Sunday, June 16, 2024

Saving Jack - Excerpt

 

COMING SOON

Excerpt:

Jack had no idea where he was. He had crossed a couple of state lines, driving like a maniac, only ever stopping to pee and once to relieve himself in the woods, all the while freaking out Trevor was right behind him. Then running back to the car, he saw a truck in the distance the same color as Rick's, Trevor's old pool buddy. Was Trevor sitting on the passenger side? Was he laughing and pointing at him, shouting that Jack would see now what it felt like to die? Jack scrambled into the car and tried to turn the key, but it stuck like it did all the fucking time. He pulled the key out of the ignition and slammed it back in. Oh God, the truck was nearly on him. He was out of fucking time. Yes! This time the piece of shit car did turn over, but now he knew for sure the fucking car was going to stall but thank you, Jesus, it didn't. Fuck, it didn’t matter, because Rick's damn green truck was right there and so was Trevor. He hadn’t escaped after all…

The truck simply flew around him and kept going.

It wasn't Rick's truck.

Oh, sweet Jesus, it wasn’t Rick’s truck.

Jack had to take a couple of hits from his inhaler after that, recognizing the signs of a looming asthma attack. Well, probably not. But he definitely had trouble breathing in that moment.

It hadn't been Trevor after all.

Jack only pulled back onto the road once he'd stopped shaking.

And just like he packed no food, he grabbed no money, so when the car choked to a stop outside of a tiny town called Benson, Jack pushed it into a parking lot of a small, busy diner and walked away. He had no idea how many miles he had walked since then. He needed to get as far away from the abandoned car as he could, though, and in a totally different direction, because they would find the car and they would connect it to Trevor. Trevor would know Jack came through here. He would be pissed as all hell he would have to come and get the car—furious Jack took it in the first place. Somehow Jack needed to disappear.

And now he stood on some high bridge in the middle of nowhere.

The water rushed below him, the sound lulling him into a trance. He could use a drink of that water. He could use a bath. Stepping into the cold water would wake him up too. But it was a long way down a steep bank. He wouldn't have any trouble going down but coming back up might be an issue. However, even the prospect of little resistance on the descent seemed too much an effort to make. Maybe he would just climb over the rail and drop down from here. The fall would probably kill him though.

He sighed. That was the only real way to disappear. What did he have to live for anyway? He was so fucked up—no job, no home, a backpack that held, at this point, all his worldly possessions. And what the fuck was in it? Some old jeans and T-shirts. Shockingly, he had grabbed underwear and a toothbrush, but he hadn't even thought to take a coat. He was broke, hungry, freezing, and knew of no way to change any of it.

A vehicle had stopped behind him, the headlights were shining out of the corner of his one good eye. He should be concerned as a door opened and closed and the crunch of footsteps came closer. But he couldn't care enough to turn around. The rushing water held him spellbound. Suddenly, a powerful light was on his back, casting his shadow far down into the deep water.

"Sir? May I ask what you're doing on the bridge in the middle of the night?"

The question was followed by a radio-sounding voice saying something about a car broken down on some road somewhere and someone needed to respond. Ah, it's a police officer. At least it wasn’t Trevor. Not that it mattered anymore. Jack still didn't turn, and he remained silent.

"Sir? I need to ask you to step away from the railing, please."

The police officer thought he was going to jump. Well, he had thought about it.

"Sir. I will ask only one more time for you to step away from the rail."

The deep voice had come closer, the light dancing a little. Jack finally tore himself away from the lure of the water and turned to face the police officer. Of course, he couldn't see a damn thing; the officer had aimed the flashlight directly into his face.

"Sorry, Officer, I was…" What was he doing? "Sorry. I'm just passing through. I'll get out of your way." Jack turned and walked out of the light, away from the officer. He wanted to cry. He had nothing left inside.

"You didn't answer my question, son. Don't make me ask it again."

Son? Jack turned back, holding up his arm to block the light from his eye. "What question?" Had he asked a question? Fuck. He was dizzy with exhaustion.

The officer huffed. "What are you doing out here in the middle of the night?"

"Noth-nothing. I… said I was just passing through. I'm not going to cause any trouble."

"There's been a number of break-ins in this area. They've been happening in the middle of the night. You know anything about those?" The officer had taken a couple of steps toward him again, holding the large flashlight steady on Jack's face.

"No! I-I only just got here! I-I don't know anything about that!" Oh fuck. There came the adrenaline again. His body had gone into fucking overdrive producing the shit over the last couple of days. Didn't it ever run out?

