Mireille Chester's Blog

 

You guys! I am so excited to be a part of this box set! It is full of amazing stories by amazing authors! Don't forget to pick up your copy for just 99cents HERE!!

Here's a sneak peek at my story, A Fire Awakens. 

PROLOGUE

I don’t remember when I moved to this neighborhood. I was a baby and this is where my adoptive parents had lived their whole married life together. I do remember growing up here, though. It was a quieter time back then. Sure, there was some crime. I mean, which city doesn’t have a few assholes running around stealing stuff that doesn’t belong to them. What there wasn’t, though, were the guns or the drugs. I also don’t remember the gangs back when I was younger. Maybe they were there, but they definitely hid themselves. There was no tagging of buildings or out in the open chop shops. There weren’t any addicts shooting up in broad daylight. I also know there weren’t drug dealers riding their bikes down the street with sawed off shotguns and machetes poking out of their backpacks. There weren’t the murders… 

Here’s a fun statistic for you: in our city, Midtown has had the pleasure of hosting the first shooting death of the year five years in a row. Yeah. Yay for us. Our city is number three in the whole fucking country for violent crimes. Because that’s what every neighborhood or city wants to be known for.

Now, don’t get me wrong. In Midtown, there are more good people than bad people. There are lovely homes with well-kept yards and neighbors that watch out for each other. People walk their dogs, say hello, and help push each other out of snowbanks in the winter. Unfortunately, the bad has a way of making itself known louder than the good. And the bad was getting louder and louder. 

Then, one day, someone decided enough was enough.

You know the story. You’ve probably seen the movie. Someone’s kid gets kidnapped, somebody’s wife gets murdered… hell, some guy’s dog gets killed and his car gets stolen. They all start the same way. Something mind blowing and/or traumatic happens and the hero turns into a kickass vigilante. Yeah. I love those, too. That’s not this story, though. I mean, not really.

I don’t have any kids and my boyfriend can take care of himself. My truck is the same rust bucket I’ve been driving for the past thirteen years and I don’t think it’s even worth anything for parts. My dog, he’s fine. He’s lying on his bed having dreams of chasing something as I tell you this. Probably the stray cat that likes to sit on the fence and bug him. We call him Orange Bastard. The cat. Not my dog. His name is Buck.

No, this story doesn’t start with any horrific act that affects me specifically. It’s a culmination of never-ending assaults and robberies on a community that just wants to be left in peace. Though, I suppose, if we want to put an exact moment it happens, it starts with morning coffee in my backyard. And the end? Well, I’m not entirely sure how this ends because somewhere along this journey, I found out my entire life was a lie. I found out there were darker things out there than drugs and gangs; things that weren’t supposed to exist.

I should probably start with the morning coffee and walk you through the rest. Maybe I should have had my coffee on the front deck instead of the back yard that day. Though, thinking about it now, I don’t think it would have made much of a difference. By this point, I was sick of it. 

This story starts with a flowerpot and an abandoned house. And that flower pot? Yeah. Not even my flower pot; my neighbor’s.

CHAPTER ONE

It was a beautiful spring morning. The air was still chilly enough you needed a sweater on, but the coffee was hot and the steam from my cup helped warm my cold nose and fingers. 

The sound of my neighbor’s back door slamming had me standing and walking over to our shared fence.

“Morning, Dar.”

The moment she turned at the sound of her name, I could tell something was wrong. She was pissed.

“It’s gone. They fucking took it.” Her blue eyes were blazing. “I’ve had that flowerpot for two bloody days and it’s already gone.”

“Really?”

She nodded and got to work yanking some very persistent weeds out of her just-tilled garden. I almost felt sorry for the dandelion she was currently attacking. There was a lot of anger and frustration in those yanks. Not that I blamed her. That flowerpot had been awesome. Black with multi-colored lights that looked like running water spilling over like a fountain. It was gorgeous. And big. And heavy!

“How the hell did they get it off your deck?”

She shook her head violently. 

“Did you phone it in?”

Again, a head shake. “What’s the use?”

I shrugged. I didn’t disagree with her. Once upon a time, as crime rates rose, a lot of the houses in Midtown had installed cameras to catch thieves and drug dealers in the act. A few years ago, the lowlifes had gone to war on the cameras, blacking out or breaking them at a faster rate than they could be cleaned or replaced. Most law-abiding citizens had given up, Dar and I included.

No cameras, no pictures, no suspects. Just another police report with a never solved ending.

“Did you check on any of the buy and sell pages online?” 

She nodded and went on with her murderous weeding spree. 

I went back to my lounge chair and leaned back into it with a frustrated sigh. Fucking Midtown. While we were at it, fuck the whole of Palbert City. The entire thing was filled with drugs and booze and all the shit shows that came with it. Of course, what else would you expect from a city that had one swimming pool, one movie theater, one bowling alley and 15 bars, lounges, and just as many cold beer and wine stores. There was nothing to do here BUT drink and party.

So why did I stay here if things were this bad? I blew a breath out of my nose. Because it was home and I’d be damned if the assholes were going to scare me off. I had worked hard to come up with a down payment for my little house and, damn it, I loved my little house.

“Buckbuck.” The little voice at my fence was barely audible, but Buck definitely heard one of his favorite little people.

“Maybe Buckbuck is inside sleeping, honey.” 

“Hey, Janine! We’re back here.” I went to the gate and let them in.

“I’m sorry. He insisted on stopping to see Buck when we walked by. Jayjay, can you say hi Aveh?”

The two-year-old grinned at me. “Hi.” His attention went back to the dog who was loving the attention.

“It’s no bother. Buckbuck loves it. Do you want a coffee?”

She shook her head. “No. We’re going to finish up our walk and then it’s nap time. He didn’t have a great night last night.” 

“The neighbors again?” I passed one of Buck’s balls to Jayjay so he could throw it.

She sighed, obviously exhausted. “Yeah. I put my name in to get into a little house a couple of blocks from here, but until it opens up, we’re stuck in that apartment building.”

Running a hand through her long black hair, she shrugged. It was what it was. 

We watched as Jayjay and Buck played a few rounds of keep-away. The toddler’s laugh was infectious and I grinned.

Janine tugged on the toddler’s hand and managed to set him in the stroller with minimal struggling.

I smiled at Jayjay’s adorable way. “Have a good walk. And you, little man, you be good for your mom.”

She laughed. “I’ll let you know how that goes.”

Closing the gate behind them, I headed back into the house to warm up my coffee.

CHAPTER TWO

I’d like to say I was surprised when I spotted Dar’s flowerpot on one of the local buy and sell pages two days later, but I wasn’t. If something got stolen, it usually turned up there. Steal it, sell it, get enough money for their next fix, get messed up, and start the process all over again.

I sent the seller a message.

Is this still available?

I didn’t have to wait long.

Pick up only, cash only.

It works? I didn’t want to seem too eager. 

Yeah. Do you want it or not?

The seller was obviously crashing and in need of his next fix. That, or he was truly a shitty salesperson. Or both. I was going to go with both.

I’ve got 30 bucks on me. I can be there right now.

Fine. He sent me an address. 

He was definitely crashing. You didn’t try to sell something for a hundred and fifty bucks then accept thirty unless you were desperate.

Jumping into my truck, I headed the fifteen blocks to where Dar’s flowerpot was waiting for me. I pulled up to the boarded-up house that fit the address. Had it not been for the flowerpot sitting by the sidewalk, I would have driven right by. This house was supposed to be abandoned.

The cops had shut it down after a drug raid weeks earlier. Apparently, the rats had taken up residence once again. I stepped out of the truck and handed a skeletal man my thirty dollars. The wind shifted and I had to hold my breath as the stench came off him and assaulted my senses.

Two more men, neither of them in better shape than the first, came out and not so carefully chucked the pot into the back of my truck.

“You live around here?” one of them inquired. 

I shook my head. “Nope. Just happened to come to town for some shopping.” Before anything else could be said, I got into my truck and drove away. Pulling into my backyard, I shut the two large gates and breathed a sigh of relief. 

With a quick glance at the time, I pulled out my phone and dialed. 

“Hey, gorgeous. How’s your day going?”

I grinned at the sound of Ben’s voice. “Did I wake you?” I could picture his dark blond hair sticking up like it did every time he woke up.

I heard him yawn and stretch and wished he was here instead of at his own place.

“Naw. I’ve been hitting snooze for the past half hour.”

“Do you have time for a breakfast/supper date?”

“Always.”

I checked my watch. His shift started at seven and it was five. “I’ll meet you at Danny’s in a half hour?”

“Sounds good.”

Opening the tailgate on the truck, I couldn’t help but smile. Today was definitely turning out to be a good day.

I heard Dar open her back door to let the dog out.

“Hey! Dar! Look at what I found?” I laughed at the complete shock on her face as she peeked over the fence.

“Holy shit! Where?”

I unlocked the man gate so she could come into the yard. “One of the buy and sells. They were asking one fifty for it. Thankfully for us, he was crashing and needed a quick fix.”

“How much?”

“Thirty.”

“Just give me a sec, I’ve got that in my purse.”

I stopped her from walking away. “No. Absolutely not. Just call us even from when you rescued my moose ornament last Christmas.”

I had to gasp for breath once she finally released me from her hug. 

Carefully, we managed to get the pot back into her yard.

“Maybe keep it back here for a bit. They asked if I was from around here. I told them I was from out of town, but you know.”

She nodded. “Absolutely. Hell, it’s staying back here until I can get Paul to rebar it into the ground.” She gave me another quick hug. “Thanks so much, Aveh.”

“Any time.” I checked my watch. “Shit. I’m going to be late. Mind getting my gates after I leave?”

“Sure thing.” She helped me swing them open and I watched in my rear view as she shut them again. One of my main worries when buying my own place had been what kind of neighbors I’d end up with. I’d gotten pretty damn lucky.

CHAPTER THREE

Ben was already sitting at a table when I finally got to the restaurant. He waved me over with a smile that melted my heart. Damn that man and his smile. He stood as I got to the table and gave me a quick kiss before sitting again. 

The smell of body wash and shaving cream filled my nose. The last of the druggy stench vanished from my memory.

“How was your sleep?” I inquired as the waitress filled my cup with coffee. “Thanks Jean.”

She nodded and gave us a few minutes to look at the menu.

“Good. I’ll be glad when this shift is over so I can go back to sleeping at night like a regular human being.”

I didn’t know how he did it. Not the night shifts; I’d had the odd job that required shift work and night shifts were hard on the system, but doable. But being a cop in this city… There were days he’d come home completely worn out and discouraged. Just as quickly as they could arrest the criminals, the justice system was letting them back on the street with a slap on the wrist. It was no wonder crime was such an out in the open thing. Why be scared to get arrested when you knew you’d be free to do as you pleased in no time at all.

Common excuses? The jails were full. The system was overloaded. Somehow, the criminal’s rights had been violated. But what about the victim’s rights? Apparently, those didn’t matter.

I reached across the table and gave his hand a squeeze and his dark blue eyes met mine. “Come to my place when your shift is done. I’ll make you something good for supper/breakfast.”

Jean returned with her order pad.

“I’ll have the steak sandwich, rare, with fries and gravy.” I watched her scribble down the order then turn her attention to Ben.

“Steak and eggs, steak rare, eggs over easy, rye toast, and hashbrowns.”

I waited until she was out of earshot before giving him the good news about Dar’s flowerpot.

His brow furrowed. “Babe, I told you not to be doing shit like that. What if they’d decided the thirty wasn’t enough? What if they were still cracked out? You should have phoned it in.”

I shook my head. “It wouldn’t have done any good. Dar didn’t file a report. There’s nothing you guys could have done about it. Anyway, you know I can take care of myself.”

He grunted. “Your crazy MMA skills aren’t going to do you much good when they pull a gun.”

“You’re just still angry I got you to tap out the first time you met me at the gym.” I stuck my tongue out at him and he smirked before laughing.

“You’re tiny. I didn’t want to hurt you.”

Our laughter turned some heads in our direction and we quieted down.

“Anyway, you might want to drive by the gang house on tenth you shut down a couple weeks ago. That’s where they were holed up.”

“Fuck sakes. They should just have a demo crew follow us in and tear the fucking places down after we’ve cleared them.” He was always more emotional on his last night shift. He looked exhausted.

Our food arrived and we quickly finished up so he could get to the station on time for shift change. 

Outside, I stood on my tiptoes so I could kiss him properly. His arms snaked around my waist and I sighed, perfectly content to just stay pressed against his chest.

“You should phone in sick.”

He scoffed. “You should have told me to do that two hours ago when you woke me up.”

“You wouldn’t have done it either way.”

He grinned and kissed me one last time before opening my truck door for me. “Last one. Then you have me to yourself for four days.”

“Fine.” I sat in the driver’s seat and rolled the window down once he’d shut the door. “Say hey to Trey for me. Be careful and stay safe.”

He grunted. “I should be saying that to you. At least when I hit up the criminals I have a vest and a gun. And back up.” He glanced at his watch. “OK. I have to go. Love you. I’ll see you in the morning.”

My heart warmed at his declaration. It was a new step between us and it still gave me butterflies to hear him say it. “Love you, too.”

My heart and stomach full, I headed home to let Buck out.

Have a great day, Sweetlings!

Happy book birthday to me!You guys, I am so excited! Sweet as Huney is my 22nd story to be published, but more importantly, it is my very first bi/poly paranormal romance!
What happens when a human, a fae, and a bee shifter get caught in the middle of a cupid/anti-cupid feud? I can tell you one thing, it's a wild ride!
Here's a peek at what you can look forward to.  Click HERE to pick up your copy!

CHAPTER ONE

Three months ago... 

Crimson Moon Hideaway...

“So, you really had no idea?” Luther snorted, shaking his head. He watched Matt roll his eyes before smiling. He fought the urge to take the man’s hand, completely overcome by the feeling. It wasn’t like he’d never been attracted to a man before, but this was Nat’s partner. And he was human. And he’d just found out about all the paranormal things in this world. And he knew the man had had a wife.

The detective ran a hand through his dark hair and the sunlight caught the hints of silver in it as he smoothed his beard. 

“No. I didn’t have a clue. I knew Nat’s family. Not well, but I’d worked a few leads with her dad. When she ranked up to detective, they put her with me. I mean, I knew she was fast and had a crazy sixth sense about where a perp might have gone, but no. Never in my wildest dreams did I think there was such a thing as magic and elves and all of this.” He waved a hand to encompass the Crimson Moon Hideaway resort and everything in and around it.

They made their way up the path that led to the cliffs where Luther was sure Huney would find a flower she’d like. The honeybee buzzed from her perch on Matt’s shoulder and the human smiled.

Luther cocked his head in question.

“She says if I hadn’t accidentally shot Gage thinking he was a bear, she would have told me sooner than later.”

Luther laughed. “Does she know why she can talk to you and no one else?”

Matt shook his head. “She says no.”

