Andrew Grey's Blog, page 59

Amazing Review

A reader sent me this amazing review  of Love Means... Freedon and I had to share it.  H  posted it on Amazon and also sent me a copy.  Thank you so much Arthur.

Even Better than his last one in this series 

            There’s a farm I know of called Laughton Farms. The people who love there - Len and Chris, Geoff and Eli, Joey and Robbie, Stone and Preston; are the most loving, caring, gentle people I’ve ever known. They have horses and hundreds of acres of crops. The farm is in Michigan, maybe Wisconsin. I’m not sure which. I’d give just about anything to live there, safer than I’ve ever been because these men live only to love, to grow, to practice loving kindness and make the world a better place along with keeping the farm itself in good condition. Sounds wonderful? You betcha. There’s even a creek running through a grove of trees, the families favorite picnic spot and their favorite for outdoor love. Eden? Nope, no snakes. If I’ve ever known of a paradise on earth, Laughton Farms is it. So far, I’ve only visited there for now the fourth time. I can only hope I’ll be invited back again one day soon. I sure could use a lengthy vacation there! I have tens of thousands of brothers who need it even more than I. One day, perhaps, all of us will live in such a place. I can only hope!

            Mr. Grey, please tell us where we can find them! I know, you can’t. If you did there’d be an army of brothers on their way to Laughton Farms.

Core Training - Releasing Wednesday October 20

Core Training is being released this Wednesday by Dreamspinner Press.  Here's an excerpt.  I hope you like it.

Blurb:  Hugh Douglas isn’t thrilled about reaching his fortieth birthday. But he gets an unexpected present when a waiter he knows, Max Pierce, flirts hard with him at the gym. They end up going home together and having the hottest sex Hugh can remember… and Max even wants to stick around afterward.

Starting a romance won’t be easy. Hugh can't help but feel his age compared to the much younger Max, even though Max makes Hugh feel rejuvenated. Max is dealing with daily doses of abuse from his alcoholic father, but Hugh can offer support from his own life experience. If they can help each other, it just might be enough to make a life together work.

Buy from Dreamspinner Press or order an advance copy.

Excerpt:  

Chapter 1

“Happy birthday,” the little blonde girl said perkily from behind the counter after scanning his membership card.

“Thanks,” Hugh responded, with absolutely no enthusiasm whatsoever. He gave her the best smile he could muster and moped his way toward the locker room, the noise, the banging, the grunting, the damn bouncy music that drove them all crazy, all of it adding to his sour mood. “Excuse you!” Hugh growled as a man hurried out of the locker room, nearly bumping into him.

“Sorry,” the man responded, looking Hugh over from head to toe like he was deciding if he was going to give him shit. He must have decided that at six-four and big as hell, Hugh wasn’t someone the musclehead wanted to mess with. Lumbering into the locker room, Hugh plopped his bag on one of the benches and began tearing open lockers, trying to find an empty one.

“What crawled up your butt?” Dan opened the locker behind him, and of course it was empty.

“Nothing,” Hugh huffed, and he willed his mood to lighten. His friends didn’t need to pay just because it happened to be his birthday… alone yet again. Granted, it was his own fault. He’d spent his entire life going from man to man. “It’s fucked getting old.”

“Quit your whining,” Dan scolded lightly as he pulled off his shirt, “I’m older than you are. And it’s all a state of mind, anyway.”

Hugh half watched as Dan lowered his pants. “Then I’m eighty.”

“Hey, Birdgazers!” Lonnie called as he walked in, taking the locker next to Hugh. “You look like shit, man.”

“It’s his birthday,” Dan teased with a little too much glee.

Lonnie smacked Dan’s bare ass, the slap resounding through the room. “You were moaning like a cheap whore about your birthday a few months ago.”

Dan glared at Lonnie as he rubbed his butt, pulling on his underwear and shorts. “You’ll pay for that.”

Lonnie shot him an “ooh, I’m so scared” grin and finished changing. “You gonna work out with us or be a pussy all your life?”

Hugh looked at Lonnie, trying to see if he was serious. He was about to respond when a kid walked into their bay of lockers and undid his lock, and Hugh found his gaze pulled to a blond-headed wisp of a man who looked like a stiff breeze would blow him away.

“Hey, you listening to me or looking at dick?” Lonnie would say anything, and Hugh almost retorted, but it would only draw more attention to the fact that he was indeed looking at the young bit of eye candy instead of paying attention to what was being said.

Hugh forced his eyes away from the smooth back that appeared when the little man slipped off his shirt. God, he was young—cute as hell, but way too young for him. “I don’t think I’m going to be very good company.”

“Okay, we’ll see you out there.” Lonnie ignored him and shut his locker, waited for Dan, and the two left.

With the room quiet, Hugh found his attention drawn to the small man, who was tugging on a fresh T-shirt. Pulling his attention to where it should be, Hugh closed his locker and followed the small man out to the weight floor, enjoying the bouncing globes in front of him the entire time.

Hugh walked as far as the stairs to the mezzanine and stopped. He really didn’t feel like lifting, and he didn’t feel like cardio. After a few seconds, a blur passed in front of him and up the stairs. Focusing his eyes, he saw that tiny, tight butt and followed it upstairs. What the fuck, at least he could enjoy the scenery.

Ascending the stairs, he found an elliptical machine, climbed on, and started moving, his mind going on autopilot, his attention turning inward. Hugh was always like this—he’d start his cardio workout and let his thoughts take over, the noise fade, and the time fly.

“Your friend is a real ass.” A soft voice cut through his thoughts, and the sounds of the gym assaulted him again. Looking at the machine next to him, he saw the man from the locker room looking back at him.

“That’s just Lonnie; he has a mouth on him like no one else.” Hugh got a good look at the man’s face for the first time. “Don’t I know you?” Then it hit him; he did know him, if he could only remember the kid’s name. “Max.”

The blond man smiled. “Yes, Max Pierce. You come into The Grill a few nights a week, but I don’t know your name.” Max looked a little embarrassed, but there was no need to be. It wasn’t as though they’d been formally introduced.

“I’m Hugh Douglas.” He returned the man’s smile. “I haven’t seen you here before.”

“This is my first day.” He indicated the woman working out next to him, and she smiled at Hugh briefly before stopping her machine. “Lila dragged me here.”

“I’m going downstairs, Max. I’ll see you tomorrow at work.” She touched his shoulder before leaving.

“Are you going to join?” Hugh asked, making conversation.

He seemed to be thinking about it. “Will that mean I’ll be able to look like you?” Max’s smile was huge, and Hugh wasn’t sure, but he thought the kid was flirting with him. “Because if it does,” Max went on, “I’ll join up today.”

Yup, the kid was definitely flirting. “I don’t know about that, but you already look just fine to me.” Hell, the kid looked more than fine, and he imagined how good it would feel to bury himself in that tight little body. And fuck a duck, if the kid could flirt, why couldn’t he? Besides if he’d been a girl, the little thing would be batting his eyelashes and swaying his hips. As it was, Max’s smile was enough to get him going, let alone the rest of the small, hot package.

“I am not,” Max argued, but Hugh could tell he was being playful. “I’m skinny and small, not all strong and, if you won’t punch me out for saying so, freakin’ huge like you.” Max’s eyes went appropriately wide just before those eyes raked over every inch of him. Hugh could almost feel them before they zeroed in on his crotch, which had definitely taken up a now somewhat visible interest. He saw Max lean in a little closer. “And you’re big all over.” That smile turned wry, and Hugh tugged involuntarily at the collar of his shirt. Was it getting hot in here or what?

It had been a long time since anyone had looked at him like he was laid out on the buffet of an all-you-can-eat. Well, happy fucking birthday to me. Maybe the day wasn’t going to turn out so bad after all. “You could get somewhat bigger if you lifted weights.”

