Eve Langlais's Blog, page 168

I'm a horrible blogger

I'll even say, I kind of hate it. No, hate is too strong. I don't like blogging by force would be more accurate. I prefer to let a blog idea come to me naturally, but unfortunately marketing dictates that I blog often whether or not I have anything interesting to say or not.

I think that sucks!

I know that sounds like I'm whining, but the truth is blogging takes time, alot of time better spent writing my next story. And I have to wonder, does anyone even read them? I assume I have lurkers. I know I am a fabulous lurker on other peoples blogs, but does anyone actually do that to mine? If you are one of those people keeping an eye on this space in the hopes of reading something interesting, then I am awfully sorry I don't write more often. But again, I prefer to blog when I have something to say. I only write this because I noticed all these other authors blogging away on numerous sites on a host of topics. Where do they find the time and inspiration?

Okay, I'm done bitching. lol.

What kinds of blogs make you want to read? And which make you skim over? I never read promo/excerpt posts. Gasp! I know, it's shocking, but quite honestly, I'm an impulse reader. I prefer to log onto my ebook retailer of choice, browse my favorite categories and after getting caught by a cover and reading the blurb, buying it. It's shameful, I know. But what can I say, it's how I read. What about you? Do you keep a TBR list and faithfully purchase from it or do you impulse buy as well?

And another question, do you religiously follow authors? I ask this because if I find an author I really like, I'll buy several of their books, but if I hit one that misses the mark, then I tend to hem and haw after that on whether I'll buy them again or not.  Finicky of me perhaps, but to be honest, I've seen some authors fall into the trap of writing the same story, over and over, with differing main characters. After a while, it's just too predictable.

Okay, well that's enough blogging for today. Time for some real writing–the kind that curls your toes and makes you drag your partner up for an early bedtime.

What if Hell froze over?

Did you ever stop to think of the consequences? Don't laugh yet. Imagine if you would, that each time someone used the term when 'Hell freezes over', somewhere, a power or keeper of vows noted it. Now, think of the context in which that phrase is usually used. Like when the drunk guy in the bar keeps propositioning you and you say 'It'll be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you.' Or when your cheating ex-boyfriend comes crawling back, begging you to forgive him and you say when 'It snows in Hell.' Now take your imagination further to a time when Hell actually turns into a winter wonderland, and an ancient force begins to force humanity to keep their vows. It would be utter calamity and chaos.

It's also part of the storyline for my newest release Snowballs In Hell.

Available for purchase at:



Liquid Silver Books

First book in series : Lucifer's Daughter

My brother, the antichrist, has it so much easier than me.

Hi, I'm Muriel, misbegotten daughter of Satan, and once again my life is in turmoil. The cowled one who tortured me left a curse on my mind, one that makes me afraid. Completely unacceptable, but in order to remove it, I have to do something even worse—betray my beloved by bringing another man into our bed.

As if having to participate in a threesome isn't traumatizing enough, Hell has frozen over, and as much as I think Hades looks pretty in a blanket of white, the repercussions are severe. It's a good thing this princess of Hell has two lovers determined to charge my magic in pleasurable ways.

I'll admit, it's not easy having nympho magic, but I'm prepared to suck it up—and swallow—for the sake of saving the world.

Includes threesome scenes of naughty proportions along with some butt slapping fun.

PS. For those who couldn't get enough of him in the first book, Lucifer is back in this tale along with Muriel's sister Bambi.

Enjoy ;p

Eve

Squee, Christmas Eve is almost here!

Those of oyu who've read my previous post on Christmas know by now I am a fanatic for it. I don't know about the rest of you, but Christmas Eve and Christmas day has some special traditions, most of which I made up because I want my kids to remember this time with smiles when they're older.

1. Christmas Eve Norad is the place we go to keep track of Santa as he begins his yearly trek. I love it and so do the kids. Talk about getting them all revved up.

2. Christmas Eve and Day are ours–we don't go over and while people are welcome to come over, I don't encourage it because it's family time.

3. Just before bed on Christmas Eve, with a special mix I make every year, the kids go out onto the front lawn and sprinkle magical rein deer food. The special glitter mixed in with the oats is a magical substance to keep those deer energetic and helps make sure they find our house.

