Eternal Life
(Sekhmet’s Guardians #5)
V. S. Nelson
Genre: Paranormal – romance
Book Length: + 500 pages
Publisher: Createspace
Eternal Lovers -When two hidden worlds collide near modern day Lake Michigan, Jennifer, a young Native American, is confronted with the reality not everything is as it seems and things do go bump in the night. The questions she has long since asked are answered in this epic tale of self discovery when she meets Gabriel; the director of Guardians Incorporated.
Born in New Tuat, Netchkhet, now known as Gabriel, came to Earth some five thousand years ago to protect the human race, Disillusioned because of an unfulfilled prophecy, he has become cold and distant – even from those of his kind. Secretly, he waits for his enemy to take his head so he may leave this world for good.
Can a tiny Selkie melt his hardened heart and restore his faith in a power far greater than himself? When history repeats itself, can he save her from death’s embrace or will they be robbed of a future again?
Born in New Tuat, Netchkhet, now known as Gabriel, came to Earth some five thousand years ago to protect the human race, Disillusioned because of an unfulfilled prophecy, he has become cold and distant – even from those of his kind. Secretly, he waits for his enemy to take his head so he may leave this world for good.
Can a tiny Selkie melt his hardened heart and restore his faith in a power far greater than himself? When history repeats itself, can he save her from death’s embrace or will they be robbed of a future again?
Eternal Nights – With each passing day Jessica’s consciousness grew stronger. For twenty years she was content to remain as she was—trapped inside another. The life she led came to an abrupt end the moment she laid eyes on Raphael. At first she suspected they were destined to be together–his gentle touch confirmed it. Although he didn’t know it, he ignited waves of a fiery passion that burned deep into her soul. It became brighter every day, giving her the strength she needed. Somehow she would find a way to free herself from her grandmother’s powerful magic.
Since her birth she learned vicariously from observing others of her kind and until now she was satisfied with the life she led. She had everything one would need to live a meaningful life without the stress the human world inflicts on its inhabitants. With each passing day her obsession to be more than she was, intensified. Jessica knew she was gifted with her race’s abilities to communicate with others but until now she had never used them. They say practice makes perfect and she was at a point now where she could make her presence known—at least to him.
Since her birth she learned vicariously from observing others of her kind and until now she was satisfied with the life she led. She had everything one would need to live a meaningful life without the stress the human world inflicts on its inhabitants. With each passing day her obsession to be more than she was, intensified. Jessica knew she was gifted with her race’s abilities to communicate with others but until now she had never used them. They say practice makes perfect and she was at a point now where she could make her presence known—at least to him.
Eternal Blades –Tshering Snow never meant to fall hopelessly in love with her savior, the Ancient, known as Lance, but she did. He seems to care deeply for her, spending every available hour with her, but will he be able to give up his past and settle down with one woman? After all, he has the reputation of a playboy.
Lance hates the personification he has created around himself. Afraid the others might not understand why; he has held back the truth from Gabriel and the other Guardians, he has waited for the right woman, the one Sekhmet prophesized so long ago. And now he has found her. When he is accused of fathering a child by both Gabriel and Tshering, how can he make them believe the child is not his, even if the boy is a spitting imagine of him?
After the women are attacked by Set’s Legions while relaxing on Jennifer’s new yacht, they come to the unanimous decision; they will train and join the Guardian forces. But that’s not as easy as it was meant to be. Old fashioned and hard headed, Gabriel is determined he will not having women fighting in their war.
When Tshering, Jennifer and Jessica are taken hostage by Set’s Legions all hell breaks loose on the Guardian’s compound. Lost without their mates, brother fights brother while they try save their women and put an end to the Legion’s terror. Will Sekhmet, the goddess they serve, step in and reveal the truth or will she leave them to find their own solutions to a never ending war as she has in the past?
Lance hates the personification he has created around himself. Afraid the others might not understand why; he has held back the truth from Gabriel and the other Guardians, he has waited for the right woman, the one Sekhmet prophesized so long ago. And now he has found her. When he is accused of fathering a child by both Gabriel and Tshering, how can he make them believe the child is not his, even if the boy is a spitting imagine of him?
After the women are attacked by Set’s Legions while relaxing on Jennifer’s new yacht, they come to the unanimous decision; they will train and join the Guardian forces. But that’s not as easy as it was meant to be. Old fashioned and hard headed, Gabriel is determined he will not having women fighting in their war.
When Tshering, Jennifer and Jessica are taken hostage by Set’s Legions all hell breaks loose on the Guardian’s compound. Lost without their mates, brother fights brother while they try save their women and put an end to the Legion’s terror. Will Sekhmet, the goddess they serve, step in and reveal the truth or will she leave them to find their own solutions to a never ending war as she has in the past?
Eternal Tuat - Unlike the other three novels in Sekhmet’s Guardians, this first person, stand-alone historical takes the reader back in time 6,000 years, back to the land of New Tuat and to ancient Egypt. The question, how could two identical twin brothers turn out so differently are answered by Bagsu in this epic tale of family, growth, loss, betrayal and brotherhood.
