Tobie: Finding The Warrior's Heart, #1

By Trinity Blacio

Sometimes to win the battle, you have to put your heart on the line.

Tobie Wareson had a special gift that felt anything but special.

Wolf Carf knew something was missing in his life.

A single book, a psychic vampire, and two hearts that are at stake of being broken are on the line. Can Tobie and Wolf survive the upcoming battle?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trinity Blacio
• Release date: Jan 27, 2019
• ISBN: 9781732569041

Trinity Blacio

Trinity Blacio is an established romance writer of best-selling Running in Fear series, as well as a number of dark fantasy, erotic romance, erotic horror and ménage titles. She is the mother of two children and lives in Ohio. Her work can be found at Freya’s Bower and Ravenous Romance, as well as the work of her alter-egos Maria Moonstar and Selene Noreen.

Book preview

Sexy shifters, conspiracy, and a mystery in this whirlwind of a romance! Again! - Viola Grace

The gift of a magical self-help book changes the lives of each woman who receives it. These powerful stories show that falling in love is not a sign of weakness but the greatest gift of all. Pick your journey and open your heart to the incredible power hidden deep inside each of us.

Sometimes to win the battle, you have to put your heart on the line.

Tobie Wareson had a special gift that felt anything but special.

Wolf Carf knew something was missing in his life.

A single book, a psychic vampire, and two hearts that are at stake of being broken are on the line. Can Tobie and Wolf survive the upcoming battle?

Tobie

© 2019 by Trinity Blacio

Cover design by Insatiable Designs

All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

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Published by http://trinityblacio.com

Tobie

Finding the Warrior’s Heart Book 1

By

Trinity Blacio

Chapter One

Tobie Wareson read the back of the book, having no idea why the thing called to her. She loved to read hot romance stories, not self-help books, but lately, Tobie actually wondered if she needed help.

In every woman, there is a warrior of love buried deep inside her. This book is not only to help you love yourself, but also to discover what has been hidden under all that pain, society’s and our own standard beliefs.

Walk with me on your own personal journey. Let me guide you through the layers of covers burying your inner warrior. Warning, each book is designed for the person that is now reading this. Do you believe? Will you take the chance to escape your personal prison?

Delia Winters, Vampire, Psychic Warrior

Tobie shook her head and looked around. This Delia had been all over the news with her new books and such. In a lot of ways, Tobie hated that their government had made sure everyone knew who were vampires and such. She’d always believed they should have kept themselves hidden, but at least in some states, things were getting better for them.

She flipped the book over and winced at the price. Tobie wouldn’t be able to get her nightly hot fix if she bought this book, but right now, Tobie couldn’t put the thing down. Well, I guess romance is going to have to wait ‘til my next waitressing day.

For a year now, Tobie had been working two jobs, stashing what money she could to move out of her hometown. Hating the fact every time she thought of leaving her family and friends. But the looks from her ex’s friends, family, and so on around her giving her the pity look... God, she hated it.

Hello, did you find everything you need? Oh wow, you are very lucky; we only got a handful of these books in yesterday. Did you know we could only put out one at a time, and each book had a certain time when we could put the book out, too, the cashier said, ringing the book up and placing it in a bag for her.

Well, that is cool. Makes up for the price tag, Tobie replied, handing over fifty-two dollars and some change. To bad our fair government is such dickheads toward the vampires. I mean, come on, how cool is it to have another species roaming around? Tobie had a feeling vampire were not the only species around, including her adopted parents, whatever they were.

You have a nice night, and I hope this book helps someone around this city, she said, smiling.

Tobie exited the store actually feeling really good. She took a deep breath. The scent of evergreens that lined their town was always a welcoming thing. After a long day of school and working at the only bar-diner, her adopted father owned, Tobie was ready for a nice, hot bath. But the walk home would clear her head of all the facts and people’s conversations.

If it was one thing that was annoying, it was the little gift her mother had given her. Not only could she hear things from a distance, but her brain was a sponge soaking up everything, even when she didn’t want to or need to. It was also one of the reasons Tobie buried herself in fiction worlds that she could only dream of.