"What's your name?"

"Jack. Jack Demar. I'm… like I said, I'm just passing through. I had nothing to do with any break-ins."

"Well, Mr. Demar, I would like to make sure. I'm going to ask you to take a seat in my cruiser while I check you out."

"Check me out?" What the fuck did that mean?

"Check out your story, son. Come on." The officer lowered the flashlight and pointed it back toward his police car. "I trust you have some ID on you?"

"Um… yeah. I have a driver's license."

"Good. We'll start with that." He held out the hand not holding the light.

Jack walked toward him as he reached into his pocket for his billfold. Taking out his card, he handed it to the officer who shined his light on it for a moment before reaching up and taking a firm hold of Jack's arm. He guided him to the car. "You have any weapons on you?"

Weapons? Good God, was he serious? Nope. No more jars of pennies, Officer. "No… no, sir."

"Mind if I check?" Not waiting for an answer, he turned Jack around and gently pushed him up against the vehicle, tapping with his foot on Jack’s legs until he realized the officer wanted him to stand with them apart. Then he took away his backpack.

Was this legal? Did a police officer have the right to do this without a warrant? Well, if the person didn’t protest maybe.

There was the sound of the zipper. The officer had to be going through his things. Again, it wasn’t right. But he just didn’t care. Suddenly those big hands were on him, running up and down Jack's body. Jack now knew how tired he was. The pat-down was police procedure, but the large firm hands felt incredibly good on him. They felt sure; they felt safe.

Delirious. He had to be delirious.

When he was done, the officer opened the door to the back seat and indicated with his hand for Jack to get in. Jack looked hard at the officer's hand, wondering what it would feel like if he touched it. It looked work-rough, but for some reason, he also thought it would be soft and gentle. He sighed as he climbed into the back seat and the officer shut the door. Then the officer opened the driver's door and maneuvered his large body in too, throwing Jack's backpack onto the front passenger seat. Looking up into the rearview mirror, he said, "Just relax while I check this out. I'll get you on your way soon."

Yeah, on his way. Where? But he would relax because the first thing he realized was how warm it was in the car. The second thing was how wonderful it was to sit down. Third was the smell. It was a mix of leather and something else he couldn't identify, but whatever it was, it smelled nice. Secure. This officer would not allow Trevor to get to him. He sank into the seat and warmth and the wonderful feeling of being protected. Fuck, he was tired. He didn't even realize he had shut his eyes.

Thursday, January 4, 2024

COVER REVEAL - SAVING JACK

 


Updated blurb:

A high dark bridge in the middle of nowhere on a freezing fall night seemed to be the end of the road for Jack. On the run from his abusive ex-lover, Jack is scared, exhausted, hungry, and cold, with absolutely nowhere to turn.

Then, Sam, the Chief of Police of the tiny town where the bridge is located, finds him. Fearing for Jack's safety, Sam takes him in, feeds him, gives him a bed, and offers him time to heal. Sam listens to him, consoles him, and holds Jack when the nightmares come, swearing to him he'll keep him safe. Yep, Sam is one of the good guys.

Still, Jack is shocked at the power of his attraction to the tall, muscular law man. After years with an abuser, that part of Jack's heart should have been dead. It does help that Sam likes Jack, too, but it doesn't matter. Jack's ex-lover is fucking nuts and is out there hunting for him. He can't stay. Because if the bastard found him, Sam wouldn't be able to save either one of them.


Saturday, April 8, 2023

OUT NOW! Chasing Kyrus - kidnapped by the Captain

Buy links below

Excerpt:

Again, as if the pirate knew what he was thinking, the arm around Kyrus' shoulders pulled him closer. He also slowed his pace, allowing Kyrus’ shorter strides to slow as well. There was a low chuckle coming from the tall man and suddenly all Kyrus wanted to do was cuddle into the man’s chest and let the world do what it would do without him. He wanted to forget what he was, where he was, and all that was going on. But just as quickly, he mentally shook himself. This pirate was no different. In fact, for all he knew, Tilbarr was probably worse than all of the bastards he had to deal with in the past combined.

But for a moment in time, he allowed himself to melt into the embrace. What harm would it be to accept this warmth for a second? Maybe even two. It had been so long since he felt anything even close to safe.

And a moment was all he received. He was swung around through another doorway and stopped in what felt like a small room. Tilbarr barked what were orders of some sort, and several of the breathing bodies pushed past him and seemed to vacate the immediate space. The air became decidedly cooler. Kyrus shivered, standing alone away from the warmth of the pirate beside him. Tilbarr’s gentle hands then pushed him down and he sat once again and he stood close behind him, as well. Did he dare to lean back into that solidness?

