart aching. "It is dangerous for you." She slipped her hand out of his grip. With a final solemn look, she pulled herself from the dream.

She lay in bed for a long time, tears wetting her cheeks.

* * * * *

Pelagios sat in the meadow thinking of Melina and wondered why she didn't want to meet him out of the dreams.

A bird landed near him on a low branch. He recalled how the boar had heard his voice. Thinking of the poem he wrote for Melina, he remembered the words and put them to a melody. He sang the song, surprised at the pleasant sound of his singing voice having never tried to sing before. The bird tilted its head toward him and chirped in harmony to his voice. It was the most extraordinary sound he had ever heard, but no one would ever hear his voice. Melina can hear my voice. But she could probably only hear him in the dream world.

He closed his eyes and willed himself to sleep, trying to reach out to her. He needed to see her, to feel her, and wanted more than anything to meet her out of the dreams. There was something lacking in the dreams. The dreams seemed too perfect, too contrived. He imagined how it would feel to touch her, to taste her and to smell her skin in the real world, to have her soft breasts crushing against him. The dreams seemed so real, but the thought of how the walls of her heated sex would feel stroking and squeezing him in real life made him shudder.

He fell asleep with a faint, eager smile. In his dreams he saw a shadowed figure. "Melina?" He approached, his heart beating with anticipation.

A man stepped out of the shadows.

Pelagios stopped. Disappointment washed over him. "Who are you?"

The man regarded him with keen eyes. "Who I am does not matter," he said, taking a step closer. "Why I am here does."

"Does it have to do with Melina?" Pelagios asked, looking suspiciously at the strange dream man who brought with him the smell of poppies.

The man nodded. "If you want to find her you need to be prepared." He handed Pelagios a piece of vellum.

Pelagios accepted the vellum covered in Greek letters.

"You can read, can you not?"

Having spent his life in seclusion, he had eagerly learned to read and write. "Yes." Pelagios looked at what appeared to be a spell of some kind. "I am not a sorcerer. How will this help me?"

The man's eyes gleamed in an odd way. "I can give you what you need, but only you can decide what to do."

Pelagios awoke, pulled from the dream by a sharp pain in his side. Drakon sneered at him.

Pelagios stood and glared at him. This time he wasn't going to allow Drakon's kick go unnoticed.

Drakon gave him a derisive grin. "I had to kick you to wake you up," he said. "The warships are preparing to leave."

He stared hard at Drakon, furrowing his brow in doubt. "I thought we were leaving tomorrow."

"The tides are in our favor now." Drakon looked down. "What do we have here?" He stooped to pick up what looked like the piece of vellum the man gave Pelagios in his dream.

Pelagios lunged for the vellum.

Drakon jerked it out of his reach. "It must be something special."

The king's son couldn't read very well so the only reason he would take it from him would be to taunt him.

"Come get it if you want it," Drakon laughed.

Pelagios lunged for the vellum again.

This time Drakon jerked it back so fast that the vellum went sailing through the air and caught in the wind.

The vellum blew away down a nearby cliff. He hadn't had the time to memorize the words. He clenched his fists at his sides, ignoring Drakon's smirk.

* * * * *

"A frown does not become you, Melina."

Melina jerked her head to the side toward the slightly mocking feminine voice. Aphrodite stood next to her in all her radiance. The goddess looked at the ocean below the cliffs. "Such beauty and you are still unhappy."

"It would look more beautiful to me if I was able to come and go as I please." In a subconscious movement, her large black wings twitched and fluttered behind her.

Aphrodite glanced at her wings. "Well, you cannot blame me for clipping your wings," she said.

Melina narrowed her eyes in frustration. "But you turned us into birds." Aphrodite had turned her and her sisters into bird-women when they refused her request, but it was the Muses that clipped their wings out of jealousy.

"You should have done as I asked," she said with a sidelong look. "Only too late have you decided to yield your maidenhead."

"You have been watching me," Melina said tersely. "Are you here to taunt me?" She had come to regret her decision of refusing to give up her virginity to any man or god of her choosing. She had found a man to love and now it was too late.

"You really think me cruel," the goddess said with a feigned look of hurt.

"Then why are you here?" Melina eyed her with suspicion.

"I am here to offer you the chance for your wish to come true." Aphrodite gave her a sincere look.

She sensed the honesty coming from Aphrodite. The goddess knew about her dreams, about Pelagios. Tears stung Melina's eyes. "Even if there was a way for him to come here safely," she said with a glance at her wings, "he will run in fear when he sees me."

Aphrodite shrugged. "Perhaps, perhaps not."

"What do I do?"

"I cannot tell you what to do," she said, her lovely face compassionate. "You must decide for yourself, but try to be open to the idea of love, and believe."

Melina stood alone on the sea cliff, the warm sun caressing her cheek in a fond farewell from Aphrodite.

She realized that Aphrodite had been involved with the dreams because the dream world where she met Pelagios seemed too life-like to be a simple dream.

That night she tried to reach out to Pelagios in her dreams, but couldn't find him. She awoke disappointed and worried that she had chased him away. Yearning for his passionate kisses and caresses, she stared out across the ocean, her heart empty and forlorn.

Believe.

The simple word echoed inside her head, slowly filling her with hope. 