“I don’t think everything could get bigger.” Max looked down again, and Hugh felt his dick jump and throb. “Not that some things need it.” Max’s voice seemed to wrap right around his dick and grab a good, tight hold. Taking a look at the man again, Hugh took a deep breath and reminded himself that the kid was probably half his age. And while he wouldn’t turn down a good old-fashioned fuck, Hugh had to ask himself what this kid could possibly see in him except the size of the bulge in his shorts.

Hugh heard beeps as buttons were pushed. Max’s machine came to a stop, and the man stepped off. Thank God—Max had had his fun getting him all riled up, and now that he was done, Hugh could try to get his dick under control and finish his workout. Closing his eyes, he tried to get back in the zone. He had to tell his body that there was no way the sexy little man was really interested in him anyway;  Max had probably just been having a bit of fun with the old guy.

“Hugh.”

He opened his eyes and saw Max standing right in front of him, leaning on the machine, face just above the display. “You wanna go back to your place so I can ride you into next week?”

Hugh’s feet stumbled, and he nearly fell backward before regaining his balance and bringing the machine to a stop. “You serious?”

Max inclined his head once as he stepped off to the side, glaring straight at Hugh’s crotch. There was no mistaking what that meant. “You’re damn right.” Max stepped close enough that Hugh could smell his breath. “So let’s shower and get out of here. The sooner we’re at your place, the sooner I can ride you like the stallion you are.” With that final invitation, Max turned and walked down the stairs, looking over his shoulder, giving Hugh one last smoldering look before disappearing around the bend in the staircase.

He didn’t have to be asked twice. Grabbing a paper towel from the dispenser, he wiped down the machine before hurrying down the stairs and into the locker room. Racing to his locker, he carefully stripped down—it wasn’t seemly to be seen sporting wood—wrapped a towel tightly around his waist to hold everything in place, and made a beeline for the showers.

After what had to be one of the fastest showers in history, Hugh returned to the locker room, where Max was already dressing. He knew he was being watched, and since no one was around, he dropped the towel, giving Max a bit of a show before pulling on his briefs, adjusting himself properly, and then putting on his pants and shirt. He knew he saw Max swallow as Max watched him, and Hugh smiled to himself as he finished dressing.

In five minutes flat, he was dressed, packed up, and heading out toward the front door, where Max was waiting for him.

“Do you live close?”

“Just a few blocks,” Hugh answered, as he watched Max lick his lips invitingly.

“I’ll follow you, then.”

A shared Range - Queer Magazine Online's Book of the Week

I just found out that A Shared Range has been chosen as Queer Magazing Online's book of the week.  Here's a link to the entry as well as one to their review.  I'm so pleased and appreciate everyone at QMO chosing my book.  It's an honor.

Link to the QMO Entry 

Review:   I love how Andrew takes average people and shows how they can become extraordinary, given the right situation. His stories are never flashy, but always about the deeper human condition. I love that about them, and A Shared Range was no exception.

Link to the full review

Crunch Time - Sneak Peek Excerpt

I just finished the manuscript for the fourth gym series novella and thought I'd share an excerpt.  I'll be submitting this manuscript as soon as I finish the review process.  This is completely unedited, so please forgive my mistakes.

Finishing his short shift, George clocked out.  Retrieving his workout bag, he ate the small snack he’d backed before heading to the locker room to change for his own workout before leaving the health club. 

On his way home, he bought a sandwich and after carrying in his things, George sat at his kitchen table, grading papers as he ate his sandwich, until the phone interrupted his concentration.

“Hello,” Shit, he should have looked at the display before answering.

“Hey cockhopper, it’s Lonnie.  Am I interrupting an all you can eat dick buffet?” 

George looked around the neat kitchen, the house so quiet he could hear the refrigerator kick in.  “Yeah right Lon, you’re interrupting a fourgy.”

“Yeah, your dick and four fingers.”  Lonnie laughed at his own joke and George said nothing because it was too true for words.  “Say, I got something to ask you, but this has to stay between us.”  Lonnie got very serious which was highly unusual.  The only time George had ever seen the man serious was when money was involved, usually his own.  “You can’t tell anybody or I’ll lose a client.”  

“What’s so important?”  George had a bad feeling about this.

“I have a client that needs help,” Lonnie sighed and George heard shuffling.

“Where are you?”  George picked up his sandwich in one hand, taking a small bite before setting it down again.

“In bed.  Cory’s about ready to polish my love hammer and she’s getting impatient.”  Gary chose that moment to try to swallow and nearly choked as he started coughing.  “Can you come to my office tomorrow afternoon?”

“I can be there at four.”  Thankfully he didn’t have to work at the club.

“Good,” More rustling and a groan before the phone went dead.  George looked at it for a few minutes wondering what the hell was up before setting it.  Whatever it was, he’d find out tomorrow and he had work to do.

 

The final school bell rang and the kids rushed out of the room and into the halls, voices raised in excitement.   Already the kids were excited about Christmas vacation.   As the sound died in the halls, George straightened the room before gathering his things and heading toward the exit.  He knew he was leaving a little early, but the pile of papers under his arm was a visual testament to the work he had yet to do.

Hurrying to his car, he stopped himself from rushing.  Yes he hated to be late, but he hated falling on the ice even more, and besides, his hip ached to beat the band anyway.  Starting the car, George pulled out of the lot, driving toward Lonnie’s office, pleading with the heater in his old car to start working and of course it started blowing warm air just as he pulled into the parking lot.  Getting out, George pulled his coat tighter around him, walking stiffly into the quiet office where the receptionist directly him to Lonnie’s desk.

Lonnie motioned him into a chair while he talked on the phone, obviously trying to sooth a skittish client because the market had dropped.  “Chris, you’re an investor, not a trader, remember.  The stocks you’re in a solid.  Do you want to sell your IBM and Coca Cola?”  Lonnie rolled his eyes, “I didn’t think so.  Look the market is tough right now, but you’re holding your own and doing better than most.”  Lonnie sounded so patient as he soothed the person on the phone, ending with an invitation to dinner in the next few weeks before hanging up.

“Thanks for coming George,” Lonnie shook his hand before peering out through the glass walls around his desk, “Hey Anne, is Darren here?”

“No, I haven’t seen him,” the middle aged woman sitting just outside Lonnie’s office answered without even looking up from her computer screen.  “Hello, Lonnie Rosen’s office,” George took a double take when he realized she’s answered the phone, barely breaking the rhythm of her typing.

“Hang on,” Lonnie raised a finger, dialing the phone, “Darren where are you?”  Lonnie got quiet for a second, but George could see his anger rising by the second.  “I don’t care how late you were out last night, get your butt in this office in ten minutes.”  The volume in Lonnie’s voice rose with every word, “I’ve told you before, you need me a hell of a lot more than I need you.  I’m not one of your sycophantic hangers on and when you make an appointment, you get your ass in her on fucking time!”  Lonnie was yelling by then end and whoever was on the phone must have capitulated because Lonnie calmed down, “Ten minutes and you better not look like shit,” Lonnie added before hanging up.

“Come on,” Lonnie stood up and led the way across the office to what looked like an empty conference room.  George followed behind wondering what the hell was going on.  “Anne, when Darren arrives send him in here.” 

“Sure thing, “she answered without looking up. 

Lonnie shut the door and motioned him to a chair.  “I have a problem client,” Lonnie started.

“The guy on the phone?” 

Lonnie nodded, “As I said, this has to remain quiet.  The client is Darren White,” Lonnie paused and looked at him expectantly, like George was supposed to know who that was.  “He plays for the Philadelphia Eagles,” Lonnie prompted and George shrugged, not knowing anything about sports.  “Anyway, Darren got injured and it may be a career ending injury.  He’ll tell you it’s not a big deal, but he doesn’t exactly live in the real world.  For all practical purposes, he’s done playing football.”

