OUT NOW! Chasing Kyrus - kidnapped by the Captain

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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 question—a 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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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.

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

His Fake Boyfriend - COVER REVEAL

 

Blurb:

Noah is Griffin Colewater’s best friend and absolutely no one knows him better. Certainly not any of the parade of girlfriends he’s had over the years. Even his most recent, Lauren, whom he has been with the longest.

And just broke up with.

Does it make Noah a terrible friend if he’s just a little bit thrilled about that?

It doesn’t really matter, though. Griffin is the oldest son of the owners of Colewater Properties, a multi-gazillion dollar hotel conglomerate. He is also next in line to take over when his father retires which makes Griffin the most sought-after bachelor in the city. So, another girl is right around the corner.

The issue? Griffin’s mother claims to be desperately tired of his playboy antics. She is demanding Griffin settle down with a wife and family “or else”. Being that Griffin has never actually been able to please his mother in anything, Noah doesn’t understand Griffin’s hopeless mission to make that happen now.

Which makes the huge charity bash his parents are throwing a bit problematic. His mother is insisting on meeting Lauren. Yep. Griffin has yet to tell her he’s single again. And he insists he’s not going to. Instead, Griffin does something insane. He hires a fake girlfriend. Yah. A fake Lauren. Well ― not fake. She’s a ‘Lauren’, too. But that’s not the point. Griffin asked Noah to provide the “girlfriend for months” knowledge to Lauren number two so she could pull this whole ‘girlfriend’ thing off.

Honestly. What can go wrong with that?

Everything.

Because Griffin is not only Noah’s very best friend in all the world, Noah is also so crazy in love with the man, he hurts. A stupid stunt like this could reveal that very thing and freak Griffin’s parents out so badly, he’s sure they will gift Noah with cement boots and personally pitch him off the pier themselves. But the bigger problem in Noah’s mind? Griffin is totally not gay and if he ever found out Noah’s true feelings?

Damn.

Griffin would more than likely be the one mixing the cement.

 

Is It Magic? Chapter Five

 

CHAPTER 5

 

“Your timing sucks, Relath.” K’Jon’s voice was loud and rumbly, sending a little shiver through Relath. Making K’Jon mad had been a favorite pastime for Relath when he was younger, but this was the first time he truly felt the dragon’s fury. “But it always does. What do you want?”

Relath stepped forward, but before he could talk, K’Jon raised his hand.

“I’m warning you, little one, it had better be something big, because I will take great joy in turning your bare bottom over my knee if it isn’t!”

“Um… No. No you won’t.” Khat stepped into the clearing and made his presence known. “No one touches Relath’s bare ass but me.” He moved to stand in front of Relath, putting himself between K’Jon and Relath.

K’Jon chuckled as he looked Khat up and down. “Well. What do we have here? You find your mate, Relath?”

Relath pushed back to stand beside Khat. “Shut up, K’Jon, you idiot.”

Khat narrowed his eyes and raised an eyebrow as he turned to Relath for a moment. “Mate?”

“Of course.” K’Jon came forward and extended his hand to Khat. “Name is K’Jon Caro. You are?”

“Khat Warmark. Sheriff Khat Warmark.”

“Sheriff?” K’Jon’s dark eyes went quickly back to Relath. “Forgive me for being skeptical but, your mate is a sheriff?”

“What’s this mate business, Relath?”

“It’s fine, K’Jon. He’s a convert.” He waved Khat off. “Pay no attention to K’Jon. He’s always thinking just because he gets mated every hundred years or so, he thinks everyone has to get mated. Plus”—Relath winked at K’Jon, who was now frowning—“my news is big. I think the king might be a dragon shifter, just like you.”

K’Jon looked startled for a moment, then he turned back to Khat, gave his hand one hard pump and let go. “Good to meet you, Sheriff. Sorry for being – well – naked. I was… Let’s just say I was busy.” He chuckled again and looked at Relath. “So tell me, Relath. What could possibly make you think the king is a dragon shifter?”

“We just learned he sucks power from wizards. That’s why he made it illegal. He’s weeding out the true wizards. He has them brought to the castle and he takes their power and then has them killed.”

K’Jon narrowed his eyes and his gaze went back to Khat, who was holding out the shirt he had been wearing a moment ago. Evidently he wasn’t happy with K’Jon being completely naked. Relath sucked in his breath at the sight of Khat’s beautiful abs and stomach, and his member jumped. K’Jon smirked at Khat as he took the shirt. He dipped his head as if in gratitude, but they all three knew the reason for Khat to offer to cover K’Jon’s nakedness.

“Thank you, Sheriff. I was feeling a bit of a draft.” K’Jon donned the shirt and addressed them both. “The king is not a dragon, nor is he a wizard.” He held up a hand for silence as Relath jerked forward and opened his mouth to interrupt. “I can guarantee it. I have been in his company, although he was blissfully unaware. I would have detected such magic, but I did not. He is neither.”

“Then what, K’Jon? How is it that he can do what they say?” Khat came to stand beside Relath, and Relath put a hand on Khat’s chest, splaying his fingers in the fine dark hair.

“There is another breed of magic. An older, deeper, ancient form of magic. Something I believed was extinct. It’s called Mot-taka.”

“Mot-taka? I’ve never heard of it.”

“No, you wouldn’t have. It was believed to have disappeared during the Siege of Eight Depths over five hundred years ago. Their lore was never sung so their stories did not carry forward. Once those who used it were gone, their existence was forgotten about by all beings except the dragons, who live far longer than all other beings. Even I have not thought of it in ages.”

“So, what is it?”

“The closest guess is the magic can mirror the power of an opponent, or possibly a companion as well. Those that possess this magic and dare to use it would basically take on the other’s power. So if their opponent is a strong man, they will become equally as strong. If their opponent is a wizard, even a powerful one, they are able to display the same power.”

“And if they oppose a dragon?”

“Don’t know, little one. As far as I know, it’s never happened. But like I said, I’m only guessing.”

“Why do you think the king might be that instead?”

“I would know if he were anything else magical and one would have to be magical in order to do what he is supposed to do. One of the other traits of this Mot-taka magic is the user cannot be detected due to the very nature of the talent. But again, speculation.”

“But can a Mot-taka absorb or steal power away?”

“I’m not sure. But I would bet a powerful one could.”

“If that’s the case, what do we do?”

“We do nothing. I will handle this, Relath. Isn’t that why you called me?” He looked to the silent, half naked Khat. “Besides, don’t you have other interests right now?”