* * * * *

Exhausted from staying up all night helping the other warriors and crew members fight the lashing waves, Pelagios still couldn't sleep, not with the storm still raging. The storm tossed the massive warship like it was a small toy, the waves crashing over the bow with the fury of a gigantic hammer that kept pounding without pause.

He wondered if enough offerings had been given to Poseidon to grant them safe passage, for the Sea-god appeared to be furious.

Out of the hellish black night the wind, rain and waves continued to pummel the ship. Pelagios shivered from the wet and coldness that engulfed him. He could hear his teeth chattering. His world spun around and all he could do was hold on to the rope to keep from falling overboard. Somewhere in the dark, men shouted and then went silent. There was nothing more anyone could do to save the ship. They were in Poseidon's hands now.

He waited for the loud crack that would indicate the mast had broken, but he never heard it. Something hard flew out of the blackness and hit him on the head. Unconsciousness seized him. His last thought was of Melina. 

He became aware of gentle rocking and burning heat.  He opened his eyes and the bright sun blinded him. The hard deck of the ship rocked beneath him. He realized that it was morning and the storm had blown away.

Someone shouted a command. Men hurried by him.

Rising unsteadily, he stumbled and had to grab the wooden rail. A dull ache pressed against his head and he remembered being hit by flying debris. He touched his head and felt a sizable lump.

"It's unfortunate that you didn't fall overboard."

Drakon's familiar voice grated in his ears. He turned to face him.

"You are the reason this has happened," Drakon said, spitting over the side and wiping his mouth on his sleeve. "You are the bringer of ill fortune."

Pelagios looked over Drakon's shoulder and saw a group of warriors looking at him with fear. He shook his head.

"No?" Drakon stepped close to his face. "This has never happened before."

He wanted to shout that it wasn't his fault and struggled with the frustration of not being able to communicate.

"The ship survived the storm, but we lost many good men," Drakon looked out across the sea, "and we are lost, blown somewhere far away."

Pelagios looked at the sea. No. This is not my fault.

One of the young warriors stepped forward. "Maybe if we throw him overboard now, we will find our way back home."

Drakon looked at Pelagios, his expression serious, as if he considered the suggestion.

The vast ocean stretched far into the horizon. Pelagios saw a speck that appeared to grow. He blinked and looked again. The speck was still there. He pointed toward what he thought was land.

The young warriors gathered around him, and looked out across the sea.

The man high up on the ship's mast shouted, "Land. I see land."

Men scrambled to adjust the sail so the wind would blow the ship toward the island.

Filled with excitement, Pelagios watched the island grow larger as the ship drew closer. He hoped that by finding land, the other warriors would stop blaming him for the ill fortune that had befallen them so far on the sea voyage.

The young warriors chattered and laughed amongst themselves.

Excluded from their conversations, Pelagios felt like an outsider. Even though he had been accepted as a warrior, the other warriors ignored him for the most part and Drakon didn't even try to hide his dislike for him.

The island emerged before the ship, waves crashing against jagged cliffs that stretched to green meadows and woodlands.

The shipmates shouted warnings to each other, trying to keep the ship from crashing into the rocks.

A strange feeling settled into his mind. A brief hush fell over the ship and then the most beautiful singing he'd ever heard paralyzed his thoughts. He desired nothing else but to throw himself onto the rocks.

The ship changed course, heading straight for the dangerous rocks.

Other thoughts tried to break through the fog of enchantment for it had to be some kind of spell-a Siren's death song, and he couldn't resist it.

Spell.

He faintly remembered the spell written on vellum.

Melina.

The beautiful singing unlocked something within.

The singing voice sounded like Melina.

Melina was a Siren, a sailor's worst fear.

The isolated thoughts grew stronger. He struggled between following the song to his death and a tiny thread of thought that made him think he could save the ship and crew. And another thought that further clouded his mind.

Melina betrayed me.

He couldn't believe she would betray him and recalled her affectionate smile. He struggled to remember the spell written on the vellum. His head throbbed with pain.

Love. Melina. She had felt so wonderful in his arms.

The more his head ached the further the spell slipped from his thoughts.

The ship sailed closer to the rocks.

He was running out of time.

He thought of Melina and how happy she made him feel in his dreams.

The poem.

Something stirred inside him like dying embers re-kindling into a roaring fire. The words to a new love song for Melina came easily to him-a Song to the Siren-words filled with yearning and magic. The Siren's deadly voice mingled with his song, harmonizing into one unearthly sounding melody before his voice grew louder and stronger.

The Siren's enticing death song faded away.

The men on the ship awoke from the enchantment and shouted commands to each other. They moved quickly to turn the ship from the rocks.

Pelagios glanced at the warriors who watched him with suspicion and fear. He looked back at the island where Melina waited. She hadn't betrayed him after all because she warned him not to come to her.

He leaped over the side and into the arms of the churning waves. 

* * * * *

She stared at the ship, her mouth open in shock. Her death song had been blocked by a spell. Melina was sure it was Pelagios's voice she'd heard above the waves crashing against the rocks below. His otherworldly voice had reached out to her, breaking the enchantment that lured the ship to certain destruction, lured the men to certain death.

