Where to Buy Lagimat

 Hello everyone! Lagimat: Tome of Philippine Death Myths is available during MIBF. It is also available on Amazon. MIBF is on Sept. 11-15, SMX MOA.

Links down below:

Buy on Amazon

Why Death Myths?

Many Southeast Asian cultures, including the Philippines, have strong beliefs in an afterlife and the presence of spirits. Filipino mythology and death stories help shape national identity by passing down important cultural values like reverence for one's ancestors and reverence for one's elders.

My fellow writers Jean Karl Gaverza and Mary Louise Lu and I conceptualized Lagimat, A Tome of Philippine Death Myths. It has 61 entries divided into seven chapters. There are Psychopomps, The Ones Who Live Beyond, The Balancers, Sowers of Discord, Witches, Creatures and The Places Beyond.

In doing this project, I realized that although each ethnolinguistic group in our archipelago has distinct beliefs, there are similarities. And the way we view death, is different. It is very different from the Catholic and Christian views. Most of our death myths center around a journey. Many of the psychopomps are boat men, places in the afterlife are towns. Our views on death is not grim. What started a horror made me realize that Filipinos (the original pre-hispanic ones) have a more positive view of death. Perhaps there is a lesson or two to be seen here.

And perhaps, there is a part two to be written...

I've used different scripts in the book. they all say the same thing: Lagimat

How come I didn't use more scripts? Simple: These are the only cultures we have touched in these books (those with scripts, at least).

Pre-order Lagimat and other books for MIBF here: https://forms.gle/vmRP9p1AUp6ALore8

Book Scoping and Evaluation 2024

 Hello, my readers!

As you all know, I'd love for our teens to read, read, read! For teachers, librarians, and homeschooling parents, if you are scoping some of my books that are fit for English High School Reading, these are my recommended books. 

Oh, yes! I have included some romances. Why? Because I believe there should be an introduction to proper romance. If you need help, comments, or inquiries, feel free to contact me via my Facebook page. I only check Instagram and TikTok messages once a week.  

Free Book Review Sheets for Steamerella

 I have good news!

My book, Steamerella, is one of the books scoped and evaluated by the Department of Education for Supplementary Reading Material for schools. 

Because of that, I am giving away this free Book Review Page. Feel free to print this. 

If you are an English teacher, this book is great for book reviews. You can use or modify the pages below.

NEW FREE BOOK ALERT: The Ice Tinker

 

In an alternate world full of gears and dreams, the Ice Queen rules her kingdom with regal grace. Her daughter, Marie Rose, a lonely tinker girl, embarks on a daring journey from the icy realm to Neo Industrial London. Guided by a mechanical locket, she uncovers her father's fate beneath the Steam Theatre's grand facade. A steampunk adventure unfolds as she navigates the Phantom's realm, and secures her father's freedom. With love prevailing, they return to the Ice Kingdom, completing a tale of family, gears, and dreams.

Download here

Look for more books in the Free Books Tab! Yes, it is free! Download and put it in your favorite e-reader or print it for personal use.

Me as a Writer - Interview Questions I answered for Manananggals in the City

 

What is a Manananggal?

 My upcoming book with Pinoy Indie Collab stars a Manananggal named Beldine Rosario. I have twisted the Manananggal myth to suit my story but I have taken some things from the source materials.

The Manananggal is a legendary monster with deep roots in Filipino culture, with a long and varied history that has been influenced by many different traditions. The Filipino root of "Manananggal" is "tanggal," which means "to remove" or "to separate." The creature's ability to dissociate its upper and bottom halves inspired its moniker, which describes its nocturnal, villainous antics.

Indigenous beliefs and animism were common in the Philippines before colonization, and this is where the Manananggal had their start. Many different kinds of supernatural entities, some good and others bad, were represented in these early beliefs. These indigenous traditions mixed with Catholicism after the establishment of Spanish colonial control in the 16th century. Like many other animals in Filipino legend, the Manananggal evolved and gained a darker reputation throughout time. The Manananggal has a reputation for being linked with witches, shapeshifters, and practitioners of black magic.

Traditional depictions of the Manananggal have her disguised as a beautiful woman by day and a hideous, winged monster by night. Its alleged diet includes the hearts of unborn children and the blood of living humans. It does this by separating its top body, which grows wings and flies to its prey, from its bottom body, which remains on the ground.

I wasn't going in that direction. In my world, Beldine and her tribe are a race of creatures who are all-women. Male offspring come out as humans. The women live in the jungles of Asia, primarily in the Philippines. They were discriminated against because of the Spanish Era, calling them demons and mosntaers. When the age of medicine came, humans found out that their organs were promising. They were exactly like humans except more resilient to disease and overuse. This led to them being a highly sought commodity and thus the tribe hid themselves further. When they were decimated, Beldine, a survivor, chose to live among humans, hiding in plain sight. 

Read about the complication that came to her life: Moonlight Eclipse

Sources for the manananggal can be seen here:

https://thoughtcatalog.com/january-nelson/2018/08/the-manananggal/

https://academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Manananggal

https://phspirits.com/manananggal/

Unlocking Reading Skills: Create Book Activities

Before you can write, you're going to have to learn to read. Whether it is you, your child or your student, I hope these tips could help!

From immersive storytelling experiences to inventive writing prompts, this is an enchanting portal for young minds to realize their full potential. Discover the power of reading as a voyage of awe and writing as a path of self-expression, bridging the distance between the love of stories and the pleasure of creating them. 

Let us start by finding out what tickles your or their fancy. Genres and themes would be the best place to start. When I was pre-teens, my sister and I loved horror and myth stories. We devoured books like crazy. Recess? Who cares! I have to read in the library. Maximo D. Ramos? I have to find his most obscure books in other sources. Then we progressed to RL Stein and Goosebumps. We also had a collection of Nancy Drew and Enid Blyton at home, not to mention those Time Life Encyclopedias. Dinosaurs? I'd name them like Pokemons.

Now, choose a topic or genre. Then read something along those. You know, Amazon suggests you books based on your searches and purchases.

Now, let's make things fun. After reading, let's do some fun activities.