Suddenly there was a noise, a popping sound, and a large net dropped over the three standing in the clearing. It was large enough to completely cover them and even drape on the ground around them. The net sparkled a little when it hit them and the tingling returned to Relath’s limbs.

“No! It can’t be! Damn it, K’Jon, do something!”

“What…what is this, Relath? Why…”

Relath watched as K’Jon struggled to lift the heavy thick netting off himself, just as Relath did the same, but unlike the sack from before, Relath soon realized the net had one further spell cast on it. Evidently the net not only bound magic power, but physical power as well. Relath looked at Khat, who was making no more headway with lifting the net than he or K’Jon. Then came the voice he had been dreading.

“Well, well, well. What do we have here, now? Not only do I catch a filthy little rat but a huge one as well. Struggle all you want, dragon. You won’t escape.” The colonel walked up to Khat and put his face right up to Khat’s nose. “And looks like I caught myself a pet.” He leaned back and laughed. “Men, get Sheriff Khat out from under that thing before it takes all his strength. I have use of him, and for that he will need lots of energy.”

Relath sank to the ground, his legs no longer able to hold him, as two soldiers walked over and lifted a portion of the net to pull Khat out. Relath’s heart plummeted because he would not be able to save him. The colonel promised to use magic to make Khat comply with his wishes, to force Khat to do his will. He noticed that even K’Jon sat as well. Once again things were looking hopeless.

He could do nothing but watch the colonel approach Khat, do his stupid walk around to admire that beautiful, now half naked body. He could only seethe as the colonel put a hand on Khat’s chest, tweaking one, then the other nipple, something Relath had not even done yet. Oh, how Relath wanted to turn the colonel into a withering blink toad with no eyes, a copper curse spider with no legs, or a bearded sucker with no lips. They were all very ugly creatures with absolutely no redeeming qualities. Much like the sick man himself.

“So, Sheriff, change your mind yet? With the wizard under that net he no longer has any influence over you.”

Relath wished he had the strength to laugh when Khat spat in the colonel’s face.

“How dare you?” The colonel wiped the glob away and walked over to where Relath sat and kicked him hard. “How is it he still is smitten with you? Let go of him!”

Relath couldn’t manage a grunt of pain much less a smile at the colonel’s frustration.

“Colonel!” It was Khat’s voice. “Leave him alone! I mean it! If you do I’ll…”

“No, Khat! Don’t do it.” It took everything for Relath to speak those words. His heart was racing at an alarming rate, but he still attempted to rise to his feet. Except the colonel kicked him again and it laid Relath out flat.

“Stop it! Stop it! I’ll do what you want, just leave Relath alone!”

“Please, Khat…” Even to Relath’s ears his voice was pathetic as he sat back up and tried to raise his eyes to look into Khat’s beautiful face. “Don’t.”

Khat was suddenly there, pulling Relath to him, kissing his lips through the netting. “I love you, Relath. I know it doesn’t make sense but I do. I will do anything to save you. Anything!”

Relath was surprised by the intensity of his words and shocked his kisses gave him strength. “Khat!” Oh crap. Is this what he was feeling too? Love? Damn. “I can’t watch you do this! Please.”

Suddenly Khat was pulled away and, with a nearly primal scream, Khat fought his captors. It took four of the colonel’s soldiers to pin the man to the ground.

“Get him up.”

Relath could see the fury on the colonel’s face as he waited for his soldiers to stand Khat up.

“You…love him? Love? What the fuck, Khat? How the hell does he still have power over you?”

“He doesn’t have power over me! Not wizard magic anyway. Love is its own magic. That’s the only influence he has over me.”

“Well, even that will disappear if he’s dead!” The colonel turned back to the two still under the net. “The king will not mind at all if I kill you, Relath. Not when I hand over the dragon!” He raised his right hand and a snapping, flashing blue ball appeared, spinning so fast Relath could even hear the whir. “Time to die, wizard!”

Then the oddest thing happened. Out of the corner of his eye Relath saw, almost in slow motion, Khat pull away from his captors. Khat raised his own hand and a blue whirling ball appeared there as well. Relath turned his head and stared at the phenomena. He knew his mouth dropped open. He looked back to the colonel just in time to see him turn to Khat. Khat threw the ball at the colonel, who ducked but not in time. The ball glanced off his left shoulder, sending him to the ground. The colonel scrambled to his feet and the blue ball he held had transformed into a white ball.

“Khat! What the fucking hell? What are you doing? How… I…I don’t want to kill you. This will put you to sleep until you come to your senses!” He hurled the ball, but it was met halfway with an identical white ball. The explosion shook the ground. But the colonel seemed to have anticipated Khat’s move and had another white ball in his hand. But then so did Khat and he hurled his first. He also hurled it low and then dived to the ground. The white ball the colonel threw slammed into a tree behind Khat and split, hitting several soldiers in the clearing. Every one of them fell to the ground. The ball that Khat threw though went true and smashed into the colonel’s stomach, sending him back at least six feet and laid him out flat out on his back where he stayed.

Khat stood, breathing hard, as he held up an empty hand as if waiting for another ball to appear. When nothing happened he looked at Relath still sitting on the ground. A sound escaped him as he raced to the net and lifted it off both K’Jon and Relath. He helped Relath to his feet.

“Are you all right? Did he hurt you? Here, lean on me.”

“Khat, you…” Crap, he felt as weak as a newborn kitten. “You were using magic again. Care to tell me how?”

Khat shrugged as he looked around the clearing at the few soldiers who were helping their own as opposed to paying any attention to them. No one had gone to the aid of the colonel. Relath watched as the remaining soldiers cast weary glances both in the colonel’s direction and in the direction of the three coming to their feet.

“You okay, K’Jon? I don’t think I have ever experienced you being quiet. Nice for once.”

“Shut up, Relath. What the fuck was that damn net?” He shook as if that would rid him of its effects.

“Don’t know. Evidently created by our wonderful king to trap wizards and, it would seem, dragons. Not a good development.”

“Let’s get out of here.” With those words there was a blinding flash and the sound of thunder as K’Jon shifted to his gorgeous dragon form. “Climb on!”

“I love it when you do that,” Relath said, laughing at the soldiers who hadn’t already taken off into the woods scramble in fear when K’Jon shifted.

But then Relath raised an eyebrow. As long as he had known his friend, K’Jon never once invited Relath to ride on his back. Not once. As a matter of fact, he had never known anyone to have had that privilege. “How exactly do we get up there?”

The dragon grunted as he lowered his neck. “Climb, I said. Hurry up. And watch yourself. My scales are sharp.”