But how? As far as she knew no mortal had ever been able to break the Siren's spell. She recalled the lyrics to his song with a pleased smile, warmed by the love and desire he spoke of in his words to her.

Perhaps something as simple as love had broken the spell.

I am waiting for you. Swim to me.

Rising up and under the waves, he battled the rough sea.

Tears blurred her eyes. She had to believe he would survive the waves pounding against the rocks.

She hurried down the path to the narrow beach.

He emerged from the sea, his clothes wet and clinging to every muscle on his body.

Her heartbeat quickened at the sight of him.

He had to be a demigod, a son of the Sea-god Poseidon, to have survived the pounding waves.

"Melina," he said, hurrying toward her.

Remembering her wings and her unusual feet, she hesitated with a stab of dread in the pit of her stomach, afraid this handsome demigod would reject her.

"Melina?" He slowed his step, his eyes dimming with uneasiness. "Are you not happy to see me?"

"I am," she said, lowering her gaze, "but I am afraid you will dislike my appearance." She opened her wings and allowed her bird-feet to peek out of the hem of the long dress.

His eyes widened, and then he gave her a reassuring smile. "That explains why you can hear my voice."

She tilted her head, wondering at his strange response.

"I learned from years of cruel taunts not to judge others harshly." He gazed at her with deep affection. "You are beautiful, and you make me happy when I am with you in dreams, and I am certain you will make me happy now," he said, taking hold of her hands. "That is all I care about."

He kissed her. She tasted the sea salt on his lips and she returned his kiss with eagerness, parting her lips. She delighted in the confident way his tongue made her mouth tingle as if they had kissed many times before.

Feeling him out of the dreams-his solid, wet body pressing against her-intensified her desire. Her skin prickled with excitement and her inner thighs throbbed with need.

He pulled off his tunic and placed it on the ground. His naked body rippled with the hard planes of muscle upon muscle as if carved from stone.

On the narrow strip of beach, he gently pulled her to the ground on top of his tunic and undressed her. She was aware of the waves crashing nearby and the soft, dry sand. Crashing waves and sand reminded her they were in the real world and heightened her urgency to lay with him.

In the real world she could smell his clean male scent mixed with the salty sea, and feel the scratch of his stubble as he traced her breast with his tongue, sensations that were lacking in the dream world.

His erection pressed urgently against her thigh. She squirmed beneath him, the ache between her thighs growing.

"You are more beautiful than my dreams," he whispered between kisses, "and your skin tastes so wonderful, better than I imagined." His mouth moved lower.

She squirmed in delight at the feel of his tongue flicking the soft flesh between her thighs.

He mounted her, his phallus touching her opening, the hardness and smoothness of him filling her with eagerness. She sucked in a breath, wondering if she should tell him she was unspoiled. His passionate kisses covered her mouth and stoked her desire. He plunged inside her.

Where was the pain?

The fleeting question slipped from her mind, her only thoughts were of the pleasure of his vigorous yet tender rutting. With each thrust, he rubbed against her soft nub, sending bolts of delight throughout her body. She was stuck in the place between bliss and release. She remained perched on the edge ready to soar, not wanting to surrender to the release and let the moment slip away.

The warm sun, soft sand, cool sprays of ocean and his deep thrusts coaxed her over the edge. She arched her hips, grasping him between her thighs as her body quivered and pulsed. She had the thrilling sensation of floating, that her wings allowed her to fly.

He rocked against her, letting out a satisfied groan.

She reveled in the bliss, her body tingling and flushed.

He gazed down at her with affection.

"I was unspoiled," she said, smiling. "I thought it would hurt."

His brow furrowed in thought. "That's odd," he said, blushing. "I had never joined with a maiden, but it felt like we had joined many times," he said with a frown, "but that's impossible."

She smiled with knowing. "I suspect our dreams were a little more than dreams."

He pulled her into an embrace, brushing her hair from her forehead in a familiar gesture.

Melina looked up toward the Heavens and said a silent thank you to Aphrodite and Morpheus, for only the god of dreams could have worked such magic. 

The End

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Kelley writes Celtic historical romances with fantasy/paranormal elements. Her stories reflect her passion for history, storytelling and the supernatural. Inspired by the ancient Celts, her tales are filled with fierce warriors, bold women, magic, conflict and romance.

Kelley Heckart
'Timeless tales of romance, conflict & magic'
http://www.kelleyheckart.com/
http://www.kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/ Check out my long hair hotties!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

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In Your Eyes by Suzanne Rock

I love music. It has such a powerful influence on your emotions, don’t you think? Whether it’s anger, happiness, love or sadness, there’s a perfect song out there that will reflect the emotion you’re feeling.

As an author, I often use music to put myself in the right frame of mind for writing. One of the songs I like to use for romantic scenes is "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel. When CJ England challenged us all to come up with a song title for our stories, I knew right away which one I'd choose. "In Your Eyes" was one of my favorites songs when it first came out, and I find it to be one of those timeless ballads that still speaks to me now. It’s such a fantastic song, so heartfelt. When I re-listened to it in preparation for this story, all I could think about was the old saying “The eyes are the windows to the soul.” The saying stayed with me for hours after I heard the song and, after a little thought, Julian and Eva’s story was born.

I hope that you like the results!