“Okay.  How does this affect me?  I can’t make him heal faster.”  George had no idea what Lonnie expected of him.

“Darren has a chance in about a month to guest host a sports program on Channel 4.  I’ve heard through the grapevine that if he’s good, he it could turn into a regular show.  Darren’s local and he’s played very well over the last three years.”  Lonnie leaned closer, “The thing is that the kid’s as dumb as they come.”

“Lonnie,” George used his teacher voice, “That’s not fair and I won’t have that kind of talk.  Not from you or my fourth graders.”  George expected Lonnie to bluster the way he usually did, but the man simply smiled.

“Okay, but you need the facts.  You have kids in your fourth grade class who read better than he does and he can barely write anything other than his name.”  Lonnie motioned to Anne, “She writes out his checks for him and he signs them because he’s not capable.”

“What do you want from me?”  George thought he could see where this was going and he didn’t like it, not one bit.

“I wanted to ask you if you’d work with him.  The kid needs help and he’ll pay you for your time.  I don’t know if it’s possible to help him at all, but I don’t want him to fail and without help, he will.”  George could see that Lonnie was sincere.  He really did want to help the kid, no matter what he’d said earlier.  But he wanted no part of this.

“Lonnie, I…”  George had every intention of telling Lonnie ‘No thank you,’ when the door opened and a tall man with broad shoulders wearing jeans and a t-shirt walked into the room, cutting him off.  “Jesus Christ,” George muttered under his breath as a pair of the deepest blue eyes he’d ever seen, met his gaze and the words died on his lips.  The other man, obviously Darren, slouched in a chair across the table from him, leaning back in his chair.

“So whatcha want Lonnie?”  He mumbled so badly George barely understood him.  “I got stuff to do, ya know.”

Lonnie swiveled in the chair, “Do you want that job at Channel 4?”

“I don’t need it.  I’m gonna be playing ball again soon,” Darren said, or something to that effect, George couldn’t be sure, even his speech seemed as slouchy as the rest of him.

“No you are not,” George could hear the raw edges of Lonnie’s temper, “You are probably never going to play football again and you need to face that.  So, I’m going to ask one more time, do you want that interview at Channel 4 or not?  I pulled strings to get it for you and I can unpull them just as fast.”

The feet of Darren’s chair hit the floor and he looked at Lonnie as though he was ready to kill him.  “I have to play ball, I can’t do nothing’ else.”

Lonnie’s face softened, “That’s what we’re going to help you with.  George here is a teacher, a very good teacher and he’s going to work with you so you can do well on the show next month.”

George shifted in his chair, “Lonnie,” he looked over at Darren, “I haven’t agreed to anything yet.”  He kept looking at Darren, fascinated with the man, even though he had no intention of going through with this scheme of Lonnie’s.  Darren obviously wasn’t interested in learning anything.  George suspected he’d gotten everything in life he’d ever wanted by flashing those deep blue eyes.

“I know you haven’t.”  Lonnie looked at Darren, “So what do you want?”

Darren shrugged, “I’ll give it a shot.”

Lonnie’s gaze turned to George.  “Well I won’t.”  George turned away and stood up, walking stiffly toward the door.  “He doesn’t want to learn anything Lonnie.  All he wants is what he’s always gotten, a free ride because he is who he is.”

“I can learn, I ain’t dumb!”  Darren stood up, fire blazing in his eyes, chest puffed out.

George took a few steps closer, “Then act like it!  You may not be dumb, to use your word, but no one could tell it from the way you speak.”  George stepped closer, telling himself he wasn’t going to be intimidated by the much taller wall of muscle glaring down at him. “Or the way you carry yourself.”  George turned and walked back toward the door, looking at the stunned expression on Lonnie’s face.  “I’ll see you tomorrow at the gym,” he said to Lonnie before pushing open the conference room door.

“Wait,” George stopped and turned around.  Darren looked alternately at Lonnie and then at him, the huge man suddenly seemed young and small, the cockiness he’d displayed earlier evaporated.  “I do want to learn.  I don’t want to be stupid no more.”

“Any more,” George corrected, “And you aren’t stupid, you just need to apply yourself.”  George felt the cold inside begin to melt, realizing just how much it took for Darren to admit that.  “If you’re truly interested, then be at my house at five tomorrow.  Lonnie can give you the information you need.”  George opened the conference room door, walking through the office to the front door.  Pulling on his coat, George walked through the twilight to his car and drove home, wondering what in hell he’d been thinking, agreeing to help Darren.  “Well,” he thought to himself, “Darren probably won’t show up anyway.”  No matter what he’d said, Darren’s body language spoke volumes.

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A Shared Range - Excerpt

 Blurb:  After a year in medical school, Dakota Holden returned home to take care of the family business full time and help his father cope with multiple sclerosis. Devoted to his family, Dakota allows himself just one week of vacation a year, which he spends in some exotic location having all the fun he can stand. On his last vacation, a cruise, Dakota struck up a friendship with Phillip Reardon, and it fills an important role in Dakota’s life.

So when Phillip decides to take Dakota up on his invitation to visit the ranch, Dakota is happy to see him and meet his veterinarian friend, Wally Schumacher. Despite Wally’s inclination to help the wolves Dakota’s men shoot to protect the cattle, he and Dakota find they have a lot in common, including a fierce attraction. But they’ll have to decide if the Wyoming range is big enough for Dakota’s cattle, Wally’s wolves, and their love.

Available from Dreamspinner Press
 And Rainbow eBooks    

Excerpt:

A truck pulled into the yard, and Wally saw a small pack of dogs race out of the barn to the truck and then race back to begin circling his legs. “What’s all this?” He knelt down and was mobbed by the ragtag bunch. “Are they friendly?”

“Goodness, yes.” The smallest, some sort of terrier mix, jumped into Wally’s arms and began licking his face. “The mutt giving you a bath is Max. The lab is Libby, and the boxer mix is Sparky.” At the mention of his name, Sparky made a lunge and knocked Wally on his butt before he, too, joined in the lovefest. Wally made the mistake of laughing and got a doggie tongue in his mouth, but didn’t really care too much as he handed out scratches behind ears and received lots of doggie love.

“Mario,” Dakota called, and the man from the truck walked over. “This is Wally.”

Wally tried to shake hands, but the wiggling, squirming dogs sort of got in the way.

“Wally, this is Mario, my foreman.” Dakota started to laugh as Wally tried to get up, only to be jumped again by the dogs.

Wally finally got to his feet and extended his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” They shook hands quickly.

“Boss, we had a few problems in the north range.” Mario turned his attention to Dakota, his face serious.

“That wolf again?” Dakota’s smile faded and his voice darkened. “Did we lose anything?”

“That’s the strange thing. It was definitely him, but there’s no sign that he tried to take down any of the herd. He just stood by the edge of the wooded area and watched until I took a shot at him.”

“Maybe he wasn’t hungry.” Wally spoke up, and saw both men looking at him like he was from outer space. “Wolves don’t kill for sport. They kill because they’re hungry or to feed their mate or young, and they’re more likely to take down small game than a full-grown steer.” Wally was on a roll and hadn’t realized his strong feelings had made him raise his voice. “And you took a shot at him?” Wally glared at the foreman and felt his anger build. “Excuse me.”

Turning away, Wally walked back toward the house, muttering under his breath. He really wasn’t sure if they could hear him, but at the moment he didn’t care. “Great, if you don’t understand something, just kill it and mount it on the wall. That’ll take care of everything.” Wally opened the door and walked into the house, letting the screen bang behind him.

As soon as he reached the living room, he stopped himself and flopped on the sofa. Jesus, he’d been here less than an hour and he’d insulted his host.

“What’s going on?” Phillip sat next to him.

“I shot my mouth off and made an ass of myself.” Wally looked up and saw through the window that Dakota was on his way in and didn’t look happy.

