Stephanie Nelson's Blog
December 2, 2015
ANNA AVERY SERIES REVAMP
Anna Avery has a new story and GORGEOUS, brand new covers!
Taming the WolfBuy on Amazon Attacked by a wolf while hiking, Anna Avery's life just got a little hairier. Living in the Big Horn mountains in Wyoming, with a group of werewolves who are more animal than human, Anna must try to hold onto her human side. It's not easy when the alpha continues to persuade her into his bed, while another wolf is chomping at the bit to become her mate. To top it all off, dead bodies are showing up and it just so happens that Anna was the last to see them alive. She'll have to work to prove her innocence and taming the wolf who bites first and asks questions never. Because of the sexual nature, this book is intended for readers 18 and older.
Embracing the WolfBuy on Amazon For the first time, Anna Avery was looking forward to the future. She’s mated to her soul mate. The pack has become her new family, and she has friends she can confide in. She had every reason to look ahead, until a vision put her future happiness in jeopardy. Someone is set on destroying her mate, Adam, and only Anna can prevent this possible future. While trying to unravel the hazy web of her premonition, she finds out the annual pack conference will take place on her mountain. And Adam’s parents will be attending. As only a “made” wolf, Anna will have to face their prejudice and possibly make the hardest decision she has ever had to make. Because saving Adam’s life might just mean walking away from him for forever.
Ruling the WolfComing soon!!! Preorder on: Nook - http://bit.ly/1EQcRwo iTunes - http://apple.co/1J01Y6b Kobo - http://bit.ly/1UJdTw4 About the author:
Stephanie resides in the Midwest with her husband and their furry children. She considers herself a homebody and is perfectly okay with that. She enjoys reading, fishing, playing board games and video games. She's obsessed with Super Mario Bros. and Donkey Kong. She loves hearing from her readers, and even saves the messages when she needs a little pick-me-up.Follow the author:Website | Facebook | Twitter | Literary Addicts | Amazon
October 8, 2014
US Amazon - September 30, 2014
the little flame series now a boxset!
Due to popular demand, the first five novellas in the Little Flame Series are available as a box set for just $2.99 on Amazon for a limited time.
Buy it at Amazon
Fiamette Jurato is on a mission, but she finds herself distracted by a sexy, charismatic DJ named Maximillian. From the moment she lays eyes on him, she's falling down a fast-paced, intoxicating rabbit hole that will either lead to her demise or a revelation. Either way, she's enjoying the ride.
But there's a price to be paid for having too much fun ... or being too happy.
Life may have been lonely for this renegade healer before joining the Maximillian dubstep tour, but it was a hell of a lot simpler. And less dangerous.
Buy it at Amazon
Fiamette Jurato is on a mission, but she finds herself distracted by a sexy, charismatic DJ named Maximillian. From the moment she lays eyes on him, she's falling down a fast-paced, intoxicating rabbit hole that will either lead to her demise or a revelation. Either way, she's enjoying the ride.
But there's a price to be paid for having too much fun ... or being too happy.
Life may have been lonely for this renegade healer before joining the Maximillian dubstep tour, but it was a hell of a lot simpler. And less dangerous.
September 22, 2014
NEW COVERS FOR GWEN SPARKS!
The first three books in my Gwen Sparks series has gotten new covers! 
Gwen Sparks just wants to live a peaceful life in the supernatural town of Flora, but from the moment she reads about the first murdered witch, all hope of peace is abandoned. Possessing the rare ability to read the memories of dead, she volunteers to help catch the culprit behind the string of drained witches. Gwen has to team up with the one man who broke her heart, deal with a ghost who pulls her into the deathly realm at will, and a fight off the advances of sexy but frustrating vampire who not only craves what runs through her veins—he wants her heart.
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1onHzyb
The vampire drug, brew, nearly ruined Gwen Sparks’ life. Just when things start to get back to normal between her and Aiden, she is summoned by the North American Witches Council to their central city of Moon. A war is imminent between vampires and witches, and Gwen’s spirit walker powers are being used to fuel the fire. She is about to discover just how powerful she is with the help of the ruggedly handsome Angel of Death and just how far some people will go to get what they want. Gwen is going to learn exactly what it means to be Deceived.
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1oKN6SE
B&N - http://bit.ly/1ykAGZg
Having prevented the war between the witches and vampires, Gwen Sparks was ready to move on and heal. She thought she could go home and her life would return to normal—she thought wrong.
Being a spirit walker offers her protection, but it also put her life in danger as others covet what she possesses. A bounty is placed on Gwen and rogues, who will stop at nothing to get the job done, relentlessly track her.
With no choice but to head to New Orleans to retrieve a special dagger, Gwen comes face to face with the angel of Death and the feelings she has been denying. Living in a world where everyone has a motive, can Gwen trust the connection she shares with Dorian Hade?
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1mDMz4A
B&N - http://bit.ly/1upF2rM
hexed - releasing in october
Everything and everyone has an expiration date, including Gwen Sparks. When Dorian, the Angel of Death, saved her, he did more than bend the rules: he shattered them.
When Gwen’s memories are stolen, the balance of life and death shifts, and magic goes on the fritz. Dorian realizes that even the angel of Death must face consequences for his mistakes. Everything and everyone has an expiration date, and time is running out for Gwen. If they don’t find a solution, Gwen’s borrowed time will come to an end, and Dorian will lose the woman he risked everything for.
Both will have to make a life-changing decision. Dorian’s choice will result in either altering his very existence or losing Gwen forever. Gwen will risk everything to right Dorian’s wrong, and her decision may just result in her death.
Gwen Sparks just wants to live a peaceful life in the supernatural town of Flora, but from the moment she reads about the first murdered witch, all hope of peace is abandoned. Possessing the rare ability to read the memories of dead, she volunteers to help catch the culprit behind the string of drained witches. Gwen has to team up with the one man who broke her heart, deal with a ghost who pulls her into the deathly realm at will, and a fight off the advances of sexy but frustrating vampire who not only craves what runs through her veins—he wants her heart.Amazon - http://amzn.to/1onHzyb
The vampire drug, brew, nearly ruined Gwen Sparks’ life. Just when things start to get back to normal between her and Aiden, she is summoned by the North American Witches Council to their central city of Moon. A war is imminent between vampires and witches, and Gwen’s spirit walker powers are being used to fuel the fire. She is about to discover just how powerful she is with the help of the ruggedly handsome Angel of Death and just how far some people will go to get what they want. Gwen is going to learn exactly what it means to be Deceived.Amazon - http://amzn.to/1oKN6SE
B&N - http://bit.ly/1ykAGZg
Having prevented the war between the witches and vampires, Gwen Sparks was ready to move on and heal. She thought she could go home and her life would return to normal—she thought wrong. Being a spirit walker offers her protection, but it also put her life in danger as others covet what she possesses. A bounty is placed on Gwen and rogues, who will stop at nothing to get the job done, relentlessly track her.
With no choice but to head to New Orleans to retrieve a special dagger, Gwen comes face to face with the angel of Death and the feelings she has been denying. Living in a world where everyone has a motive, can Gwen trust the connection she shares with Dorian Hade?
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1mDMz4A
B&N - http://bit.ly/1upF2rM
hexed - releasing in october
Everything and everyone has an expiration date, including Gwen Sparks. When Dorian, the Angel of Death, saved her, he did more than bend the rules: he shattered them. When Gwen’s memories are stolen, the balance of life and death shifts, and magic goes on the fritz. Dorian realizes that even the angel of Death must face consequences for his mistakes. Everything and everyone has an expiration date, and time is running out for Gwen. If they don’t find a solution, Gwen’s borrowed time will come to an end, and Dorian will lose the woman he risked everything for.
Both will have to make a life-changing decision. Dorian’s choice will result in either altering his very existence or losing Gwen forever. Gwen will risk everything to right Dorian’s wrong, and her decision may just result in her death.
September 2, 2014
HEXED - CHAPTER FIVE
If you've been following along on my Facebook page, then you know I'm posting the first five chapters of Hexed, one chapter ever Tuesday. Hexed is being sent for editing at the end of this week, scheduled to release at the end of September!! If you missed the first three chapters of Hexed, you can find them here:Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4
CHAPTER FIVE - GWEN I stood in a large open room, the floor hard tile beneath my feet. A cavernous stone fireplace took up one wall, its mouth large enough for someone to walk through. Flames licked against the brick, hissing and popping as it illuminated the space in warmth. Something tickled my feet and when I looked down; I found thin wisps of fog twining around my ankles like playful fingers. The soft rasp of a man’s chuckle brought my attention back to the room. A beautiful man stood near the fireplace, his hair as black as coal. Little strands fell across his azure eyes. Though not menacing, I noticed how intense those eyes were. They watched me knowingly, the way only a man who has experienced a woman could. His gaze cemented me to the floor, entrapping me in his seductive allure. Who was he and why did he seem so familiar?
In the time it took me to blink, the man was behind me. His fingers curled around my shoulders, cool and strong. He drew my hair to the side to reveal my bare neck, trailing his nose up the length as he inhaled me. My eyelids fell closed slow and heavy as I tilted my head in the opposite direction to give him all the access he needed. The man was an unmovable barrier at my back, supporting my weight as I sagged against him.
When his lips made contact with my throat, a shudder skipped its way through my body. Energy unlike anything I’d ever felt poked and prodded against every inch of exposed skin. A need stronger than I thought possible, overpowered all rational thought until I was near panting for this beautiful stranger. His large hand came around my waist and slid across my stomach. He squeezed his fingers, bunching the material of my nightgown in his tight grip, and began pulling upward. Inch by inch, the nightgown rose, exposing my bare legs, while the man kissed a path down my neck and across my collarbone. The hardness of his erection pressed into my behind, promising me pleasure.
“My Gwen,” he breathed against my skin while his hand slipped under my panties. A shuddering breath escaped my lips as he moved his fingers slowly down between my legs. My breath froze in my lungs as I waited for his touch to make contact with my sex.
“Gwen,” another man’s voice said, bringing me out of the seductive haze of the stranger. I opened my eyes slowly and the stranger was gone. Dorian stood ten feet in front of me dressed in only jeans. My eyes traced the cut of his muscles, highlighted and shadowed by the glow of the fire. Where the stranger was beautiful, Dorian was edgy. The promise of danger clung to him, provoking something inside of me.
When he reached me, Dorian wrapped an arm around my waist and lifted me into his arms without a word. My legs wrapped around his hard waist and, before I could make sense of what was happening, Dorian was kissing me. He claimed my mouth as though it was his to claim, not wasting time with sensual seductions. When his tongue penetrated the seal of my lips, I opened my mouth and welcomed him inside. The first stroke of his tongue against mine sent a jolt sizzling between my legs. My behind sat in Dorian’s strong hands, his fingers squeezing the plump flesh as he moved me against his body. The ripples of his stomach caused the sweetest friction between my legs.
“He can’t have you, Gwen,” he breathed against my lips.
“Who?” I whispered.
A smirk tugged one side of his mouth up, cocky and confident.
I only realized I’d been dreaming when my eyes opened and the ceiling of my bedroom greeted me. Running a hand over my face, I sat up and took in the darkened space. I was still wearing the clothes from the day before, having collapsed onto the mattress as soon as Dorian showed me to my room. The alarm clock beside the bed said that it was just after five in the morning. I hadn’t gotten nearly enough sleep, but I was too wound up from the dream to try for a few more z’s.