When Eva's sexy boss asks her to trust him, she can’t rely on her soul-reading abilities to learn his true intentions. She’ll have to focus on her more human instincts to determine whether or not he's worth stepping out of the shadows and taking a leap of faith…

Rated - Adult - Appropriate for ages 18 and over only

Genre - Paranormal / Contemporary

Heat Level - Sensual

**********

In Your Eyes
by Suzanne Rock

“Come here often?” the tall blonde man asked as he slid into the bar stool.

A chill swept over Eva as she turned away from the crowded restaurant and stared at the man beside her. He was tan, much to tan for a natural blonde. His hands were clean and well-manicured, his clothing casual, but neatly pressed. Everything about his outward appearance suggested that he was a friendly, non-threatening guy looking for fun on a Friday night. Was that really his true intention, though?

Eva raised her gaze to the bright green eyes assessing her. Something flickered in their depths, a stain of blue in an otherwise green landscape.

“I’m waiting for someone,” she said.

“I see.” The blue in his eyes flared to life, confirming what Eva had already suspected. On the surface this man seemed charming, but deep down he was selfish and arrogant. When given a choice he'd always take the easy way out, and if he ever saw someone in trouble, he'd turn the other way. Blue wasn't pure evil, but it was pretty close. Souls never lied. This guy, like so many others, was a bad egg.

Her heart sank as she realized that she had hoped the results would have been different. She should have known better.

He looked as if he wanted to say something more, but another woman came up and put her tattooed arm around him. She wore a tube top that showed off her small, perky breasts and a miniskirt that accented her shapely thighs.

“Hey baby,” she said. “Who 'ya talkin' to?” The woman looked at Eva and smiled. Purple smeared her eyes, indicating that this woman’s soul was still in a state of flux.

“I’m just talking to this woman over here.” The guy motioned to Eva. Black flashed through the blue in his gaze, signifying that this guy was not only selfish and arrogant, but violent.

Eva inched back and thought about telling the woman what she learned, but decided against it. She knew from experience that people never appreciated a soul reading. Most got edgy when their true nature was revealed. If this guy was really violent, then she didn't want to provoke him.

The couple moved away and Eva pulled out her phone for the hundredth time. Where was he? Julian was supposed to meet her at this restaurant over an hour ago. He had said that he had something important to tell her.

Not that this was anything new.

Ever since Eva had taken the job at iLock, an identity protection startup, Julian Ross had tried to get her to see him outside of work. She had always thwarted his efforts, not only because her libido went into overdrive every time he walked into the room and made her tongue-tied, but because he was different from everyone else. She could see it in his eyes.

Ever since she could remember, Eva could look into a person’s eyes and read their soul. She knew of people’s intentions, and could read if they were inherently good or bad. Blue and black were the marks of evil, white and gold of good. The rest were souls who haven’t matured yet, and were in some state of flux. Everyone Eva had ever met fell into one of these categories.

Everyone but Julian Ross.

She couldn’t read her boss, because he didn’t bare the mark. He was soulless. Eva had never encountered someone without a soul before. It both intrigued her and made her uneasy. What kind of person didn’t have a soul?

After tonight it wouldn’t matter. She had let Julian talk her into meeting him at this restaurant because she had something important to say to him, too. She was quitting her job. Eva had thought she could handle working with a soulless person -- and Lord knew she needed the money -- but she didn’t need the erotic fantasies the Irishman evoked, or the tingle of apprehension she felt whenever he got too close.

* * *

Julian stared at the curvy red head at the other end of the bar. She still wore that form fitting sweater and khakis from the afternoon meeting, but had changed her hair. At work she had it bound in a tight pony tail, but here, after hours, she had decided to let it down. The silky waves cascaded down her back like a waterfall and caused a deep, primal longing to spark in his abdomen.

A soul reader. He couldn’t believe his luck. They were a rare and precious breed, and Eva Hamilton was more precious than most. In her three months at iLock, Julian had become more and more infatuated with her. So many times he had come close to telling her the truth, yet each time he held his tongue. What he had to say was for her alone, not the others in the cubicles nearby. He had asked her out often enough, but each time she had turned him down. He wondered what made tonight different, not that it really mattered.

He knew she feared him, as well she should, but she also desired him. He felt it in the way she stared at him when she thought he wasn't looking, and how her cheeks stained pink when he said her name. He desired her, too. Even now, from across the room, her body called to him. Would it be enough?

It had to be enough. He had waited so long for this moment. This night, he was going to come clean with Eva. He was going to tell her every deep dark secret, every hope. Then he was going to lay his life in her hands.

Just as soon as he worked up the courage.

Julian finished off his Manhattan and flexed his fingers. The song “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel drifted out from the restaurant speakers, as if the maker himself was telling Julian to hurry up and get on with it. It was now or never. He stood and forced one foot in front of the other. You can do this. He made it about half way across the restaurant before a tingling sensation started behind his ears.

No, not now. He cast a glance at the exit, then back at Eva. Not tonight. After two more steps the tingles spread down his neck and consumed his torso. He glanced up at the ceiling and sighed. Would he ever get his chance? By the time he pulled out his cell phone, Julian’s whole body felt as if it was on fire. He muttered a curse at his bad luck. Hopefully, she’d understand his tardiness. He risked one more glance at the only woman who could ease his torment, then sent the text message. If only things were different… Pocketing the phone, he steeled his jaw and made his way to the closest exit.