In the age before TikTok, I did scrapbooks and collage boards for fun. The height was during my Harry Potter Phase. I also created games based on Harry Potter. Note, this was before the merch and the movies. 

For books that had a good concept but I did not enjoy the ending, I wanted to rewrite my own ending. It was an activity that my high School English teacher made us do. We were given a story and asked to change the ending however we wanted.

Now, it is the age of technology, there's so much more we can do like make a BookTok or TikTok about the book. You can make trailers. you can even redesign the covers. All this can be done with various tools, especially with AI. (Don't be afraid to experiment!)

You know what else you can do? Create challenges! Challenge other readers. Challenge your friends on Social Media! Challenge your kids! Ignite the competitive spirit!

I hope you enjoyed these tips.

I want to impart my knowledge as a writer and hope to learn from other writers as well. 

Never stop learning! I'll never be the best writer but I know I'll forever continue to improve. Reading is a way to help improve. You cannot be a writer unless you are also a reader. So, unlock those reading skills!

 

Manananggals in the City - A Fusion of Folklore and Modernity

"Manananggals in the City" is a remarkable collaboration that not only celebrates but also reimagines Filipino folklore, revealing its relevance and depth in a modern environment. The initiative highlights the skill and originality of Filipino Indie Authors by presenting an intriguing tale that captivates, fascinates, and invites readers to discover the compelling combination of myth and urban contemporary. Prepare to enter a world where tradition collides with innovation, and the manananggal emerges as a symbol of undying myth and ageless attraction.

At the helm of this ambitious literary endeavor is Mayumi Cruz, spearheading the efforts of the Pinoy Indie Authors. Working in collaboration with esteemed authors like Maita Rue of Romance Writers of the Philippines, Jean Karl Gaverza of Philippine Spirits, and Yeyet Soriano of Heist Club, Keira Viresse, Paola Aliedo, Mia Daquial, Fred Figueroa, and Marigold Andres Uy. They form a creative powerhouse dedicated to exploring the uncharted realms of folklore and contemporary fiction.

Upcoming Titles in the Collaboration

 

1.    The Tie That Binds by Mayumi Cruz

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Horror

FB: MayumiCruzAuthorPage

IG: @mcruz501

www.mayumi-cruz.com

 

2.    Moonlight Eclipse by Maita Rue

Genre: Paranormal Romance/ Urban Fantasy

FB: @authormaitarue

IG: Babymoonmaita

TikTok & YouTube: @maitarue

www.MaitaRue.com

 

3.    My Girlfriend Is a Manananggal by Keira Viresse

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Urban Fantasy

FB page: @KeiraViresse

IG: @keira_viresse

Linktree: linktr.ee/keira_viresse

 

4.    One by One by Yeyet Soriano

Genre: Crime Fiction

FB: @Yeyetsorianowrites

IG: @Yeyetsoriano

Youtube: @yeyetsoriano6242

www.yeyetsoriano.com

 

5.    Naima's War by Jean Karl Gaverza

Genre: Fantasy

FB&IG: @Phspirits

https://phspirits.com/

 

6.    My Manananggal Dream by Paola Aliedo

Genre: Urban Fantasy

FB: @paolaaliedo

 

7.    The Groovy Manananggal by Fred Figueroa

Genre: Fantasy

FB: @fred.figueroa2

 

8.    Maya, At Your Service by Marigold Andres Uy

Genre: Action, Fantasy

FB &IG: @goldenartsbymarigold

 

9.    Expansion by Mia Daquial

Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy

FB: @MiaDaquial

Philippine buyers can buy these books by contacting the authors on their social media account.

Ebooks and paperbacks are also available on Amazon and other digital stores on each author’s account.

 

Pen Promo Extended for MIBF!

This promotion is not connected to 8Letters, NBDB, PBF, SM or Tiktok.

To promote my books, all you have to do is make a Tiktok or Instagram Reel, share it and tag me @maitarue or @babymoonmaita and get a free 6-colored pen.

Rules:

1. The video must be shared public and tagged.
2. Pens are limited so first come, first serve.
3. One person per pen only. We appreciate it if you want to make a lot of videos. We may offer you a pencil pouch if there is still stock.
4. Videos must be substantial or have value. Min 15 seconds, no need for voice but a review is appreciated. Must contain pictures or clips of my book. Physical or Amazon. (Please purchase any, the point of this promotion is to sell more books)
5. May only be claimed during MIBF, Sept. 14-17, SMX, at the 8Letters Booth via Maita Rue (Me). To make sure you find me (because I love running around bookfairs!) message me via facebook.com/authormaitarue or instagram.com/babymoonmaita

Good luck!

How to Make BookToks

 TikTok is the hottest app out there so if you want discoverability, it's the best platform to use. Make a TikTok that's about your book, a BookTok!

Click this video and watch my short video.

Steamerella News

Hello, everyone!

 Steamerella was one of my older publications. I've decided to have it on print. 84 pages, cream paper, available on Amazon's print-on-demand service.

I also made sure it doesn't cost as much as the Kindle version. :-)

Below is my teaser trailer:

 

Steam Singer Book Trailers

 Hello everyone! Trying to make some Book Trailers that are shareable and fun. Hoping it will drive traffic to my older publications. The Stories for the Steam Theatre Series will continue.

Book Reading: Big Bad Wolf Meets His Big Beautiful Mate

 Hello, everyone! For this book, I'll take you on an adventure with me. I'm reading each chapter and post it every night on my YouTube channel. I'll be updating this list until it's all twelve chapters.

This book is entitled Big Bad Wolf Meets His Big Beautiful Mate. It stars a Werewolf named Argus Urbane and he bumps into a big girl named Rose. He is drawn to her. She is the pack's newest fortuneteller. Set in Manila's Trendy High-End Resort, these wolves will surely entertain you. 

Author's note, this book picks up a couple months after Care Package Mate.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Big Bad Wolf Meets His BBW Mate (Chapter 1)

I'm joining NaNoWriMo this year and here's a sample chapter from my latest story. This story takes place after Care Package Mate. (You can find a copy on Amazon)

I've got some recurring characters here that are from previous books. Argus "Gus" Urbane was screaming, nay, bulldozing his way into the pages. Enjoy!

