Three Year Rule (The Rule Series Book 1) (16 page)

He caught a movement out of the corner of his eye and slammed on the brakes.  He opened the truck door and shouted, “Josh! Elizabeth!”

“Here!” Josh called out from a short distance to his left.

Randy flipped on the spotlight attached to his door and swung it in the direction of Josh’s voice.  He quickly located the deer stand. Josh and Elizabeth were standing on the platform waving at him.

“We’re getting married!” Josh yelled, flashing a brilliant smile.

Randy shook his head and called back, “That’s great, but we really should get her out of the cold before she catches pneumonia.”

The excitement of Josh’s announcement quickly wore off when they pulled back up in front of the cabin. Elizabeth stared at the state troopers gathered inside the garage. “Kilo,” she gasped turning to Josh, “Franklin shot him.”

Josh glanced at Randy, who shook his head and said, “I’m sorry.”

Josh opened the truck door and headed slowly to the garage. Charlie rushed to greet him, bouncing around him excitedly. Josh patted Charlie briefly and then went to kneel beside Kilo’s still form. One of the state troopers said, “He was gone before we opened the door. He didn’t have a chance.”

Josh nodded silently; the scent of death filled the garage with its pungent odor. Josh stroked the soft fur on Kilo’s head. “He did his job, didn’t you boy? He’s been protecting Beth and Charlie for quite some time now.” Josh whispered and scooped Kilo up in his arms. He carried him to his truck that now sat beside Amy's SUV. The troopers were loading the ATV’s back into the truck bed. Randy rushed to the truck, opened the passenger door, and small rear door for Josh.  Josh laid Kilo on the back seat and motioned for Elizabeth.

Randy closed the rear door and waited until Elizabeth arrived to tell them both, “Franklin died soon after we headed into the woods. It’s over.”

Two months later

“January weather in Utah is hard to predict. We almost always get more snow than in the city because we are in the mountains.” Elizabeth explained to her mother over the phone. “We could have two feet of snow next weekend or the ground could be completely bare. Either way the wedding is a go. Josh will get you here from the airport. He has a pickup truck, and he’s used to driving in deep snow, mother. It’s not a big deal. Just bring some waterproof boots and a warm coat, you’ll be fine.”

Josh sat next to her on the sofa, trying not to laugh as she disconnected the call. She turned and frowned at him, saying, “I told you we should have taken the kids and eloped to Hawaii.”

“Baby, that’s just not how it’s done around here.” Josh said, slapping his knee for Charlie to come to him when Molly opened the back door.

The doorbell rang, and Molly ran to the door, “My dress is here!” She yanked open the door to find Amy and Randy standing there with their arms full of dry cleaning. Randy pointed behind him; Molly gasped and ran out the door.

Jake followed them inside boasting loudly, “Randy says I can drive his truck!”

“Over my dead body,” Josh countered, and rose to take the tuxedos and gowns from Randy.

“Just once,” Jake whined coming to his side. “I’ll be careful.”

Josh ignored him and shot a glare of annoyance at Randy, who quickly shrugged his shoulders and said, “I don’t know how the boy got that impression. Driving a vehicle without a driver’s permit is illegal in the state of Utah.”

Josh laughed and slapped Randy heartedly on the back, then turned to Jake, “Why don’t we work on teaching you to drive the ATV first, then we’ll see about the truck.”

“Awesome!” Jake said, he turned and gave Randy a high five.

“Was I just manipulated?” Josh asked with a raised eyebrow.

Molly came rushing back in the door, dancing with delight. She asked, “What’s its name?  What’s its name?”

Elizabeth took the dry cleaning from Josh, and they turned to look for the source of all the excitement. Molly was beaming with joy. In her arms was a white malamute puppy.  “He’s so white you should call him snowball!”  she gushed, moving to show her father.

Randy laughed and said, “I don’t think a future police dog should be called Snowball, sweetie. I was thinking of calling him
Or Else
. That way I could say to a criminal ‘Put your hands up...” then he pointed at the puppy and added, “or else.”