No. He could not keep thinking like this. How many times had he believed he found a sanctuary, some savior along his weary way? How often had he been betrayed? Sentient beings were all alike, no matter where they were in the universe. Astral Mages were a possession to be used or sold like the ConFed sheplas they traded him for.

He sat still and silent and waited.

“Captain Falland,” I trust you recognize your former prisoner.” Tilbarr’s low voice vibrated right through Kyrus’ chest.

Fuck. Falland was here? Where the hell were they, the captain’s quarters?

“I see him.” Yes, it was Falland’s voice. Shit. But he shouldn’t worry. Falland himself had told him to be quiet about what he was. He wouldn’t give him up now, would he? Maybe to save his hide, he would though.

“So, tell me, Captain, why is it that you were trying to escape with him in tow?” Kyrus couldn’t help it, he cringed with the questiona movement that would not be missed by either man. Tilbarr pressed closer.

“I was with the prisoner at the time and simply brought him with me. There was no master plan behind it, I assure you.”

Kyrus only just stopped himself from huffing at the captain’s explanation, an obvious lie. Falland had been nowhere near him “at the time.”

“Really?” Tilbarr’s tone made it clear he didn’t believe the captain’s rubbish. But then his voice seemed to change, become angry for some reason. “What were you doing being—with him?” Firm hands came down on Kyrus’ shoulders, kneading into his tight muscles. Crap. More manipulation by kindness. He wanted to shake off the hands but in the next instant wanted to escape into the arms they were attached to. Fuck but he was being needy today.

“I-I was interrogating him,” Falland stammered. Kyrus could almost imagine the captain’s sharp nose go up.

“Concerning what?” Tilbarr shot back.

The captain did sniff and ignored the question. Kyrus felt sorry for the man. For some reason he believed Tilbarr was not someone to mess with even though he had done the same thing—ignore Tilbarr’s inquiries.  Except, in this case, the heat and snap in the air was now nearly explosive. Of course, Kyrus had no reason to believe it was coming from the tall pirate. Maybe it was because he was blinded that he could discern more from voice inflection and atmosphere.

And maybe he was lying to himself too—one of the few things he was really good at.

The hands lifted from his shoulders and he instantly felt abandoned. He turned sharply as if trying to see where Tilbarr had gone, but immediately Tilbarr shushed him, gently telling him he was still there. He wasn’t leaving Kyrus alone.

Fuck.

As if that’s what Kyrus wanted. It wasn’t.

Kyrus’ cheeks burned as suddenly Tilbarr was in front of him. He must have knelt down because his voice was right there, level with Kyrus’ face. His hands rested casually on Kyrus’ knees. “So, little one, can we make a deal? Is there any reason I shouldn’t remove this visor?”

No.” Falland’s angry voice rang out from somewhere in the room. “Don’t do that.”

“Why, Falland? Will he be able to escape somehow if he can see?” Tilbarr’s tone didn’t change at all. It stayed low and rumbly, once again stiffening Kyrus’ cock by its closeness. “If you give me your name, pet, I will take this visor off. What do you say?”

Oh yes. It would be wonderful to see again. There was nothing the pirates could learn from his name. Nothing. Besides, he wanted to see Tilbarr’s face. “Kyrus, sir. My name is Kyrus.”

“Mmmmm, Kyrus. I like that name.” He leaned closer. “Thank you, pet.” Those warm hands reached up to the visor, pressing the deactivation button and gently removed the heavy piece of metal.

“You’ll regret this, Tilbarr.” Again, Falland’s voice growled.

“Why…” Tilbarr sucked in his breath, his eyes going wide when Kyrus gazed up at him. Shit, Kyrus thought. That’s right. His eyes were an iridescent purple. A color few beings ever had. He had honestly forgotten all about that. It had been a while since he had seen himself. He tried hard to avoid his reflection. He had seen enough of the freak. And whether or not the color was associated with Astral Mages, he had no idea. But it would raise more questions, that was for sure.

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Sunday, April 2, 2023

Cover Reveal - Chasing Kyrus - Kidnapped by the Captain



 Kyrus

I've been kidnapped by Tilbarr, Pirate Captain of the infamous Wolf, and dragged aboard his ship. And judging by the way the big, muscled, beautiful man is staring at me, he just might be thinking about keeping me.

Really not a good idea. 

