Tracy St. John's Blog, page 118

WIP Wednesday – Unnamed New Sci-Fi Series

                Arga halted next to him. Without looking at him, Kren knew the edges of his friend’s pointed ears grew more cuplike as his had, seeking to capture any sound. In a whisper so low it might have been an errant breeze, Arga asked, “Something?”                His voice just as low, Kren said, “Listen. The nightflyers are silent. Something has spooked them. Whatever is out there, it’s nearby.”                His skin automatically armored, answering the instinct for protection. Malleable flesh was now as rock hard as a hiser’s hide, protecting all vulnerable organs from harm. Laser shot or projectile bursts could penetrate armored Risnarish skin, but blunt trauma and even puncture wounds were deflected. If Kren was about to encounter a wild animal, he was well protected.                Arga’s striped skin rippled as he too armored. He took a deep breath and his eyes widened. “I smell something. Not overwhelmingly awful, but not pleasant either.”                Kren caught a whiff of it as well. The smell was sour, a little like tog milk that had been left out in the sun. He exchanged at look with his partner. The recent rash of Tysu sightings often included reports of smelling something strange. This certainly qualified.                He nodded to Arga. They went off the path, following the scent through less densely packed foliage. Certainly something could have moved through the area with little problem. He could still make out patches of underbrush here and there in the remaining light from the huge planet hanging in the night sky. As Kren noted broken twigs and disturbed needles from the surrounding trees, he felt sure something had passed through.                Yes, the sour odor was strengthening, growing bright in Kren’s nostrils. His mane stoodup straight on his neck and spine. His hand sprouted a couple of extra fingers as he grabbed the stunner wand on his belt. Had it been the telltale oily scent of a drone or the dry husk smell of a Monsudan, he would have armed himself with his spray shooter. This was no known enemy however. Probably some animal, sick or infected.                Arga had his wand out too, firmly gripping the telescoping rod with six fingers and a thumb. “That stink—” he started to whisper.                He was interrupted by a high-pitched cry, something that sounded similar to a small child’s wail. A shrub a few steps away shivered – and a bipedal creature burst out from behind it.                Kren had the impression of pale flesh and long, whipping hair. Absurdly slender arms and legs flailed as the creature ran deeper into the woods, crashing through the underbrush as it went. The abrupt appearance of so bizarre an animal stopped him and Arga in their tracks.                Arga yelled in his shock. “Shit! Did you see that?”                Kren didn’t answer. His momentary shock flew from him and he plunged into the woods after the Tysu. He heard Arga’s thunderous tread behind him and the creature’s wild flight in front. The two men raced after the off-putting smell and noise of the being crashing through the underbrush.
Release date not set.

Shalia's Diary Monday Post

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Last Day To Get Netherworld I: Drop Dead Sexy for 99 Cents

Don't miss out! Netherworld I: Drop Dead Sexy goes back to its regular price tomorrow. Pick up your copy at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and All Romance.


Be sure to check out the whole Netherworld series, including the newest installment, Netherworld IV: Animal Attraction.

Netherworld IV: Animal Attraction Now On Sale!

For ghost Brandilynn Payson, there is no such thing as resting in peace. Trapped in a vampire’s body during the night much to the horror of those surrounding her ... particularly her former sweetheart Tristan ... she struggles to cope with an afterlife that keeps getting more complicated.


Even with her one true love Dan and werepanther Gerald helping her, Brandilynn struggles to find her way. As she deals with a body that desires more than just blood, Brandilynn must also come to terms with her former lovers triangle and the new unwanted one that has come about. Plus she must now face a member of her family who cast her aside.


Worse still, the town’s shifter population is disappearing without a trace. As if her afterlife isn’t crazy enough with personal failure and heartbreak, an unspeakable threat menaces Brandilynn’s friends and family.


Being a vampire is tough. Keeping those she loves alive is even tougher.