Khat turned wide eyes on Relath. “We’re going to ride on his back? Are you out of your mind? I’m not getting up there! You’re friggin’ nuts!”

“It’s like riding a horse, Khat. You simply use your knees.”

“Use your brain, Relath. Fifty feet up in the air is not like riding a horse!”

“Why do you fight me on everything?”

“Why can’t you give me good news once in a while?”

Relath chuckled. “Come on, big guy. Don’t be afraid. You can ride in front of me. I’ll hold you and make sure you don’t fall.”

A string of swear words came out of Khat’s mouth as he pushed Relath to the side. “I’m not afraid. I just like my feet on the ground!” He vaulted up on the dragon’s neck like a pro and settled in where the neck met the shoulder. He looked back down at Relath, gave a smirk and patted the area right in front of him. “Still room right here.” Then he held a hand out to help Relath up.

K’Jon swung his massive head around to put one of his eyes on Relath. “He kisses you with that mouth?”

Relath winked. “And other things.”

“Ha! Braggart.”

Relath laughed, grabbed Khat’s hand and jumped up, sitting in the spot Khat indicated for him. He snuggled in tight against Khat’s stomach and chest, feeling Khat’s bulge. “Mmmm.” He wiggled his hips.

“Hey!” shouted K’Jon. “None of that! You start something, Relath, I’ll drop you out of the sky.”

The dragon flapped his enormous gossamer wings and lifted straight off the ground.

*          *          *

“Wow, K’Jon. This is incredible.” Both Khat and Relath slipped off of K’Jon’s back when they landed. They were high on top of a tall thin flat top rock. Very clearly the only way to get to the top was to fly. They could see for miles.

With a flash and some loud pops, K’Jon was once again in human form. “Yeah, I like to come up here to think. No interruptions.”

“No, I would imagine not.” Relath continued to turn to take it all in. “You can see forever.”

“Hey!” Khat’s voice boomed. “You’re naked again! Where’s my shirt?”

“Oops. Damn. I should have taken that off before I shifted. Ruin a lot of clothes that way. Sorry.”

“Do you know how much that shirt cost me?”

“Khat, Khat, it’s fine. We can get another one.” Relath took hold of Khat’s arm, rubbed it and slowly moved to Khat’s chest. One by one he tweaked Khat’s nipples, leaning in to give them each a lick and short slurping suck. “Kind of like you without a shirt, though,” he whispered.

“Oh geez, Relath. It’s not wise to do that right now… Oh!”

“Knock it off, you two, or I’ll leave you up here.”

Khat gently pushed Relath back and kissed him once on the lips. Putting an arm around Relath they turned to K’Jon. “So, what now?”

“Tell me what happened. How did you find out about the king?”

“Oh, that? It’s actually a pretty interesting story. You know I was chasing after another smelly Angel Walker. Finally angered it enough for it to show itself. Did you know those damn things explode if they ingest water?”

K’Jon burst out laughing. “Leave it to you to discover that!”

“Yeah, they explode and burn like a bitch. Ruined my shirt, too.” He showed the dragon the holes where the saliva had been.

“Sounds like a big show.”

“Well, I guess, but the colonel was already there at that point. I was actually turned in for being kind of obvious with an old alchemist.”

“Turned in?”

“Oh. Not by Khat. Seems the new alchemist in town didn’t like me curing people he couldn’t. But I don’t think that was the only reason I got turned in.” He pushed on Khat. “Turns out…” He leaned in close to K’Jon. “Seems my mate has a very colorful past,” he mumbled under his breath, although he knew Khat heard him. “Leaving a trail of broken hearts. Hope I’m not just…another notch in his belt.” He sighed, feigning great pain, and bowed his head. “I wouldn’t know what to do.”

K’Jon chuckled. “It’s tough. Real though. I feel for you, Relath.”

“Hey now! Stop talking about me like I’m not even here! And I don’t have a colorful past! How about you, Relath? I’m not your first. Let’s talk about your past.”

Both K’Jon and Relath gazed at Khat, K’Jon nodding his head. “No question, he’s crabby but he’s very pretty, exactly your type, too. I’m thinking that’s lucky. You should have seen some of the mates the spirits lined me up with.” He whistled low. “Unpleasant. But your Khat? Nice.”

Relath grinned at both K’Jon’s words and the look on Khat’s face. “Yeah, I’ll keep him.” Suddenly Relath remembered something. “Wait a minute! As long as we’re talking about what happened back there, we need to talk about how it is you made those energy balls.”

“Um…I don’t really know. I was so scared that idiot was going to kill you, the ball was just there, and somehow I knew what to do with it. And then they just kept coming. Then all of a sudden…they just quit.”

K’Jon was nodding. “You lost the ability to make the balls when the colonel went down.”

“The colonel? What does he have to do with it?”

“He was the one you were mirroring. Relath, I believe we are in the presence of a Mot-taka.”

Relath narrowed his eyes at that statement. “Yeah. That would actually explain a few things, like you being able to make monsters out of the dirty pond water.”

Khat looked at both Relath and K’Jon. “You mean to tell me I have magic powers?”

“Well,” K’Jon said, “you can mirror magic powers.”

Khat smirked. “So if Relath decides to send me sailing again, I can do the same to him?”

K’Jon nodded, chuckling. “Probably.”

“Good.” He turned to Relath. “Very good.”

Relath turned toward Khat and looked up into his face. “You know, Khat, there’s other things to mirror than just magic power.”

“Oh yeah? What’s that?”

“Mmmmmm.” Relath palmed his suddenly stiff cock. “Mirror this.”

Khat choked but more from watching Relath jut his hips forward, lick his lips and rub himself. “Damn it, Relath.”

“That’s it. I’m leaving you guys.” K’Jon turned and walked to the center of the rock, the air snapping around him.

Relath ran to him, laughing. “Stop! Don’t. I’ll behave, K’Jon, I promise.”

“That’s a promise you have no intention or ability to keep.”

“Yes, I do. Yes, I do. Come on. I’ve never had a mate before. It’s driving me crazy.”

K’Jon sighed. “Fine. Even though I don’t believe a word you say.” He tried to keep a stern look on his face, but Relath knew it would never last. Finally he smirked. “We should get going anyway. Come on. Get on. I’ll take us down.”

*          *          *

They arrived on the ground just outside a small village, but K’Jon did not shift back to his human form.

“Hey, K’Jon. Where are you going?”

“To the place I obviously need to be, close to the castle. I knew the king was up to something. With this new information, I now know what. I have no idea yet what his ultimate goal is but someone has to stop him.”

“How? What are you going to do?”

