The bloggers reading Helix ARC are very happy that they get to read from Rhett’s point of view as well. Chapter one starts with Rhett, but I take you back a little before the ending of ISAN so you get to see how and what had happened before the blast.

Helix will be released with a sale on ebooks. Grab it before it goes up to the full price. Here is the link: http://www.ISAN.agency

Chapter 1

Nick, is your team in position?” I released the transmitter button.

“Yes. Ozzie is approaching with Mitch and a few ISAN female assassins. The blonde assassin has a Taser pointed at Ozzie’s back. They’ve just passed the Leviathan Hotel’s fountain. Be careful, Rhett.”

“Don’t worry about me. Keep an eye out. ISAN guards are here, trying to blend in.” Ava and I had made it to the side building of the hotel—the rendezvous point.

“Yeah. I see them. Signing out. Get ready.”

“Signing out.” I peered up at the sky to make sure the gliders were in position.

Ava tapped her foot and glanced about seeming confused and uncertain. “It’s time?” She bit her bottom lip, her eyes growing wider.

My pulse thundered out of control. I felt like I was sending my girl to be executed. “Yes. Stay here. Mitch will come get you.” I wanted to sound cold and leave her, but instead I wrapped my arms around her. “This is killing me. I don’t want to let you go, but I have no choice. Please, find a way to remember me and our past. And follow your instincts.”

I held onto Ava like she was my life line, the way I should have held her on the day of our escape from ISAN. Little did I know she would sacrifice herself so we could flee. No matter how tightly I held her now, she had to go.

Ava blinked away tears forming in her eyes. She tried to hide it by turning her head. “Rhett.”

Good. A good sign.

At least, I hoped, spending the last three days with me had made her reevaluate ISAN and what they stood for.

“I love you, Ava.” I kissed her forehead and released her.

My heart crumbled into thousand pieces. Losing her the first time was painful enough, but letting her go now was utterly unbearable. But I have to. I steeled my resolve. If I didn’t leave now, I wouldn’t be able to. Without a glance her way, I hid behind a giant geometric-shaped statue.

Mitch reached Ava and led her away.

Her first step sliced through me like a laser and I bit my tongue to keep from crying out. I have to let her go.

Meeting in a public place with innocent citizens hustling through would lessen the chance of an attack from ISAN’s formidable network.

So far, not a hitch.

A blonde assassin escorted Ozzie to the place where Ava had stood. I waited for the ISAN assassins and guards to retreat.

Ozzie remained still and quiet. I, on the other hand, jerked and nearly had a heart attack when a female hologram popped up to remind me not to touch the statue. Cursing under my breath, I politely nodded and arched my body away until it was satisfied.

Ozzie had a cut lip. No black eyes, no blood on his face, and thankfully nothing worse. From his gait, he seemed to be in good physical condition, but that didn’t rule out mental scars. I would have to examine him later. Regardless, he was alive and well.

I let out an explosive breath. I’d been half out of my mind imagining the abuse he would have endured during interrogation, but he showed no signs. Surely Mr. Novak had put Ozzie through the wringer unless my source had protected him.

“Ozzie, don’t move. Stay still.” I clenched my teeth, pained with every step Ava took from me.

“Okay,” Ozzie replied in a monotone, keeping his eyes straight ahead.

I gripped my weapon tighter. Poorly concealed ISAN guards eased through the sea of citizens. If ISAN played dirty, I would too.

All senses on alert, I hunkered behind the statue, finger poised on the trigger, praying my willpower didn’t give out so I wouldn’t take down every ISAN guard in view.

Go ahead, bastards … shoot me. Give me a reason to fire back.

I wanted their blood, but in an exchange of bullets, the gliders above might take fire, explode, and land on the mass of people. And what would happen to Ava? She was being taken away by the enemy and the only reason I hadn’t shot the ISAN guards in the kneecaps and danced on their corpses was that I wanted her to be okay. I wanted them to treat her well and not harm her.

Who cares about gliders when my heart is being ripped out and shredded with each step she takes away from me?

With precise aim, I could switch off the laser guide and take the guards down before they knew what hit them. But we would be blamed if a glider crashed or any citizens were hurt. The ubiquitous drones flying about would have the video on the air within minutes. An outright attack would give ISAN the leverage they needed to brand the rebels as aggressive and give them the authority to put us down.

Rebels? I sneered. Couldn’t ISAN have thought of a better label?

“You’re letting Ava go?” Ozzie’s line of sight was the same as mine.

Ava glanced back over her shoulder, her face a mask of concern and somberness. She had left freely, but her gray eyes, those beautiful, soulful eyes, showed hesitation and maybe regret. Then they turned baleful and her posture stiffened when she pivoted toward the ISAN transport.

That’s my girl. Give them hell.

Ozzie’s words slithered inside my gut. You’re letting Ava go.

I let her go.

I let her go.

I wanted to shove him, punch something, tell him I had no choice. I wanted to chase her down and beg her not to leave. She belonged with me. I could help her find her father and her twin. She wouldn’t have to do it alone.

There was nothing I wouldn’t do for her, even give up my own life. She was my world. No matter how long it took to get her memory back, I would be patient. But we were running out of time.

Ava and I knew ISAN would not release her easily. They’d hunt her to the ends of the Earth and kill anyone in the way. Ava was one of a kind. She knew that, too, but she held back like she didn’t want to believe it.

To ISAN, she was a commodity. When they learned her full potential, they’d want to dissect her DNA. Experiment on her. They would push her—no doubt they’d already tried. Not just Ava, but the other girls too.

A roar reverberated inside the hollow space in my chest. My knuckles cracked as I clenched my fists. The universe had a cruel sense of humor, the way Ava kept slipping through my fingers. Even after I’d moved mountains to kidnap her. Even after I risked everything to take her to the Abandoned City. She was a gamble worth taking, even when my heart felt like it had been carved out and scorched.

I had no choice, I reminded myself for the thousandth time as she disappeared. They would’ve hunted down my team as well. The safety of all those individuals who had escaped with me, who had become my family, had to be my first priority. I had no room to be selfish, no matter how much agony ate me alive.

Giving Ava that last goodbye kiss, watching her leave with Mitch, felt like drowning. But it wouldn’t be our last kiss. I would do whatever it took to get her back. As for Mitch, I had a score to settle with him.

