The Servant Crown - An excerpt

The Servant Crown

This will be the third book in the series. The first two, The Servant Prince and The Servant King (Ice Dragon Tales) is not available right now but will be again soon, along with The Servant Crown, Diagus's story. I don't have a blurb just yet but I do have a very unedited first chapter. Here it is. As always, I hope you like it. I expect to have both Ice Dragon Tales and The Servant Crown out early next year. Let me know what you think.

Chapter One

Tama was the last to leave the graveyard. His father, angry and disheartened, had left at least fifteen minutes earlier, right after the priest said his final Commitment Prayer. Even the priest at that point, with a quick nod to Tama and a brief, harried look around, gathered up his robes and fled as if some demon chased him. Sadly, other than the grave diggers, who worked to cover the grave even as Tama stood there, the wet dirt making a hollow sound as it hit the coffin, the three of them had been the only ones who bothered to witness Kelay’s burial. Of course, the continuous February sleet didn’t help, making the ground greasy and treacherous. Still, Tama was sad for Kelay that no one else came.

Tama sighed as he trudged through the freezing mud to the heavy iron gates of the cemetery. Although women died in childbirth all the time, he was still in shock his sister had suffered such a fate. She had been strong and healthy right up to the moment she announced she was in labor. The woman who had suddenly appeared days earlier, a woman who identified herself as a midwife, gave no indication there was even a problem, only that Kelay had given birth to a robust and strong son. Except, minutes afterward, something went horribly wrong.

Exactly what, Tama had no idea, and his father was ignorant as well. Tama should never have left the house. He had been told the birth would take hours yet so he decided to tend to the animals. He had been in the barn when Kelay breathed her last. Sensing something wrong, Tama hurried back to her room only to catch the midwife packing her wares and hastening out the door, his father wailing that he had lost his precious daughter and a baby crying heartily on the bed next to a lifeless Kelay.

To think, even carrying a crown prince couldn’t save her.

Yes, that was the story Kelay had told them. She had been impregnated by a king. But no one other than his father truly believed her.

Kelay wanted out of Beourn Hilman’s house. Beourn was their abusive, gluttoness, lazy father. She felt her only hope was finding a husband. Once she reached of age, she began  her search. However, in Elven Port, there were no great opportunities for the likes of the Hilman family. Those with money had options. But with no possible dowry, Kelay had few prospects. So, unfortunately, she chose to frequent the ale houses, carousing with the sailors, pirates and ruffians. Tama knew Kelay obviously did far more than just drink with them, though. Sometimes she didn’t come home for days. So how she knew her offspring had royal blood Tama had no clue. But he was also aware women were mysterious in that respect so neither he nor his father ever questioned it.

She had been so happy, making her plans to travel to Castle Blade Rain to tell the king herself. But only after the baby was born. “To be sure,” she had said. “To be certain.”

Their father, too, had beamed as Kelay’s belly grew round and heavy. “He will be a big baby,” he boasted to her at least once a day, giving Kelay any of the extra food, encouraging her to eat heartily. “He will be a boy the king will be proud of.”

“Aye, father, he will indeed.”

“Why do you have to wait, Kelay?” Tama had asked her early on. “You have certainly told enough people already, have you not? Why not travel to the castle and tell him now?”

“You fool, Tama! How can there be proof he is the father before the child is born? I need to wait to see the baby’s eyes. That will be the proof.”

“The eyes?”

“Oh yes! King Diagus’s eyes are the bluest blue I have ever seen. Surely the baby will have them and no one will question his birthright – or mine.”

Tama had scoffed at that. “How is it you are so certain the baby is a boy in the first place and what possible birthright could you claim, Kelay?”

“Women’s intuition, my brother. And my birthright comes from the fact I am the child’s mother, of course! The rumors are the mighty king of Blade Rain needs to marry to produce an heir but takes no woman to his bed. Fate may have it that he is waiting for me. He will make me his queen, you wait and see.”

Tama had doubted that particular scenario of Kelay’s intuition, where the king would marry her. But, the part about the baby being a boy and having amazing blue eyes had both been true. If the king had eyes this color then even Tama would have to believe Kelay’s story of how she became pregnant, however sordid.

Tama was now sad, though, that even he had a bit of that “woman’s intuition”. His doubt had also been true. Kelay would not be marrying the King. It broke Tama’s heart that the big strapping baby, who cried out in a strong voice right from the start, unfortunately was calling for a mother who would never come.

He smiled when he heard the baby’s wails even before he arrived back to the front door of the cottage where they all lived. He was most likely hungry again. There had been a nursemaid called in by a caring neighbor to help with the feedings directly after Kelay’s death. But unfortunately that lady did not have enough milk to feed both her son and Kelay’s hungry boy so another had to be located. In the meantime, Tama had fashioned a bottle of sorts out of a wine skin, allowing for the baby to suck cow’s milk from it. The child had become content immediately, cuddling into Tama’s chest, slurping loudly as he took nourishment. Tama knew in that moment, he loved the small child as if he were his own. Even rejoicing silently that a new nursemaid had yet to be found.