The men stood on the cliff and Luther let the breeze blow over his wings. It wasn’t very often he could just forget about the glamor that hid his true self. Being able to just be who he was, was freeing.

He noticed Matt watching. Matt always seemed to be watching. The Fae had chalked it up to the man being a detective. It most definitely wasn’t because he might be interested in him. Matt wasn’t the most talkative, but Luther had learned he was a widower and his life partner had been a woman... Still, that didn’t stop Lew from wondering if maybe there was something else behind the looks.

He gave a flick of his wings and Matt cocked his head.

Luther smiled. “Ask away.” It was strange. He’d met the man less than twenty-four hours before and yet he found himself drawn to the human who could talk to bees.

“Can you actually fly with those?”

The Fae laughed. “I can, yes.”

“Sorry. They just... They look like fancy dragonfly wings.”

Luther grunted. “First, I’m a sparkly elf, now I’m a fancy dragonfly. If I keep hanging around you, I’m going to end up with a complex.” He smiled to show he was joking.

Brushing some almost white bangs out of his very light blue eyes, he jumped off the cliff.

“Lew!” Matt’s relief was obvious as he rose up into view. 

“Why, Matthew! Were you worried about me?” teased Luther.

“Jackass.”

The Fae laughed. “Right. Well, no one has ever accused me of being a sensitive guy.” He frowned. “Except maybe Nat and Venice.” He set back down on the ground beside Matt. “Sorry.”

Wait. Why was he apologizing? 

“That was pretty impressive.”

Luther grinned. “Before you ask, no, I can’t carry any more weight than mine.”

Matt’s hazel eyes blinked and he burst out laughing. “I wasn’t going to ask. You might be taller than me, but I probably outweigh you by a good thirty pounds.”

Lew smiled. He’d definitely noticed. He wasn’t sure what the detective did to stay in shape, but the way he filled out his t-shirt... the size of those calves... 

He realized they were simply staring at each other. He should talk about something. Nat. Her upcoming wedding to Gage. The resort. Anything. 

Matt rescued him by clearing his throat and turning toward the flower patch. He tensed.

“There.” Luther pointed to a blue daisy.

Matt’s gaze fell on Huney and he visibly relaxed.

Lew had to turn away to hide his smile. Big, burly, Detective Matthew Cain was worried about a honeybee. There was no way he was going to admit his heart had also flopped when he hadn’t noticed her right away...

A chirp had him spinning toward the bee in question.

Matt’s head snapped to the right as a red bird flew from the trees, making a charge at Huney.

No! Luther gathered his magic, feeling it well in his chest. Snapping his arms forward, he threw a shield at Huney.

The magic engulfed her and the bird bounced off it, flying off with a surprised squawk. 

“What the...” Matt gawked at the sight in front of them.

Where the bee had been hovering in the air, a woman with long light brown hair and honey-colored eyes sat on the ground. Naked.

Luther’s lungs emptied and he struggled to suck in a breath when his head started to spin. He couldn’t breathe. Why couldn’t he breathe?

Matt rushed to her side, kneeling beside her.

“Huney?” He pulled his t-shirt off and helped her into it.

She opened her mouth, her voice coming out a raspy squeak. She nodded and threw her arms around his neck, shaking.

“Shhhh... It’s okay. You’re okay.”

His wide eyes met Luther’s and the Fae jerked. 

“Luther. Get the fuck over here! What’s going on?”

Give him a second. Huney’s voice laced through his head.

“What’s wrong with him? Jesus. You’re the one that’s not a bee anymore.”

Luther couldn’t move. All he could do was stare at the scene before him. Long, pale legs peeking out from under the dark blue shirt, Matt’s thick arms around the tiny woman who was now in his lap. The Fae groaned.

Matt leaned back enough to tuck her hair behind her ears, his gaze taking in her face. “How are you not a bee anymore?”

Luther’s magic interrupted the spell. 

Huney’s voice wrapped him in warmth and Lew’s brain picked up that bit of information. “What spell? Is that why I didn’t... why I couldn’t...” He hopped up and down a few times, shaking out his arms and wings.

Matt cocked his head. “You heard her?”

He nodded. Gods. He heard her. He felt her. He felt him...

Huney held her hand out and Luther went to her. Staying in Matt’s lap, she wrapped Lew’s arm around her. Her shaking lessened.

When I was young, I met a man. A warlock.

Luther stiffened and felt Matt do the same beside him. 

It’s not a long story, really. He wanted me to be his mate. I just couldn’t. I’d always felt I had a true mate, but I hadn’t met him yet. I told him this. He cursed me. 

“He cursed you?” Matt’s anger was palpable.

She nodded. I was to be a bee for eternity. I mean, I am a bee. I’m a shifter. A bee shifter.

Luther’s eyes met Matt’s over her head. Nope. He couldn’t look into those eyes right now. He focused on the top of Huney’s head. 

Her face turned up to Matt’s. I couldn’t tell anyone. The spell kept me from talking to everyone. Except you. I knew the moment I saw you. At first, I stayed away because Gage had warned me you didn’t know anything about us. Then, when you shot him, I found I could actually talk to you, but the spell still kept me from telling you anything about the curse or that you were my mate. 

“Christ, I almost smooshed you with my file folder.”

Luther watched as the other man’s fingers ran through her hair and waited to feel a stab of possessiveness or jealousy. Nothing. Just the need to also tug at those long locks and maybe feel what the detective’s fingers would feel like against his skin... Her long legs, Matt’s big hands...

He groaned. 

I couldn’t talk to you at all. She turned her head towards the Fae. I felt a pull, but it was so faint... I think he cast the spell to ward against me finding a paranormal mate. He didn’t think I’d also have a human one. But your shield... I don’t think anyone else’s would have worked.

Matt shook his head, inhaling deeply.  “Okay. Let me know if I’m getting this right. When you were young, some asshole cursed you to never be human again because you turned him down. Then you met me and you realized I’m... I’m your mate? Like Nat and Gage?”

Huney nodded. 

“And that’s why I feel the need to walk around with a bee for company all the time. Because even though I’m human, I can somehow feel this.”

Another nod. Luther watched as he worked it through in his mind.

“And Luther, he’s also our mate.”

Luther swallowed hard. Our. He’d said our and hadn’t sounded disgusted or freaked out.

Matt’s lips twitched. “That explains that.”

The Fae frowned. “Explains what?”

“Why I wanted to be around you just as much as I wanted to be around Huney. I mean, you’re gorgeous, but this is the first time I felt like I needed to be around someone like this.”

Luther cleared his throat and Matt raised an eyebrow.

“This is a lot harder on you than it is on me, isn’t it?”

Lew nodded.

It will get worse for everyone once the curse is lifted.

It was Matt’s turn to frown. “I thought Lew broke it.”

He interrupted it. This won’t last. I can already feel my bee fighting to take over. She sighed. Being able to talk to both of you, actually touch you... 

Tears streaked down her face. I’m sorry.

Luther’s heart ached for her. “What, in the Gods’ names, are you sorry for?”

Matt wiped her tears. “Holy shit. I can feel that. Please don’t feel like that.” He tightened his hold on her and Luther pressed his lips to her hair.

We finally found each other and now you’ll be stuck with a bee for the rest of our lives.

A shiver ran through her.

Luther watched Matt’s eyes widen and knew he could feel her panic just as vividly as he could.

“It will be alright.” The Fae said it for their benefit as well as his.

I... I need to do this in case it never happens again. Huney tilted her head up and sighed as Matt’s hands cupped her face, his lips claiming hers, simply knowing what she needed.

Luther watched as the other man’s tongue found hers, the kiss slow and tender. He groaned.

Huney’s next shiver broke off the kiss.

“It’s going to be okay,” whispered Matt.

Amber colored eyes met his light blue ones and Luther took a moment to memorize every spec in them.

Lew, please. Another shiver ran through her.

Luther claimed her mouth gently, fighting every mating urge he had. Now wasn’t the time. And she was right. There may never be a time when the three of them could all be together. He refused to believe the curse couldn’t be lifted, but there were so many unknown variables... If that was the case, she was going to know she was cared for and cherished. No matter what form she was in.

As a shiver caused their lips to separate, he made her a silent promise. They would find a way to break the curse.

Huney stood, barely able to stay upright with the force of the next tremor. Both men were on their feet in an instant.

I can’t keep her back anymore. The spell is too strong. She pulled the t-shirt over her head and handed it to Matt. I just... I just hope I can still talk to you after this. 

Luther’s heart sank as her form shimmered and seemed to evaporate, leaving a honeybee in the woman’s place. He swallowed hard.

“Huney?” Matt’s voice cracked.

Can you hear me?

Relief flooded through him. “Loud and clear.” 

Now that the spell was back in charge, the mating pull wasn’t as strong, but there was no denying it was there. 

Luther let out a long breath to steady his nerves. “We need to talk to Jianna.”

Matt frowned. “The resort’s owner?”

Luther nodded. “If there’s a way to lift this curse, she’s our best bet at either knowing it, or knowing where to start looking.” He held his hand out and Huney landed on it. “We’ll figure this out.”

Matt’s large hand squeezed his shoulder and he could feel the man’s determination. 

Huney’s excitement nearly bowled him over as she made her way to the detective’s shoulder.

Matt smiled. “Let’s go get some answers.”

CHAPTER TWO

Present...

“What do you mean you’re not packed?” Luther’s voice rose an octave over the phone.

Matt grunted. “Relax. Some of us don’t have a regular work schedule. People don’t kill each other on a regular nine to five, Monday to Friday timeframe. Don’t start. I’ve been up for damn near thirty-six hours.” He ran a hand over his face and let out an exhausted sigh.

“You’re pinching the bridge of your nose, aren’t you?”

Matt could hear the smile in his voice. He grunted. “No.” He let go of his nose.

“Are you okay?”

He nodded. “Yeah. Just tired.”

Moving into the bedroom, he found his duffle bag, threw in some shorts, a pair of swimming trunks, underwear, jeans, some t-shirts, and a hoodie. “There. I’m packed. You can relax.”

He could almost hear Luther roll his eyes.

Matt smiled. “Anyway, Nat was filling in Granger so she can help out should anything come up while I’m gone.” He raised an eyebrow. “Lew, I can hear you grinding your teeth through the phone.”

“I can’t stand that woman.”

He grinned and managed not to laugh. “While you’re adorable when you’re jealous, there’s no need to be. Gail is happily married.”

Luther grunted. “Tell that to her drunk ass at the pub two weekends ago.”

Matt pinched his nose. “Alright. I’m too tired to deal with your really weird and sudden paranoia. Christ, Luther. Have you seen yourself lately? You make straight guys stop and stare.” 

He thought back to two weeks ago when the Fae had come to visit. Nearly every head in the pub had turned as the man had walked into the room. Matt didn’t blame them. That five o'clock shadow, the short, messy blond hair, those light blue eyes... not to mention the tall, lean body. With his crisp white button up and khakis, Luther didn’t really dress to entice, but he didn’t need to. Not to mention the glamor he used to hide his true self seemed to attract other humans like moths to a fucking bonfire.

He’d watched, amused, as one of the rookies had made her way to his side, hips swaying. She’d blinked, clearly shocked as he said something, pointed to Matt and made his way over to him.

“Lew, you have that whole magic mojo thing going on. I’m just plain old human me.” 

What was it Nat said all the time? Fucking Fae and their fucking gorgeous everything? Yeah. That sounded about right.

The detective cracked open a beer. “If anyone should be worried and jealous, it should be me. Which I'm not.”

“Okay. Just... I’m sorry. You know I’m not actually, you know...”

“Possessive and jealous and paranoid?”

“Yeah. Those. I’m just...”

Matt could hear his teeth grinding again. “You’re just worried about this weekend,” he said softly.

“Yeah.”

“Yeah.” He blew a breath out of his nose.

“Is she there?”

“No. I was supposed to pick her up yesterday after work, but then I got stuck there.” Matt ran a hand over his face, nerves and exhaustion making him feel sick. “I’ll pick her up on the way to the airport first thing in the morning.”

“Don’t forget your cigarettes.”

Matt glanced at the plastic cigarette pack protector already on his duffle bag. It fit perfectly in his shirt pocket and kept Huney hidden and safe when they were out in public. It always got a grin out of Nat when she saw either man with it since neither of them smoked.

“Already done. Are you sure you don’t want to come here and pack for me?” He didn’t bother hiding the sarcasm in his question, though he was smiling.

Having Luther as a mate was almost the same as having Dee as a wife. For such a carefree, fun-loving guy, the Fae was quite the worrier when it came to Matt and Huney.

“Sweetheart, if I showed up at your house tonight, there would be zero packing going on.”

Matt could see the lopsided grin in his mind. He missed that grin.

If someone had told him a year ago that his partner was an Elf, her husband was a bear shifter, and that he, Detective Matthew Cain, human, would be mates with a Fae and a bee shifter stuck in bee form, he’d have laughed them out of the building. But today? Today, it was the most natural thing in the world. And he was happy. The happiest he’d been since Dee had passed away. Fucking cancer.

“As fun as that sounds, by the time you got here, I’d be on my way to meet you at the resort.”

Luther grunted. “I’m really looking forward to next week.”

Matt smiled. “Me too. Did you finish packing up your office?”

“I did.”

“How did your trial go today?”

“Not guilty, as it should have been.”

“I knew you’d convince them.”

“Well, I’m not going to lie. I almost forgot my closing arguments because all I could think about was getting Huney uncursed and then getting us all moved into our new place.” Luther grunted. “Never in my life did I ever think I’d leave the big city to live on an acreage outside of itty bitty Palbert City. Is it even big enough to qualify as an actual city? I keep meaning to check the population online...”

Matt chuckled. “Yes. It is.” 

“Hey. Nat said you got sent to the principal’s office.” Luther sounded a mix of amused and concerned.

He rolled his eyes. “Yeah. The captain didn't appreciate my speech.”

“You gave a speech?”

“After you met me at the bar, tongues started to wag. Seriously, I couldn’t give a shit if they want to talk about me, but they started pulling Dee into the conversation.”

“Shit. I’m sorry.”

Matt grunted. “Don’t be. I walked by the water cooler and heard two rookies fucking talking about it. Something about ‘what would my dead wife think about the fact I was screwing a guy’. The bastard wasn’t even around when Dee was alive. So, I stood on my chair, got everyone’s attention, and told them that Dee had known I was attracted to both men and women, she was alright with it, yes, I was now in a relationship with a man, and if they had a problem with it, they could all go fuck themselves.”

Luther was laughing on the other end of the phone. “Tell me someone took a video. I need to see that.”

Matt rolled his eyes. “If they did, they haven’t been brave enough to show me. If they thought us being together was gossip worthy, they’re going to shit their pants the first time they see us with Huney.”

Both men sobered. If they ever saw them with Huney. 

“This is going to work, right, Lew?”

No answer, but even this far apart, he could feel the Fae’s worry.

“Stop grinding your teeth, Babe.”

“Only if you stop pinching your nose.”