Soon.

“You should know me better than that, Ozzie.” I adjusted my cap and shoved my hands inside my pockets. “I don’t let a precious dove loose when she doesn’t have the intention of flying back home.”

My transmitter clicked beside my ear, and I cocked my head to listen.

“Sniper, ISAN guards left their posts.” The first captain, Nick’s voice resonated through my wireless communicator.

About twenty of my men had come with me, each with a Taser hidden under their garments. I’d instructed half my team to enter the hotel as tourists, but to be mindful of possible ISAN guards, while the other half scattered and blended with society. Some leaned against trees, others sat on benches, and the rest strolled near the water fountain.

ISAN guards wore all black. I did the same, except I added a black cap, the cap Ava had worn, so my team could spot me. Her scent, a mild hint of lavender and vanilla—ISAN soap—still lingered.

It had become my favorite smell.

They told us in ISAN training that lavender relieved stress, anxiety, agitation, and other things I didn’t care to know. It was all bullshit anyway. Nothing would make me feel better about this.

“Everyone, hold your posts,” I said into the earpiece. “Nick, when the coast is clear, guide everyone back to our station. I have something to take care of first. Command the ship. Don’t let Katina run all over you.”

“Aye, Aye, Captain. I’ll try not to let her pretty face talk me into anything. Stay safe. See you at the base.”

“You too. Stay safe. And don’t call me Captain. Over and out.”

Though I protested every time, I couldn’t make my friends stop calling me Captain. Yes, I was mostly responsible for their lives, but only because I had been their superior at ISAN. The title had somehow carried over once we escaped.

Everyone had looked to me for direction from the beginning. If Ava had made it out, we would both be helping our group. But things hadn’t turned out as planned. Becoming their leader had helped me move forward without Ava. To distract myself, I needed a purpose.

When ISAN sub-gliders soared into the air, my stomach twisted.

Ava.

Gritting my teeth, I stared at my feet to gather myself. The ache of Ava’s absence expanded and formed a life of its own.

“Is it okay to move now?” Ozzie whispered.

Crap. Ozzie’s still out there.

The effort of controlling my rage had made me forget about him.

“Yeah, the coast is clear.” I grabbed Ozzie in a one-armed hug when he rushed around the statue. “You gave us a scare. Did they hurt you?” I pulled back to examine him.

“Would you stop gawking at me? I know I’m hot, but please, Rhett. We’re friends and I don’t swing that way.” Ozzie punched my arm lightly, a goofy grin spreading.

So good to see that nerdy smile. Safe. He’s safe.

“Good to see you, dork.” I flipped up my middle finger.

As we laughed, I scanned Ozzie’s body again.

Eyes clear: check.

Body: check.

Humor: check. Sort of.

Tracker?

As I reached for the tracker scanner in my back pocket, Reyna jumped on Ozzie.

“Welcome back, dufus,” Reyna squealed and smacked his arm.

Ozzie stumbled back a few steps and rubbed his forearm. “Ouch. What the hell, Reyna? What’s that for? And why is everyone calling me names?”

“Shut up, Oz. I missed your face. You pushed me out of the way and got caught instead. It should have been me.” Reyna finished in a calmer voice, relieved tears glistening in her eyes.

Reyna and Ava had been best friends, but when we’d left ISAN, Reyna had attached herself to Ozzie. They had become inseparable.

Ava and I had wanted Ozzie and Reyna to hook up, but it had never worked out for some reason. In a different environment, maybe? Ava would get a kick out of it if they did.

If she could remember …

Ozzie shrugged, his blue eyes lighter in the morning sun. “I would have died if they had captured you instead of me.”

Reyna let her tears fall and wrapped her arms around Ozzie once more in a bone-crunching squeeze.

Their friendship warmed me a tiny fraction, and then I thought of Ava. My heart followed her, and my chest would remain empty until she came back. It would take a while, but I would never give up. I sighed through my nose, gazing up at the gray clouds as if I could still see that damn sub-glider, then turned to Reyna.

Reyna blinked, her green eyes darkening at Ozzie. “Did they hurt you?” She swallowed as if regretting she’d asked. “They better not have touched you.”

Ozzie scrunched his face, his muscles taut. The machine hummed as Reyna scanned his body for a tracker.

No beeps. Good.

“No.” He relaxed his shoulders, but his voice sounded off. “Mr. Novak never came to see me. Mitch and I squared off, but nothing came of it.” He pointed at the cut on his lip. “I fell trying to escape at the Abandoned City. But I don’t ever want to go back to ISAN. It brought back terrible memories.”

Reyna shoved the scanner into her rear pocket and patted Ozzie’s back the way a mother would. “Well, you’re back with us now.”

I closed my eyes. None of us ever wanted to go back. I still had nightmares about the innocent lives I’d taken when I hadn’t been in control of my mind and body. The memory of friends being shot down like wild animals on the day of the escape haunted me. I’d never forgotten. Even with my eyes open, I saw images of kids I had trained, or spoken to in passing, dropping to their death.

“Are you sure that’s all they did to you?” Reyna’s eyebrows knitted together. “Maybe they made you forget.”

Ozzie scowled, tilting his chin higher. “I would know if they made me forget.” He flashed a glance at me, then back to Reyna. “Wait, I meant …” He scratched the back of his head. “Just trust me. Okay?”

“Fine.” Reyna narrowed her eyes. “Don’t hide anything from us. You don’t have to be embarrassed, and it wouldn’t make you any less of a man if they had—”

“I’m fine. For the last time.” Ozzie squeezed her and spun her. “I’m fine. I’m in one piece.”

The way he couldn’t make eye contact with me told me otherwise. I would have a private conversation with him later.

“Put me down, bear.” She laughed.

Bear. Ava had called Ozzie a bear with a soft heart. I had to agree. He looked like he could knock you down with one swipe of his paw, but in truth his gentle soul could snap like a twig because he trusted easily. He was always looking for the good in people.

“Come on huggers, let’s get the hell out of here.” I smacked their backs lightly and pushed them along.

Ozzie kept his step with my brisk pace. “Ava?”

As I weaved around pedestrians, Reyna watched my back, her gun tucked inside a holster which she covered with her oversized sweatshirt. She had to hide her weapon from the drones hovering about. Being caught with an unregistered firearm would warrant jail time.