Tama entered the small house and went immediately to the cold storage where the cow’s milk was being kept and filled the makeshift bottle. He then went to the cradle where the baby fussed from and picked him up. He glanced at his father who was sitting by himself and staring into the fire in the hearth, saying nothing, not even acknowledging Tama’s arrival. Tama sighed. Ever since Kelay had announced she was pregnant with a king’s baby and her assurance they were all soon to become royalty and move to the palace, he had no time for Tama other than to shout out the endless chores needing to be done and to beat him for his slowness to finish them all at once. Day after week after month he endured his father’s irrational behavior while his sister enjoyed lazy days, additional blankets and surplus food when there was any. Even to the point of Tama going hungry if he was late to the table due to any number of delays which his father often made sure of.

He loved his sister but was dismayed at her willingness to encourage their father’s harsh actions against him.

“It is for the greater good, Tama. You will soon never be hungry again!”

Ahhh Kelay…

Another oddity was that Beourn had insisted Kelay have a Christian burial. Not that any of them had attended a church. But, it seemed, Beourn was not going to tempt God’s wrath by simply burying Kelay in the field in an unmarked grave. No. Beourn absolutely insisted she be in hallowed ground and be personally blessed by the local priest even though it was not free and coin was a rare visitor in their house.

“You will have to take the baby to the castle.”

Tama had sat down at the tiny table in the kitchen area to avoid having to be in his father’s sight line. Even though he was doing a most important chore, feeding the king’s baby, he was afraid his father would insist he do one of the tens of other things he had already listed out for him this morning, nearly preventing him from attending the burial. For a moment, since pleasant conversation was infrequent between them, Tama wondered who the man was speaking to. Seeing no one else, he repeated what he thought he heard. “You want me to take the baby to the castle?”

“Yes. That king must accept this baby as his own and give us gold in return.”

“Gold in return? What are you talking about, father?”

He turned then, with that fierce look of craziness he always seemed to have when he looked at Tama. “Of course, gold, my daft son! What else? Sheep? Cows? We cannot afford to keep such lavish things. You must ask for gold. Then return with it and we will finally live the way we should live, being related to a king.”

“Why would he give me gold, father? Are you suggesting I leave the baby with him?”

“Yes, yes, of course, boy! Leave the child, take the gold and come home. An easy task.”

“I thought the intent was to live in the castle.”

“Without Kelay there is no longer any hope of that. The only thing left is to obtain gold for the child.”

“But have you no care for this child? No love? He is your grandson!”

The man slowly removed himself from his chair and walked toward Tama. For the first time in a long time Tama did not recoil. He held the baby, the king’s child. His father would not dare to touch him now. But then his father looked at the child as if he looked upon something fearful and Tama was no longer sure. He said quietly, “You will go in the early morning. Having to negotiate the Grey Mountains, Blade Rain is a good week away by fast horse. You will not have a fast horse.”

Tama looked down to the baby’s face as he hungrily sucked at the milk, his little hand clinging tightly to Tama’s shirt, his sweet blue gaze seeking Tama’s. “How will I keep him alive on that long of a trip? The nights are frigid, yet. The baby may not survive. Let us wait for a few weeks, until it is warmer.”

The older man sighed heavily. “Yes. I suppose. It can’t be helped.” But he huffed then. “Think of it, my son. We will soon be rich.”

“We are without Kelay. Now you want to rid us of her son. Is wealth the only thing you cherish?”

His father laughed but it sounded sad.

Or maybe Tama simply imagined it.

The days passed swiftly after that and spring became summer. Tama’s days were full, he was far too busy to discuss a departure time with his father.

“After I get the crop in, father. Wait for that at least.”

“I need to take care of the weeds, father. The crop will most surely die if I don’t. Give me a few days.”

“The sun is too hot to take the boy out. We need to wait for a break in the weather.”

And as the days and then months flew by, the baby grew. Tama named him Aydin, which was elven for “prince”, something Tama’s father was unaware of. He just seemed happy to be able to call the child by other than “Kelay’s boy”. Soon Aydin was sitting up and “talking”, calling Tama “Papa” and Beourn, “Boppa”. Thankfully, Aydin was eating solid foods now and Tama was able to allow his father to once again sell the cow’s milk, making him very happy. It brought a small amount of coin into the house, coin Beourn fiercely guarded in a jar somewhere in his bed chamber.

And as always, Mrs. Bustress, Elven Port’s most wealthy resident, was their best customer.

“I just had to come by and see Aydin’s beautiful blue eyes again, Beourn. Quite the looker he will be when he grows up. I’ve been telling everyone that for months!”

“Yes, Mrs. Bustress. I believe so, too. Now you said you wanted all the milk?”

“Go to bed, Tama.” Tama’s father told him one evening after Tama had finally gotten Aydin to sleep. Tama was bone tired from the constant stream of responsibilities that his father heaped on his shoulders. He had not slept well in too long, keeping an ear open for Aydin. The boy was teething and had bouts with fever and night terrors and Tama needed to be there to calm him. His father couldn’t be called on to help, either. Not only because of his laziness, but because, sometimes, Tama had the thought Beourn believed the child was cursed. Rare was the time when he would even touch the child, much less hold him or comfort him.