“Not sure right now. But I’ll come up with something.”

“We’ll come with you.”

“No, Relath. You will not come with me. You’ve done enough for a while. Just…just enjoy your man.”

Relath turned a beaming smile on Khat, who smiled right back, making a kissing motion in the air at him.

“The honeymoon stage is so fucking irritating.” K’Jon rolled his enormous eyes, then chuckled.

“Really, K’Jon? You don’t want us to come along? With Khat’s newfound abilities maybe we can be helpful.”

“Fuck, no! There is no way I am going to put up with the two of you always making eyes and cooing at each other.” The dragon shivered, his scales making a deep rustling sound, but then he winked a big purple eye. “Really, little one. Enjoy life for a bit. Too often a person doesn’t get to when real life shows up. And it will. So take a break. Now promise me.”

“Promise… To not… Oh. Okay. I promise. I guess. Thanks. And good luck.”

K’Jon answered that with a deafening roar and took off into the sky. Flying fast to the south, he soon disappeared from sight.

“Wow. He’s pretty impressive.”

“Yeah. He is.” Relath took a step and into Khat’s arms. “But it’s this man who impresses me the most.”

“That’s very good. I’m so glad you think that way. Let’s go find a room and I’ll show you what I think of you.”

Relath looked around Khat toward the small village, then back up at the big man. “Nah, we don’t need a room.” He took Khat’s hand and pulled him off the dusty road and into the woods. They walked for a little bit, dodging low limbs and climbing through thick bushes, even once crawling under a thorn shrub.

“Where the fuck are you taking me?”

“I’ve been to this village. K’Jon has his place to escape for thinking, and when I was here, I had mine. And here it is.”

They were suddenly in a small clearing about twenty feet across and twenty or so feet wide, covered with plush green grass littered with wildflowers. All around the perimeter stood old majestic trees whose thick trunks stood as sentinels guarding whoever resided in the tiny, beautiful natural meadow.

Relath allowed Khat to take in the wonder of the hidden space before he took his hand and led him to the center, where there was a thick carpet of green moss. A gentle creek sang next to it. Relath turned to Khat, reached up on tiptoe to kiss his lips, then he stepped away and slowly removed his clothes while Khat watched mesmerized.

Finally standing naked in front of the beautiful man, he sat on the moss. Leaning back on his hands, he bent his legs at the knee and spread them, then looked up at Khat again with what he hoped was a seductive and inviting look. It would be sad to ruin the moment with words.

Khat’s face said it all. Flushed and breathing heavily, his eyes were wide, his tongue darting in and out, wetting his luscious lips. He, too, shed his clothes as fast as he could, and when his cock came into view it was large and hard and Relath could not take his eyes off of it. With a whimper he watched it come toward him, bobbing with stiffness, droplets forming on the tip. Khat now stood with a foot on either side of Relath’s hips. Relath sat up and took the wonderful staff into his mouth and moaned. Khat jerked forward with a grunt, tangling his hands in Relath’s hair.

“Relath!”

He started to move slowly in and out of Relath’s mouth as Relath used his tongue, sucking hard when he could. He was feeling Khat becoming harder as he danced close to orgasm. Relath thrilled and sucked harder as Khat moved faster and deeper.

Suddenly, with a roar not unlike the dragon’s, Khat was coming. Relath tried to capture every surge, every pulse of liquid, which seemed to go on and on forever as Khat cried out his pleasure. Finally he pulled out of Relath’s mouth, jerking with yet another spasm. Relath reached out with his tongue to grab the last drop.

With a growl, Khat dropped to the ground and spread Relath’s legs wide, forcing Relath to fall back to his elbows. Immediately Relath felt his member being engulfed by incredible heat and wetness.

The sensation was nearly too much to bear. He bucked his hips up, but Khat decided he was the one in charge and held Relath steady. He suddenly came off and Relath cried out in disappointment as he looked up at Khat.

“Get up for a minute,” he rumbled.

Relath could hardly move, but he limped up to his feet. Khat lay down on his back, then he took Relath’s hand and pulled him to kneel on either side of Khat’s face as Khat once again took Relath’s hard cock in his mouth.

For support, Relath put his hands on the ground above Khat’s head as he let Khat pull him in and out of his hot mouth. Then one of Khat’s hands wandered to Relath’s ass and rubbed up and down until he found Relath’s opening and pushed.

Relath was at the edge anyway. It wouldn’t have been much longer with Khat’s mouth sucking and his tongue working a magic all its own. But when Khat breached his tight entrance with his thick, callused fingers, he came hard. He couldn’t even cry out, all energy, all thought, all existence was centered on his pulsing, nearly convulsing orgasm.

When he finally returned to earth he was lying on Khat’s chest. Somehow Khat must have moved him without him even realizing it. But he was content. Sated. Happy. He wasn’t sure how long they lay like that but suddenly Khat slapped Relath’s bare ass and made to get up.

“Come on, wizard. We better get moving if we have any hope of catching up with that dragon.”

“What? But…”

“Come on. We’re not going to let K’Jon have all the fun, are we?”

“But I promised.”

“A promise you had no intention or ability to keep.” And he chuckled. “Believe me, K’Jon is well aware.”

They dressed quickly and then Khat looked toward the sky. “Too bad we don’t have those magnificent wings though.”

“Wings? We don’t need wings.” Relath dipped his hands in the creek and waved them at Khat.

“Relath? Don’t you dare… Relath!” Up into the air Khat flew, tumbling over and over, while Relath laughed. But suddenly he was also flying, ass first, straight off the ground.

“Ahhhh! Khat! Khat, did you do that? Khat! You asshole! You scared the crap out of me.” Reaching Khat, he threw his arms around the big man. “Wow. That was a rush!”

“Shall we?”

“We shall!”

And with that they set out for who knew what.

To be continued...

 

 

 

Is It Magic? Chapter Two

 

Chapter Two

“Damn,” Relath whispered. “That was intense.” He could feel Khat’s chest hair tickle his face as the big man continued to breathe heavily. Relath felt wonderfully sated. He hadn’t felt like this in… Well, ever.

“Yeah,” Khat whispered harshly, the hand casually rubbing Relath’s back stopped. He felt the lawman stiffening up.

Relath couldn’t help but detect a note of anger. “Are…are you okay?”

“Yeah.” Khat sat up pushing Relath off. “At least I can think now.”

Relath felt dismissed and suddenly abandoned. It wasn’t like he hadn’t felt like that before, and commitment was something too dangerous to even think about, but it didn’t make the sting of rejection any less painful. “Wow. Didn’t peg you for a fuck and flee kind of guy.” His heart, he realized way too late, was going to suffer with this one. When had he allowed for that to happen?

