Bloodline Chronicles: Volume 1, #1

By S.K. Ballinger

"Bloodlines Vol.1" is a captivating compilation that brings together the first five novellas of fan-favorite characters from the novel "Stanley Swanson - Breed of a Werewolf." The anthology delves into the intricate and diverse backgrounds of these characters, providing readers with a deeper understanding of their lives and experiences.

The first novella, "Uncommon Lust (love edition)," unravels the story of Gravakus and Natalie, shedding light on the aftermath of their involvement in the original novel. This tale explores the complexities of their relationship and adds layers to their characters.

Following this, "Journey of Kain Edward (hopeful edition)" takes readers on a compelling exploration of Kain's life, delving into his beliefs in supernatural and paranormal creatures of the night. The narrative concludes with Kain's introduction in the original novel, adding a sense of anticipation and connectivity.

"Julie Swanson - Untold (survivor edition)" offers a glimpse into Julie's life before she transforms into the character depicted in the original novel. This edition provides valuable insights into Julie's past, contributing to a richer understanding of her character and the challenges she faced.

The narrative takes a darker turn with "Sirtimi (hate edition)," revealing the origins of Sirtimi, possibly the first and oldest Drakulis. The novella explores his deep-seated hatred towards the breed of werewolves, adding an element of mystery and tension to the overarching storyline.

Concluding the anthology is "Jade Swanson - A Legend In The Making (fearless edition)," which centers around Jade, the daughter of the legendary character from the original novel. Jade embarks on a quest to seek vengeance against the vampire who murdered her mother, adding a fearless and determined dimension to her character.

All these character novellas have their roots in the world created by "Stanley Swanson - Breed of a Werewolf." The author believes in the importance of every character having a unique and compelling story, and this anthology serves as a testament to that belief. Through these individual narratives, readers are treated to a tapestry of emotions, motivations, and conflicts that contribute to the overall richness of the fictional universe. "Bloodlines Vol.1" stands as a testament to the author's commitment to exploring the depth of each character's journey, providing fans with an immersive and engaging reading experience.

• Language: English
• Publisher: S.K. Ballinger
• Release date: Sep 2, 2015
• ISBN: 9781329510074

S.K. Ballinger

Residing in Elkton, MD, I am thrilled to announce that two books have recently been released and are Sci-Fi thrillers. I began writing in 2014 and published my first novel in 2015. I've co-authored two horror novels and won 3rd place for the book 'Unfleshed' in the same year. In 2016, I took part in an anthology with all proceeds donated to a charity that the primary author chose. Since then, my wife and I are finalizing our Maryland business license as I continue writing my third sci-fi thriller titled 'We, R Vol.3'. In 2019 I was offered an opportunity to host a few shows on cecil.tv which focuses on local artists, writers, musicians and other talents that surround the local area.

Book preview

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

My family first and foremost. 

Tawni Rae, Daniel Haynes, Marina O'Brix and the many authors and friends I have.

My father Stephen Ballinger, Grandfather Dewey Fadler and my Grandmother Nina

My children and their patience.

and Amy K.

SPECIAL THANKS

My mother Janet Ballinger.  Love you more than you will ever know.  Thank you for being who you are and for making me the man I have grown up to be.

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UNCOMMON LUST

GRAVAKUS

NOT TOO DISTANTLY IN the tapestry of time, the fates conspired to impose upon me a curse that defies the very bounds of human imagination, transcending epochs and weaving a narrative more intricate than the most ancient sagas. My odyssey through the ages has unfolded as a kaleidoscope of experiences, where sorrow and profound love have become interwoven threads within the fabric of my existence. As a Drakulis, I found myself straddling the ethereal realms of the living and the undead, a paradoxical dance of emotions that once stirred an unsettling sickness within the depths of my being.

In the epochs that have elapsed since the curse's inception, I indulged in a myriad of connections—casual dalliances, profound relationships, fleeting desires, and occasional explorations. Despite the diversity of these encounters, the one elusive emotion that remained beyond my grasp was love. The very essence that binds hearts, ignites passions, and breathes life into existence continued to elude my deadened heart.

My heart, if it can be deemed so, lies dormant within me—a lifeless organ that pulsates with the ebon fluid coursing through my veins. Unfeeling, unresponsive, and unbound by the rhythms of life, it beats not in the conventional sense. A strange paradox unfolds when my body, ostensibly devoid of life, recoils in pain at the touch of salt-laden tears. The inexplicable intricacies of my existence, a puzzle I never sought to solve, forced me to navigate the world with a detached acceptance.

The accumulation of wealth became an effortless pursuit, siphoning resources from unsuspecting humans to embellish my residence—a sprawling mansion that echoed with centuries of solitude. The only companionship I entertained was that of my kindred, vampires who pledged their allegiance to me, forming an entourage of nocturnal kin.