4. NEW! This year, I've decided to make the whole family kind of match Christmas morning, so I've picked up red plaid pajamas for us all. I couldn't get identical ones, but they're all red plaid of some type so it's still good.

5. Hubby and I get up early Christmas Morning– too excited to sleep. We get the coffee going (with a dollop of Christmas cheer) and gasp over the mound of presents under the tree for the kids, who despite occasional mishaps, are the best kids ever! Then we wake the little monsters up

6. We spend a leisurely morning opening presents taking time to ooh and awe over each gift. We'll even pause the whole paper tearing bit to pull a special item out of its box and give it some batteries. Then we giggle and smile as the kids excited chatter over their new treasure fills the air. Sigh, the best sound in the world.

7. We answers call, we make calls and cheerfully wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

8. We set the dining room table foe dinner. Each place setting gets a cracker and the kids are all a buzz because we're eating off mommy's fancy dishes. Then the coup de grace. Dinner itself. I gave up making turkey dinner. Not only was it alot of work on a day that is draining in its excitement, my kids don't eat it, at all! So last year I did something new and shocking. On Christmas, I bought a bucket of KFC chicken along with gravy and coleslaw. On Christmas Day, I heat those things up and make some fresh fries, and serving it all on my fine china, we have a greasy, southern fried delight that my kids devoured eagerly. And asked for seconds. I'm sure many of you are appalled. I was embarrassed about mentioning it at first until I realized something–it was the best Christmas dinner ever. Not only did my kids eat well, I wasn't exhausted and sweaty, the clean up was minimal and best of all, we ate as a family with smiles and laughter.

Now that I've properly shocked you, I hope you'll tell me about your traditions. And in case I don't get a chance to tell you in person, Merry Christmas. I hope you and your loved ones have a fabulous time.

I'm a Hockey Mom

And that's a lot scarier than it sounds. My seven year old is playing major tyke this year for the Clarington Thunder. He looks so cute dressed in hockey gear with his bright yellow jersey with black lightning. And on skates, damn is he fast. The coach, because of his speed and stick handling, wants him to play center, but my son seems to be a defense-man at heart. He's great at guarding the net, and this past weekend he played goalie and loved it.

Now where does the scary part come in you might ask? Even though there's not supposed to be any violence or hitting allowed at this level, some coaches–and some parents–are teaching their kids otherwise. Last weekend, a player on my sons team took a direct hit. Not an accidental bump, not a jostle for the puck. We're talking the biggest kid on the opposing team skating right at our center who held the puck, bringing his shoulder up and intentionally ramming. The poor victim went down–hard–and couldn't get back up without aid. Luckily, it was a minor injury that left him limping for a few days and unable to finish the game. But I'll tell you when I watched it happen, my heart stopped, because that could have been my son. And what if instead of a limp, something worse happened? You hear about deaths and major injuries all the time now it seems in the news, and not at the pro level. It's happening to kids. Our babies.

So shoot me for being a pessimist. Up until now, I lived safely in a cocoon where violence only dwelt in the stories that I wrote. The real world sucks and I'll admit, I don't like it at all. I know the arguments, my husband tells them to me all the time. 'Cut the apron strings and let him be a boy'. 'It's hockey, kids will get hurt.' But am I crazy to not want it to happen to mine? I realize I can't wrap him in bubble wrap and keep him home–although it's tempting. I understand accidents will happen. But it's frustrating as a mother to see intentional violence in what should be a fun sport and know the next time it could be my son lying on the ice.

I won't stop him from playing hockey, not because he's actually really good at it, but because he loves playing it. Hard as I'm finding it, I will let him strap on his skates and fly across the ice. But I swear, if I ever see a kid, go out of his way to hurt my boy, I will probably turn into the worst kind of hockey mom, and the language I use in my books will be mediocre compared to what my inner mama bear will roar.

Of course, I'm probably being paranoid, and years from now when my boy's an NHL star, I'll be glad I gave him the chance to follow his dreams instead of molly coddling him because of my nightmares.

The Christmas Countdown Begins!

Welcome to December 1st, the day the chocolate advent calendars begin and we send our little darlings to school hyped up on sugar.

I am a huge Christmas fan. I love seeing all the displays when I go shopping. I love belting out the songs. Cooking, decorating for it, you name it, I probably love it. As a parent, I've developed (with my husband who shakes his head alot) some traditions that I hope my children will pass on.