Scene from Chapter 1

Gus had been in a bad mood for three weeks. Mad Mariah’s replacement was late. A week late. This new replacement said a storm had prevented her from getting here. The tent Gus pitched in the gallery had already been set up for a week. There were plenty of inquiries on who the new fortuneteller was.

He was proud of the tent. It was fuchsia pink, Mariah’s favorite color. It had gold tassels and warm fairy lights around. Inside, it was velvet lined, had mood lighting, thick carpeting and had plush pillows.

Where in the world was she?

He turned around and was marching to Markus’ office when he bumped into something extra bouncy.

“Ooof!”

“Pardon me,” he said when he was unfazed yet the person who bumped him fell in a clatter of pillows, cards and marbles. It was a lady underneath the fluff of fabric. She was cute and a bit on the curvy side. She had no mask but had a face shield instead. Gus smiled and stretched out a helping hand. He thought she was cute and definitely edible.

“So sorry! I needed to get away from—eek!” She jumped up on Gus.

Gus had no problem carrying her generous weight. In his surprise, he let the lady literally climb on him. He frowned when he saw little Goliath yipping and jumping around the lady. The little dog was taking pleasure in jumping on the lady’s things. She even peed on one of the embroidered pillows.

“Nooooo! Bad dog!” The lady was horrified at her pillows being soiled. She jumped down from Gus and tried to shake the pee away.

Goliath, a chubby Chihuahua overly spoiled by her parents, grabbed one of the pillow’s ends and was determined to snack on it. The lady tried to pull on the pillow and stuffing and dried herbs exploded into the plaza. “My pillows!” The lady was in tears by then.

Gus was horrified at such a horrendous behavior from the little dog shifter. “Goliath,” he barked. The little dog gave a growl, challenging the big Werewolf. Normally, it was cute but nobody challenged Gus and lived to tell the tale. He may not be Markus’ Beta but he could still hold his own. Gus took her by the scruff of her neck and held her eye to eye. “You challenging me, pup? You know I could eat you for dinner.”

The little dog turned into a naked little girl and stuck out her tongue. “Daddy won’t let you!”

“See if he can stop me!” He growled.

“I’m gonna tell daddy!”

“Tell him all you want! I’ll show him your pee stains after you become my midnight snack!” Gus bared his teeth and roared. His head was turning wolf and was threatening to bite the little imp.

Scared, the little girl screamed and howled like a banshee. “Daddy! Mommy! Daddy!”

Seeing the exchange, the lady who was busy trying to save her things from pee, fainted. Markus came running towing a behemoth vampire behind him. Security must have called them. “Gus, let her down and for heaven’s sake, someone get her some clothes!”

Argus let the naked girl go, unceremoniously dumping her on the soiled pillow. She frowned at the wet feeling and started to cry-howl.

His head turned back to human. Only Werewolves and Eagle Shifters could partially shift their bodies to their animal counterparts. Wolves also have the Half-form where they turned into the humanoid wolf form of legends. “Vamp, I thought you’ve potty trained this critter? Look at this mess! We can’t have her chasing guests and peeing on their things.” Gus loved Goliath but she was acting so spoiled lately since she was the youngest pup in the pack. Technically Caleb and his family didn’t belong to the pack hierarchy but Markus sort of adopted Caleb and his family, making them honorary pack members.

“Goliath, what did we talk about? When you are in public places, you must be human and no peeing anywhere.” Caleb used his sternest dad-voice. Goliath kept cry-howling. Unable to resist her, Caleb enveloped her in a hug, partly to cover her nudity, partly to comfort her. “Hush, let’s go upstairs and get some clothes.” He left with her, giving an apologetic nod to Argus.

The maintenance crew came and started to pick up the fallen items. Two pillows were a goner. One of them had pee stains while the other had its insides ripped. Gus came over the fainted lady and helped her up. She was unresponsive. He felt her head, trying to sense if she had hit it on the floor. Markus came over to the fallen girl and Gus. The lady was a little pale. Gus didn’t like that. If something happened to her, they were liable. “There’s no lump on her head but she’s not coming to yet.”

“Take her to one of the rooms. I’ll send for a doctor,” Markus said. Gus nodded. “If she still isn’t awake, we’ll have to call for an ambulance.” Lucky for Wolves, they had an in-house doctor, nutritionist, nurse and dentist. Markus insisted each Wolves Resort to have one set in-house. He claimed a fortune teller told him that. The prediction paid-off. Many emergencies were quelled because they had competent in-house staff ready for action.

“Oh, please be careful with her, Gus. Meet our new fortuneteller. She’s Mad Mariah’s replacement.”

 

 

***

 

Rousella Jean Silvio came to and blinked, trying to remember why she was in an unfamiliar environment. It was so comfortable in the bed. The sheets smelled like fabric softeners. The pillows were fluffy and not well-worn like hers. She sat up and blinked. All she saw was a scruffy face who blocked her sunlight. Was she in the beach? Everything beyond his face seemed bright.

“Good morning, starshine. Do you need anything? I’ve taken the liberty of ordering food. Don’t worry. It’s on my tab,” the hulking giant said standing at the front of the light said.

Whatever he said, didn’t make sense to her. She turned her head to look around. Where was she? Did she faint? This didn’t look like a hospital room. It looked like a… hotel room, something she’d only seen in movies. She’s never actually been in a hotel room before. This definitely looked like the ads. It even smelled like what she’d imagined it to smell like, fabric softened and cleanliness. The man was standing in front of the floor to ceiling glass window. The sun was high above and it streamed through, nearly blinding her.

He moved closer. Scared, she rolled away, getting away from him. The bed was so big that she only rolled to the center of it.

“Please, starshine, eat. I’m not here to hurt you, just feed you. I hope you’re not on a diet. I like a woman with meat on the bones.”

Rousella, or Rose to her family, eyed him. He was a big man, foreign, carried himself well and dressed in a light-colored suit. Beneath the suit was one hundred percent pure muscles and the seams began to strain when he flexed.

“My name is Rousella,” she finally said. “Not starshine.”