Khat snorted. “Fuck and flee. Hilarious.”

“Yeah, well, I’m not necessarily into…cuddling. But…that…that was nice.”

Khat looked back at Relath. “Cuddling? Really? I didn’t peg you as a clingy, emotional kind of guy either.”

“Sorry. I just thought… I thought you…” Relath sat up and swung his legs to the side of the cot, putting his back toward Khat. “Thought you were having a good time, is all.”

Relath heard a heavy sigh. “I did. I…did like it. I mean…damn it, Relath. I’ve liked you ever since… I don’t normally do one-nighters. Don’t like that.”

“Excuse me? I’m not the one running out the door, here.”

“And I am?”

“You’re the one who pushed me off of you, getting all offended at the cuddling. Not me.” Relath turned to face Khat. “What’s up with you?”

Khat’s face turned an adorable shade of red in the failing light of the sun streaming in from the high windows, but he said nothing.

“Wait. Wait a minute. I get it. You thought I was… Wow. Really? You thought I was trying to seduce you so you wouldn’t throw me in jail?”

Khat smirked. “You mean you weren’t?”

“Well, considering how well it would have worked, because here I am, in jail, thankfully, no.”

“You weren’t waving that delectable ass in front of me day and night to make sure I couldn’t think straight?”

“Oh, that? Well, yeah. Wait. Delectable?” Relath smiled and blushed a little himself. “Yeah, I will admit I was trying to seduce you. But not so you wouldn’t lock me up. Tie me up, maybe, but…”

Khat narrowed his eyes at Relath and turned even a deeper shade of red. “Then why?”

“Why was I trying to seduce you? Because just thinking about you makes me sweat. I love your voice, your body…” Relath ran a hand down Khat’s bare chest. “Even your skin. You’re beautiful.”

Khat blushed again and leaned over to kiss Relath gently on the lips. “Just my body? I feel so cheap.”

Relath chuckled. “Okay, Mr. I’m Not Into The Emotional Shit, I also think you’re kind and caring and strong. You command with your voice and have rough hands that feel good on me.”

“Why didn’t you leave? I thought you would leave once I told you I would arrest you and bring the castle down on you.”

“Usually I do leave when that happens. I’m always on the run. But…this place is different. You’re different. For the first time in a long time I wanted to stay.”

“Damn.”

Relath looked up into Khat’s eyes. “Is that a good damn or a bad damn?”

Khat pulled away. “Bad.”

“Why? You have a family I don’t know about? Some beautiful woman you keep barefoot and pregnant?”

Khat laughed. “No. Nothing like that. It’s just that…”

Relath grunted. “A lover?”

Khat scowled. “No! Nothing like that either.”

Relath nodded. “I see.”

“No. You don’t. There was…a man. He and I kept company. He didn’t like that we weren’t going to – you know – make it permanent. Things happened. Words were said. We didn’t part exactly friends. He thinks I… Well, he saw you the other day when you…”

Relath looked up. “When I what?”

“Do you remember seeing a guy with long black hair? Kind of a perpetual frown on his face?”

“Oh! White as a fucking ghost?”

Khat laughed. Relath realized he loved that laugh. “Yeah, that’s Almar. He’s… Well, he was…”

“Your lover? That tall, thin ghost was your lover?”

      “No! I told you. It wasn’t like that. But yeah, we had similar interests.”

“Fuck the similar interests. At least you eat! That guy didn’t look strong enough to lift a fork. He blackmail you or something because…damn.”

“No. I know. He’s…odd. But he is the alchemist in town and… “

“You wanted better rates?”

Khat shot Relath an angry look and Relath laughed.

“Honestly, I don’t see anything even appealing in that guy. Even though I only saw him for a few minutes I remember him! Scarier than hell!” Then Relath frowned. “When was that? Wait…oh yeah. It was when I cured old man Van Derke, right? Wasn’t he an alchemist, too, back a few hundred years back?” Relath giggled. “Yeah, I have to admit, I made too big a show with that one. Did it for your benefit, you know. Showing off I guess.”

“Well, Almar wasn’t amused.”

“He lodge a complaint or something? Want you to run me out of town?”

“Worse. Van Derke is his father. Almar couldn’t cure him either. The man was dying. Then you come along. Well, Amar really believes you’re a wizard now. He’s an idiot. But he sent runners. To the castle.”

“What? Runners? As in to tattle on me? When?”

“That same day, is what he said. Fucker told me earlier today. But I have a feeling those runners are going to be tattling on more than just you. I think he wants my head, too.”

“Shit. That wasn’t just the other day either. It was more like four. So chances are the runners have already arrived and there just might be a troop on its way back as we speak.”

“Pretty much what I was thinking.”

“So then why? What the hell was this all about? You had your way with me and now you lock me up and hand me over? Is that it?”

“No! Fuck, Relath! For someone as good as you are at scamming folks, you sure can be stupid! I…I didn’t even mean to do this…but things got heated and… Face it, Relath, you’re not safe here. You never have been and now you’re out of time and you need to run. I’ve been not so subtly hinting at that for over a week, now.”

“Look, as accustomed as I am to running, you honestly do not need to worry about me. I am a wizard. They do exist, so I can protect myself. The problem now is making sure you’re protected.” Especially with the smell he detected a moment ago. Relath rose from the cot and walked to his coat, now laying on the floor, and picked up a small bottle of his elixir. He sprinkled a few drops on his hand, then turned back to Khat and, slowly waving that hand, spread his fingers.

Khat laughed out loud. “Me? You’re going to protect me? I’m sorry, Relath, but as amazing as your elixir seems to be, I’m more inclined to believe you stole that liquid of yours off some unsuspecting alchemist. You cure a few small ailments with it, then make up the chillshade shit and rake in the dough.”

“You don’t believe in magic. I understand that. Then let me ask you a question.”

“Go ahead.”

“What would be the reason you’re floating six inches above the cot?”

Relath watched the color drain from Khat’s face even before he looked down at himself. In the moment of realization, Khat pitched his body back and screamed. “Fuck! Put me down! Put me down!”

Relath waved his hand again and Khat settled gently back on the bed. But Khat did not understand Relath was only trying to prove a point. He once again threw himself backward and tumbled off the cot. He scrambled to his feet and backed away from Relath, holding his arm out as if he needed to fend off the smaller man.

“Did you do that? How the fuck did you do that?”

“Calm down. Yes. I did that. I’m a wizard. That’s how I did that. Now do you believe me or do I have to turn you into a toad or something?”

