Suck it Up

By Charissa Dufour

*This is a finished series*
A peasant in a 16th century Russian market.
A lawyer with a scheming wife.
A maiden forced into an arranged marriage.
A noble trapped in a life of duty.
A cowboy with a knack for train heists.
What do these people have in common? Each on is about to die, only to rise again. As vampires they will eventually unit against a common enemy, but for now they must first learn to survive their own transition.

This compilation of five short stories can be read at any point in the “Series That Just Plain Sucks.”

• Language: English
• Publisher: Charissa Dufour
• Release date: Nov 14, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311564696

Charissa Dufour

My journey to become a writer began in 8th grade, when I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and pulled from school to recover. During this time, I was left alone for hours on end and it was then that I discovered new friends within the pages of books. I also learned the blessing of creating my own friends by writing down the stories that plagued my lonely mind—as demented as that sounds. Therefore at the ripe age of fourteen, I wrote my first novel. It sucked! But I kept going and now I am an Indie Author with numerous books out. I never imagined that first horrible novel about a man who crash landed on his long lost home world would turn into a lifelong passion. I now live in Chicago, IL with my amazing husband and two rambunctious kittens, Groot and Rocket.

Book preview

Suck It Up

by Charissa Dufour

2014 by Charissa Dufour

All rights reserved.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. It may not be re-sold or given to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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Chapter One: Suck in Place

Mikhail Bartrey blinked the sleep from his eyes, slowing taking in his surroundings. It took him a minute to remember why he was sleeping on the damp ground, rather than in his bedroom with his father’s snores drifting in from the one other bedroom in their tiny house. Slowly, he pushed himself up into a sitting position. By the dim gray light of the early morning, Mikhail could see his loaded wagon and cart horse, diligently protected by his faithful dog. The animal lifted its head and let its tongue loll out of its mouth in a toothy, canine grin. Mikhail felt his lips pull up into a smile as he forced himself onto his feet.

Another long day of travel should see him to Pskov, the nearest city to his father’s small farm. His laden cart was piled high with burlap bags filled with crops: barley, rye, and apples—both dried and fresh. In the back portion of the cart, behind the strapped down bags, lounged a fat pig, her tits large and numerous from having just weened her latest passel of piglets. Tethered to the back of the cart waited a young heifer. Overall, his cargo would bring a large pile of coins at the market in Pskov, but the cost to the farm’s production would be great.

I need the money though, Mikhail thought as he folded up his blanket and tossed it over the back of the cart. He would forgo his breakfast today in exchange for an early start. It would take him too long to coax life back into the banked embers, much less boil the oats.

The sooner he could get to Pskov and sell his goods the sooner he could buy the ring. Then she would be his for good! All they waited on was the ring, and his father had been generous enough considering he was willing to part with a young heifer and a grown pig to allow his son to marry. Mikhail swore to himself that he wouldn’t complain about any ration cutting that took place this winter. He would have a wife, and that was all that mattered.

The village thought they were chyort fools for marrying so young, but Mikhail and his father knew better, as did Nina and her parents. Both families realized that Mikhail and Nina would eventually wed, whether it was now at seventeen and fifteen, or if it was after Mikhail reached his majority. Nina’s parents also realized that Mikhail’s father would not last that long. It was a wonder he had lived this long with the lung disease. Four more years would be a miracle. But if Mikhail married, he would be able to inherit his father’s farm, despite his lack of years.

Mikhail hugged the thought of Nina’s pretty face to his frozen body as he harnessed the horse. His mind ran to her soft curves and long skirts. He pondered what was hidden under the folds of her skirt and felt a blush warm his chilled face. Mikhail wondered if he would need to ask his father about the wedding night, but decided to worry about that later.

There wouldn’t be a wedding night if he didn’t get to Pskov and sell their merchandise.

Mikhail began to lead the horse, letting his dog race ahead a few lengths. The hyper animal knew when to turn and race back to its slower companions without needing Mikhail to call it back, leaving Mikhail plenty of time to think.

Over the last month, as his father had negotiated