“What about Ava?” My words came out flat as I admired a young couple strolling by the bridge.

That could have been us. At the hopeless thought, I walked faster.

I continued to observe passersby. How wonderful it would be to live a normal, mundane life. Never having to look over my shoulder, never having to kill.

A man spoke into a chipped wireless phone, and only he could see whoever he was speaking to. From his wide smile, I figured his girl was on the other line. No one else lingered by the water, opting instead for the raised boardwalk encased in clear fiberglass.

“You didn’t give me an answer.”

If I knew him, he was blaming himself.

“We had a deal with ISAN. I couldn’t hold onto her forever.” I didn’t look at Ozzie when I spoke, walking faster as if I could outrun the vise tightening around my lungs.

“Was it because of me?” His voice lowered as he matched my stride.

Ozzie always thought everything was his fault.

I halted. Reyna ran into Ozzie’s back, spitting out swear words. Ozzie grunted and spun around to examine her forehead.

“Sorry.” He ruffled her hair.

Reyna swatted his arm and stuck out her tongue.

“No, of course it wasn’t because of you.” I scrubbed my hand down my face and exhaled heavily, my chest rising and falling to the rapid beat of my pulse. “You had nothing to do with it. When Ava found out about her father and her twin, she made up her mind to go back. I don’t blame her. I would have done the same. Besides, she didn’t remember us. There was no reason for her to stay. I wish I could’ve done things differently, but having to trade you for Ava was not the reason Ava returned. So stop thinking you’re worth saving.” I patted his cheek.

Ozzie rolled his eyes. “I knew you cared about me. Sort of.”

“What are we going to …?” A gust of wind lifted Reyna’s voice and carried it off.

The cool ocean misted my face, reminding me of the time Ava and I had passed there. She was the ghost of my past and present. Hopefully, the future would be different.

I glanced past Reyna, and my heart stopped. Ava? For one moment, I almost rushed to the girl whose hair and frame matched Ava’s. It took me a second to process today’s events.

What the hell was I thinking? Ava was long gone.

Focus.

I shook the thought away and answered Reyna’s question.

“I told Nick to go to the base. We’re going on foot to Cleo’s, and from there we’ll head to our base using the hidden glider. The next day, we’re going to sweep through the Abandoned City and head to Zen’s. He has updates to share with us.”

“Is Zen okay?” Ozzie squinted at the sun breaking through the clouds. “I have no idea what happened to his men when Mitch found us. Were there many …?” Ozzie looked over the undulating water.

“No. Not a single death. Tased and dazed, yes, but no deaths.”

Lucky for us, Zen was not only a brilliant scientist, but also had a military strategy background.

“Good,” Ozzie breathed, a bit more cheerful than when he’d first arrived.

Being moody would do no one any good. “Let’s see who gets to Cleo’s first. On your mark. Get ready. I’m counting down. Three. Two.” Thinking of Ava, who had never let me finish counting down to one, I bolted first.

“Cheater,” Ozzie belted over his pounding footsteps behind me. “You’re just like Ava.”

“You didn’t say one, Rhett.” Reyna’s annoyed voice faded in the sharp breeze.

“Nope, I didn’t.”

I missed Ava so much I used her tactics. Those few days she had graced me with her presence, however forced, I had been alive and happy. I’d smiled for the first time since I had arrived at the mountain base.

I’d tried to stay grounded, to not expect Ava to stay with me, but I had hoped. When she’d placed our hips together and joined our shared tattoo and then muttered WIT—whatever it takes—I’d thought I had made a breakthrough. But I hadn’t.

It had taken months for Ozzie, with Zen’s help, to crack the ISAN system. I’d hardly eaten or slept in all that time, especially once I’d found out Ava couldn’t remember me.

The code name Sniper should have gotten her attention when I messaged her, but she’d acted like a stranger. At first, I’d thought she held up her pretense not to know who I was just in case ISAN had monitored her TAB, but Ava would have at least sent back an encrypted message.

Those messages had driven me insane. I had punched the screen and broken things around me. If it hadn’t been for Zen and Ozzie, I might have done more damage, and I might have more than scars on my knuckles.

Never had I imagined a situation in which she wouldn’t remember me.

I supposed with advanced technology, anything was possible. However, I had my own theory. I believed Ava had the ability to erase parts of her own memory in self-preservation.

Her father had used a special serum on her. She had abilities none of us had, which could explain technology no one knew existed. ISAN’s mental mission technology read thoughts superficially, so they’d know she wasn’t faking. That’s why ISAN would trust her memory loss completely enough to put her back in the field. But I could be wrong.

I clenched my fists, sprinting, running from the memories of Ava and our past in ISAN.

If Ava hadn’t made herself erase her memories, then God help the person who had.

If ISAN thought Helix had transformed me into a monster, they hadn’t seen anything yet.

Hold on, Ava. I’m coming for you.

Hope you enjoyed chapter 1.

Hugs,

Mary Ting

The post Chapter One Helix Teaser appeared first on Mary Ting.

One of the highlights this year was signing at Book Expo with my fellow Vesuvian authors. (Alexandrea Weis, Christine Brae, Gareth Worthington, and Stu Jones) My tablemate, Christine Brae, is the cutest and the sweetest. We had a blast meeting librarians and fans. Later, Christine and I went to Time Square to go on Facebook Live. If you haven’t seen it, click on the link.

Here is the link: Facebook Live

Why you ask?

Our books were displayed on a flashing billboard on 42^nd and 7^th. It was a surreal moment, one we would never forget, and neither would our readers.

Back at home as I prepared blog posts and giveaways for Helix release, I got a message from my publisher that ISAN is flashing n not just one billboard, but countless of them.

I was floored.

I never thought that my book would ever be displayed on a billboard. Never say never, right?

Below are the locations. So if you live nearby, please stop by and take a picture for me.

Always, thank you for taking your time and reading my post. Your support means the world to me.

By the way, just in case you didn’t know, you can pre-order Helix at this link: http://ISAN.Agency

The post ISAN Billboard appeared first on Mary Ting.

I’m late on this post, but I wanted to make sure you got the full details. I hope you love the cover of Helix as much as I do. I can’t wait for you to read book 2. Details below. Thank you for your time.