Contains elements of BDSM. 
Dan flipped my short pleated skirt up to reveal my cotton-clad rump. “Spread your legs. Wider. Wider.” He gave one thigh a smart whack with the thick paddle when I proved reluctant to obey.
I yelped and set my legs far apart, wincing at the throb of pain. I shivered to think of the punishment I was about to receive. It was going to hurt so good.
I closed my hands into fists as Dan pulled my panties down. I knew he saw it all: my butt with cheeks parted and my pussy already wet and swelling with excitement. I felt the familiar exciting helplessness curl tight in my sex. There is nothing better than being utterly vulnerable to the man I love and trust with all of my being.
His hand settled in the small of my back. No principal ever warms a wayward student’s rear for a paddling so it hurts less. I would get all the agony I could ask for. Maybe more.
“How many, Sir?” I asked, delicious fear joining the jumble in my belly.
“As many as I think will put you right,” came the noncommittal answer. “Stay still and take your punishment.”
I swear I heard that block of wood whistle in the air as it swung at my unprotected fanny. The contact between it and the fleshiest part of my butt sounded like a gunshot. Pain exploded and I shrieked. If I jumped an inch, I jumped a mile. Good glory, that hurt!
The pain still radiated from his strike when the next one fell. It caught me slightly above where the first had landed. I howled and tears welled in my eyes.
Another heavy swat, the lowest part of my butt. Another, this one catching upper thighs. I jerked and jumped and kicked helplessly as Dan held me down and delivered my paddling. I yelled wordless cries of pain and pummeled the table with my fists. My butt crackled with fiery torment.
I often used pain play to take me out of my head where worry enjoyed roosting far too much. The immediacy of discipline meant no dwelling on the world’s ugliness or my own shortcomings. Though I had little to be concerned with these days, it still felt good to be totally in the here and now. I had nothing to worry over except accepting Dan’s dominance and doing all I could to please him.
What more could a sub want out of life ... or afterlife?
Even as I danced under his powerful strokes with the paddle and sobbed with hurt of blistering buttocks and thighs, I sank into peace. A part of me floated free, happy to be with the man I loved, serving his needs and him alone. The soft sensation of euphoria transmuted the punishment, turning pain into an intensity that throbbed in my pussy. The tone of my cries changed with the shift, becoming throaty moans of sharp pleasure. 
Dan heard me and said, “That’s it, little girl. Learn your lesson. Time to be good now.”
I arched my back, offering myself for more discipline. Bliss throbbed in time with the rise and fall of the paddle. Each strike was a benediction, a redemption. 
I heard the music. Deathsong, Arthur had called it. I thought it was more like the song of true life. Of love. There was nothing morbid in that sweet, swelling tone that made me feel so close to home ... wherever that might be.
I felt myself reaching towards it. At that moment the paddling stopped. The music went away, leaving me gasping on the table.
“Are you going to be a good girl now?” Dan asked me.
I blinked, coming back to myself. Wow, I’d really taken off into subspace that time. I still felt floaty and serene, albeit a little disappointed to have lost that precious music.
In a slow, drugged voice I said, “I’ll be good, Sir.”
“We’ll see. Now, let me think about how much detention you deserve.”
I slid to the floor, my legs feeling like jelly. I landed on my rear and a quick throb of pain brought me back to our scene and the part I was supposed to be playing. Naughty school girl wanting to avoid more trouble with her sexy principal. Oh yeah.
I reached for Dan’s ankle, gazing up with imploring eyes as I groveled at his feet. “Please Sir, don’t make me do detention. I’ll do anything you want. Anything.”
So I was no actress and I delivered cheesy lines. Hey, as long as my master was happy, that’s all that counted. Judging from the bulge at the front of his pants, Dan wasn’t displeased in the least.
“Anything, Miss Payson?” He eyed me carefully.
“Anything,” I whispered.
He reached down to cup my chin. Pulling up, Dan prodded me to my knees. He tossed the paddle to one side and worked on the knot to my tie. “Wrists,” he ordered.
I gave them to him without pause. My breath caught as he tied them together with the tie, one crossed over the other. Then he guided me to place them behind my neck.
With me kneeling at his feet, my hands behind my neck, I licked my lips. This was getting really good. 
Dan undid the shirt button at my throat. I offered a little protest. “Sir!”
He cocked a brow at me. “Will it be detention then? A note to your parents?”
I swallowed hard. “No sir.”
He continued to unbutton my blouse, parting the fabric a little more as he went. Soon it hung wide open, displaying the young girl cotton bra with the ubiquitous rosebud sewn between the cups.
Dan traced a finger over the top of one cup, letting it slip beneath the fabric so that his nail scraped along my skin. I shivered, and his eyes darkened at my response. I trembled, feeling his power over me. I was a schoolgirl in the hands of a man in authority who I had a crush on.
Dan spoke not a word as he played around the outlines of my bra cups. My nipples sharpened to exquisite points, making themselves obvious against the soft cotton. Though my skirt hid the evidence, my thighs were painted with the wet of excitement. 
Dan covered my breasts with his hands and squeezed. I couldn’t contain the moan of pleasure that erupted from my throat.  My chest thrust forward independent of my control.
He grunted at my response. His hands went around me, expertly unhooking the bra. He slid the straps so the cups went up and over my head, draping the bra over my bound wrists.
Dan’s fingers went back to my boobs. He grasped the swollen, reddened tips and pinched. As the pressure grew, I moaned again and writhed. Glass shards of wondrous pain stabbed into me. My cries grew louder as he twisted.
“Do you know what I think, Miss Payson?” Dan asked in a rumbling voice.
I gasped, “Sir?”
“I think you behave badly so you can come to my office. So you can feel my paddle on your bare butt.” He smirked. “Now you have to pay a much greater price. You didn’t count on this, did you?”
Now on sale at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and All Romance. Also in print.