The magical pull he felt to Luther and Huney always hurt after not being around them for any amount of time. Two weeks away from Luther and it was almost intolerable. He knew it was worse for his mate because he was paranormal. It would get worse still once the curse on Huney was lifted. It had played a part in his decision to ask Luther move cities. That and the fact that even without the magic, he loved the man.

One more night.

He finished his beer and set the alarm on his phone. “I’m going to head to bed before I fall asleep standing up.”

“Alright. Have a good sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow. ‘Night, Sweetheart.”

“G’night, Lew.”

He hung up, smiling. Everything would go according to plan. 

Everything had to go according to plan.

CHAPTER THREE

Luther sat on the edge of the bed in the cabin, his leg twitching with nerves. He could hear Matt telling him to stop grinding his teeth and the thought helped him relax. 

Drinking the mini bottle of rum, he stood. Not usually one to hide from a crowd, the busy lobby of the resort was too much to handle right now. He wanted a proper drink, but there was no way he was leaving the cabin they’d rented. His chest hurt so badly, he was sure it would implode at any moment. He needed to see them. He needed to touch them. Gods, he missed them. The past two weeks had been a special kind of hell.

Maybe it was because this weekend had been looming and beyond this weekend, whatever future was in store for them. Whether Huney was a bee or able to shift, one thing was certain: the three of them would be together.

He shook out his wings, pacing around the cabin.

What time was it? 

He checked his watch. Soon. They’d be here soon and from that moment on he wouldn’t have to feel this pain ever again.  

His phone rang and his heart warmed. “Hey.”

“Hey. I can feel how much you’re hurting. We’re almost there. Is this better?”

The instant Matt’s voice reached his ear, the pain lessened.

“Yeah. A bit. It’s never been this bad before.”

“Maybe it’s all the magic in that place.”

“Well, whatever it is, it sucks.”

“We’re about ten minutes out.”

He took a deep breath. “No problems at the airport?”

“It was all smooth sailing. We had a kid sitting beside us. How old was he?” There was a pause while Huney answered him. “Twelve. He noticed Huney sticking her head out of my pocket.” He grunted. “Yes, I know you like to look out the window. You’re just lucky it was that kid and not some bitchy adult who would have made a fuss.”

Luther chuckled. “What did the kid do?”

“He asked why I had a bee in my pocket. I told him she was mine and she liked to ride in my pocket when I went places.”

“And he didn’t question it?”

“Nope. He asked me her name and what she liked to eat. I told him she liked stories. Lew, this kid spent the entire flight telling her stories.” He laughed and the Fae’s pain lessened a bit more. “When the flight attendant came by with crackers, he asked for honey to dunk his in then set up a little book fort on his table so Huney could eat hidden.”

“That’s...” Luther shook his head. “That’s pretty amazing.”

“I thought maybe he was paranormal, but it’s not really something you can just ask someone.”

Luther burst out laughing. “No. It isn’t. Did he get off with you?”

“Yeah, but I think he had another flight to get on. He’s visiting his grandparents.”

A car pulled up to the cabin.

“Please tell me that’s you. I can’t handle anyone else right now.”

“It’s us.” 

The call disconnected and he sat on the couch, relief flooding through him. He heard Matt jump three steps to get onto the deck and the door opened.

Matt’s eyes took a fraction of a second to find him. It took the rest of that second to kneel in front of the Fae, his strong arms wrapping around him, careful of his wings.

Luther’s head dropped onto his mate’s shoulder with a groan. The pain started to ease and his lungs could finally fill properly.

Huney landed on his shoulder. That was too long. 

He nodded. “Never again.”

Inhaling deeply, he relaxed. It was alright. Everything was going to be alright.

Sitting back, he found himself looking into worried hazel eyes.

Matt frowned. “You okay?”

Luther smiled. “I am now.” He closed his eyes as Matt held his face.

“Are you sure? I mean, it was pretty bad for me and worse for Huney, but you... That was intense.”

“I’m sure.”

Matt’s lips found his, the slow and tender kiss pulling another sigh from the Fae. Everything was definitely okay.

“Babe, you look exhausted.”

He grunted. “It’s hard to sleep when it feels like you’re dying of a heart attack for a week.”

“Why didn’t you tell me how bad it was?”

“Because then you would have driven a day to come see me and you were in the middle of a case. Anyhow, it doesn’t matter. We’re here, we’re all fine, and no one feels like they’re dying anymore.” He kissed his mate again. “I promise.”

And now that he was fine, he was reminded he hadn’t eaten since the night before.

“Are you hungry?”

Matt nodded. “I could definitely use a steak and a beer.”

Luther smiled. “Good, because I’m starving.”

Huney buzzed. Me too.

Matt scoffed. “You ate a whole packet of honey on the plane.”

And now, I want another one. Take me out for supper, boys. 

Luther grinned. “Yes, ma’am.”

Huney settled on the Fae’s shoulder. Matt closed the door and laced his fingers with his as they started walking to the resort.

So, there you go! Click HERE to see what happens next!

Spotlighting one of our sixteen awesome authors and their story: Ryan Southwick brings you Dragon Assassin - keep scrolling for an interview with Ryan about his story and himself!
About The Story- What do you find interesting about your main characters?So many things! Charon is a half-dragon shifter which, strangely, just scratches the surface of her character. Her subspecies is water dragon. In this universe, water dragons can produce a variety of chemicals from their body. Charon has adapted that into her assassin profession by becoming an expert poisoner. Instead of flashy assassinations, she goes for low profile, no violence. Not that she can’t take care of herself in a fight, of course. =]Personality-wise, she’s an outcast, so despite her higher-than-average age, she’s reclusive and socially awkward. This proves a challenge when bigger-than-life Adan comes into the picture and forces her to flex muscles she’s never had to before.- Where does the story take place and why did you choose this setting?There are three primary locations, but I’ll only cover the first two to avoid spoilers. ;-)The first is Los Angeles. LA is great because it has a variety of activities, interesting people, glorious beaches (perfect for a water dragon), and a Hollywood culture that pleasantly contrasts with the protagonist’s awkward personality.The second is Vienna. I wanted someplace different but classy. I had the good fortune to spend a few days in Vienna with some friends on our way to Armenia (which is a whole different experience). I remember being struck by the ancient beauty of the place, and how wonderful it was to just walk around the city and get lost in all the history. And, of course, the terrific food. I wanted to bring some of that to my readers. Thankfully, the location happened to fit the story. Win-win!- Share a little about the story behind the story.A story about a dragon assassin who falls in love with another assassin is an idea I’ve been kicking around for years. I loved the idea of a cocky young guy thinking he’s the bee's knees, getting his butt saved repeatedly by a shy yet highly experienced creature of legend. When the Born of Shadows and Magic box set came along with a hybrid / PNR theme, I knew it was finally time to bring this one to life. I also wanted to try my hand at something steamier than I’ve written in the past. This box set was the perfect excuse. Not sure if I’ll ever write something as steamy as Dragon Assassin again, but it was a great experience.- What is the theme or takeaway you want readers to think about?Humans are strange and varied beasts. We’re all the same species, yet what we experience within our individual shells can be vastly different. It’s easy to forget that the person sitting next to you, who may be acting odd, might not see things or experience the world anywhere close to how you do. Charon and Adan’s tale takes this to an extreme, but I hope it serves as a reinforcement for readers to think twice before judging and try to approach everyone from a stance of empathy. The world would be a much kinder place if we all did.
About The Author- When did you know you wanted to be an author?About three-quarters the way through writing my first book, Angels in the Mist. I was reading a (particularly badly written) urban fantasy novel one day and suddenly thought, “Hey, I think I can do this.” It was very slow going at first; completing a single chapter took months. But by the end of the book, I had really found my groove and was really enjoying it.It would take another five years, dozens of edits, and several more books to become even passably good, but it was during that first book that the writing bug sanks its fangs into my neck and turned me into its helpless thrall.- Favorite animal?Tiger. Always had a weakness for tigers. Such powerful, beautiful creatures.- If you could travel to any spot in the world, where would it be?As part of my day job, I’ve traveled many times to Armenia, and I feel like my second family is there. I would love to visit there again. Wonderful people, food, history, and culture. Hopefully soon.- What’s next in your writing?Two big things! I’m working to finish The Z-Tech Chronicles science fiction / urban fantasy series. Book 4, Angels Found, will be coming out in the first half of this year (2022). It will be a six-book series. The good news is that the rest are already written; they’re just waiting in line for edits at the publisher.Second is a new science fiction / dystopian series called the Timeless Keeper Saga. Book 1, Holtondome, will be coming out hot on the heels of Z-Tech Book 4, and I’m already halfway done with Book 2. Good stuff a-coming!
Social media links:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/RyanSouthwickInstag... https://www.instagram.com/ryansouthwi... https://www.tiktok.com/@ryansouthwick... page: https://www.facebook.com/ryansouthwic... Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ryans... https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... Author Page: https://amazon.com/author/ryansouthwi... https://allauthor.com/profile/ryansou... https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwT-... https://allauthor.com/author/ryansout... https://twitter.com/RyanSouthwick

You guys! I am so excited to be a part of this project. Finding a way to help out a friend is always a good feeling. When I heard a member of the book community had found out she had cancer and would need to undergo treatment, many of us had the same thought: we wanted to help. Since Teri's favorite trope is 'second chance', we thought an anthology filled with second chances was the way to go. 

Late to Love is a charity anthology with all proceeds going directly to #Teampink4Teri.

24 authors have banded together over the love of a friend beginning her battle with cancer to bring you this limited edition anthology.

 

From cowboys to werewolves to veterans, there is a story for everyone. Just remember, after every perceived failure, there’s a second chance waiting.

Fans of happily ever afters will devour this anthology of more than 24 standalone romances.

Each unique story in the Late to Love: A Second Chance Romance Charity Anthology guarantees a swoon-worthy book boyfriend and a happily ever after that fans of Melanie Harlow, Corinne Michaels, and Nicole Ellis are sure to enjoy!

#secondchance #latetolove #Teampink4Teri

★★https://books2read.com/b/bMwPP7 ★★

Here's a look at the first three chapters of my story! Yours Always, Mason is the first book in my new Yours Always series that is in the works. 

 PROLOGUE

Ronnie

“Ronnie! Are you ready?” My mom’s voice echoed up the stairs.

“Not yet! Just ten more minutes!” 

I glanced in the mirror for the millionth time. The pale blue dress was floor length, the sandles were strappy and black... I’d gotten my hair curled into perfect dark brown ringlets that reached the middle of my back. Simple was best. I applied some dark brown waterproof mascara around my light hazel eyes and an extra coat of clear lip-gloss. Perfect.

“Ronnie! Mason is here!”

Perfect. I wanted to see his face when I came down the stairs. It didn’t matter that we’d been dating since the seventh grade. Mason’s smile when I came into view was a constant in my life. It never failed.

So many people had told us it wouldn’t last. I was captain of the volleyball team; he was captain of the chess team. Why didn’t I date a jock? Why didn’t he go out with one of the other nerds? One of my friends had compared us to Jughead and Veronica. But it didn’t matter, because we were best friends; had been since we were four and my family moved next to his. And besides, this was real life. This wasn’t a movie where the jock chick was drop dead gorgeous and the nerd boy was all awkward with bucked teeth and glasses. I was actually the ones who wore glasses. Thick ones too. Contacts were the best invention ever. And Mason? Mason could have modelled underwear and made a killing. Those natural dark brown curls, those light green eyes... and that ass.

I grinned. That ass belonged to me and I couldn't wait to see it in a tux.

“I’m coming!” I called out. 

Tonight would be a night to party it up with our friends and say goodbye to grade twelve. Summer was going to be the usual with summer jobs and campfires. In the fall, we were heading to university. I was going to be a teacher and he was going to be a computer analyst. 

I admit, I did the whole cliché walk down the stairs for a big reveal. But it wasn’t Mason who was shocked. It was me when my eyes found him at the bottom of the stairs, his eyes glued to the ground.

I stopped midway down the stairway and frowned. 

“Mason? Why aren’t you dressed?” I wasn’t mad. I was worried. Changing plans without letting me know was not something Mason Trenton did. Ever.

He looked up at me, his eyes red, and my heart dropped.

“What’s wrong? What happened?” I looked from him to my mom who shrugged and shook her head, her eyes showing she was just as confused and worried as me.

“Can I...” He ran his hands through those amazing curls and cleared his throat. “Can I talk to you?”

The excited butterflies in my stomach turned to nervous ones.

I nodded.

He held his hand out to me and I took it, letting him lead me across the street to the park.

Sitting on the play structure, he kept his eyes on his knees. Tear drops fell on his jeans leaving dark blue spots in their wake. I put my hand on his knee, scared.

His hand covered mine, his other arm brushing across his face. “I have to go,” he whispered.

“I don’t understand.” I swallowed hard.

“My family. We’re moving.”

My chest started to hurt. “What? Why?”

He shook his head. “They weren’t going to let me say goodbye.” He glanced back at our houses. “But I couldn’t just leave and not tell you.”

“Mason. What’s going on?” My tears were flowing just as freely as his and he reached up to wipe them away.

“I’m not allowed to say.”

“When will you be back?”

He shook his head.

“Never?”

His silence was answer enough.

“Well, where are you going? You need to phone me when you get there!” Sobs shook my whole frame.

“I can’t.” His arms wrapped around me held me close. I returned the embrace, needing to feel him while I tried to process what was happening.

“I don’t understand,” I whispered.

“Mason!” We both looked back at the sound of his dad’s voice.

“I have to go.” He dug into his pocket. “I... I was going to give you this tonight. You know. Just a promise that I’ll always love you.”

He pressed something into my hand and closed my fist around it. His lips found mine. The kiss was urgent, rough, desperate.

He pulled away, leaving me breathless and reeling.

“I’ll always love you.” His voice broke. “I’m so sorry, Ronnie.”

And with that, he jumped off the play set and sprinted to his family’s SUV which was waiting on the street. I watched him punch the door before opening it, his fist leaving a dent.

I didn’t notice the rain start to fall as the vehicle swallowed him whole. I didn’t notice my mom running toward me as the SUV drove away. 

I watched the taillights disappeared around the corner before looking down at the perfect silver band with the green gemstone in my hand. Yours Always, Mason; he’d gotten it engraved. My stomach heaved and I doubled over, my stomach emptying in the sand.

CHAPTER ONE

Ronnie

“Now, class! Who can tell me what six plus two equals?” I grinned as eager hands shot into the

air. “Jacob!”

“Is it eight, Miss Regnier?”

“It IS eight, Jacob! Good job!” I clapped and the rest of the class followed suit. 

The bell rang and all the kids put their books away before getting ready to head home. I stood at the door and waved goodbye as everyone left.

With a sigh, I went back to my desk and got my things ready for Monday. 

My phone vibrated one quick vibration and I dug it out of my purse.

Nel: Are you out of there, yet?