Bagsu, his name alone strikes fear in the Guardian Nation.
What can cause one twin, destined to take his father’s place as a priest turn evil and lead a crusade to dominate the human race while the other fights to save mankind?
Finally, secrets are revealed when Bagsu leads us back in time to the land of New Tuat. Experience first hand what really happened to Bagsu and Gabriel long before they became immortal, when twin brothers were the best of friends.
Bagsu, his name alone strikes fear in the Guardian Nation.
What can cause one twin, destined to take his father’s place as a priest turn evil and lead a crusade to dominate the human race while the other fights to save mankind?
Finally, secrets are revealed when Bagsu leads us back in time to the land of New Tuat. Experience first hand what really happened to Bagsu and Gabriel long before they became immortal, when twin brothers were the best of friends.
Excerpt:
SNIPPET: ETERNAL LOVERS
“SIT!” the black haired one, demanded.
He sat down in the chair directly next to Bill. He started to speak, but before he uttered a single word, he was silenced by the Ancient’s unspoken command.
“Do you know who I am?” The largest of them asked.
“Sire, I can only assume you are one of the seven Ancients, one of the makers of our race.”
“I am Gabriel, once know as Netchkhet. I am the leader of the Guardians.”
“Sire, it is an honor.”
“Silence. Do not speak unless you are spoken to. Your fate and the fate of that…” Gabriel said as he sneered at Bill, “…is undetermined. Do not try to please me with your whimpering pledges of admiration.”
It dawned on David that Gabriel’s mouth was not moving as he spoke. He was interjecting his thoughts directly into his mind.
“The decision has been made. I was content to keep your little secret quiet for Jennifer’s sake. I even thought about giving her husband the opportunity to make a choice, Jennifer or you. Not anymore.”
He turned his attention to Bill and spoke aloud. “You will release all holds on Jennifer. You will never see her again. Everything you own is now hers. Your house, your money, and your cars… Do you understand?”
Bill’s head nodded as he was still unable to speak.
Gabriel looked back at him and once again interjected his question directly into his mind.
“Does this mortal mean anything to you? Or is he here simply for your amusement? Speak your answer aloud so all can hear.”
David wasn’t sure if the Ancients would understand his feelings towards Bill but he had nothing to lose by telling them the truth. They would know if he was lying.
“I love him more than my own life. If he would have me, I would have him as my lifemate.”
“That woman has stood in the way of my happiness…”
Gabriel growled then slapped him right out of his chair and sent him flying across the room.
“DO NOT USE THAT TONE WITH ME EVER AGAIN!That woman as you called her has a name, and you are not worthy to speak it. Now get your ass back in the chair. I’m not finished with you.”
He crawled back across the floor and into the chair without ever standing.
Gabriel pulled out a cell phone and pushed a button to call someone.
“Are you watching this? Good, tell me what this son of a bitch’s holdings are.”
“Okay, thanks,” the Ancient said before flipped the cell phone closed.
“You’re lucky I don’t kill the two of you right here. Knowing what is in your veins gives me that right.”
He knew exactly what Gabriel was referring to. All immortals knew their own ancestry. He swallowed hard, hating the fact he was a descendent of Unab.
“In spite of everything you have done; the pain you have inflicted on a mere innocent, I will allow you both to live. I do not want to dirty my hands with your blood, for if I were to kill you, I would be unworthy of her presence. But I can not let you off scot free. You will make restitution on behalf of your new lifemate to Jennifer. Do you agree to my demands?”
David didn’t know what or how much it was going to cost him but he was willing to pay anything to have a life with Bill. He placed his right hand over his heart and bowed his head.
“Sire, on the blood of my father, I do so agree.”
The oath was given.
“Good. I have been informed that you have considerable holdings. You will deposit twenty five million dollars into a Swiss bank account we set up for her. In addition, you will deposit five hundred thousand into her personal bank account. For every year the two of you live, you will continue to make an additional deposit of the sum of five hundred thousand into her Swiss account. My associates will send you the information you will need within 24 hours. She will never know this money comes from you. Neither of you will see her again. Jennifer will remain under the care and protection of the Guardians for her entire life… Do you understand me?
David bowed his head.“Yes Sire.”
SNIPPET: ETERNAL NIGHTS
Hours later, with stars twinkling over head and a bright full moon, Raphael and Jessica walked barefoot out on the long cedar dock that overlooked Jennifer’s favorite cove. They sat, dangling their feet in the cool water, enjoying the quiet surroundings after a day packed with travel and entertaining others.
“Jessica, there are some things we need to talk about,” Raphael said, sadness seeping into his vocal cords as he spoke.
She didn’t want him to be sad–not now–not ever. Turning her head she looked at him, waiting for him to continue.
“When… After Jen did the separation…”
“Raphael, I think I know what is bothering you… you think I don’t remember you saving my life but I do… It’s what saved me, Ray.”
