Halloween Special Feature ~ Legends & Lore

Happy Halloween!! It’s the perfect time for some more of our favorite supernatural, scary and paranormal recs. Remember to leave the authors some love in the form of a review.

Happy Halloween reading!

Read at your own risk! Not all of these have a HEA! 

X~X~X~X

Abbracciare Il Cantante by AKABrattyVamp
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12389830/1/
I am re-posting the first fanfic I ever wrote. It is not edited, or unchanged at all. Way back in the day, I wondered what would have happened if Edward left Forks when Bella arrived. SM provided awesome characters and inspiration. All of the what-ifs were mine. The mistakes are mine, too. Rated M

Bête Noir by TheQueenWriter
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8638220/1/
You are cordially invited to spend Halloween in Forks. O/S Rated M

Bored Games by m7707
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6441225/1/Bored-Games
A dark and twisted tale about vampires dealing with the never-ending boredom of eternity. Written for the Countdown to Halloween II. ONE SHOT. AU. OOC. Rated M

Duplicity by Content 1
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11619094/1/Duplicity
As one of Carlisle Cullen's children, Edward's future should have been one of a gentle existence. Instead, his rebellion led to a destiny of power, blood, lust, and domination. When the two worlds collide, what will be the cost of victory? Recipient of the Blood and Glory award/Red Eyed Edward Contest 2015 - Thanks Packy! Rated M

Grasping Darkness by KiyaRaven
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5478849/1/Grasping_Darkness
She dreams of darkness. Lust. Passion. The man she fantasizes about has it all, especially the darkness. The problem is, he's not really a man. Rated M for language & dark themes.
Rated M

Happy Halloween by NewTwilightFan
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10728694/1/Happy-Halloween
Are you in the mood for something scary, spooky, quirky, creepy or supernatural? A series of Halloween one-shots. Ratings, genres and characters vary by story. Individual ratings and summaries are at the top of each new post. Something for everyone. Happy Halloween! Rated M

Lions Eat Lambs by Raggdolly
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5753638/1/Lions_Eat_Lambs
A camping expedition goes awry when Bella's friends disappear. While searching for them, she stumbles upon the manor of Edward Cullen, unaware that she is about to become a pawn in his dangerous game - a game she can't afford to lose. Rated: Fiction M

Masquerade by BellaSunshine
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6429198/1/Masquerade
One-shot. Bella goes to a Halloween masquerade party, where she meets a tall, dark stranger. Rated M

Master of Puppets by The Unholy Trinity of Horror
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9774726/1/Master-of-Puppets
I'm pulling your strings. Twisting your mind and smashing your dreams. Blinded by me, you can't see a thing. Just call my name, 'cause I'll hear you scream. A collab between darkNnerdy, Livie79, and Raggdolly. Rated M

Prey for the Wicked by Aleeab4u
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6785758/1/Prey-for-the-Wicked
A vampire finds the true meaning of temptation, an innocent beauty with a siren's blood. Need and curiosity ignite endless possibility, but is she prey for the wicked or the answer to a prayer for salvation? When obsession has no reason and love knows no bounds, where do you draw the line? AU E/B Darkward Mature themes. Non-canon vampires. No sparkling, vegetarianism or venom. Rated M

Spellbound by Claire Bloom
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5152779/1/Spellbound
Imprisoned by the malicious James, Edward meets the bewitching Isabella. As he battles with his enemies, his conscience and his bloodlust, he finally falls for her whilst she ignites his male desire's & awakens his Vampiric cravings. With Vamps/AU Rated M

Surface by MeteorOnAMoonlessNight
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12703607/1/
He buried his secrets, but he should have checked for a pulse. Rated M

The Dollhouse by Kambria Rain
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5064271/1/The_Doll_House
We were all going to die. I used to be an optimistic person, but that went out the window as soon as the hot mountain man decided we were going to hunt the hunters. AH. Warning: So far, there are minor character deaths, and Edward's a little scary. Rated M