I laughed at my phone. No. Jesus, the bell just rang. School still lets out at 3:20 just like it did ten years ago.

Nel: Well, hurry your ass up and get to my place. I already opened a bottle of wine!

I grinned. Okay. I’m running home to change then I'll be right there.

A knock on my door had me looking up into Tim Aston’s dark brown eyes. I managed to hold in my groan. Now, don’t get me wrong, the sixth-grade teacher was hot. He’d also slept with most of the other female staff, even some of the married ones. I was pretty sure I was the last one to hold out since he’d been getting persistent about going on a date the past few weeks. 

“Hey, Tim.”

He gave me a half smile which had been kind of sexy at first. Now it was just getting to be creepy. “So, any big plans tonight?”

“Actually, yeah. Girl’s night.”

“Feel like some company?”

I raised an eyebrow. “Not unless you magically turned into a woman.”

The muscles in his jaw ticked.

“I have to go. See you on Monday.” I slung my purse over my shoulder the closed the door as I walked past him.

“Well, if you change your mind...”

“I won’t!” I called back over my shoulder. “Ever,” I grumbled under my breath.

My thumb automatically found the ring on my right ring finger like it did every other time I got stressed. Considering that ring was a representation of the most devastating day of my life it was sort of strange how the movement calmed me.

Getting in my jeep, I tossed my purse on the passenger side before starting it up and heading home. Once there, I put on a red flowing top with spaghetti straps and a pair of dark blue jeans. Looking through my shoes, I settled on some dark grey wedged sandals.

Flipping my head upside down, I added a bit of hairspray to keep the bounce and finished off the look with a second coat of mascara and sheer lip-gloss.

I picked up my phone. Are you home or did you walk over already?

Picking up the mail I’d brought in, I leafed through it while I waited for her answer. Bill, bill, junk... an envelope with my address handwritten on it caught my attention. Taking a deep breath, I opened it. My heart dropped and yet I sighed in relief as a thank you note fell out for a donation I’d given to a local charity.

Not a letter from a ghost.

Nel: I’m at the bar. Britt text to say she was already here.

Ok. I’m leaving the house. I’ll be there in five.

Grabbing my ID and bank card, I put them in my pocket then left my apartment, walking toward the bar.

“RONNIE!”

I glanced around, trying to pinpoint where Nel and Britt were screaming my name from. 

“Hey!” I sat down, glad the girls had already ordered me a drink. I took a sip of my beer and sighed. “How was your day?” I asked over the music. I loved this bar. There was no DJ, no band, just a jukebox. The best thing about this jukebox was the music selection. There was everything on there. It made for fun and varied nights.

Britt rolled her eyes. “I swear, if I have to listen to one more asshole tell me how to change the oil on their car, I might just kill someone.” She shook her head wildly, her tight black curls bouncing around her. Her dark skin was flushed, either from the alcohol or anger. I was going to go with both. “Like seriously. You bring your car to a mechanic to get the oil changed and when you see it’s a woman going under the hood, you decide you know how to do my fucking job? I can’t wait until Roger’s is rebuilt from the fire so I can leave this drive through oil place. Then I can go back to working away from idiot eyes.” 

She scoffed and took a long pull from the straw in her rum and seven. “Assholes.”

Nel and I repeated the word, agreeing.

“My day was fine,” started Nel. Her blond hair was short and spiked, her light blue eyes rimmed by layers of black eyeliner. “Work was good. We shut down early because it was slow. Then I got home and remembered my wife fucking cheated on me, so it was a little downhill from there.”

She smiled as we each put a hand on her arms. “Thanks. But now? Now, I am fucking fantastic! Because I am here with my girls, and we are going to dance the night away!”

“Woooooooo!” 

We all lifted our drinks and gulped them down as the next round showed up.

Nel cocked her head at me. “And you?”

I smiled. “Good. The kids were all angels today.” My mind flashed to the mail.

Britt’s brow creased. “What?”

I shook my head. “It’s nothing. I just had a moment.”

Nel put a hand on mine, not needing an explanation.

“I was opening the mail. There was a handwritten letter. I thought... How is it that ten years later I’m still so fucked up about it. Like, I wanted it to be from him saying, ‘hey! I’m back!’. And then, on the other hand, I’m still so pissed I’m pretty sure I’d hit him if I ever did see him again.”

Britt took my other hand. “He was a part of you for fourteen years, Hun. He was your best friend. The love of your life. Of course, you still miss him.”

Nel nodded. “That doc you were seeing said it would take time.”

I sighed. “I know. And I try not to think about it, but very once in a while, I can just see him, living his best life, everything perfect... and I’m not a part of that.”

Nel grunted. “Repeat to me what else the doc said.”

“Not to try and visualize what his life is like because I have no idea.” My heart dropped. “For all I know, he’s not even alive anymore.” The thought nearly brought tears to my eyes. God, I was a mess, flying from one end of the emotional spectrum to the next when it came to Mason. Stupid thank you note. I’d barely thought about him for over a month and here I was again. The worst part was the not knowing.

Taking a deep breath, I took a drink and smiled. “Tonight, we’re going to bitch out misogynist men, get over cheating wives, and forget about long lost boyfriends.”

My friends grinned and agreed.

Britt frowned. “Ronnie, did you invite that gorgeous teacher friend of yours?”

“I... what? No!” I looked back at the entrance and groaned. “What the hell! He tried to invite himself along and I said no. I didn’t even tell him where we were going.”

The chair beside me scraped back and that creepy half grin was in my face.

“Ronnie! Fancy meeting you here!”

I raised an eyebrow, not bothering to hide any of my annoyance at his presence. “How did you find us?”

“What? No! I just happen to like this bar.” His good humor started to falter as my frown turned to a glare. “Fine. I asked Teri where you like to hang out. In my defense, I asked her two weeks ago.”

“I told you it was a girl’s night. I told you you weren’t invited.”

“Right. But now I’m here, so.... why don’t we have a drink? I’m sure your friends would love me!”

Nel scoffed. “I’m a lesbian.”

He turned his attention to Britt.

“I’m straight, but right now, I really fucking hate men. So, no.”

I shrugged. “Sorry. This is a no men’s allowed table.”

I almost felt bad for him as he stood, clearly displeased, and headed to sit at the bar.

Britt leaned forward. “Okay. I know you said he was getting pushy and creepy, but what the hell!”

Nel nodded. “That’s starting to hover near the stalker line.” She looked towards the bar and gave a slight shake of her head. “Did you guys notice there’s a couple of guys with earpieces in? Do you see anyone important?”

I glanced around. “What? Where? They’re probably just on Bluetooth or something. No one important comes here.”

“Yeah. You’re probably right. One more thing... your stalker is pounding drinks like they’re saving his life, so you’re coming to my house tonight. I don’t need him following you home.”

“Awww, I love you too,” I answered, grateful for the two women in front of me.

Some older song with a good beat came on and we got onto the dance floor. I was having a blast, the stress of the work week washing away in sweat and booze.

Until I felt a pair of hands wrap around my waist and pull me to the chest attached to them. I pushed away and turned.

“Tim! What the hell! I said I’m not interested!”

“Oh, come on. I’ve seen how you look at me!” He was starting to slur.

“I look at you like you’re my coworker. I do not want to date you!”

People on the dance floor had stopped dancing and were watching. My girls stood at my back, ready to give whatever kind of support I needed.

“Who says I want to date you. I just figured you’d be a good lay,” he mumbled as he reached for my arm.

Before I could react, he was screaming in pain, his arm twisted at an uncomfortable angle behind his back. I watched, stunned, as a pair of cuffs snapped around his wrists.

“The lady said no.”

The voice slapped into me, and I forgot to breathe. I knew that voice. It was deeper and a little gruffer, but I knew that voice. My eyes snapped to the man who had come to my rescue. Those light green eyes met mine and I swallowed hard.

“Mason?”

He licked his lips in the exact same way he used to do when he was nervous all those years ago.

All those years ago...

Anger flared. Where had he been all this time? What the hell was he doing here now? Why was he wearing an earpiece? And, oh my god! Did he know what he’d done to me when he’d left?

Ten years of pain, heartache, fear and worry came to a head in that instant.

“Ronnie, I...”

Whatever he’d been about to say stuck in his throat. I pushed him back with all my strength. Jesus, he’d gotten taller. And thicker. And...

“Ronnie, stop.” He tried to grab my wrists, but even I could tell he wasn’t trying very hard. He just let me hit him, over and over.

The body wrenching sobs were back. The ones that had kept me in bed for months after he’d disappeared. 

“Dude? You good?”

I barely registered the other man now standing beside Mason.

Mason nodded, his eyes never leaving me. “Ronnie, you can keep beating on me all you want, but let’s do this outside before someone here decides you need a night in the drunk tank.”

I was so focused on hitting him, I didn’t notice we were making our way out of the bar until we were standing in the night air.

My hands hurt. My arms hurt. My heart hurt.

All my emotions collided with the adrenaline. My stomach heaved and I puked.

All over Mason.

CHAPTER TWO

Mason

I sat on Ronnie’s couch in my boxers and t-shirt, waiting for my pants to dry in her dryer. Her two friends sat across from me, glaring daggers. Bear and Pointer stood off to the side, clearly enjoying my misery. So much for brothers sticking together. Traitors.

“She’s been in there an hour,” whispered the blonde to the other girl. 

There hadn’t been any introductions and any time I opened my mouth to try and make conversation, one of them cut me off and told me to zip it.

There was a knock on the door and Bear let in our fourth. Pen walked into the room and took in the scene. She grinned.

“Cute outfit,” she teased.  She shook her head and rolled her eyes. “Pervert is at the police station. There were enough witnesses that it was a non-issue. I didn’t even have to bat my eyelashes at the cop.”

Bear grunted which was his usual form of communication. 

“What? I could bat my eyelashes if I felt like it!” Pen grinned and brushed the long red hair out of her face, her grey eyes sparkling. 

She went to stand by Bear and Pointer. As always, she looked tiny beside them. Most things did. Topping out at 6 foot 5 inches, the identical twins were a wall of muscle with short black hair and dark brown eyes.

Much to the dismay of Ronnie’s friends, Pen helped herself to the fridge and pulled out enough beers for everyone.

“Since tonight was a bust, we might as well take a break,” she announced.

I shook my head as she offered me one. I needed to talk to Ronnie. Standing, I was quickly flanked by her friends.

“I need to talk to her.”

The blond grunted. “You had ten years to talk to her, Mason.”

My name rolled over her tongue and I realized I knew her. In high school she’d been the funny girl everyone got along with. She’d moved to town in grade five. Ronnie had immediately dubbed her her best friend. She’d lost a lot of weight, the hair was different, the makeup...

“Nel.”

“Oh. You do remember me.” 

“Of course, I remember you.”

She raised an eyebrow at me. 

“Fine. It took me a minute but come on. You look nothing like you did ten years ago.”

“Yeah, well, it’s amazing how accepting yourself can improve your mental and physical health.”

I waited to see if she was going to elaborate. Instead, she glanced at the bedroom door.

“You fucking destroyed her when you left.”

I swallowed hard. “I know.” I cleared my throat. “I need to tell her what happened.”

“Why now? What’s it going to change?”

“She’ll know I didn’t want to leave her. She’ll know it had nothing to do with her. I was a kid, Nel. I didn’t have choice.”

“You could have told her why.”

“No. I couldn’t. But I can now.” I closed my eyes and blew an exasperated breath out of my nose. “Nel, please.”

I glanced at the other woman in front of me. This one I was positive I didn’t know. “I’ll go in. If she kicks me out, I’m out.”

“Nel...”

“Britt! What the hell? United front, man!”

Britt glanced from me to Nel. “Look, I wasn’t there for the immediate carnage, but I still helped pick up the pieces when we all met a year later.”

Her statement nearly killed me. A year later? She’d still been a mess after all that time?

“I say let him go,” Pen piped up. “She’s not the only one who’s a mess over what happened. You might be friends with her, but we’re friends with him. And what happened fucked him up pretty good.”

Nel’s hesitancy slipped a notch.

“Please.” My chest tightened and I took a few deep breaths to keep a mess of emotions from bubbling up. Losing my shit right now was not going to help my case.

“Nel.”

Everyone looked at Ronnie who was standing in the doorway. If I’d had trouble breathing before, the ability to suck in a breath completely disappeared that instant. She'd changed into a plain black t-shirt and red checkered pajama pants. Her hair was still down, the long dark waves falling around her shoulders. She’d taken out her contacts and was wearing her glasses. Those amazing hazel eyes met mine and it took everything in me not to rush over to her and crush her to me.

“It’s okay, Nel. He can come in.” The statement was so quiet, I wasn’t sure I’d heard it before she turned and disappeared back into the bedroom.

I froze. I’d thought about this moment almost every waking moment in the past ten years. Hell, I even dreamed about it. But now, the moment was here. There were no more hypotheticals, no more being able to reword things if they came out wrong...

“It’s now or never, Sneak.” Pen was watching me, all joking aside. “You’ve survived being shot and blown up. What’s the worst that could happen?”

Ronnie’s friends gawked at me.

The worst that could happen... that would be Ronnie not understanding. It would be her pushing me away... It would be her doing to me what I’d done to her all those years ago and disappearing. Because one look at her in that bar had been enough to destroy me all over again. Her telling me she couldn’t forgive me? I didn’t think I’d survive that.

***

His fingers ran through the hair just behind my ear and I shivered.

How did he remember exactly where to touch me after all this time? Because he was Mason. Because this was the kid who had done research on how to make a woman come before our first time because he hadn’t wanted me to be disappointed.

“I’m not asking you for more than you’re ready for. I’m back, okay? I’m here. Whatever you want, however you want...”

My brain was telling me I was being an idiot for believing he wouldn’t break my heart again. My heart was trying to remind me it hadn’t been his fault he’d left. And my body? My body was starting to melt into his touch, wondering if after all this time he’d still do that thing with his tongue...

Ronnie

Ten years ago, he left me sitting in a park with no explanation. You can imagine my surprise when, out of the blue, he comes to my rescue in a small-town bar. Why is he back? Where has he been? And why do I still care?

Mason

Ten years ago, I broke her heart and I couldn’t tell her why. When the dangers from my past come back to haunt her, it’s my worst nightmares come true. Ten years ago, I left to keep her safe. This time, I’m staying even if it might kill me.

Pick up your copy of Late to Love and Yours Always, Mason
HERE

 I wrote this post ten years ago.  On one of the scariest and worst days of my life.  On the day I thought I was going to lose my best friend, the love of my life.  But it also turned into one of the best days of my life, right up there with when Anthony died and was brought back to us.

I couldn't imagine going through this messed up world without Kyle and I'll be forever grateful for every person who was involved that day, from the guys at the yard, the nurses, to paramedics, to doctors, and family and friends. A few surgeries since then, some other residual things because, well, crush injuries... I still wake up after all this time completely in awe that I got to keep him.

So, here you go.  The post I made to help me process what the hell had happened. lol

Love you Be.