“Forgive me, starshine, you were ever so radiant that I was nearly blinded. Please, come and join me. You’ll need breakfast, Rousella.”

There was something in the way he pronounced her name that made her shiver. Was it the accent? Or was it because she instinctively knew he was not human.

“Rooozeyliaaah,” he said once again as he made his way to the couches to the other end of the room.

“Um, Rose, would do.” She hopped over to the floor, trying to wrestle with her long skirts. She loved long and voluminous skirts but it was a bit cumbersome at the moment.

When she finally reached the floor, she wobbled before reaching the back of the couches. That’s when she saw a huge coffee table the size of a conference table. It wasn’t a light snack before her. It was a buffet.

The layout of the room was quite unique. There was a whole living room in front of the giant bed. One side of the room were wall-to-ceiling windows overlooking the resort. Rose glanced and saw her tiny tent for her card reading.

“Coffee, tea or milk tea?” They had all kinds of drinks in the resort, even four branded milk tea chains to choose from.

“I take warm milk tea, no sugar, extra pearls,” she said.

“Got it!” The behemoth went to the e-tablet mounted on the wall. He punched a few buttons for room service. He ordered her warm milk tea while asking for orange juice and black coffee for himself.

Rose sat on the single-seater couch on one side of the buffet. Was this food for a week? She loved eating but lately, money’s been tight. She had to forgo having weekly milk tea, specialty lattes and food binges. This temptation in front of her was not being helped by the temptation that was standing near the e-tablet.

Normally, Rose liked them big. She thought a small guy would probably get squished by her. This supernatural before her was big, huge. But he wasn’t fat. No, he was a hundred percent muscle underneath the suit. She could stare at him the whole day. She probably was because he smiled at her and sauntered over. With the grace of a tiger, he jumped from behind the couch to just right in front of her. Rose gasped. He was fast.

The man sat on the adjacent couch. How many couches does one room need? This was an odd layout but it was clearly meant for someone who entertained a lot.

He scooped what looked like Scampi pasta into a large bowl. “Try this.”

Rose accepted the bowl. The food smelled delicious. Everything smelled so good. “Who are you?”

“Oh, pardon me, starshine. My name is Argus Urbane. Gus for short,” he said as he scooped pasta and ribs on his own bowl.

He was eating food so that ruled out Vampires, she thought. Perhaps he was a shifter. It was his grace and how he jumped. Then, there was a glow behind his eyes. He was definitely not human.

The more he ate, the more she tried to guess what kind of shifter he was. In less than ten minutes he cleared a fourth of the entire spread. She was just finishing her pasta.

“Try the surf and turf. It’s to die for!”

Before she could respond, he began to pile her bowl with pieces of steak and shrimps. When she hesitated, he forked a crispy shrimp to her lips. It was dripping in butter garlic sauce. She couldn’t help but bite into it. It was indeed so good.

“So, who are you?” She asked again. Knowing his name was not helping her connect the dots. Why was she in a hotel room with a stranger who was feeding her so much food?

“I just told you. Name’s Gus,” he said as he piled on more food. He poured gravy and butter garlic over his surf and turf.

“That doesn’t answer anything.” He passed the butter garlic sauce and she accepted it. Did he think she was so desperate for food that she’d accept it from a random stranger? She didn’t want to seem rude.

“I happened to carry you from the plaza to here. Surf and Turf is one of the best-sellers of The Cavern. You should try it. We have our annual employees’ Christmas parties there.”

With food this good, it was definitely an incentive to stay. Apart from pasta and surf and turf, there were baked clams drowned in cheese, a fondue set, a chocolate fountain, exotic salads, a fruit plate and a gigantic slice of cheesecake.

“Cheesecake,” the word escaped her buttery lips before she censored herself. Cheesecake was her one weakness. She blew her money away when she saw cheesecake. She liked all types of them: Oreo cheesecake, matcha cheesecake, blueberry cheesecake, Raspberry cheesecake, New York cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake and more. The newer the flavor, the more she wanted to taste it.

“Ah, yeah, they only had a slice left from the buffet last night. Unfortunately, the chef de patisserie reported sick today. We can’t let her back until she’s fine and has a COVID test.”

“Oh, that’s too bad,” she said, never taking her eyes off the cheesecake. “I’m going to have to taste it, make sure it’s safe to eat.”

Sensing her intent, he lunged towards the cheesecake. Rose, being closest to the cheesecake, grabbed the delicacy with her bare hands.

“That cheesecake is mine!” His eyes glowed bright golden.

“Not fast enough.” She started to bite into the cake. It was so firm yet had the right flavors. It wasn’t the cheap kind where they mixed in half a pint of cream more than the cheese and added gelatin to set it. This was the real-deal. It was a New York Cheesecake.

The cheesecake was so divine, she was devouring it at an alarming rate. “Oh no you don’t!” Gus grabbed her hands. The remnants of the cheesecake were still there. He began to lick it clean.

Rose was frozen in place at such a carnal act. Was he going to eat the rest of her too? Is that why he was feeding her? No doubt he was a supernatural person. What if he was a dragon shifter? What if his intent was to eat her? She needed to find Markus Simeon and get started on working before she became his midnight snack.

The door burst open and two big men came in. “Ha! I told you she’d have Gus eating at the palm of her hands! Pay up,” the man in light colored suit said but she doubted if he was human.

“I didn’t think it was literal,” the behemoth in pinstripes muttered. He handed his friend a plastic card. “Well, Ms. Silvio, it seems you are awake and have tamed young Gus.”

She pulled her hands away and wiped them on a napkin. “Um, hi. Who are you?” Her space was suddenly invaded by big hulking men.

Gus frowned. “I think she’s hit her head harder than we thought. She kept asking me who I am. I already told her my name twice.”

Rose frowned. “Yes, you said your name but I still don’t know who you are.”

“I think proper introductions are in order. I’m Markus Simeon, proprietor and predator.” The man in pinstripes had a gallant way about him that didn’t fit with what she saw on the internet as Werewolf. This Werewolf was sophisticated.

“W-werewolf?”