Excerpt - Child of Joy

  Blurb:  Graduating from college would be a highlight of any man's life, but Arthur Kraus is different. He’s just reached satyr maturity, and he’s going out of his mind as he's swamped with sexual urges. In a desperate moment, he invites his roommate to a Bacchanal and asks him to be his first. But after hearing the first-time stories at the Bacchanal, Arthur decides to wait for more than physical satiation—not knowing that someone has overheard his decision.

That someone, Gaelen, is special in his own way: he's the last remaining Fey, a creature of the light, innocent and pure, the protector of the remaining joy the Fey bring to the world. Though attracted to Arthur, Gaelen is afraid to trust. He knows he's being hunted for his power by a force that wants to overthrow Bacchus himself, and Gaelen will have to allow Arthur into his life if he wants to survive.

Buy from Dreamspinner Press

Excerpt:

Arthur lost himself in the music just like he usually did, letting the energy and joy he felt deep inside flow out of him through his body. Grabbing Tate, he whirled his friend around the fire, giving him a taste of the energy and joy that pounded through him. “Who’s that?” A large figure stepped from the trees wearing only a pair of shorts and a loose shirt. Arthur saw Tate’s eyes widen. “What is that?”

            “That’s Mr. Vauk.” Arthur watched as Tate stopped dancing, staring open-mouthed at the tall, broad satyr with huge, powerful horns and legs covered with thick, goat-like hair. “Stop staring. He’s really nice,” Arthur admonished, before bounding over, throwing himself into Vauk’s thick arms. “Mr. Vauk, I’ve been watching for you.”

“You have, huh? I take it you want to dance.” Arthur nodded and took Vauk by the hand, dragging him to where Tate was standing. At least his mouth wasn’t hanging open any more. “Mr. Vauk, this is my roommate Tate. Tate, this is Mr. Vauk.” The huge satyr shook Tate’s hand, greeting the much smaller human warmly. “And this is Trent, he and Mr. Vauk are mates.” Tate shook Trent’s hand as well.

“It’s a pleasure to meet both of you.” They made small talk for a few minutes before Arthur dragged both Tate and Trent toward the fire. He tried to drag Vauk as well, but the large satyr declined, sitting on the sand to watch instead. “Artie, he’s huge.”

Trent laughed as they danced together. “He looks fierce, but he’s really a big pussycat.” Arthur joined in Trent’s laughter because he, too, thought of Vauk as one of the kindest people he knew.

“Be that as it may, I’d give anything to have someone look at me the way he’s looking at you.” Tate shifted his gaze from Vauk to Trent.

Vauk got to his feet and stepped into the ring of dancers. The music changed instantly; thrumming, tribal rhythms replaced the flowing melodies, and Vauk pulled Trent to him. Arthur and Tate stepped back as Vauk and Trent, along with some of the other satyrs, began leaping and bounding around the fire like passionate predators stalking their sexual prey. “Holy fuck, Artie.” Tate grabbed onto Arthur’s arm, holding on to his friend as his body began to shake.

“What’s wrong, Tate?” Arthur saw his friend stiffen and his eyes roll back in his head as his fingers dug into Arthur’s arm.

His friend swallowed and tried to catch his breath, still hanging on to Arthur’s arm. “I just—shit, Artie—I just had the most powerful orgasm of my life.” Tate was breathing heavily, and Arthur helped him remain on his feet. “How can that happen?”

“You’re a human at a satyr gathering, and if what you’ve described is true, then your mind probably got overwhelmed by all the sexual energy.” Arthur pulled Tate into the woods toward the shelter that Travis had said they could use. Retrieving a towel, he handed it to Tate so he could clean himself up. “Do you want to dance some more?”

“No, I think I need to lie down for a while.” Tate sat down on the cushion that covered the floor; then laid back on top of the blankets.

“Can I bring you something to eat or drink?”

Tate yawned, “That would be really nice, Artie. Thanks.”

“I’ll be right back.” Arthur went back to the clearing and filled two plates, getting two glasses of beer before returning to the shelter. “I got some food and beer.”

“Thanks.” He sat up and together they wolfed down the food and drained their mugs. “This is really good. Does Cembran make the food?”

Arthur shook his head. There was no way he could tell Tate where everything for the Bacchanal came from. “I’ll tell you in the morning.” When they were done, he set the plates and glasses on a small shelf and slipped off his pants and shirt before climbing beneath the blankets. Tate followed suit, and soon Tate was curled in Arthur’s arms “Good night, Tate.”

“Night, Artie. Thanks for bringing me with you. I’ll never forget this. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.” Tate yawned and began to fall asleep.  Neither of them could see, but just beyond the trees, someone else said a silent good-night, watching as they fell asleep before silently melting into the forest.

Excerpt - Thursday's Child

Blurb:
Finding a satyr caged in a carnival sideshow horrifies Travis and Cembran and forces them to make a daring rescue. A captive for decades, the wild, animalistic satyr named Vauk quickly vanishes into the wilderness on Travis and Cembran's property in search of safety and solitude.

The next summer, Travis and Cembran invite a new friend, Trent, to attend the Bacchanal. What they don't expect is for Trent to reach out to the abused satyr, much less for the reclusive Vauk to accept his attention. Trent forges a connection between them, and Vauk's human side starts to emerge as he learns about the modern world. Trent teaches Vauk how to communicate, how to cloak his satyr features, and most importantly, how to love.

Those skills will be crucial for Vauk's survival... especially when Vauk's captors and his unknown past threaten him and everyone he loves.

Available from Dreamspinner Press

Excerpt

“Cembran!” Travis rushed inside, slamming the door behind him. “Cembran!” No answer. Travis hurried back outside and down the path to the goat barn, ignoring the calm, pastoral scene that was part of his home. “Cembran!”

“I’m in here!”

Travis heard Cembran call from the far side of the barn. He’d forgotten it was milking time. Travis slowed his pace as he walked through the barn to the milking station. Cembran sat on a stool, a goat in a raised stall. Cembran’s head with his ringlet curls rested against the goat while he gently and efficiently milked her as she munched on hay.

“There’s a carnival in town and I was wondering if you’d like to go.”

Cembran looked up from his task, smiling broadly as he looked at Travis. “Sometimes, you’re just like a little kid.” He shook his head, but stilled it as Travis leaned forward to kiss him.

Their lips moved together, and Cembran moaned softly as Travis’s tongue gently pressed for entrance. Cembran’s lips parted and he felt Travis’s fingers card through his hair as the pressure on his lips and the urgency of the kiss increased. Without breaking their kiss, Travis knelt in front of Cembran, pulling their bodies together, their satyr instincts taking over as the rest of the world faded away.

A stomp and a gentle nuzzle from the goat brought them back to the present, and Cembran snickered against Travis lips. “Guess she wanted a kiss too.”

Travis laughed gently as he patted the goat’s nose. “He’s mine, girl. Sorry.”

Cembran returned to his milking. “If you’d like to go to the carnival, we can go. Just don’t make me go on any woofy rides.”

“Deal! I wonder if the boys would like to go as well?” The “boys” were Dovino, Phillip, and Jeremy—three young satyrs, rather than boys—who helped them work the farm. The three boys had been together for almost two years now and were best friends as well as lovers, and the arrangement seemed to be really working for them.

Cembran finished his milking and released the goat from the pen. “They finished their chores a few minutes ago, and I think they were heading toward the lake.” Travis rolled his eyes and Cembran tittered to himself. During the summer, the boys usually went swimming after work, and quite often their swimming turned into the three of them making love on the beach. “They’re satyrs, Travis….” Cembran’s voice had his “what do you expect” tone.

Travis leaned close. “I know, but sometimes I want to take you down to the beach. Remember our first bacchanal?” Travis raised his eyebrows invitingly at Cembran as he saw a shiver ripple through his lover.