There will never be enough words to let you know how much.

There Are No Words

'I says, "Pig Pen, this here's the Rubber Duck.
"We just ain't a-gonna pay no toll."
So we crashed the gate doing ninety-eight
I says "Let them truckers roll, 10-4."

I smile as my father-in-law's ring tone rings out of my cell.  "Allo?"
"Hey.  Are you home?"
I pull out the coffee pot out.  "Yep.  You coming for coffee?"
"Nope. I'll be there in a minute."
I reach for the tea kettle instead and true to his word, Ken is walking through my front door a minute later.  He looks around the living room.
"Where are the kids?"
I gesture to the back yard.
"Mimi, I'm going to Saskatoon.  Kyle's been in an accident."
I look at him blankly while this registers and I silently pray for the 'sike' I know isn't coming.  "What?"
"Kyle's been in a bad accident."
"On the highway?"  My heart drops and my chest tightens.
"No.  In the NRT yard.  I couldn't get a whole lot of details, but it sounds like he got hit by a truck."
Visions of Kyle being hit by a semi flash through my head.

There are no words to describe how I feel. Shocked, devastated, scared, overwhelmed.  These words will never accurately describe the feeling in the pit of my stomach.  I fight back the tears so I won't scare the kids and grab my cell to let my dad know the tiny bit of information I have.
"Kids, come on!" I call out the window.  "You guys are going to go play at Grandmere and Grandpere's!"
The kids whoop and holler and come running into the house.  I remember the diaper bag and Anthony's seizure medication and that's it.  As a last second thought, I call the dog to come along... I'm not sure why.

My mom and dad are waiting for us on the front lawn.  Dad pulls me into a hug.
"Are you going alone? Do you want me to come along?"
"Ken...." I start to break down and take a few deep breaths to compose myself before the kids can see.  "I'm jumping in with Ken."
By then my father-in-law has pulled up behind me.  I hand my mom the diaper bag.
"I... I think there's diapers in it.  Anthony's pills are in there."
"Where are you going, mommy?"
I contemplate telling the kids their dad got run over by a truck and I come up blank on how to do it.
My mom hugs me.  "Mommy and Papa have to do some running around."  To me she says, "We'll wait till we know more, and we'll let them know then.  Go.  We'll worry about the kids."
I try to smile then run to Ken's truck, detour to my van, let the dog out, then head back to the truck.

He fills me in on the news update he's gotten. (This is Kyle's rule, by the way.  If anything happens to him, everyone is suppose to get a hold of his dad first, who is then in charge of telling me. I think it's supposed to make the bad news seem.... less bad? I don't know.)  Knowing I'm about to lose it, I pick up my phone and call Kyle's best friend since he was, well, born; his cousin Sheldon.
"Hey, Mimi, how's it going?"
"I've been better.  I'm on my way to Saskatoon.  Kyle was in an accident.  I'm not sure exactly, but it sounds like he was working under his trailer and when he slid out from under the trailer, a truck didn't see him and ran over him."
We're both quiet for a minute.
"I'm off till tomorrow," he says.  "If you need anything..."
"I'll let you know.  Thanks.  As soon as I know more, I'll let you know."
And as we leave Prince Albert to go to Saskatoon, all I can think of is that at this moment, my husband is in an ambulance and on his way to the hospital.

A half hour into our hour and a half ride (though it didn't take that long at the speed my father-in-law was driving) and no news later, I'm getting close to breaking down once again.  Ken is either feeling the same way, or can see I need something to do.
"Do you have dispatch on your phone?" he asks. (He drives for NRT, too)
"No."
"Grab my phone and phone the bulk side."
I do as he says and am glad when Dale picks up the phone.  I love his voice.  It's deep and calm, and right now, it's just what I need.
"Hey, Dale, it's Mimi. Can you tell me what the hell happened?"
"We're not sure.  All we know for sure is that somehow the tire truck pinned him to his trailer.  We don't know why the kid driving didn't see him or the semi there, or anything like that, but we should be able to tell more once we look at the video more closely.  What I can tell you is he was conscious when the ambulance took him away."
Tears fill my eyes because that right there is great news.  One, he didn't get run over by a semi, he was pinned by a one ton. Yes, I realize that it's still not good news, but if I had to pick between a semi and a one ton to run over or hit me, I'd pick the one ton.  And two, he's conscious."
"Do you know what part of him got pinned?"
"From what he told the cops and paramedics, its sounds like from the top of his chest to his knees."
I must make a noise because he rushes on.  "But, Mimi, a few guys looked at the tape and say he was bent over when the truck rolled towards him.  He stood up a fraction of a second before it pinned him."
The realization of that statement hits me and new tears fill my eyes. Had he not stood when he had, it wouldn't have been my father-in-law bringing me the news of my husband's accident.  I take a deep breath and swallow hard a few times.
"Ok.  Thanks Dale.  I should be at the hospital in about an hour.  I'll let you know how he is when I find out."
"K.  Let him know we're all thinking about him."
I relay this information to Ken.
"Well," he says, "it's better than being run over by a semi."
We look at each other and start to laugh, because, well, it's better than crying.

We finally get to the Royal University Hospital and head to emergency where we are met by another of Kyle's cousins who lives in Saskatoon and came to be with him so he wouldn't be alone.  Billy gives me a hug.
"They won't tell me much cause I'm just his cousin, but he's getting a CT scan and x-rays done right now.  I haven't seen him yet."
"Mimi!"
I turn and get a hug from Wendy, one of the secretaries at NRT.
"They're not telling me much either," she says, "even though when they asked who I was, Kyle told them I was his wife until his real wife got here."
I can't help but laugh.  Leave it to Kyle to get pinned between two trucks and still joke around.
"What I can tell you is what I saw before they wheeled him away for his scans.  He's having trouble breathing, so maybe some broken ribs, his right leg might be broken, and his left arm, but he's concious and he's joking."
A few minutes later, we watched as he gets wheeled by on his way to the room he's staying in.  He's covered in blankets, he's wearing a neck brace, there are IV's and lines everywhere, and when the bed rolls over a small bump in the floor, I want to cry at the pain I can see he's in.  I think there he is; the man I love, who I've been with for eleven years, been married to one month shy of eight.  We've been through hell and back together, and he's lying there and there's nothing I can do for him.  I kick my praying into high gear.  Please, dear God, I can't do this without him.  You can't take him away from me.

A couple of hours later, Billy and Wendy have gone home and we've promised to phone should we need anything.  Kyle's mom and sister are also at the hospital and we are still waiting for news.  Karen, my sister-in-law, and Ken head to the NRT yard to go get his things from the truck.  Marlene and I wait and try to keep Kyle as comfortable as possible while the nurses try to keep up with the overflow of patients.
Finally, two doctors walk into the room and look at my husband in amazement.  The one holding the chart looks at me.
"You're his wife?"
I nod and he looks at his chart again.
"I'm sorry we took so long," he says, "but we were trying to find something wrong with him."
Everyone is quiet for a second and I finally find my voice.
"What?"
"Well, we did the CT scan and xrays, and there's nothing.  Well, nothing major.  But nothing like what we would usually see with this type of accident."  He takes the neck brace off of Kyle and tilts the bed up so he can see.  "You must be made of steel, Kyle."
Kyle catches his breath after the pain just sitting up has caused.  He smirks.  "Milk does the body good."
I'm still in shock, I think.
"So, here's what we found.  You have torn ligaments in your knee, a small break in your elbow, and your ribs are bruised, but not cracked."  He shakes his head.  "Not one cracked rib.  You'll be extremely sore for a while, the knee will take a long time to heal, but other than that..." He grins.
"So... he's fine?"  I'm still sure I haven't heard right.
"He's fine.  The man got pinned between two trucks and he's fine."
Now, when I prayed to God not to take my sweet away from me, I'd been willing to deal with paralyzed, missing limbs, anything, but this... this is a miracle.
"I'll go get you a brace and some crutches, and I'll be back."
"So he gets to go home?"
The doctor still looks just as shock as I feel.  "You can take him home."

"Mi, can I bug you one more time?"
I smile.  "That's what I'm here for."
"Can I get a glass of water, please?"
I take Kyle his water and kiss him softly, then go back to the kitchen and start to cry.  Tears of relief, tears of joy; tears of thanks.  My sweet is home and well.  He is in a lot of pain, he can barely move, and has to go see a surgeon about his knee on Tuesday, but he's here.
And for the millionth time today, I thank God for answering my prayers and throwing in his own miraculous twist in there for good measure.

We still aren't sure what happened exactly, but I'm sure they'll figure it out with the investigation going on. Mostly, Kyle just remembers standing and getting pinned then pushing the truck off enough to get out.  He then walked a short distance before declaring that he didn't feel good, and fell to the ground.  Right now, I can honestly say I don't care.  I'm just happy he's home. But for the sake of avoiding accidents like this again, I hope they find out what went wrong.

To all of you who prayed for us that night and kept us in your thoughts, thank you.  I will never be able to say it enough.

A Beast So Beautiful by Carlyle Labuschene

Blurb: A darkness falls over the land when the Queen of Rurith dies.

Consumed with grief, King Ivar blames their son, Prince Leif, for her demise, and locks him away in the castle.

The Prince is left in total despair, until a girl, with hair the colour of a red sunset and green eyes shows him mercy.

For six years she visits him in secret, giving him hope where none existed before.

But Ruith hides many treacherous things that threaten to bring the Kingdom to its knees.

Until the Prince and his beastly curse are released.  

 link https://www.amazon.com/Beast-so-Beautiful-Carlyle-LaBuschagne-ebook/dp/B08SQWBWFF/
"Dont be crippled by fear, let love give you wings"

TETHERED A SUPERNATURAL THRILLER OUT NOW grab it today! 

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 Happy Tuesday, Sweetlings!  Here are the first few chapters of Winning Paradise to help you escape Covid land.  If you decide you need some more Nat and Gage in your life, click HERE .

Chapter One 

 

“Ladies and gentleman, we will be starting our descent shortly. We ask that you please return your seats and trays to their upright position at this time.” 

Nat followed the flight attendant’s instructions and tried to stretch in the little space she had stuck in the middle of two MMA fighters. Mark and Shawn, identical twins with deep brown eyes and shaved heads, had been pleasant enough travel companions. On their way to a fight, they’d both been chatty and obviously excited to get to their destination. She had started out sitting in the aisle as requested, but had quickly given up that seat to Mark who had admitted to being claustrophobic. The relief on his face had been proof enough he hadn’t been lying.  

“Are you sure we can’t buy you a drink to say thanks for the seat swap once we land?” Mark tightened his seatbelt and Shawn handed Nat hers before doing up his. 

She shook her head. “I would have loved to, but I need to get to my hotel and check in. My winner’s letter had specific instructions to be there by two and I do not want to miss my chance to ride in a limo.” She instinctively glanced at her watch. The butterflies in her stomach were starting to flitter about. 

“I can’t believe you just won a trip by answering a radio station quiz.” Shawn grinned. “That’s movie plot material.” 

She laughed. “Yeah. My life is definitely not movie material.” Well, maybe it was. She just didn’t have the time or desire to tell them about it. Certain things were better left untold. 

Nat tucked strands of long dark brown hair behind her ears, catching her breath as the plane touched down on the runway. She hated landing. Landing was always the worst part. It didn’t matter how many times she flew, she always imagined the wheels breaking off on impact and the plane skidding sideways until the wings broke off and it rolled to a stop. She’d seen it once in a movie when she was small and the horror that had implanted itself into her six-year-old brain had refused to leave her. 

“All right. Quick selfie before we get off this thing, okay?” 

The brothers agreed and crowded in even more to get into the shot. Her sea green eyes were a huge contrast compared to their dark ones. Most people who met her assumed she wore contacts. They were wrong.  

“Don’t forget to send that to us later when you have a minute.” Shawn had given her both of their numbers in case she found some time during her vacation to get a drink with them. 

Mark nodded. “And don’t forget. If you decide to come watch the fight, tell them you’re with the Hanson brothers. 

“Absolutely. You have my word.” Nat was fairly certain she wasn’t going to have time to go see them. She’d won a six-night stay at the amazing five-star Crimson Moon Hideaway Resort and her Elven ass wasn’t planning on leaving the magically hidden piece of heaven reserved strictly for magical folk. Six days of not having to hide who and what she was. It seemed surreal. 

The flight attendants had given the okay for everyone to get off the plane and they followed along until they found themselves at the baggage claim. She stretched a proper stretch and shook out her legs.  

It’s a good thing I’m only 5’3”, otherwise I’d be dealing with some major leg cramps.  

Pulling her good camera out of her carry on, Nat motioned to the pair to get closer together so she could get a decent picture of them. 

More than one person stopped to watch as the twins goofed around while she snapped pictures of them.  

Taking a step back, her shoulder exploded with pain and she found herself falling, the camera flying out of her hands. Her hip hit the hard floor and she slid a short distance. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Shawn dive through the air, catching the camera before it fell to the ground. He was quick for a big mountain of a man.  

“Jesus, lady. Pay attention.” 

Nat looked up and found herself staring at a tall man with light blond hair and blue eyes so light they were almost white. A little more than a five o’clock shadow covered his jaw line. He’d have passed as damn good looking if he hadn’t just knocked her on her ass. She could sense the glamour coming off of him and knew instantly; Fae.  

“Typical,” she mumbled to no one in particular. 

“Dude. What the fuck.” Mark picked her up and set her down as though she’d been a bag of feathers. 

Her body checker grabbed her bag off the ground and handed it back. “I’m going to be late.” 

Nat put a hand on Mark’s arm when he took a step to go after the quickly disappearing man. “Don’t worry about it. I’m all right.” She took the camera from Shawn, thanking him. 

The brothers walked her to the airport exit where one of them flagged down a cab. 

“Are you sure you don’t need a ride?” Shawn seemed so worried, it was adorable. 

“I’m fine. There’s going to be someone picking me up at the limo spot.” She gave them both hugs. It was crazy how attached she’d gotten to them in just a few hours.  

Mark tapped his phone with his finger. “Make sure you phone if you need anything.” 

“I will,” she promised, smiling. 

Her heart fell as she watched their cab drive away. 

“You’re an idiot,” she scolded herself. It wasn’t the Hanson brothers she was so sad to see leave. It was her brothers.  

The only girl in a set of triplets, she’d always had a couple of overprotective bodyguards hovering around her. Even as adults, she could always count on Stephen and Erik to have her back.  

Nat cleared her throat and pushed some terrible memories away. Hiking her backpack over her shoulder, she took a hold of her suitcase and started walking towards the limousines. 

The thought of riding in a limo for the first time in her whole 34 years lightened her mood. She spotted one of the drivers with a sign with her name on it. 

He smiled as she approached. “Miss Natalie Greenleaf?” 

Nat nodded. “Sorry I’m late.” 

“Not a problem. We’ll get to the resort with plenty of time to spare.” He took her luggage and placed it in the trunk before opening one of the doors on the long, sleek, white car. “Help yourself to refreshments.” 