The Haunting of Bella Swan by Ericastwilight
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11549142/1/The-Haunting-of-Bella-Swan
Edward Masen had seen and heard a lot things since the day he died, but didn't stay dead. Nothing prepared him for her. Rated M

The Masque of the Red Death by Jessiechreesie
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5248764/1/The_Masque_of_the_Red_Death
Her blood would be mine. As would she. Once she begged, pleaded, demanded, and wept for my bite. And she would. The only question was how many would die first." Vampire AU. Mature audiences only. NO sexual abuse. Rated M

The Mirrors by adorablecullens
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4971734/1
Teddy's secret and magical childhood is lost when a family heirloom is destroyed, changing his life forever. Now an adult, can Edward open himself back up to magic and love when he meets a beautiful - and hauntingly familiar - woman in real life? Rated M

The Ripper by HeartOfDarkness
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7209045/1/The_Ripper
Edward, a nomad killer vampire, alone for more than three centuries, comes upon his next prey in the form of talk back radio psychologist and dabbler in the dark side of human nature, Bella Swan. Darkward, kinky Bella. Rated M

Toil and Trouble by LyricalKris
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7571721/1/Toil-and-Trouble
The people of the 1600's believed in the monsters that haunted their nightmares. When witches are suspected to walk among them, the small town of Forkshire is torn apart, and the secrets of some of its residents brought to light. Rated M

Halloween Special Feature ~ Legends & Lore

With Halloween quickly approaching, we thought we’d share the first of two spooky segments showcasing some of our favorite supernatural, scary and paranormal recs. As always, remember to leave the authors some love in the form of a review. Happy Halloween reading!

Read at your own risk! Not all of these have a HEA!

X~X~X~X

Asylum by darkNnerdy
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9621919/1/Asylum
He is sin personified, wicked and inked, cruelty always at the tip of his tongue. Black wings grace his back, and blood stains his hands. She's the poison he wants to consume, but can she survive? Rated M

Buried by Ericastwilight
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10317577/1/Buried
His reality was made of nightmares. She was plagued by them. Will she conquer her fears in time? Can he protect her? Rated M

Caught Looking by ScarlettLetters
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5265452/1/Caught-Looking
Bella embarks on a Halloween she will never forget. My entry for the Tattward & Inkella Contest. Rated M for graphic language and scenes of a sexual nature.

Elemental by TallulahBelle
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5241793/1/
When the Swans return to their birthplace, Bella learns she is no ordinary teenager, and Forks is no ordinary town. Can she fulfill her destiny with the powerful Edward Cullen, or will the dark forces that threaten their families destroy them all? Rated M

Grim and Darling by Honeybeemeadows
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11769558/1/Grim-and-Darling
Every town has a tragedy. Every tragedy has a devil. That's me. Rated M

Halloween Hijinx by HalloweenHijinx
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7487985/1/Halloween-Hijinx
Eight Cullens. Eight creepy campfire tales. Join bmango, mskathy, sorceresscirce, theladyingrey42, tuesdaymidnight, yellowglue, and yogagal/lawngirl for a fun week of Halloween stories starring your favorite characters from Twilight. Rated M

Haunted by GerominoPond
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4424682/1/Haunted
Bella Swan, a noted paranormal investigator, is called to check out the "Ghost Haven" that is Edward Cullen's house. Can she, along with Edward, defeat what is tormenting Edward in his own house? Rated M

House of the Horde by Raggdolly
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5447521/1/House-of-the-Horde
Bella endures the dark side of LA. After being abducted and taken into the Hollywood Hills, she learns that humans are not at the top of the food chain. Can she escape or will she fall victim to a treacherous vampire? OOC/Dark Themes/No rape. Outtakes included. Rated M

Maledictum Magae by Bexi21
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5857229/1/Maledictum-Magae
The curse happened in 1692.For over 300 years, Isabella Swan has lived alone, afraid to be close to anyone again.But when she finally meets someone who captures her heart, the unthinkable happens, leaving her in a kind of danger she never thought possible. Rated M

Monolith by NewTwilightFan
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11618477/1/Monolith
*Red Eyed Edward Contest Entry: 1st Place Judges' Vote* Bella has returned to Forks to live with her father every other year since her parents' divorce. Her emotional isolation threatens to overwhelm her, then she senses a mysterious force drawing her deep into the shadows of an abandoned graveyard. The force emanates from a standing stone. . . the gateway to her destiny. AU.