Swinging my legs over the edge of the bed, I stared out of the small window beside the dresser. Taking a few minutes, I thought about my life in hopes of remembering something. When only blankness swirled through my brain, I put my head in my hands and grumbled into my palms. Though it had only been a day since I lost my memory, it felt a lot longer. Nothing made sense to me now and that only aggravated me.
The sound of a door shutting brought me out of my thoughts. Standing, I padded toward my door and opened it just enough that I could see into the hall. There was a room across from me and a sliver of light spilled from beneath the door. Was that Dorian’s room? As soon as the thought crossed my mind I knew it wasn’t; I’d seen a man’s duffel bag sitting on my bedroom floor, which meant Dorian stayed in my room. The idea of having him in my bed caused a mixture of excitement and fear. I still wasn’t sure what to think about that man, or what that said about me by being with him. How serious could Dorian and I be though if he didn’t even know what was going on between us? Something about that made me feel a little better. Maybe he’d just been a fling, a bad judgment on a lonely night. He had been helpful in his own way, but that didn’t mean I trusted him. He put me on edge, an instinctual feeling that warned me about him.
Opening the door further, I tiptoed down the hall and toward the kitchen. I’d been looking toward the living room, afraid I may wake Dorian. However, when my gaze swept toward the kitchen, I jerked at seeing him sitting at the table. My hand flew to my chest as my heart jumpstarted. He sat with his elbows propped up and hands clasped with his head resting atop his knuckles. At my arrival, he lifted his head and my jaw dropped. He wasn’t wearing his sunglasses. Moving closer, I stared at his bizarre eyes.
“Couldn’t sleep?” He asked, leaning back against the chair. I was aware he asked a question but my focus was on the gray clouds swirling through his sockets. There was no pupil, just fogginess. Realizing I was making the ‘what the hell face’, I dropped my gaze.
“What?” I asked, swiveling my head to search for the coffeepot.
“I’m Death, Gwen,” Dorian replied.
I stopped my search for coffee. “What?”
He inhaled a deep breath through his nose and leaned onto the table again. Now that his eyes were on the tabletop, I noticed the cut of his arms. The cotton on his t-shirt fit snuggly around his biceps, which only made me think of that scandalous dream. Why couldn’t I have dreamt about my life, something to help me remember? More than that, why did I have to dream about two men? Wasn’t one enough for my sleeping brain?
“That’s why my eyes are the way they are,” Dorian explained. “I am the angel of Death.”
I stilled in the middle of the kitchen, shocked at the news. I was involved with the angel of Death?
“I sense you have questions,” Dorian said. I just now noticed how tired his voice sounded and I wondered if he had slept at all. Did angels sleep?
“Do you have wings?” As soon as the question was out of my mouth, I cringed. Do you have wings? Seriously?
Dorian chuckled. “In a sense, yes. And no, I do not carry a scythe or wear a black robe.” He half turned to look at me, a smirk on his face. “Just in case you were wondering.”
Another thought occurred to me, and just like before, I couldn’t stop it from leaving my lips. “But you and I…we…I slept with a…is that…never mind.” Racing over to the coffeepot, I got to work at making a fresh pot and tried to ignore Dorian’s gaze at my back. When God created humans, he should have made it to where our brains needed three cups of coffee before we could talk. I was convinced that after my veins were laced with caffeine, I could carry on an articulate conversation.
“I’m not the harp playing, halo wearing, white wings kind of angel, cupcake.” Dorian stood and walked over to where I stood. Leaning his hip against the counter, he stood sideways so that he was staring down at me.
“Why are you so flustered this morning?” Dorian asked. “Is it because you don’t remember me and knowing we were intimate embarrasses you?” He tilted his head to the side. The clouds in his eyes crawled slowly across his sockets and I found myself lost in their abyss.
“Gwen?”
Blinking, I focused on Dorian’s face again. “Yeah, it’s a little awkward, but it’s more than that. I’m trying to figure out who I was and knowing I was with someone like you…” I looked down. “Was it because I also deal with the dead? Are supernatural’s attracted to their own kind?” When I looked up, Dorian’s features had hardened. His lips were now just a straight line across his mouth and his eyebrows pulled together, forming a wrinkle between his eyes.
“Someone like me?”
“I just mean,” I started and then paused, trying to think of what I did mean. “I’m trying to figure out what attracted me to you, I guess. When someone gets involved with someone else, it says a lot about his or her character.” I paused to think. “At least, I think it does. Like say you’re a horrible person. Wouldn’t that mean that I am also horrible?”
Dorian’s features softened the slightest bit, though I didn’t know why; everything I said sounded like an insult. It’s the lack of caffeine, I told myself.
“I had a dream,” I continued.
“A dream?” Dorian asked.
I nodded. “That’s why I’m awake. I couldn’t fall back asleep.”
“What kind of dream?”
Though embarrassing, I knew I should tell him. “There was a dark haired man, very good looking with blue eyes. He and I, well, we sorta made out. He called me ‘my Gwen’.” Dorian frowned and looked away. Something about me dreaming about an imaginary man upset him, which only made me wonder if we were more serious than Dorian let on.
“Do I know anyone fitting the description of the man?”
Dorian stared down at me for a long time in silence as though debating whether he should tell me the truth or not. His hesitance confirmed that I did know the other man in my dream. Since I had lost my memories, I kind of thought I knew him. I hadn’t seen anyone that looked like that while I was running around town. One random piece of information I remembered was learning that our brains could not conjure up random faces in our dreams. Those featured in our sleeping worlds could be random people we see throughout the day and just not remember. However, if I saw someone resembling the man from my dream, I would have taken notice. He was just that beautiful.
“Who is he, Dorian?”
“Sounds like the vampire,” Dorian remarked with distaste. “He could be pulling you into his dreams through your bond.”
“Vampire? Bonded?” While Micah had informed me that monsters existed, I hadn’t really thought about what that meant. There were really vampires, and I was bonded to one. Why?
“Aiden,” Dorian said. “Your ex. He bonded with you a couple weeks ago.”
I turned my back toward the cabinets and leaned my behind against the counter. Crossing my arms, I stared at the yellowing linoleum floor.
“What does being bonded mean? Is it…dangerous?”
“For him,” Dorian bit out and then looked over at me. “Yes, it can be dangerous but—as much as I hate to admit it—I don’t think Aiden would harm you. It just means you’re always aware of each other. Some of the more talented vampires can pull you into their dreams.”
“I don’t think he pulled me into his dream,” I said.
“Why’s that?”
Spinning back around, I filled the filter with grounds and the tank with water, pushing the start button. Dorian reached out to me and brushed my curtain of dark hair over my shoulder so he could see my face.
“You were there,” I admitted. “You stopped it—us—from going any further. The other man disappeared.” I looked back at the coffeepot. “Can I pull people into my dreams, or was it just a dream?”
“You and Aiden were together and then I showed up?” Dorian mumbled as though he was talking to himself rather than me. I risked a glance at him and found him…smiling.
“What?”
“There are two possible scenarios, both of which are good,” Dorian said. “Aiden either conjured a dream for the two of you and your imagination created me within it, breaking his hold over your sleeping mind, or your memories are resurfacing.”
I perked up at that. “You really think my memories could be coming back?” I’d worry about being bonded to a vampire later. At the moment, the prospect of regaining my mind took higher priority.
“Maybe Micah was right and all you needed was some sleep for the spell to wear off,” Dorian said.
I chewed on my bottom lip. “Yeah, but I don’t remember anything.” I tried to conjure any semblance of memories and hit the same static wall I had before. My hope deflated with the knowledge that nothing had changed.
“Hey,” Dorian said soothingly, “all of this will be fixed today. If Micah cannot get the woman to reverse the spell, I will.” Something about the way he said that caused me to look up at him with concern.
“How?”
“I think it’s best you don’t know,” Dorian responded, turning away from me. “You already don’t trust me.”
“My mind has been wiped,” I retorted. “I don’t trust anybody.” Dorian and I watched each other for a few long moments.
“I’m one of the few people you can trust, Gwen. The things I’ve done for you…”
The coffeepot beeped, interrupting the tension between Dorian and me. While I really wanted a cup of liquid caffeine, I needed to know what Dorian meant.
“What have you done?”
Dorian gave me a sad smile, his lips thinned but curled at the edges. As we stared at one another, that something in my gut tightened again. What the hell was that?
“What I had to,” Dorian finally said. Before I could ask him any more questions, he grabbed his leather jacket off the coat rack and left the apartment.
CHAPTER FIVE - GWEN I stood in a large open room, the floor hard tile beneath my feet. A cavernous stone fireplace took up one wall, its mouth large enough for someone to walk through. Flames licked against the brick, hissing and popping as it illuminated the space in warmth. Something tickled my feet and when I looked down; I found thin wisps of fog twining around my ankles like playful fingers. The soft rasp of a man’s chuckle brought my attention back to the room. A beautiful man stood near the fireplace, his hair as black as coal. Little strands fell across his azure eyes. Though not menacing, I noticed how intense those eyes were. They watched me knowingly, the way only a man who has experienced a woman could. His gaze cemented me to the floor, entrapping me in his seductive allure. Who was he and why did he seem so familiar?
In the time it took me to blink, the man was behind me. His fingers curled around my shoulders, cool and strong. He drew my hair to the side to reveal my bare neck, trailing his nose up the length as he inhaled me. My eyelids fell closed slow and heavy as I tilted my head in the opposite direction to give him all the access he needed. The man was an unmovable barrier at my back, supporting my weight as I sagged against him.
When his lips made contact with my throat, a shudder skipped its way through my body. Energy unlike anything I’d ever felt poked and prodded against every inch of exposed skin. A need stronger than I thought possible, overpowered all rational thought until I was near panting for this beautiful stranger. His large hand came around my waist and slid across my stomach. He squeezed his fingers, bunching the material of my nightgown in his tight grip, and began pulling upward. Inch by inch, the nightgown rose, exposing my bare legs, while the man kissed a path down my neck and across my collarbone. The hardness of his erection pressed into my behind, promising me pleasure.
“My Gwen,” he breathed against my skin while his hand slipped under my panties. A shuddering breath escaped my lips as he moved his fingers slowly down between my legs. My breath froze in my lungs as I waited for his touch to make contact with my sex.
“Gwen,” another man’s voice said, bringing me out of the seductive haze of the stranger. I opened my eyes slowly and the stranger was gone. Dorian stood ten feet in front of me dressed in only jeans. My eyes traced the cut of his muscles, highlighted and shadowed by the glow of the fire. Where the stranger was beautiful, Dorian was edgy. The promise of danger clung to him, provoking something inside of me.
When he reached me, Dorian wrapped an arm around my waist and lifted me into his arms without a word. My legs wrapped around his hard waist and, before I could make sense of what was happening, Dorian was kissing me. He claimed my mouth as though it was his to claim, not wasting time with sensual seductions. When his tongue penetrated the seal of my lips, I opened my mouth and welcomed him inside. The first stroke of his tongue against mine sent a jolt sizzling between my legs. My behind sat in Dorian’s strong hands, his fingers squeezing the plump flesh as he moved me against his body. The ripples of his stomach caused the sweetest friction between my legs.
“He can’t have you, Gwen,” he breathed against my lips.
“Who?” I whispered.
A smirk tugged one side of his mouth up, cocky and confident.