“Yes. I plan on it. Is there any supper for me?”

“Alas, boy, I am sorry. There is only a crust left of the bread you made. Here.” He handed a nice sized chunk to Tama who was grateful to have anything at that moment.

“Thank you. But, I am surprised. There has to be meat from the rabbits we caught in the traps, no? And what about the turkey I was able to shoot with my bow and arrow?”

“Ahhh, yes. I will cook all those up tomorrow and you can have as much as you want. I will even rise early and make a hearty breakfast of cakes and eggs.”

“Cakes and eggs? We have no flour for cakes and I thought you sold all the eggs once again to Mrs. Bustress when she came by the other day.”

“Yes, I sold her most of the eggs and in return, she gave me flour.”

“You saved eggs for us this time? Well, then! I will most assuredly look forward to a grand breakfast before I begin my day. What a treat that will be! I can hardly wait. Thank you, my father.”

His father had oddly grinned then. Looking back, Tama should have known better. It had been the first time since before Kelay had claimed to be pregnant from a powerful king that his father had spoken so politely to his only son. The first time in a very long time he was offered any form of kindness. Oh yes, he should have been on the aleart. For when Tama awoke the next morning, concerned he hadn’t been roused in the night by Aydin, he discovered the baby and his father gone. The cradle was empty, his father’s bed never even slept in, all the food had disappeared and their one and only horse, Rego, was missing as well.

“No!” Tama had whispered into the early dawn, his heart in his throat. How long had his father been planning this; begging for Tama to hunt this past week, even after he had been successful with the traps? How had Tama slept through them leaving? He usually slept so lightly. But the chores had been enormous and endless and last night, right before Tama trudged off to his loft, his father had even shared a small bit of his ale. Could his father have raided his healing herbs pouch and concocted a sleeping potion? Again, how had he missed it?

And how would he catch up to them? They surely had at least a few hours head start. Even if they had only a single hour it would still be impossible. They were on horseback, Tama, on foot. But it didn’t matter. He had to catch up to them before his father gave the baby away to the king of Blade Rain.

Tama quickly rumaged through the cottage to find anything his father may have left that would help him on his journey. He rolled up a change of clothes in his sleeping bag along with his flint and small ax. He next grabbed his knife and his bow and arrows, hoping to take down at least some small prey by time he laid his head down tonight seeing his father left him no food at all.

His stomach growled and he cursed his father for lying to him. He had fallen asleep with the thoughts of filling his stomach this morning. Not going hungry yet again and chasing off to rescue his child.

Yes. His child. Aydin was his. The little tyke was only months old but he made Tama’s life so bright and happy, giving him up to a total stranger, even if he was a king, wasn’t an option. He looked forward so much coming home to those little arms that would wrap powerfully around his neck. And he simply loved covering that cherub face with kisses.

“Papa home!” his little voice would sound out.

“Oh yes, my big boy. Papa is home.”

“Tico, tico!” and Aydin’s little fingers would “tickle” Tama wherever he could reach.

Tama’s heart would swell each time with great happiness at Aydin’s energy. He couldn’t help but take the time to play with him, even when Tama was dead tired from the day, tickling him and making them both laugh. Often to the dismay of his father.

“You’re spoiling the lad. He needs to be taught life is full of work and pain, not laughter.”

Tama cringed at his father’s constant berating of him although he wondered whether Beourn knew much of work anymore. However, if anyone knew those harsh words were truth, it was Tama.

“However, being the lad will soon be sitting at the king’s table,” his father continued, “he just might escape such things. Speaking of which, when are you going to do what I told you to do months ago and take the child to the castle Blade Rain? The weather is once again becoming unpredictable. Another couple weeks and it may become impossible to move through the Gray Mountains.”

“Father, why speak of this again? Aydin is happy here with us, is he not?”

But he had known the old man was not going to let it go, knew the lure of his imagined gold they would be offered in return was too strong. Why had he not heeded those thoughts? Why had he not done exactly as Beourne had done; taken the child, the food, and Rego, and strike out on his own, leaving his father to pitch and moan all by himself?

The final thing Tama took was a pretend rabbit Tama had made for Aydin out of leftover white rabbit fur. He had fashioned a body and head with long ears and even managed to blacken the fur where the eyes and nose should be. He stuffed it full of aromatic herbs and specially dried forest gatherings. Then he laid the rabbit in the moonlight seven times, inviting the protection spirits to enter, invoking them to keep the bearer of the rabbit safe from all evil. Aydin loved the thing and even slept with it every night. Beourne had, of course, chastised Tama for wasting his precious time with the project. But when Tama saw how Aydin took to the talisman, he beamed at his father.

“See? The boy doesn’t think I have wasted my time.”

“He is only a child! He has no mind to understand the responsibilities of an adult. You are daft if you accept a mere smile as payment for your labors!”

Still, that was exactly how those smiles felt for Tama. And the smile was always there for him, no matter what it was that Tama did, even for just the act of coming in the door after a long day. Those little hands and knees would carry him immediately to Tama. “Pay, papa, pay?”

