Tiny Bites Read online

  Also by Stacy Claflin

  An Alex Mercer Thriller

  Girl in Trouble

  Turn Back Time

  Little Lies

  Curse of the Moon

  Lost Wolf

  Chosen Wolf

  Hunted Wolf

  Broken Wolf

  Cursed Wolf

  Secret Jaguar

  Fall Into Romance

  Lost in Romance

  Gone

  Gone

  Held

  Over

  The Gone Trilogy

  Dean's List

  Indigo Bay Sweet Romance Series

  Sweet Dreams

  The Hunters

  Seaside Surprises

  Seaside Heartbeats

  Seaside Dances

  Seaside Kisses

  Seaside Christmas

  Bayside Wishes

  Bayside Evenings

  Bayside Promises

  Bayside Destinies

  The Hunters: A Collection

  The Transformed

  Deception

  Betrayal

  Forgotten

  Ascension

  Duplicity

  Sacrifice

  Destroyed

  Transcend

  Entangled

  Dauntless

  Obscured

  Partition

  Fallen (The Transformed Prequel)

  Silent Bite: A Transformed Christmas

  Hidden Intentions

  Saved by a Vampire

  Sweet Desire

  Standalone

  The Transformed Series - Four Books

  The Transformed Box Set

  No Return

  Tiny Bites

  Haunted

  Dex

  When Tomorrow Starts Without me

  Contents

  Title Page

  Story Blurbs

  Transformed Series

  A Long Time Coming - One

  A Long Time Coming - Two

  A Long Time Coming - Three

  The Orders

  The Fielding - One

  The Fielding - Two

  The Fielding - Three

  The Volunteer - One

  The Volunteer - Two

  The Volunteer - Three

  Eaten by Wolves

  Returned - One

  Returned - Two

  The Gone Series

  Researching

  Desperate - One

  Desperate - Two

  A Very Dysfunctional Christmas

  Seaside Hunters Series

  Seaside Beginnings - One

  Seaside Beginnings - Two

  Seaside Memories - Intro

  Seaside Memories - One

  Seaside Memories - Two

  Seaside Memories - Three

  Seaside Treasures - One

  Seaside Treasures - Two

  Other Story Worlds

  Monsters

  Wanderers

  Terra Weaver

  Missing Ivy

  Bonus Content

  Meet Macy Mercer

  Excerpt: Gone (Watching)

  Excerpt: Gone (Taken)

  Deleted Scene: Gone (Alex)

  Deleted Scene: Gone (Macy)

  Excerpt: Dean's List

  Excerpts: Hidden Intentions

  Excerpt: Seaside Surprises

  Excerpt: Seaside Heartbeats

  Excerpt: Seaside Dances

  The Making of a Royal Vampire

  Interview: Alrekur

  Interview: Alexis (Deception)

  Interview: Samantha Erikson

  Interview: Amanda (Betrayal)

  Interview: Alexis (Betrayal)

  Deleted Scene: Betrayal

  Other Books

  Author's Note

  TINY BITES

  A SHORT STORY COLLECTION

  FROM STACY CLAFLIN'S STORY WORLDS

  by Stacy Claflin

  http://www.stacyclaflin.com

  Copyright ©2015 Stacy Claflin. All rights reserved.

  ©Cover Design: GoOnWrite.com

  Edited by Staci Troilo

  This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, businesses, events, or locales is purely coincidental or used fictitiously. The author has taken great liberties with locales including the creation of fictional towns.

  Reproduction in whole or part of this publication without express written consent is strictly prohibited. Do not upload or distribute anywhere.

  This ebook is for your personal enjoyment only. It may not be resold or given away to others. If you would like to share this book with others please either purchase it for them or direct them to StacyClaflin.com for links. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

  Receive 3 free books from the author!

  About Tiny Bites

  This is a short story collection from my various story worlds. I've written these stories so readers can enjoy them without having read their respective series.

  Use this guide to help you decide which stories to read, and when. Or you can just read them straight through, from first to last. It's up to you! Just have fun, and enjoy your travels through various story worlds.

  The Transformed Series

  The Transformed is a series of paranormal romances that cover a wide range of supernatural species, including (and certainly not limited to) vampires, werewolves, and witches. But that's only the beginning. Throughout the series, you'll meet many others that you've likely never heard of, such as the asrai, atcen, nokken, and many others. You'll find romance, suspense, twists, turns, and much more.

  A Long Time Coming

  Separated from the love of his life for decades, the reunion draws near. Will she remember him? Will his love for her continue to burn bright?

  The Orders

  Mattie must choose between the little girl she cares for and her flesh-and-blood children. Can she find a way to save them both?

  The Fielding

  In a war-torn future, the elderly are sent off to die. When Alexis hears her parents are next, can she make it back in time to save them?