Hugs,

Mary Ting

Helix (International Sensory Assassin Network #2)
Release date: July 9, 2019
Cover designer: Justin Paul IMDB: https://imdb.to/2C9yEBn
Publisher: Vesuvian Media Group
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2TyfSh4
Giveaway: https://bit.ly/2C9MBiZ

The post Helix Cover Reveal appeared first on Mary Ting.

We’re getting close to the release date of Jaclyn and the Beanstalk. Release date: 9/4/2018. I can’t wait for you to read Jaclyn.

This book was the most difficult book I had written to date. Doing research on old language took a bit of my time, and it was not easy to write. But I was determined to make it work, especially when I felt the story should be based on the 16th century. Below is a teaser from Jaclyn and the Beanstalk. Please excuse the format. Enjoy!

Three things you need to know about Jaclyn and the Beanstalk.
1. It’s been optioned by Boilermaker Entertainment.
2. You can pre-order the paperback. Ebook will be on SALE on release day September 4th. Publisher: Vesuvian Media Group
3. You can order signed ISAN and Jaclyn on this link: https://bit.ly/2O52x9L  (Limited offer)

Jaclyn and the Beanstalk

By Mary Ting

Chapter 1

Sixteenth Century

Shrieks rent the peaceful night. I bolted upright and gulped air as if I had been under water too long. My heart raced as a white, ghost-like mist escaped my panting mouth. Despite the chill, sweat trickled down my forehead and dampened my back, causing the fabric of my chemise to stick.

I squinted through the darkness; moonlight faintly illuminated the storage chest and a nub of a candle was atop the plain table. In my room—safe. But my heart did not slow, for the cries still echoed in my mind.

Please, go away. Go away.

My head—a pounding mess.

Curling into a ball and covering my ears, I hummed a tune Mother used to sing. The song always had a way of comforting me, but it never made the noise go away.

Thinking the devil waited for me to lose my mind, to seize my soul, I whispered the Lord’s Prayer. “…And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

As the noises faded, I released my knees. Exhaustion consumed me and I found sleep once more.

“Rise, Jaclyn,” Father hollered from the kitchen. “Time for your lesson.”

No, no, no.

I squirmed lower under my coverlet and yawned.

Bodies shuffled and thumped in other rooms. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I shivered as frosty air pricked my bones. Outside my window, the sun glowed molten-gold through the cluster of gray clouds.

Perhaps the night before had been a dream. Can one dream the same dream for months on end?

I swept the night’s occurrences to the back of my mind and pulled the bedclothes tighter. I shut my eyes against the light kissing my cheeks and thought only of rest until my chamber door creaked open.

The mattress shifted.

“Father.” I flailed my arms and kicked uncontrollably, laughing and slapping his hands as he tickled my sides. “Cease, cease. I’m awake.”

I sat up and clutched the coverlet, wishing to be honest with him about the nightmares. Swallowing the words, I gave him a sheepish smile. He had a belly full of worries and I did not wish to add mine. I would not have him think the devil damned my soul; Father’s belief would make it true.

He’d aged right before my eyes. Even his garments—dark breeches and a forest-green tunic—drooped wearily, and his muddy black boots had cracked. Father’s thick eyelashes touched his ruddy face when he looked down. His rough hands, callused and dirty from labor, cradled his favorite tatty, brown hat, and he poked his finger through a hole in the top.

“Are you well, Daughter?” The skin around his nut-brown eyes crinkled with concern, and his forehead creased.

No. I hear monsters at night. Something is wrong with your daughter.

“Yes.” I disliked keeping the truth from him. “A little unwell, perhaps.”

I smiled when the aroma of fresh baked bread wafted through the door, but cringed at the sight of rat droppings on the white linens—gifts from vermin in the thatch that had fallen from the roof.

Father raised his chin and wiggled his nose. “Generous this time, were they not?” He chuckled. “They left none for me last night.”

I cursed under my breath, frowning. “They left me plenty.”

“You’re late abed this morning.” Father rubbed his jaw, and pushed his fingers through the white streaks by his temple before placing the hat on his dark head. “Do you want to pass this morning?”

Closing my eyes, I wished my lassitude away. “Nay. I need to dress first.” I plucked at my white chemise.

“Certainly. Clothe yourself and eat some of your mother’s bread. I’ll be tending to the horses.” He ruffled my hair and shut the door behind him.

Determined to begin the day afresh and forget the previous night, I took out a boy’s breeches and tunic from my chest. Mother had frowned when I wore them at first, but ceased when she grew tired of mending gowns.

Father had been training me to use a sword and other weapons, so I had no choice but to dress accordingly. Our only neighbors were hills and forest—no townspeople to scandalize.

Hunger pangs grew as I opened my chamber door. Just before I closed it behind me, I glanced about. I had smoothed the coverlet, shut the chest, and ensured nothing lay on the dirt floor. The small chamber left no room for a mess.

“You’re awake at last.”

Mother’s smile and sky-blue eyes warmed me better than the fire under the big kettle.

I smiled back. “Good morning, Mother. Thank you for the delicious meal I’m about to eat.”

A tankard of milk and a wooden trencher bearing a piece of bread with sweet butter had been set on the table. After I said grace, Mother tugged at my long, brown hair as I devoured my meal.

“You’re sixteen and you can’t even comb your own hair. What if a suitor comes to call? You should at least appear presentable.”

Mother yanked back my bushy hair and worked it over with my favorite brush. I’d had it since I was a baby and always loved the vine carvings on the handle.

“I shall tie it up.” I paused to swallow a bit of crust. “And I don’t want a suitor, even if one happened to wander into the hills.”

Mother did not reply. I winced and yelped quietly as she pulled and twisted my hair, determined to produce a miracle. She captured two tight braids and secured them atop my head. Not a strand of hair strayed out of place, but the cool air tickled my bare nape.

“There.” She set her eyes on mine. “Beautiful. You can wear a brown sack if you choose, but your face Jaclyn, is a thing of beauty. You’ve got regular features, thank goodness, nothing like your father’s crooked nose. And if I did not know you, I’d swear you’d painted those lips rosy. I’ve always said give me a pair of handsome brown eyes over flighty blue any day. You’re living proof.”