“Oh yes, my sweet Aydin. Of course, papa will play.” And they would bounce the rabbit around the floor pretending they were a rabbit family in the deep wood. Aydin would actually squeak his enjoyment and hug the fake rabbit again and again. Kissing it as often as he would kiss Tama. It was no surprise his father would leave such a happy thing behind.

Tama looked over his field of alfalfa as he readied himself for departure. He had been thinking to begin the harvest soon. After keeping what he deemed he could for their own horse and cow, he fully intended on trading the rest for needed winter supplies including seed for the following spring. He had even thought of negotiating for a pair of new boots, having patched and repatched and re-repatched the boots he had on. But he doubted he or his father would be back here to this place. He would stop in town and tell Mr. Olson at the feed mill to send someone and take in the harvest instead. At least someone would benefit from it. Maybe tend to the chickens and their one lone cow, too.

If his father ever returned – well, he no longer cared.

Tama turned toward the south and hurried toward the castle Blade Rain. 

Hyden's Law Free Read

Hyden's Law

New unedited Excerpt:

“You want me like this?”

Do I want you? The man was going to drive him insane with want. Hyden’s body was more than magnificent in all its tanned and muscled naked glory. There wasn’t an ounce of fat on it. His biceps and flat stomach and dark nipples were all making Graham’s mouth water. He wanted to suck on the flaccid cock that was nestled in all that dark hair between Hyden’s legs. Legs that Hyden had spread wide when he sat in the chair Graham had moved into the living room for him. A chair that was centered right in front of him. Not only that but Hayden then proceeded to tip the chair back, giving Graham an amazing view of… everything.

Was he teasing Graham? Did he know what he was thinking? Because when Hyden paraded his naked self into the living room and walked to that chair, he turned his back to Graham, revealing a very squeezable ass, he bent over, and all he did was to pick up and move the chair slightly to the left. Or was it right? Graham had no idea. Who cared? How could one possible watch where a chair moved to when there was all this amazing flesh in front of him?

“Um… I…” He couldn’t even think of words much less string any of them together to form an intelligible sentence. What the hell had he gotten himself into? And why was Graham reacting this way with an Omega with the Mating Moon due to rise in just a few hours. It made absolutely no sense.

But to draw him like… this would be the hottest thing he had ever done. It would definitely earn him the “pass” in his art class he was after. How could it not? Except now, with the way the man was displaying himself, he was thinking he didn’t want to share this sight with anyone else. Even if the man were an Omega and could never be his. He put his pad and pencil down. He was going to have to re-position that beautiful body. By his own hand.

Ahhh geez…

****

His sister in a bikini.

His Beta, John, making a pass at him.

The last conversation with his mother.

Hayden pushed his thoughts anywhere except the small hot shifter in front of him. Somehow he had to keep his cock from betraying him on every level. He had a plan on how to get his man now. Something he was certain was going to work. Or at least he hoped it would. He was going to have to be patient though, and one way or another continue to keep his very aggravated wolf at bay.

But it wouldn’t hurt to give his soon-to-be lover a little bit of a show.

Of course, doing something like that this close to the Mating Moon was flat out dangerous. He was barely able to hold his wolf back at this point. Smelling his mate’s arousal was going to send him into a tail spin that might just end with him pinning Graham to the floor, ripping him free of all clothing and claiming him once and for all.

Damn. What was the pup doing now? Hyden watched as Graham crossed the space between them.

“I think… I can’t… I need for you to sit… differently.”

Hyden wanted to chuckle at the deepness of Graham’s voice. It was all kinds of sexy and made Hyden sweat but it was too damn cute that Graham seeing his naked mate, even if the pup continued to have no clue Hyden was his mate, turned him on like that.

It also made Hyden want to pounce.

But he would do this dance because if he didn’t, if Graham found out that Hyden was indeed an Alpha before he could tie him down, he could still lose him. That possibility, though, was becoming smaller as the days rolled on. Especially now, since Graham was clearly attracted. Now that he had been in the presence of his true lifetime mate, there was no way that Graham was going to be able to resist making the mating call once the moon was full and, of course, Hyden answering it.

But Hyden had to be patient.

Even if the pup was now manhandling him into a pose that was acceptable to him to draw.

“Put your leg… like this.”

Graham had made Hyden sit up on the chair and cross his legs, ankle to knee. This time Hyden did chuckle. Sitting like this would hide his privates from the artist and therefore from anyone who would see the artwork. But the chuckle turned into a growl as Graham’s hand lingered on Hyden’s bare leg. Caressing then squeezing, Graham cleared his throat and finally turned away, heading back to his own chair that he had set up for himself.

“So try to um… stay like that.” The smaller man wiggled in his chair, obviously having trouble finding a comfortable position.

“Something wrong?” Hyden could not resist asking.

“No. Nothing is wrong. It’s just… I’m fine.” Even after clearing his throat again, Graham’s voice was still raspy.