1. We decorate early! Starting mid to late November, the tinsel and tree goes up and my house transforms into a gaudy wonderland. (please note though by December 27th, I pull it all down lol)

2. Advent calendars are a must. Each kids gets one (or if they end up on a really good sale, 2 ) and they never miss a day. I also have a fabric calendar the kids fight over as they all love moving the little Santa into his new pocket.

3. We bake — three to five treats are prepped ahead of time to pull out for visitors.

4. Family Get-together. We hold that the weekend before Christmas and have my husbands close family over for games, presents for the kids and a belt loosening dinner. Oh and Santa makes a visit!

5. Santa visits our house every year for pictures with the kids. How do you ask? I bribe him with treats and to all the kids amazement he never misses our party.

6. We go online and play a whack of holiday games. Most are corny but the kids love it.

7. Movies! I PVR everything there is that the kids might like and then we watch it. My husband and I often giggle over the Christmas specials of our youth. Rudolph is a classic, but my new favorite is Santa Vs the Snowman. Too funny.

8. We wrap and wrap some more. My kids cackle as they wind tape around the gifts. We like to let them buy something for each other, us and their grandparents. The things they choose can be hilarious like the year Grandma got wetwipes because she likes to clean. lol

9. We watch the Christmas parade just because.

10. The kids all write a list to Santa with the bigger ones helping their little sister. I also make them at this time go through their current toys to donate the unused ones to charity.

Whew, so that's my top ten countdown list to Christmas Eve. Stay tuned as I tell you why I don't make a turkey Christmas day and what I've substituted it for instead. It will shock you.

Win A Copy of CRAZY

Lovin' Me Some Romance is graciously hosting a giveaway of my newest title Crazy. Want to win a copy? Of course you do, so click here to enter for your chance to win this entertaining novella of a girl who hears voices and the vampire who has to have her.

Lovin' Me Some Romance Giveaway – Click Here

That's not the only giveaway happening this week. If you don't win on that contest then how about trying again on December third with

Book Lovers Inc – Click Here to check them out.

And stay tuned December 1st when I let you in on some of my Christmas madness.

So much going on…

First, I need to bounce a little because Crazy, my story of a girl who hears voices, is now out. I warn you though, the vampire in this story does drink blood and he doesn't feel guilty about it at all. A refreshing change I think from the soul searching vamps we see now a days lamenting their state. When Zane discovers Ella, a frail mental patient who fascinates him, he takes her home to study her further–and for a late night snack. But Ella's friends in the attic of her mind aren't about to let him defile her and stop him from sating his hungers with amusing consequences.

Now that you have run out to buy your copy, I'm going to tempt you in a different direction. how about a chance to win a copy of Wickedest Witch along with four other stories by great authors like Stacey Kennedy, Christine Bell, Lex Valentine and Julia Rachel Barrett? Bet those names got your attention. For a chance to win 5 books, just Click on this Link and follow the contest rules. Talk about an early Christmas present!

Good luck and for my American friends, Happy Thanksgiving.

Stacey Kennedy has a fabulous new release!

An Everlasting Bite — The Blue Bloods Book One
by  Stacey Kennedy

Love is born between strangers, yet built upon a bond soul deep―one Alpha's vow to protect his mate from looming danger, all the while, mending her soul and stirring her wolfish desires.

A vicious werewolf attack in Plymouth, Minnesota leaves a young woman violated, bitten and now, transformed into werewolf. But Rynn Murphy doesn't have to face this transformation alone—she has her mate by her side. And the charming Briggs―Beta to the Patriarch, Valor―is eager to ease her into this new life and mend her battered soul.
With only weeks to adjust to her new fur, Rynn, follows Briggs while he assists in locating the daughter of the Montana's Alpha, who was abducted from her home.  But this journey is not without danger. And soon, they discover the ones who have taken this young wolf do not want her found and will stop at nothing to keep her hidden. Or so it may seem, as bodies begin to drop around them, the murderous attempts start to appear more as a hit than a smoke screen—leaving only one question, who is the intended target…

 

For more info or purchase information please see StaceyKennedy.com

*****

Excerpt:

The damp ground parted under Rynn's sharp claws and the wind breezed steadily across her fur. Sounds of the world came sharp through alert ears. Quiet noises hidden to human ears sounded crystal-clear with these new senses of hers―brushes of air against the trees, bugs crawling along the earth, even a deer nibbling on grass a mile away.