I shrugged away her compliments. “You’re my mother. You’re supposed to tell me lies to make me feel better.” I turned away and bit off a hunk of bread.

“Nonsense.”

Mother huffed and tended to the pot hanging over the fire. Stone by stone, Father had built the fireplace many years past.

I rose. “Shall I help you?”

“Nay, finish your meal. Father awaits.” She stirred the previous night’s stew with a long wooden spoon.

I sat back down and ran my finger along the ridges of the wooden table, also Father’s handiwork. “When will we visit town? I miss the market.”

I swallowed my milk after finishing the delicious bread. I wanted to ask for more, but with winter approaching, I kept my lips sealed.

Mother picked up a spoon from a washbasin and wiped it on the fabric around her thin waist. “Do not change the subject of our talk.”

“I am not, Mother.” I frowned and stood next to her as she dried another spoon.

Mother crinkled her nose. “Don’t fret. You’re of marriageable age now. We must think of finding you a husband or your time will pass. I’m only thinking of your future, Jaclyn. I want to see you settled soon. Your father and I are not getting younger.”

“Getting married and bearing children is not for me. There’s much work to be done.”

I slipped my arms around her waist and pressed my head to her back. I inhaled deeply as warmth enveloped me and her love replaced the fright from my nightmares.

Safe. I am safe. No monsters.

“Our life is good here. Why would I want to fix what is not broken?”

“’Tis what we do. People will talk.”

“Let them.”

I scowled, anger boiling through my veins. I tended to not raise my voice, so I softened my tone out of respect.

“I will not be handed to a suitor I do not love.”

Mother patted my arm. “My child, you have much to learn. Love comes later. I did not love your father at first.”

“I will not follow other people’s ways.” Pouting, I shuffled my feet on the dirt.

She released a deep sigh. “Oh, Jaclyn. Your time will come. Everyone has a destiny. Everyone has a story to tell. Some more than others. We shall see what lies ahead for you. Fate will lead you to the path you are meant to take.”

I wished I had eyes for the future. I wanted to know a demon would not seize my soul, and I wanted to see a path without the nighttime cries. They must be monsters. I’d never heard a human throat make such tortured sounds.

What fate awaits a girl who hears monsters at night?

Illness swept through my stomach. A shudder racked me, beginning in my gut, forewarning me.

Thank you for your time,

Mary Ting

The post Chapter One -Jaclyn and the Beanstalk appeared first on Mary Ting.

I’m excited to reveal Jaclyn And The Beanstlake cover, the first book in my twisted fairlytale series. What do you think? The cover was designed by Sam Shearon, amazing artist.

Pre-order links will come soon.

Release date: September 4, 2018

GOODREADS #TBR ⇒ http://bit.ly/2GIp63T
PUBLISHER ⇒ Vesuvian Books

Blurb:

What Fate Awaits A Girl Who Hears Monsters At Night…

Sixteen-year-old Jaclyn looks up to her father. An honest man who once fought for the king, he now teaches Jaclyn how to use her wits—and her sword.

But he has a secret. And his secret may have a connection to the one thing Jaclyn is hiding from him.

Upon hearing “monsters” are terrorizing the small villages around Black Mountain, Jaclyn’s father and his friends head out to hunt them … but they don’t return.

Armed only with her sword and three magic beans—a gift from a mysterious old woman—Jaclyn sets out for Black Mountain to save her father.

On her climb, one bean drops and grows into a beanstalk, catching her when she falls.

She isn’t the only one that takes the ride. Jack, her childhood friend and secret crush, is following her.

Together, Jaclyn and Jack must battle to save not only their fathers, but the townspeople the beasts plan to lay waste to before it’s too late.

Thank you for stopping by,

Mary Ting

The post Jaclyn And The Beanstalk Cover Reveal appeared first on Mary Ting.

I’ve posted chapter 2 for you to enjoy below and a special offer.

Exclusive 50 only –box set of Book of Watchers. Box set includes: The box, signed book of Book of Watchers, keychain, button, lip balm, and postcard. This is the link if you’re interested: http://bit.ly/2FWy6SG 

Please enjoy chapter 2, told from Malum’s point of view. (Sorry about the format)

http://bit.ly/2GBWgyx <—Read chapter 1 on my blog.

https://books2read.com/u/ml57J9 <—Universal Pre-order link.

http://bit.ly/2EHRjn0 <—Goodreads

Thank you for your time,

Mary

Chapter 2

At The Nightclub

Malum

The nightclub stank of sweat and alcohol. I walked around a dance floor filled with humans and glamorized demons grinding their bodies to the music.

On my way to my office, I saw the doors down the hall, to either side of me, had a red glow. It meant the rooms had been paid for and were occupied. Many were ménages à trois. And some humans paid a hefty amount to have sex with demons in their true form. Sick bastards.

The office door opened by my will, and I shut it behind me.

“My lord. I wasn’t expecting you. I mean . . . not this late.” Micah’s hand dropped to his zipper, and he stood from the chair behind my desk.

The scent of fear and cheap perfume . . . a female . . . filled the air. I sighed through my nose and flicked my finger. My power slid the desk toward me. A redheaded female was on her knees, trembling, her head bowed. The gesture of respect saved her life. I turned to face the heavy tinted glass that covered the back wall and glued my eyes to the people escaping reality.

“Do whatever you like, Micah, but not in my office. This is your only warning,” I said softly.

Micah was lucky I favored him, and that he was Liana’s half-brother, whom she loved so much. Had he been anyone else, I would have killed the girl in front of him and ripped out his heart.

“Yes. I didn’t . . . wasn’t expecting . . . I mean . . . it just happened . . . I’ll tell her to leave.” Micah led the half-naked girl out and shut the door behind him. After he’d smoothed his hair and adjusted his button-up shirt and pants, he stood beside me.

With his head slightly low, Micah asked, “What brings you late into the night, my lord?”

I didn’t answer, but instead I observed my daughter behind the bar taking care of the customers. At only twenty-two, she exceeded my expectations in training, power, and beauty. She looked like her dead mother, but she had my cold eyes and dark heart.

“Liana has grown up quickly, hasn’t she?”

“Yes, my lord. It pleases me that I helped you train her.”

“We did well, Micah. She is the most powerful of all my children. I’m glad I sought her out.”