I only realized I’d been dreaming when my eyes opened and the ceiling of my bedroom greeted me. Running a hand over my face, I sat up and took in the darkened space. I was still wearing the clothes from the day before, having collapsed onto the mattress as soon as Dorian showed me to my room. The alarm clock beside the bed said that it was just after five in the morning. I hadn’t gotten nearly enough sleep, but I was too wound up from the dream to try for a few more z’s.
Swinging my legs over the edge of the bed, I stared out of the small window beside the dresser. Taking a few minutes, I thought about my life in hopes of remembering something. When only blankness swirled through my brain, I put my head in my hands and grumbled into my palms. Though it had only been a day since I lost my memory, it felt a lot longer. Nothing made sense to me now and that only aggravated me.
The sound of a door shutting brought me out of my thoughts. Standing, I padded toward my door and opened it just enough that I could see into the hall. There was a room across from me and a sliver of light spilled from beneath the door. Was that Dorian’s room? As soon as the thought crossed my mind I knew it wasn’t; I’d seen a man’s duffel bag sitting on my bedroom floor, which meant Dorian stayed in my room. The idea of having him in my bed caused a mixture of excitement and fear. I still wasn’t sure what to think about that man, or what that said about me by being with him. How serious could Dorian and I be though if he didn’t even know what was going on between us? Something about that made me feel a little better. Maybe he’d just been a fling, a bad judgment on a lonely night. He had been helpful in his own way, but that didn’t mean I trusted him. He put me on edge, an instinctual feeling that warned me about him.
Opening the door further, I tiptoed down the hall and toward the kitchen. I’d been looking toward the living room, afraid I may wake Dorian. However, when my gaze swept toward the kitchen, I jerked at seeing him sitting at the table. My hand flew to my chest as my heart jumpstarted. He sat with his elbows propped up and hands clasped with his head resting atop his knuckles. At my arrival, he lifted his head and my jaw dropped. He wasn’t wearing his sunglasses. Moving closer, I stared at his bizarre eyes.
“Couldn’t sleep?” He asked, leaning back against the chair. I was aware he asked a question but my focus was on the gray clouds swirling through his sockets. There was no pupil, just fogginess. Realizing I was making the ‘what the hell face’, I dropped my gaze.
“What?” I asked, swiveling my head to search for the coffeepot.
“I’m Death, Gwen,” Dorian replied.
I stopped my search for coffee. “What?”
He inhaled a deep breath through his nose and leaned onto the table again. Now that his eyes were on the tabletop, I noticed the cut of his arms. The cotton on his t-shirt fit snuggly around his biceps, which only made me think of that scandalous dream. Why couldn’t I have dreamt about my life, something to help me remember? More than that, why did I have to dream about two men? Wasn’t one enough for my sleeping brain?
“That’s why my eyes are the way they are,” Dorian explained. “I am the angel of Death.”
I stilled in the middle of the kitchen, shocked at the news. I was involved with the angel of Death?
“I sense you have questions,” Dorian said. I just now noticed how tired his voice sounded and I wondered if he had slept at all. Did angels sleep?
“Do you have wings?” As soon as the question was out of my mouth, I cringed. Do you have wings? Seriously?
Dorian chuckled. “In a sense, yes. And no, I do not carry a scythe or wear a black robe.” He half turned to look at me, a smirk on his face. “Just in case you were wondering.”
Another thought occurred to me, and just like before, I couldn’t stop it from leaving my lips. “But you and I…we…I slept with a…is that…never mind.” Racing over to the coffeepot, I got to work at making a fresh pot and tried to ignore Dorian’s gaze at my back. When God created humans, he should have made it to where our brains needed three cups of coffee before we could talk. I was convinced that after my veins were laced with caffeine, I could carry on an articulate conversation.
“I’m not the harp playing, halo wearing, white wings kind of angel, cupcake.” Dorian stood and walked over to where I stood. Leaning his hip against the counter, he stood sideways so that he was staring down at me.
“Why are you so flustered this morning?” Dorian asked. “Is it because you don’t remember me and knowing we were intimate embarrasses you?” He tilted his head to the side. The clouds in his eyes crawled slowly across his sockets and I found myself lost in their abyss.
“Gwen?”
Blinking, I focused on Dorian’s face again. “Yeah, it’s a little awkward, but it’s more than that. I’m trying to figure out who I was and knowing I was with someone like you…” I looked down. “Was it because I also deal with the dead? Are supernatural’s attracted to their own kind?” When I looked up, Dorian’s features had hardened. His lips were now just a straight line across his mouth and his eyebrows pulled together, forming a wrinkle between his eyes.
“Someone like me?”
“I just mean,” I started and then paused, trying to think of what I did mean. “I’m trying to figure out what attracted me to you, I guess. When someone gets involved with someone else, it says a lot about his or her character.” I paused to think. “At least, I think it does. Like say you’re a horrible person. Wouldn’t that mean that I am also horrible?”
Dorian’s features softened the slightest bit, though I didn’t know why; everything I said sounded like an insult. It’s the lack of caffeine, I told myself.
“I had a dream,” I continued.
“A dream?” Dorian asked.
I nodded. “That’s why I’m awake. I couldn’t fall back asleep.”
“What kind of dream?”
Though embarrassing, I knew I should tell him. “There was a dark haired man, very good looking with blue eyes. He and I, well, we sorta made out. He called me ‘my Gwen’.” Dorian frowned and looked away. Something about me dreaming about an imaginary man upset him, which only made me wonder if we were more serious than Dorian let on.
“Do I know anyone fitting the description of the man?”
Dorian stared down at me for a long time in silence as though debating whether he should tell me the truth or not. His hesitance confirmed that I did know the other man in my dream. Since I had lost my memories, I kind of thought I knew him. I hadn’t seen anyone that looked like that while I was running around town. One random piece of information I remembered was learning that our brains could not conjure up random faces in our dreams. Those featured in our sleeping worlds could be random people we see throughout the day and just not remember. However, if I saw someone resembling the man from my dream, I would have taken notice. He was just that beautiful.
“Who is he, Dorian?”
“Sounds like the vampire,” Dorian remarked with distaste. “He could be pulling you into his dreams through your bond.”
“Vampire? Bonded?” While Micah had informed me that monsters existed, I hadn’t really thought about what that meant. There were really vampires, and I was bonded to one. Why?
“Aiden,” Dorian said. “Your ex. He bonded with you a couple weeks ago.”
I turned my back toward the cabinets and leaned my behind against the counter. Crossing my arms, I stared at the yellowing linoleum floor.
“What does being bonded mean? Is it…dangerous?”
“For him,” Dorian bit out and then looked over at me. “Yes, it can be dangerous but—as much as I hate to admit it—I don’t think Aiden would harm you. It just means you’re always aware of each other. Some of the more talented vampires can pull you into their dreams.”
“I don’t think he pulled me into his dream,” I said.
“Why’s that?”
Spinning back around, I filled the filter with grounds and the tank with water, pushing the start button. Dorian reached out to me and brushed my curtain of dark hair over my shoulder so he could see my face.
“You were there,” I admitted. “You stopped it—us—from going any further. The other man disappeared.” I looked back at the coffeepot. “Can I pull people into my dreams, or was it just a dream?”
“You and Aiden were together and then I showed up?” Dorian mumbled as though he was talking to himself rather than me. I risked a glance at him and found him…smiling.
“What?”
“There are two possible scenarios, both of which are good,” Dorian said. “Aiden either conjured a dream for the two of you and your imagination created me within it, breaking his hold over your sleeping mind, or your memories are resurfacing.”
I perked up at that. “You really think my memories could be coming back?” I’d worry about being bonded to a vampire later. At the moment, the prospect of regaining my mind took higher priority.
“Maybe Micah was right and all you needed was some sleep for the spell to wear off,” Dorian said.
I chewed on my bottom lip. “Yeah, but I don’t remember anything.” I tried to conjure any semblance of memories and hit the same static wall I had before. My hope deflated with the knowledge that nothing had changed.
“Hey,” Dorian said soothingly, “all of this will be fixed today. If Micah cannot get the woman to reverse the spell, I will.” Something about the way he said that caused me to look up at him with concern.
“How?”
“I think it’s best you don’t know,” Dorian responded, turning away from me. “You already don’t trust me.”
“My mind has been wiped,” I retorted. “I don’t trust anybody.” Dorian and I watched each other for a few long moments.
“I’m one of the few people you can trust, Gwen. The things I’ve done for you…”
The coffeepot beeped, interrupting the tension between Dorian and me. While I really wanted a cup of liquid caffeine, I needed to know what Dorian meant.
“What have you done?”
Dorian gave me a sad smile, his lips thinned but curled at the edges. As we stared at one another, that something in my gut tightened again. What the hell was that?
“What I had to,” Dorian finally said. Before I could ask him any more questions, he grabbed his leather jacket off the coat rack and left the apartment.
August 26, 2014
HEXED - CHAPTER FOUR
If you've been following along on my Facebook page, then you know I'm posting the first five chapters of Hexed, one chapter ever Tuesday. Hexed is being sent for editing at the end of this week, scheduled to release at the end of September!! If you missed the first three chapters of Hexed, you can find them here: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3.
You are reading the unedited, rough draft version. Enjoy! CHAPTER FOUR - DORIAN The house was empty when Gwen and I got back. Before all the chaos started, we’d been out to dinner with Gwen’s best friend, Fiona and her boyfriend, Ethan. It was just after midnight and they still weren’t home. Shrugging out of my leather coat, I hung it on the rack beside the door and watched Gwen inspect the house. She nibbled on her lower lip as she took in the small blue kitchen.
“Not what you expected?” I asked, leaning one shoulder against the wall and crossing my arms. She turned, her blue eyes connecting with mine. The memory from the night before flashed through my head, when those same eyes connected with mine while I buried myself inside of her. They had darkened with her desire, burned me as we held each other’s stares.
“What do I do for a living?” Gwen asked, moving into the living room. I trailed after her, my gaze going to the sofa where she had first seduced me. I wasn’t sure which one of was more unlucky, but at the moment, it felt like me. After finally getting her, someone came along and wiped me completely from her mind. I wanted to scream in frustration, but reserved my temper for the bitch who hexed Gwen. Despite what Micah said, I had my own plans to fix Gwen. Following the rules and laws didn’t interest me, not when I could hand out my own special brand of justice. Once I started ripping someone’s soul from their body they would do pretty much whatever I wanted. Gwen would be back to normal by tomorrow.
“You own a magic shop in town,” I told her.
“I own the shop?” She asked with disbelief. “Business must not be good.”
I shrugged. “You do alright. You’re just not materialistic, and the apartment has suited you.”
Wariness crossed her face. “You know me well enough to make that statement?”
“Yes,” I said simply. The only thing I didn’t know about this woman was why I couldn’t seem to walk away from her. I’d gotten what I wanted, taught her enough that she could be a successful spirit walker. There was no reason for me to stick around any longer. I kept telling myself that eventually I’d grow tired of her and move on like all the other times, but as I watched her, walking away was the furthest thing on my mind.
“Okay, so I’m just going to ask,” Gwen said. “What’s our deal?”
“Our deal?” Her obvious nervousness was adorable. In all the time I’d know this woman I’d never seen her look nervous, not like this. Something about it was endearing.