She scanned her surroundings, her acute vision taking in everything around her. The sharp colors, shapes, everything was just so powerful as a wolf. It made everything brighter―more vivid.

Her four legs trembled as the force of magic swept through her in pure need to find her human form.  She reminded herself of her small framed curvy body, long brown hair, deep silver eyes, and cheeks she always thought were a little too chubby.

This was the most difficult part about being a werewolf and the control over the wolf within her was a struggle. Of course, it would be since she'd been thrust into this life only a few days ago. She shouldn't be so hard on herself. Still, it came with frustration that the shift came as a challenge.

It didn't help much that Rynn's focus was off―still reeling from a conversation she had only an hour ago with new friends, Nexi and Kyden. To the supernatural world, they were Guardians.  Well, Nexi was part Witch too.  They're also part of the Council's Guard―the leaders of the Otherworld. As Guardians, they policed the supernatural races that live within the Earthworld.

The memory of the shocking conversation replayed in her mind.

Nothing about Nexi was normal. Sure, her to-die-for body, dirty blonde locks, country home girl features were all the same, but it was her hazel eyes that sank Rynn's heart. The spunkiness that lived within them was gone―darkness and despair was all to be seen. Something wasn't right.

"Nexi?" Rynn questioned, as she examined her further.

What was going on here? This wasn't how she remembered Nexi. The Nexi she met was full of zest, happiness, and extremely strong in confidence, not the anguished woman before her.

Sure, she didn't know her all that well―they'd only met a few nights ago after the brutal attack in her hometown of Plymouth, Minnesota, that now allowed her to stand on all fours.

After she first experienced herself in fluffy form, she was too frightened to shift back to her human form, too terrified to accept that this was now her life. Then came Nexi who shared her story, which in turn, showed they had very similar paths.  Both were normal young women who came from rural cities in the United States who had awakened to the world of the supernatural.

The connection with Nexi was instant. The bond of friendship allowed the fear to settle in Rynn and kept her to calm enough for the magic to release her back to human form, which was an entirely desperate situation.

If she hadn't been able to shift back, the wolf within her would have taken over, which would have caused her to go mad. Crazed by the animal inside her that would need to seek out blood and kill. If that happened, Valor would have to destroy her.  Needless to say, Nexi was a Godsend.

Rynn was happy to note that Valor had no intention of harming her.  As the Patriarch, ruler over the Alphas of the United States it would have fallen on him to take care of her. He fit the part of Alpha too. He was big and powerful with strong shoulders, thick dark hair and dark eyes that demanded you kneel at his feet. Rynn often wondered if that was the power he held over her as a wolf, or if that was just his thing. She still hadn't figured it out.

Rynn knew enough about Nexi to know something was off. She searched deeper into Nexi's eyes for any sign of the woman she had met. Finding none, she glanced at Briggs, bewildered. "Something is terribly wrong. What's happened?"

Kyden cleared his throat, drawing Rynn's gaze to his. Kyden was always serious but calm. He wore his warrior look well. It wasn't just his sculpted body and strong cut features―it was his aura.  Tonight however, he seemed weakened―distraught. "It has become known that Nexi is the destined to Magnus."

Briggs interjected before Rynn could comprehend Valor's words, his brows raised in surprise. "Magnus, as in The Lord of the Underworld?"

Kyden gave a firm nod, his jaw clenched tight.

Rynn didn't understand any of this. "But I thought…" she hesitated, remembering the past few days. The last she heard, Nexi had accepted Kyden as her mate. They were to be bonded soon―a marriage of non-supernaturals. She cleared her mind and asked, "Aren't you being bonded soon?"

Kyden nodded again. "Indeed we are."

Rynn glanced at Briggs who looked desolate. "What does that mean?" She couldn't comprehend any of this.  Nothing made sense.

"Destined bonds overrule the bonds of the heart," Briggs replied, his eyes sad.