“Ray? Since when did I become Ray?”
“The minute I first laid eyes on you back at the animal rescue center. You were my ray of hope, my ray of inspiration, the one that gave me the strength to fight for what I believed to be my destiny.
“And now that you are here?”
There was a questioning tone to his voice–one she wasn’t sure she liked. His attitude was towards her was changing.Something is off. Had all of it been a lie? For over a week they remained by each other’s side. He never left her alone for more than a few minutes the entire time they were in the mountains. Was everything they encountered, night after night, while he slept a lie? Was it just some fantasy she created in her own mind to give her the strength she needed to overcome her grandmother’s magic? Was he just being kind to her out of some sense of obligation or for his love for Nowaki?
“You’re not sorry about offering your life force to me, are you?” She questioned silently, trying to hide her panic.
“Oh no, I was just afraid that you didn’t remember and that you might be uncomfortable with the idea… I don’t want any secrets between us… and I don’t want you to feel like you are being forced into a relationship you may not want…”
Want? Was he kidding? Ray is everything… my reason for living, for existing.
“After thinking about it, I don’t think that little action bound you to me… You do know that you are free to make your own decisions on where you want to live… who you want to be with…”
Is that why he hadn’t touched her this past week? He wanted her to choose someone else. It had never dawned on her until now, he might not want her. She fought back the tears as she stood up, slid out of Alice’s grey sweat suit and dove deep into the icy dark water.
In the mountains on the day they visited the cabin where she was born, Jennifer told her of her experiences as a Selkie. Jen had always had a love for water but said, “Never before embracing her Selkie side, did she truly know what it meant to be one with the water.” To be emerged and comforted by the depths of the deepest pools was something she was longing for–needed this very instant. No wonder broken hearted Selkies sought comfort at the bottom of the ocean. The minute she dove in she felt the water protecting and comforting her like a mother’s womb–like Nowaki had for so many years.
She wasn’t sure where this water would take her–hopefully somewhere away from here–away from all the pain she was feeling. Perhaps she would eventually find the great ocean Jennifer talked about–perhaps she would find others of her kind where she could live out her days. Why, oh why did I take Ray’s gift? The wounds would have killed me and I would have been spared from this agony.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With a love for history, Native American author V.S. Nelson, instructed elementary, high school and college in the U.S. and abroad before launching her second writing career.
V has been a story-teller all her life, always creating stories about people discovering the courage to make a difference. This drove her into writing her paranormal series centering on strong relationships and led her to coin the term: Ancient Legends, New Worlds.
She is well known for her “time management and sprint style writing,” producing well over five thousand words daily – consecutively. Ms. Nelson is available for speaking engagements, appearances and is more than willing to share her methodology with others in a variety of workshops.
A member of three RWA chapters she sits on several committees and judges writing contests across the states. She is currently the Vice President of Communications for the Desert Rose (Phoenix) RWA Chapter.
She enjoys hearing from readers, fans and people with similar interests. They are more than welcome to contact her through her website http://www.authorvsnelson.com
Interview
What is your favorite part of the Sekhmet's Guardians Series?
I think that would have to tie into the multi-plots - where one story winds down another one picks up leaving you with more questions than answers.
What's your favorite book-turned movie?
Currently, I would have to say Outlander - although it's a Starz series. The producers have done an amazing job staying true to the book(s). Too many times, I see books hacked to pieces or changed entirely once a movie crew gets the rights.
What is your typical day like?
Well for years my days were pretty much the same. Get up (early, usually by 5am), Spend an hour or so checking email, and other media accounts while drinking my coffee. Then I spent the next several hours sprinting (writing) out the rough drafts of my stories. Somewhere around 2pm I'd take a well deserved break then come back to the computer to hit rewrites and edits. Another break for dinner with hubby, then more edits. Eventually I'd find myself reading other people's work while drifting off to sleep. This schedule held true for close to three years with Sundays being reserved for family time and shopping. Of course every schedule has to be flexible. My once-a-month local RWA chapter meeting put a damper on edit and reading schedules on the last Tuesday of the month. Then all hell broke loose on a person level. My mother became seriously ill which left me taking care of my father and running back and forth Like most published authors, the public appearance-demands take me away from my closed-in-environment more and more, leaving my desktop call calling my name in my absence.
If you were stranded on a desert island which of your characters do you want by your side?
That would depend on the island. Remote desert island with a romantic setting - Gabriel. A fun island with lots of things to do - Jennifer, A scary island with bad creatures needing to be protected from - Bagsu.
If you could be best friends with one of your characters, who would it
be?
Best Friends - already with Jennifer - she is so much a part of me it's hard to tell us apart. Although like any best friends there are times when I want to slap some sense into her.
What do you prefer paperback, hardcover, or ebooks?
Preference on books - hardbacks always! You should see my twelve bookcases in my bedroom. They are filled with them.
Giveaway
I really like the look of this series, I'll have to look into picking it up!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this :)