“Cut the shit,” she snapped. “You know what I mean. Are we dating? I mean, you live with me and we’ve obviously had sex. What’s our deal?”
In all my existence I’d never had the relationship talk. There was one woman a couple hundred years ago that I spent time with regularly, but we’d never discussed what that meant. I am Death. Discussing such human traditions was absurd, but standing in this tiny apartment, faced with this confused woman, I never felt more human than I did in this moment and I wasn’t sure how I felt about that.
“I don’t know,” I told her honestly. “This is new, only a couple days old actually. Everything was great and then…”
“Then I lost my memories and forgot everything,” Gwen finished. She looked away and then back to me again. “How are we going to fix this?” I could tell that she was off the relationship issue and more worried about getting her life back. Relieved for the topic change, I walked toward her and wrapped my arms around her shoulders, bringing her into me. Reluctantly, she wound her arms around my waist and rested her head against my chest. Holding her felt too damn good.
“I have a plan,” I whispered into the silence of the apartment. “I promise I’ll fix this.”
Lifting her head, Gwen stared up at me. Raising my hand to her face, I brushed her hair back and, ever so slowly, leaned down to kiss her. I didn’t care if she remembered me or not. All I wanted to do was taste her lips again.
“Uh…I think I should get to bed.” She stepped out of my arms before my lips touched hers, avoiding my eyes at all costs. “Where’s my bedroom?”
I sucked in a deep breath, held it for a few seconds and released all my pent up aggravation on the exhale. If I were smart, I’d find some bar, pick up a woman, and screw her until Gwen was out of my system. That’s what I should have done, but instead I helped Gwen find her room and then retreated to the sofa. I told myself that I stayed because once again she needed my help, but the truth was, I was here because nothing outside of this apartment interested me. I was beyond my comfort zone, walking blind through an experience I had yet to encounter.
I rested my head back against the sofa cushions, my left knee bobbing up and down like a crack addict jonesing for their next fix. Closing my eyes, I tried to think of things that wouldn’t lead me back to Gwen. The problem was, I’d become so immersed in her world that no matter what stray thoughts popped into my head, they all led me back to the woman down the hall. Whatever was wrong with me, I didn’t like it.
You are reading the unedited, rough draft version. Enjoy! CHAPTER FOUR - DORIAN The house was empty when Gwen and I got back. Before all the chaos started, we’d been out to dinner with Gwen’s best friend, Fiona and her boyfriend, Ethan. It was just after midnight and they still weren’t home. Shrugging out of my leather coat, I hung it on the rack beside the door and watched Gwen inspect the house. She nibbled on her lower lip as she took in the small blue kitchen.
“Not what you expected?” I asked, leaning one shoulder against the wall and crossing my arms. She turned, her blue eyes connecting with mine. The memory from the night before flashed through my head, when those same eyes connected with mine while I buried myself inside of her. They had darkened with her desire, burned me as we held each other’s stares.
“What do I do for a living?” Gwen asked, moving into the living room. I trailed after her, my gaze going to the sofa where she had first seduced me. I wasn’t sure which one of was more unlucky, but at the moment, it felt like me. After finally getting her, someone came along and wiped me completely from her mind. I wanted to scream in frustration, but reserved my temper for the bitch who hexed Gwen. Despite what Micah said, I had my own plans to fix Gwen. Following the rules and laws didn’t interest me, not when I could hand out my own special brand of justice. Once I started ripping someone’s soul from their body they would do pretty much whatever I wanted. Gwen would be back to normal by tomorrow.
“You own a magic shop in town,” I told her.
“I own the shop?” She asked with disbelief. “Business must not be good.”
I shrugged. “You do alright. You’re just not materialistic, and the apartment has suited you.”
Wariness crossed her face. “You know me well enough to make that statement?”
“Yes,” I said simply. The only thing I didn’t know about this woman was why I couldn’t seem to walk away from her. I’d gotten what I wanted, taught her enough that she could be a successful spirit walker. There was no reason for me to stick around any longer. I kept telling myself that eventually I’d grow tired of her and move on like all the other times, but as I watched her, walking away was the furthest thing on my mind.
“Okay, so I’m just going to ask,” Gwen said. “What’s our deal?”
“Our deal?” Her obvious nervousness was adorable. In all the time I’d know this woman I’d never seen her look nervous, not like this. Something about it was endearing.
“Cut the shit,” she snapped. “You know what I mean. Are we dating? I mean, you live with me and we’ve obviously had sex. What’s our deal?”
In all my existence I’d never had the relationship talk. There was one woman a couple hundred years ago that I spent time with regularly, but we’d never discussed what that meant. I am Death. Discussing such human traditions was absurd, but standing in this tiny apartment, faced with this confused woman, I never felt more human than I did in this moment and I wasn’t sure how I felt about that.
“I don’t know,” I told her honestly. “This is new, only a couple days old actually. Everything was great and then…”
“Then I lost my memories and forgot everything,” Gwen finished. She looked away and then back to me again. “How are we going to fix this?” I could tell that she was off the relationship issue and more worried about getting her life back. Relieved for the topic change, I walked toward her and wrapped my arms around her shoulders, bringing her into me. Reluctantly, she wound her arms around my waist and rested her head against my chest. Holding her felt too damn good.
“I have a plan,” I whispered into the silence of the apartment. “I promise I’ll fix this.”
Lifting her head, Gwen stared up at me. Raising my hand to her face, I brushed her hair back and, ever so slowly, leaned down to kiss her. I didn’t care if she remembered me or not. All I wanted to do was taste her lips again.
“Uh…I think I should get to bed.” She stepped out of my arms before my lips touched hers, avoiding my eyes at all costs. “Where’s my bedroom?”
I sucked in a deep breath, held it for a few seconds and released all my pent up aggravation on the exhale. If I were smart, I’d find some bar, pick up a woman, and screw her until Gwen was out of my system. That’s what I should have done, but instead I helped Gwen find her room and then retreated to the sofa. I told myself that I stayed because once again she needed my help, but the truth was, I was here because nothing outside of this apartment interested me. I was beyond my comfort zone, walking blind through an experience I had yet to encounter.
I rested my head back against the sofa cushions, my left knee bobbing up and down like a crack addict jonesing for their next fix. Closing my eyes, I tried to think of things that wouldn’t lead me back to Gwen. The problem was, I’d become so immersed in her world that no matter what stray thoughts popped into my head, they all led me back to the woman down the hall. Whatever was wrong with me, I didn’t like it.
August 19, 2014
HEXED - CHAPTER 3
If you've been following along on my Facebook page, then you know I plan to post the first five chapters of Hexed on my blog. If you missed the first two chapters you can find them here: Chapter 1, Chapter 2.
Hexed will be releasing at the end of September!
Please keep in mind you guys are reading the unedited, rough draft version. Hope you enjoy. chapter three - gwen Bright fluorescent lights blinded me as I pushed through the double glass doors leading into the police department. One main desk sat in the middle of the floor. A short wall formed a U around the reception, blocking anyone from entering the main section.
“Gwen?” A woman with shoulder length brown hair and deep set green eyes stared at me. The dip in her eyebrows told me she was as confused as I was. “What are you doing here at this hour?”
“You know me?” I asked expectantly, recognizing she used the same name Dorian had. Hello, my name is Gwen. That was the first puzzle piece into figuring out who I was. The crease in the woman’s forehead deepened. She came around her desk to stand in front of me.
“Of course I know you,” she told me. “It’s me, Marie. I’ve been working here for the past five years.”
“Right, of course,” I said, trying to pull off nonchalance. “Did you lose weight, change your hair?” I had no clue why I was pretending as if I remembered her. She was as much of a stranger as my own reflection.
“No,” she said looking down at herself before meeting my gaze again. “Are you okay? Has something happened?”
“I’m okay, but something has happened,” I told her. “Is there a police officer I could talk to?” I swiveled my head to stare around the department. Other than Marie, it looked pretty empty. Half of the lights were off, except the one over the reception and one toward the back.
“I’ll call Micah,” Marie said, moving back around her desk and picking up the phone. By the way she said his name, I was guessing I knew this Micah guy too. The question was, did I know him because we were friends or had I gotten in so much trouble that I was on a first name basis with the police. Didn’t Dorian say something about me getting in trouble a lot? I sunk into one of the plastic chairs lining the entrance and buried my head in my hands.
“He’ll be here in five minutes,” Marie said. “You want something to drink?”
I shook my head. “No, thank you.” What I really wanted was to crawl into a warm bed, wake up and find out this had all been a bad dream.
~oOo~
The doors opening brought me out of my thoughts. A man with broad shoulders and shoulder-length brown hair stopped in front of me. My eyes took a little trip down his body, taking in his jeans and long sleeve henley that had three little buttons at the neck, all undone. When my gaze made its way back up to his face, I noticed the unusual color of his eyes. They were the color of whiskey, but with more yellow. Strange, but beautiful.
“What’s happened now?” the man asked me with a small smile.
“You’re Micah?” I asked standing up and crossing my arms. “You’re a police officer?”
“Detective,” he responded with caution. “Gwen, what’s going on?”
My eyes flitted over to where Marie stood beside him, her gaze just as confused as Micah’s. The only thing I had to go off of was what Dorian told me.
“Come on, we’ll talk in my office.”
Without another word, I followed Micah down the tile aisle. Five desks sat off to the side while walled offices were to the left. Micah entered the third one down, shutting the door behind us. The room was basic: white walls, gray carpet, one window behind a gray desk. A corkboard hung on the wall, a picture of a map with routes highlighted.
“Have a seat,” Micah offered, walking around his desk and sitting. When I sat down, Micah leaned back in his chair and clasped his fingers in front of him. “So, what happened?”
“I don’t remember anything,” I told him, just now realizing that he may think I was sick rather than bewitched.
“Something happened but you don’t remember?”
“No,” I told him, “well, yes, something happened. I mean…” I took a deep breath and tried again. “I can’t remember anything as in…anything. I don’t know where I live, who I am or where I am. I don’t recognize people who know me or remember anything about my life.”
Micah sat up straight, his eerie citrine eyes widening. “So, you really don’t know who I am, don’t remember anything about us?” He let out a shaky breath. “I thought that little act in the lobby was a joke.”
I shook my head. “Not a joke.”
“Shit. When did you lose your memory, and where are Dorian and Fiona?”
“You know Dorian?” I asked. I shouldn’t have been surprised though; Dorian looked like he had a few run-ins with the police. “I haven’t met anyone named Fiona.”
“Yeah, I know him. You and he…have been working together. He’s supposed to be teaching you how to yield your powers.”
My eyebrows arched. “I have powers?”
Micah’s face scrunched up. “Of course you do. You’re a witch, Gwen. Well, a spirit walker to be more precise.”
My head was in a whirlwind. I’m a witch? I wasn’t sure if I wanted to know what a spirit walker was or not. If I was a witch, did that mean Dorian was one too? Was that why he was teaching me?
“Was Dorian with you when you lost your memories?”
I shrugged. “I think so, yes. He said we were in a bakery, and then I couldn’t remember anything.”
“So, you’ve spoke with him since it happened?”
I nodded. “Yes, but I wasn’t sure if I could trust him or not. My memories may be gone, but I still possess my red flags, and he sent all of them up.”
Micah surprised me when he laughed at my statement. “Yeah, he’s hell on the senses. Believe me, I know.”