“Toad?” Khat screamed.

“I’m kidding! Calm down, I’m just kidding. I wouldn’t do that.”

Khat breathed heavily for a minute, still holding his arm out. Dropping it finally to his side he asked, “You could do that? I mean, you can turn people into toads?”

“Why? Have someone in mind?”

Khat laughed but it sounded very stressed. “No. Just trying to figure out how crazy you really are.”

“You mean you still don’t believe me?”

“No! Wizards and magic and fucking dragon shifters don’t exist! They’re myths! Fucking folklore told only to frighten small children. In case you haven’t noticed, I am no child!”

Relath looked up and down Khat’s still-naked body, settling his stare on Khat’s beautiful flaccid member. “Oh yeah, I noticed. No problem there.” Khat’s large-even-when-deflated cock actually jumped and start to rise. Relath shot his eyes up to Khat’s face just in time to see it turn very red.

“Think you’re funny?” Khat ground out.

“I’m not laughing. But I really am a wizard. And…um…”

“What?”

“I’m… Well…good friends with a dragon.”

Khat simply stood there looking at Relath. Then, giving a huff, he twisted around, looking on the floor. Finding his pants, he scooped them up and stomped out of the cell and toward a door, behind which Relath remembered was a chamber pot. Khat walked through, turned to throw an angry stare back at Relath and slammed the door.

Relath drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Huh,” he said into the now-empty room. “That went well.” He grabbed up his clothes, too, and started to dress. Knowing an army was most definitely on its way to collect him, he didn’t have a lot of time to come up with a plan. Leaving was no longer an option, even if it had been on the table before. Not only did he have an Angel Walker to contend with, he had a raging need to protect the sheriff.

He laughed. Khat was not a man who would accept hiding behind someone easily. He was used to being the one standing between the people and any kind of danger that threatened them. Relath had witnessed that countless times in the past few weeks he had been here. But with the king’s men on the way, the large beautiful man was going to need saving. Khat could be the one in charge in the bedroom, Relath had no problem with that. In fact, he shivered from the thought of being sexually dominated. But on the battlefield Relath was the dominant one. It was going to be extremely interesting to see how that went.

That was when the smell, which had been on the edge of his consciousness for some time now, became overwhelming.

Putrid, sweaty, acrid.

An Angel Walker had just materialized.

But where?

“Um…Khat? Could you come out here, please?”

Silence.

A tingling feeling crawled up Relath’s neck. “Khat? Please answer me.”

“Yeah…I’m here.” He could barely hear Khat’s voice, almost as if he were trying to whisper but knew a whisper would not be heard.

“Fuck.” Relath ran to the closed door. It was in there with him. “Khat, you okay? You getting up close and personal with an Angel Walker?”

“That what it is? Smelly thing.”

“Try not to breathe it…if you can.”

“Well, since I need to breathe and there isn’t a hell of a lot of room in here…”

“I’m going to open the door, okay?”

“Can’t fit much more in this room, Relath.”

“I’m actually thinking about inviting the Angel Walker to join me out here. Figured you’d be okay with that.”

“Oh yeah. Have at it. Oh, and Relath? Tell me again you’re a wizard, okay? I think I’ll believe you this time.”

“I’m a wizard.”

“Good. Thank the gods.”

“I’m not a good wizard.”

“You tell me that now?”

Relath laughed. “Opening the door!”

The stench that slammed into him the second he opened the door was overpowering. Relath saw Khat plastered up against the left wall, a large dark creature stood pulsing in what was the rest of the room. Khat was right, there wasn’t a lot of space left for anything else. The Angel Walker stood on two stumpy legs, tentacles of various sizes and thicknesses flailed from all around its round body, knocking into the walls and leaving dark slimy steaming skid marks. Khat ducked successfully every time one of those smelly appendages came close, which was a good thing. Its bumpy, rutted, pockmarked skin boiled and oozed a black liquid that sizzled as it hit the stone wall and floor. It would dissolve flesh on contact.

“Who are you speaking to?” The vibrating voice came from the black blob, but from just exactly where on its body was a mystery.

“No one, Angel Walker. What are you doing here?”

“I came for the weak wizard who has been messing with my energy supply. Is that you?”

Relath looked back to Khat, whose startled and confused eyes stared back at Relath. Relath winked. “You would be correct, beast. I am your target.”

“I thought so. Prepare to die, wizard.”

Khat mouthed the words, “How does it not know I’m here?”

How indeed? That was going to be difficult to explain. Khat was not going to be happy.

“So…do magic…or incantations or whatever the hell you guys do,” Khat said. “I’m about ready to throw up from the smell.” He ducked again.

“Understandable,” Relath said, as if to the Walker. “Just make sure you don’t get hit by its saliva. Stuff will kill you.”

“Saliva? That shit is saliva?”

“Pretty much. It’s meant to digest its victims.”

“Who are you talking to, wizard?” If an Angel Walker’s strange voice could sound angry, that was it.

Khat continued his whispers. “I thought the damn things were supposed to only suck energy.”

“Mostly, but sometimes it eats, too. It uses those tentacles to envelope its prey and the”—Relath had to swallow hard to keep control of his stomach—“saliva begins the break down process of digestion. It’s gotta hurt like hell.”

“You are making me mad, boy. That is a dangerous thing to do. I had planned on killing you quickly, but now I think I will stuff you in my mouth while you’re still alive. We will see if that is just as painful.” It began to move toward Relath.

“Surprisingly,” Relath continued after he shivered, “it has teeth but they’re not…healthy. You don’t want to see them, believe me. Nasty.” Another shiver shook his body.

“Yeah, being the rest of it is so attractive.”

“Ha.” Relath spread his feet to solidify his stance and raised his hands. “I wish you could stand back. This could get messy.”

“Just get on with it! Get me the fuck out of here!”

“Pushy bastard, aren’t you?” He closed his eyes as he moved his hands back and forth in an arc formation. “Flastern pickostom tally! Flastern pickostom tally! Flastern pickostom tally!”

Laughter filled the space and the Angel Walker’s fluttery voice boomed out, “I am surprised that you would know a calling forth spell, wizard, but you have no power over me. You don’t even know my name. Besides, I am already here! You are angering me with your pathetic attempts at wizardry. I came forth on my own to put you out of your misery!” A tentacle flew at Relath as the Angel Walker threw its entire mass at the young man. Anticipating the move, Relath took several quick steps backward, drawing the creature forward by the momentum of its own weight. The monster fell out of the small chamber pot room and rolled on the floor. Steam billowed up from where its liquids hit any flat surface and it screamed its irritation at missing the wizard.