“Yes, and this is Caleb, he owns the gym and some of the restaurants here at Wolves. He co-owns the casinos. That’s Gus. He likes to eat and was hoping you’d read his palm. He’s also the head of construction and maintenance here at Wolves.” Markus pointed to the other two men, introducing them.

“Rose would do. I don’t read palms. I read oracle cards and aura,” she admitted. “So, everyone’s a Werewolf?” that explained the size.

Before he could answer, a team of waiters came and cleared the used dishes. They replenished the buffet and provided plates for Markus and Caleb.

They all sat around the table and began to eat. “I’m a Vampire,” Caleb said.

“But you’re eating!” Rose’s eyes were bulging when she saw him bite into a well-done rib.

“Of course! I get hungry too, you know. Also, I have to build muscle mass,” Caleb said as he bit into prime ribs.

“Don’t mind Caleb. He’s becoming more animal than Vampire these days,” Markus said as he fixed coffee for himself.

Caleb threw a piece of French fry at his friend. “You are the animals I hang with.”

Markus caught the fry and ate it. “My point exactly. We’re all predators here. Vampires are supposed to be the sophisticated kind.” When he said sophisticated, he flourished is spoon in the air. “You’re running around uncivilized. Your wife might object.”

“She loves me so she puts up with me being more animal than sophistication.” Caleb grabbed a handful of shrimps from the surf and turf tray and ate it in one bite. “I’ll bring her over once you’ve set up your tent,” he told Rose.

“I’ve already set it up,” Gus declared. “I’ve even decorated it until your imp peed on it.”

Caleb winced. “My apologies,” he said to Rose. “That was my daughter. She’s only ten and she’s only found her human legs recently.”

Rose didn’t quite understand that scenario. She knew there was a backstory to a Vampire with a dog shifter for a daughter who lost and found her legs. For now, she decided to listen. These people were who she’d be working for and working with.

Markus fixed himself a plate of pancakes and topped it with beef stroganoff. Compared to Caleb, he used a fork and knife. “Great! Ms. Silvio can put her finishing touches and start right away. These days, fortune tellers are a rare commodity, you know. While everyone’s here, we can talk. I just need a copy of the signed contract and you can have the tent.”

“I don’t have a printer,” Rose admitted.

“Not a problem.” Markus typed something on his phone. “My secretary will print it. Any concern on the particulars?”

“No, sir. It’s actually a pretty good deal. Thanks for the one-year free gym membership.” The contract for her tent in the plaza was pretty straight forward. She would give forty percent of her income to Wolves in exchange for the tent, lunch and dinner in the employees’ mess hall, medical insurance, free room and buffet for her birthday and invitations to Wolves Employee Events. Caleb gave her a one-year free gym membership as a welcoming gift. Technically, she was not an employee but a tenant. There were stipulations in her contract that states that all Wolves employees get a twenty percent off discount in her readings and Pack Members and immediate family gets forty percent off.

Rose sipped her warm milk tea. She liked it warm instead of cold. It was relaxing. She indulged herself in the spread in front of her. Who knew when she could eat like this? She piled on the surf and turf and tried the fish curry next. She let the conversation flow around her. There was something easy to get along with about these three men around her. They were big and all predators but hey treated her well and even told her of the state of the city. Minutes later, there was a knock on the door.

“Ah, there’s the pup and he’s towed another pup.” Markus called for the man to enter. His nose already told him who was at the door. “This is Ryan, my secretary. He’s the one who’s emailing you.”

“Good morning! Ryan Urbane, at your service.” The man was relatively younger than Markus and Gus. He was not as muscled but he was getting there. He was a foreigner and definitely a Werewolf. His suit had more color than the other two. Ryan wore a maroon suit over a navy shirt. He had a golden name tag on his left breast pocket.

“Urbane? You are brothers?” She looked at Gus, noting there was little resemblance between the purple-haired boy and the burly redhead.

Gus, Ryan and Markus laughed. “It is a Werewolf custom that members of the pack take on as Surname the name of the pack.”

“Oh, how interesting! But what about you? How come your name is different?”

Markus sipped his coffee. “My late father’s request to keep his name but I don’t run with the Simeon Pack. From my father, my eldest brother inherited the mantle of leadership. I chose to create my own pack, a business pack. One that’s not bound by land territory.”

“Boss, this little imp wants to say something,” Ryan inclined his head indicating the little monster who clung to his pants. They had all but forgotten Goliath, the little dog shifter who wreaked havoc on Rose’s pillows.

Caleb sighed. “Lia, are you here to say sorry?”

There was a squeak behind Ryan.

“This was the little animal who attacked your things and peed on your pillow. She’s also my adopted daughter,” Caleb explained. “We call her Goliath but Markus is trying to train her to respond to Lia as her human name. My wife raised her for the past ten years not knowing she was a shifter. Lia, come out here. What will you tell Ms. Rose?”

“I’m sowwy,” the little girl mumbled, still clutching Ryan’s pants tight.

“And?”

“I’m sowwy I barked at you and I’m sowwy I peed on your piwwows and ate them.” The little girl poked her head out to look at Rose. “I thot I kill’t you.”

“The excitement has gotten to me. You are forgiven as long as you promise not to do it again.” Rose’s pillows wouldn’t survive a washing.

“I pwomise!”

“That’s a good girl. Come to daddy.” Caleb patted the cushion beside him. The little girl ran from behind Ryan and jumped in the air landing on the couch. Caleb put a plate of pancakes in front of her. The chubby little girl ate as much as her daddy.

Gus poured her some more milk tea. “It’s not the excitement. Doctor came. Gave you all kinds of tests. Did a rapid test too, just in case. You’re COVID-free. He said you were dehydrated and your blood sugar was way, way low.” He then put a serving of ice cream in front of her and put crushed pineapples and cherries. Not satisfied, he put chocolate syrup on top. “You should eat more.”

“I’m trying to cut down.”

“You aren’t on a diet, are you? Those don’t work, you know. Look, thin people ain’t happy. Trust me. I’ve dated a lot of them. Happy people are happy because they aren’t hungry.”

That was the strangest analogy she has ever heard. Although the truth of her dieting was two-fold. “I’ll keep that in mind but with the amount of chocolate syrup you put, I’m headed for diabetes.” The bowl was big, with three scoops of ice cream. He had put generously the topics.