That was all that needed to be said for Rynn to understand. Nexi's time with Kyden would soon to be over. She could see the heartbreak in every pair of eyes around her. No matter how much Nexi loved Kyden, wanted him, her soul wouldn't allow it.

Rynn wanted to know more, but it wasn't her place to interrogate them. A sense of dread filled her as something else bothered her. Rynn glanced at Briggs, needing clarification. "There is an Underworld? Like demons and scary things like that?"

Briggs nodded hesitantly.

She suspected he never told her because she was just coming around to the idea of there being an Otherworld.  Home to Werewolves, Vampires, Guardians and Witches. Even though, the only ones allowed to live there worked for the Council directly, all others, including the werewolves, lived in the Earthworld.  The Otherworld was nothing to be afraid of and she'd seen for herself that what existed there was good. But she knew enough to know anything that lived within the Underworld couldn't be good.  Even if she didn't know for sure, the horrified expressions around her would have told her as much.

Still, she couldn't wrap her head around it all. She needed more answers.

"And you are going to be mated to their leader?" As Nexi gave a soft nod, Rynn's mystification turned into disparity. She had enough common sense to understand that this is about as bad as it gets.

"We have to do something to help you." Nexi had been nothing but kind to Rynn, she saved her life, and Rynn felt compelled to do the same. She glanced at Briggs. "What can we do to help her?"

Briggs sighed, and the simple sound said it all . Nexi didn't stand a chance at overcoming this. Rynn breathed deep, tears filled her eyes.  Instead of comforting her, Briggs stepped toward Nexi, reached down and embraced her. He hugged tight and looked at Rynn, "Nothing I'm afraid, darlin'."

Just as his grip tightened, Nexi stiffened immensely and Kyden ripped Nexi from his arms, latched onto her.

Kyden glanced over Nexi's head. "She needs the connection."

"He can't let me go," Nexi whispered.

Rynn's stomach clenched in horror. It was already that lost. The full reality of the situation hit.

Nexi was losing herself without Kyden's contact.  Her mind drifted from the love they shared. Rynn would have thought it strange, if she'd hadn't felt it for herself.  The mate bond was powerful. Her own connection with Briggs showed her that. She understood what was happening―it wouldn't be long before Nexi's heart belonged to another.

After a moment of silence, Kyden said, "We have some news of the attack on Rynn."

Briggs gave Kyden a curious look. "The attack on Rynn?"

Rynn was equally confused. She assumed the wolf had attacked her, bit her, then left her there when he was finished. She wasn't expecting there to be more.

Before she could ask, Nexi whispered, "It was the beginning."

"The beginning of what?" Rynn exclaimed.

Kyden looked at Briggs. "A revolution in the Underworld."

"Against Magnus?" Briggs inquired.

Kyden nodded. "You know of the Warlock, Pye?"

"Aye," Briggs replied, then looked at Rynn.  "He's a powerful Warlock who wants to rule the Underworld, but has never succeeded to gain control."

Kyden continued, "To dethrone Magnus, Pye needed to further his strength. His followers bewitched wolves to kill women of a pure nature."

Rynn blushed. It was true that the night of the attack, the man had stolen the one thing that would forever scar her soul. He stole her virginity―her purity. "So…" she said hesitantly, reminded of the horror of that night, and also trying to piece together this new information. "If they needed their virginity, why did they…" she paused again and gulped deeply. "Take it away."

"It was the process. By taking the woman's virginity, they were draining the purity of the soul. It's how they gained power from it." Nexi replied.

Rynn placed her hands on her heart, confused. "But I still have my soul." She glanced at Briggs. "Don't I?"

Briggs wrapped his arm around her. "Of course you do, darlin'." Then, he looked at Kyden. "Why did they go to such measures as to overtaking these wolves, and not just do it themselves?"

Kyden embraced Nexi tighter, and she melted into him. "If the Witches were not killing themselves, Magnus would not know Pye was plotting against him. It was a decoy."

Rynn couldn't put it all together. "Why then? Why do I still have my soul?"

"Magnus destroyed the wolf attacking you before he could drain you," Kyden replied, his tone cold.

Rynn glanced at Briggs, who looked equally befuddled. "Why would he do that?" She never met or heard of this Magnus. Why would he help her?