Phantasmic by BottledCoke
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6724443/1/Phantasmic
After hearing about the "Phantom Doll", Edward can't help but be curious. He falls in love with the figurine and decides to buy it. There's rumors about the doll,how it got its name. It supposedly can move, talk and some former owners even claim it drank. Rated M

Pretty Little Dolls Sitting All in a Row by staceleo
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9767465/1/Pretty-Little-Dolls-Sitting-All-in-a-Row
It was a dark and stormy night. A mysterious lab with no power on Halloween. A figure terrorizing the doctors and patients. This can't end well. A Halloween present in a handful of chapters for my readers and fellow writer friends. Enjoy. Rated M

Que Sera, Sera by Livie79
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8623804/1/Que-Sera-Sera
Isabella's life was nothing more than a series of unfortunate events since the day she was born. For her, monsters are real, love is the fantasy, and fate is a cruel mistress. The future's not ours, to see...what will be, will be. AH ExB Rated M

She Speaks Fear and Truth by Ericastwilight
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5434481/1/She_Speaks_Fear_and_Truth
She's haunted daily, but learns to deal with her gift, helping those in need. He hides behind his opinions,seeking closure, barely living. When their worlds collide can they help each other. A story of loss, love and betrayal with a supernatural twist. Rated: M

Sleepy Hollow by content1
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11589321/1/Sleepy-Hollow
In the "Legend of Sleepy Hollow," Ichabod Crane, after losing the hand of his love, Katrina, was taken by the Headless Horseman, never to be seen again. What if the legend wasn't quite true? Winner 2nd Place Public Vote, Spell-Binding Award, Validator's Choice (Enchanted by Twilight), and Judge's Choice (BeeGurl13) in the Tricks and Treats Contest 2015. Rated M

The Emperors of Washington by gallantcorkscrews
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5337013/1
Edward is a killer. But it can't be explained away by his vampire nature. He's just a sociopathic, human teenager. CAN I MAKE A LOVE STORY OUT OF THIS? ExB. Rated M

Toye by AKABrattyVamp
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12693351/1/Toye
Vampires like to play with their food. A campy and kitschy horror short-story that lets the men of the Cullen household be the monsters that Edward always claimed they were. Extremely OOC. Just in time for Halloween! Rated M

TLS Special SNEAK PEEK Feature

The Lemonade Stand has spent years bringing you the best the Twilight  fandom has to offer, and we are delighted to have the chance  to offer  you even MORE. We've enjoyed watching stories grow and develop from  first post through COMPLETE, and now we're excited to share  previews of  the stories that will  soon be your new addiction.

This week we’re excited to have Payton79, author of Tie The Knot and Two Blue Lines, sharing a glimpse of her new fic, It Takes a Village.