But now the scent of Graham’s arousal was filling the room. Damn. This may have been a very bad idea. There was no way Hyden was going to be able to fight against this for long. His whole being longed to get nearer to that scent, ached to get right up close and personal. Hyden closed his eyes as he once again tried to concentrate on other things, the battle coming up, his sister’s wedding in a couple of months, the fact he was already cramping in his turned knee. But it didn’t help. And even though the room was chilly, nothing was cooling off his desire to claim his mate. He opened his eyes and looked down at his traitor cock, filling now, becoming stiff, readying itself for that very action.

And inside, Hyden’s wolf was ready to howl.

Keep coming back to find out when the story will be up. I will post the link here. 

To read more go HERE

A Place To Belong

A Place to Belong

Coming soon to Amber Allure

Blurb:

Bradley McFarren was looking for someone to take care of Gail, his beloved aging grandmother. He doesn’t have a personal life but he doesn’t need one. As long as Gail is taken care of, it’s all he needs

Logan Perry was running from conservative Iowa. Well-versed in the nursing care of the elderly, Logan believes Mr. McFarren can find no one better for the job. As long as he is hundreds of miles from Iowa, it’s all he needs.

But that isn’t at all what either of them need. What they need, is a place to belong. 

Excerpt: 

(Unedited)

“Hello. My name is Bradley McFarren.” He had held out his perfectly manicured hand and Logan was almost afraid to touch it. But then Bradley enveloped Logan’s fingers in his own and it was almost as if he swallowed Logan in one gulp.

Logan remembered being thrilled at that thought. In fact, it had been the first time in a very long time that Logan became aroused. Going to school and then working more than full-time kept him incredibly busy and his life in a tiny conservative town had not allowed for him to do much in the way of exploring relationships of any kind.

“Hi. I’m Logan Perry,” he had breathed.

“Well, Logan Perry, please sit down.” Bradley had indicated a chair in front of a massive desk and Logan had slipped into it, perching himself on the edge, trying like everything to hide his rabid interest. “I’ve looked over your resume and I have to say, I’m intrigued. What makes a fine looking young man like you even apply for this type of a position?”

Logan had smiled like an idiot when the big beautiful man called him ‘fine looking’. But Bradley had been right in that a young man wanting to take care of his eighty-nine year old grandmother had to seem odd. Logan remembered thinking he would never even be called for an interview much less receive the job but he needed to escape his pathetic existence in Iowa. When he received the tip, through a friend, of a private nursing job all the way down in Texas, he knew he had to try for it. Room, board, a small allowance, the use of a car and hundreds of miles away from Iowa, it was the perfect opportunity for escape. Now that he was here, he was determined to at least be considered.

“I’m a well-trained RN who has enjoyed years of working in rehab centers in their transitional care and assisted living areas. I am very patient and kind and love the older generation. I trust you have checked my references. You will find I am a perfect choice for your grandmother’s companion.”

“But you’re a man. I have to admit, the only real reason I am interviewing you is because I wanted to know why a man would apply for this position. So far, all I have and all you have given me is your qualifications. Which are stellar because, in answer to your statement, of course I checked your references but none of the ones on your resume. Having money gives me the ability to take the inside track. To be frank, I was impressed by your work ethic and standards. I found nothing but glowing reports of how wonderfully you do your job. But you see, Mr. Perry, I adore my grandmother. She means the world to me and I have no intention of allowing just anyone access to her. No matter how qualified. What I want to know is your motive in wanting this job.”

“Motive, sir?”

“You’re coming all the way from Iowa. Have you no family? Friends? Why are you running, Mr. Perry?”

Logan had been shocked at first but then decided the truth in all its ugliness was best anyway. If he was going to get the job, that truth would have to be known. “I come from a very small and conservative town in Iowa. Evidently not a place for a gay man.” Logan remembered noting that the only sign of surprise was Bradley’s one eyebrow going up at the mention Logan was gay. It had given him confidence to go on with his story. “I do have family but since I came out, they no longer accept me. My dad, who’s never been a nice person anyway, disowned me. And to actually understand what that means, he came over to my apartment and beat the crap out of me. He then told me to never darken his doorstep again. Yes, he used those exact words. He no longer had a son. Apparently, he never did. I understand he even went through the house and got rid of everything that reminded him of me.”

Logan had settled back in the office chair and had clasped his hands between his knees so they wouldn’t shake. “My mom pretty much took the same route. And not because of my dad. She’s a tough woman. She disowned me all on her own. She did, however, influence my sister who won’t talk to me now either. If she does, they threatened her with the same treatment. They think I am disgusting and dirty and going to go to hell. That I am some kind of demon. My grandmother actually sent some religious fanatic to my apartment who was supposed to cure me. All he did was scare me from ever opening my door again and has as of yet to leave me alone. He’s on a mission to save me so I can’t influence other young men to become gay. And Friends? I had a few friends, but pretty much the same happened with them. They were okay with me being gay as long as I didn’t talk about it, as long as it wasn’t public knowledge. So, yeah, I guess I am running, Mr. McFarren, and maybe this isn’t the place to be either, conservative Texas, but I figured I had nothing to lose. It’s okay if you don’t hire me. I honestly didn’t expect to get the job. But just so you know, I’m not a demon. I’m a good person. I’m only looking for a place to belong.”

