 Soul Guardian By Tara Manderino Quickly, Lucien crossed the street, careful to keep to the shadows cast by the trees. A small store, Descendants stood nestled between two larger storefronts, its doorway nearly obscured by two large topiaries flanking it. Lucien paused a moment before pulling the door open. This could lead to nothing, he reminded himself. He had been searching for this information for months. Ironically, all his current leads on the book pointed to this little antique store practically in his backyard. If only he had known Damon possessed the book earlier. But he hadn't. He hadn't known until Damon's solicitor delivered the other man's letter posthumously. Althea tucked her hair behind her ear before reaching into the trunk. Such carefully packed possessions rarely came their way, and when they did hey deserved the special attention she lavished on them. Each new shipment was a treasure to her; one she fully enjoyed exploring. So far, she had come across a silver baby rattle from the last century, a tortoiseshell hair comb that had once been an engagement gift, and a pocket watch which had definitely seen better days. Carefully unpacking each item, Althea laid it on the designated shelf, and made a quick note on her inventory sheet. Once done, she would carefully go over each item and mark all the pertinent information. Reaching for the trunk, she pulled out the last item on the top tray -- a small wooden horse. Holding it even for a brief moment she felt the warmth of the wood seep through her fingers. Long ago, a small child had held the same toy in his hand; it absorbed all his boyish secrets and fears, and his joys. Hating to let go of the memories she experienced through the small toy, she set it aside. If she didn't, she would never get the rest of the box unpacked. When the front bell jangled, Althea let out a sigh of exasperation. She was getting nowhere fast today. Promising herself she would come back to the wooden horse once she was done with everything else, she stood up and dusted her hands on the back of her jeans. "I'm coming, I'm coming," she muttered. Casting a lingering glance at the box, she hurried to the front of the store. As she stepped up to the curtain separating the storefront from the storage and office spaces, a feeling of unease washed over her. Ignoring it, she pasted a smile on her face and walked into the front room. "May I help you?" Even from the back, the man appeared powerful. Broad shoulders tapered to lean hips. His tawny hair, pulled neatly back to a small ponytail, grazed his shirt collar. When he turned to face her, she nearly gasped aloud. His eyes, an unusual amber color, seemed to glow from within. Tiger eyes; a predator's eyes. Usually when she met someone, his aura was the first thing to call out to her, whether she wanted it to or not. Yet, with this man, all she got was an overwhelming sense of...nothingness. She glanced at him quickly and saw him study her closely, as if he knew she sensed something, but his words were all business. "I'm looking for an antiquated book," he said. "I have reason to believe it's now in this area." Low and smooth, his voice should have been soothing, yet the man disturbed her in a way she couldn't name. "Tell me what you're looking for, although I do have to tell you we seldom deal with books." "Not even antique ones?" "We do get an odd one now and then. But, mostly people looking for older books check out Folio's. It's right across the street." She pointed towards the window. "If what you're looking for does happen to show up, I'll be happy to contact you." "Perhaps you could check your inventory and let me know." He leaned against the counter. "Would you like me to contact you?" she repeated. "No. I'd like to know now. Since you're not busy...." As if she had nothing else to do today, Althea thought. Gritting her teeth against such a futile task, she still managed to smile at him before turning her attention to the compact computer sitting off to the side of her register. "What did you say the name of the book was?" He gave her a puzzled frown, as if unsure of how to answer her. "I've only ever heard about this book, you understand. It goes by many names." "Maybe if you give me one name, I'd have something to go on." "It's more recent name is Ethicus Erudito Pestis." Althea puzzled the translation for a moment. "Ethics of..." "Moral Knowledge of Mortality." He translated the title for her. "But, I can almost assure you, the book will not be under that name." Latin was a dead language when her grandfather was a kid. "Well, if Latin is recent, just how old is this book?" His eyes glowed brighter. "Rather antiquated." Diligently, she entered the name in the store's data base, and came up with nothing, which hardly surprised her since she knew every bit of stock in the store. "I'm sorry, we don't have it. If it should show up, I'll be happy to contact you." Grabbing a pen and a blank index card, she quickly wrote the book's title. Taking his wallet out of his sport coat pocket, the man flipped it open and presented her with his business card. "You can reach me at any of those numbers. If I'm not there, leave a message." She hesitated a moment, reluctant to take the card, then reached out for it. Immediately, a sensation of despair rifled through her body. Quickly she glanced at the man; he looked exactly the same as before she handled his card. Hastily, she used a paper clip to attach his information to the index card, then laid it on the counter to break contact, but left it lying face up. Lucien Marquees, Ph.D. Professor of History. That explained the old book, she thought, but not the despair. "Dr. Marquees, Descendants & Company does offer a search service." But, it wasn't one readily offered. Especially not without discussing it with her grandfather, still something about his despair made her want to offer what assistance she could. "So, you would be able to track down this book for me?" His eyes glowed brighter. Althea shifted her weight. "I have to warn you, the search is rather expensive, and the results are not guaranteed." "Indeed?" "Indeed. Even in this age of nearly instantaneous communication, and speedy international deliveries, some things are better handled in person." Did his lips twitch? "I assure you I can afford it." His voice was steady. Feeling herself grow warm, she hastened to explain. "I didn't mean to insinuate... Look, I just wanted you to be aware if this book is as scarce as you think, it could run into many thousands of dollars." "To me, it's priceless." "I'm sure it is. But most of Descendants antiques are culled from estates so I have no way of knowing exactly what we'll find." Bracing his hands on the counter, he leaned forward, putting himself at eye level with her. As a means of intimidation it could be effective, she thought. But, he didn't appear at all threatening to her. This close, she could see his eyes were pure amber, relieved only by the extreme blackness of his pupils. "I'm sure you'll find it." "I'll certainly