Start your journey with Brandilynn and the paranormal residents of Fulton Falls in Netherworld I: Drop Dead Sexy for only 99 cents. But hurry, it goes back to full price on February 1! AvailableatAmazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and All Romance.

Shalia's Diary Thursday Post

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Countdown to Netherworld IV: Animal Attraction, Excerpt 5

Wendy breezed in, her attitude all professional except for her slightly wider than usual eyes. She was followed in by another woman. “Um, Ms. Keith, this lady wishes to speak to you. I know she doesn’t have an appointment, but, well—” 
I knew my eyes were wide as well as I rose to my feet. I clung to my glamour like a life preserver as I looked the visitor over. For a moment I came close to diving behind the desk. The first thing my stunned mind jabbered was, not like this, she can’t see me like this, not as a vampire.
Except for eyes of blue, the face looking back at me might have appeared in my mirror while I lived. It was my twin sister Ashley. 
After a split second that felt like it lasted a lifetime, I remembered she’d never recognize me in a million years. I was in Patricia Keith’s body. As far as Ashley knew, I was eleven months  dead, long gone to wherever it was that most of the dearly departed end up. She had no idea I’d been earthbound as a ghost. She most certainly didn’t know that I occupied a vampire’s body.
Hoping my shock had disappeared fast enough that Ashley hadn’t noticed it, I made myself as cool and composed as Patricia had been. “Yes, well, come in. Please. Thank you, Wendy.”
Wendy knew darned well who Ashley was to me. Her gaze bounced back and forth between us, like we were involved in a tennis match. She managed to draw herself up and return the calm look I gave her. 
Needing an extra moment before I dealt with the sibling I hadn’t spoken to since our parents disowned me, I called the assistant back. “Oh Wendy? I know we’re a bit crazy with the election, but please get a computer tech in here as soon as possible. This new system is completely unworkable, especially for members of Tristan’s committee.”
Wendy’s lips quirked in a smirk. “I’ve been waiting for official authorization on that. I’ll get on it this very moment, Ms. Keith. Thank you.” She left.
Hey, I finally made someone happy. At least one of us was. I still had to deal with Ashley.
I made myself look at her. Wow, she looked great. Red hair expertly styled, slender health club figure, face showing a few careworn lines but still looking more twenty-something than the early thirties she’d attained – Ashley was every bit the society lady our parents had wanted. She even managed to make mom-friendly jeans and a t-shirt topped with a tuxedo-cut jacket look uptown. Her favorite scent, sweet but elegant, wafted to me. I barely managed to keep from leaning over the desk to see her shoes. I bet on sensible but expensive flats or kitten-heels.
I motioned to one of the leather chairs in front of my desk. Trying to sound unconcerned I invited, “Won’t you sit down, Ms. –?”
Darn if I didn’t almost say her name. Patricia and Ashley had never met that I was aware of, though my sister had been the sole member of my family to attend my funeral. Patricia would have known who Ashley was in any case. It wouldn’t have been a complete flub if I’d identified her. No way she’d know it was me ... but wanting to keep it that way meant I’d be as careful as possible.
Ashley held out a perfectly manicured hand for me to shake. “Ashley Payson-Warner. Thank you for seeing me, Ms. Keith.”
I shook her hand and tried not to feel how warm she was. Meeting with your twin sister who thinks you’re some other undead person? Awkward. Jonesing for her blood? Really awkward.

Releasing tomorrow!

You're running out of time to snag Netherworld I: Drop Dead Sexy for only 99 cents! It goes back to regular price February 1 at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and All Romance. 