  The Volunteer

  The story of a human volunteer at the castle. They're only ever mentioned in passing by the royalty, but now we can take a peek into the life of one.

  Eaten by Wolves

  Alexis is missing, and everyone insists—without emotion—that she was eaten by wolves. Tanner needs to get to the bottom of this… if it doesn't drive him crazy first.

  Returned

  Natalie has been returned home after being abducted by evil vampires, and now she must learn to come to terms with the terror while not being able to discuss what she went through with anyone. Who would believe her story?

  The Gone Series

  The Gone saga is a series of psychological suspense thrillers. If you like haunting characters and an intense mystery, then you'll love the compelling series that readers are calling "one of the best series to come along in a while." The Gone series consists of the main trilogy and standalone stories based from side characters from the trilogy.

  Researching

  Chester Woodran is a man at the end of his rope. He's lost everything, including his family. He wants to replace his daughter. This is the story of how he goes about finding a new one.

  Desperate

  Macy Mercer has been bullied at school for years because of her weight. Now thin, her reputation remains. Lonely and desperate, she seeks approval online, but will it only make things worse?

  A Very Dysfunctional Christmas

  Macy's family is barely surviving in the wake of her disappearance. Christmas only makes things worse. Will they igno
re the holiday altogether, or manage to find some joy despite their worlds falling apart?

  The Seaside Hunters

  The Seaside Hunters is a series of standalone sweet contemporary romance novels set in the seaside town of Kittle Falls. These heartwarming stories are centered on the five Hunter brothers. The beautiful seaside town will make you want to visit… and stay! If you like chemistry, budding romance, and love in a quaint small town, then you'll fall for these new short stories.

  Seaside Beginnings

  This is the story of Robert and Dawn, the five Hunter brothers' parents. We meet them in each of the Seaside books, and they've grown on readers almost as much as the brothers themselves. Now we get a glimpse into their story.

  Seaside Memories

  Sophia is the youngest of the Hunter siblings. Each of her brothers hold her memory in a special place. Her story is one of first love, second chances, and enjoying life.

  Seaside Treasures

  Allen and Jackie's story is of an unlikely love and healing old wounds. They couldn't be more different, but that could be exactly what they need.

  Other Worlds

  These stories are outside of any series I have written, so they can all easily be read on their own. "Monsters" and "Terra Weaver" are standalone short stories that don't go with anything else. "Missing Ivy" is part of the Dream Engine world and was originally in a separate compilation.

  Monsters

  Dex has grown up in a world where monsters are real. Or at least that's what he's been told for all of his young life. He's determined to find out the truth… even if it kills him.

  Wanderers

  What happened after the stocking end of Monsters? In Wanderers, we meet up with Dex again, and this time he has even more adventures! Will he survive, or has he run out of time?

  Terra Weaver

  Every earth is the same, but at the same time, completely different. Stella is one of the few who can go from one to the next, and she's in charge of certain worlds, though unseen by the residents. If anything goes wrong—it's on her.

  Missing Ivy

  A story of love that crosses strong social classes. Ivy is the daughter of a rich and influential family and Christoph is a poor gypsy who travels from place to place. They're determined to make their relationship work, but when he arrives at the festival to meet her, he learns she has mysteriously disappeared… and the rumors are nothing short of nightmarish.

  Bonus Content

  In this section, you'll find character interviews, deleted scenes, excerpts from some of the best scenes, and other fun (or chilling!) extras to deepen the worlds you already love or introduce you to new ones. Everything in this section is designed so that anyone can read each piece—unless noted in the beginning of that section. I think you'll enjoy these as much as the short stories.

  The Transformed Series

  You're about to read some short stories from the Transformed series. It is an urban fantasy romantic thriller series that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You'll find a supernatural world far beyond the normal scope of vampires and werewolves. Buckle up and get ready for a ride full of twists and turns. It's one for all ages – as long as you have an imagination and love surprises!

  A Long Time Coming

  One

  I had spent the majority of my life waiting for the phone call.

  When it finally came, I had been walking through one of our vast gardens—the one that had been her favorite. I couldn't help smiling at the memories of us there together, so many years ago. She had been so adventurous and mischievous.

  My heart still ached at the loss.

  Kelvan, one of the family servants and also a close friend of mine, ran out to the garden, interrupting my thoughts. The unusual, desperate look on his face made me stop in my tracks. "Is everything all right?"

  "Your highness," he greeted me, bowing.

  "How many times have I told you to call me Cliff?"

  Kelvan looked up at me. "My apologies, Master Montgomery."

  I raised an eyebrow.

  His face broke into a smile. "Master Cliff."

  "Drop the 'Master,' my friend."

  "Next time." His face became serious again. "I have urgent news. There's a phone call for you—it's regarding Marguerite."