banner by heartfortwilight

It Takes a Village

by Payton79

Summary: Nowadays, families come in all shades and forms. When 32-year-old pediatrician Edward meets the woman of his dreams, he gets more than he bargained for. She’s captivating, but complicated, with her unconventional variation of family dynamic. Does she come with more baggage—or people—than he can handle? Will he be able to keep his distance? Maybe things aren’t quite as they seem. Sometimes, it takes a village...

~~~~

What was my inspiration for writing ITaV?
When I was almost finished writing my last story, Tie the Knot, a coworker, who had recently joined our Pharmaceutical team, shared something very private with us. Her husband wanted another life. In turn, her family went through a rare, emotional crisis that society made more difficult by looking down on all of them in shock, lack of understanding, and even disgust.

Impressed with the way my coworker handled her situation — with grace, acceptance, and dignity, but at a high price for her personal life — I thought it would be interesting to have Bella and her family go through something similar — and, of course, to throw Edward into the mix ;).

With the story told solely from Edward’s point of view, it keeps the mystery about Bella's circumstances for a good portion of the story, and the readers get the opportunity to make up their own minds about what might be going on behind the closed door of Bella’s home with her non-traditional family.

I think I’ve come up with something unique for my readers — well, at least, I haven't read anything like it — and I’m pleased with the outcome, as I poured my heart into it, having felt the story was worth writing.

Now, let me introduce you to Dr. Edward Cullen, Pediatrician, and his new friend and neighbor Bella, in It Takes a Village:

Tuesday morning, I found Bella sitting at my table from the previous day, a big mug in her hands. I ordered a tall black coffee, then strolled over to her.

“Is it just me, or am I the one being stalked today?” With a lopsided grin, I sat down, regarding her expectantly.

“I thought I'd turn the tables on you, for once. Are you complaining?” Her answering smirk made my heart stutter in my chest. 

What was it about this woman that had me act and feel like a school boy?

“I wouldn't dare. What are you having today?” I asked, motioning toward the coffee cup in her hand.

“Well, to be honest, I don't like the taste of coffee much, but I really enjoy the scent and need the caffeine. So I always drown it in a whole lot of milk. A break with a latte macchiato is a ritual I can't do without. The flavor is something I decide on a whim. It's a caramel macchiato this morning.”

Her confession was so cute, her expression almost embarrassed when she admitted to not liking coffee. I found myself immersed in every one of her words, eager to learn more.

“Doesn't like coffee. Interesting. Is there anything else to put in my shrine for you? Like, what do you like?”

My comment made her laugh out loud. “So, a shrine? I don't think anyone ever dedicated a shrine to me.”

I laughed along with her and continued with my joke. “Every self-respecting stalker has a shrine.”

Taking a sip of her girly excuse for coffee, she played along. “Then tell me, Edward, where is that shrine?”

“Well, for now, it's at my aunt and uncle's house, but I'm buying a house, so I’m soon going to relocate.”

Even though I'd have loved to continue flirting with Bella, it was getting late. “I'm sorry, but I need to get going. My first appointment for today is in five minutes.” Reluctantly, I got up. “Will I see you tomorrow?” I asked hopefully.

Smiling sweetly, Bella replied, “I'll be here. Have a great day.”

~~~~

It Takes a Village begins posting on November 1, so be sure to put Payton79 on alert so you don’t miss out on this exciting new fic!

♥ Six

What we're reading in TLS this week:

Let’s get this week started with the latest round of TLS approved recs. We can’t even tell you how excited we are about a few new ones that are just starting from some of our favorite fandom authors!! Since some of you may not read works in progress, we’re also sharing some older favorites that we’ve been revisiting lately.  Just remember to leave the writers some love in the form of a review.

♥ Nic & Six

A Servant Wife by shouldbecleaning
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12600574/1/A-Servant-Wife
It certainly wasn’t in his plans when he woke that morning but somehow, someway, Edward Masen left his farm one late spring morning to stock up on supplies with his children and came home with a new wife. Not a real wife, like the I’ll love you to the ends of time kind of wife, but a servant who was also his wife on paper, kind of half of each. Rated M

Denver Paranormal Society by ericastwilight
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6437814/1/Denver-Paranormal-Society
Sequel to She Speaks Fear and Truth. Follow Edward and Bella’s paranormal investigation team, as they work frightening cases. With Bella’s abilities will it only bring the team to more harm? Their relationship is put to the ultimate test. Rated M

Good Deal by M7707
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7543244/1/Good-Deal
Bella Swan hates Rosalie Hale. Her idea of revenge? Sleeping with the Ice Queen's boyfriend, Edward Cullen. Rated M