I grinned when Liana smiled as she met my gaze. She could see through the thick, tinted window, a unique power my other children did not possess.

“Did you send Oni to find Enoch?” I asked.

“Yes, I did. But—”

“But?” I hated that word. An indication someone had failed to do as I asked. “No need to explain. I want to hear it from Oni. Call him. Tell him I want to see him.”

Micah paled. “He’s . . . here.”

I narrowed my eyes to a group on the dance floor. “I know. I see him. He doesn’t seem to care he didn’t deliver my request. Call him right now.” I tightened my fists to restrain myself from punching the wall, or even Micah. How dare that little piece of shit party after he failed me?

Micah scrolled through his cell and placed the phone to his ear. “Oni. Malum wants to see you.” Pause. “I’m with him in his office.” Micah angled slightly away from me. “Hurry.” After he hung up, he met my eyes. “He’s coming. I’m going to finish the accounts in my office.” Micah dipped his head and backed away to the door.

“No. Stay.”

“Yes, my lord.”

I observed Oni through the glass. He should move his ass to come see me, but he was too busy running his hands all over a human girl and sucking her mouth.

“Liana.” I called my daughter through my mind. “Bring Oni to me. He has ignored my order. He’s on the dance floor.”

I knew Liana understood when she flicked her auburn hair behind her shoulders, strode with a determined look to the dance floor, and yanked Oni from the girl’s grasp. Tugging on his earlobe, she dragged him up a flight of stairs and into my office. Oni’s physique was similar to mine, but he knew better than to refuse Liana.

“Good to see you, Father. Here’s the rat you wanted me to fetch.” She tossed him across the room.

Oni rigidly touched his forehead to the ground. “My lord. I was on my way.”

Liana scowled and leaned against the bookcase. “Liar.”

“Where is Enoch?” I placed my polished shoe by his skull, still pressed on the floor. “You were supposed to call me.”

Oni slowly lifted his head, but his body remained low. “Someone watches over him. I caused an accident so I could capture him, but a light appeared. Bright enough to knock me out.”

“And you failed to tell me?” The window vibrated as my voice rose in anger. This being must indeed be powerful to stop Oni. Perhaps a nephilim bound to Enoch? Oni had never failed me before.

“I didn’t tell you because I’m going back for him. I know where he lives. Currently, he’s in St. Luke’s hospital. And you know I can’t step into places with holy names. I’ll have to wait until he’s sent home.”

I paced, my fingers clasped behind my back. “Don’t go after Enoch by yourself. Find Marcus and Tanya.”

“May I stand?” Oni asked.

I waved my hand.

Oni rose and straightened his shirt. “You want me to team up with the watchers?”

I rubbed my chin with my thumb and index finger, contemplating. “Yes. They have the same interest. Stay in your demon form, but let Marcus and Tanya do the talking. When they have him in their possession, bring him to me.”

“Marcus and Tanya won’t be just talking.” Liana sauntered to the bookcase and studied a sphere-shaped globe the size of a Christmas ornament.

I held my breath. She had never asked why there was a single white feather inside it, and I hoped she never would. I supposed it looked like any other globe I’d collected. I cleared my throat to catch her attention.

“No, they won’t. But they will get the job done. I’d rather have their kind die than ours. I want the blame to fall on them. The Daemonium Council will not be pleased if they find out what I’ve done.”

“Nor will the Trinity Order, Father.”

“They won’t find out as long as we keep things in control. Marcus and Tanya have been rumored to cause chaos; therefore, they will likely get the blame if things go haywire.”

“As you wish,” Oni said. “I’ll find Marcus and Tanya.”

“Why is this human so important? Why bring him in? Have Oni kill him.” Liana softly tapped on a globe with a castle inside it.

A little more than a hundred years before, a war had brewed between archangels and watchers, the angels were sent to Earth to live among humans. No one knew what had happened to them exactly, but a book called Book of Watchers given by God had been opened, and the archangels all had simply vanished.

But I knew the truth. The one who could bring them back had been reborn, as stated in the prophecy.

Using my supernatural speed, I appeared next to my daughter and caressed her cheeks. “Because, my love, I’m giving you the killing blow.”

Liana gave me a broad smile. “You have such great faith in me. I will not disappoint you.”

She wouldn’t. She never had.

The day she was born, humans thought a fallen star had burst from the sky. But, in fact, it had been an archangel’s soul split into two. Each half had taken a body.

Two holy souls had been reborn.

My daughter carried one soul. I knew the second she was born. As I watched, a halo of light had surrounded her. How fortunate for me that a daughter of evil carried that soul. I had waited so long for such a fate. And then I’d searched for another newborn with the same light and found a little boy name Enoch Winston.

The post Book of Watchers, Chapter 2 Teaser appeared first on Mary Ting.

I’m getting braver. I’ve taped myself reading a teaser of ISAN from chapter one, but you can also read chapter one below.

Universal pre-order link: https://books2read.com/ISAN

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2Fxp8sm

(Sorry about the format)

Chapter 1

Mental Mission

I ran to live.

Bullets whizzed by my ears. Adrenaline pumped through my body like a high-speed train. I peeked around the corner to confirm no enemy remained, then charged down the hall faster than humanly possible. Justine and Brooke hot on my heels. I halted when I realized Justine had slowed.

“Crap. It nicked me.” Justine’s long blonde hair screened her face.

“How bad is it?” Metallic scent spiked my senses. I cringed and reached for her arm, but she jolted back and flashed daggered eyes at me.

Since she didn’t want my help, I checked my digital watch. Ten minutes left to reach the other side of the building before time ran out with my team. If we didn’t end up killing each other first.

“I’ll be fine. It’s not bad.” Justine pressed a hand over the wound and snarled.

Blood soaked her shirt and seeped between her fingers. Crimson beads dotted the floor. Hopefully her shirt would catch most of it.

My jaw tightened. “The hell it isn’t. Make sure you don’t leave a trail.”

Steady the anger, Ava. No time to argue.

Justine liked to test my leadership. I would not let her intimidate me. I knew when to bite back, and harder if I needed to. A charming trait I’d learned from being in juvenile detention.

“Shhh …” Brooke placed her finger to her lips. “They’ve stopped shooting at us.”