Markus laughed. “Ease up, Gus!” To Rose, he said, “not to worry, Rose. As part of our medical package, you have access to our nutritionist. She’ll work a healthy plan out for you.”

“That would be wonderful.” Rose was so happy. They were very generous with her.

Ryan handed her the contract. She signed them and handed them back. Ryan had Markus sign as well.

“Ryan will have this notarized then send you a copy,” Markus said. Ryan nodded and left.

Gus was looking at her, excited and happy. “Ready to start? I can’t wait already!”

“Whoa, boy! Let her finish her food.” The alpha reigned in Gus. The wolf could be very enthusiastic and as Alpha, he didn’t want that to scare the pack’s new fortuneteller.

More food was passed around. Rose loved to eat. She didn’t get the size she was at for nothing. Eating was her comfort and joy but she had no idea Werewolves could eat so much. They nearly devoured the tablecloth when they were cleaning their plates up. This was no mindless eating. They were enjoying the spread.

Then, Caleb complained that it lacked variety. Markus commented that it was supposed to be a midmorning snack and not brunch. It was getting late already. They all had work to do. Markus stood and made his excuses to go. Caleb dragged his little girl and apologized once more to Rose. He promised to send a voucher to replace the pillows that Lia ruined. The two men bid Rose goodbye and went to work.

“They’ll have brunch in an hour. Want to join them? They’ll be dining at The Needle Point. It’s at the rooftop restaurant of the Simeon,” Gus said. He called for waiters to clean up the dishes.

She didn’t think she could eat until Midnight. “Is this typical of the super sets?”

“What? Live in hotels or welcome guests with breakfast?”

“Um, eating a lot.” She came from a culture of welcoming guests with food. If these Werewolves came to town, she wouldn’t know where to get the amount of food they consumed. And it was just ten in the morning!

“Oh, yeah, that. You see, Werewolves burn a lot of calories especially when they expend energy. We have to eat a lot. Markus actually didn’t eat a lot since he’s stuck in his desk most days.” That wasn’t a lot? The man ate five plates’ worth, she observed.

“What about you? You don’t look like the type of wolf to be stuck behind the desk.” She noted his bulging muscles and calloused hands.

“Me behind a desk?” He laughed heartily. “I like hard work. My specialty is in construction. I’ve a degree in engineering and am now studying architecture online.”

“A wolf of many talents.”

He beamed a smile at her. Gus was charming. Too bad, she thought, she couldn’t have him or someone like him. “This morning was interesting. So, about eating a lot,” she prompted when they exited the hall. Gus led her to the elevator.

“Breakfast, midmorning snack if you’re peckish, brunch if you’re in a hurry, lunch, snack, coffee break, appetizers before dinner, dinner, dessert, nighttime coffee break, midnight snack, sleep. That’s basically a Werewolf’s life.”

She was amazed at the amount of food and the frequency they ate. Her food schedule was usually just breakfast, lunch and dinner with a bag of junk food in between. Finally, they arrived at the plaza. The plaza was in the middle of the resort. Gus promised to check in on her later.

New Titles! Paranormal Paramores and more!

 

Hello! It's been so long since I've published. Covid had put a damper on my plans, not to mention a damper on my mood. I have been writing but I have not finished most of the things that I've started. Now, I have pushed myself to finally put an ending to some of the stories so they can progress.

Here are some of the titles and most of the new releases will be Paranormal Romance. To let you know, they will all be set in the same universe but will have a different focus. Some characters will be making an appearance or two or three.

Resto Rescue will get a fresh new cover this year to fit in with the theme of the Paranormal line. Although these aren't marketed as a series but a standalone, it's a definite great read to kick-off the paranormal line. Rafe Redmoon will be making an appearance in the BBW X Supernatural Romance Series. 

My Vampire Heart for Your Human Soul is set in the same universe but also a stand-alone. It is set pre-pandemic and stars a Vampire cum nanny.

Care Package Mate is set during the pandemic. Which is around now-ish. It stars a carefree gym mogul Vampire who falls in love with a big curvaceous girl. She's generous in heart and size.

This book will come in a series. Part 2 will be released this summer. I have already written it but I want to marinate it a bit just in case I want to edit a few things. Part 3 is partially written and is scheduled for release this August 2021.

A third new title will be revealed soon!

All these titles will be released on Amazon!

Click here to buy Maita's Books.

A Steampunk World Away...

Sample of what I'm working on:


“Come one, come all! Try a free show at the Crystal Theatre and we guarantee you’ll be in for a treat!” The man was dressed in feathers and gears. Ali looked in wonder. The man smiled at her and handed her two tickets.

“F-for me?” She stammered.

The man nodded. “The show starts in an hour, lad.”

“B-but I’m no gent, sir. Surely, only the members of the ton can watch,” she pushed the ticket back to the man.

He shook his head good-naturedly. “No, lad, the Crystal Theatre is for general public. The Marquee declared it so. You may watch and take a companion with you,” he pushed back the tickets to her. “Good day!” He walked around the street announcing the show and giving tickets to other passersby.

Absently, she caressed the tickets. Can she enter the premises? She did have tickets. But how will she act inside? If she ran inside, then what? She knew seeing this show would change her life forever.

While she was deep in thought, she walked straight into a broad chest. Ali looked up to apologize to the man. It was a familiar face. “Oh, your grace! I’m terribly sorry.”

Lord Weller smiled. “Well hello, my little butterfly. What brings you to Battersea Park?”

“I wandered a little too far. I guess I was distracted,” she shrugged.

“Would you like me to give you a ride back?” He was clearly worried about her.

She shook her head. “I’ll just walk a bit more to clear my head.”

He sighed. “I'm not going to judge where you live. You have my word. It's getting dark. Let me drive you home.”

“I was thinking of seeing a show.” She showed him her tickets.

“What have you got there?”

“Free tickets. The show is about to start.”

He frowned. “The Steam Theatre does not give anything for free.”

She nodded but looked to the imposing structure beyond. “I've never seen a show before,” she admitted. “I wonder... what does it look like inside? What are the shows like?”