Countdown to Netherworld IV: Animal Attraction, Excerpt 4

Someone else noted my approach. Tristan’s secretary Wendy moved from her boss’ desk, the massive one on stage right. Pretty, brunette, and perpetually in her twenties, she beelined to intercept me.
Dan spoke in my ear, though there was no one else around that could hear him. “Stay calm. She’s just doing what she’s been told to do.”
“Yeah, yeah,” I muttered. “It doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
Wendy met me and stood in my path. Her smile didn’t look forced for a change. “Good evening, Ms. Payson. Can I help you with something?”
I didn’t mince words. “Getting out of the way would be a nice start. I have to see Tristan.”
I had to give her points for professionalism. She must have been an executive assistant before she died, because her polite mien never altered. “I understand, but Mr. Keith has received huge news. Cliff Tattingail has dropped out of the race for the state legislature.”
That was enough to get me to pause. I heard Dan’s startled gasp behind me. ‘Big news’ was an understatement.
“Since when?” I asked, my voice betraying shock.
Wendy nodded, her excitement clear. “He announced it a couple of hours ago. He decided to run for Tristan’s old seat on the county commission instead.”
Dan snorted, having recovered from the initial surprise. “Tattingail knew he didn’t have a chance against Tristan and Emory Cooper. He’s been polling way behind the two of them.”
Wendy couldn’t hear Dan, of course. He stated the obvious anyway. 
I spoke conversationally as I angled to get around Wendy. “That makes the race a little more interesting, doesn’t it? The wingnuts will now back Cooper and make it a closer race.” I resumed my march to Tristan.
Wendy tried to get in front of me again. “Um, yes, so this isn’t exactly a good time—” 
I rounded on her so fast she nearly bumped noses with me. “Listen, sweetie. There is never going to be a good time for me and Tristan to talk, not when I’m wearing his sister like a permanent Halloween costume. But we have a bigger issue than his political aspirations – as in life and death matters.”
“A bit melodramatic,” came Dan’s opinion. “Watch your temper.”
I managed to keep my voice even as I took his words to heart and attempted to gain Wendy’s assistance. “I need to talk to Tristan about these shifter disappearances.”
Her professionally polite facade showed up again, replacing her friendly excitement. “Mr. Keith is aware of the matter. I told him that agent from the training academy stopped by—”
“Good. Then I won’t have to take up as much of his time.” I wheeled around and went for the dark haired man who may or may not have been ignoring me on the stage. I was only a few yards from the steps that led up to it.
Wendy’s voice bordered on desperation. “Ms. Payson, I really need to ask you to wait.”
I was still in control, but I decided I needed to make a point. When I turned to her again, I let go of the glamour masking my fangs and red eyes.
“Do you see any Blood Potion in my hand? No, you don’t. And there are a lot of warm, tasty bodies in this room right now. Stay out of my way.”
A deep, smooth voice rolled over us. “Hello, Brandilynn. Did you need to see me?”
I straightened and put the glamour back in place before turning around to face Tristan Keith, the owner of that voice.
Releasing Friday, January 29


Don't forget, the first book of the Netherworld series Drop Dead Sexy is available in ebook format for 99 cents until February 1 atAmazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and All Romance. 

 

Countdown to Netherworld IV: Animal Attraction, Excerpt 3

I made myself businesslike. “What do you want Tristan to know?”
“A number of shifters have gone missing in the last four months. Gone without a trace.”
“No sign of hide nor hair?” My quip fell flat judging from Levi’s grim expression. I sighed. “Levi, you of all people know how marginalized the weres are. You live it every day. All it takes is a scratch and some human gets Zoo Flu. Then they’re dead or furry. The majority of the time, they get ostracized. Since when is it anything new for shifters to drop out of society?”
He folded big, mouth-watering arms over his chest. “When they’re family people with steady jobs. I’m not talking about new shifters. I’m not telling you about the poor bastards who end up homeless and dumpster diving for their meals. Hell, two of my best instructors at the academy have vanished. Missing persons reports have been filed by wives and parents.”
Okay, this was serious. “How many shifters are we talking about?”
“Eight total, which I know doesn’t sound like many—” 
My mouth dropped open. “But in four months’ time, it’s a lot. I see what you mean. Tristan won’t talk to you?” 
Tristan employed a ton of people, all paras. If shifters were going missing, he would know. He had to know.
Levi rubbed the back of his neck, his expression frustrated. “When I’ve tried to set up appointments with him, his aide reminds me that he’s the head of a vampire clutch, not the alpha of a pack. She won’t give me the time of day.”
I’d had my own run-ins with Wendy and could vouch for her ability to keep people away from Tristan. “Go on.”
“I showed up at the King George tonight, hoping to catch our would-be state senator and force him to talk to me. He may not be a shifter, but he’s a para and he keeps up with everything in this town. He claims to be about all paras’ rights. Surely he’s noticed something by now.”
“If he has, I’m probably the last person he’d discuss it with.”
“I guess seeing his sister’s body roaming around with someone else in it isn’t a welcome sight?”
A spark of anger came and went, leaving depression in its wake. “Tristan tried to deal with it. He really did, but he and Patricia were too close. He can’t even tolerate being in the same room with me these days.”
Once upon a time, Tristan and I had been in love. We’d been in an uncomfortable triangle, he, Dan, and me. I’d been ready to give up Dan for Tristan when I’d been pulled into this weird half-time life in Patricia Keith’s body. 
Levi pulled me out of my morose musings. “I need some help here, Brandilynn. Even the smallest tidbit of information might be worth something. The cops have nothing. As much as I hate to admit it, Tristan’s my only hope.”
I sighed. I didn’t want to talk to my ex. But eight shifters in four months ... this was a big deal. If Fulton Falls’ champion of para rights didn’t know what was going on, he needed to.
“I’ll try. I’ll talk to Tristan and the others.” 
“Great. Here are pictures of my instructors.” Levi handed me some shots, obviously the agents’ federal identification photos. I looked them over. A weregator and werehog, both men, both late thirties, early forties. Strong and proud. They sure didn’t look like people who would up and leave with no warning.
Releasing Friday, January 29