Gravity Series 5:  Heaven & Earth by drotuno
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12697311/1/Gravity-Series-5-Heaven-Earth
Gravity Investigations, busy as always, takes a protection detail that results in more than just a paycheck. Edward and Bella, separated by 70 floors of Twi Tech Tower, must fight to stop what could be an act of war. 5th in the Gravity Series. Canon Couples, AH. Rated M

Irrevocable by Sukiethree
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12679658/1/Irrevocable
It doesn’t matter when I live my life, as long as it’s with you. Rated M

Rest My Soul by MrsSpaceCowboy
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9786923/1/Rest-My-Soul
On opposite corners of Third Street and Beale, two lonely people fight to stay that way. Her scars are on the surface, soft on her skin and in her eyes. His run bone-deep, seeped in bourbon and blues. Rated M

Suddenly by LyricalKris
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9437432/1/Suddenly
An apathetic actor. A young girl coming into her own. He was always larger than life to her. She was always just a child on the edge of his horizon. For both, love was a silly game other people played, until it wasn't. Rated M

Tangled Up In Blue by TxBirdie
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5945379/1/Tangled-Up-In-Blue
Edward Cullen is looking for inspiration to write THE American novel. Bella Swan is looking for inspiration, any inspiration, to pull her from her doldrums existence. But what they find in each other, neither of them could have expected. Rated M

The Invisible Line by littlecat358
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6834033/1/The-Invisible-Line
 Edward and Bella, friends since high school, are very close. So close, that the line between friendship and something more is often blurred. Will they ever cross the line or will they always teeter on the edge of what could be? Rated M

The Living Will by 2carm2carm2
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8454547/1/The-Living-Will
"In the event of my death, Isabella Marie Swan, upon previous agreement, is to step in and assist Edward Anthony Cullen in the caring of the child, necessitating her to stay at the Cullen residence in which the child lives for six months." When tragedy strikes, a last wish forces Edward and Bella together to deal with their pain, heal and rebuild the lives they lost.
Rated M

The Protector by hikingurl
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11962912/1/The-Protector
In a post-apocalyptic world where civilization barely survives, Edward has spent his whole life training to protect his society, his family, and the girl who has captured his heart. Rated M

Until we taste the same by Lillian Broderick
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11814363/1/Until-we-taste-the-same
Blood has been spilled on both sides and the only way to ensure loyalty is also through blood. Mobward. HEA. AH. Rated M

Uprising by pattyrose
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12688033/1/Uprising
1775: There is a revolution coming. American Patriot, Edward Cullen knows this. He plots, plans, and eagerly prepares for the colonies' unified uprising. But, when he meets the lovely Miss Swan, British Loyalist, it's the uprising within his heart which may put them both in danger. *2nd Place Judges' Vote Winner in the 2017 Age of Edward Contest - Now extended to a short story.* Rated M

Watch and See by JiffyKate
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11331150/1/Watch-and-See
Her sexual experience is limited, at best. She's never found pleasure in it, so what's the point? Now, though, she wants what he's giving. Seeing the women fall apart against his window has her yearning and wanting to the point she almost combusts sitting on the ledge, merely an observer. What would it be like if she were one of them? Rated M

Wild by PeppahLouie
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6655429/1/Wild
Recently widowed Bella moves to Seattle to start a new life. Reconnecting with her friend, Bella meets Alice's brother, Chef Edward Cullen. Celibate by choice for 2 years, what happens when Edward finds himself undeniably attracted to a sexy new Bella? Rated M

TLS Special SNEAK PEEK Feature

The Lemonade Stand has spent years bringing you the best the Twilight  fandom has to offer, and we are delighted to have the chance  to offer  you even MORE. We've enjoyed watching stories grow and develop from  first post through COMPLETE, and now we're excited to share  previews of  the stories that will  soon be your new addiction.