“Thank you.” She slipped into the vehicle and sat, surprised at the sight before her. The hot asshole who had run her over at the luggage pickup was sitting at the far end of the car, a beer in his hand.  

“Um, hi.”  

She raised an eyebrow at him. “Hi.” 

“I…”  

At least he had the decency to look embarrassed.  

“I’m sorry about before. I’ve never won a trip like this and I was worried I’d lose out if I was late.” 

She nodded. “I get that.” 

“I shouldn’t have been a dick.”   

She couldn’t help but smile at his discomfort. 

“I’m Luther. 

“Nat.” 

He gestured to the mini fridge beside him. “Want a drink? There’s everything in there.” 

“A beer will do.”  

He handed it to her. “You really do need to look where you’re going though.” His lopsided grin let her know he thought he was being cute and charming.  

She scoffed and took the drink from him. “And what were you doing that you just bowled me over like that?” 

His face turned red. 

Yeah. That’s right, buddy. Your hot and cocky look doesn’t work here. She was on this trip to relax, not meet a potential mate.  

The small window between the cab and the back of the limo slid open.  

“The ride should take us approximately forty-five minutes. Should you need anything, simply let me know.” 

Nat smiled and nodded as the window slid shut again. 

“Have you been to the Crimson Moon before?” inquired Luther. 

She shook her head. “Never. I won this trip from the Magick Network. I was listening to the Stacey Kyle show.” 

He grinned. “Me too!” 

Taking a sip of her beer, she felt her phone buzz in her pocket. She put it up to her ear.  “Detective Greenleaf, here.” 

She noticed Luther’s eyebrows shoot up his face. 

“Yes, Matt. I’m in the limo. You can quit worrying that I’m going to skip out on this vacation. You watched me get on the bloody plane.” She laughed. “I know I’m quick, but fast enough to dodge out of a plane before you can see me, that’s a bit ridiculous even for your imagination.”  

Her partner grunted. 

“Now, stay out of trouble until I get home. I’ll be back in a week.”  

He hung up on her in his usual fashion. Detective Matthew Cain was a fifty-two-year-old widower who was dead set in his ways and fuck anyone who was bothered by it. It had taken a few years for him to warm up to her as his partner, but they now understood each other perfectly. At this point in her life, he was the closest thing she had to family.  

“So, Matt is your boyfriend?” 

“Work partner.” 

Luther nodded thoughtfully. “So, does he know….” 

Nat shook her head. “No.” Of course, he didn’t know she was an Elf. It was probably the only thing the man didn’t know about her. But the rules were strict and this one was more important than all of them when it came to the supernatural in this world. Humans couldn’t find out about the paranormal. Quite frankly, they just couldn’t accept the possibility that they weren’t the only species at the top of the food chain. Did it sometimes happen that one of them found out? It did. When that happened, that particular human wasn’t allowed to disclose that secret. Did she want to tell Matt about it? Sometimes, but being in the dark was one of the things keeping her partner safe from some of the evils in her past. 

“Another beer?” Luther’s question snapped her out of her thoughts. 

She glanced at the empty beer in her hand and took another from him. “Thanks.” She took a sip. “So, what do you do when you’re not on vacation?” 

“I’m a laywer.” 

“Let me guess. Defense.” 

“How did you know?” 

She shrugged. 

A wave of goosebumps ran over her entire body and her glamour evaporated. Not that she needed to use much. All she really had to hide from humans was her ears. Luther, on the other hand, was in need of much more magic to hide his true self. A shiver ran though him and it took some effort not to show her surprise. Damn! If she’d thought he was good looking before… His pointed ears poked though his almost white hair, his eyes became glowing pools of blue, and his wings were beautiful iridescent mixes of blues and greens. Fucking Fae with their gorgeous everything. Did she think he was smoking? Absolutely. But Fae would always remind her of terrible things. 

“Oh, well, pure hatred isn’t usually the reaction get when the magic slips…” He raised an eyebrow at her. 

“Sorry. It’s not you.” 

“Your ex?” 

Nat shook her head. “I’m not talking about it.” She swallowed the rest of her beer and smiled an apology.  

The limo slowed and she glanced out the window. They’d arrived. 

 

 

 

Chapter Two 

 

Stepping out of the limo, all Nat could do was gawk. The resort was a stunning, massive, six story building surrounded by wilderness. It was amazing. Nat took in the array of beings walking in and out of the doors. Elves, Fae, shifters, elemental spirits… 

“Holy shit,” she whispered. She’d never seen a centaur in person before. The man in question called out to someone else and a young boy/foal came galloping around the corner of the building. The pair trotted into the lobby. 

A tall, curvy, African American woman with curly black hair strode out of the resort entrance. Nat did a double take at the large white wolf at her side. The woman spread her arms, her entire being beaming with her smile. 

“Welcome to Crimson Moon Hideaway! My name is Jianna and this is Ruin.”  

The wolf tilted her head in silent greeting. 

“Congratulations on winning our contest! Let’s get you signed in so you can get settled into your rooms. You’ll be able to have a rest before supper. The rest of our winners will be here shortly.”  

Nat turned to grab her luggage only to find that it was already being whisked away. 

“Please. Follow me.” Jianna turned and led them into the building. 

The lobby was breathtaking. Tall ceilings adorned with chandeliers had Nat whistling her amazement. The main area had an immense four-sided fireplace with seating and tables. There were redwood accents everywhere making Nat feel as though the building was really just a part of the forest around them. 

“This is gorgeous!” 

Jianna turned back to her, beaming. “Thank you! It’s my little piece of heaven.” 

Once signed in, the pair made their way to the sixth floor where they were booked into some of the junior suites. Nat walked into hers and grinned.  

The place was massive. It had a living room, breakfast nook off of the bedroom, and a bathroom bigger than half of her apartment back home. She set her bags down and stretched out on the bed.  

This bed right here was officially her little piece of heaven. She wondered if there was any way to sneak an entire mattress out of the room on check out day. 

“Or you could just ask where they got the beds and order one for yourself.” 

Rolling over, she reached for the agenda on the night table. There were no plans set in stone for the rest of today. Jianna had mentioned the rest of the winners would arrive later in the day and they would all meet at the bar around seven to make introductions before being free to do as they pleased for the rest of the evening. 

Nat checked her watch. Four o’clock. Her stomach growled and she was reminded it was past supper time back home. 

She decided to change into her bikini in case she decided to take a swim after eating. Getting ready, she put her phone in her back pocket and made her way back to the elevator. 

Luther was getting into it as she stepped out of the room. He kept the door open for her. 

“Going down?” 

Nat smiled. “Thanks.” 

“I’m heading to the restaurant. You?” 

She nodded. “Same.” 

“Care to eat together?” 

“Sure.” 

She laughed when he made a big show of holding his arm out to her so she could hook elbows with him. 

The maître de sat them at a table for two and left them with the food and drink specials. 

Nat read through the selections deciding first on the honey glazed chicken breast before settling on the steak Neptune with shrimp skewer. 

Luther ordered pan seared salmon. 

“And what can I get you to drink,” inquired their waitress. 

“I’ll have a glass of house red, please,” answered Nat. 

“I’ll have a glass of Chablis.” 

Nat had a look around the restaurant. It was gorgeous and perfectly named; Lumberjacks. The walls were made to look like redwoods. The tables were made from the giant trees. She especially loved how the staff wore jeans and flannel. They looked so comfortable in their boots.  

“This might be my new favorite restaurant,” she announced. 

Luther laughed. “It is definitely homey and comfortable.” 

She wrinkled her nose at him. “You probably eat at all the hoity toity hot shot restaurants back home.” 

He grinned and shrugged. “I do enjoy fine dining, though probably not as much as you assume.” 

Their wine appeared and they took a sip. 

“What are you most excited about on our itinerary?” she inquired. 

“I think that would have to be the snorkeling. I love swimming, but I don’t get many chances to do it. You?” 

“Zip lines. I’ve never done it.” 

He nodded. “It’s a rush. If you’re not scared of heights, you’ll love it.” 

The rest of the meal was quiet as their food was put down on the table and the pair dug in. Nat made short work of her steak and sat back with a groan. 

“That was amazing.” 

Luther laughed. “How you destroyed that steak was amazing.” He watched her intently as she took a sip of her second glass of wine. 

“So, is there a Mrs. Luther waiting at home?” 

He shook his head. “I’m not a settle down kind of Fae. You?” 

“No.” 

He nodded. “I imagine it takes a lot of overtime to become a detective by your age.” 

“It does.” 

“Well, should you be interested, I do find law enforcement to be quite a turn on.” He flashed her a lopsided grin and she had to laugh. 

“I’m good, thanks.” 

He seemed about to argue his case and she was grateful when he simply shrugged and changed the topic. 

 

 

 

Chapter Three 

 

“Luther, Nat!” Jianna strode towards the pair, two other people following behind her. “How are your drinks?” 

“Delicious.” Nat took a drink of hers to emphasize the point. She couldn’t remember what it was called, but it tasted like sour peach candies. 

“Perfect!” She stepped to the side and gestured to the group that had come to stand with them. “I’d like to introduce you to the other winners of our Paradise for a Week Contest. Venice won though an online ad.” 

Venice grinned. “It’s crazy, right? I mean, I never win anything!” She wasn’t very old. Twenty-two? Twenty-three? Nat wasn’t betting older than twenty-five. At least look wise. She had to remind herself she was at a Paranormal resort and quite honestly, she could have been looking at a three-hundred-year-old witch. Venice’s straight, shoulder length auburn hair, light brown eyes, and petite stature revealed nothing of her supernatural status. 

Jianna turned to the woman standing beside Venice. She was tall with pale skin, straight bright red hair that reached just past her ass, and green eyes that glowed like Luther’s. Her wings were an iridescent mix of pinks and blues. Fae. There was no mistaking them for anything else. “I’d like to introduce Mishael. She won answering a quiz in a magazine.” 

Mishael laughed. “I was actually runner up. Well, my friend won the trip, but she couldn’t make it, so I got to come in her place. This is so exciting!” 

Nat smiled, determined not to let her previous experience with the Fae folk to lead her to judge those she met here.  

Jianna frowned and glanced back the way she’d just come. “It seems we lost Gage somewhere along the way. Venice, Mishael, why don’t you join Nat and Luther and I’ll go track down our lost friend.” 

“No worries. I’m here.” 

Everyone turned to look at the man who had somehow snuck up on them.  

“I got sidetracked at the fish tank.”  

His dark brown eyes met Nat’s sea green ones and the pair froze. She swallowed the sip of the drink she’d just taken purely on reflex. Her heart, her lungs, her muscles… nothing seemed to work properly. She was going to die from lack of oxygen if she couldn’t manage to take a breath soon. 

Luther’s hand on her arm shocked her back to her body. “Are you ok?” 

She nodded and cleared her throat, still unable to look away. He wasn’t tall. Maybe five foot eight or nine. His hair was thick and dark brown, almost black, just like his eyes. He was muscled. But not ‘hit the gym and fuck around with steroids’ kind of muscled. It was work his ass off at a physical job kind of muscled. She could see it in his arms under his dark green t-shirt and his calves sticking out of his black board shorts.  

She fought the urge to reach forward to touch his chest. What the fuck was wrong with her? 

He cleared his throat, his tongue wetting his lips. She barely hid her groan. 

“I’m, uh… hi. I’m Gage.” 

“Natalie. Nat.” She knew there were other people around them. She could still see a Luther shaped shadow in her peripherals and the rest… the rest of the room was a blur. The only thing in focus was him. Gage. 

 

 

 

Chapter Four 

 

He’d heard the expression ‘feeling like you hit a brick wall’ and up until this very moment, he’d had no idea exactly what that would be like. But this was it. This was driving down the highway at full speed and running into a brick wall that suddenly appeared. There was no warning. The instant his eyes met hers, there was nothing to be done. He was stuck in place, his heart racing, his lungs winded. 

This was her. How was it possible? Here? Now? He’d gone thirty-five years barely giving a second to the thought of finding his mate and she just happened to be one of the other winners of the contest? 

He took in her long dark hair and sea green eyes. Her ears poked through her luscious waves and he managed to gain a bit of control over himself. Elf. She was an Elf. He cleared his throat and wet his lips. 

“I’m, uh… hi. I’m Gage.” 

“Natalie. Nat.” 

“Nat,” he whispered the name to no one in particular.  

He felt his bear fighting to come to the surface. They needed to claim her here and now. 

He swallowed hard and glanced to Jianna. “You’ll have to excuse me.” 

It took every ounce of will power to turn on his heels and walk out of the room. One part of him wanted to run back to her, throw her over his shoulder and haul ass to his suite. The other part of him wanted to run out of the hotel as fast as he could before the first part won. He managed to speed walk out of the hotel before he lost control and his bear took over. 

Magic flowed through him, the transformation taking mere seconds. A few of the guests who were outside stopped to watch as his form changed and a grizzly stood in his place. 

RUN! He screamed. 

The bear hesitated a fraction of a second before breaking into a run, heading into the redwood forest.  

What was wrong with him? He’d never lost control of his bear before. He could feel his other half’s confusion as well, though the bear’s was much more primal. They had found their mate. Why were they leaving her behind? Why were they running away? 

Because we aren’t a fucking rapist and bending an unwilling woman over a bar stool in front of a crowd is illegal and wrong on so many levels! 

The bear snorted. 

Gage’s mind wandered back to the scenario he’d just described, but this time, she was willing and they were alone. The thought of her bent over, her legs spread, her eyes meeting his as she looked back over her shoulder while he claimed her…  

Fuck me. There’s no way I can be anywhere near her. There’s no way I’ll stay in control. 

He reached a small lake and stopped. The sun had almost finished setting and the water shimmered a deep fuchsia. Huffing in frustration, he paced back and forth, his claws digging into the damp earth. There really was no other choice. He’d stay in the woods until early morning and when all the other guests were sleeping, he’d checkout and head home. 

His bear growled.  

I know it’s been a long time coming, but I can’t do this! Look at us! We’re a fucking mess! 

“Hi.” 

He stopped short, his nostrils flaring. 

Holy shit, it’s her. 

He turned towards her, trying to calm the shaking in his legs. 

Fuck me, she’s gorgeous. 

A few months ago, I was in a shit place.  Let's face it, this year has been tough on everyone.  Everything I wrote was horrible. The writing wasn't terrible.  It was the stories...  They were dark, torturous... Now, you all know I like misery and tears in my books, but this was extreme.  

I took a bit of time and reflected on what would be the best course of action.  The first thing that popped into my head was Quelondain.  Quelondain always makes me happy.  It's my baby.  Those characters are my family. lol

But I didn't want to go to Quelondain and bring the darkness there. Quelondain is my happy place and I wanted it to stay that way.  So, instead of writing, I read.  I read the trilogy.  I read Tyler's Story.  I read Eggnog Kisses, Candy Hearts, Ghosts, and Tears of the Moons.  I read every story I had started in Quelondain that wasn't finished.