“They just went down to the lake a few minutes ago. You’re probably safe.”

“Thanks, Lamb. Are you almost finished here?”

“Yes, Lemmle. I have one more goat to finish and I need to put the milk away.”

“Good. I’ll meet you at the lake in half an hour. Don’t bring a bathing suit; you won’t need it.” Cembran’s eyes smoldered as Travis leered at him before turning around, walking out of the barn, and down the path.

Approaching the lake, Travis could hear the sound of the boys playing in the cool water. Travis made plenty of noise as he approached the lake. Travis was not born a satyr, but had been made a satyr by Bacchus himself as a reward, and as with most satyrs, sex was a very important part of his life. But Travis felt very deeply that each expression of Cembran’s and his love was private, very special, and wasn’t to be shared with others. Consequently, he extended that same belief and courtesy to others.

Fortunately, the three young men were just swimming and hadn’t progressed to their usual satyr-like diversion. “Hey, guys!” Travis waved as he called out.

The three young men stopped their frolicking and waved back. Dovino, the oldest and usual spokesman for the three, called back, “Are you and Cembran coming swimming?”

“Well, Cembran and I were planning on coming to the lake….” Travis kept the rest of this thought to himself.

The young men looked at one another knowingly, “We’ll be out in a few minutes.” There were no snickers or snide looks of any kind. Travis was their boss, and he owned the land, but more importantly they cared for and deeply respected the relationship between Travis and Cembran.

“Say, we’re going to the carnival in town after dinner. Would you three like to ride along?”

Heads swiveled and they arrived at a silent group decision. “Sure. We’ll be ready.” The three of them started for the shore as Travis headed down the path through the woods that led toward the farm. As Travis crested the small rise at the edge of the farm, he couldn’t help looking over the bucolic scene in front of him. The sheep and goat barns surrounded by their pastures and pens, their sturdy, rustic-looking house, the orchard and vegetable gardens, as well as the hay fields and woods beyond. Their land; their home. Cembran had built the original farm himself and together they’d enlarged it with the addition of pastures, the orchard, and the huge vegetable garden. Travis smiled to himself as he strode down the now well-worn path toward the comfortable house. Cembran had built the original portion of the house, consisting of the kitchen, living room, and a single bedroom and small bath. Together, Travis and Cembran had enlarged the house, adding a master bedroom and bath, as well as an office for Travis. All of the lumber to build the addition had come from trees that they’d felled to enlarge the pastures. Both Travis and Cembran felt very strongly that no materials harvested from their property should be wasted.

Once inside, Travis grabbed their beach blanket as well as towels, a bottle of Champagne, and two glasses, and then headed outside and back down the path to the lake.

The clearing around the lake was quiet and utterly peaceful as Travis spread out the blanket on the small beach beneath the shade of a huge oak. Slipping off his shirt, shoes, and socks, Travis settled in the shade, waiting for his mate to make an appearance. He didn’t have long to wait.

Cembran stepped from the trees surrounding the lake a few minutes later, looking around. Travis could instantly tell when Cembran saw him: his eyes sparkled and a bright smile lit his face. Cembran walked to Travis and settled next to him on the blanket, accepting a deep kiss from his lover and mate.

Travis’s hand carded through Cembran’s ringlets as his lips slid against Cembran’s hot mouth. Cembran’s lips parted in invitation and Travis accepted with gusto, settling Cembran back onto the blanket as he continued to pummel the man’s mouth with his tongue and lips. “God, Cembran, you are beautiful.” Travis’s voice was soft, the words whispered reverently as he let the cloak that hid his satyr features fall.

Cembran’s eyes met Travis’s intense gaze as he allowed his own satyr features to appear. “And you are the sexiest man I’ve ever seen.” His voice was soft, rough, and filled with passion. Like most satyrs who live among humans, Travis and Cembran had the ability to mask their satyr features and did so out of habit. But when making love, they show their true selves to each other as a sign of their trust, love, and their bond as life mates.

Travis smiled as he buried his face in the base of Cembran’s neck, sucking gently on the hot skin. Slowly, deliberately, their passion built. Clothes fell from their limbs; lips explored hot skin. Reclining back on the blanket, Travis pulled Cembran on top of him, their chests pressing together, lips opening to each other, tongues exploring, soft murmurs of pleasure escaping. “I love you, Lamb.”

Lifting his head, Cembran peered into Travis’s eyes, gazing into his mate’s heart to glimpse the love that he knew filled it. “And I love you, Lemmle.” Their words were special, just for each other, but completely unnecessary. Their hearts were joined and they could feel their love for each other every day in everything they did. They were part of each other. “You’re the best part of me.”

“And you me, Lamb.” Travis locked his legs around Cembran’s waist, pulling their bodies together, while he brought Cembran’s lips to his. Slowly, exquisitely, he felt Cembran enter him, joining them physically, as their hearts and souls were bound together emotionally. Their bodies moved together rhythmically, eyes locked together, soft words and the sounds of passion uttered softly for each other’s ears and hearts only. Hands stroked soft, smooth skin covering hard, strong muscle; lips pulled on lips, bodies undulating together, desire building slowly and steadily.

Travis felt Cembran’s rhythm become irregular, both of them reaching the heights of passion. Throwing his head back, Travis tightened his body around Cembran, triggering his release as Travis experienced his own body-shaking orgasm.

Cembran was still shaking as their bodies separated and Travis pulled him close. “Shhh. Relax, I have you.”  His hands glided along Cembran’s back, soothing him, allowing him to come down slowly. “You were incredible, Lamb…,” he said, kissing him softly.  “My love… my heart.”

Still breathing heavily, Cembran allowed Travis to take charge and gave himself to his mate’s trusted embrace, burying his face against Travis’s shoulder, his chest heaving with the release of spent passion.

Travis continued cooing and whispering tender words of love while his hands stroked Cembran’s back and his fingers carded through soft ringlets.

Slowly, Cembran lifted himself off Travis, settling onto the blanket next to him.

Travis reached next to him, retrieving the bottle of Champagne and the glasses. Cembran smiled as Travis popped the cork and poured two glasses. “Do you know what today is, Lamb?”

Cembran squinted his eyes, looking confused. “I don’t think so. It’s not our anniversary or one of our birthdays.”

Travis leaned close and smiled softly. “I was sixteen and up here to go swimming. I swam across the lake and, when I reached this side, I saw a small lamb stuck in the mud. Right over there.” Travis pointed to where the stream entered the lake. “That was the first time I saw you up close and the first time we ever spoke.” Travis clinked against Cembran’s glass and they each took a sip. “I thought you were a god, the most handsome man I’d ever seen. When I close my eyes I can still see you wearing only a pair of rough shorts and this.” Travis ran his fingers over the chain and the sun-shaped amulet that rested against his chest, while he gently pressed his lips to Cembran’s, tasting the Champagne on his lips.

Setting his glass on the sand, Travis rose and took Cembran’s hand, helping him to his feet. “Come on, Lamb. I’ll race you to the center of the lake and back.”

Cembran grinned. “You’re on!” He raced into the water without waiting for Travis.

“That’s cheating!” Travis took off after him, splashing in the water until it was deep enough for him to dive and swim.

Cembran reached the center of the lake first, but Travis overtook him, turning and getting back to the shore first. Cembran was grinning as he walked out of the water into Travis’s waiting arms. “It won’t be long and you’ll be able to beat me.” Travis was a very strong swimmer, and he’d taught Cembran to swim early in their relationship.

Cembran laughed, his body pressed to Travis, his head resting on his shoulder. “Not likely.” Cembran gave Travis’s bare butt a gentle, playful squeeze. “We should get back and finish the chores so we can be ready to go.”

“I know.” Travis pulled his mate into a deep kiss. “I just like holding you.”

Cembran’s fingers squeezed Travis’s firm butt cheeks. “I like you holding me.”