Rynn glanced back at Nexi as she continued. "Magnus knew of Pye's plan and intervened to stop him. He knew of my relationship with Valor and helped Rynn so that I would be close to Valor.  Then, he stole Dante's soul knowing that I would do anything to get it back. He agreed to return it to me, only if I destroyed his only threat in the Underworld, Pye." Tears filled her eyes, her lip quivered. "Now, of course we know that wasn't the only reason he wanted me close."

Briggs growled deep and low. "To know the danger that was caused because of Magnus' desires."  He growled again.  "And Dante's life could have been lost.  Now, you…" His voice drifted away, sadness filled his expression.

Rynn remained silent.  What could she say?  This was horrible.

"Valor had not made me aware that Dante was in danger at the time and said nothing of it until he returned with him intact. As he told to me, Nexi had killed Pye in return of Dante's soul." Briggs clenched his teeth.  "I should have been there to help her, Maybe I could have changed the outcome so Nexi wouldn't be in this situation."

Nexi shook her head.  "There is nothing you could have done."

Rynn put a hand on Briggs' arm. As he glanced down at her, some of the torment running through him eased, immediately.

He looked torn as he said, "If Magnus hadn't concocted this plan of his, Rynn's life would have been lost the night she was attacked but now, Nexi is losing hers." He finally looked away from Rynn and glanced at Nexi. "This comes with mixed feelings."

"I know," Nexi replied just as soft. She reached forward, kept her hand connected with Kyden and hugged Briggs. "I wouldn't change any of this if it meant Rynn survived." Her gaze hit Rynn's. "Remember that."

Pulled back into the present, Rynn's heart throbbed in pain for Nexi and Kyden, probably because she could relate. She had someone taken from her too.

Her Grandfather, Pops, had been stolen years ago by the crippling horror of Alzheimer's. It's the reason she took all this werewolf business in stride. There wasn't only herself to think about here. Rynn wasn't selfish.

Besides, thanks to Valor, Pops now resided in an upscale hospital in Utah. That reason was why she sucked up this wolf stuff and accepted it. He's somewhere better and nicer. That was her priority.

When she was four, Pops stepped in to raise her when her parents decided being junkies was more important. Did they object? No. Why would they? Drugs ruled their lives.

Pops was the kindest, gentlest soul on earth and treated her like a treasure growing up. Now because of his disease he couldn't even remember her. He was like a vacant vessel. Gone forever, yet still alive. A cruel disease in every way. Death would've been better, but Rynn would never admit to that. She needed him. Loved him.

Still, she hadn't had the chance to go and see him yet, since she was too unstable as a werewolf. The danger for him was too great if she shifted before his eyes. She wouldn't risk his life. But it didn't make it any easier to deal with. She missed him with an ache in her heart that left her empty.

Luckily, someone had made it his job to fill that ache. Her mate Briggs, who nuzzled his damp nose into her side.

It's a strange thing to meet your soul-mate and instantly fall in love, but that's exactly what happened. Briggs couldn't have said it better in the conversation with Nexi and Kyden―your destined mate overrules everything else.  Trust is born in the very moment you accept it.

Not only is he sweet, but also sexy as hell. She couldn't have chosen a better mate for herself. Letting fate take the wheel wasn't a hard thing to do.

He brushed up against her again. The contact with his nose on her side was an instant connection to force the change within her. Her breath caught as the pure rush hit, sending her elongated vision to become foggy. The sharp scents around her returned to normal levels, and her hearing hushed as she found her human form.

Surprisingly, there wasn't anything painful about the transformation. Just more of a shift in senses―everything weakened as a human. Within seconds of the blast of magic, the change occurred.  No bones breaking or muscles tightening, it was over before Rynn even knew it began. As an added bonus, after the shift, her clothes appeared back on her body. How that worked, Rynn still hadn't figured out, but she was glad for it. Walking around in her birthday suit didn't hold much appeal.

When her eyes opened, she found Briggs' smile. His yellow eyes were tight with joy, his sharp angled face was cocked to the side with his brown hair spiked messily, and his lips were soft and inviting with a perfect curve.

He made everything all right―everything less scary.  She felt right where she belonged. No matter what happened, she would always have him to make life good. Sometimes hearing how quickly love can be taken away, as she'd seen with Kyden and Nexi, made her appreciate just how lucky she is.