***

Eva felt her phone vibrate. She pulled it out and saw that there was a message from Julian.

Running late. Will be there soon. Wait for me?

Figured. He was always running late for one thing or another. Eva glanced at her watch. She had been at the restaurant for over an hour now and her wine was done. She didn’t care how drop dead gorgeous her boss was in those hip-hugging blue jeans, she wasn’t going to waste one more minute of her life waiting. Whatever he wanted to tell her could wait until tomorrow -- when she handed him her resignation letter. Right now she was officially off the clock.

Eva ignored the flutter of disappointment in her chest and headed toward the exit. The trendy Italian restaurant was like most in the North End of Boston, dimly lit and sparsely decorated. The tables were packed so close together that the people looked more like sardines than customers waiting for their lasagna. A sea of color floated around her as she moved, the blues and golds of people’s questioning eyes shining bright as they glanced her way. The only thing that seemed to stabilize her against so much energy was the song “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel playing over the speakers. It was one of her favorite songs, but not even it could soothe the ache inside her chest tonight.

Something shifted and caught her eye. In a room full of color, a gaping hole moved along the far wall. Eva knew of only one person who had such a dull, lifeless presence.

“Julian?”

She followed the dark spot across the restaurant. As she got closer, Eva recognized the mop of wavy brown hair and levi 501’s. He had thrown a black blazer over his usual T-shirt and jeans. It hugged his shoulders and biceps, accentuating the sinew of muscle underneath. He adjusted his gold wire-rimmed glasses and made his way toward the rear exit.

“Julian!” She waved, but he didn’t look in her direction. Was he looking for her? “Julian, I’m over here.”

Patrons close by stopped talking and turned to stare. Eva tried to ignore the flashes of color and hurried to catch up to her boss.

“Julian! Excuse me.” She rounded the last table as he slipped out the side door and into the alley beyond.

The dimness of the restaurant seemed overly bright when compared to the poor lighting of the alley. It took her a few moments to adjust to the change in intensity. During that time she heard mumbled curses and shuffling off to her left. Eva squinted and peered down the alley. Two shadows fought for dominance, their forms tumbling and bending as they wrestled. The colors of their souls flickered around them like halos, one a bright white and the other a royal blue. Why could she see those men's souls outside of their eyes? The intensity of the color rose and fell as each one took turns gaining the upper hand. Eva approached, fascinated.

“I wouldn’t go any closer if I were you.”

That accent... She'd recognize that Irish brogue anywhere. Eva’s heart skipped a beat as she turned to face a third figure, hidden in shadow of the building. He stepped forward, allowing the light from the restaurant doorway to fall on his face.

“Julian.” Eva stared at the chiseled features and deep fathomless eyes. The familiar heat sparked to life in her lower abdomen. Even cast in shadow he looked incredibly sexy.

"I’m sorry I’m late.”

Anger rose up and squashed the heat. “Where were you?”

He glanced at the pair fighting a few paces away. “I was busy.”

Eva followed his gaze. The man with the white glow appeared to be weakening, while the man with the blue glow grew stronger.

“We need to do something,” she said.

“No.”

She turned to face him. “What do you mean, ‘no’?”

His features softened as he watched the fight. “The destinies of the men have already been written. It’s not my job to interfere.”

“What are you talking about? Your job's with iLock.” She pointed to the fight. “And that man's going to get hurt.”

“This wasn’t how it was supposed to happen.”

“What?”

He closed his eyes for a moment and flexed his fingers. When he opened them once more, he appeared different somehow, but Eva couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

“Look at 'em.”

“What?”

“Look at 'em.” He closed the distance between them and gently rotated her to face the men at the end of the alley. “Do you see anything?”

Eva’s thoughts turned into a jumbled mess as the scent of his citrus aftershave surrounded her. Her limbs felt watery despite the tingle of warning raising the hairs on the back of her neck. “It’s just two men fighting.”

He sighed, his warm breath caressing her ear. “No. What do you see.”

Eva shivered as his heat penetrated her senses and made her libido do somersaults. This was why she had avoided him. She was attracted to him with an intensity she didn’t understand, and yet he had no soul. What kind of human had no soul?

“Eva, pay attention. Do you see any…color?”

She froze. How could he know? “Yes.”

“Good.” He relaxed his grip around her shoulders. “I see it, too.”

“You do?” Was this some kind of joke? “What color are they?”

“That one is blue.” He pointed over her shoulder. “And that one’s white.”

“What -- what do you think they are?”

“They’re the men’s souls.”

“Yes.” It was such a relief to finally have it out in the open, to be able to talk to someone about it. “How long have you been able to see them?”

"A long time. Normally the glow is only in their eyes, but when close to death, the glow consumes their whole body." He turned her around to face him. “Now look at me. What do you see?”

"What do you mean?”

He leaned in closer until his face was inches from hers. “What color do you see, lass?”

Goodness, he smelled good, like a tropical fruit drink. It reminded her of her reoccurring fantasy involving Julian. Images of sun, sand and naked bodies entwined on a blanket flashed through her mind. Desire slid through her middle, tightening her muscles with anticipation. Would he kiss her? That would be lovely…

Snap out of it. What was his question again? “I-I don’t see any color in your eyes.”