Travis raised an eyebrow. “Feels like you like holding something else too.”

Cembran chuckled lightly and released his grip on Travis, slowly moving away. After drying themselves, they quietly dressed, picked up their glasses and the bottle, as well as their blankets and towels, linked their hands together, and walked contentedly down the path back toward the farm.

At the rise, Cembran kissed Travis lightly before heading to the barn, while Travis, carrying the remains of their interlude, headed toward the house to make dinner.

After a light dinner, Travis called the boys and told them to meet him and Cembran at the house and they’d head into town. The boys were ready and waiting when Cembran and Travis were, and they all piled into Travis’s car and headed to town for an evening of fun at the carnival.

Everyone chatted noisily as Travis drove through the countryside, particularly the three boys in the backseat. Travis chuckled to himself as he listened to their chatter.

“So, Travis, which rides are you going to make me go on with you?” Cembran had gone with Travis the last time the carnival had come to town.

“I don’t know.” Travis gently squeezed Cembran’s leg. “I promised I wouldn’t take you on any woofy rides and I meant it.” The last time, Cembran had turned the tilt-a-whirl into the tilt-a-hurl, and he wasn’t eager to repeat that experience. “Just being with you is enough. We can go on anything you want.” Cembran leaned closer to Travis, kissing him lightly on the neck, while a collective “Awww” arose from the backseat, followed by good-hearted laughter from all the occupants of the car.

Arriving in town, Travis parked the car and everyone got out. “Have fun, guys. We’ll meet back here at ten.” They had no need for money on the farm, so Travis always deposited their pay directly into each of their bank accounts. Travis handed each of them some cash. “Find me if you need more. Enjoy yourselves.” Travis watched as the three of them headed off. “Let’s go have some fun.”

The carnival was a cacophony of lights, music, and people. They wandered down the main street of town watching the rides as they twisted and turned, past food stands and game stalls. Cembran played a few games, but was asked to leave because he kept winning, the rigged carnival games no match for his superior eyesight and reflexes.

At each stall or attraction, there was someone out front, trying to draw everyone’s attention. One of the attractions advertised the world’s biggest rats and had a drawing that showed them as big as large dogs. Cembran snickered softly as Travis shuddered. “I hate regular rats, let alone the world’s biggest ones.”

“Then I shouldn’t ask to go in?”

“Only if you want to go alone.” Travis shivered again.

Cembran smiled mischievously. “That’s okay. I just wanted to see you squirm… again.”

Travis leaned close, his lips close to Cembran’s ears. “You already know what makes me squirm and writhe, and shout, and even beg.” Now it was Cembran’s turn to shiver.

As they continued through the carnival, an attraction caught Travis’s eye and he pointed it out to Cembran. “Does that look familiar to you?”

Cembran looked where Travis was pointing, and stopped. “I… I…. It can’t be.”

Travis shook his head slowly. “God, I sure hope not.”

The barker out front was yelling that the next show was in five minutes. Without thinking, Travis handed him the money for two admissions and they entered the brightly colored tent.

Inside, they found themselves in an area big enough for twenty people with canvas on three sides and a curtain at the far end that covered what appeared to be the side of a trailer. As they waited, a few other people filed in and, just before the show started, Travis saw Dovino, Phillip, and Jeremy enter the tent. The three of them saw Travis and Cembran and stood quietly next to them, dread and curiosity plain on their faces. The five of them stood together, waiting for the show to begin.

“Before we begin, I caution you… no loud noises or sudden movements. Ladies and gentlemen, we are pleased to present ‘Manimal,’ half man and half animal.” The curtain in front parted.

Travis was speechless as he stared, while he heard Cembran whisper, “Oh my god… oh my god….”

Excerpt - Children of Bacchus

To celebrate the anniversary of the release of my first story with Dreamspinner Press, I wanted to offer excerpts from the three Children of Bacchus novels.  I really hope you like them.


Blurb:

When Travis inherits the title to a large tract of unspoiled woodlands from his estranged father, he travels there and meets Cembran, a solitary figure who had been driven from his home. But the handsome man who captivates Travis is much more than he seems – he is a magical being, a satyr, and he awakens in Travis realistic, erotic dreams the like of which he has never experienced.

What Travis and Cembran don’t expect is for the dreams to bind them together and warn them of danger – threats against the magical woodlands from developers, against Cembran’s heritage and life with his people, and against Travis and Cembran’s growing love for one another. 

It’s the hand of Bacchus himself that leads them into a life with one another: building a family, establishing a home, and battling old demons. And when the dreams return to foretell another threat to their happiness, it will take Cembran, Travis, and all those they love to save not only the satyr community and its lands, but the permanent future Travis and Cembran hope to live together.

Purchase from Dreamspinner Press

Excerpt

Cembran was happy, truly happy for the first time in a very long time.  He sat in his small shelter tending his family’s flock of sheep on the mountain slopes of a small valley in what are now known as the Jura Mountains of Switzerland.  The sheep grazed contentedly as Cembran sat with the last of the day’s sun shining on his back, warming him on the outside as the memory of Gathod warmed him on the inside.  Even more exciting was that he knew Gathod was coming to him.  Cembran knew that tonight they would join together for the first time and his body tingled with anticipation, mixed with a touch of fear.  His father would be angry if he found out about them, but his love for Gathod vastly outweighed his fear of his father.

Cembran’s father was very strong and powerful, particularly in their little village deep in the mountains.  Even though he was almost thirty years old, his father still controlled much of his life.  His brother Fartham, on the other hand, was always his father’s favorite, so he always got whatever he wanted.  Lucky for Cembran, Fartham was basically a good brother who looked out for him and even stood up for him with their father.

As the sun set behind the mountains, he saw Gathod walking along the path to his shelter.  Cembran stood and smiled broadly as his lover approached.  Gathod dropped his pack in the shelter and without wasting time, wrapped Cembran in a tight embrace, kissing him deeply.  They’d been apart for less than twelve hours, but it seemed like much longer. 

As darkness approached, Cembran built a small fire near the shelter entrance.  Even during the summer months, the temperature dropped dramatically at night.  Gathod sat near the fire and Cembran sat at his side.  Strong arms wrapped around his back, pulling him into a deep, penetrating kiss. 

“Have I told you I love you?”  Gathod’s deep, rich voice swelled with passion.

“Not since you arrived, no,” Cembran whispered playfully.

“Well, I do love you.” 

A gentle but determined set of lips pressed to his.  Cembran opened into the kiss, giving himself over to the sensations and his own desire and need. 

Gathod broke the kiss reluctantly, “We should eat.  I think we’ll need our strength.” 

Cembran brought out the food he’d planned for dinner and the two of them ate.  He watched each bite Gathod took, the way his lips moved, the way his tongue savored the cheese, the way the wine lingered on his lips.  Finally, Cembran could wait no longer. 

“Gathod, I need you.”  He turned and headed into the shelter.  “Love me.”

After a few minutes, Gathod joined him.  Cembran was lying on his back on a bed of soft, thick blankets, his clothes folded and stacked at his feet.  Gathod followed his lead, slowly removing his clothes as Cembran watched every movement.  After what seemed like an eternity, Gathod was nude as well.  His body was wide, strong, and it felt good as his weight pressed Cembran into the blankets.  Their lips kissed, hands explored, legs entwined, cocks rubbed.  Each movement, each sensation felt new, heightened, special.

“I love you, Gathod.”  The words were whispered as lips found and sucked Cembran’s sensitive nipples.  Those lips continued down his body, opening for him, taking him in.  The hot wetness of Gathod’s mouth nearly sent him over the edge.  Gathod added suction and worked his tongue across the base of the head, again and again, making Cembran moan and plead for more.  It wasn’t long before he felt his climax building.  His lover must have felt it too, because he sucked harder, sending Cembran over the edge.  His climax seemed to come from deep in his soul as he spilled himself into Gathod’s mouth.

