by Cheree Alsop
“That would be nice,” Marae told him.
Aleric watched them walk together to the Dark fae side of the D Wing. He stood in the hallway torn as to where he should go.
His gaze lingered on the garbage can near the door. The can was overflowing.
“At least I know where the garbage belongs,” Aleric said to himself. “I’ve been to the dumpster more times than I’d like to admit.” He grabbed the bag in both hands.
“Are you a janitor here?”
Aleric spun at the sound of a female voice.
He met the young woman’s gaze and his heart slowed. She wore the hospital gown of a patient, but she looked at him with the air of someone who knew something was out of place. Aleric realized doctors probably didn’t empty garbage cans, and he couldn’t prove his claim as a doctor anyway.
“I, uh, yes, I’m a janitor.”
She nodded. “I thought so. My dad’s a doctor here. I’ve known most of the physicians since I was young.”
Aleric pulled the bag from the garbage can and tied it.
“If nobody changes them, they don’t get changed,” he said, hefting the bag. He mentally kicked himself for saying the stupidest thing he possibly could have. First of all, it was obvious, and second, it was redundant. If Dartan had heard him, Aleric would never hear the end of it. But there was something about her gaze that unnerved him. He felt more nervous than he had facing the vampires.
“You’re right about that,” she replied with a warm smile.
She pushed her black hair back behind her ear. Aleric noticed the bandages on her forearm.
“What happened there?” he asked; he realized a janitor probably wouldn’t ask something like that of a patient, and so he said, “If, uh, you don’t mind me asking. I really don’t mean to pry into your privacy, so you don’t have to tell me.”
She shook her head, her blue eyes sparkling as if she knew just how uncomfortable she made him. “It’s alright. I got bit by something that was hiding in our cellar. I didn’t see what it was. Dad told me to come in for some tests to make sure it wasn’t carrying a disease.”
Something about her words caught Aleric’s attention. “It was hiding in the cellar? Can I see the bite?” He covered with, “I know a lot of animal bites. I grew up in the country.” He decided he would be better off staying in wolf form if his socialization reached such high levels of conversation.
She took pity on him. “I guess so. I should probably air it out anyway.” She eased the bandage back and showed him her forearm.
Aleric’s stomach tightened.
“What?” she asked.
The door to the E.R. opened and Nurse Eastwick stepped into the hallway. “Oh, Dr. Wolf, I see you’ve met Dr. Worthen’s daughter, Lilian.”
Aleric stared at her. “Dr. Worthen’s daughter?”
“You’re a doctor?” she replied.
“Oh, I, uh, I’m in training.”
“To be a janitor?” she replied with confusion. “That’s highly unusual.” She shook her head, then put a hand to it. “I’m a bit lightheaded. I’m going to go lie down.”
“You do that, hon,” Nurse Eastwick told her. The nurse watched her walked back up the hallway with a fond expression on her face.
“We have a problem,” Aleric said.
Nurse Eastwick nodded. “You have to tell me whatever story you’re concocting or else I can’t go along with it. You’re a janitor now?”
“What? No. Not that,” Aleric said. “Lilian is Dr. Worthen’s daughter?”
Nurse Eastwick smiled. “Yes. She’s been a part of this hospital since she was a little thing. She came in for an animal bite, but Dr. Worthen says it’s nothing serious.”
“She was bit by a goblin; it’s deathly serious,” Aleric replied.
Nurse Eastwick stared at him. “Are you sure?”
“Positive,” Aleric replied.
The E.R. doors burst open.
“Dr. Wolf!” Gregory called out. “Dr. Wolf, Dr. Worthen’s in trouble!”
Dartan and Dr. Indley appeared from the D Wing.
Aleric and the vampire exchanged a glance. “Come on,” Aleric said.
They took off running to the orderly. Aleric reached him, then passed the red-head on his way to the Emergency Room. Gregory spun and ran after them. Aleric burst through the doors and skidded to a stop. He swore under his breath.
A troll that made Commissioner Oaks look small roared at Dr. Worthen. The doctor stood in front of his staff, shielding nurses and orderlies with his body. The troll took a step forward and Aleric felt the percussion through his feet. Aleric took a steeling breath and jumped in front of the doctor.
“Stop!” he barked.
The troll pulled up short.
“Aleric, what are you doing?” Dartan hissed.
Aleric glanced at him. “Winging it,” he replied. He met the troll’s beady-eyed gaze. “Back up, now!”
The troll looked baffled at the werewolf’s angry commands. The creature took a step back.
“That’s a Dark fae, right?” Nurse Eastwick asked from behind him.
“Light fae,” Aleric replied. “Trolls are normally not this hostile.”
“‘Never get between a troll and something it wants’; that’s one of the golden rules of Blays,” Dartan said.
“Not helping,” Aleric told him. He turned his attention back to the troll. “Sit down. Now!”
The troll looked around. It grabbed a metal chair from against the wall and sat on it. The chair immediately collapsed, sending the troll to the floor. The troll lumbered back to its feet as everyone watched with bated breaths. It reached for another chair.