"Getting easier to shift isn't it, darlin'?" Briggs asked.

Rynn gave a half-hearted shrug. "A little, but I think it's because of your touch. I doubt I could do that without it."

"My contact is just helping filter the magic through our bond, stabilizing you. Don't worry, it will come. Just give it time."

Time. That was the thing. They'd spent days working on controlling her wolf and getting to know each other, considering they were together for a lifetime.

A long lifetime at that.  That's just another surprise she had to swallow. Werewolves were immortal, which meant, she was too. Having Briggs around made the acceptance easier. A thousand life times with him wasn't hard to take.

He said that he'd be everything she needed or wanted, and he sure lived up to it. His focus was for her alone and it'd been a long time since she had someone to depend on.

After a sigh of settlement, she glanced out to the beauty around her. Valor's log ranch style house was her home now, located in Cache Valley, Utah, set deep in a valley surrounded by evergreens and uninhabited land.

She couldn't argue it was a big step up, and one she'd become quite used to. After Pops got sick, which was close to her eighteenth birthday, she ended up living on her own. Needless to say, it is far from glamorous.

The money Pops had gathered through his life was scarce and only provided for a year of his care. With the few hundred left over, she moved into a one-room suite at Hotel Shit Hole with lovely neighbors such as drug addicts, strippers and runaways.

As friendly as the runaways were, she couldn't connect with them. She would have given anything to have a family that loved her. And even more, ones who remembered her.

So that was her life. Working at a coffee shop, restaurant and a bar to keep the bills paid at the nursing home, keep her fed, a roof over her head and clothes on her back. Mindless work, but she needed the money and slapped a smile on her face every day. No matter how sad she felt inside.

Now, experiencing all this, going back to the slums didn't appeal to her and there wasn't a single thing she missed about Plymouth, Minnesota.

Briggs sighed deeply, drawing Rynn's gaze.  He focused on their joined hands. As of late, this uneasiness in him grew. If she hadn't been able to sense it through their mate bond―which was just an added bonus, saved the unknowns in the relationship―she'd see it written hard on his face. "What's wrong?"

He glanced out to the paddock of horses that rested alongside Valor's home. Then, he looked back to meet her gaze. "I have a duty that I need to return to."

"You have to go back to work?" Rynn asked with hesitation. She understood that he worked for Valor. Briggs was his Beta―what that all entailed she still wasn't sure.

His nodded softly. "Valor has been kind to let me have a few days off so I can be with you and tend to your needs, but it is necessary that I return in my duties to him."

Fear tingled through her and tension filled her body. She couldn't be without him. This crazy situation was only okay with him beside her. He couldn't leave her alone―ever.

Without warning, a familiar sense of power sucked her breath back into her body. Her stomach clenched, her entire body shivered as a loud moan escaped her mouth. Her senses sharpened.

Shoot!

Briggs' smile was kind as he looked down to her now fluffy form. "Now don't go doing that."

This was a perfect display of why seeing Pops was out of the question. When her emotions ran high, she'd shift. A big no-no in the werewolf world.  They never shifted in front of humans. Their existence a secret for obvious reasons, since humans are curious creatures, and who knows what they'd do to werewolves if they captured one.

Briggs caressed her furry head slowly, giving her a chastising look. "You'll come with me wherever I go."

Rynn leaned into his hand. Instantly, it calmed and settled her nerves. His touch felt wonderful. But it was only good, if he moved slowly. If he rushed it, it was game over. She was still shaken by her attack and touches still scared her.

Had she dealt with it? No.

Did she want to? No.

Was she going to have to? Yes.

But not right now.

Briggs' voice was low and soft. "Come back to me now."

Rynn closed her eyes and let the magic release. Calmness washed over her as she focused back on her human form―remembered her features, the senses a human holds―the weakness of it. Briggs' touch helped. His contact seemed to steady the magic. Force it out. It took a few minutes, but she eventually shimmied back to herself.

"I get to come with you?" she whispered, glancing down.

He placed a finger under her chin, lifted her gaze to meet his. "You think I'd leave ya behind?"

The look on his face told her how ridiculous that notion that was, but how could she think otherwise. "I did."

His fingers left her chin, softly caressed the edge of her jaw. "I know you haven't had anyone to count on in some time, and those that you should have been able to count on have failed you." Fierceness flashed through his eyes. "I will not be one of them. You can trust in that."

