An extraterrestrial visits
Haven's Realm!

Several of my readers have asked for more information about the Community - everything from how to become a vampire to the myriad intricacies of Haven's unique society. Believe it or not, the curious will approach me at book signings and ask such things as, "Are vampires real?", "Do you know any vampires?", and (my personal favorite), "Are you a vampire?" All righty, then! But while considering the questions, I wondered how one might explain vampirism to someone who had never heard of vampires? What would that person's reaction be if he, or she, has no predetermined expectations or prejudices? I feel certain, with all the popularity these misunderstood beings have enjoyed lately, that everyone on this planet has at least heard of them. So I decided to look elsewhere for my female role, and who better than the femme fatale from my first work, Lost Hopes?

The original story was so far removed from what I'd developed in Treacherous Destiny, and so utterly worthless in form and content, that I discarded all but the basic premise. My extraterrestrial, Ki'ara, is an empress from a planet I call Bricia. Her character hasn't changed significantly over time, though her inner termoil is much improved. The vampire for this story, Colton Graves, was originally too much like Barnabus Collins of Dark Shadows fame in both manner and history, so this definitely needed changing. I pulled them both out of mothballs, explained the culture they were about to explore, and once again, the story took off on its own. Still, the original version of The Darker Path proved to be my weakest story, so I've worked hard to bring better introspect, detail, and passion to the side story that has surprising impact on Haven's Realm.

Ki'ara is the last of her line - a family that has ruled her planet in peace for hundreds of generations. Coming from a race with strong mental abilities, she has powers she is only beginning to realize. Because producing heirs is her most important duty, selecting the right mate from among eligable suitors proves a difficult task. When an unusual storm appears with a vortex unlike anything she'd ever seen offers her a different path, she submits, and is taken to a foreign world.

Colton Graves was turned against his will three hundred years ago, and still resides in the colonial mansion he was born in. Unable to control his passions, he exists in bitterness and rage, and is ready to have his servant end his existence when an abrupt storm arrives and deposits Ki'ara in his sitting room. Although certain he'll eventually kill her, he can't resist keeping her on the estate.

While she struggles to understand the purpose of her visit and the secretive, angry nature of her host, Ki'ara realizes that Colton is her soul mate. Because mating an off-worlder is spiritually impossible, she becomes desperate to find the answers he keeps hidden. When she learns the painful truth of his existence, she leaves town with a friend, hoping distance will help her see things more clearly. This is where my little side trip connects with Haven's Realm.

I wasn't sure how Ki'ara would effect life in the Community, only knew my new friends would be able to help in her quest. I placed her in the path of an elder, and let nature take its course. Her actions, and the gifts she gave in exchange for knowledge of their race, had a profound impact on future stories. Empress Ki'ara remains a friend to the Community, and I have a strong hunch we'll be seeing her again.

The Darker Path gave me a chance to revisit Joshua and Catherine MacAaron and spend a little quality time with the Council, reinforcing the disquiet that has befallen the noble clan. I was glad in the ability to resurrect my first couple and blend them with the new culture I had created, and hope you receive the same pleasure in seeing these friends again.

Thank you for your time and interest.

~ Tamara Monteau

Reviews for The Darker Path:

Reader Lady, Amazon

"This series just keeps getting better and better. At first, I wasn't sure about this one, but as the story unfolded, it came together in a marvelous way. What I like best about Ms. Monteau's writing is the intense passion in her stories. I can't wait to read the next one."

4 out of 5 stars - Unexpected Storyline
by Rhonda Valverde, "VampireRomanceBooks.com and ThatsErotica com"

"Monteau took every expectation I had and turned it upside down. I enjoy her style of storytelling and her attention to detail."
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Read more reader reviews on Goodreads.

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