You guys... It worked.

I started to write and it wasn't all death and destruction.  Did my characters bleed?  Of course. I mean, it's Quelondain and we love our Sageden boys fierce and fighting.  But there was hope and love and happiness. 

And what was the end result?  Displaced finally got done.  Kendall's story is done.  Now, I'm working on Brice's story.  I don't have a title for that one yet.  After that one, I plan on finishing every Quelondain story I have started. 

Displaced officially releases on December 15 and is on sale for 99 cents right now.  

For now, I think we all need the peace that Quelondain brings.  So I'm going to share the first few chapters of Displaced.  

Happy reading, Sweetlings.  And welcome back.

CHAPTER ONE 

 

Kendall lay by the creek, his arms behind his head.  It was a perfect day to lie around and do nothing.  He stretched and yawned; the perfect day to be lazy.  It was one of the things he loved to do most since the war with Paradin was over; relax.  It had taken a while to get to this point.  For months after they’d returned home from fighting, he’d had nightmares of the events that had taken place.  The beings that had been injured, killed… all because of one deranged human.  He remembered the agony engulfing his body as Laif’s magic had started to rip his tiger out of him. 

He shivered then inhaled deeply to help rid himself of the thoughts taking over his mind.  Peaceful.  Things were peaceful now.  Braw was dead and the staff of Laif had been destroyed.  Things were quiet now.  Other than the odd human rogue stirring up trouble here and there, there hadn’t been much to worry about.   

“Kendall!  Are you here?”  Brice’s voice drifted out of the woods towards him. 

He sat up with a good-natured groan which turned into laugh.  “How are you doing, mate?” 

Brice grinned.  “I’m well.  You?” 

“I can’t complain.  It’s a beautiful day.” 

His friend nodded. 

Kendall brushed shaggy black bangs out of his light blue eyes.  “What brings you out to these parts?” 

“I’m on a recruiting mission.” 

Kendall stiffened.  So much for peaceful.  “What happened?” 

Brice chuckled.  “Relax. Everything is quiet.  Hayden is looking for volunteers to practice her displacement spell on.”  The blond man grunted.  “I was her target yesterday and I just managed to rid myself of the headache.” 

Kendall laughed.  Poor Hayden.  It didn’t matter that she was the most powerful sorceress in Quelondain; the poor woman was never going to master the displacement spell.  “I suppose I could take the brunt of it this time.  You’ll owe me one.  I had plans today.” 

“Oh?” 

“I was planning on staying in this exact same position until supper time.”  He stood and stretched one last time before shifting into his tiger.  He cocked his head at Brice to lead the way.  His friend smiled, shifted into his jaguar then bound into to the woods toward Hayden and Jasper’s cabin. 

“Uncle Kendall!”  

He shifted in time to catch Emma in his arms as the six-year-old threw herself in the air. 

“Hello, Sweetling.”  He gave her a hug then boosted her onto his shoulders.  Nina and Daniel, Hayden and Jasper’s other two adopted children, ran to give their own hugs in welcome.  “Is your dad home?” 

Nina shook her head. 

“Mamma!  Uncle Kendall and Uncle Brice are here!”  Daniel shifted into his wolf and loped to the house in case Hayden hadn’t heard him.  

Hayden stepped out of the house, her long dark brown hair pulled back into a ponytail.   

“Brice!  I told you to stay home today.”  She mock glared at her friend. 

“Aye, you did, but I’m fine.  Really.  The headache is gone.”  He smiled and pressed his lips to her forehead in reassurance.  “I brought you another test subject for the afternoon.” 

Kendall grinned and pulled her in for a hug.   

She looked up, frowning.  “Are you sure?  You were sick for three days the last time I tried displacing you.” 

He shrugged.  “Brice tells me you’ve gotten better since then.  I’m sure I’ll be fine.”  Sick was quite the understatement.  He’d been in bed, fevered, throwing up, with his head pounding for a full three days before the effects of Hayden’s magic had let him recover.   

“I don’t know…” Hayden bit the inside of her cheek, worried. 

“Really, Hayden.  You’ll do fine.”  He gave her arm a squeeze. 

“Do you want a cookie, Uncle?  I found it in my pocket.”  Emma handed a sorry looking cookie down from on his shoulders. 

Kendall took it.  “Thank you.  I’ll just put it in my pocket for later, alright, Sweetling?  I’d rather go into this with an empty stomach.”  He gave Hayden an encouraging look.  “Though I’m sure I’ll be fine.” 

“Alright.  But you need to tell me the instant you start to feel sick.” 

He nodded.  “Down you go, Emma.”  He squatted so she could climb down.  “Now, where would like me to stand,” he inquired as he stood. 

“Why don’t you jump the creek and go stand by the woods.  I’ll try to displace you to this side of it.” 

Kendall shifted and easily leapt across the flowing water.   

A quarter of an hour later, Kendall found himself still standing by the woods, his arms at his side, his blue eyes gazing into Hayden’s green ones across the creek.  He could tell she was biting the inside of her cheek. 

“Hayden.” 

She blinked and took a step back.  “Are you getting a headache?  I can stop if you want.” 

He shook his head.  “No, I’m fine.  I just don’t want you drawing blood on the inside of your mouth.”  He smiled.  “Take a deep breath and relax.  Don’t worry about me, a headache won’t kill me.  Just concentrate on the spell.” 

She inhaled deeply and closed her eyes.  “Alright.” 

Kendall watched as she mouthed the words she needed before pushing her energy toward him.  He felt the rush of magic wash over him, felt the ground disappear under his feet, and suddenly, he was free falling through the air. 

“Great job, Hayden!”   

Brice’s compliment sounded far away as he felt the grass reappear under him.  He blinked hard to get rid of the spots blocking his vision.  His gaze focused in time to see Hayden jumping up and down, clapping like a child.  He grinned despite the fact he could hear the blood pounding in his head. 

“I barely felt that one,” he lied, knowing she was watching him to judge his reaction to the spell.  “Why don’t you give it another go?” 

“Are you sure?”  Her initial excitement faded and she frowned, her eyes squinted with worry. 

“I’m fine. Really.” 

She took a deep breath and he tried to relax.   

“Alright.  But just one more time.”  She waited until he nodded before inhaling deeply to focus. 

This time, there was no waiting for the rush of magic.  Kendall grunted with the force with which it slammed into him.   

What’s taking so long?  He was sure he’d never had to wait more than a fraction of a second before finding himself back on firm land.  Five, six, seven… 

The ground rushed up under him once again and his legs buckled under the impact. 

He groaned and held his pounding head.  He’d been wrong.  He could die from a headache. The world took a wild spin and he rolled to his side in case he threw up.  His stomach churned, his heart pounded.  He kept his eyes closed, sure the pressure behind his eyes would force them out of their sockets.  It took a moment to realize he couldn’t hear Brice cheering and that Hayden still hadn’t rushed to his side to make sure he was alright.  He opened one eye at a time, hoping the sunlight wouldn’t make the pounding worse.  Why was it dark out? 

“Bloody hell! What happened?”  He wrapped his arms around his knees and looked around slowly before attempting to stretch.  Why was he so stiff?  His formed blurred and he felt his bones move into their proper order as he shifted into his tiger.  

Kendall took in his surroundings more closely.  Even with his feline vision, nothing looked familiar.  He shifted back.  “Not even a bit,” he mumbled to no one in particular.  “What kind of plant is that, do you suppose?”  He reached over to a large blue flower growing from the trunk of a light pink tree.  “These look like the pink trees in the Wedelven forest, but I’ve never seen flowers like these growing on them before.”  He jumped back with a growl as the flower bared teeth and attempted to bite his outstretched hand.  “By the moons!  It tried to eat me!” 

He’d never heard of a plant like this one. His heart raced and he inhaled deeply a few times to try and focus.  What had happened?  Where was he?  And better yet, how was he going to get home? 

 

 

 

CHAPTER TWO 

 

“I need to find a town.”  Kendall ran his hands over his face and groaned.  He’d found a small deserted cave to lie in until his headache had calmed down which, fortunately, had only been a few hours. Once he’d been sure he could move without feeling ill, he’d travelled at a jog for the past hour.  

He stopped and shifted.  He was definitely getting closer to some sort of civilization.  The smell of smoke and people was getting stronger.  He turned back to his human form, unsure of what he’d find once he finally found another living being.  He took another look at his surroundings.  Now that the sun was coming up, he was even more confused as to where he might be.  There were a lot of narrow trails weaving their way through the woods though he’d yet to come across any animals that might help him ascertain which part of Quelondain he was in.  And the foliage… Though all the plants seemed somewhat familiar, they also differed drastically from what he was used to seeing.  There were more plants with teeth here than he’d ever seen before.   

A woman’s voice rang through the air. 

“I swear, Hanna, the men I meet simply get worse and worse.  Why can’t I simply find one decent man who’ll take me on as his mate?” 

“Maybe it’s where you go to meet them, Neeka.  You go to a pub, you’ll bring home a drunk.” 

“And where else am I supposed to go?  There’s nowhere in this bloody part of the land that has any decent men in it.” 

“There’s the soldiers…” 

There was a grunt.  “Right.  No better way to get loved and left.” 

“You know, you are intended to Christopher.” 

“And you know I won’t be his mate.  That was Brian’s doing, not mine.  The man scares me.  There’s something off about him.” 

The two women rounded a corner in the trail and stopped short at the sight of the man before them.  Kendall tried to hide his surprise. They weren’t wearing any style of clothing he remembered seeing anywhere in Quelondain.  Their dark red pants were loose in the leg to the point where, had he not seen them walking, he’d have thought them to be wearing skirts.  They were both holding baskets laden with fresh food.  The shorter of the two met his eye and frowned.  She adjusted the basket on her hip, the gesture pulling his gaze to her torso which, instead of being covered in a tunic, was wrapped in a cloth band, like someone had started at her hip, continued their way up, then looped it over her shoulders before moving back down and tying it in a knot along her waist.  The black shawl she wore over her hair blended in with the raven color of her long, curly hair.  The sheer material covered her head then crossed so that it wrapped around her neck before coming back around and tying around her hair at the nape of her neck.  The second woman nudged her and the light brown eyes holding his blinked. 

Kendall was the first to recover.  “Good afternoon, ladies.”  He nodded to both and was rewarded with smiles.  “I seem to have gotten off course.  Would you be so kind as to tell me where I might be?” 

The taller of the two cocked her head to the side.  “You’re not a shifter, are you?”  

“Hanna!”  Neeka shook her head.  “You’ll have to excuse my sister.  We all know that whatever shifters are left have vacated the area.  She still accuses everyone of being one.” 

“What?  Can’t a girl have a little fun?  It’s funny to see the looks on people’s faces when I ask them.  I mean, you should have seen yours.”  Hanna grinned at him. 

“Soon enough, we’ll be completely rid of the bastards.”  Neeka grunted. 

Kendall’s mind was racing.  The war was over.  The humans had lost.  This was all wrong.  Were these women rogues, they wouldn’t be out in the open like this. “Um, right.  See, that’s what I’m wondering.  I was attacked a few days back and forced to travel blindfolded.  All of my things were taken…”  He glanced from one to the other, hoping he was running with the right thought.  “I’d like to know where I was dumped.” 

Neeka nodded.  “Well, you’ll be glad to know you’re still in Thistendal,” she teased.  

Hanna elbowed her.  “And she says I think I’m the funny one.  He’s been through enough.  You’re just outside the town of Jaish.” 

It took a moment for their words to sink in.  “Bloody hell.”  Kendall’s curse was loud in the sudden silence. His heart pounded in his chest and his butterflies fought to break out of his stomach.  Thistendal.  He wasn’t even in Quelondain anymore.  He was on a completely different continent!  How, in the name of the moons, was he going to get home? 

“Are you alright?”  Neeka put her basket down and reached for the canteen she had in it.  She handed it to him. 

He nodded and cleared his throat.  “I’m just surprised at how far I’ve travelled.”  He ran a hand over his face. 

“Come.  Our guardian runs the inn in Jaish.  We’ll get you a room for the night and you can get your affairs in order.” 

“I’ve no money.  Robbed, remember?  I’ll be fine, I’m sure, though I do appreciate the offer.” 

She grinned.  “You must be from farther south.  I love the accent.  Anyhow, it’s not an offer, it’s an order.  You need to eat and sleep somewhere tonight.  They say the shifters are gone from this area, but you never know if you’ll run into one.  Dangerous.  They’ll kill you in your sleep if they can.  Come along.  I insist.”  She picked up her basket and waited until he was beside her before starting off. 

His curiosity getting the better of him, he glanced down at Neeka.  “Have you ever met one?” 

“Hmmm?” 

“A shifter.  Have you ever met one?” 

She looked up at him.  “How do you meet an animal?” 

“Well, they’re human as well, yeah?” 

She shook her head.  “It doesn’t matter what form they take.  They’re all beasts.  And no.  I’ve never seen one.” 

Kendall decided to drop the subject.  Could it be that shifters here were different than the Majs and Namaels of Quelondain?  Maybe they were more animal than man.  Whatever the case was, it was obvious that to let on he wasn’t human was the worst thing he could do.  Steering clear of that particular subject seemed like a swell idea. 

“Have you?” 

He was drawn out of his thought by Neeka’s question. 

“Have I what?” 

“Seen a shifter.” 

“Oh. No.  Never.”  At least, not the kind she seemed to be talking about.  He wondered what she’d do if he told her shifters weren’t what she thought.  He took a deep breath.  It was best to leave it alone.  He’d find some supplies, some food, and take the day to try and think of how he could get home.  Who knew… maybe Hayden would somehow manage to displace him home again. 

“So, do you have a name?” 

He smiled.  “Kendall.” 

“And what do you do, Kendall?” 

“Fisherman.” 

She blinked.  “Really! Here I had you pegged as a soldier of some sort.” 

“Oh?” 

She shrugged.  “It’s the way you hold yourself; like you’re about to jump out of your skin.” 

He grinned.  “It never hurts to be prepared.” 

Neeka raised an eyebrow in his direction.  “Like you were when those men jumped you?” 

By the moons, was the woman ever going to stop asking questions?  “I was sleeping at the time.”  He breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of the small town before them. 

“Come along.  The inn is this way.” 

As they wandered into town, he enjoyed the brightly colored roofs and white walls of the buildings.  The red, blue, and yellow paint made it seem like such a cheerful and happy place.  His brows drew together as he watched the people wandering the streets.  Kendall’s unease increased once again.  This was a bad idea. It was obvious that even though it was morning, a large number of people were already stumbling about intoxicated. 

He watched as one man pulled his pants down, barely making an effort to turn and hide as he relieved his bladder in the street. 

“Is there a celebration happening?” 

A woman yelled out of the window and threw a plate at the man. 

Hanna nodded.  “Some soldiers came into town late last night, swearing they’d killed a shifter.” 