Because I'm an Astral Mage, better known as a "Soul Giver", a race of beings who can attach wandering life forces energies to any source. Basically, I bring the dead to life, a power the Confederated Authority, the governing body for civilized planets, want to totally control. So, for years they have been hunting down and seizing Astral Mages and whisking them off somewhere. And me? They say I am as pure as they get. The very reason the ConFed will stop at nothing to possess me. TilBarr doesn't seem to understand the incredible danger he's in by not turning me over to them.

Tilbarr

There is something about Kyrus that deeply stir me. I have never ever before wanted to keep a prize I've stolen. And the ConFed? While overwhelmingly powerful and hell-bent on capturing Kyrus, it's not only them I am concerned with. The threat to Kyrus doesn't only come from outside the Wolf. Well, no matter. I will fiercely protect my prize. Even if it means giving up everything. My ship, my crew and even my life. 

Out next Friday, April 7, 2023


This was published originally under the title of The Astral Mage. It has been revised and rewritten.

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Chasing Kyrus-Kidnapped by the Captain

 Kyrus

I've been kidnapped by Tilbarr, Pirate Captain of the infamous Wolf, and dragged aboard his ship. And judging by the way the big, muscled, beautiful man is staring at me, he just might be thinking about keeping me.

Really not a good idea. 

Because I'm an Astral Mage, better known as a "Soul Giver", a race of beings who can attach wandering life forces energies to any source. Basically, I bring the dead to life, a power the Confederated Authority, the governing body for civilized planets, want to totally control. So, for years they have been hunting down and seizing Astral Mages and whisking them off somewhere. And me? They say I am as pure as they get. The very reason the ConFed will stop at nothing to possess me. TilBarr doesn't seem to understand the incredible danger he's in by not turning me over to them.

Tilbarr

There is something about Kyrus that deeply stir me. I have never ever before wanted to keep a prize I've stolen. And the ConFed? While overwhelmingly powerful and hell-bent on capturing Kyrus, it's not only them I am concerned with. The threat to Kyrus doesn't only come from outside the Wolf. Well, no matter. I will fiercely protect my prize. Even if it means giving up everything. My ship, my crew and even my life. 

New cover coming soon.

(Previously titled "The Astral Mage", this is a revised version of a previously published work)

Friday, February 24, 2023

RELEASE DAY! The Neighbors - An MM Vampire Story


 

Danny always thought the dark empty house next door was a great place for vampires to live. Even his friends thought it had to be haunted.

But then the neighbors moved in. The very hot neighbors.

They were brothers who, Danny swore, were barely older than he was. And the eldest one, Gabriel, was enough to send Danny to his knees. Literately. Good God, tall, dark and ridiculously handsome, Danny’s vivid imagination ran wild. Gabriel’s devilish smile had Danny thinking some very un-high school- like thoughts.
 

Yeah, yeah, Danny was still a high school student. Big deal He was eighteen, soon to be nineteen, and days away from graduation.

Then one night, the brothers strangely magically appeared when Danny was being viciously attacked, rescuing him by scaring the assholes off. Really scaring them. Which had honestly been a little weird. Then the next day, those same assholes began spreading the rumor the brothers were something unnatural. Vampires they whispered around town.

Huh. Vampires. Danny kind of liked the whole idea of being bitten by a sexy vampire. And Gariel was all kinds of that. Maybe Danny was going to have to do a bit of investigating...

Read more HERE

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Tuesday, February 21, 2023

THE NEIGHBORS - An MM Vampire Story

 


Danny always thought the dark empty house next door was a great place for vampires to live. Even his friends thought it had to be haunted.

But then the neighbors moved in. The very hot neighbors.

They were brothers who, Danny swore, were barely older than he was. And the eldest one, Gabriel, was enough to send Danny to his knees. Literately. Good God, tall, dark and ridiculously handsome, Danny’s vivid imagination ran wild. Gabriel’s devilish smile had Danny thinking some very un-high school- like thoughts. 

Yeah, yeah, Danny was still a high school student. But he was eighteen and graduating soon.

Then one night, the brothers strangely magically appeared when Danny was being viciously attacked, rescuing him by scaring the assholes off. Really scaring them. Which had honestly been a little weird. Then the next day, those same assholes began spreading the rumor the brothers were something unnatural. Vampires, they whispered around town. 

Huh. Vampires. Danny kind of liked the whole idea of being bitten by a sexy vampire. And Gabriel was all kinds of that. Maybe Danny was going to have to do a little bit of investigating...

OUT 2-24-23

Read more HERE