Gathod smiled as he swallowed everything Cembran could give him.  Bringing their mouths together, he kissed Cembran deeply as he parted and lifted Cembran’s legs to expose his most private opening.  Gathod looked at Cembran, questioning.

Cembran responded by pulling his legs up farther, completely exposing himself, giving himself to this man, the man he loved.  Gathod reached for the small bottle of oil he’d brought with him and slicked his fingers, slowly and carefully making Cembran ready for him: first one finger, and then two, checking for any sign of discomfort or doubt.  There was none.  A third finger had Cembran opened and ready.  After oiling his cock, Gathod pressed the head to Cembran’s entrance.  Slowly, deliberately, he pressed into Cembran’s strong, hot body. 

Cembran had waited for this for a very long time.  He had longed to be with Gathod since that first awakening of desire years before, but he never dreamed it could be like this.  Gathod pushed into his body, entering him, filling him, completing him.  Looking into Gathod’s eyes, he saw only love and affection. 

“Love me.”  The words came breathlessly as Gathod filled him to completion.  The rest of the world faded away as they started to move, slowly at first, then increasing speed and intensity.

Gathod leaned forward, kissing Cembran deeply, pulling on his lips.  He returned the kiss, thrusting his tongue into Gathod’s mouth, kissing passionately.  “I love you, Cembran.  I want to be with you forever.”

Uttering those words made Cembran’s heart swell and his soul fly.  He never thought he’d be loved like this and it filled him with absolute joy.  He could deeply feel every movement Gathod made inside his body, every inch, as he filled and retreated only to fill him again.  Cembran reached to Gathod, stroking his face letting his hands run down his chest, wanting as much contact as possible. 

Pressure again built deep inside and he tried to signal Gathod, who kissed him again whispering, “Come with me, Cembran.”  The words were barely out of his lover’s mouth when Cembran came on his stomach as Gathod spent deep inside his lover.  Gathod slowly separated himself, then lay down next to him on the blankets.

“Stay with me, please.”

Gathod nodded, “Of course I’ll stay with you.”  The small fire cast shadows into the shelter, the darkness beyond wrapped them in quiet and peace.  Gathod banked the fire before pulling the blanket over both of them.  Wrapping his strong arms around Cembran, he pulled him to his body, pressing his chest to Cembran’s back.  “Sleep, my love.” 

He slept, contented and happy, in the arms of the man he loved.

Cembran woke to Gathod shifting next to him, rolling over to see him getting out of their warm blankets, saying “I have to get back before I’m missed.”  It was still dark, but the first rays of the sun had started to turn the eastern sky from black to gray.  Gathod leaned forward, kissing Cembran fully and lovingly.  After breaking the kiss, he dressed hastily and, turning to kiss Cembran again, disappeared into the early morning darkness.

He got up, dressed, gathered his things into his pack, and headed home with a spring in his step, a smile on his face, and a soreness that reminded him of last night’s joy with each step he took.

Entering the house through the back door, Cembran was surprised to see his father sitting at the table, and he appeared to be waiting for him.  His face showed little emotion. 

“Cembran, sit down.  I will speak with you.”  The voice was rough, the tone clipped.  Cembran put down his pack and sat across the table.  “I know where you were last night.  I know what you did and I know who you were with.”

“How could…?” 

His father cut him off.  “I know, and I won’t tolerate it.  I will not have a son of mine acting like a woman.”  Cembran tried to say something, but his father cut him off again.  “I have decided that you have two choices.”  His father’s voice was getting louder.  “I have decided that you are to marry and stop this foolishness, or you must leave.” 

Cembran’s breath caught.  “Leave?”

“Yes.  Either you stop this foolishness with Gathod or you will be banished from my house and this village.”  His father’s eyes were as cold as stone.  “What is your answer?” 

Cembran was stunned and shocked into non-movement.  He couldn’t breathe and he couldn’t think.  “I—”  No further sounds would come out.  What a choice: marry someone to satisfy his father or leave the only place, the only life, he’d ever known.

His father continued, ignoring Cembran’s reaction completely.  “I will be out for most of the day.  If you are here when I return, I expect you to marry; otherwise I expect you to be gone!  Never show your face here again!”  With those last words, Cembran’s father stormed out of the room and a few seconds later he heard the front door slam hard enough the shake the small house.

He sat at the table, head in his hands, completely despondent.  He jerked as a pair of hands rested on his shoulders.  Turning his head he saw Fartham standing behind him. 

“I’m sorry, Cembran.”

“What am I to do?”  Tears were starting to well in his eyes. 

“There are worse things than getting married.”  Fartham sat in the chair that their father had occupied a few minutes before.  “I’ll help you find a suitable woman.”

Something either broke inside Cembran or crystallized into clarity; he was never sure which, but at that moment, he knew what he had to do.  “Fartham, I cannot get married.  It wouldn’t be fair to her.  I could never love a woman, not in that way.”

“But Cembran?” 

He held up his hand.  He knew he’d have only one chance to make his brother understand.  Cembran’s voice was slow and measured.  “Fartham, you love Lita.  With everything you have?”

Fartham nodded.  “Yes, with all my soul.  She’s perfect for me.”

Cembran smiled weakly; he knew Lita would make his brother very happy.  He could see it each time he saw them together.  “The way you feel about Lita is the way I feel about Gathod.  I love him with everything I am.”

“But Cembran, Gathod is….”  Confusion was written all over his face.

“The way you feel about women, I feel about men.  I can’t change it and,” taking a deep breath he continued, “I love Gathod.” 

Fartham sat still and quiet for a long time.  “Then you have no choice; you must leave.”  He looked at Cembran with sadness.  “I will miss you, but you deserve to be happy and you can’t be happy here.”  He paused.  “Does Gathod love you?”

“He said he did and I believe him.”  He had too.  His happiness and sanity depended on that belief.

“Maybe Gathod will go with you.” 

It was almost a thought spoken out loud, but it made Cembran’s heart jump.  Yes, maybe it was possible. 

“Come with me, I’ll help you get ready, we have much to do.”

Fartham turned into a whirl of activity.  He pulled the small chest out of his room.  It was sturdy, with a single drawer on the bottom.  “You can use this, it’s not too heavy and it should travel easily with you.”  Clothes, boots, blankets, and other items were neatly and carefully stowed in the chest.  Once it was packed, Fartham put the chest back in its usual spot in case their father came home.

He turned to Cembran, opened his shirt, and pulled the pendant from around his neck and placed it around Cembran’s neck.  “Take this with you, to remember me and protect yourself.”  Cembran hugged him tightly.  “Go find Gathod.”

Cembran thanked his brother and headed out of the house.  He knew he’d find Gathod tending his family’s flocks and he raced to find him.  He had gone only a few steps when he saw Gathod coming toward him. 

“I was just looking for you.”  Gathod was smiling.

“I was looking for you as well.  I need to talk to you.”  Cembran led Gathod back to the house.  Fartham left the room as soon as they entered.

“What’s wrong?  You look so serious.”

“My father knows about us.”  His lover’s face fell, smile replaced with fear.  “He told me this morning that I must leave you and get married, or leave the village.”  Gathod started shaking.  “I cannot get married, so I have decided to leave.”  Gathod looked at the floor.  “Come with me.”  Cembran’s voice was urgent.  “We’ll find a place where we can be together,” he said, his eyes full of hope, his heart full of love.

Gathod still looked at the floor.  “I don’t know.  This is all so sudden.  I….”  His feet shifted nervously as he ran his fingers through his hair.

Cembran knew his heart was breaking, right then.  But he also knew he couldn’t force Gathod to come with him and he wouldn’t make his lover feel guilty.  Placing a hand on his shoulder, he said, “I understand.  It’s a lot to ask.”