  "Marguerite?" Ignoring every formality, I ran past him into the castle in a matter of seconds. I picked up the phone in my room, my hands shaking uncontrollably. "Hello?" My voice trembled, and I failed to mask my panic.

  "Cliff, this is Steve. I have great news. It's finally begun."

  My mouth dropped. "Marguerite's transformation?" I almost didn't want to allow the glimmer of hope to take root. Could it be true? Would we really reunite soon?

  "Yes, her transformation. We were beginning to think it would never start," Steve said, sounding relieved. "By the way, you're going to have to get used to calling her Alexis now. She's been going by that for about fourteen years. She doesn't even know her birth name is Marguerite."

  "That will take some getting used to, but I'll adjust. Tell me everything."

  "Brooke has been getting visions about her for a while. At first, Alexis had the typical strong mood swings. Then things started breaking around her when she was angry, so everything is progressing as it should. Brooke is certain she's reading minds already, but Alexis won't admit to it. She has also got some crows chasing after her—and we have no idea what that's about. Do you?"

  I scratched my chin, thinking about what little I knew about crows. "I've never heard anything of the sort. We'll have to look into it. Aside from that," I said, pushing the crows out of my mind, "it sounds as though she's proceeding quickly. Her parents are still in Europe, so I will be the one to assist you. How involved with her life are you? I know you had to give her some space when she began to remember her life at the castle."

  "Yes. She has been spending a lot of time with my family. We'll need you to assist us quickly since she's going to hit the relentless stages of transformation soon. Really soon. We need to explain everything to her so she knows what's going on."

  I wanted to race to Marguerite—Alexis—right then, but I knew it wasn't possible. "I have some loose ends to tie up here before my parents return. Will you be able to wait a week for me?"

  "That won't be a problem. Brooke has an extensive plan for your reunion. It's at the high school the weekend after next. She wants you to meet Alexis looking your absolute best."

  "Knowing Brooke, that's not surprising," I said. "I would be happy to see Marguerite, I mean Alexis, in rags, as long as I can just see her. But I'll force myself to wait and let Brooke work her magic. I'll be there in a week, and if you need me sooner, just say the word, and I'll make it happen."

  "Great. See you then."

  I hung up, looking down at my multi-colored silk shirt and let out a grunt in annoyance. It was at moments like these that I wished I owned more plain clothes. I managed to find a pair of worn jeans, a striped pullover, and some old sneakers stashed in the corner of my closet. After I changed, I sneaked outside to go for a walk in the woods surrounding the castle. Once I entered the denser part of the forest, I sprinted into a run. The greenery passed by in a blur. If I kept up my speed, I would be out of the hidden woods soon.

  I needed to clear my mind, knowing that if I didn't, the time I still needed to wait to see Marguerite would go by excruciatingly slow. I wouldn't think about anything aside from finally meeting up with my lost love again.

  Even as I tried to clear my head, my thoughts drifted back to the last time I had seen her. She had been kidnapped when she was only three, and now she was about to turn seventeen. I couldn't believe that I had been waiting to see her for fourteen years.

  The day that we discovered her missing had been the worst day of my life. I was about to turn eleven, and even though she was so much younger, Marguerite was my best friend. I knew that we were to be married, and I had fallen in love with her the day she was born. Of course, at the age of seven, it w
as a kind of pure and unromantic love. She had me wrapped around her finger, and I would have done anything for her. I spent every moment I could with her. It had always made me happy to take care of her, even when she was being her typical mischievous and messy self.

  The morning of her disappearance, I knocked on her door several times, completely oblivious to the fact that only hours before, she had been taken. After there was no answer, I walked in, only to find her room empty. I searched all her favorite hiding spots, since she loved to hide, but did not find her.

  A little while later, when I found her parents, I asked where she was, assuming that they knew.

  "She is sleeping, of course," her mother, Queen Caitlyn Westerfield, replied. "That child sleeps like no other."

  "Where?" I asked, feeling my heart drop to my stomach. "Her room is empty."

  King Geoffrey Westerfield stood up from his chair in one swift motion. "Empty?"

  I nodded, stepping back a little, startled by the look on his face.

  "Are you sure it was empty?" asked her mother. "You know how our daughter loves to play games. Perhaps she was only hiding."

  "No, your highness. It was definitely empty. I looked everywhere."

  The king turned to the servants, his eyes burning with the full weight of his authority. "Find Marguerite."

  The entire castle stopped everything to search for her. At some point during our search, someone named Vince Moretti called the king and queen's personal line and told them that our princess had been killed. Then he declared war on the throne.

  When I heard the news, I was both frightened and helpless. My legs began to shake, and though I wanted to scream, the knot that stuck inside my throat prevented me from speaking. My stomach heaved, compressing my muscles deep into my rib cage.