Josh laughed and reached for the puppy. Jake came up beside him and stroked the pups head.

Jake stared at it for a moment as a look of sadness crossed his face. He turned to Randy and asked softly, “Can we call him Kilo?”

The room grew silent. Josh reached out and took hold of Jake’s shoulder. He’d taken Kilo’s loss hard. It was nearly three weeks before Jake could sleep through the night without waking up from nightmares.

Randy cupped Jake’s chin and glanced at Amy who nodded her agreement. “That name is perfect.”

The End

http://www.amazon.com/Alaina-Stanford/e/B009M6QXG8/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

The Rule Series

Three Year Rule, Book 1

When renown psychologist and bestselling author Elizabeth Stewart first noticed Joshua Miller standing at the back of her audience she thought the tall, muscular man dressed like a lumberjack was in the wrong room. Little did she know, Joshua would defy everything she ever wrote about relationships. Little did she know, he was also the key to her survival. 

Seven-Year Rule, Book 2

Beth and Josh befriend a young couple. Whitney and Mason's life was perfect. They scoffed at the idea of the seventh year of marriage being the make it or break it year for most couples. That theory didn't apply to them. They were the perfect couple. Their brand new house overlooked the lake. Their brand new cars were state of the art. Their careers were taking off at an accelerated rate. Their sex life was incredible. Their lives were exactly the way they intended. Perfect. When Whitney's widower brother-in-law dies, leaving them three small children, their perfect lives are torn apart. Raising children was never part of their plan. Raising children requires sacrifice. A sacrifice they never intended to make. A sacrifice that could end their perfect life and their perfect marriage. A sacrifice, if not done correctly could end a child's life.

Twenty-one Year Rule, Book 3

As a young boy Bash sacrificed everything to save his sister Amy’s, life including his freedom. After years in juvenile detention, he’s finally free and ready to start over. Meeting Grace is the last thing he expected. Her kindness and uninhibited lifestyle lead him toward a life he never knew existed. He can see his future in her eyes, but his past won't let him go.

Termination Rule, Book 4

Everyone lives their lives by a certain set of rules. For some, those rules are outside the law.

Mia works two part-time jobs, maintains a straight A average in high school and cares for her brothers and sisters because her mother is critically ill. The last thing she needs is the sleazy 23 year old warehouse worker, Paul hitting on her. Jake was more Mia's speed. He was handsome, athletic and had a kind heart. When Jake stood up to Paul in her defense, Mia's heart skipped a beat. Little did she know Jake's bold protective stance set in motion a series of events that would place both of their lives at risk.

Widow’s Rule, Book 5-
Coming soon!

Whitney’s heart ached for Mason. His hero’s death was little consolation as she lay alone in their empty bed late at night crying into her pillow. Seven months pregnant with three small children and a new job was more than most women could handle with a spouse at their side. She was alone, but she was strong. She would not be broken. When her boys asked to take karate lessons with their friends, Whitney shifted her budget to accommodate them. It sounded like a good outlet for their emotions and energy. The one thing she didn’t plan on was her attraction to the soft spoken, muscular karate instructor. Whitney wasn’t looking for love or a lover, especially someone so masculine, so outgoing, so handsome, so sexy...

Treborel Series

Tempest Rise, Book 1

Lysette could not ignore the intense attraction she felt for Katar, the mountain Prince of Treborel.  The very moment their eyes met the sharp grip of excitement and anticipation ran through Lysette’s entire being.  Katar felt the same sting of emotion despite the knee Lysette shoved into his groin in an effort to be free of his iron grasp.  Attracted by her beauty and stubborn intellect Katar knew there was no chance for a future with Lysette.  She was a surgeon from the modern world.  His people relied strictly on the ancient art of the Empathic Healers.  They had no need for modern medicine.  Yet he could not resist pursuing Lysette.  His only hope was to find some common ground the two could share.