“I have. The shows in the theatre are wonderful, like nothing you've ever seen before. The theatre interiors are a world apart. I have seen other theatres and this is by far the grandest.”

“Really?” She looked down at the tickets in her hand.

He saw the longing in her eyes. She really wanted to see the show. “Get in the carriage. Nobody goes to the theatre on foot.”

Her face lit up. “Oh, thank you! Thank you!” 

***

“Welcome, Monsieur and um...” The man behind the ticket counter wasn't quite sure how to address Ali. She had dressed as a boy again today. He stared at her for a long time before the Duke intervened.

The Duke handed her tickets to the ticket teller. “The lady and I will upgrade to a private box.”

“Oh, no your grace!” Ali tried to protest but he waved her off.

“A Duke does not sit down in the general seating area. We sit in a box,” he insisted and paid the man.

They were led to a private box that had only two seats. The view was center and high up from the rows of seats. Velvet Curtains lined the walls. The balustrades were gilded. Crystals and pearls dripped from the chandeliers. The Stage was large, bordered with gilded carvings and had layers of red curtains.

“It is like a dream,” she breathed.

“It is. I felt the same when I first came here.” He remembered his own innocent moment. The theatre had beguiled him, lured him until he sold himself to the Phantom. Even as he enters the theatre again, he still felt the same awe when he first entered the geared halls.

“Really?”

“Yes, my sweet. I was once young and my first time in the theatres had overwhelmed me.”

Alison smiled. “I’m glad I’m not making a fool of myself. I was afraid to go inside.”

“We are private here. Nobody will see us,” he said. “You may act however you wish.”

“Um,” she said. “Your grace, am I not dressed for the theatre? People seem so formally dress.” She twisted the playbill on her lap.

“Well, attending the theatres is a formal affair,” he pointed to the general crowd below them. They were wearing formal gowns and black coattails. “We are underdressed for the occasion but do not worry yourself, my butterfly. We do not know them so their talks will not affect us,” he admonished. “As I said, I was once a green lad and had lost myself in the theatre. I too was underdressed during my first visit.” In more ways than one, he was bare and stripped of garment, status, and shame.

“One day, I shall come back and see more of this theatre,” she promised more to herself than anything.

“One day, we shall see a show at the Red Hall. Perhaps a concerto at the Octagon Theatre as well. Those shows boast a far more extravagant spectacle than this.”

She nodded but not expecting anything. Lord Weller noted that she must have been disillusioned so many times that she didn’t want to believe his promises. He decided not to press her. One day, he promised he will bring her.

The stage dimmed and the curtains parted. The show was about to start. The first performance was a ballet. The man in white feathers was graceful and elegant. The second performer was a singer. He sang one long and haunting ballad. His costume consisted of a gilded doublet and a gossamer cape that billowed around him. The final performer was a violinist with a mechanical arm. When the curtain closed, the show had ended. Ali and Lord Weller went out to the main lobby.

People were milling about, some were entering the drinks room for cocktails. As they went through, gents he knew came to talk to the Duke. He turned to talk to them. Soon, he was pulled from one conversation to another.

“My dear Lord Weller,” an imposing lady called the Duke.

“One moment, my butterfly, I shall be right back.” He looked up and smiled at the lady. “Lady Delia, how are you?”

“Ashton, we simply must get together!” Delia, the lady, was tall, in a beautiful silk green taffeta gown that Ali knew she would never afford. Her face was artfully rouged. Pearls and gems dipped from her ears and neck. Ali could see this lady was wealthy. Delia pouted and clung on to the Duke’s arm. She then pulled the Duke’s arm and led him away from the crowd.

The Duke waved to Ali to wait. She nodded and stayed on the sides. She tried to make herself as inconspicuous as possible.

***

The Duke was preoccupied. As the crowds thickened, Ali decided to wander the galleries. There were brass statues that seem to move and dance. She watched the human-like brass appendages move and sway. A small automaton chugged its way to her and offered her some sweets. She took some and found the confectionery delicious. She snacked to her heart's content forgetting her worries even for a moment.

“Ali?” Someone called to her. “What are you doing here?”

Ali looked to the man approaching her. She frowned. “Octavius?” It was him. Of course, it was him. He’d have enough money and status to come and go into the theatre as he pleased. She began to panic. “I was… Um, I was accompanying a friend... of my employer,” she lied. Octavius, her former friend and neighbor walked up to her. He was a man with a good physique, not too tall, not too short, had light brown hair and his skin was as smooth as marble. But Ali never was attracted to him. She knew her place in the world. She just thought she shared a friendship with him and Princess. Apparently, she had a rude awakening.

“Well, well, well! I could hardly believe it! It is Ali, a little tomboy Alison! So where do you work?” He pressed. “Do you work here?”

“No, I work for a Duke's household.” It wasn’t quite true but not quite false. She was working for a Duke. “I'm a lowly errand boy,” she added.

He eyed her. She was still wearing her boy outfit. “Does he know what you are?”

“Should it matter? I work. That is all that matters.” She knew what he meant. Her breasts were developing and that meant she could no longer hide what she was.

He laughed and leaned in closer. “Same Ali-cat.”

She shook her head. “I’m not the same, Octavius.”

“No, you’re still the same,” he smirked. “So, where are you staying?”

She shrugged. “Why and what for?” She didn't want to tell him. As far as she knew, their association was over.

He leaned even closer, trying to sniff her or catch a kiss. “I missed you, Ali. It's been weeks since we saw each other.”

“You were the one who closed the door, Octavius,” she reminded him. “You left me out in the rain.”

He frowned. “My father was coming home. I can't have you around the house, now could I?”

“So, you won't. Please, I have to go back to the Duke now.” Ali always hated that he was so condescending. He made her feel like she was a scum who had to be reminded of her place. She left him, walking back to the main lobby.

He trailed after her. “What's the hurry? I thought old friends should catch up.”

“Leave me be, Octavius. We are not friends, not anymore. You wanted to end our association. Why are you trying to talk to me now?”

“I missed you. Maybe we can meet now and again.”

She shook her head. “I don't think so.”