I was late to the party with falling in love with MercWard, but once I dove in, I was ALL IN. I read all four series back to back to back and fell hard, much like everyone that reads drotuno’s writing. She writes the perfect Edward in MercWard. He’s a strong alpha-male, loves his Bella an indefinite amount, he’s faithful & has a healthy appetite for loving up his wife, loves his family beyond measure, & he’s an all-American hero. What more could you want?! 

When I finished the 4 series of MercWard, I begged Deb to continue. She told me with good humor, “Get in line”, because most of her readers have begged for more from this amazing writer. Our wish has been granted and I am beyond excited to feature this Sneak Peek Saturday with drotuno!!

banner by Beffers87

Heaven & Earth

by drotuno

Summary: Gravity Investigations, busy as always, takes a protection detail that results in more than just a paycheck. Edward and Bella, separated by 70 floors of Twi Tech Tower, must fight to stop what could be an act of war. 5th in the Gravity Series. Canon Couples, AH. Rated M

~oOo~

Liar, liar pants on fire, that’s what I called myself as soon as I realized there could be, might be, maybe another Gravity story. I swore to myself there wouldn’t be another one, yet here we are. Number FIVE. I could blame a million things, but really, all it took was a couple of movies and Beffers87 playing around with a few manips and pictures, and I was suddenly making notes, working on an outline, and shaking my head at myself the whole time. And Bethany wanted to add “fifth and final, and this time she means it” to the banner, but it wouldn’t fit.

My worry was that adding another to this series would be too much, or it would lose something, because I’d left the crew in a good place in the last one. And honestly, I wasn’t even going to write this one unless the plot was good enough or could work into the original chemistry that the others had. In fact, I tucked the idea away for months, because I was working on two other stories at the time. However, like most plot bunnies, this particular one wouldn’t shut up. It sat in its tucked away file, pounding to be let out. And finally, in perfect Mercward attitude, I said, “Fuck it.”

Heaven & Earth picks up two years after Fire & Ice. It has been three years, technically, since I pressed complete on that one, but storyline wise, it’s been two years. For those trying to do the math, that makes Edward and Bella thirty-seven, Bethy ten, and Sammy six.

With a new story comes a new adventure…and new characters. In Fire & Ice, we lost a member of the crew, Kurt Varner, who moved away with Irina. We catch back up with the Gravity crew trying to fill that slot.

~oOo~

Once the door was closed to Bella’s office, Alec gestured to each of us. “Dean Carver, meet Edward and Bella Cullen. They own and operate Gravity Investigations.”

“Nice to meet you,” he greeted, shaking our hands.

He waited until Bella sat down before taking a chair across the desk. I resumed my position behind her, leaning against the filing cabinet. He was younger than me at thirty-two, but only by about five years. He wasn’t all that big of a guy, but it was obvious he kept in shape. I suppose he’d be considered a decent-looking man, but his eyes were sharp as hell. He was assessing us just as much as we were assessing him, which I could admire. With light-brown hair and fair skin, he had a youthful look, which would come in handy with some cases.

Alec had been leading the interviews all damn day, so he continued to do so here, but I noticed he was a little tougher with this guy than some of the others.

“I brought you in here today because I think you’d be a good addition to this crew, Dean. I’ve seen you work, and it’s similar to the way we do things. I know you’ve had some training. Tell us a bit about it,” Alec requested, sitting back in his chair.

Bella stayed quiet on this one, opting to listen as she flipped through his file.

“I was born here in Washington, played high school baseball until I discovered martial arts,” he started, and I could see this guy wasn’t loud or gruff. He was a bit like Jasper, soft-spoken and observant as fuck. “I joined the Marines right out of school. I did two tours, and I was stationed in Afghanistan, Japan, and South Korea. I was a part of an elite team. It didn’t have a name until about two years ago – Raiders. Navy has their SEALs, Army has their Green Berets, Marines classify themselves as elite to begin with, but they needed a recon team. That was us.”