“That’s because they can’t see us. They went the other way, idiot.” Justine smirked, then wiped her bloodstained hand on her pants.

Brooke placed her fists on her hips and glared at Justine. “I was only making an observation. My hearing is awesome right now. Better than usual.”

“You’re not the only—”

“Shut the hell up. Stop arguing.” I sighed heavily. Both of them drove me nuts when they bickered—the possible reason we might fail our mental mission.

As I smeared sweat off my forehead, I listened for the clicking of guns and squeaks on the laminated floor. Then, at footsteps vibrating like thunder, I poised to run.

“We need to get moving.” Justine stiffened, her eyes darting every which way. “Where’s the freakin’ door, Ava?”

“This way. Follow me.” I swept the long hallway to my left, then to the right. When I didn’t spot the computerized soldiers, I took off toward the left, then halted when the hallway split again.

“Do you know where you’re going?” Brooke panted. “We’ve never been here before.”

“I do. Trust me,” I said, catching my breath.

Brooke knew I stored a blueprint of the structure in my mind. My mind projected a map in front of me like a hologram, visible to only me when HelixB77 serum had been injected in my system.

As the soldiers’ footsteps got louder, their precise location became harder to detect. The sound bounced from wall to wall, echoing.

“They’re coming from behind us, too.” Justine tapped her foot, rooting her eyes on my watch. “How much time do we have?”

“About four minutes.”

So little time. My heart pounded. I needed to go faster. I took deep breaths to keep from freaking out. The image faded as fear took over.

No, no, no. Not now. Focus. Focus. Focus.

Justine pointed at the air vent. “How about up there?”

“Are you nuts?” Brooke gave Justine the evil eye. “I’m not going up there. What are we going to do, crawl our way to the exit door? And what if they start shooting the ceiling? We’ll be trapped. We’ll be dead. Ava, hurry up. Which way?”

I closed my eyes and tuned out their squabbling voices. Breathe. Stay calm. I inhaled deep breaths, letting serenity wash over me. Then a few heartbeats later, I opened my eyes. There. The image came back.

“The exit is this way.” I dashed down another long hallway and stopped at a door bearing a sign for the stairs.

Brooke’s eyes beamed hopeful, but her muscles remained rigid. “It’s the exit, right, Ava?”

“Yes.” My hand trembling, I turned the knob.

It wouldn’t budge. What the hell? Yanking didn’t help, so I kicked the door in frustration. Pain shot through my leg like an electric shock. I lost precious seconds.

What next?

“Move out of my way.” Justine knocked the door open with one swift kick, the door now becoming one with the wall.

I bolted down the steps, the ping of dampened gunfire behind me. Faster. Go faster. Power and exhilaration surged in my muscles. As I descended, the footsteps pursuing me disappeared.

Twenty feet from the exit … eighteen … fifteen … so close … almost there. I could almost taste sweet victory, my heart leaping for joy. Then …

My watch beeped.

Damnit to hell.

The ground rumbled violently. I slammed against the wall. Justine barked a curse behind me as I braced for another impact.

The blast roared and tossed me in the air. Flames engulfed me, followed by another loud boom. The building groaned and shrieked as it collapsed. I died.

Again.

The post ISAN TEASER, CHAPTER ONE appeared first on Mary Ting.

I’m going to be brave and read you chapter one of Book of Watchers. My first new adult fantasy book.

It releases on March, 26, 2018, but you can pre-order on the link below.

http://bit.ly/2GBWgyx <—Read chapter 1 on my blog. https://books2read.com/u/ml57J9 <—Universal Pre-order link. http://bit.ly/2EHRjn0 <—Goodreads Enjoy!

The post Book of Watcher Chapter One Reading appeared first on Mary Ting.

I’m so excited to show you the cover of Book of Watchers. My first New Adult Fantasy. I’ve also included a pre-order link, synopsis, and chapter one. The story is told from three points of view, but I promise you will enjoy it. I almost wrote it in 3rd person, but I much like writing stories in first.

Thank you so much for your time.

books2read.com/u/ml57J9 <—Universal Pre-order link.

Here is the synopsis:

Before the Bible, there was Book of Watchers
Enoch wants to live an ordinary life. He’s content to lie low, skip his college classes, and avoid committing to any one girl. But ordinary isn’t on the syllabus for Enoch because at night, he dreams of demons. Vivid dreams that leave him wanting escape more than ever. When they escape his dreams and attack him during daylight, his reality becomes a nightmare.

As he pieces together the meaning behind the encounters, supernatural creatures emerge. Demons. Vampires. Witches. Angels. And they all want something from him. In a supernatural world he never thought possible, Enoch uncovers a secret that either will destroy him or force him to become much more than he ever wanted.

Chapter 1

The stranger

Malum

(Sorry about the format. I can’t seem to change it and it needs to go through one more round of editing. Enjoy!)

The scent of my own flesh and blood seeped through the walls. I didn’t bother to knock on the door, but instead flicked my wrist to the side. My power tore the slab of wood off the hinges, and I walked in. The family of four became immobile, their eyes wide with terror as they watch me saunter into their lives.

Fools.

They should be on their knees, bowing, worshiping me, but instead they stared like I was a ghost. Luckily for them, I felt tolerant. After all, I had come to claim my own. A happy occasion indeed.

I didn’t hide my true form, and I supposed I would be horrified if I were human and saw the likes of me. A demon. Over seven feet tall with ripped muscles, I towered over the entire family. But my face, reptilian with hardly any nose and rows of teeth like shark’s—I was a thing of nightmares.

The man pushed his wife and two daughters behind him as if he could save them from me. “I-I did as you asked. Wh-why are you here?” The man stuttered, fear contorting his face.

I tugged on my black leather gloves one finger at a time, watching him squirm. “I told you to bring me your eldest daughter. I waited, but you did not come.”

“I told you I would bring another. It’s only been an hour.” His tone was urgent. Rude.

“It’s only been an hour.” I mimicked him calmly, though I wanted so badly to squash him. I tamed my temper so I could play with him. Making humans feel inferior always gave me pleasure.

When I walked around the sofa to the suitcases by the fireplace, the man stiffened and scooted his family closer to the kitchen.

“Please. I’ll bring you a girl. I need an hour.”