Love, however, remained an elusive specter, primarily due to the emotional vacuum that defined my undead nature. Emotions were distant memories, and the prospect of witnessing a human age and wither before my unchanging existence seemed a futile endeavor. Warmth, for my kind, emanated solely from the lifeblood of humans—or so I believed.

The immutable course of my existence took an unforeseen turn during a moment of unparalleled vulnerability. The catalyst for this metamorphosis was Natalie—a name etched in the annals of my transformation. The key to unlocking the dormant emotions within me did not lie in the scalding tears that once burned my lifeless visage but in the searing hatred of my own kind.

Natalie, a luminous presence amidst the shadows, emerged as the harbinger of change—a beacon of warmth in the cold, unyielding world of the undead. Despite the objections of her uncle Francais, a steadfast opponent to our union, the dying embers of love began to kindle.

And so, I stand now as Gravakus, a Drakulis of over three centuries, forever altered by the unexpected twists of fate. A debt of gratitude is owed to Stanley Swanson, an unwitting orchestrator of my transformation. Through a series of events that defied logic and expectation, I find myself attuned to the rhythmic echoes of an almost-beating heart—a testament to the enduring power of love that transcends the boundaries between the living and the undead. In this paradoxical dance of existence, my dead heart yearns to beat for only one—Natalie.

NATALIE

The tendrils of agony, like ethereal chains, tightly wrapped around the fragile cocoon of my young existence, engulfing me in a searing torment that defied the boundaries of imagination. In the cruel tapestry of my past, I, a mere child, bore the weight of unspeakable pain, a pain that etched itself indelibly into the fabric of my being. Burned and nearly dead, my journey from that harrowing moment to the realization of my true self as a beautiful young lady spanned countless years, each one marked by the relentless pursuit of healing and self-discovery.

At the tender age of twenty-one, I emerged from the crucible of suffering, shedding the physical scars that marred nearly ninety percent of my body. The transformation, however, was not merely skin-deep; it encompassed a profound metamorphosis within. New capabilities, a reservoir of resilience, and an unyielding spirit became the hallmarks of my identity.

Yet, amid the trials of my tumultuous growth, one elusive companion continued to evade me—compassion. Throughout my formative years, the harsh reality of isolation gnawed at my soul, leaving me yearning for a connection that transcended the physical scars that adorned my body. It was a silent plea for understanding, a desperate desire to be seen beyond the remnants of a painful past.

Then, in the serendipitous tapestry of life, I encountered an extraordinary soul. A person who, despite witnessing the ravages of my history, saw me not as a survivor of burns but as a radiant being. His genuine care transcended the superficial layers of appearance, and his words echoed like a balm to my wounded soul. You are as beautiful then as you are now, he professed, a sentiment that reverberated through the chambers of my heart.

As he shared the vulnerability of his own tears, I witnessed the sincerity that emanated from the depths of his being. The tears, which once burned his face, now served as a testament to the authenticity of his emotions. It was a profound revelation, an irrefutable proof of the compassion that had eluded me for so long. That night, under the protective wing of Stanley Swanson and my Uncle Francais, I found solace in the presence of this remarkable individual who dared to offer confession and understanding.

In the intricate dance of our connection, I discovered that, despite our disparate beings—him a Drakulis and I a werewolf—there existed a realm where feelings, emotions, and even love could intertwine. Uncommon as it may be, our story became a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, or in my case, the spirit of a werewolf.

And so, as the chapters of my life unfolded, I embraced the uncommonness of my new beginning. My name is Natalie, a breed of werewolf destined to carry the burden of my unique existence until my fateful end. The decision to break away from my pack, to stand by the side of Gravakus, was not without its challenges. Yet, in the tapestry of our connection, I discovered a love that defied convention and a choice that, despite its difficulty, I would never come to regret.

LIVES UNLIKELY

In the shadowed embrace of the night, Gravakus and Natalie embarked on a journey that would prove to be fraught with unforeseen challenges, a journey etched with the threads of destiny. The destination, Gravakus's grandiose mansion nestled in the heart of Coney Island, was meant to be a sanctuary—a fortress guarded by his loyal followers, vampires who could, to some extent, be trusted. Little did they know that this seemingly safe haven would soon become the stage for a dramatic confrontation, a clash that would reverberate through the corridors of time.

Running through the night, a timeless dance unfolded, weaving through the veil of darkness and the ephemeral glow of the moon as the pair arrived at Gravakus's opulent residence. With a gentle gesture, Gravakus released Natalie's hand, a small act of chivalry that opened the door for her like any gentleman would for someone they cared about.

This is my home, and now I make it yours if you will, Gravakus offered with a certain sincerity that betrayed the cold exterior often associated with the undead.