Kendall’s stomach dropped.  “They had proof?” 

She shrugged.  “If a lock of white blond hair is proof, I suppose you can say they did.” 

Now, he wanted nothing more than to leave.  What was wrong with these beings?  There was never a time when he’d been out on patrols when he’d thought it alright to rejoice over a kill he’d made.  He was a soldier, not a savage. 

And what was he thinking? 

There was no way that a shifter was going to go unnoticed in a town full of humans with an obvious hatred of shifters.  He glanced back to the safety of the forest then looked down where Neeka had put a hand on his arm.  She cocked her head to the side in question. 

“I’m just hoping the crew who robbed me aren’t here.  This seems like it might be their kind of scene.” 

She smiled.  “Well, if they are, I’ll protect you.” 

He laughed despite his unease. 

“Come along.  You can’t tell me you’re not hungry.  I can hear your stomach from here.” 

He nodded.  “I could use a bite.”  He glanced at Hanna who was watching them intently.  “Careful!” 

Hanna let out a small squeal as he grabbed her arm and pulled her toward him. 

“Watch where you’re going,” he growled at the couple of drunks who’d almost crashed into her. 

Both sisters glared at the men before gathering the vegetables that had fallen out of Hanna’s basket. 

“Here.  Let me take those.”  Kendall took both baskets and followed along as they led the way to the inn. 

Here was hoping nothing happened to draw any attention to him between now and whenever he’d be able to leave. 

 

 

 

CHAPTER THREE 

 

“How’s your breakfast?”  Neeka refilled their coffee cups. 

“Excellent, thank you.”  He took another bite of his omelet to prove he wasn’t lying.  He wasn’t sure what kind of eggs had been used, but they were delicious.   

She smiled and sat once again.  “Once we’re done here I’ll show you to your room and you can get cleaned up.  I have to head to the stables.  It’s my turn to clean the stalls.” 

“I’ll come give you a hand.” 

She shook her head. “I couldn’t ask you to do that.” 

“Of course, you could.  It’s the least I can do to thank you for the food and room.” 

Neeka mulled the offer over for a moment before nodding.  “Alright.  Thank you.” 

He grinned.  “It’s my pleasure.” 

Though there was nothing more he wanted than to go home, he knew that simply running out into the woods wasn’t going to help with his situation.  Even if he made the trip to the coast, there was no way he could afford to buy passage on one of the Gysps’ trading ships.  He needed information.   

“You’d better hurry getting to your chores, Neeka.”  Hanna scooped up their empty plates.  “Brian will be back from the market soon.” 

Her sister nodded.  “We’re just heading there now.”  

Kendall thanked Hanna for taking the dishes before following Neeka out to the stables.  She handed him a shovel and pointed to the first stall. 

“We tie the horses inside and clean around them.  We’ve had a few instances where a horse managed to get loose when they were tied outside.  Personally, I think someone let them go, but Brian doesn’t believe me.” 

He frowned.  “This Brian, he’s what to you?” 

“My guardian.”  She moved to the end of the aisle and came back pushing a cart before entering the stall across from his.  “He’s been raising us since before I can remember.” 

Kendall tied a tall bay mare before getting to work on his stall.  “So, you’ve lived in this town all your life?” 

She nodded.  “As far as I know.”  Done her first stall, she moved on to the next.  “It’s not the most exciting town, but most of the folks that live here are decent.  There are a few who like to cause trouble, but never anything major.  It’s mostly outsiders that will do the most damage when they come through town.”  She grinned.  “You’re not going to cause any trouble, are you?” 

He laughed.  “You’ve my word, I’ll behave.” 

“Neeka, when you’re done here I want you to…”  The newcomer stopped short at the sight of Kendall. 

The shifter tightened his grip on the shovel should he need to use it as a weapon.  The man, shorter than him by at least a head, though thicker in build, widened his stance. 

“Brian, this is Kendall.  Kendall, Brian.”  Neeka deftly stepped between the two men.  “Hanna and I came upon Kendall while we out gathering vegetables.  He’s been robbed and wasn’t sure where he was.  We made him something to eat and he offered to help muck stalls as payment.” 

Brian grunted.  “Well, when you’re done here, maybe he could give you a hand in room twelve.  The bastards destroyed it last night.”  Without giving them another glance, he turned on his heels and left. 

Kendall let himself relax.  “Friendly fellow,” he mumbled. 

“Don’t mind him.  He’s in a foul mood because of the mess the soldiers left the inn in last night.  Room twelve was one of theirs.” 

They went back to cleaning the stalls, though this time with less talking.  Once done, Kendall pushed the cart back where it would sit until the next day.  

“Thank you.”  Neeka smiled and led the way back to the inn. 

They stopped at the kitchen and helped themselves to water. 

“That was quick,” remarked Hanna.  She wiped a forearm across her brow before returning her attention back to the bread dough she’d been kneading.  

“It’s going to be a busy day.  Brian wants Kendall and I to take care of room twelve.”   

Hanna grunted.  “You’ll be there until tomorrow if you don’t get to it.  I was in there this morning and it I don’t think there’s one piece of furniture that can be saved.” 

Neeka shook her head in disgust.  “Soldiers.” 

“Maybe once you’re mated to Christopher you could have a chat with him about his little army’s manners.” 

Neeka scoffed.  “Not likely.  I plan on spending as little time as possible in the man’s company.”  She gave Kendall’s arm a tug to let him know they were leaving. 

Kendall glanced at her as they made their way down the hall.  “Your intended runs the soldiers?” 

She rolled her eyes.  “He likes to think he does.  We call them soldiers, but really they’re just goons with sharp weapons.  Christopher put them together to hunt for shifters.” 

“And they’re good at what they do?” 

Neeka shrugged.  “They’ve never brought one in to prove they’ve actually killed one.  It’s always a piece from whoever they’ve killed.” 

She opened the door to room twelve and Kendall stopped short. 

“By the moons, what in the world did they do in here?” 

The entire room was destroyed.  Anything that could be broken had been splintered, smashed, or ripped apart.  The floor was covered in wood, glass, and mattress down.   

Neeka let out an exasperated sigh.  “Bastards.” 

He walked to the window which had somehow been spared and glanced outside.  “Do you have a bin we could place under here?  We could simply throw everything out the window.” 

Her brow furrowed as she thought.  “I think we have one in the back.  We’ll need some bags as well.  Hanna will want the mattress down to make pillows.” 

“This happens often?” 

He opened the door and let her lead the way to wherever they needed to be next. 

Someone behind them whistled.  “If she wasn’t Christopher’s, I’d be having my way with that one.” 

Neeka’s back straightened at the comment, but she didn’t stop walking. 

Kendall, however, turned with a growl.  He found himself looking at three drunks, one of which was leaning against the wall to stay upright.   

“Just ignore them, Kendall.”  Neeka tugged at his tunic sleeve.  “It’s not worth it.”  

He reluctantly followed her once again.  “How about that?  Does that happen often?” 

She shrugged.  “It’s only words.  They all know Christopher would kill them if they touched me.” 

“But…” 

“Let’s just concentrate on cleaning this room.  I’d rather not talk about Christopher.”  

Kendall put a hand on the exit door before she could open it.  She was upset.  He could see it in her clenched jaw and her rigid posture. 

“I’m sorry.” 

She relaxed slightly then closed her eyes as he brushed his thumb over her frown. 

Whatever it was this girl was going through, it was weighing heavily on her being.  She definitely put on a brave front, but under the happy exterior, something was definitely wrong. 

“Are you alright?” 

She gazed up at him and nodded.  “I’ll be fine.”  She smiled.  “Come along.  This room won’t clean itself.” 

A strange shiver ran through him as she opened the door.  The feeling was gone before he could decide what it was and he quickly forgot about it as the day went on. 

 

 

 

CHAPTER FOUR 

 

Neeka couldn’t help but keep looking in Kendall’s direction as they went about their day.  He was… different.  Though his story made a lot of sense, there was just something off about him.  There was his accent, for one.  It wasn’t right.  Granted, she hadn’t met a lot of people from the south, but she was sure their way of speaking wasn’t quite as different as his was.  Put that together with the way he seemed to take everything in like he was always getting ready to escape and she had a feeling he wasn’t telling her the truth. 

She smiled as a black nalden (a small cat like creature) rubbed up against his leg.  “That’s funny.” 

Kendall glanced up from scratching it behind it’s scaly ear.  “What is?” 

“We call that one Ghost because we never see him.  He hates people.” 

He shrugged.  “He seems friendly enough.”   

She took a step toward them and Ghost disappeared in a flash of black.   

“So, Kendall of… where did you say you were from again?” She handed him another board which he took without looking, his clear blue eyes on hers. 

“Here and there.  I’ve never really had a place I called home.”  

“Because…” 

“Because I’m a fisherman.” 

“Right.” 

“Right.”  

He was lying.  She could tell. Why did she care so much? She’d only known him a couple of days now and he wasn’t going to be staying much longer.  Not to mention that she was intended to Christopher. 

The thought of her future mate her dissipated her good humor. 

Kendall frowned.  “Are you alright?” 

She tried to think of a new question to add to her good-natured interrogation, but couldn’t think of any. “I’m fine.”  Nodding toward the fence they were fixing, she managed a smile.  “At the rate you’re going, we’ll be under a foot of snow by the time we’re done fixing this fence.”  

He raised an eyebrow at the fence in question.  “How many times has this been fixed?” 

She shrugged.  “I’ve lost count.” 

He grunted.  Without a word, he returned to the task at hand.   

Her eyes fell on his hands as he looped the twine around the post, snugging up the board against it.  His fingers made quick work of the knots then moved to the next one.  She could have sat here and watched him work all day.  Each movement he made was so fluid. 

He took a drink from the canteen and turned toward her. 

By the moons, he’d caught her staring.  She felt the blush rise up her neck and engulf her face.   

To his credit, he didn’t comment on her obvious embarrassment.   He was so unlike the men she was used to being around here at the inn.  He wasn’t crude, or rude.  He didn’t expect a free handout. 

Taking the water he was offering, she took a few large gulps.   

Brian took a look at them from around the corner of the building before heading back to wherever he’d come from. 

“Does he expect to find me on top of you in the muck?”  Kendall didn’t bother hiding how annoyed he was with being watched. 

“He worries.” 

Kendall scoffed.  “If he was so worried, he’d be making sure you were treated properly.” He exhaled loudly.  “I’m sorry.  I know he raised you.” 

She couldn’t help but smile at how much he seemed to care. Caring, polite, and quite the treat to look at… he definitely wasn’t like the men she was used to being around. 

“What?” 

Neeka shook her head.  “Nothing.”  She handed him the last board.   

“What’s next after this?” he inquired. 

“You do realize you’ve more than paid for your keep, yeah?”  She wasn’t lying.  He hadn’t stopped helping her since they’d found him in the woods.  “You could stay another week and not owe us a coin.” 

He smiled.  “I like to stay busy.”  

Two of Christopher’s men sauntered by and his look hardened.  One of them, who had started to say something, quickly closed his mouth and quickened his pace.   

Neeka managed to stifle her laugh.  Kendall hadn’t lifted a finger to anyone yet everyone had taken to leaving a wide berth when walking by them.  All it took was a look. Well, everyone but Ghost. 

She shook her head in disbelief as the nalden hopped onto the fence and gave Kendall’s hand and affectionate head bump. 

There was definitely something different about that man. 

 

Nat let out a shaky breath before sitting up and wiping her arm across her face to get rid of the tears. Needing to step away from the pain of the past, she glanced at the remnants of the doors.

“How in the world did you manage that?”

He shook his head, looking just as bewildered as she felt. “I don’t really remember it. I just knew I needed to get to you.”

He finally looked up and met her gaze.

Nat’s heart skipped like a schoolgirl with her first crush.

“You needed me, so I came.”

The conflict and need in his dark eyes reminded her this was nothing like any crush she’d ever had. This was him. This was the man she was meant to be with. Her mate.

“I’d better get back to my room and let you get back to sleep.”

She shook her head. “Don’t. Please.” The thought of falling asleep and reliving the worst day of her life again had her chest tightening. “I… I still need you.”

When she wins a trip to the Crimson Moon Hideaway Resort, Detective Natalie Greenleaf is thrilled. Being an Elf hidden in the human world can be exhausting and a vacation to a resort where paranormals are free to be themselves is just what she needs. One whole week to forget about life, cases, and criminals.

Bear shifter Gage Loneclaw is used to being alone. It’s been that way since being exiled from his clan at a young age for refusing to follow orders. With his bees to keep him company, he is perfectly content to stay on his quiet piece of land, selling honey at the local farmer’s market. When he gets the call to let him know he’s won a week at the five-star resort, he almost turns down the offer, but a small, nagging voice in the back of his thoughts convinces him to go.

When the past comes back to haunt both Nat and Gage, the pair find they have much in common. While neither of them had even thought of finding a mate, Fate does what She will. Winning Paradise may have been part of Her plan, but they’ll have to survive the week if they’re going to have a chance at a future.

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Crimson Moon Hideaway: Time Wasn't Ready (Women of the Fold Book 1) by Terri A. Wilson

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Crimson Moon Hideaway: Chimera's Edge by Renee Hewett

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Crimson Moon Hideaway: Muse Unleashed by Robbie Cox

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Nat let out a shaky breath before sitting up and wiping her arm across her face to get rid of the tears. Needing to step away from the pain of the past, she glanced at the remnants of the doors.

“How in the world did you manage that?”

He shook his head, looking just as bewildered as she felt. “I don’t really remember it. I just knew I needed to get to you.”

He finally looked up and met her gaze.

Nat’s heart skipped like a schoolgirl with her first crush. 

“You needed me, so I came.”

The conflict and need in his dark eyes reminded her this was nothing like any crush she’d ever had. This was him. This was the man she was meant to be with. Her mate. 

“I’d better get back to my room and let you get back to sleep.”

She shook her head. “Don’t. Please.” The thought of falling asleep and reliving the worst day of her life again had her chest tightening. “I… I still need you.”

When she wins a trip to the Crimson Moon Hideaway Resort, Detective Natalie Greenleaf is thrilled. Being an Elf hidden in the human world can be exhausting and a vacation to a resort where paranormals are free to be themselves is just what she needs. One whole week to forget about life, cases, and criminals.

Bear shifter Gage Loneclaw is used to being alone. It’s been that way since being exiled from his clan at a young age for refusing to follow orders. With his bees to keep him company, he is perfectly content to stay on his quiet piece of land, selling honey at the local farmer’s market. When he gets the call to let him know he’s won a week at the five-star resort, he almost turns down the offer, but a small, nagging voice in the back of his thoughts convinces him to go.

When the past comes back to haunt both Nat and Gage, the pair find they much in common. While neither of them had even thought of finding a mate, Fate does what She will. Winning Paradise may have been part of Her plan, but they’ll have to survive the week if they’re going to have a chance at a future.

Pre-order Now