Logan had been thrilled because before he even made it back to his hotel room Bradley had called him to have him come back to his office. He was hired and he wanted Logan to meet his grandmother.  

This story will be a part of a PAX through Amber Allure. I don't know the publish date yet but hopefully soon! Don't run away yet!

There's a video!

Nick with the "zoo" in the background

Catch an interview with Nick from The Door Keeper

at Drako's Den

Go HERE for an author interview at Unrandom Randomness

Go HERE for an exclusive excerpt at Bitches Be Writin'

Go HERE for an interview with Arrain from The Door Keeper at My Fiction Nook

Go HERE for an the making of the book video at The (Really) Naughty Corner (and go HERE for the great review from Elizabeth Coldwell, too!)

and go HERE for an author interview on the writing of The Door Keeper and an awesome review as well

The Door Keeper available at Amber Publishing

and now at All Romance!

Blast from the Past - Enemies to Lovers - THE ONE

Did you miss this one?

Blurb:

Hunter has trained all of his life to become a hero. Now he has his chance. A great evil has invaded the land and the royal seer has dreamed that there is only one man who can save them.

A Gathering Quest has been launched by the king to find the “One’ in the seer’s dream, the ‘One’ who will save them. Hunter has had dreams too, frightening dreams. For that reason, he eagerly heads to the castle to meet this seer to determine if he is indeed the One.' But the seer disappears before Hunter reaches the castle. Now Hunter’s only choice is to launch his own quest to find the missing psychic. But the ever mischievous Tome, a man who drives Hunter crazy with his endless pursuit of being the best and his relentless acts of sexual harassment, somehow ends up handcuffed to him. 

To make matters even worse, Tome insists now he will accompany Hunter on his quest – to protect him. Being handcuffed together, Hunter can hardly refuse. But how can Hunter save the world if he has to constantly battle a very demanding Tome’s advances? More importantly, how can he save himself from falling for this man with the dazzling smile?

Excerpt

"Tell me your dream," Tome whispered.

Hunter blinked a few times as he came back from that mind-bending kiss and he took a moment or two to focus. He cleared his throat as he pushed Tome's arms away.

"No. No. I'm not telling you my dream." Exactly why he wouldn't was well beyond his ability at the moment to remember.

"That's too bad."

"Why?"

Tome reached behind him and pulled out a pair of hand restraints consisting of two metal hinged rings attached together with a length of chain. He slapped one of the rings on his own right wrist, locking it, then reached out quickly and locked the other ring on Hunter's left wrist.

Whatever confusion the kiss had caused melted away immediately.

"What the fuck?"

Hunter got up, stumbling back, but Tome pulled hard on the hand with the restraint, hauling Hunter back toward him and down until Hunter's face was right in front of Tome's.

"Look. I told you I'm not stupid but I just realized you drugged my ale. This is the only way I am going to be able to make sure you don't go anywhere without me."

"You… you…! Where did you get these?"

"I ran into a jailer in the hallway. I took them off of him. He never even noticed. I originally thought they might come in handy later. I like the thought of you naked and helpless while I do… stuff…" He smirked. "But… well, this works too. You got the drugs from Palvian, didn't you? What did you tell him? That you couldn't sleep?"

Hunter was surprised and shocked, reacting once again at the thought Tome put in his head of being bound while Tome had free rein of his body.

"Yeah, that's right. I did." His voice was raspy. As much as that image made him weak in the knees, as much as he wanted to allow that fantasy to play out, at least in his mind, he now had a bigger problem. "Where's the key?"

"Like I would tell you."

Hunter yanked Tome to a standing position. He put his shackled hand on Tome's shoulder and started to go through Tome's pockets with his free hand, padding and feeling for that small metal object.

"That tickles!" Tome laughed, but there was no doubt in Hunter's mind, the man was enjoying the search far too much.

"Where is it?" Hunter looked up into Tome's grinning face. "Where the fuck is it?"

Tome grabbed Hunter's free hand and pulled it down, rubbing the flat palm across his bulge. "There's one place you haven't checked yet… maybe if you rub hard enough… long enough… something will come out…"

Anger and desperation rose quickly to the surface of Hunter's muddled brain. He pulled free of Tome's grasp, reached further down and grabbed Tome's balls. He squeezed hard through the thin fabric. Tome cried out and bent over, his forehead coming to rest on Hunter's shoulder.

Hunter growled. "Are you going to tell me?"

Tome pushed Hunter's hand away. "Well, that's one way to kill the mood." He moaned as he readjusted himself. "But the key is not on me."

"Then where the fuck is it?"

"Don't worry. It'll show up… in about twenty-four hours… or later… I've been a little"—Tome held his fist to his chest and belched—"irregular lately…"

Hunter's eyes flew open wide. "Are you kidding me? You fucking swallowed it?"

Tome gave him one of his brilliant smiles.

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The Door Keeper - Excerpt #2

I was playing around again and did another "cover". These are just about as fun as the videos! Anyway, here's another unedited excerpt along with the video.