“Don't be in a hurry to throw our friendship away.”

“Again, you were the one in a hurry to throw it away. Now, I don't want Princess to see us together, especially since your engagement party.” With an official engagement party, it was now official that the Baronet Claire’s son was engaged to a wealthy heiress.

“You know about the engagement party?” He sounded surprised.

“At the Cogs and Spoon? Yes, I know about the engagement. So please, for Princess sake, leave me be!” Ali walked away and headed to the Grand Lobby. There were people there so Octavius would have to behave himself.

He made a grab for her, catching her arm in a bruising grip. She tugged away but Octavius was determined to drag her into the shadows. “Let go, Octavius! Princess might see us!”

“No, she won’t,” he sang. “She’s at her house dutifully planning our wedding.”  

She struggled, determined to get away. Octavius’ arms were forceful and strong. They were bruising her skin. Ali began to panic. She didn’t want to cause a scene, afraid to draw attention to herself. “Stop! You’re hurting me!” He was dragging her into a shadowy part of the hall. Suddenly, she was being pulled away and thrust into the light. A tall man had Octavius hanging by his neck.

“There will be no trouble in my theatre,” the tall man intoned.

“No trouble here,” Octavius gasped when he recognized the man. “The chit and I were just talking.”

The man eyed Octavius. His glowing red eyes seemed to see the truth in him. “Scram, boy.” He let Octavius go and he scurried away in fright.

Alison breathed in relief. But now she was alone with the tall stranger with red eyes. She shuddered in fright.

“What a succulent morsel! This little moth has wandered into my parlor. Comment allez-vous, ma petite?” He took her hand and kissed it before helping her up.

She looked up to see the tall man. He was wearing a long billowing cloak and had a mechanical mask. Cogs and other parts were busy at work. She gasped, afraid of him.

“Don't be afraid. It is only my automatic parts. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Exter Bricomman, the manager and caretaker of the Steam Theatre.”

“G-good eve, sir. You have a wonderful theatre,” she gave a lopsided curtsy. “Thank you for getting Octavius off me.”

“Such impeccable manners.” He extended his arm and she put her hand around it. He guided her around the hall. Ali was uncomfortable. She had always tried to act like a boy but she was naturally feminine. As she grew, it was getting more prominent.

“I was a shop boy, sir,” she answered.

“Shop boy?” His monotonous voice sounded confused.

“Um, I um...” She didn't know how to explain it to him.

“So, that is the reason for the strange garb.” He eyed her vest and breeches. “And now you are with Lord Weller. How interesting...”

She fidgeted where she stood, not knowing how to act while being scrutinized by his glowing red eye. The way he intoned interesting sounded ominous but it wasn’t how he said interesting that had her shuddering. It was the way he mentioned Lord Weller’s name. This man was the famed Phantom of the Steam Theatre. It was said he was half mechanical. She couldn’t believe he was talking to her.

“What is mademoiselle's name?” He asked her.

“A-Alison,” she answered.

“Interesting. Did you enjoy the show, Alison?”

She nodded. “Yes, very much, sir.”

He nodded and smiled at her. “Lovely. Do you sing? Your voice is melodious.” She saw his face clearly. It was no mask but small gears ticking on his cheeks. His face and arms were clearly mechanical. She wondered what else?

“Y-yes.”

“Would you like to come work for me? The theatre has many generous patrons and guardians that keep boys like those away.” He showed her a painting of a theatre scene. She looked closely. It seems to be an ordinary painting, except the painting seemed to be moving. Mesmerized, she watched the scene in the painting come to life. It was a stage play of some sort.

“I thank you for entertaining my friend, monsieur, but it is beneath you to poach talents,” Lord Weller interrupted. He came up behind Ali and was scowling at the man. Just like that, the spell seemed broken and she gasped when Lord Weller grabbed her and pulled her to his side.

“Is it?” Monsieur Bricomman dared. “Lovely to see you again, Ashton Weller.”

The Duke frowned. He clearly was not pleased to see Ali in the company of the mechanical man. “Bid your farewells, Ali. We must head home. The hour is quite late.”

“Of course, your grace.” She turned to the mechanical man. “A good evening, sir. It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

The mechanical man smiled. “The pleasure is all mine, Alison.”

The Duke all but pulled Ali away. He marched her down the hall and navigated her around the crowded staircase. They exited the building and waited for his carriage to arrive. It came out promptly and drove them away from the theatre.

“That man! He should not have spoken to you.” He was clearly angry.

“Um, why not? He was being friendly.”

“Decorum, my little butterfly. You are in the company of a Duke. He should wait for me to introduce you.” The laced his gloves tighter, angry at the encounter in the theatre.

“Would you have introduced us?”

“No,” he admitted. “Monsieur Bricomman is called the Phantom of the Steam Theatre for a reason. He is a monster, a dangerous man. Just because he deals in entertainment, people forget he used to and still deal in arms for the Marquee de Chats. He beguiles people, lulls them in the theatre then uses them for his own purpose.”

“I'm sorry, your grace. It was at my insistence that we entered the theatre.” She felt bad for bringing this tension to the Duke.

“No, you did not force me. I was a willing participant. Please be careful, my little Ali. He can take lives when he pleases and it is so much worse than death,” he shuddered.

“I don’t understand.” What could be worse than death?

Lord Weller shook his head. “That man is a creature capable of destroying everything in its path. Never let your guard down if you encounter him again. His red eye can hypnotize you, make you do things you didn’t want to.”

“Yes, my lord,” she frowned but nodded. “It’s just… well, he rescued me from a bloke who was bothering me.”

“Did he now?”

“I didn’t want to seem ungrateful for his help.”

He shook his head. “No, to be rude to the Phantom is equally as dangerous. If you do not hold enough sway, he could take anything and everything from you.”

She frowned. “Did he take something of yours?”

“No,” was all he answered.

The sped through the streets of Neo Industrial London. It was as if they were speeding away from Battersea. He turned away, refusing to answer. The streets of Neo Industrial London were quite a sight at night. Street lamps lit each corner and street sign. Establishments had lit signs of their own.

“I do not think I belong in your world or any world,” she admitted.