His plea made me sick to my stomach. No amount of begging would soften my dark heart. Such a fool. He should have run away with his family instead of gathering his material things. No matter, I would have found him either way.

His two daughters, one ten and the other twelve, trembled, but curiosity kept their eyes glued to me. They had never seen me before. But they would know the true color of my soul, and the twelve-year-old would have a new life beginning that day.

I shoved my gloves into my coat pockets and wiggled my fingers. “You’re already late. And you were going to run away and not fulfill my request, so I will take my eldest daughter now.”

“No. Please. Take me instead.” The mother pulled away from the security of her husband and stepped forward. “Whatever my husband’s debt is, I’ll pay it. But please leave my daughter out of it. She’s innocent.”

Right on the nose. It seemed the woman knew her husband gambled and owed me a debt. They still had a home because of my generosity and because he took care of something precious to me.

Bring the eldest, I’d asked. Such a simple task. One he failed to do.

“She’s mine,” I growled. The woman had no idea I had screwed her thirteen years ago, glamored to look like her husband. Of course, she wasn’t the only one. But I had to claim my daughter when she turned twelve and bind her blood with mine, or her powers would not manifest to their full potential. She’d remain human forever.

“I won’t go with you.” The eldest daughter glared, her eyes dark and cold like mine.

Such spunk. So young and naïve. As the scent of her demon blood spiraled through me, I sensed something remarkable. She was surely one of a kind. If given proper training, she would become my greatest weapon.

“A bargain is a bargain, girl. I will get my way.”

The man took something from his back pocket and pointed it at me with a trembling hand. “Please. I don’t want to hurt you. I’ll bring a girl. I need time.”

I narrowed my eyes at him and sighed through my nose. “Nobody makes me wait, human. I do not tolerate a broken promise or threats.”

“I didn’t break my promise. I asked for two hours, but you only gave me one.”

I roared when he raised his voice in defiance. The woman and the girls hunched their shoulders and covered their ears. The man pulled the trigger when I took a step toward my daughter. Palm out, I stopped the bullet. He fired a rain of bullets at me. I froze all of them in midair, inches from me.

His eyes grew larger and his mouth fell open.

“Tsk. Tsk. Tsk.” I clucked my tongue. “You do not fear me. That will change.”

I flicked my fingers and redirected the bullets. Two at his knees, two in his feet, and one to his wife’s head. The daughters screamed when their mother dropped, blood seeping from her skull. The father collapsed to the ground next to his wife.

“No. No. No!” He bellowed, unable to move from his injury. The anguish in his scream was palpable. “You’re a monster.” His breath huffed between clenched teeth.

I bent lower, meeting his eyes, and stroked his hair like humans do to dogs. “No. I’m no monster.”

“What are you?” He groaned and clutched at his legs.

“I am the thing you should fear most in this world. I have no soul. I give no mercy. My father was not created by your God, but rather formed in the pit of Hell. As your God represents good, I represent evil. There cannot be one without the other. The angels fear Lucifer, but Lucifer fears me.” My nails grew into blades by my will, and I pierced them through his head.

I shuddered with exhilaration. The metallic scent of blood, weight of death, and the essence of his soul leaving his body gave me the most euphoric feeling. A sensation like happiness, but so much better.

I yanked out my talons, blood dripping from the sharpened tips. The quaking girls held each other, sobbing, as I licked the liquid from one claw and inhaled a deep, settling breath. His blood tasted like sugar. Exquisite.

“Now. You have a choice. Share the same fate as your parents or come with me,” I said to the eldest.

My daughter shook her head. Not a sound escaped her throat.

“Wrong answer, girl.”

I grabbed the ten-year-old’s hair and yanked her out of her sister’s hold. She screamed, kicking and throwing sloppy punches. I had no patience left. Tired of their crap, I sank my canines into the crook of her neck and drank her blood while my daughter watched in horror. Then I made her watch me eat her sister’s flesh. All of it. Until only the bones were left.

I had planned to take a few bites to show her how vicious I could be, but the flavor of the girl’s flesh and the honey-sweet blood drove me wild, and I couldn’t stop. Some may say I was too harsh, but I like to make myself clear. Fear makes humans obey me.

“Let me ask you again, child.” I took out a handkerchief and wiped my mouth. “Will you be coming with me?”

I could have taken her without her permission, but I like to think she had a choice. Besides, I might have killed her if she screamed. I hated that sound. A sound of weakness.

Tears streaming down her face, her body shaking, she nodded. She had moved to the corner and curled into a ball. Such a shame she met me on a bad day. At least it wasn’t my worst.

“Good answer.” I shoved the handkerchief back in my back pocket. “My name is Malum. And I am your true father.”

My spirits lifted, and I tried to sound pleasant and not threatening. And for a second, my heart expanded with a warm tingling foreign sensation. Perhaps it was parental love I felt. I wasn’t sure, since I’d never felt such a feeling before. Or perhaps it was joy of finally having found the pure soul I sought, one I would destroy to make her like me.

“You do not need to tell me your name. I’ve been watching you. I’ve always been there,” I told her.

I helped her stand. So small and fragile. But after the ritual, she would become stronger. I had many children, but this one owned my heart. Perhaps a little inch of me felt sorry for killing her family and eating her sister in front of her, an image she would never be able to erase. I would have to make her forget . . . all of it. No family to recall. It was better that way.

“Don’t cry, Liana. You’ll have all the riches in the world. You’ll rule beside your brothers and sisters. And soon, everyone will bow before us. Now let me see your wings.”

When she hesitated, I let out a warning growl. She shuddered and released a strange annoying human sound.

I tightened my fist and sighed to release my temper. “It’s okay. I know you have them. I have them too.”

I slowly expanded my ebony wings to fill the whole room, knocking over a lamp and few other insignificant human things in the process. Her eyes grew wide and her tears stopped. She released some feathers, and then with encouragement, the rest of her dove-like wings opened.

“Beautiful. Now pluck one of your feathers and hand it to me.”

She had no idea taking out a feather would be painful, as if one of her limbs had been broken.

When she did as I asked, she screamed. Windows and everything that was glass shattered to bits.

I scooped her shaking body in my arms and tucked her close to me. “Good. When you listen, I don’t get mad. Remember that. The pain will go away soon.”

Then I wrapped my wings around her and bolted through the roof.

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