Tobie, Tobie, hold up! Barbra Bince called, and Tobie moaned but stopped, looking over her shoulder at her, ex-Vinnie’s mom. The woman was pretty for having a son his age, and she could move, too, as she came running toward her, with her older daughter, Terry. This so wasn’t going to be good, considering the bitch sister always hated her.

Mrs. Bince, Terry, what can I do for you? she asked as both women finally caught up with her.

His mom glanced down at her hand then back up at her. Vinnie would like his ring back, his mother’s words rushed out.

He’s going to trade it in and get a new one for the love of his life, Terry said, knowing her words would hurt.

Tobie smiled. Afraid that’s not going to happen. You see, I paid for the damn thing, not him. So, tell your son to fork up the money this time. Oh, I forgot, he’s too damn cheap, she growled and spun around, leaving them standing there shocked.

Never had Tobie done anything like that, get nasty or mouthy, with anyone. She glanced down at the bag in her hand. She shook her head; it couldn’t have to do with the book already, she hadn’t even cracked the book open, could it?

Wait up, bitch, Terry demanded, grabbing hold of Tobie’s arm and swinging her around. I don’t know what kind of game you are playing, but Vinnie told us he paid for everything.

Once more, Tobie had enough and got into his sister’s face. You want to see the damn credit card bills; I’m still paying it off? Your brother paid for nothing. Why do you think I’m still in the apartment? Because he didn’t want to pay for it. So, back the fuck off, Terry. Your brother is a cheat and a mooch. She glared, waiting.

Terry looked at her for a few seconds. You’re not lying, are you?

No. I’ve worked my ass off to pay off what he charged and to put the money back in my savings he took. Tobie hated to inform his mom what a loser her son was, but she was done with this town and this family.

Now, excuse me. I’m tired, and I want to go home and rest. I had a twelve-hour workday, something again your brother knows nothing about. She started to turn, but Terry put her hand on her arm again.

Please, one more question. Did you borrow money from Ed and I last year for a new fridge? Terry asked.

What? Are you out of your mind? No, I bought my fridge with the last of my savings. She frowned at his sister. How much did he sucker you two for?

I’ll kill him. He knew we didn’t have the extra money. Terry glared at her mom. You knew it, didn’t you?

His mom sighed. I had an idea, but I wasn’t sure. Do you have any idea what he is using all this money for? his mom asked.

No, and really I don’t care, Barbara. Your family and his friends have sucked all the caring out of me. As soon as I can, I’m out of here. He’s your problem now. Are we done? Both women nodded, and Tobie turned just as the tears started to roll down her cheeks.

Ten minutes later, Tobie closed her apartment door and took a deep breath. She was home in her space, where no one could bother her. She kicked off her shoes and headed straight to the bathroom. She started the water, adding her favorite bubble bath, before once more moving out into the living room and placing her new book beside the couch. She so couldn’t wait to delve into it because something was going on, and Tobie was bound to find out what.

* * * *

Delia Winter sat back, staring out at the forest, her retreat. The first batch of books had gone out, and so far, those that she had seen had purchased five of them. She glanced down at the five men that were waiting for their mates, two in the same family. A two-for-one deal, especially since the older wolf had been through so much heartache.

Yes, she had written the books to help the most powerful men around the world to find his mate. The perfect warrior woman to stand by his side. Each one of the women she had seen had the strength, gifts, and love to heal not only themselves, but also their chosen men. Hopefully, this would also help with the disturbance she had seen between the humans and her kind.

She reached over and punched in the first one’s number, Wolf Carf. His woman would be ready to meet him in the next two weeks. Already Delia could feel her determination and strength, but she would need her mate’s help, shielding her from overload. Her gift a pricey one that took a special kind of man to love her, all alpha and maybe help save a lot of lives, too.

Evening, Wolf, are you ready to meet your woman? I’m sending you everything I know of her, but Wolf be careful. Something dark is coming her way, Delia informed him in his personal voicemail, which she hated leaving messages but knew one of the most powerful wolves in this side of the United States was busy. But you better clear your calendar for the next month, Wolf, if you want to capture this one, she whispered before hanging up the phone and smiling, thinking of the human story Little Red Riding Hood with a little-hidden twist to her story.

Delia picked up her glass of wine and moved to the window, staring outside. Yes, Mr. Wolf, you better watch yourself because when I’m done with Tobie, you’ll have your alpha female.