As their romance blooms, an assassination attempt on Bantor's pregnant Queen Elsebeth sparks a chain of events that lead to continental war.  The war escalates. Lysette befriends several of Treborel’s Empaths determined to learn more about their mysterious healing techniques. She accompanies the Empaths a medical unit near the front lines where Bantor’s Elite Guard captures them. Lysette’s worse fears come to life as the psychotic Commander Connor, bent on vengeance against Katar tortures and kills the transport crew before her eyes.  While in captivity, Lysette races against time to save Queen Elsebeth’s newborn twins. Forced to witness the torture and death one by one of those around her, Lysette watches as one by one they are executed once their usefulness is over.  

As Katar races against time to rescue Lysette.  She is told he has married another and begins to lose hope.  She allows herself to grow close to the last remaining prisoner a handsome Empath named Andru.  When Lysette and Andru discover one of the twins is to be killed, they plan their escape into the savage wilderness surrounding their camp.

Will Katar reach her before her usefulness as a doctor is no longer needed, and her torturous death begins?  If he is able to save her, will he find she has given her heart to another, before she discovers the truth?

Vengeance’s Fire, Book 2

Kendra had not seen Cap for more than six months. He was a Helijet Pilot in her Majesties Air Forces stationed in the capital city of Borel. Kendra was an Empathic Healer living deep in the mountainous wilderness.

As Kendra prepares to travel to the Northern Mountains to the Empathic Wilderness Survival Center with a group of students Cap suddenly appears prepared to make the 2-week trek through the mountains with them. Could his motive reach beyond merely recovering the abandoned helijet found near the Survival Center?

As they travel into the mountains, they realize the forest creatures appear to be leaving the mountains, and heading toward the lower lands. Kendra's blood runs cold as the realizes that 'Frenzy' a time when the giant creatures that roam the mountains become crazed with hunger and devour every warm blooded beast in their path.

As Cap and Kendra's romance begins to blossom once more, they quickly come to understand the mountains hold a horrifying secret, which could lead to the end of the Empathic way of life, as well as their own. A threat that legends have foretold.

Hypnotic Journey Series

Forbidden Quest, Book 1

Wouldn't it be cool to have the combat skills of a seasoned warrior suddenly? Wouldn't it be even better if the combat felt real, and there was no physical danger to you? Wouldn't it be perfect if the hypnotist in charge of your session was
not
insanely evil, and using you as a weapon in a plot for revenge?

Four friends, two in love, two in hate enter into a Group Hypnosis study attempting to introduce fantasy adventures to small groups. They are promised a video game type of adventure rescuing an Elf Queen from her crystal prison as elf warriors, a sorceress and a fairy. As soon as they fall under the good doctor’s spell, they begin to realize the adventure is realer than they could have ever imagined. They find themselves in a hostile world they cannot seem to escape from.

Certain she has found the next hot trend in adventure vacations Nicole Waters a prominent St Louis Assistant District Attorney is forced to take her boyfriend Tom’s best friend Jack Tyler, a local travel agent on a business vacation.  Her haste to be a prime investor takes Nicole, Jack and two others; Sarah Sims, a shy nurse practitioner and Todd Hopper, a professional hockey player into a test program for group hypnosis.

Dr. Strong introduces the soon to be adventurers to an equipment-filled gym inside an archaic old hotel.  Undaunted by their meager surroundings, the friends listen anxiously as Dr. Strong explains,  “The wall of netting might become a series of vines or perhaps the side of a rock cliff. The weight machine will serve as the stimulus if you are required to lift or push a heavy object. The stair climber will serve as
a tree, the fortress wall or maybe a rock incline you must scale.” He then offers the adventurers a mild sedative to aid in their simultaneous entry into hypnosis. But instead of experiencing an action packed fantasy quest to rescue the Elf Queen from her crystal prison inside the Cave of Sorrows; they find themselves trapped in a deadly world of elves and monsters that are realer than they could ever imagine.  Where a cry for help is left unheard.