I studied Micah a little closer. Essentially, he looked normal. The only bizarre thing about him was the color of his eyes. Then again, looks could be deceiving in a place like this. The woman I had run to help for had looked normal also, until she reanimated the rose bushes. Maybe she was a witch too.
“What is this place?” I asked Micah. “I’ve seen some things, things that shouldn’t be possible. Is it some government test city?”
Again, Micah laughed. “Wow, you really don’t remember anything, do you?” When I frowned at him, he continued. “Supernaturals exist: witches, vampires, elves, werewolves… They revealed themselves to the public in the eighties, called it the Great Revelation. Humans accepted us for the most part, but there are segregation laws in some states that determine whether humans and supernaturals can co-exist. For those states, there are magical communities set up for all otherworldly beings. We live in one called Flora. It sits in Missouri, but is bewitched to look like a cornfield to the human eye. This is for our protection against those who wish to harm us.” He gave me a friendly smile. “And that is your history lesson for tonight.”
“Wow, okay,” I said unintelligently, “So it is possible that someone put a…spell on me? Why would someone want to do that and how do I fix it?”
Micah’s lips thinned as he thought for a moment. “I’ll have to consult with our lab team to see what they know about these kinds of spells. Tomorrow, I’ll investigate the bakery and its workers. I really should talk to Dorian. He may know more about this than you.”
“Someone say my name?”
I spun around to find Dorian standing just behind my chair. The office door was still closed and I hadn’t heard him enter the room.
“How the hell did you get in here? Are you stalking on me?”
He shrugged unapologetically. “I knew Detective Reynolds would want to talk to me. What information is he going to get from a woman who can’t remember anything?” Without invitation, Dorian sat down in the chair next to me.
“He’s right,” Micah added.
I crossed my arms and zoned out while the two men discussed me as though I wasn’t there. I had come to the police station in the hopes of finding a quick fix as unrealistic as it was. While Dorian spoke to Micah, I took the time to study him closer. His square jaw had stubble shadowing it, and he still wore those damn sunglasses. Weirdo. Despite all my misgivings about my stalker, he was attractive—in a biker criminal sort of way. A hint of danger clung to him, almost palpable in its intensity. My eyes fell to his lips, the bottom a little fuller than the top. Something stirred in my gut when I watched his mouth move. He wasn’t just attractive; he was sexy. I mentally smacked my subconscious for that sinful thought. Dorian’s head shifted toward me the slightest bit, and those lips I’d been admiring secretly turned up at one corner. I quickly shifted my gaze to my lap, paranoid that he’d heard my internal thoughts. There was no way he knew what I’d been thinking, at least, I hoped he couldn’t.
“I can’t do much until the morning,” Micah said. “Take Gwen home and I’ll let you know something tomorrow. With any luck, this is just a temporary spell and she’ll be as good as new after a good night’s sleep.”
Micah and Dorian both stood, leaning toward each other while they shook hands. Standing, I eyed Dorian with reluctance. Micah had been nice and he didn’t seem alarmed by Dorian’s presence, or me being alone with him. I had to assume that Dorian wasn’t as bad as my imagination made him out to be.
Dorian and I were silent as we walked out of the police department and down the long walkway that led to the street. I still wanted to know how he’d gotten in Micah’s office without ever opening the door, but I figured there were some things I could not grasp until I got my memories back. Everything in this town was one big conundrum. I felt like Alice, but instead of quirky characters, my Wonderland ended up being filled with monsters. Lucky me.
“You followed me, didn’t you?” I finally said, stopping once we reached the sidewalk. A shiny motorcycle sat beside the curb. I didn’t need Dorian to tell me it was his; what else would someone like him drive? I mentally chuckled at the thought of him cruising around in a minivan.
“Yes, but only because I knew Micah would want to talk to me.” Dorian stepped toward the bike and swung his leg over it, sitting down.
“Then why didn’t you just tell me that?”
He shrugged. “You were pretty hellbent on getting away from me.” He curled his hands around the handlebars and rotated them back and forth. The motorcycle roared to life, even though I hadn’t seen him insert a key. “I’m not the bad guy, Gwen.”
I took in the sight of this magnificent man straddling the motorcycle and that tightening in my gut returned. His last comment made me feel guilty for judging him before actually knowing him. Though his attitude left a lot to be desired, he had helped me.
Dorian motioned with his head. “Get on.”
“No thanks, I can walk.” I started down the sidewalk, then realized I didn’t know where home was. Stupid. Half-turning, I looked at Dorian expectantly only for him to motion with his head to the bike again. Scratch him being helpful.
“I don’t think I like motorcycles,” I told him, trying to remember if I had any ill feelings toward bikes. I knew my apprehension was more for the man controlling the machine rather than the machine itself. Dorian just put me on edge plain and simple.
“You don’t know what you like, cupcake,” Dorian said, his tone a little too suggestive for normal conversation.
“Let me guess,” I said, turning and taking a couple steps toward him, “you do?”
“Would you like me to enlighten you?” Dorian asked. “There’s this thing I do with my mouth that you begged me not to stop doing last night. Maybe a refresher would jar your memory.”
My mouth fell open, my voice disappearing from my lips. Dorian chuckled at my shock, his lips peeling back in a shit-eating grin. Jerk.
“You’re lying,” I accused. “You and I…there’s no way.” Only, I thought I remembered him telling the witchy woman who attacked him with the roses that he was my boyfriend. Why hadn’t I remembered that until now?
“I didn’t think it was going to happen either,” Dorian said, “until you presented yourself to me dripping wet and clothed in only a towel.”
“You’re full of shit,” I told him. There was no way I would do something like that, right? Was I that ballsy? It made me call into question just the kind of person I was. Did Dorian and I know each other for a long time? Were we dating before I presented myself to him?
“You’re independent and sexy, Gwen,” Dorian said, breaking into my thoughts. “I see you analyzing the reasons behind why you would do something like that. It’s because you’re a strong woman that goes after what she wants. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I’m more worried about getting that woman back rather than offending your naïve brain. Hearing these things might help you remember.”
I threw my hands out in a ‘what the hell’ gesture. “You couldn’t choose another memory in the hopes of reviving my brain?”
“I could have…”
I shook my head, annoyed. “So…it looks like I don’t have the best judgment when it comes to men.”
Instead of getting offended, Dorian smiled. “You wound me, cupcake.”
“Your smirk suggest otherwise.”
“Get your ass on the bike so I can take you home.” When I arched an eyebrow at him, he continued. “Who’s mind is in the gutter now?”
“It didn’t find its way there on its own,” I told him, walking closer. Why was I walking closer? “That was the logical assumption after hearing the things you said.” I eyed the motorcycle, realizing that I would have to wrap my arms around Dorian’s waist so I didn’t fall off. My only other option was wandering around town in the hopes of remembering where I lived. I knew Dorian wasn’t going to tell me. Grudgingly, I stepped toward the bike and swung one of my legs over, steadying myself on Dorian’s shoulder when I teeter-tottered. Lowering myself on the seat, I positioned my legs up and settled my hands on my legs. If Dorian drove crazy, I could always grab onto him. That was my thought, but Dorian had one of his own. Reaching back, he grabbed my arm and brought it around his waist.
“I’d hate for you to take a tumble.” I could see his profile and the hint of a smile ghosting across his mouth. I doubted very much that he was concerned about me falling off the bike. When I didn’t remove my arm from around his waist, Dorian grabbed my other arm and brought it around his body. I interlocked my fingers. The position caused my front to press against his back. The scent of leather invaded my senses, and I found myself annoyed that I didn’t find it unpleasant.
“How far away do I live?”
“About a mile,” Dorian said right before he revved up his bike and pulled away from the curb. The chilly night hair whipped my hair around my face. Just as I was about to remove one of my hands to brush my hair away, his hand landed on mine to stop me. Face full of hair forgotten, I focused on the feel of his skin against mine. I wasn’t going to analyze the emotions taking up space inside my head. Obviously, I wasn’t in my right mind. Having ones memories zapped could cause a girl to think unclearly. Dorian was annoying and rude—among other things—which should have deterred me from the thoughts racing through my brain. If what Dorian said was true, then just a few short hours ago we’d been having sex. Talk about awkward.
Dorian rubbed his thumb against my hand, so slowly that at first I thought I had imagined it. What in the world did he think he was doing? I mean, sure we had an intimate relationship, but seeing as how I couldn’t remember it, he shouldn’t have been touching me like that. I needed more information on our history before I allowed that damned tightening in my stomach fool me into believing I was attracted to him. The problem was, I had no clue how to find out about us without asking the man himself. After the snippets I’d heard earlier I wasn’t sure I wanted a report of our time together from him.
I needed to get my mind off Dorian. Tilting my head up, I stared up at the twinkling stars above us. I closed my eyes and focused on the breeze against my face and the whipping of my hair behind me. I would not think about the way Dorian’s hard stomach felt against the palm of my hands or how he had placed his full hand over mine so that the creases of our fingers overlapped. The breeze. Focus on the damn breeze. He was purposefully trying to rattle me. As though hearing he did something with his mouth that caused me to beg hadn’t. Don’t think about his mouth. The sucky thing was that since I couldn’t remember anything, there wasn’t a lot to think about other than what was happening right now. All of my current memories involved Dorian. Gritting my teeth, I recited the alphabet. I had just made it to the letter M when Dorian braked and my body jolted into his. My eyes snapped open to see we had stopped outside of a building with white siding.
Once Dorian shut the motorcycle off, I scrambled off and looked up at the building to keep from having to look at him. Two rows of windows formed a double line across the front of the complex.
“So this is home, huh?” It wasn’t much to look at, a generic apartment building with a metal staircase leading to the second floor. I wasn’t sure how old I was, but I had hoped I was doing better for myself. When I pictured home, it was of a comfy house with a manicured lawn and a cobblestone walkway. My reality was a bummer.
“You’re up there,” Dorian said, pointing to the second floor. That was a bonus, I supposed. At least I didn’t have to listen to anyone stomping around above me.
I started toward the staircase but stopped when I noticed my stalker was following me. Spinning around, I said, “Thanks for getting me home, but I can take it from here.” Did he really expect me to invite him up?
“Did I forget to mention that I’m staying with you?”
“You live with me?” I didn’t bother hiding the skepticism in my voice. “Are we dating or are we roommates that happen to get drunk one night and sleep together?”
“Would it matter?” Dorian moved past me and headed toward the stairs.
“Yes,” I said, following him. “While both call my judgment into question, at least one could be excused by alcohol.”
“Sorry to disappoint you, but alcohol wasn’t involved. Moreover, stop acting like you’re not attracted to me. You and I both know you are. Pretending I’m a bad choice you made isn’t fooling anyone.” Without another word, Dorian headed up the stairs while I scowled at his back.
Hexed will be releasing at the end of September!
Please keep in mind you guys are reading the unedited, rough draft version. Hope you enjoy. chapter three - gwen Bright fluorescent lights blinded me as I pushed through the double glass doors leading into the police department. One main desk sat in the middle of the floor. A short wall formed a U around the reception, blocking anyone from entering the main section.
“Gwen?” A woman with shoulder length brown hair and deep set green eyes stared at me. The dip in her eyebrows told me she was as confused as I was. “What are you doing here at this hour?”
“You know me?” I asked expectantly, recognizing she used the same name Dorian had. Hello, my name is Gwen. That was the first puzzle piece into figuring out who I was. The crease in the woman’s forehead deepened. She came around her desk to stand in front of me.
