Bark Books Novels & Stories

Dad grabbed the nurse, throwing her out of the room alongside himself. "Well-done, Emily, you have accomplished your mission." A sinister scent emerged, a wicked laugh echoing across the room. The once blue sky was now a mixture of black and white with the moon reflecting its radiant image. Wails filled the air as a ray of light fell from the sky, hitting a mountain on the other side of town. I groaned, wincing as my hand was scorched by the flaming book. The pages settled, words in red appearing on the pages. "Strigoi, Nosferatu, Jiangshi…"

The ladies all giggle and Julie stands, handing a new bookmark to each of us. "Yes. We figured we'd get you ones that suited you a little better." she says. The new one is dark blue with gold lettering that says 'Real men read dirty books'. I smile and look over at Ev who's showing Harper his excitedly. "These are great. Thank you." I say just as Bri nudges me. "Oh! Tell them your joke, love!" Harper says excitedly. Ev rolls his eyes before addressing the group.

He hurried to it and pulled it open just far enough to see who was on the other side. Lila’s whisper was hard and urgent as she said, “Let us in.” He immediately obeyed by opening the door just far enough to allow her to slip in. Benjamin’s larger frame forced him to pull it just a bit further open before slamming it shut immediately after he’d entered the room. “This is Ben,” she offered as she moved to the center of the room. Jasper and Benjamin greeted each other with stern expressions and a curt nod. Without hesitation, the warlock produced a slender bottle containing white granules that Jasper thought might be salt and created a circle around himself.

Kennedy POV. The weather was bad, but I needed to get that new book, it's Robert birthday gift, who'd knew a grown up man would kill for the newest werewolf love book. I got into my car, drove carefully toward the local book store, they had the new book reserved for me. It was supposed to one quick drive, until I walked into the library. A girl was sitting on a bean bag, her blond hair was covering her eyes with overgrown bangs, she tried to huff them away from her face but to no use. She looked young, maybe she's just here with her parents, looking down at the book she had in her hands it was a kids story. Does she read for the local kids? Or is it just for her?

The doors swung open, and a flutter of excitement surged through Catalina’s heart. She was pushed into a room that radiated strength and elegance. Bookshelves embraced the walls, their treasures lovingly curated. The gentle warmth of the fire danced in the hearth, its soft crackle filling the room with a tender ambiance, while shadows wove their delicate patterns across the gleaming surfaces. Behind a grand desk sat Matteo Moretti, a figure of intrigue and longing. He was nothing like the image she had conjured in her mind. He was younger—likely in his late twenties—but there was something about him, a presence so commanding that it sent shivers down her spine.

S U M M E R My little minion took her sweet time getting ready for bed. When I walked in, she was still chattering away, holding out one of three different books for us to read. "That one, Mommy! I love alligators. And wolves. Do we have any books about wolves?" Only my daughter would choose an alligator book over a cheerful dog or a cuddly teddy bear. But wolves? "I don't think we have any wolf books, but how about a doggie story?"

There is no mate bond, but having him close makes me feel more secure. “I can’t wait for you to see this.” He rubs his thumb on the top of my hand as he leads me to a store. It’s rare Bronx gets so excited about surprising me. We approach a bookstore with a dusty, old window display. In gold paint, there is a picture of a pan flute and a goat. The images are peeling and sundried as if they’ve been there forever. Over the pictures are the words ‘The Barded Goat Used & Collectible Books’.

Just handed me a fresh cup of tea and settled beside me, close enough for our legs to touch, like he knew I needed to get something out before I could speak it aloud. I angled the page toward the light and added the last curve of Rufio’s goofy, wide-eyed smile. Beneath the cartoon version of him, I sketched a leash looping into a scripted logo: “Bark in the Park.” Alan leaned in slightly. “Is that what I think it is?” I glanced over at him. “You tell me.” He smiled. “My dog-walking business.” “Our future,” I corrected. “I mean, it started as your thing, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.”

“Quiet doesn’t mean unbothered. Just good at hiding it.” We fell into silence. The only sound was distant thunder rumbling above ground. I wondered how long we’d be down here. Minutes stretched. My mind wandered to how close he was. How alone we were. “Tell me something,” I said finally. “Why’d you become a librarian? You don’t seem like the type who likes being stuck behind a desk all day.” Mr. Kane exhaled softly. “Books don’t talk back. They don’t expect small talk. I like the order. And the stories. What about you? History major with a focus on obscure trade? That’s not common.”

she snapped, “I need to get back the shop before the boss has my head. Is this about the Bloody Barbies again?” Bloody Barbie was the nickname Maria gave to the murders ever since she’d gotten involved as a suspect. It was an apt name. Each crime scene that had been investigated was painted red with each victim’s blood, and in each one there would be a bloody doll left behind (though, not exactly a Barbie), no less than three feet away from the body.