As the lights flickered to life, Natalie's eyes widened in awe at the breathtaking beauty that surrounded her. Crystal chandeliers adorned every room, casting a radiant glow that illuminated the immaculate interiors. The silence within was profound, allowing the rhythmic breaths of the two beings to resonate in the vastness of the mansion.

Gravakus, your home is amazing, Natalie whispered, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

It is not just my home anymore, Natalie. Let it be ours. You make me feel alive like I once was. My heart almost feels warm, and I can remember being able to hear it beat. That is what you do for me, Gravakus confessed, revealing a vulnerability that transcended his undead existence.

Natalie reciprocated, expressing the profound impact Gravakus had on her life. I chose to leave my pack because I do trust in what you say. The way that you say I make you feel is the same as you make me feel, which is loved.

In a tender moment, Natalie placed her hand on Gravakus's cheek, evoking a rare display of emotion from the stoic Drakulis. The connection between them deepened as they shared their first kiss, a moment suspended in time until Gravakus abruptly pulled away.

What is it, Gravakus? Natalie inquired, her concern evident.

I think you are in danger as we are being watched, Gravakus warned, his gaze fixed on an unseen threat.

Despite Natalie's reassurance that no one could know of their presence, Gravakus sensed the return of his followers. The ominous fog that once heralded his capture materialized under the door, signaling the imminent arrival of other Drakulis.

You must run, my lady, to the safest place you know. I will find you, I promise, Gravakus urged, moving Natalie behind him as he prepared to face the impending danger.

I will not leave you, Gravakus! Natalie declared, her loyalty unwavering.

As the fog transformed into Mahlistaff, the Drakulis who had witnessed the death of Sirtimi and signed the renewed treaty, the atmosphere crackled with tension. Mahlistaff's arrival hinted at a conflict of unparalleled proportions, and his words carried the weight of impending doom.

Well, hello, Gravakus, and I must say, nice home, Mahlistaff greeted with a chilling smile.

A verbal exchange escalated into a confrontation, revealing Mahlistaff's true intentions. The Drakulis, once proud and now scorned, sought retribution for what he perceived as Gravakus's betrayal. The proclamation of a war between their kind and the humans hung heavy in the air, fueled by Gravakus's actions and the secrets unveiled in the journal.

Gravakus, undeterred by Mahlistaff's threats, faced the inevitable clash with determination. However, the power dynamic shifted as Mahlistaff proved to be a formidable adversary. Despite Gravakus's attempts to defend himself and strike back at the followers who once swore allegiance to him, the tides turned against him.

As Gravakus weakened under the relentless assault, Mahlistaff reveled in his impending victory. The once-proud Drakulis found himself at the mercy of those he had once led, betrayed by the love he had dared to embrace.

Mahlistaff, driven by hatred and allegiance to the council, ordered Gravakus's execution by the sea. The very followers who had once pledged loyalty to Gravakus now carried out the sentence, dragging him to the beach where the ocean awaited to consume him.

In the face of his impending demise, Gravakus maintained a serene acceptance, a smile etched upon his face. His final words resonated with the essence of a life transformed by love—a defiance against the cold, calculating nature of the Drakulis. As the followers prepared to cast him into the unforgiving sea, Gravakus's unwavering smile hinted at a peace that transcended the impending darkness.

Meanwhile, Natalie, torn between love and duty, had pledged to seek safety at her Uncle Francais's home. As she transitioned back to her werewolf form, a silent promise passed between them, sealed with love and the hope of a reunion.

The mansion, witness to the unraveling drama, became a symbol of a chapter ending in flames. Mahlistaff, leaving the smoldering ruins behind, departed with a bitter satisfaction, unaware of the undercurrent of rebellion that had taken root within the ranks of the Drakulis.

As Gravakus faced his inevitable fate, the echoes of a forbidden love lingered in the night, and the legend of Stanley Swanson continued to shape the destinies of the supernatural beings entangled in a web of ancient alliances and newfound betrayals. The night, now heavy with the weight of sorrow and impending conflict, held within its folds the untold stories of creatures bound by love, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of their destinies.

SAFE & SADDENEND

Natalie's poignant journey brought her back to the familiar haven of her Uncle's home, a place entrenched with echoes of her turbulent past and the bittersweet memories of recent encounters, culminating in the tender kiss she shared with Gravakus. The pain of their separation gnawed at her, akin to a relentless tide eroding the shores of her resolve. In the front room of her Uncle's house, Natalie confronted her grief, unable to shake off the haunting reality that Gravakus might be lost to her forever.

Overwhelmed by sorrow and the weight of passing months, Natalie sought solace in the act of writing. With a heavy heart, she penned a love letter—an eloquent ode to the fleeting moments of happiness she had experienced. The