“Never mind that,” Aleric told him. “Sit on the floor.”
The troll sat with a bang that rattled the beds and chairs within range. He stared at Aleric, his chest heaving and beady eyes as wide as they could be.
“What’s going on here?” Aleric demanded. “Why are you trying to hurt these people?”
“Hurt me,” the troll replied.
“It talks!” Dr. Worthen said in amazement.
Aleric glanced at him. “Yes, he talks, and he’s very angry, which isn’t normal for a troll.” He looked back at the creature. “We’ll help you, not hurt you,” Aleric promised, “But you have to calm down. Can you do that?”
The troll nodded.
Out of the corner of his eye, Aleric saw Dartan circle around the troll. The vampire paused when he reached the creature’s far side.
“I see the problem,” the vampire said.
Aleric stepped sideways and heard the nursing staff follow him. He turned slowly, shielding them with his body until they were behind the troll. Several of the staff hurried out of reach.
“Oh no,” Nurse Eastwick said.
“Do you know what those are?” Dartan asked.
Aleric nodded. “Archdemon spikes.”
He put a hand on one of the foot-long metal spikes protruding from the troll’s back. He was about to pull it free, but Dr. Worthen grabbed his hand.
“There’s a more humane way to do that,” the doctor reminded him. “We’ll set up the surgery room.”
“Thank you,” Aleric said. He walked back around to face the troll. “You tangled with an Archdemon?”
The troll shook his head. “He fight me. Send me here.”
That gave Aleric reason to pause. “He sent you here? After he hurt you?”
The troll nodded.
“Why?” Dartan asked.
The troll met the vampire’s red gaze. “He said ‘Tell Aleric hi.’”
Aleric took several steps back. He looked from the vampire to the troll, then back to the vampire.
“Dartan, we’re in trouble.”
Dartan nodded. “There’s an Archdemon in Edge City.”
About the Author
Cheree Alsop is an award-winning, best-selling author who has published over 35 books, including two series through Stonehouse Ink. She is the mother of a beautiful, talented da
ughter and amazing twin sons who fill every day with joy and laughter. She is married to her best friend, Michael, the light of her life and her soulmate who shares her dreams and inspires her by reading the first drafts and giving much appreciated critiques. Cheree works as a fulltime author and mother, which is more play than work! She enjoys reading, traveling to tropical beaches, spending time with her wonderful children, and going on family adventures while planning her next book.
Cheree and Michael live in Utah where they rock out, enjoy the outdoors, plan great quests, and never stop dreaming.
Look for Dr. Wolf, the Fae Rift Series, Book 2- Demon Spiral. It will be available June 2016.
To be added to Cheree’s email list for notification of book releases, please send her an email to [email protected]
You can find Cheree’s other books at www.chereealsop.com
If you enjoyed this book, please review it so that others will be able to share in the adventure!
REVIEWS
The Girl from the Stars Series
This is my favorite Cheree Alsop book now! Her best yet! I loved it. So many twists and turns, great characters, excitement and hints of romance. I can't wait for the next one in the series.
—Voca Matisse, Reviewer
Fantastic book! Cheree's ability to write an amazing character that you not only sympathize with but also grow to care for, is one of the fabulous writing abilities that she lends to every story. This story line was full of epic twists and wry humor that had me engaged the entire way through. All in all a fun enjoyable read.
—akgodwin, Amazon Reviewer
This was one of the best books I have read in a while. Sci-fyi, adventure, thriller... could not put the book away. I already bought the second book in the series, and hope the third will come out soon.
—Kindle Customer
The main character, Liora, is a very mixed up but emerging person who is a genetic mutt! Half of her DNA is totally violence oriented whilst the other half is straight human, which is to say violent when necessary but basically well rounded. In the beginning she was a slave in a circus and had never known anyone she could trust or care for, and even when she is rescued from that hell she has a hard time adjusting to the idea that she can fit in anywhere. The action is frequent and well written and over time she keeps trying to both find reasons to fit in and reasons to strike out on her own. This is not resolved in the first book, and makes you want to read more. I like the series a lot and hope the writer keeps them coming.
—Sam, Amazon Reviewer
The Silver Series
“Cheree Alsop has written Silver for the YA reader who enjoys both werewolves and coming-of-age tales. Although I don’t fall into this demographic, I still found it an entertaining read on a long plane trip! The author has put a great deal of thought into balancing a tale that could apply to any teen (death of a parent, new school, trying to find one’s place in the world) with the added spice of a youngster dealing with being exceptionally different from those around him, and knowing that puts him in danger.”
—Robin Hobb, author of the Farseer Trilogy
“I honestly am amazed this isn’t absolutely EVERYWHERE! Amazing book. Could NOT put it down! After reading this book, I purchased the entire series!”
—Josephine, Amazon Reviewer
“A page-turner that kept me wide awake and wanting more. Great characters, well written, tenderly developed, and thrilling. I loved this book, and you will too.”