“Exactly.” His shoulders relaxed. “I don’t have any color.” He let go of her arm and ran his fingers down the side of her face. “Eva, there’s a reason for that --”

A loud groan echoed through the alley. Julian muttered a curse and turned toward the fight. Eva followed his gaze and saw the man with the blue glow pull his hand away from his opponent. Something flickered in his hand.

“Is that a knife?” Eva faced the fight as her chest tightened with fear.

Julian rubbed his hand against her lower back, drawing the tension out of her muscles despite what was going on around her.

“I believe so,” he said.

The man with the white soul fell to his knees. Light flickered around him, then extinguished. He fell to the ground.

Julian eased her back against the wall of the restaurant. “Don’t move, and stay quiet. "

"Why?"

He took off his glasses. "I’ll be right back, I promise.”

Julian stepped out into middle of the alley. The man with the blue glow put his knife away and started toward Julian.

“No.” Eva started to move from the shadows, but a hard glare from Julian rendered her immobile.

The man with the blue soul ran right through him.

Eva stared as he ran past her and out into the busy street beyond. What the --

“Who are you?” She turned back to Julian, who had approached the dead man in the back of the alley. He bent low over the victim and placed his hand on the man’s forehead. Within seconds, a white light flared to life. Julian stepped back. The light glowed brighter as Julian took two more steps back and raised his arms out at his sides.

“Be at peace, my friend.”

The light jumped up from the dead body, flickered in the air, and then raced toward Julian’s face.

“No!” Eva rushed forward, but it was too late. The light streamed into Julian through his eyes, then set his entire body ablaze. For a brief, wondrous moment, Julian lit up the alley like the sun. Eva covered her eyes, unable to tolerate it for more than a few seconds. Then the light began to dim. Slowly, she lowered her arm as he turned around to face her.

Eva's breath caught. "Your eyes..." Julian’s dark eyes had changed to bright white. All of the goodness and light that illuminated the dead man's soul was held captive deep within his eyes.

“What do you see now?” His voice sounded hollow and distant, as if he talked through a tunnel.

“The soul of another.”

“Yes.” He looked up into the sky. “I have another, master.”

It started to rain. The sky opened up and water beat down hard and heavy. Eva pulled her jacket up over her head to keep the droplets off her face. She followed Julian’s gaze upward, and saw a lightning bolt flash through the sky. Thunder roared, shaking the ground beneath her feet.

“What’s happening?” she asked, but her voice was carried away by the wind.

The dark clouds parted, revealing a large white beam of light. Julian lifted his hands, and then began to float. Eva stared in shock as his body was taken up into the beam and out of sight. Within moments the clouds closed and the rain ceased. She was left alone.

Eva lowered her jacket and stared at the empty alley where Julian once stood. What just happened?

“I’m sure you have lots of questions.”

She spun around to see Julian emerge from the end of the alley. “I do.”

“I meant to break this to you gently, but maybe it’s better this way.” He held out his hand as he closed the distance between them. “Come on, let’s go inside.” He took her fingers and started to lead her back into the restaurant.

“No. Tell me what’s going on.” She pulled her hand from his grasp. “Why did you take that man’s soul? What did you do with it?”

He hesitated a brief moment before responding. “I’m not human.”

“Obviously. Are you some type of angel?”

"No, I'm not quite so glorious." He smiled, revealing that adorable dimple in his cheek. “I’m what one might call a soul catcher.”

“A what?”

“A soul catcher. Someone who escorts souls to the afterlife.”

“But that's a myth.”

He held his arms out to his sides. "Do I look like a myth to you?"

Eva remembered the fairy tale her mother told her as a kid. Soul catchers were spirits that escorted souls to their final resting places. She had no idea that they could take on human form -- or run a small identity protection company.

“Soul catching is difficult work. There’s a high turnover.” He dropped her hand and ran his fingers though his hair. “The catchers tend to burn out.”

"What happens then?”

“There’s an out clause, but it’s difficult. Catchers themselves don’t have souls, since they need a way to transport the spirits. They have to find someone -- a human -- who’s willing to share their soul with them. Then, and only then, will they have the power to become human themselves and retire.”

“So you’re looking for a human.”

“Not just any human.” He reached out and touched her cheek. “The human has to be able to see our world and understand it. She has to agree to share her soul.”

“Like a true soul mate.”

He nodded. “There’s more. For every soul catcher there’s one and only one person who can release him of his duties.” He inched closer. “Only one who can give him peace.” He relaxed his shoulders and dropped his hand. “You, Eva, are my soul mate.”

“What?”

“Look into my eyes, lass. You know it to be true." He leaned in closer until his face hovered inches from hers.

All of a sudden, Eva became hyper-aware of their close proximity. She tried to bury her rising desire and do as he asked. It was difficult to think with his lips so close to hers, Her fantasy once again flashed though her mind, and her cheeks heated. Concentrate... After a few moments of staring at the familiar dark, fathomless orbs, she shook her head. “I only see my reflection.”

“Yes.”

She leaned back. “I don’t understand.”

"A soul catcher’s eyes don’t reflect light, they absorb it. That’s how we take on the souls of others. Only the true mate of a soul catcher can see her reflection in his eyes.”