“Of course I know you,” she told me. “It’s me, Marie. I’ve been working here for the past five years.”
“Right, of course,” I said, trying to pull off nonchalance. “Did you lose weight, change your hair?” I had no clue why I was pretending as if I remembered her. She was as much of a stranger as my own reflection.
“No,” she said looking down at herself before meeting my gaze again. “Are you okay? Has something happened?”
“I’m okay, but something has happened,” I told her. “Is there a police officer I could talk to?” I swiveled my head to stare around the department. Other than Marie, it looked pretty empty. Half of the lights were off, except the one over the reception and one toward the back.
“I’ll call Micah,” Marie said, moving back around her desk and picking up the phone. By the way she said his name, I was guessing I knew this Micah guy too. The question was, did I know him because we were friends or had I gotten in so much trouble that I was on a first name basis with the police. Didn’t Dorian say something about me getting in trouble a lot? I sunk into one of the plastic chairs lining the entrance and buried my head in my hands.
“He’ll be here in five minutes,” Marie said. “You want something to drink?”
I shook my head. “No, thank you.” What I really wanted was to crawl into a warm bed, wake up and find out this had all been a bad dream.
~oOo~
The doors opening brought me out of my thoughts. A man with broad shoulders and shoulder-length brown hair stopped in front of me. My eyes took a little trip down his body, taking in his jeans and long sleeve henley that had three little buttons at the neck, all undone. When my gaze made its way back up to his face, I noticed the unusual color of his eyes. They were the color of whiskey, but with more yellow. Strange, but beautiful.
“What’s happened now?” the man asked me with a small smile.
“You’re Micah?” I asked standing up and crossing my arms. “You’re a police officer?”
“Detective,” he responded with caution. “Gwen, what’s going on?”
My eyes flitted over to where Marie stood beside him, her gaze just as confused as Micah’s. The only thing I had to go off of was what Dorian told me.
“Come on, we’ll talk in my office.”
Without another word, I followed Micah down the tile aisle. Five desks sat off to the side while walled offices were to the left. Micah entered the third one down, shutting the door behind us. The room was basic: white walls, gray carpet, one window behind a gray desk. A corkboard hung on the wall, a picture of a map with routes highlighted.
“Have a seat,” Micah offered, walking around his desk and sitting. When I sat down, Micah leaned back in his chair and clasped his fingers in front of him. “So, what happened?”
“I don’t remember anything,” I told him, just now realizing that he may think I was sick rather than bewitched.
“Something happened but you don’t remember?”
“No,” I told him, “well, yes, something happened. I mean…” I took a deep breath and tried again. “I can’t remember anything as in…anything. I don’t know where I live, who I am or where I am. I don’t recognize people who know me or remember anything about my life.”
Micah sat up straight, his eerie citrine eyes widening. “So, you really don’t know who I am, don’t remember anything about us?” He let out a shaky breath. “I thought that little act in the lobby was a joke.”
I shook my head. “Not a joke.”
“Shit. When did you lose your memory, and where are Dorian and Fiona?”
“You know Dorian?” I asked. I shouldn’t have been surprised though; Dorian looked like he had a few run-ins with the police. “I haven’t met anyone named Fiona.”
“Yeah, I know him. You and he…have been working together. He’s supposed to be teaching you how to yield your powers.”
My eyebrows arched. “I have powers?”
Micah’s face scrunched up. “Of course you do. You’re a witch, Gwen. Well, a spirit walker to be more precise.”
My head was in a whirlwind. I’m a witch? I wasn’t sure if I wanted to know what a spirit walker was or not. If I was a witch, did that mean Dorian was one too? Was that why he was teaching me?
“Was Dorian with you when you lost your memories?”
I shrugged. “I think so, yes. He said we were in a bakery, and then I couldn’t remember anything.”
“So, you’ve spoke with him since it happened?”
I nodded. “Yes, but I wasn’t sure if I could trust him or not. My memories may be gone, but I still possess my red flags, and he sent all of them up.”
Micah surprised me when he laughed at my statement. “Yeah, he’s hell on the senses. Believe me, I know.”
I studied Micah a little closer. Essentially, he looked normal. The only bizarre thing about him was the color of his eyes. Then again, looks could be deceiving in a place like this. The woman I had run to help for had looked normal also, until she reanimated the rose bushes. Maybe she was a witch too.
“What is this place?” I asked Micah. “I’ve seen some things, things that shouldn’t be possible. Is it some government test city?”
Again, Micah laughed. “Wow, you really don’t remember anything, do you?” When I frowned at him, he continued. “Supernaturals exist: witches, vampires, elves, werewolves… They revealed themselves to the public in the eighties, called it the Great Revelation. Humans accepted us for the most part, but there are segregation laws in some states that determine whether humans and supernaturals can co-exist. For those states, there are magical communities set up for all otherworldly beings. We live in one called Flora. It sits in Missouri, but is bewitched to look like a cornfield to the human eye. This is for our protection against those who wish to harm us.” He gave me a friendly smile. “And that is your history lesson for tonight.”
“Wow, okay,” I said unintelligently, “So it is possible that someone put a…spell on me? Why would someone want to do that and how do I fix it?”
Micah’s lips thinned as he thought for a moment. “I’ll have to consult with our lab team to see what they know about these kinds of spells. Tomorrow, I’ll investigate the bakery and its workers. I really should talk to Dorian. He may know more about this than you.”
“Someone say my name?”
I spun around to find Dorian standing just behind my chair. The office door was still closed and I hadn’t heard him enter the room.
“How the hell did you get in here? Are you stalking on me?”
He shrugged unapologetically. “I knew Detective Reynolds would want to talk to me. What information is he going to get from a woman who can’t remember anything?” Without invitation, Dorian sat down in the chair next to me.
“He’s right,” Micah added.
I crossed my arms and zoned out while the two men discussed me as though I wasn’t there. I had come to the police station in the hopes of finding a quick fix as unrealistic as it was. While Dorian spoke to Micah, I took the time to study him closer. His square jaw had stubble shadowing it, and he still wore those damn sunglasses. Weirdo. Despite all my misgivings about my stalker, he was attractive—in a biker criminal sort of way. A hint of danger clung to him, almost palpable in its intensity. My eyes fell to his lips, the bottom a little fuller than the top. Something stirred in my gut when I watched his mouth move. He wasn’t just attractive; he was sexy. I mentally smacked my subconscious for that sinful thought. Dorian’s head shifted toward me the slightest bit, and those lips I’d been admiring secretly turned up at one corner. I quickly shifted my gaze to my lap, paranoid that he’d heard my internal thoughts. There was no way he knew what I’d been thinking, at least, I hoped he couldn’t.
“I can’t do much until the morning,” Micah said. “Take Gwen home and I’ll let you know something tomorrow. With any luck, this is just a temporary spell and she’ll be as good as new after a good night’s sleep.”
Micah and Dorian both stood, leaning toward each other while they shook hands. Standing, I eyed Dorian with reluctance. Micah had been nice and he didn’t seem alarmed by Dorian’s presence, or me being alone with him. I had to assume that Dorian wasn’t as bad as my imagination made him out to be.
Dorian and I were silent as we walked out of the police department and down the long walkway that led to the street. I still wanted to know how he’d gotten in Micah’s office without ever opening the door, but I figured there were some things I could not grasp until I got my memories back. Everything in this town was one big conundrum. I felt like Alice, but instead of quirky characters, my Wonderland ended up being filled with monsters. Lucky me.
“You followed me, didn’t you?” I finally said, stopping once we reached the sidewalk. A shiny motorcycle sat beside the curb. I didn’t need Dorian to tell me it was his; what else would someone like him drive? I mentally chuckled at the thought of him cruising around in a minivan.
“Yes, but only because I knew Micah would want to talk to me.” Dorian stepped toward the bike and swung his leg over it, sitting down.
“Then why didn’t you just tell me that?”
He shrugged. “You were pretty hellbent on getting away from me.” He curled his hands around the handlebars and rotated them back and forth. The motorcycle roared to life, even though I hadn’t seen him insert a key. “I’m not the bad guy, Gwen.”
I took in the sight of this magnificent man straddling the motorcycle and that tightening in my gut returned. His last comment made me feel guilty for judging him before actually knowing him. Though his attitude left a lot to be desired, he had helped me.
Dorian motioned with his head. “Get on.”
“No thanks, I can walk.” I started down the sidewalk, then realized I didn’t know where home was. Stupid. Half-turning, I looked at Dorian expectantly only for him to motion with his head to the bike again. Scratch him being helpful.
“I don’t think I like motorcycles,” I told him, trying to remember if I had any ill feelings toward bikes. I knew my apprehension was more for the man controlling the machine rather than the machine itself. Dorian just put me on edge plain and simple.
“You don’t know what you like, cupcake,” Dorian said, his tone a little too suggestive for normal conversation.
“Let me guess,” I said, turning and taking a couple steps toward him, “you do?”
“Would you like me to enlighten you?” Dorian asked. “There’s this thing I do with my mouth that you begged me not to stop doing last night. Maybe a refresher would jar your memory.”
My mouth fell open, my voice disappearing from my lips. Dorian chuckled at my shock, his lips peeling back in a shit-eating grin. Jerk.
“You’re lying,” I accused. “You and I…there’s no way.” Only, I thought I remembered him telling the witchy woman who attacked him with the roses that he was my boyfriend. Why hadn’t I remembered that until now?
“I didn’t think it was going to happen either,” Dorian said, “until you presented yourself to me dripping wet and clothed in only a towel.”
“You’re full of shit,” I told him. There was no way I would do something like that, right? Was I that ballsy? It made me call into question just the kind of person I was. Did Dorian and I know each other for a long time? Were we dating before I presented myself to him?
“You’re independent and sexy, Gwen,” Dorian said, breaking into my thoughts. “I see you analyzing the reasons behind why you would do something like that. It’s because you’re a strong woman that goes after what she wants. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I’m more worried about getting that woman back rather than offending your naïve brain. Hearing these things might help you remember.”
I threw my hands out in a ‘what the hell’ gesture. “You couldn’t choose another memory in the hopes of reviving my brain?”
“I could have…”
I shook my head, annoyed. “So…it looks like I don’t have the best judgment when it comes to men.”
Instead of getting offended, Dorian smiled. “You wound me, cupcake.”
“Your smirk suggest otherwise.”
“Get your ass on the bike so I can take you home.” When I arched an eyebrow at him, he continued. “Who’s mind is in the gutter now?”
“It didn’t find its way there on its own,” I told him, walking closer. Why was I walking closer? “That was the logical assumption after hearing the things you said.” I eyed the motorcycle, realizing that I would have to wrap my arms around Dorian’s waist so I didn’t fall off. My only other option was wandering around town in the hopes of remembering where I lived. I knew Dorian wasn’t going to tell me. Grudgingly, I stepped toward the bike and swung one of my legs over, steadying myself on Dorian’s shoulder when I teeter-tottered. Lowering myself on the seat, I positioned my legs up and settled my hands on my legs. If Dorian drove crazy, I could always grab onto him. That was my thought, but Dorian had one of his own. Reaching back, he grabbed my arm and brought it around his waist.