“You’ve seen some ugly shit,” I pointed out, glancing over Bella’s shoulder at his file again.

“Ah, yeah, definitely, but so have you guys. Chopper pilot in Afghanistan. You’ve seen action, too.”

Alec grinned, nodding that Dean had done his own homework, and Bella tilted her head at the guy, finally speaking up.

“You trained to be a Seattle cop. Why didn’t you continue?” she asked him.

“I wasn’t a good fit, Mrs. Cullen.”

“Bella, please,” she said, sitting back in her chair.

“Yes, ma’am,” he answered, and she grinned at my soft chuckle. “Ma’am” wasn’t a word she liked all that much, but she was used to being surrounded by military-minded men who couldn’t or wouldn’t answer her any other way. “I’m not built to issue speeding tickets or separate marital/domestic disputes. I’m not black and white enough for that. I tend to think a lot in gray areas.”

~oOo~

As always, research is paramount when starting a new case, but it’s not easy keeping up with this crew, even for someone as qualified as Dean Carver, but Edward gives him the rundown on how things work around there in Chapter 2.

~oOo~

“My suggestion is to run as deep a background check as you can on everyone Jin-Sang has traveling with him. You’re looking for any connection to North Korea – anyone who escaped, still has family on that side, and even if they were born there. You’ll want to know. They have a tendency to sneak…well, spies, for a lack of a better word, over into the South and even through China. They use family to threaten or coerce people into giving up information. That civil war will never end.”

I glanced over at Dean, who shrugged, adding, “Better safe than sorry.”

“No, you’re good, man. It’s what we do around here. Everyone in this room, and some not here, bring some hefty shit to the table,” I told him, pointing to Alec. “Alec, here, specializes in black ops, silent entry, and ground attacks. Emmett…our in-house weapons specialist and bomb expert. Jasper over there…sniper.” I placed a hand on my chest. “Chopper pilot, black ops.” Grinning a little, I shifted to the ladies. “Now, here’s where shit gets interesting. Alice over there – certified genius, member of Mensa, carries an eidetic memory, and the best hacker on the goddamn planet. Don’t trade stock on Wall Street. She hacked that shit at twelve years old. Two-point-three million dollars disappeared into the wind. Poof!”

I leaned back in my chair with a smile at Dean’s shock. “Pixie! Where’s the money?”

“What money?” she called back with a laugh.

“No fucking trace,” I muttered, pointing to Makenna, who smirked my way. “Makenna – also extremely good with computers and technology – has a unique talent of being able to remember and draw to photo-like quality any face…of anyone.”

Dean’s eyes drifted to my wife, Mickey, and Rose.

I barked a laugh. “They’re beautiful. They’re deadly. All three. Mickey can open any door, lock, safe, or car without even breaking a sweat, but she’s deadly with weapons and stealth. Bella – trained FBI, martial arts, and a fucking phenomenal shot. Best aim I’ve ever fucking seen, and that’s not because she’s my wife. That’s the truth. Ask anyone. Rose keeps us on the straight and narrow, keeps us from running over each other and from killing one another.”

Dean chuckled, giving a respective nod my way. “Definitely more than a PI job.”

“You have no fucking idea.”

~oOo~

Heaven & Earth will start posting on Sunday, and it will most likely continue as a once-a-week update, simply due to my work and real life schedule. It’ll post on fanfiction.net, my blog, and FictionPad.com. And thank you to The Lemonade Stand for always welcoming Mercward back with open arms.

Until Sunday… Mooches, Deb ;)

~oOo~

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for more MercWard! Be sure and put drotuno on alert and get ready for the excitement of what drotuno will do next!

♥ Nic 

What we're reading in TLS this week:

We hope this list of recommendations brings you a smile on this Monday morning. We have thrown in some old and new favs to keep this as diverse as possible. This way, there’s something for everyone! Some we clung to as work in progress fics, some we are currently clinging to and begging for more, more, more. So join us in reading and loving such incredible stories these writers have given us. Leave the writers love in the form of a review and tell them where you saw their story recommended.