Blurb:

Arrain took two more steps which brought him right into Nick’s personal space. Nick closed his eyes and breathed in Arrain’s scent. Somehow he had committed it to memory during that short, almost adolescent, make-out session they had had back in the alley. And now all he wanted to do was submit to the man who enveloped his very being in simply being in front of him. But having his eyes closed was not good. How could he take in the nakedness of the god with his eyes closed? Except when he did open them his whole field of vision was taken up by Arrain’s eyes. Then his lips were on his and Arrain’s tongue was pushing through them and into him. Oh! How could a tongue feel so good? Nick noticed Arrain’s arms circling around him and pulling him close. Somehow Nick’s arms were already around Arrain’s neck. When had he done that? Did it matter? Their bodies were pressed together, chest to chest, groin to groin and wait! What the hell were Nick’s arms doing up so high? There was naked flesh to fondle and touch and squeeze and places where his fingers would be oh so happy to go. What’s this towel doing still covering any part of this man? Towels should be outlawed, done away with completely.

Oh! Wonderful fleshy butt cheeks that obeyed Nick’s hands when he moved them and kneaded them and pushed his digits down between them. Was that a moan coming from Arrain? Yes! Oh, such sounds, like he was enjoying Nick’s hands on him. Nick certainly relished using his hands. And his fingers. There. His opening. Can he push inside? Just a little?

“What are you doing?” Arrain’s voice was raspy as he pulled out of the kiss.

“Investigating.” Nick wished he had lube here, condoms. Damn. He hadn’t been with anyone in so long that he no longer bothered to carry any with him.

Arrain looked down on Nick. “You want to begin the pairing?”

Nick choked back a laugh. “Wow. A true romantic.” Nick pushed his finger deeper. There, That ought to put the man's mind back on the right things. 

But instead, Arrain chuckled. 

Nick grunted. “Geez. You’re laughing. Also not the reaction I was going for.”

Arrain made a quick movement back which dislodged Nick’s finger. But what Arrain did next made Nick forget all about it. Arrain dropped to his knees and started to undo Nick’s pants. But, damn. He hadn’t showered and he really needed to. He stopped Arrain’s hands and stepped back.

“Wait, big guy. I need a shower first then we can play all we want.”

“No problem. I’ll help. It’ll go faster.”

It was Nick’s turn to chuckle as he finished with the pants button and fly. “I doubt that.”

“Okay. Let me change that statement. We’ll both come faster.”

“That what this pairing thing is, then? Slam, bam?” Nick stepped out of his filthy jeans, Arrain making it nearly impossible by stepping closer to start unbuttoning his shirt. Once again his heady, very aroused, male scent driving Nick crazy.

“Well, this first time certainly will be for me. I’m so fucking hot, Nick. Seeing this body constantly, smelling you, wanting desperately to touch you all the time. I know I will not be able to hold out for long.”

Well, Nick had to admit, probably longer then he would.

And, yeah. The man was fucking hot.

Finally naked Nick suddenly felt self-conscience about his older, skinnier body. His skin wasn’t tight anymore, he was pale everywhere, there were spots and scars. Nearly hairless except for his groin area, Nick was mortified when he saw all the gray mixed in with the black pubic hair. When the fuck had he turned old there? Shit. His heart beating wildly he turned away, except now he was exposing his probably saggy old ass to the man of his dreams. His young dreams. Damn it.

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The Door Keeper

The Door Keeper

Due out May 26, 2015.

Okay, the cover is not really the cover. Just messing around with a picture I am using as a "holding cover". So, yeah, probably never be a cover artist. LOL! Anyway, below is a small unedited excerpt from this new book.

Excerpt:

“Hey! You there. What do you think you’re doing mucking around in a police cordoned off area?”

Nick had the pleasure of seeing the guy jerk up, surprised.

But he didn’t run.

Nick felt for his gun as the guy slowly moved his hands away from his body in a show of surrender. “I’m unarmed,” he called out then cocked his head. “Are you a cop?”

Nick stopped about twelve feet from him. There was something about this shadow man, something familiar. “Yeah. Who are you?”

“A friend. I’m…investigating this murder as well. I’m also after the man who did this.”

“Man? You know it’s a man and that it’s just one?”

The shadow man hesitated. “Yes. To my knowledge, there is just one who has done this and it is a man.”

“How do you know?”

“How do you not?” The man lowered his hands. “I trust you are not going to shoot me.”

“Trust is a fickle thing.” But Nick moved his hand away from his gun. “Step into the light.”

The man complied and when he did Nick knew he had never seen a more beautiful man in his life. Piercing blue eyes, curly blond hair, a heavy shadow of a darker blond beard and mustache as if he hadn’t shaved in several days. His chest was broad, his shoulders wide, the man had to stand at least six two which beat Nick’s five nine all to hell. He had on a light blue button down under a brown jacket, the sleeves rolled up, his blue tie hanging undone around his neck. His tight dark jeans hugged every inch of him and did little to hide the man’s ample package. Nick found himself wanting to palm that heat.

The other thing that threw him completely for a loop was the fact this was the shadow man from his fantasies. The pull had teased him when he spotted the man poking around in the dark. But Nick thought it was simply because he indeed was in shadow. And even though Nick had never actually seen the man who haunted his periphery he knew this man was him. In the flesh! Nick tried to speak but choked on his words so ended up having to try again.