“I’d hate for you to take a tumble.” I could see his profile and the hint of a smile ghosting across his mouth. I doubted very much that he was concerned about me falling off the bike. When I didn’t remove my arm from around his waist, Dorian grabbed my other arm and brought it around his body. I interlocked my fingers. The position caused my front to press against his back. The scent of leather invaded my senses, and I found myself annoyed that I didn’t find it unpleasant.
“How far away do I live?”
“About a mile,” Dorian said right before he revved up his bike and pulled away from the curb. The chilly night hair whipped my hair around my face. Just as I was about to remove one of my hands to brush my hair away, his hand landed on mine to stop me. Face full of hair forgotten, I focused on the feel of his skin against mine. I wasn’t going to analyze the emotions taking up space inside my head. Obviously, I wasn’t in my right mind. Having ones memories zapped could cause a girl to think unclearly. Dorian was annoying and rude—among other things—which should have deterred me from the thoughts racing through my brain. If what Dorian said was true, then just a few short hours ago we’d been having sex. Talk about awkward.
Dorian rubbed his thumb against my hand, so slowly that at first I thought I had imagined it. What in the world did he think he was doing? I mean, sure we had an intimate relationship, but seeing as how I couldn’t remember it, he shouldn’t have been touching me like that. I needed more information on our history before I allowed that damned tightening in my stomach fool me into believing I was attracted to him. The problem was, I had no clue how to find out about us without asking the man himself. After the snippets I’d heard earlier I wasn’t sure I wanted a report of our time together from him.
I needed to get my mind off Dorian. Tilting my head up, I stared up at the twinkling stars above us. I closed my eyes and focused on the breeze against my face and the whipping of my hair behind me. I would not think about the way Dorian’s hard stomach felt against the palm of my hands or how he had placed his full hand over mine so that the creases of our fingers overlapped. The breeze. Focus on the damn breeze. He was purposefully trying to rattle me. As though hearing he did something with his mouth that caused me to beg hadn’t. Don’t think about his mouth. The sucky thing was that since I couldn’t remember anything, there wasn’t a lot to think about other than what was happening right now. All of my current memories involved Dorian. Gritting my teeth, I recited the alphabet. I had just made it to the letter M when Dorian braked and my body jolted into his. My eyes snapped open to see we had stopped outside of a building with white siding.
Once Dorian shut the motorcycle off, I scrambled off and looked up at the building to keep from having to look at him. Two rows of windows formed a double line across the front of the complex.
“So this is home, huh?” It wasn’t much to look at, a generic apartment building with a metal staircase leading to the second floor. I wasn’t sure how old I was, but I had hoped I was doing better for myself. When I pictured home, it was of a comfy house with a manicured lawn and a cobblestone walkway. My reality was a bummer.
“You’re up there,” Dorian said, pointing to the second floor. That was a bonus, I supposed. At least I didn’t have to listen to anyone stomping around above me.
I started toward the staircase but stopped when I noticed my stalker was following me. Spinning around, I said, “Thanks for getting me home, but I can take it from here.” Did he really expect me to invite him up?
“Did I forget to mention that I’m staying with you?”
“You live with me?” I didn’t bother hiding the skepticism in my voice. “Are we dating or are we roommates that happen to get drunk one night and sleep together?”
“Would it matter?” Dorian moved past me and headed toward the stairs.
“Yes,” I said, following him. “While both call my judgment into question, at least one could be excused by alcohol.”
“Sorry to disappoint you, but alcohol wasn’t involved. Moreover, stop acting like you’re not attracted to me. You and I both know you are. Pretending I’m a bad choice you made isn’t fooling anyone.” Without another word, Dorian headed up the stairs while I scowled at his back.
August 18, 2014
JUST A NIGHT RELEASE
Just a Night features eight short erotic stories. Because of sexual nature, this book is intended for readers 18 and up.WHAT HE WANTS BY USA TODAY & NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR, LP DOVER
When a night out on the town leads Melissa Ashford into the arms of the mysterious and sexy billionaire, Brett Walker, she vows it to herself to leave their night as a one night stand. To him, she was the only one who existed ... she was the only one he wanted. He wasn't going to let her go.
THE CLUB BY TARA BROWN
Desperate times call for desperate measures. That's what Hannah Edwards was always told.
When her divorce finalizes on the same day her ex husband reveals he has a baby on the way with his new fiancé, Hannah feels like life just can't get any worse. But it can always get worse. So in a moment of drunken foolishness and desperation, she accepts an invitation to The Club. Completely unaware of what it is or what to expect, she braces herself for a swinger party. But what she finds is so much more intense, so much more raw and underground. The Club isn't at all what she expected to find, or enjoy
LIKE A BIRD BY STEPHANIE NELSON
When Krista White's best friend gets tickets to see Ashes--the hottest band around--it's just the beginning of a very wild night. Picked by Ashes' security guard as a possible groupie, Krista is ushered backstage and comes face to face with her celebrity crush--Tyler Campbell.
TENDER FORCES BY LILI VON
Cassidy Barron's divorce is final and now she's poised to start a new life a continent away. But before she can pack up her home and her life, she's promised her brother they'll reunite with old friends for a Civil War reenactment. Cassidy shouldn't be surprised to see Ty Markson in the truck when her brother picks her up. She's always had a slight crush on the dark, broody commander of their group of living historians. Repressed sexual desires surge to the forefront and it's all Cassidy can do to play the part of a demure Southern Lady. What she doesn't know is that Ty has plans for her, and those plans are anything but gentlemanly.
MORE THAN WORDS BY EMMA D. FALLON
In the wake of Caroline's scandalous divorce, meeting a handsome soldier who's about to go overseas isn't in her plans. Despite herself, she's drawn to him as soon as they meet at the Jersey Shore. In his arms, she learns more about passion than she could ever imagine. Just a night with him will change her forever.
EXQUISITE FOLLY BY MELISSA LUMMIS
Emily is driven by her determination to make up for a pivotal, crushing mistake. Mike's picture-perfect world has been shattered and he's struggling to pick up the pieces. When these two broken souls reach out to each other for comfort, neither intends for it to go so far, or so deep.
HOOKED BY C.G. POWELL
She was the girl who sat in the back of the class room. He was the high school crush who broke her heart. But six years after graduation, a chance meeting at the annual fishing rodeo leaves Renee torn between payback and the love she has always wished for. Can Mike make up for the long-ago mistake and win the heart of the girl he once wronged?
ONE BY J.M. WALKER
When Mimi Reynolds meets gorgeous multi-millionaire, Bryce Owens, she never expects what he has in store for her. Drinks and dancing turn into heavy seduction and neither can control themselves. After a messy divorce, Bryce needs a night out. Hot. Messy. Fun. He has to have Mimi. He depends on her to take away the pain. To forget that heartache. Passion and lust ensnares them, wrapping them in an unyielding need of desire. But is one night truly enough? BUYING LINKS Amazon/US ---> http://amzn.to/1uIGdWE
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Amazon/AU ---> http://bit.ly/1t7ymQo
August 12, 2014
HEXED - Chapter TWO
I'll be posting the first five chapters of Hexed over the next few weeks. Every Tuesday I'll post a new chapter. If you missed the first chapter last week, you can find it HERE. Hexed is written from Gwen and Dorian's POVs. This week, you get to hear from Dorian. Please keep in mind these chapters have not been edited yet. You guys are getting the rough draft version. = )
Chapter Two - dorian As I followed Gwen, I wondered why the hell I put myself through this. She had been nothing but a thorn in my side since I first met her, yet here I was secretly trailing her as she made her way to the police station. She hugged her hands to her arms and I knew she must be cold. I should have given her my coat. What has happened to me? Give her my coat, seriously? That woman not only annoyed me with her ability to get herself into trouble, but my reaction to her. I spent eons wondering this world, entertaining myself between the legs of willing women. Gwen was just another woman in a long line of many. At least, that’s what she was supposed to be. I’d screwed up and slept with her, breaking another of my rules. I only had two: don’t sleep with spirit walkers under my tutelage and never bring the dead back to life. I had broken both rules for her. I didn’t know why, couldn’t figure out my motives where she was concerned. She was beautiful but I’d spent time with a lot of beautiful women, and I wasn’t the type of man that let a pretty face distract me. I’m not a man at all, not really.
Gwen stumbled, tripping over a small pothole in the street. I snorted with laughter, smothering a hand over my face when she turned to inspect the noise. Hiding behind a tree, I peeked around the trunk. She wouldn’t see me; I was hidden by the shadows of the branches. When she began walking again, I slipped out of my hiding spot and followed. My eyes traced her body, enjoying the spill of ebony hair down her back and the sway of her hips moved. Just a day ago, we’d been tangled in sheets and covered in sweat. I thought after getting a taste of the very woman who aggravated me for so long it would eradicate her from my mind. I thought after I satisfied my need for her, she would cease to complex me. I thought wrong, and it pissed me off. I didn’t get attached to people, didn’t see the point in it. Everyone dies, their meager existence a tiny speck in time while I continued on, wandering the earth like all the lost souls in the realm of the dead. The only infinite thing in this world was death—me. Gwen would die eventually and become just another one of my memories, a woman from a time in my very long existence. I had no business submersing myself in her world any further. My subconscious whispered for me to walk away, leave before things got more complicated. I ignored the warning and kept following her.
Chapter Two - dorian As I followed Gwen, I wondered why the hell I put myself through this. She had been nothing but a thorn in my side since I first met her, yet here I was secretly trailing her as she made her way to the police station. She hugged her hands to her arms and I knew she must be cold. I should have given her my coat. What has happened to me? Give her my coat, seriously? That woman not only annoyed me with her ability to get herself into trouble, but my reaction to her. I spent eons wondering this world, entertaining myself between the legs of willing women. Gwen was just another woman in a long line of many. At least, that’s what she was supposed to be. I’d screwed up and slept with her, breaking another of my rules. I only had two: don’t sleep with spirit walkers under my tutelage and never bring the dead back to life. I had broken both rules for her. I didn’t know why, couldn’t figure out my motives where she was concerned. She was beautiful but I’d spent time with a lot of beautiful women, and I wasn’t the type of man that let a pretty face distract me. I’m not a man at all, not really.
Gwen stumbled, tripping over a small pothole in the street. I snorted with laughter, smothering a hand over my face when she turned to inspect the noise. Hiding behind a tree, I peeked around the trunk. She wouldn’t see me; I was hidden by the shadows of the branches. When she began walking again, I slipped out of my hiding spot and followed. My eyes traced her body, enjoying the spill of ebony hair down her back and the sway of her hips moved. Just a day ago, we’d been tangled in sheets and covered in sweat. I thought after getting a taste of the very woman who aggravated me for so long it would eradicate her from my mind. I thought after I satisfied my need for her, she would cease to complex me. I thought wrong, and it pissed me off. I didn’t get attached to people, didn’t see the point in it. Everyone dies, their meager existence a tiny speck in time while I continued on, wandering the earth like all the lost souls in the realm of the dead. The only infinite thing in this world was death—me. Gwen would die eventually and become just another one of my memories, a woman from a time in my very long existence. I had no business submersing myself in her world any further. My subconscious whispered for me to walk away, leave before things got more complicated. I ignored the warning and kept following her.