“Never meant to call you, asshole. Just needed you angry to get you moving.” Relath cringed, having had to watch the Angel Walker squeeze through the doorway, too fat to fit, leaving its ooze covering the entire opening. Already the wood that made up the doorframe was disintegrating. But there was enough room now for Khat to escape.

“What are you going to do now, wizard? You have nowhere to run. You stupidly let yourself be trapped in this room. The door out is behind me.”

“Yeah, did that on purpose though.” Taking out a bottle of his elixir, he opened it and sprinkled a small amount of the dirty water on his hands. He waved at Khat as he darted through the dripping doorway. Suddenly Khat was floating in the air again, heading fast for the door leading outside. Relath continued to wave his hands and the door unlocked itself, opened, and Khat sailed right on through.

“Relath! Damn it! Put me down! Let me at that thing! You can’t do it alone.”

His voice faded as the door closed with him on the other side.

The Angel Walker held still for a moment. Relath knew why. It had finally detected Khat from the movement. “Didn’t know he was there, did you?” A low growling noise started to rumble through the floor and air. “You had no clue. Didn’t even hear him, did you?” The sound got louder and the air in the room began to heat. “What? Thought I didn’t have it in me? Yeah, not the best wizard, I’ll give you that, but even I can weave a Destablilized Halodium spell. Put it on him the moment I smelled you and I could smell you a fucking mile away. Not about to let you get any more of these innocents in this town, either. I now will stand as their protector, got that, Angel Walker? I may not know your name and I may not know your purpose in being here, but I sure as hell am not going to let you suck any more energy or weave any more of your chillshades. It’s over, fucker. Get out or I will cut you into a hundred smelly little pieces and feed you to a dragon.” Relath moved his still damp hand and when the weak wave hit the Angel Walker, it stumbled back, but only a foot or two.

The laugh that came from the quivering mass was not as strong as it was before. Relath knew it was shaken by the subterfuge and probably any mention of a dragon, but it wouldn’t be for long and the sunlight was failing fast. He had to come up with a plan to either get out of the room or to somehow defeat the beast.

He only had one shot. He didn’t have time for any kind of spell, not that he had anything that would defeat an Angel Walker, but when water mixed with the black ooze, the sizzle became a raging fire that would even scorch the Angel Walker. Pain was probably something the monster enjoyed, but it was still Relath’s only option. He just hoped it would work. His control over the Halodium spell was slipping and he would soon have Khat back in the room. He couldn’t risk it. This had to end now. Relath took the bottle of Talasar Elixir and hurled it at the Walker.

Then the most curious thing happened. He had intended for the bottle to bounce off the blob of a body and fall to the stone floor, break, and spray its totally harmless contents over the Angel Walker. But the blob-like skin sucked the bottle straight into itself. That even surprised Relath.

It also couldn’t be good.

The Ex's Boyfriend is OUT

Mark has always been a Dominant. The Top in every relationship. Just ask Leon, his very ex-boyfriend, because that’s what he told Mark he was.

Okay, Mark’s only had the one relationship so the ‘always’ was a reach, but it didn’t matter. It was more than over with now, and Leon was long gone. That is until Leon felt it necessary to show off his new boyfriend, a gorgeous mountain called Rogan, by evidently telling him that Mark was stalking, bullying, badgering, harassing and get this, abusing him.

“He’ll kill you, Mark, because he loves me and wants to protect me.”

From whom? Skinny little Mark? What a joke. Because all Mark has ever done was exactly what Leon told him to do and that now included staying as far away from Leon as he could get. But how can he do that when Leon is hell-bent on proving all the lies he’s told Rogan about Mark were true, and by any means possible except the actual truth? Thankfully, it seems Rogan’s not quite as clueless about Leon’s wild imagination as Mark has always been. In fact, the big, beautiful man has come to Mark’s rescue a couple of times and has made it clear, Leon and he are not a thing. At least, not anymore.

Which is good since Mark is going to need Rogan’s help. Mainly because something else is out to get Mark. Something not Leon.

This something isn’t even human…

Buy links HERE

COVER REVEAL - The Ex's Boyfriend

Mark has always been a Dominant. The Top in every relationship. Just ask Leon, his very ex-boyfriend, because that’s what he told Mark he was.

Okay, Mark’s only had the one relationship so the ‘always’ was a reach, but it didn’t matter. It was more than over with now, and Leon was long gone. That is until Leon felt it necessary to show off his new boyfriend, a gorgeous mountain called Rogan, by evidently telling him that Mark was stalking, bullying, badgering, harassing and get this, abusing him.

“He’ll kill you, Mark, because he loves me and wants to protect me.”

From who? Skinny little Mark? What a joke. Because all Mark has ever done was exactly what Leon told him to do and that now included staying as far away from Leon as he could get. But how can he do that when Leon is hell-bent on proving all the lies he’s told Rogan about Mark were true, and by any means possible except the actual truth? Thankfully, it seems Rogan’s not quite as clueless about Leon’s wild imagination as Mark has always been. In fact, the big, beautiful man has come to Mark’s rescue a couple of times and has made it clear, Leon and he are not a thing. At least, not anymore.

Which is good since Mark is going to need Rogan’s help. Mainly because something else is out to get Mark. Something not Leon.

This something isn’t even human…

OUT October 29

COVER REVEAL - The Superior Jewel

 Blurb

Ryan  was shocked when he saw the man who had rescued him from a psychotic co-worker three months ago, a man Ryan had been having very sexy dreams about ever since, standing on the same yacht as he was. Learning the man's name was Jansen Branwyth should have rung a few bells, but Ryan was never one to keep up with the rich and powerful. Now this big, gorgeous man seemed to be in hot pursuit, relentlessly and expertly backing a confused Ryan against a hard wall. Deliciously turned on by the man's erotically suggestive flirting, Ryan finds himself now in competition with his former, very beautiful girlfriend, vying for Jansen's attention. As the heat ramps up, so does Ryan's self-doubt, forcing Jansen into making it perfectly clear who he intends on taking with him off the boat, even if he must chase down, subdue and throw that certain someone over his shoulder to do it.

Coming February 26

Read more!

The Superior Jewel - coming soon!

 It's coming!

A new Superior Jewel! I have added more than 40,000 words to this book and it will be coming out soon. Here's a little unedited taste.

Odd. Ryan wasn't answering.