* * * *

Damn it, Byron, watch what the hell you are doing? Wolf growled and slapped his brother upside the head before moving up to his hog. He had planned on going on this trip by himself, but for some reason, his beta, Xavier, had insisted that he needed his team with him, that something was amiss, and Xavier didn’t like it one bit.

Wolf glanced toward where his house was, seeing his father there staring at him. The last few days, his father had been acting strange, even sending his mom and siblings away he’d been told.

Wolf always listened to Xavier when it came to security. The vampire-wolf had saved him and a number of their clan with his gut feelings, Xavier called it, and Wolf wasn’t going to stop listening, even if he had to drag twenty-five of his clan with him.

This is really necessary? He looked over at his best friend and beta.

Yes, this dark shadow that Delia saw, I’ve seen it, too, and we are going to need our men. Don’t know why, but we will. Did you see the runup for Tobie? he asked as they both put on their helmets.

Yes, and my animal is howling for us to get a move on it. It’s going to be a long drive that is for sure. Wolf glanced back at his younger brother and growled. Maybe Byron should stay here. He glanced at Xavier, who was shaking his head.

No, all of these men need to be with us, but not to worry, he’ll do fine. Xavier glanced over to where Wolf’s father had been standing. I don’t know what is going on with your father, but we’ll need to sort that out later. Now, let’s get on the road, Xavier said and started his bike as the others did, too. The sound was music to his restless soul. Lately, Wolf had been having problems concentrating on anything by the time his father had pulled him aside and informed it was time for him to find his special lady. That until she at his side, his wolf would be restless.

No matter how many women he took to his bed, nothing had helped. Taking off on his bike helped sometimes but not lately. That is when his mother had informed him of Delia and the work she was doing to help others find their mates. At first, he had shaken his head, ignoring his mother, but all too soon, his wolf was getting out of control, and he gave in to his mother.

He snorted and took a deep breath—the ocean salt strong in the air, along with pine from the trees around them would always be one of his favorites. He pulled out onto the highway, remembering the question that had been given to him. But what had really thrown him off was the sample of hair and a worn shirt Delia had requested. Then, when Delia had left that message on his voicemail last week, it took him a good hour to control the wolf inside.

Even his best friend had laughed at him as Wolf kept half shifting while staring at the picture of his Tobie. She was his, there was no doubt, even without meeting the woman, his wolf danced seeing her picture. Now, if he and his family didn’t scare the shit out of her as they entered her small town, that would be great.

Chapter Two

The beeping of her alarm had Tobie groaning as she reached over and hit the snooze button. She had stayed up until two in the morning, reading and taking the little tests that had been placed in her book.

A week straight Tobie had come right home, reading and rereading the book. Already, the book looked like a schoolbook with post-it notes, highlighter points, and such. She was such a nerd.

Yes, she had learned a lot but at the sacrifice of sleep. Grumbling, Tobie made her way to the bathroom, hearing the coffeepot going. That had been one purchase she would never regret—her coffee pot. Tobie was one of those fanatics that lived off coffee, drank it night and day. On some days, it was the only thing that kept her going.

She pushed the button for her stereo, walking into the bathroom. Tobie had fifty minutes to get down to the diner to get it set up for the morning rush. One thing she did love about working there was the view. Her papa had picked a perfect spot for his diner. On her breaks, anyone could find her out on the deck staring out at the water, soothing noise and the fresh scent of the water her favorites.

Ten minutes in the shower, five minutes savoring her coffee as she dressed for work, Tobie wasn’t expecting a knock on her door at six AM. She frowned, fastening her jeans and heading to the door and peeping in the hole, moaning seeing her ex standing there.

The man just wouldn’t stop. Fine. She moved to the bedroom, grabbed the damn ring, and marched back to the door when she heard the click of the lock.

Why you piece of shit, she yelled and threw the ring at his head as he entered her apartment, hitting her target. But he had a big head, so Tobie wasn’t about to celebrate. "Give me the damn key, take my ring, and get the fuck out of here," she snapped but stepped back the instant he lifted his head, knowing the look all too well.

In over four years, Vinnie had only looked at her like that twice, and it hadn’t been good. Each time, her place had been destroyed, lucky it hadn’t been her. "Get out now, Vinnie. You