August 5, 2014
hEXED - CHAPTER ONE
I KNOW YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN WAITING FOREVER FOR HEXED. I'M VERY LUCKY YOU GUYS HAVE STUCK WITH ME AND LENT YOUR SUPPORT. I ADMIT, 2014 HAS NOT BEEN MY BEST THIS YEAR. LIFE HAS GOTTEN IN THE WAY OF MY WRITING A LOT THIS YEAR. IF YOU FOLLOW MY AUTHOR'S PAGE ON FACEBOOK, YOU WOULD HAVE HEARD THAT HEXED RELEASE DATE HAS, YET AGAIN, BEEN PUSHED BACK. MY EDITOR IS VERY BUSY AND WAS UNABLE TO GET ME IN UNTIL THE END OF AUGUST, EARLY SEPTEMBER. BECAUSE OF THIS, HEXED WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL MID TO LATE SEPTEMBER. SINCE YOU GUYS HAVE WAITED FOREVER AND A DAY, I'M GOING TO BE POSTING THE FIRST FIVE CHAPTERS OF HEXED, ONE EACH WEEK. I HOPE YOU ENJOY READING FROM GWEN AND DORIAN'S POINT OF VIEW.
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THESE CHAPTERS HAVE NOT BEEN EDITED YET. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS SO FEEL FREE TO LEAVE COMMENTS. =)
-C H A P T E R O N E-
GWEN He found me wondering down the street. Darkness shrouded his big body in shadows, but I knew it was him. The memory—my only one—of the strange woman animating rose bushes flashed through my head. The vines had coiled around the man’s legs as though they were living things with a heartbeat. I swallowed around the dryness in my throat, not daring to take my eyes off his figure. My hands shook with almost the same ferocity of my heartbeat. Wherever I was, the laws or normalcy did not apply. Things were not as they seemed, not as they should be. The thing was, I could not remember how I had gotten here. More than that, I couldn’t even remember who I was. The man—Dorian I believe he said his name was—had called me Gwen. I wanted to trust that if only because it would give an identity to this stranger I’d become. Names were powerful. They categorized and explained things, and right now, some explanation would be nice.
“Don’t run,” Dorian said right in front of me. I jumped back, a scream leaving my throat as my brain fought to process how he had just been forty feet away and was now standing just in front of me. His fingers curled around my arm with enough pressure that it didn’t hurt, but I knew I wasn’t going anywhere unless he let me.
“Gwen, calm down,” he said in an uncharacteristically soothing tone, one that did not fit a six-foot-three man wearing leather and sunglasses. My brain spent a split second wondering why he needed sunglasses at night, but the severity of my situation kicked that curiosity to the curb.
“Let me go.” I thrashed against his hold, yanking my body backwards to break his grip. His fingers only grasped me tighter. It only took me a couple minutes to realize that this man wasn’t going to let me go anytime soon. My best defense was playing along, pretending I was calm and ready to listen. I stopped my struggle, took a couple deep breaths, and stared up at the Dorian.
“I’m not going to hurt you,” he told me, his grip loosening the slightest bit. I nodded all the while thinking that I trusted him about as much as a cobra. His hair was the color of a raven’s feathers, so dark it glistened against the streetlamps.
“Someone hexed you,” Dorian continued, keeping his voice calm. “What do you remember?”
I processed his question and tried to remember something—anything. “Nothing.”
“That’s what I was afraid of. You don’t remember anything about your life, or yourself?”
“That’s what nothing means, isn’t it?” That came out way snarkier than I intended, but I thought I was due some sarcasm considering. Taking a moment to breathe and collect myself, I asked, “What do you mean when you say someone hexed me? As in witches, potions and spells?”
Dorian’s fingers fell away from my arm. He scrubbed a hand over his mouth and chin, tilting his head up toward the midnight sky. My feet itched to run but my brain halted them until he answered my question. I really was interested to know what he meant. Plus, this town wasn't a place I really wanted to be alone in, even if that meant taking my chances with the dangerous man before me.
“We were in a bakery,” Dorian started. “I don’t know what happened. One minute you were across the shop looking at cupcakes, and the next you were gone.” He shook his head as though he couldn't understand the very words that left his lips. “The owner of the bakery did something to you. All she told me was that she had every right to kick out nuances’.” He silently chuckled to himself, entertained by an inside joke I wasn't part of. “I came out of the shop and saw you standing in the middle of the street a couple blocks away. The rest of the story you know.”
“Yeah, you chased me down like a lunatic and then that woman had rose bushes attack you,” I said with a huff, taking a step back. “You know, if you want me to trust you then you need to stop attacking me.”
Dorian snorted. “Attacking you? That’s a little dramatic, don’t you think?”
“What would you call it?” I bit out, remembering how scared I was when he chased me down the street. When looking at Dorian, one wouldn't associate him with safe. His very appearance screamed ‘danger’.
“I call it saving your ass,” Dorian said just as harshly. “Again. But do I hear ‘thank you, Dorian for chasing my ass all over town so I don’t get myself in trouble’? No.”
“So, you do admit that you were chasing me,” I said, smiling a little, despite myself.
Dorian let out a groan, half-turning his body as though trying to decide if he should stay or just leave me stranded. The sudden realization that I needed him hit me hard. If he decided to leave, I would be lost. I couldn't remember if I had a home or even lived in this town.
“Thank you,” I said between my teeth, hating that I had to say it but knowing it needed to be said. It was the middle of the night and I was tired and freezing. Dorian seemed to know me, probably knew where I lived. If I had any hope of remembering myself, Dorian was my only option.
“That painful, huh?”
“Who’s ungrateful now?” I asked him, crossing my arms. “I said what you wanted to hear, now tell me how to fix this.”
“I think your manners disappeared with your memories. I didn’t hear a please in there.”
“Ugh!” I ran my fingernails through my hair, getting even more annoyed when they snagged in tangles. “Forget it, I’ll figure this out on my own.” I started past him, tensing as I waited for him to grab me again. When he didn’t, I stopped a couple feet away from him. I had no clue where I was going.
“Can you please point me in the direction of the police department?” If anyone could help me figure this out, it would be the cops. A victorious smile spread across my lips as I realized that I didn’t need Dorian’s help after all.
“It’s that way,” he said pointing in the opposite direction. “About three blocks down and to the right.”
Nodding, I turned and walked past him again. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed he was smiling. What the hell was so entertaining?
**** LOOK FOR CHAPTER TWO NEXT TUESDAY!
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THESE CHAPTERS HAVE NOT BEEN EDITED YET. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS SO FEEL FREE TO LEAVE COMMENTS. =)
-C H A P T E R O N E-
GWEN He found me wondering down the street. Darkness shrouded his big body in shadows, but I knew it was him. The memory—my only one—of the strange woman animating rose bushes flashed through my head. The vines had coiled around the man’s legs as though they were living things with a heartbeat. I swallowed around the dryness in my throat, not daring to take my eyes off his figure. My hands shook with almost the same ferocity of my heartbeat. Wherever I was, the laws or normalcy did not apply. Things were not as they seemed, not as they should be. The thing was, I could not remember how I had gotten here. More than that, I couldn’t even remember who I was. The man—Dorian I believe he said his name was—had called me Gwen. I wanted to trust that if only because it would give an identity to this stranger I’d become. Names were powerful. They categorized and explained things, and right now, some explanation would be nice.
“Don’t run,” Dorian said right in front of me. I jumped back, a scream leaving my throat as my brain fought to process how he had just been forty feet away and was now standing just in front of me. His fingers curled around my arm with enough pressure that it didn’t hurt, but I knew I wasn’t going anywhere unless he let me.
“Gwen, calm down,” he said in an uncharacteristically soothing tone, one that did not fit a six-foot-three man wearing leather and sunglasses. My brain spent a split second wondering why he needed sunglasses at night, but the severity of my situation kicked that curiosity to the curb.
“Let me go.” I thrashed against his hold, yanking my body backwards to break his grip. His fingers only grasped me tighter. It only took me a couple minutes to realize that this man wasn’t going to let me go anytime soon. My best defense was playing along, pretending I was calm and ready to listen. I stopped my struggle, took a couple deep breaths, and stared up at the Dorian.
“I’m not going to hurt you,” he told me, his grip loosening the slightest bit. I nodded all the while thinking that I trusted him about as much as a cobra. His hair was the color of a raven’s feathers, so dark it glistened against the streetlamps.
“Someone hexed you,” Dorian continued, keeping his voice calm. “What do you remember?”
I processed his question and tried to remember something—anything. “Nothing.”
“That’s what I was afraid of. You don’t remember anything about your life, or yourself?”
“That’s what nothing means, isn’t it?” That came out way snarkier than I intended, but I thought I was due some sarcasm considering. Taking a moment to breathe and collect myself, I asked, “What do you mean when you say someone hexed me? As in witches, potions and spells?”
Dorian’s fingers fell away from my arm. He scrubbed a hand over his mouth and chin, tilting his head up toward the midnight sky. My feet itched to run but my brain halted them until he answered my question. I really was interested to know what he meant. Plus, this town wasn't a place I really wanted to be alone in, even if that meant taking my chances with the dangerous man before me.
“We were in a bakery,” Dorian started. “I don’t know what happened. One minute you were across the shop looking at cupcakes, and the next you were gone.” He shook his head as though he couldn't understand the very words that left his lips. “The owner of the bakery did something to you. All she told me was that she had every right to kick out nuances’.” He silently chuckled to himself, entertained by an inside joke I wasn't part of. “I came out of the shop and saw you standing in the middle of the street a couple blocks away. The rest of the story you know.”
“Yeah, you chased me down like a lunatic and then that woman had rose bushes attack you,” I said with a huff, taking a step back. “You know, if you want me to trust you then you need to stop attacking me.”
Dorian snorted. “Attacking you? That’s a little dramatic, don’t you think?”
“What would you call it?” I bit out, remembering how scared I was when he chased me down the street. When looking at Dorian, one wouldn't associate him with safe. His very appearance screamed ‘danger’.
“I call it saving your ass,” Dorian said just as harshly. “Again. But do I hear ‘thank you, Dorian for chasing my ass all over town so I don’t get myself in trouble’? No.”
“So, you do admit that you were chasing me,” I said, smiling a little, despite myself.
Dorian let out a groan, half-turning his body as though trying to decide if he should stay or just leave me stranded. The sudden realization that I needed him hit me hard. If he decided to leave, I would be lost. I couldn't remember if I had a home or even lived in this town.
“Thank you,” I said between my teeth, hating that I had to say it but knowing it needed to be said. It was the middle of the night and I was tired and freezing. Dorian seemed to know me, probably knew where I lived. If I had any hope of remembering myself, Dorian was my only option.
“That painful, huh?”
“Who’s ungrateful now?” I asked him, crossing my arms. “I said what you wanted to hear, now tell me how to fix this.”
“I think your manners disappeared with your memories. I didn’t hear a please in there.”
“Ugh!” I ran my fingernails through my hair, getting even more annoyed when they snagged in tangles. “Forget it, I’ll figure this out on my own.” I started past him, tensing as I waited for him to grab me again. When he didn’t, I stopped a couple feet away from him. I had no clue where I was going.
“Can you please point me in the direction of the police department?” If anyone could help me figure this out, it would be the cops. A victorious smile spread across my lips as I realized that I didn’t need Dorian’s help after all.
“It’s that way,” he said pointing in the opposite direction. “About three blocks down and to the right.”
Nodding, I turned and walked past him again. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed he was smiling. What the hell was so entertaining?
**** LOOK FOR CHAPTER TWO NEXT TUESDAY!