When Magic Fails, Book 2

After the tragedy of losing one of their own soon after arriving in this new world, the remaining adventurers begin to build a new life in a new world filled with elves and trolls.  Suddenly the last surviving Elf Wizard vanishes in a violent storm leaving an entire battalion of Elf Warriors dead.  Sorceress Sarah Sims recently completed her apprenticeship. Her companions: Jack, a skilled swordsman and his wife Nicole one of the last remaining Woodland Elves now face a mysterious magical foe of great power.

Risking everything to save Sarah from the elf council’s decision to execute her for treason, the elf Prince Cabal secretly sneaks the adventurers off in search of the menacing storm cloud responsible for the wizard disappearance.  Sarah quickly discovers carelessness from their past has poisoned the land and caused the Trolls to emerge from their lair.  The Trolls bring news unexpected news that shakes the small group to its core as they head into a battle that turns friend against friend.

As Darkness Falls, Book 3

Renegade Trolls have breached the Nether World Barrier releasing monsters from the bowels of the earth.  As a troll war is about to begin Hopper finds, he has a newborn son whose mother has been killed by the renegades.  He rushes the infant to the surface and places it in the hands of the woodland elves until order is restored among the trolls.

As the elves search for forest for any sign of nether beasts the Sorcerer’s Ahmity and Sarah Sims begin preparations to open a school of magic to recreate the Wizard’s Circle after almost all of the wizards in the land had been destroyed.

Jack, the barbarian has taken his pregnant wife Nicole, a woodland elf, deep into the mountains for a long awaited honeymoon before the baby is born.  Little by little they become aware of a dark presence on their mountain. Death is stalking them, slowly and with purpose.  Their strongest ally is a wild nether beast that has come to call them friend.  But can a nether beast be relied upon when evil calls its name?

A Sequence of Darkness, Book 4

Hopper and the others take Pony and rush to stop the Elves from invading the Troll Tunnels and starting a war.  The team heads into the bowels of the earth to rescue Hopper’s newborn son and Gravid’s small elf daughter, kidnapped by Renegade Trolls.

Tom battles his wraith memories and Hopper fights to control his jealousy of Sarah and Cabal's growing relationship.  Will the team survive the dark horrors of the netherworld long enough to find the missing children?  Will their heightened emotions tear the team apart and endanger all their lives?  Traveling the netherworld always comes at a cost.  Who will pay the price?

Necromancer’s Whisper, Book 5

Magic is forbidden in the human realm. So are elves. Our heroes face the greatest challenge of their lives trying to rescue Jack from the hands of a beautiful Necromancer. Finding Jack under the Necromancer’s spell, Sarah and Cabal race to discover the secret to wielding magic in the human realm before Nicole takes matters into her own hands.

Archangel Series

The Light of His Sword, Book 1

Demon Worship Requires Sacrifice. Gabe's job is to stop it.

Archangels vs Demons it doesn't get any better than this.

Alyssa takes her little girl and escapes the clutches of the compound leader Walton. She races off into the night determined to keep her daughter from becoming his next victim.

As Walton pursues her, Alyssa meets a handsome truck driver named Gabe, who is the most beautiful man she's eve
r
seen. His courage and kindness sends ripples of emotion throughout Alyssa's petite form. Emotions she's never felt before. But will his courage be enough to protect her from the evil that pursues her?

The Power of His Touch, Book 2- coming soon!

Rafi discovers a demon plot to release a pandemic in a large metropolitan city. Disguised as an agent of the World Health Organization as the pandemic spreads, Rafi searches for the source. He meets a young biochemist name Sophia at the center of the pandemic. Rafi is torn between his divine mission and his feelings for Sophia. Dare he balance both with millions of lives at risk?

Author Info

Website:
www.authoralainastanford.com

Facebook:
www.facebook.com\alainastanford

Twitter: @awritr

Reviews and comments
are welcome and appreciated. Feel free to email Alaina at
[email protected]
with any questions or comments.