“Cembran, I do love you.  I just don’t know.”  The indecision was plain on Gathod’s face and Cembran knew.

“I know you do and I love you.”  He gently kissed Gathod’s lips.  “I have to leave today.  Will you meet me at the shelter on the high ridge at sundown?”  This shelter was near the top of one of the mountains surrounding the village.

Gathod nodded, “Okay.  I’ll meet you there.”  He walked to the door and with a glance back, stepped out of the house.

Cembran collapsed into a chair as the door closed, tears streaming down his face, sobs wracking his body.  It took some effort, but he finally regained control of himself as his brother came back into the room. 

“Gathod’s not going?” 

Cembran shook his head in response. 

“What do you want me to do for you?”  Fartham had always looked out for Cembran and he was still doing it.

“Would you take the chest to the high shelter on the ridge?  I have an errand that I need to run before I leave.”  Fartham nodded his assent.  “Thank you.” 

Cembran stepped out of the house and walked through the village to the home of his most trusted friend.  He had known Old Hans since he was a child and trusted him completely.  He approached the house and knocked softly on the door.

“Come in, Cembran.”

He opened the door and stepped inside.

“I was expecting you.”  From the tone of his voice, Cembran figured Old Hans already knew.  “My boy, are you all right?” 

He nodded.  “As well as I can be.  I’m leaving the village today.  I will not marry to satisfy my father.”

Old Hans nodded and disappeared into another room.  After a few minutes, he returned carrying a small bag.  “I figure you’ll need this.” 

Cembran nodded; it was his life’s savings.  Actually it was almost every cent he’d ever earned in his life.  He’d never trusted his father with his money, so Old Hans had held on to it for him.  He took the bag and threw his arms around Hans’s shoulders.  “I will miss you.”  Tears welled in his eyes again.

“I will miss you too.  Have you eaten?” 

Cembran shook his head. 

“Then come and we will eat a last meal together before you leave.”  Hans set out a fine meal and they ate together quietly, Cembran lost in his thoughts.  “Where are you going?”

“I don’t know.  I’ll decide in a few days when I’ve had a chance to think.”  Hans just nodded.  After eating, he hugged his friend again and said goodbye.  Placing the bag under his clothes, next to his skin, he stepped out of the house.

Late in the day, after he had made all his arrangements, he headed up the mountain to the shelter.  This one was near the summit and, unlike the shelter he and Gathod had used the previous night, this one wasn’t known to his father; Fartham, Gathod, and Cembran had only built it last spring.

Cembran found his brother waiting for him in the shelter; the small chest was sitting near the back. 

“I wanted to say goodbye.”  Fartham hugged Cembran tightly.  “Please be careful and take care of yourself.”

“I will.” 

Fartham hugged his younger brother again and handed him a small bag of coins before turning quickly and heading back towards the village.  He turned and waved just before he stepped out of sight.

The sun was setting when Cembran heard Gathod approaching the shelter.  He saw him a minute later.  Gathod started to speak, but Cembran silenced him.  “No apologies, no regrets.”  Gathod opened his small pack and took out the food he’d brought while Cembran started a small fire.  They ate quietly together, watching the sun set and the darkness descend around them.

After they’d eaten, Cembran took Gathod’s hand in his.  “Love me, Gathod.  Give me something to remember forever.” 

Gathod quietly led him into the shelter.  Their lovemaking was intense and passionate, lasting well into the night.  Knowing they would part in the morning, they both made the most of the time they had together.  Satiated and exhausted, they fell asleep in each other’s arms, clinging together tightly for those last few hours.

The sun was rising as Cembran woke, Gathod’s warm, strong body entwined with his.  Gathod’s hands stroked his back.  Cembran reluctantly got out of the blankets and dressed quickly in the cold morning air.  Gathod dressed as well and handed him the last of the food they had shared.  They held each other as Cembran ate.  Finally, he packed the blankets away and was ready to go.

“Cembran, I made this for you.  I was saving it for your birthday, but—”  Gathod’s voice broke and tears ran down his face.  He tugged Cembran into his embrace and kissed him deeply.  “Goodbye.” 

With that Gathod turned and walked slowly down the path back toward the village.  Cembran wrapped the gift in a blanket and stowed it in his chest.  He’d open it later when he wasn’t feeling so distraught.  Slinging the chest onto his back, he headed down the mountain toward something he’d never known − the outside world.

Review for a Shared Range

Amos posted a wonderful review for A Shared Range at Eurekepride.com.   I wanted to post a link and thank him for thinking enough of my story to write the review.

I know that when I see the name Andrew Grey on a book cover that I am in for a good read and “A Shared Thing” proved me right again.

Read the entire review,

A Shared Range Excerpt

Available from Dreamspinner Press
Blurb:  After a year in medical school, Dakota Holden returned home to take care of the family business full time and help his father cope with multiple sclerosis. Devoted to his family, Dakota allows himself just one week of vacation a year, which he spends in some exotic location having all the fun he can stand. On his last vacation, a cruise, Dakota struck up a friendship with Phillip Reardon, and it fills an important role in Dakota’s life.

So when Phillip decides to take Dakota up on his invitation to visit the ranch, Dakota is happy to see him and meet his veterinarian friend, Wally Schumacher. Despite Wally’s inclination to help the wolves Dakota’s men shoot to protect the cattle, he and Dakota find they have a lot in common, including a fierce attraction. But they’ll have to decide if the Wyoming range is big enough for Dakota’s cattle, Wally’s wolves, and their love. Excerpt.   

A truck pulled into the yard, and Wally saw a small pack of dogs race out of the barn to the truck and then race back to begin circling his legs. “What’s all this?” He knelt down and was mobbed by the ragtag bunch. “Are they friendly?”

“Goodness, yes.” The smallest, some sort of terrier mix, jumped into Wally’s arms and began licking his face. “The mutt giving you a bath is Max. The lab is Libby, and the boxer mix is Sparky.” At the mention of his name, Sparky made a lunge and knocked Wally on his butt before he, too, joined in the lovefest. Wally made the mistake of laughing and got a doggie tongue in his mouth, but didn’t really care too much as he handed out scratches behind ears and received lots of doggie love.

“Mario,” Dakota called, and the man from the truck walked over. “This is Wally.”

Wally tried to shake hands, but the wiggling, squirming dogs sort of got in the way.

“Wally, this is Mario, my foreman.” Dakota started to laugh as Wally tried to get up, only to be jumped again by the dogs.

Wally finally got to his feet and extended his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” They shook hands quickly.

“Boss, we had a few problems in the north range.” Mario turned his attention to Dakota, his face serious.

“That wolf again?” Dakota’s smile faded and his voice darkened. “Did we lose anything?”

“That’s the strange thing. It was definitely him, but there’s no sign that he tried to take down any of the herd. He just stood by the edge of the wooded area and watched until I took a shot at him.”

“Maybe he wasn’t hungry.” Wally spoke up, and saw both men looking at him like he was from outer space. “Wolves don’t kill for sport. They kill because they’re hungry or to feed their mate or young, and they’re more likely to take down small game than a full-grown steer.” Wally was on a roll and hadn’t realized his strong feelings had made him raise his voice. “And you took a shot at him?” Wally glared at the foreman and felt his anger build. “Excuse me.”

Turning away, Wally walked back toward the house, muttering under his breath. He really wasn’t sure if they could hear him, but at the moment he didn’t care. “Great, if you don’t understand something, just kill it and mount it on the wall. That’ll take care of everything.” Wally opened the door and walked into the house, letting the screen bang behind him.

As soon as he reached the living room, he stopped himself and flopped on the sofa. Jesus, he’d been here less than an hour and he’d insulted his host.

“What’s going on?” Phillip sat next to him.

“I shot my mouth off and made an ass of myself.” Wally looked up and saw through the window that Dakota was on his way in and didn’t look happy.