Don't forget, the first book of the Netherworld series Drop Dead Sexy is available in ebook format for 99 cents until February 1 atAmazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and All Romance.  

Shalia's Diary Monday Post

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Countdown to Netherworld IV: Animal Attraction, Excerpt 2

“I never would have pegged you for a cat person, Brandilynn.”
The amused voice cut through my quieting emotions. In an instant Gerald and I were on our feet, alerted predators ready to take on whoever had dared to encroach on our territory.
I relaxed with an inward groan as I recognized the interloper. Levi Ward. Great. As if things weren’t screwy enough, I’d been caught banging Gerald by the werewolf federal agent who also had the hots for me.
I self-consciously covered my naughty bits with my arms. I tried to hide my discomfort by glaring in defiance at Levi. “What are you doing here, Bane?”
Our intruder identified, Gerald eased up and adjusted his clothing. His had come through our amorous encounter in dirty but otherwise decent shape. He eyed Levi with overt warning. The men had never met, but Gerald knew the story.
I delighted in Levi’s scowl. I’d called him Bane. He hated the name he’d been given when working undercover with a criminal motorcycle gang. I use it every time he ticked me off.
Levi Ward ticked me off quite often.
His golden gaze turned to Gerald, sizing him up. Levi was almost as muscled and every bit as handsome as the werepanther. His mouth was more pronounced, a definite though slight muzzle. His golden-brown eyes were riveting. His dark hair was shot with gray, the color of his wolf. The way his black tee shirt stretched across his defined chest would make a nun scream for strength. Jeans clung lovingly to carved thighs.
Seeing him and Gerald put evil thoughts in my head. My libido, still enlivened by Gerald’s blood, perked up yet again. I firmly shut it down. Levi was never, ever on the menu. I made that mistake once and vowed never to do it again.
Unfortunately Levi was one of those for whom the word ‘no’ translates to ‘maybe if you keep trying’. He looked me up and down with unconcealed interest as he said, “I came looking for you. Dan Saling sent me.”
“Dan? Try again, dog breath. You can’t see ghosts.” I let go of my glamour to show off my fangs. 
Gerald sighed and picked up the full bottle of BP9 he’d dropped when I’d jumped him. Most had spilled, but about a quarter of it was left. He shoved it in my direction. “Don’t provoke her, Wolf Boy.”
Levi frowned at him as I shook my head, indicating I didn’t need the juice. The agent asked him, “What’s the matter, kitten? Can’t handle Ms. Payson?”
“I’d say I handled her fine, pup. Now shut up before she decides to take a bite out of you. I won’t stand in her way for that part, but you better believe you won’t get a taste of her after she’s done tasting you.”
I didn’t like how this conversation was shaping up for several reasons. I gave the two shifters angry eyes as I said, “Why don’t you both settle down? I’m not territory to be marked.”
Levi took a good look at me, this time keeping his gaze above neck level. For an instant his gold eyes glowed. The shine faded and he nodded to Gerald in grudging respect. “Don’t provoke. Check.” He drew a deep breath and addressed me again, his tone a good deal more polite. “Dan relayed his message through that psychic who hears the dead. Lana?”
That didn’t help my temper one bit. What was Dan thinking, sending Levi here to see me? He knew how badly things went when I worked on flying. He knew what situation Levi might stumble on.
Releasing Friday, January 29. 



Don't forget, the first book of the Netherworld series Drop Dead Sexy is available in ebook format for 99 cents until February 1 atAmazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and All Romance.