“Oh.”

"There’s more.” He looked away and shifted his feet, as if gathering courage. “When I first saw you, I didn’t know how to approach you. I followed you around and knew that you had been laid off from your job. I set up iLock as a way for us to connect.”

"What?” Shock raced through her system. This was too much to take in. “What about the other employees?”

He shrugged. “I needed to make the job seem credible. Don't worry, I only hired enough people to keep up appearances, and I'll make sure they are all employed elsewhere before I close iLock's doors.”

"I don't believe this."

He took her hand. “For months I’ve watched you. I know how lonely you’ve been, how you feel that no one understands.” He kissed her knuckles. “I understand you, Eva.” He turned her hand over and kissed the inside of her palm. “I always understood.”

“I --” Eva fought against the delicious heat that slid up her center. It was a lot of information, but somehow Eva didn't seem overwhelmed by it all. There was truth to his words, she felt it within her soul. Maybe, deep down, a part of her always knew that Julian was special, that she was made for this.

"I’m not saying I want to share my soul with you, but if I did…what would it involve?”

An arrogant grin appeared on his face, highlighting that gorgeous dimple. “Let me show you.”

***

The world spun for a moment and they were alone on a sandy beach in a tropical climate. Julian glanced around at the blue-green waves lapping the shoreline and birds flying overhead to made sure that they were alone. It wouldn’t do to have another soul catcher appear out of thin air and ruin the mood he was trying to create.

“This place…” Eva's words trailed off as she took in her surroundings.

“Recognize it?”

She nodded. “How did you...” Her words trailed off when she noticed the blanket at their feet.

“Get into your head? You forget, we’re soul mates. We share the same fantasies.” He saw her eyes widen and knew she was going through every single erotic fantasy she had since they first met. If he had his way, they wouldn’t stay fantasies for much longer.

“Here, sit.” Julian motioned to the blanket. He had chosen this spot under the palm tree, so that the sun's harsh rays wouldn't damage her delicate ivory skin. "Let me explain."

She did what he asked, and Julian sank down next to her. How to begin? “The blending of souls is very intimate, one that must be shared both mentally and physically.”

“You mean…” She waved her hands between them.

He took her fingers and placed it over his heart. “It would be a great honor. Like I said, sharing souls is a once in a lifetime experience.”

She stared at him, her bright green soul showing in her gaze. There was no indication of what she was thinking, or what decision she'd make. For the first time since seeing Eva, Julian was unsure of his plan. Maybe he pushed her too hard...

He tried to drive back the rising panic. “Look hard at your feelings and tell me what you see.”

“I don’t know.” She shook her head. “This is happening too fast.”

“Is it? Look deep down inside yourself, Eva. What have you always wanted?”

***

Eva didn’t need to think about her response. She wanted to belong to someone, to feel loved. Because of her ability, it had been hard to get close to anyone. All of her life she had kept to the sidelines, almost as if she had observed, rather than participated. To finally take that leap, to love and be loved in return, would make her feel alive. Never again would she feel alone or misunderstood. She'd have a companion, a friend, a soul mate.

But could Julian give that to her? She desired him, yes. Eva had always desired Julian. He was asking for something much more than sex, however. What he was asking for was so…permanent. She hardly knew anything about him. “How do you know I’m the one you seek?”

He turned away and looked out over the ocean. “Being a soul catcher is much harder than it looks. We wander the world, often alone, searching for souls that need to be brought home.” His eyes lost focus, as if something from his past claimed his thoughts. “During my travels, I get so lost,sometimes. Days pass and this… emptiness fills my heart."

She recognized his words. How could she not? They were from her favorite Peter Gabriel song, the one she heard playing softly in the restaurant. They seemed to take on new meaning now as they passed over his lips. Eva understood his loneliness. She had felt it, too.

“When I want to run away, I drive off in my car,” she said.

He turned back to face her, his whole face brightening. Something flickered in his dark gaze. “But whichever way I go --”

“I come back to the place you are.”

“The song of the soul catcher.” He inched forward. “Once I saw you, Eva, I just knew we belonged together." His gaze flicked to her lips. "I couldn’t stay away from you if I tried.”

The press of his lips was soft, and she felt the question in the kiss.

Eva knew what he meant. Ever since she had first laid eyes on Julian, she knew he was special, that somehow they belonged together. It had scared her at first, but not anymore. There was something about this place, about him, that seemed right and good.

Eva slipped her arms up and looped them around his neck.

He broke away from her mouth. “Are you sure?”

She smiled. “Yes, I’m sure.”

He pressed his lips against hers again. It started off gentle, but soon turned harder, more possessive. She slid her hands over his shoulders, enjoying the feel of the sculpted muscle beneath her fingertips. Heat rippled through her body as she tilted her head and parted her lips, opening herself to him completely. Julian growled, a low, throaty sound that sent desire racing up her spine. He invaded her mouth, his sweet taste filling her senses. She had been kissed many times before, but it had never felt quite like this. It was... incredible.

He undid her clothes, tearing her shirt as it parted beneath his fingers. The warm tropical breeze kissed her naked skin, making her hot all over. Something primal and urgent surged inside her, and she yanked his jacket off his shoulders. They worked in unison, shedding articles of clothing and throwing them onto the sandy beach.