♥ Nic & Six

A Big Enough Umbrella by bornonhalloween
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12508253/3/A-Big-Enough-Umbrella
Even a superhero has to pull on his tights one leg at a time. An "Old School" sequel as told by Umbrella Man himself. Rated M because they can't keep their hands off each other. Rated M

Crosshairs: The Whole Story by Ericastwilight
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12460923/2/Crosshairs-The-Whole-Story
In Edward's world, family meant everything. Caught in the crosshairs of loyalty, corruption, and love, Edward had a duty to fulfill. This is the whole story. Rated M

Crushing by MidnightLove87
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8006433/1/Crushing
She's been crushing on him for years, this year she vows to make sure he  sees her as something other than his pseudo little sister. Will he  crush her when he shows up to Christmas with his new fiancée or will she  crush him in return?  Rated M

Fame by BlueIsSoul
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8397459/1/Fame
Childhood sweethearts, Bella and Edward were meant to be forever. That is until he got what he always wanted. Rated M

Gravity Series 3: Smoke & Mirrors by drotuno
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7574955/1/Gravity-Series-3-Smoke-Mirrors
3rd in the Gravity Series. Carlisle brings a client to Gravity for protection, but there is more to this famous female singer than meets the eye. Bella, Edward, and crew not only will have to keep her safe but figure out who is threatening her. AH/Sequel Rated M

Hollywood by allihavetodoisdream
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10319066/1/Hollywood
"She's Audrey Hepburn, and he's Cary Grant. She's Marilyn, and he's  James Dean. She's timeless elegance, and he's old grace. She's  searching, and he's already found, already taken. She's sixteen. And  he's twenty-seven. But that doesn't matter. Not to a girl in love.  Nothing matters, then." Edward & Bella in the definition of a  forbidden relationship. Rated M

Just One Look by Edward’s Eternal
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12427001/1/Just-One-Look
Just one look. That's all it took. I was his. All he had to do was ask. Rated M

Kush by Layathomemom
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11990800/1/Kush
"One hit will make you change your mind." Rated M

More Than Anyone by MujerN
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12231798/1/More-than-Anyone
He's my older sister's good friend. He is rugged, warm, and cool in his tweed pea coat. His sneakers worn like he'd walked through a lifetime and just got back. All he did was walk through the door every morning. He knows things but not about me. I am shredded with love. Rated M

Part of Me by luckyirishtart
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8939774/1/Part-of-Me
Rockstarward. Written with WitFit daily prompts Jan/Feb 2013: 90's sex, drugs and rock and roll. Rated M

Sea Salt by Sparrownotes24 
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10638075/1/Sea-Salt
Describe yourself in three words. That's how I found myself beside the  ocean, with sea salt tangled hair, sun kissed by a boy who showed me the  answers. The boy in the shadows. The boy in the shade. Rated M

Served Cold by Lolo84
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10794132/1/Served-Cold
Edward thought the trip to Hawaii was a way to reconcile with his  ex-wife; get to know her family. But when a past betrayal comes to  light, he decides it may be time to dish up a little payback. Little  does he know, her goddaughter—who's harbored a grudge for the better  part of a decade—feels the same. And you know how revenge is best  served. Rated M

Starlust by MagTwi78
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11917545/1/Starlust
Stars are made, not born. Know your competition. Win at all costs...and try not to lose yourself in the spotlight. Rated M

The Masked Prince by Wonwordful
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12674357/1/The-Masked-Prince
"Steal a beauty's soul, present it to me in a glass jar, and I'll think about letting you rule the Twilight kingdoms." Rated M

The Red String of Fate by gemini13me
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11925925/1/The-Red-String-of-Fate
The two people connected by the red string of fate are destined lovers,  regardless of time, place, or circumstances. The string may stretch or  tangle, but never break. Rated M