Jansen had told Ryan he would call him right back. Well, not right back. He just wanted to get to somewhere quiet and that, thankfully, had come sooner than he thought it would. Negotiating with Leon, the man who owned the property he had come to see, had become difficult. Especially when the man started drinking. Leon had insisted they continue to talk over dinner, and he picked one of the noisiest bars Jansen had ever been in. But once Leon started downing one whiskey after another, Jansen no longer felt it appropriate to talk business. But extracting himself from the situation was hard. It had been Ryan’s phone call that had been the tipping point for him. Jansen quickly called a cab for Leon and then took himself to his hotel. Now, in his lonely suite, he wanted to simply hear Ryan’s sweet voice and voice mail was not doing it for him.

Where was Ryan? Why had he called? Was he in trouble? Did he need his Bathman? Jansen chuckled but then sobered. Did he? Shit.

He glanced at his suitcase. Should he chuck this deal and head home?

He tried Ryan again and this time it went straight to voice mail.

Oh, that’s it. His phone probably died. He imagined Ryan running around trying to find his phone cord. Too cute.

God, he missed him. He had been so excited when he thought to order breakfast, lunch and dinner for him for the two days he was to be gone. It was probably the reason for the call tonight. It was about the time his packages would have arrived. He had made sure of the time, knowing Ryan would be home.

But then there was Micky. Again, so strange. Showing up like that again on Sunday evening.

“You’re back. What did you forget this time?”

“Oh! Mr. Branwyth! You startled me. I didn’t expect you here.”

“It is my office.”

“Yes. I know, it’s just…”

“What?”

“You’re so rarely here at this time, is all.”

“And you are?”

Micky had shrugged. “Sometimes.”

“I see.” But Jansen really didn’t. There was no reason for Micky to be putting in extra hours.

“I heard you ordering food. You have any plans for dinner? I mean maybe you and I…”

“Micky don’t go down that road again. We’ve talked about it. You are my employee and it’s inappropriate.”

“I was just asking you about dinner. No one should eat alone.”

What had slammed into his memory at that moment was Ms. Christy inviting him to dine at hers and Ryan’s table on Friday aboard The Superior Jewel. Those had been her words too.

“You don’t mind, Ryan, do you? No one should eat alone.”

Ryan had been so adorable then, choking on his liquor. Jansen’s liquor. Jansen hadn’t yet realized at that moment that Ryan was clueless Jansen was only after him and not his so-called-friend, one Ms. Cheyenne Christy. Jesus, what a night that had been. The hunt, the chase and… oh! The capture. The spoils go to the victor.

And wow, he had been more than victorious that night and the night after.

He smiled from the memory.

“I was ordering food for Ryan Madison to be delivered to his apartment.” He checked off the last restaurant he had on his list after pressing end on his phone. He smoothed out the sheet of paper laying on his desk that also held Ryan’s address. He had actually taken it off his Driver’s License but had felt guilty about it. He ended up asking Ryan for it after he came out of the shower, begging really.

“You mean that man in the bathroom this afternoon?”

“Yes. I’m in a relationship with him. It’s new and fragile. Two days old. So,” He glanced up at Micky. “I am not eating alone.” He smiled. “I am dreaming of the time when I am back from this business trip and eating, drinking, laughing with Ryan.” He shook his head so lost in feeling.

“After two days? You have known this guy for only two days!”

Jansen glanced back at Micky a little surprised at his reaction. “No. More like three months. I don’t expect you to understand. I don’t even understand completely. But he was lost to me for three months. He disappeared on me. But then, like an angel, there he was. On board my new boat, The Superior Jewel. Just this last Friday. God, what a sight. And to think I almost didn’t go. I am so thankful I did.”

“You mean…? That boat you bought? You were going to send me.”

“Yes. But you needed the night off.” Jansen smiled. He just couldn’t believe his incredible fortune. He had been irritated Micky had suddenly become busy that night. He had been counting on him going. But it turned out to be a blessing.

“I’m so sorry. I should have…”

“I’m not. It was perfect timing.”

“But… you had been looking for him? For three months? I don’t understand.”

Was he upset? “I rescued him one afternoon, actually saved him from an attack. In the bathroom!” Ryan had been so beautiful, so vulnerable. And Jansen had been so damn pissed. That asshole who had intended to… well, thankfully it hadn’t happened. Ryan had been hurt, but Jansen took care of that, too. “But then he disappeared before I could get his name. I searched for him. For three months.”

“I remember. You kept going back to that lawyer’s office.” Micky rolled his eyes.

Now why in the word was he angry about that? “Yes. I thought I would see him again. But I never did. Not until this Friday.” But then what was he doing chattering and going on? All he had wanted to do was order the food to be delivered by time Ryan got home tomorrow and get home himself. It was going to be a long day on the road. But it seemed he was bubbling over. He just couldn’t help talking about his Ryan. “Anyway, I’m off.” He stuffed the paper with Ryan's address in his top drawer and stood. “I’ll be leaving early in the morning. I need to get home, have a bite to eat and get to bed.”

Micky’s eyes flashed and for a moment Jansen expected the man to ask if he wanted company. He was always borderline flirting with Jansen. He had consistently ignored the other man, believing he was overthinking the behavior. But ever since he had met Ryan, Micky’s conduct was no longer unclear. Jansen needed to shut it down every time he felt it surfaced. He had been wrong not doing so before this.

“I can see you’re drained,” Micky said. “I’ll close up, get the lights. You go on.” Then he smiled. It had seemed genuine. And since it was the truth, Jansen was exhausted, he allowed it, smiling himself.

And now here he was, hundreds of miles away staring at his phone regretting he had come in the first place. But abandoning the deal at this point didn’t make sense. He would try again tomorrow.

Jansen tried three more times to get in touch with Ryan before he went to bed that night, left messages all three times, and then two more times in the morning before he headed out to meet with Leon.

“You look tired,” Leon gruffed as he took a sip of coffee from his mug.

“Didn’t sleep well. Did you get through the proposal?” He was itching to try Ryan again. He could understand that he most likely had to plug in his phone overnight, maybe forgot to turn it on. It was early, probably before Ryan had to get up, when Jansen tried the first time this morning. Perhaps he had been in the shower. But Jansen was now nervous, and he wanted to try again because Ryan would be at work at this point. It was Tuesday and he needed to hear Ryan’s voice. For real. Why was his phone still off?

Was there a problem?

“Jansen?”

Jansen jerked and glanced up at Leon. “Sorry!” Shit. The man had been talking and he hadn’t heard a word. “Like I said. I didn’t sleep well.” He took a large sip from his coffee and attempted to focus.

“You were a million miles away.”

Not a million. Just a few hundred.