He didn’t do much better.

“I’m going to ask you again, what are you doing here?” Raspy. Low. He sounded like an idiot as he tried to think sport scores, Wendy in that tight red top she thought she looked hot in, his mother, anything to keep his tongue from hanging out like a dog. But it didn’t work.

He was suddenly imagining the man naked.

Woof.

“I’m going to tell you again.” The man took a couple steps closer. His voice going soft. “Investigating a murder.” Did the man recognized Nick as well? Crap. He actually wanted to be pushed up against the brick and let the big man have at it.

“What department are you from?” Nick’s voice was softer, too, but only because he was actually trying to remember how to speak, trying desperately to keep his eyes up on the beautiful man’s face and not let them descend down his tight body to take another look at the bulge in the man’s pants. Was it a bulge or just the way the man was built? Just how big was that thing and would it fit?

And just where the fuck were these thoughts coming from?

Damn it! He wasn’t some horny teenager! He was a mature, career minded man with purpose. Why was he suddenly acting like he hadn’t been laid in years?

Well, he hadn’t, but that was hardly the point. He was an adult! A detective on a murder case, okay, several of them which only made what he was now obsessing about that much worse. He was even older than this large gorgeous man, too, and that was what he needed to act like. The older, wiser cop with authority over some random guy off the street. Even if that guy was fucking hot and absolutely the guy of his dreams. Literally.

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” Two more steps. If Nick didn’t start backing off the man would be right up in his face. He would be able to actually feel the man’s heat. For real. Oh yes. Too bad there had to be so many fucking layers of clothes between the skin to skin that Nick truly needed right now. Nick couldn’t help but wonder how those arms would feel around him, pulling him in for a deep hot kiss.

Kiss? Oh damn. He was in trouble.

“Try me,” Nick croaked but he was actually thinking ‘do me’. Crap he was losing it.

The man sighed. Nick wasn’t sure why but even that sounded sexy. With two additional steps the man was close enough that Nick could feel his breath. “I understand the victim was without blood?” The man reached up and ran a long finger down Nick’s cheek as he gazed at Nick’s lips. The beautiful man licked his own as Nick watched.

 But the question did have the effect of snapping Nick back to some semblance of control over his cock which had decided it, too, wanted in on the action.

Control over his cock? Who was he kidding?

But honestly, did this guy really think Nick would be impressed that he knew the victim had no blood? Anyone who read the paper this afternoon would have known that. He was giving nothing of the investigation away by answering the question. “Yes. You’re right.” The hell of it was, Nick knew he would have told the man even if he was giving something away.

“I see,” the man whispered. “Any chance I can see the body?”

The warm hand now cupped Nick’s cheek and Nick closed his eyes, leaning into it. See the body? What body? Mine? 

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Another excerpt from "Baby, Think it Over"

Excerpt from "Baby, Think it Over"

     Eventually, Kedon got the baby calmed again. And again and again. He talked with Rock and Mason for a brief whispered moment, somewhere between a half-finished shower and a bite, literally a bite, to eat.

     He found out their baby didn’t cry nearly as much. They were having a great time playing “house.” Of course they really did have an adult present most of the time, so the version of “house” they wanted to play had to be difficult at best, but Kedon knew “parental supervision” had never mattered to them in the past, so why would it now? They didn’t dare ask Kedon how his play family time was going; didn’t dare even joke about their lack of that adult presence. Besides, who needed adult supervision when there was a colicky baby around? All he had time for was trying to please the baby.

     But Kedon was learning. He figured out she liked to be rocked fast but bounced slowly. She liked it when you cooed while she was over your shoulder, and she didn’t much like to be burped at all. At least not today. Today, and all day, it was the angle of the bottle while being fed or how tightly the blanket was wrapped, or even the tone of Kedon’s voice. All of it seemed to matter, and he knew it was going to take the entire three weeks to figure it out. He knew by the end of three weeks he would even be doing contortions and back flips if it helped.

     Finally around six P.M. Kedon put down the sleeping baby. For a fleeting rare moment, the baby was once again quiet and in her bed. For a short-lived break, Kedon would be able to sit down and enjoy that peace. He thought about going back to bed, back to sleep, but those moments flew by way too fast. Right now he would grab a bowl of cereal and just sit and listen to the blessed silence.

So when Tarell arrived home and the front door slammed, he could have committed murder, and there would not have been a court in the land that would have sent him to prison because of it.

     The baby wailed.

     He hadn’t even gotten the first spoonful of cereal to his mouth.

     He sighed, put the bowl down, and went to the cradle. After a few minutes of humming and rocking, the baby quieted. Kedon tiptoed back to the couch and his bowl.

     Mushy cereal. His mom told him she used to eat mushy cereal. He knew why now. She never had the chance to eat it like you were supposed to. He would have to remember to apologize later.

     “So I suppose dinner is…what? In the oven?” Tarell had moved to the couch after kicking off his shoes, and had remained silent until Kedon sat back down.

     “You are a funny man.”

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