When they were fully naked, he eased her back on the blanket. His heat formed a cocoon of erotic sensation around her body as he lowered himself on top of her.

Julian tore his lips away from her mouth. “Are you absolutely sure? Once I do this, there’s no going back.”

She looked up into his eyes, still dark and empty. Desire spiraled around her body like a vine, tightening her muscles and setting her nerve endings on fire. “I’m sure.” She widened her legs, inviting him closer.

He positioned himself against her opening. “I don't know if I can take things slow.”

She tangled her fingers in his hair. “I don’t want you to.”

He bent over her body and place a soft, chaste kiss on her lips. “I promise, I’ll be slower next time.”

Eva gasped in surprise as he entered her. There was no pain, only stretching and pleasure. It was as if her body was made for him.

He started to pull away. “Are you okay? I didn't mean --”

She grabbed his hips and pulled him back inside her. “I’m more than okay.” She slid her fingers up his torso, memorizing each dip and rise of muscle.

He leaned back on his knees, then laced his fingers with her own. "Much more of this and I'll finish before we even begin." He eased her hands away from his chest and held them immobile over her head. She wiggled beneath him.

"Tease."

She smiled. "Always."

He slid back and then thrust deep, causing them both to moan. She locked her ankles around his hips, as if by doing so she could ground herself against the onslaught of emotions running through her body. He continued to move in steady, even strokes and soon her mind fogged with desire. Pressure built, and her muscles tightened as she raced toward that unseen goal. Heat and need pulsed in her veins until her cries of pleasure mingled in the air with his. Just when she thought she couldn’t bare it any longer, he shifted his position. On the next thrust he touched a sensitive spot deep inside her core.

Eva arched her back and cried out as bright green light filled her vision. Her soul. She wasn’t sure what it meant, nor did she care. Pleasure poured into every crevice of her body, and she felt as if she was floating on air. She felt Julian shudder, then heard him groan, as he, too, followed her into oblivion.

When it was over he turned their bodies so that they laid side-by-side on the blanket. They stayed like that for a time, and Eva was thankful for the moment to catch her breath. When she finally opened her eyes, she saw a bright green light above their heads.

She tapped Julian’s shoulder.

“What?”

“Look.”

He glanced up, then turned to face her. “That’s our soul.”

"Our soul?” Eva looked closer at the glowing light. She had always known that it was bright green, but this glow was different than anything she had ever seen before. The light was streaked with lighter shades of pink and white, creating an intricate pattern above their heads.

"It looks different, right?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“Because your views about the afterlife are changing.” He kissed her brow. “The white you see is from my creator. It was formed when your soul touched me. Watch.” He lifted his hand toward the light. “Welcome home.”

The light glowed bright and swirled into a completely different pattern, one so beautiful, it took her breath away. Then the light grew until it surrounded them both. Fire, bright and hot, burned through her body. Eva’s jaw locked with pain and she closed her eyes.

Then, as soon as it started, it finished.

She opened her eyes. They were back in the alley behind the restaurant. Cold pavement pressed against her cheek, and the smell of tomato sauce and garlic filled the air. The restaurant. Julian’s warmth was noticeably absent.

She sat up and looked around. Somehow, she had her clothes back on her body, and her hair was not filled with sand.

“Look at me now.”

She turned to the voice. Julian sat a few steps away, his back against the restaurant wall. She went over and knelt until she was eye level.

He tossed his wire-rimmed glasses down the ally.

"What are you doing?"

"I don't need them anymore." He smirked and gave her a quick kiss on her mouth. “Look into my eyes.”

She did. Not only did she see her reflection, but she saw flashes of green, pink and white in his dark depths.

“My soul,” she whispered, fascinated with the complex pattern.

He took her hand. “Our soul.” He pulled her up into a standing position. “What you see in my eyes are in yours as well.” He inhaled deeply. “I’m human again.”

“What do we do now?”

He returned his gaze to her and smiled. “I say we head back home so that we can continue what we started back on the beach.”

Eva shivered. "We can't go back to the beach?"

He laughed and put his arm around her. "Not anymore -- at least not like that. I'm open to driving to the shore though, if that's what you want."

“And then what?” When he gave her a confused look she continued. "What happens with us?"

“With us?” He squeezed her shoulder and drew her closer. “I'll always be there for you, as long as you need me.” He kissed the top of her head. "Whatever life throws at us, we can face it together."

“Together.” Eva wrapped her arm around his waist and nestled against his side. She liked the sound of that.

Side-by-side, they exited the alley and began the long walk home.

The End

**********

After over a decade in the scientific world, Suzanne needed a creative outlet. She tried scrap booking, cooking, crocheting, painting, and piano, none of which held her interest for very long. Then one of her friends suggested writing. Thrilled with the idea of creating her own worlds, she opened up her lap top and never looked back.

When Suzanne’s not writing, she can be found playing with her two daughters, testing her husband’s latest kitchen creations, or curled up with her favorite romance novel in her central Massachusetts home.

Book Trailer for Dark Obsession

Dark Obsession, the second book in the Immortal Realm series, is available from Red Sage Publishing now. Readers can find more information about Suzanne's other releases and sign up for her quarterly newsletter on her website.

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