put out feelers, but I don't expect much in the way of returns," she said. "Sometimes people claim an item is one thing when in reality it's something altogether different." He nodded his head slightly in acknowledgment. She waited for him to say something more, but he didn't. Instead, he straightened and turned towards the door, his head slightly tilted, as if listening. Althea couldn't see anyone near the store, but this close to quitting time, she didn't expect to see anyone. "I won't keep you from your work any longer." The next instant he was gone. He moved incredibly fast for such a large man. SOUL GUARDIAN is the first published manuscript for Tara Manderino. In a previous life - before children - she assisted in operating the Marketing / Public Relations Department for a local health center where she coordinated and managed all agency publications. She currently spends her time freelance writing, working on novels and volunteering as a school librarian, encouraging another generation of readers. Tara is married, has two sons, a pet rabbit and lives in Monessen, a small town tucked in southwestern Pennsylvania. SOUL GUARDIANby TARA MANDERINO
**** Four Stars"The hero's story is typical, a lusty young man betrayed by the wrong woman. "Brought over" 400 years ago, Dr. Lucien Marquess has sought a cure for a long time. He believes the answer to regaining his mortality is contained within an ancient book. He knows that possession of the book could easily mean the end of his existence. There are those of his kind who would kill to keep that knowledge a secret. His search leads him to a store of antiquities where he encounters Althea Brynne, a psychic whose abilities have recently been exploited then ridiculed by the press. She's been working in her grandfather's shop to let the furor die down. Her gift allows her to get a feeling for the owners of the items that pass through her hands. She is intrigued by the handsome man seeking the ancient book. He has a desperate quality about him, radiating so much despair, but she doesn't expect to find his book. Fate has other plans. The very next day an unusually lovely box is delivered with a shipment. It seems to have no fastening and no one is able to open it except Althea. Even she had no idea how she'd done it, but she is somehow certain that the book contained within is the one in which Dr. Marquess is desperately looking for. Althea is concerned when the card Lucien has given her no longer radiates his despair; her touch only reveals nothingness. To her nothingness signifies death! Alarmed she tries tracking him down at the various addresses that he has given her, to no avail. Finally at the University at which Lucien is a professor of history she is told that he works only in the evenings. Following his nightly routine, Lucien has a sense that Althea has been everywhere before him. He is drawn to this beautiful woman who radiates the goodness that will never be his. They meet again and she tells him of her find, but the book has been stolen! Lucien believes he knows who now possesses it and must recover it before it's destroyed. The formula it contains will only be of use within the next few days. He plans to continue the search alone for the danger is now great, but Althea will have none of that. The book is her responsibility and she is beginning to care for this troubled man. Their quest runs them afoul of two of the most powerful vampires, the female who "made" him and an ancient male who would rule them all if given a chance. Althea soon becomes a pawn in their game for Lucien's feelings for her are all but transparent. Even knowing what he is Thea feels the same way, but their love can never be..unless they find the book in time. This book illustrates the power of goodness over evil. The ending is very nicely done in my opinion. There were no real surprises however it was an enjoyable read." "Lucien Marquees, Ph.D. Professor of History, had one wish, to become mortal again. He was a vampire of 400 years. The secret to granting his wish was described in an ancient book known by many names. Lucien managed to track its location to an antique shop. Althea Brynne was spending time helping her grandfather out in his antique shop until all the media died down. Her physic gift had been played up by reporters. When Lucien contacted her about the book, she felt the emptiness and darkness within him, but tried to ignore it. When the book came into her procession, she immediately began trying to contact him. However, another vampire, Adrian DiBartholomew, was after it for the simple reason of keeping the book out of Lucien’s hands. Adrian and Caroline wanted Lucien for their own reasons. Lucien and Althea slowly learn to trust one another and a relationship was in the making. But they would have to defeat two of the most powerful vampires unalive before Lucien could have his wish for mortality and a single life with Althea! Interesting twist! A psychic and a vampire romance! This one will definitely capture readers quickly and reel them into this world of the super natural! I only noticed a few typos. Excellent reading!" "After living the life of a vampire for four hundred years, Dr. Lucien Marquees, Ph.D., Professor of History, just wants to be mortal again. He wants to be normal. Lucien knows there is a possibility he can achieve this goal - he just has to get his hands on an ancient book which holds the secrets to release his soul from the hell he lives in. In his quest to find it, he traces the book back to a small antique shop. Althea Brynne, a psychic, needs time to heal and deal with the blows she's recently received from the media and life in general, when her psychic gift is exploited and ridiculed. She isn't looking for any more trouble but that's exactly what she gets when an intriguingly handsome man walked into her grandfather's antique store, inquiring about an ancient book. What follows their meeting is an entertaining tale about Lucien and Althea learning to trust each other and deal with their attraction. A relationship is born as their love and passion blooms, but for how long? There are two much more powerful vampires who have their own reasons to assure that Lucien never gets his possession of the book he seeks, and they will go to great lengths to achieve this. Are Lucien and Althea strong enough to survive their danger ahead? Can their love triumph over this evil? SOUL GUARDIAN is Tara Manderino's first offering to readers. With her debut novel, Manderino has shown true talent in capturing the attention of the readers and keeping it right to the very end! Ms Manderino puts forth an interesting paranormal romance story with lively characters; a vampire and a psychic! Although the writing seemed a bit disjointed in one or two places and there were a few typo-graphical errors, I enjoyed reading this e-book. SOUL GUARDIAN is just the sort of tale to curl up with on a stormy night! I'm looking forward to future offerings by Tara Manderino. She's definitely an author worth watching!" |