She sighed, from the pain of truth those words held, but also from the knowledge that she could always depend on Briggs. It was nice to have that to rely on.

A growl rose from deep in his throat. "It disgusts me to hear of your upbringing." He shook his head in revulsion and dropped his hand from her face. "Those parents of yours."

"It's not really their fault, you know," she replied in earnest.  "They can't help it. Drug addiction is a disease. I don't hold anything against them for it."

Briggs' jaw clenched, his eyes narrowed. "You are very kind to offer them forgiveness for mistreating you. No matter how you look at it, that is exactly what they've done and in the eyes of some that can never be forgiven." His eyes flashed angrily.  "Especially by me."

*****

An Everlasting Bite — The Blue Bloods Book One by  Stacey Kennedy

For more info or purchase information please see StaceyKennedy.com

She's got him on his knees…

…begging for more.

** Warning adult language ahead!!! **

The newest installment in My Secretary series, My Secretary, Her Fantasy, has arrived and damn is it scorching. In a step away from most of the BDSM choices available, it's the woman in this tale that's really in control. But who is in charge of her?

My Secretary, Her Fantasy dives into the story of how Isabelle, our naughty secretary, discovered the world of BDSM. We also get to follow her as she convinces her boss Grant to take his sexuality to a new level, one that puts her in a position of power over him, literally.

She's taking the term 'fucking the boss' to whole new heights with titillating results. For OPEN MINDED ADULTS ONLY, this tryst is now available at

Cobblestone-Press.

I hope you enjoy

Eve

Wow last week flew

Seriously and I am not sure what I did, but apparently I didn't update my blog at all. Bad me. LOL

So, with Halloween gone–and the candy wrappers slowing being picked up from every corner of my house–my feet are starting to tap and I'm starting to hum "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas!" Of course, it's slightly off key and belted at the top of my lungs but, yes, Christmas fever is starting to make me anxious to see some decorations pop up around the house. I'm not quite ready to pull out my bins (7 at last count lol), but it's coming…

First, I need to clear the clutter out. IE old kids toys, husbands junk and other debris that has accumulated since last year. I need lots of room to spread my holiday cheer. My mother in law introduced me to wrapping up my 10.5 months of the year clutter like figurines and pics, dusting off that shelf and crowning those clean spots with my Christmas treasures. It makes a huge difference even if it's more work.

Next comes rearranging furniture for my big tree– it hits the ceiling– and making room for my little one. Since you're laughing at the fact I have two I guess I won't mention the fibre optic third mini one.  My big tree goes into the rec/family room in the basement where with lots of laughter and singing, along with the kids, and my rolling-his eyes husband, we decorate. We've got all kinds of stuff picked up over the years from garage sales, stores (the Dollarama has wicked stuff) and my faves, the ones with the kid's names on it. We do have a couple of handmade from school ones, but my kids have manhandled them so much with pride, that they're not surviving so well lol. Tinsel, garland, a beautiful angel to crown and presto, we have a fabulous tree that is so much fun to look at and discover. (And yes, when the kids go to bed, I rearrange the ornaments to even it out so the bottom layer doesn't have 75% of the decorations).

On the main floor, we decorate the smaller tree in reds, golds and burgundy. Wrap (fake) evergreen around the railing with red flowers and berries. We put the snowman over the toilet tank (and every season I cringe as I wash his yellow chin). There's garlands and hanging Christmas plaques and beautiful snowy scenes everywhere. Ooh and I almost forgot, the family pride, our ever growing holiday village.

Am I the only one getting holiday fever? Just so you know, I'm almost done my Christmas shopping.  LOL Now before you lynch me please note I shop early because I can't stand crowds. In December, I shop for groceries only, skipping the retails stores and its hordes of shoppers .  This weekend, the kids and I are going through the cookbooks selecting the treats we'll be baking and freeezing this year for the family Christmas party that we host. Nanaimo bars and sugar tarts always make the list, but the other 3 treats will be chosen by my little guys. Which reminds me, I need to buy some red and green sprinkles which will end up more on the floor and in eager mouths than on the baking. 

So when are you decorating? I'm thinking the weekend of Nov 20th, if I can hold out that long.