—Valerie McGilvrey
“Super glad that I found this series! I am crushed that it is at its end. I am sure we will see some of the characters in the next series, but it just won’t be the same. I am 41 years old, and am only a little embarrassed to say I was crying at 3 a.m. this morning while finishing the last book. Although this is a YA series, all ages will enjoy the Silver Series. Great job by Cheree Alsop. I am excited to see what she comes up with next.”
—Jennc, Amazon Reviewer
The Werewolf Academy Series
If you love werewolves, paranormal, and looking for a book like House of Night or Vampire Academy this is it! YA for sure.
—Reviewer for Sweets Books
I got this book from a giveaway, and it's one of the coolest books I have ever read. If you love Hogwarts, and Vampire Academy, or basically anything that has got to do with supernatural people studying, this is the book for you.
—Maryam Dinzly
This series is truly a work of art, sucked in immediately and permanently. The first line and you are in the book. Cheree Alsop is a gifted writer, all of her books are my complete favorites!! This series has to be my absolute favorite, Alex is truly a wonderful character who I so wish was real so I can meet him and thank him. Once you pick this book up you won't put it down till it's finished. A must read!!!!!
—BookWolf Brianna
Listed with Silver Moon as the top most emotional of Cheree's books, I loved Instinct for its raw truth about the pain, the heartbreak, and the guilt that Alex fights.
—Loren Weaver
Great story. Loaded with adventure at every turn. Can't wait till the next book. Very enjoyable, light reading. I would recommend to all young and old readers.
—Sharon Klein
The Galdoni Series
“This is absolutely one of the best books I have ever read in my life! I loved the characters and their personalities, the storyline and the way it was written. The bravery, courage and sacrifice that Kale showed was amazing and had me scolding myself to get a grip and stop crying! This book had adventure, romance and comedy all rolled into one terrific book I LOVED the lesson in this book, the struggles that the characters had to go through (especially the forbidden love)...I couldn’t help wondering what it would be like to live among such strangely beautiful creatures that acted, at times, more caring and compassionate than the humans. Overall, I loved this book...I recommend it to ANYONE who fancies great books.”
—iBook Reviewer
“I was not expecting a free novel to beat anything that I have ever laid eyes upon. This book was touching and made me want more after each sentence.”
— Sears1994, iBook Reviewer
“This book was simply heart wrenching. It was an amazing book with a great plot. I almost cried several times. All of the scenes were so real it felt like I was there witnessing everything.”
—Jeanine Drake, iBook Reveiwer
“Galdoni is an amazing book; it is the first to actually make me cry! It is a book that really touches your heart, a romance novel that might change the way you look at someone. It did that to me.”
—Coralee2, Reviewer
“Wow. I simply have no words for this. I highly recommend it to anyone who stumbled across this masterpiece. In other words, READ IT!”
—Troublecat101, iBook Reviewer
The Monster Asylum Series
What a rollercoaster, wow!! I never ever cried when reading a vampire book, but I did this time. I must say it's the best vampire book I've read since ever. One of the best books ever read so far.
—Conny, Goodreads Reviewer
I downloaded this book because of Cheree, I love her imagination. This one is so much fun to read,once I started I couldn't put it down. And now I believe not all Monsters are bad!! Looking forward to the next book in the series. Thanks Cheree
—Doughgirl61, Amazon Reviewer
Keeper of the Wolves
“This is without a doubt the VERY BEST paranormal romance/adventure I have ever read and I’ve been reading these types of books for over 45 years. Excellent plot, wonderful protagonists—even the evil villains were great. I read this in one sitting on a Saturday morning when there were so many other things I should have been doing. I COULD NOT put it down! I also appreciated the author’s research and insights into the behavior of wolf packs. I will CERTAINLY read more by this author and put her on my ‘favorites’ list.”
—N. Darisse
“This is a novel that will emotionally cri
pple you. Be sure to keep a box of tissues by your side. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will fall in love with Keeper. If you loved Black Beauty as a child, then you will truly love Keeper of the Wolves as an adult. Put this on your ‘must read’ list.”
—Fortune Ringquist
“Cheree Alsop mastered the mind of a wolf and wrote the most amazing story I’ve read this year. Once I started, I couldn’t stop reading. Personal needs no longer existed. I turned the last page with tears streaming down my face.”
—Rachel Andersen, Amazon Reviewer
“I just finished this book. Oh my goodness, did I get emotional in some spots. It was so good. The courage and love portrayed is amazing. I do recommend this book. Thought provoking.”
—Candy, Amazon Reviewer
Thief Prince
“I absolutely loved this book! I could not put it down. . . The Thief Prince will whisk you away into a new world that you will not want to leave! I hope that Ms. Alsop has more about this story to write, because I would love more Kit and Andric! This is one of my favorite books so far this year! Five Stars!”
—Crystal, Book Blogger at Books are Sanity
“. . . Once I started I couldn’t put it down. The story is amazing. The plot is new and the action never stops. The characters are believable and the emotions presented are beautiful and real. If anyone wants a good, clean, fun, romantic read, look no further. I hope there will be more books set in Debria, or better yet, Antor.”
