M.A. Church's Blog, page 130

In Enemy Hands 5.1

Next week's prompts are:

“What is it about him/her that makes me…”

“Silly, that’s not where that goes.”

“Does that stick up your ass have an ‘on’ button?”

“Well, I heard through the grapevine that…”

“Same bat time, same bat channel.”

“I don’t really understand what that means.”

“Don’t hate me ‘cause I’m beautiful.”

or use: paint, rice, floor

or use: pizza, kite, water

or use: spider, zero, lamp

or have a character walk into a wall

or have a fish in your story

or “I think there’s a hole in the…”

or have a character count flowers on the wall

or “What do you mean Puff the Magic Dragon’s about drugs?”

or “I wandered lonely as a cloud”

or “You break it, you buy it”

or “If you were a dog, I’d call that a miniature…”

or “I want to spend forever with you, and only you…”


Chapter 5.1
Varo froze, his hand still in the warm water. He couldn’t think of anything he wanted to try more, but Adlar’s words still bounced around in his head. The other male had admitted he planned to seduce him.
The thought scared him but at the same time it thrilled him. And he was deathly afraid it wasn’t going to take too much, either, which disturbed him greatly. Adlar had showed him a bit of kindness, and here he was ready to roll over and show his belly.
“We don’t have to if you don’t want to.”
But he did, that was the problem. Varo stood and wiped his wet hand on his leg. “I’m guessing this would require we take our clothes off?”
Adlar smirked at him. “Of course.”
“Of course,” Varo repeated, his voice soft.
“Oh, come on,” Adlar goaded. “Dare you, Varo.”
Dare him? Dare him? Suddenly he heard his brothers’ voices, shrill and taunting, as they dared him to do whatever lark they’d dreamed up. Even though the events occurred along ago, the pain was still there.
Being the youngest hadn’t been easy. He spent his childhood trying to prove something to his older brothers and his father. As he grew older and learned how to defend himself, the taunting dwelled to nothing… of course that was after he kicked ass a few times. A side effect of that was he never backed down from a challenge. And he sure wasn’t about to start now.
Varo nodded as if he expected nothing else. “Dare accepted.”
Did Adlar think that would scare him off? He’d been naked around Adlar already. Okay, it did worry him, but he refused to give in. Adlar said he wouldn’t rape him, and as unbelievable as it sounded, he trusted Adlar to keep his word.
Adlar had given him no reason to think otherwise. In the short time he’d known Adlar, he’d found the other male to be distressingly honest. This was different from the court he’d grown up around. Most of the royals at his father’s court wouldn’t know honesty if it bit them on the ass—his dad included.
So Adlar planned to seduce him. Well then, two could play that game. Grabbing the end of his shirt, he pulled it over his head and dropped it next to him. His nipples hardened immediately. Sitting on the edge of one of the rocks, he removed his boots and socks. Standing, with a grin on his face, he faced Adlar with his hands on the snap of his pants.
Adlar raised an eyebrow as he too stripped. “Don’t stop on my account.”
So help him, if it were the last thing he did, he’d wipe that smirk off Adlar’s face. “I’m not.”
He unsnapped his pants and let them fall to his feet. Adlar’s eyes traveled over his body. With a smirk of his own, Varo kicked them off to the side. Adlar was still staring at him, discarding his own clothes forgotten.
Varo smirked as Adlar just stood there, staring. He had something for that too. “First one to the island wins!” 
“Hey!” Adlar shouted as he finished dropping weapons on the ground. “Cheater!”
With a hoot, Varo turned and ran toward the pool. Diving in, he sank below the warm lilac water. It covered his head, and he sank into the depths. Even below the water the Black Phospolrock crystals glowed.
He felt his braid floated out behind him as he swam toward the center of the pool, and then he heard Adlar hit the water behind him. He twisted around and held himself suspended as he watched Adlar swim toward him. Such grace and beauty. And stars, he moves as if he was born in the water.
The need for air pushed him to the surface. He shook his braid out of the way and swam hard, his sure strokes slicing through the water driving him forward as he freestyled to the island. He could hear Adlar gaining behind him. So the other male wanted to turn this into a race, did he?
That was more than fine with him. He dug deep, legs kicking harder to propel him through the water as he sped up. Needing to breathe, he turned his head and took a huge lungful of air. He absolutely refused to—a hand closed over his ankle and the water cut off his startled yelp as Adlar pulled him under.
Thrashing madly he watched Adlar power past him. He’d almost swear he saw that ever-present smirk as Adlar glided by. Oh, you’re going to pay for that. Determined to catch Adlar now more than ever, he resumed the chase, giving it his all.
The powerful kicks from Adlar churned the water to the point he was almost swimming blind. Just as he was close enough to grab Adlar, he noticed how swallow the water had become. Then the other male sprang out of the water even as Varo swiped at his ankles. He too burst from the water and chased Adlar up the slight hill that was the island.
“I won!”Adlar faced Varo, his long black braid swinging out behind him and a smirk on his face.
Varo prowled up the hill, water dripping off him, to where Adlar stood in the weak light from the hole in the ceiling. His wet skin glowed in the soft light. Varo’s mouth watered as he stared at the beads of water on Adlar’s chest. How could one person be this sexy? And that smirk of Adlar’s! That cursed smirk was driving him mad.
He continued right on the hill. Adlar’s eyes widened. Varo kept coming until he was practically standing on top of Adlar… then he grabbed Adlar behind the head and jerked him close. He’d kiss that smirk right off Adlar.
“Varo, what…?”

The sound Adlar made when he mashed their lips together pleased him. For once, since he landed on this goddess-forsaken planet, he was in control, and he relished the thought.

TBC
Cia Nordwell
Chris T. Kat
Carol PedrosoJon KeysRavon SilviusTali SpencerJim DunawayAvery DawesNephy Hart Julie Lynn Haye 

Pride Promotions presents Sight and Sinners by Susan Mac Nicol and a Giveaway

Book Name: Sight and SinnersSeries? Yes      The Men of LondonShe is never happier than when sitting in the confines of her living room/study/on a cold station platform scribbling down words and making two men fall in love. She is a romantic at heart and believes that everything happens (for the most part) for a reason.  She likes to think of herself as a ‘half full’ kinda gal, although sometimes that philosophy is sorely tested.
Lover of walks in the forest, theatre productions, dabbling her toes in the cold North Sea and the vibrant city of London where you can experience all four seasons in a day , she is a hater of pantomime (so please don’t tar and feather her), duplicitous people, bigotry and self righteous idiots.
In an ideal world, Susan Mac Nicol would be Queen of England and banish all the bad people to the Never Never Lands of Wherever -Who Cares. As that’s never going to happen, she contents herself with writing her HEA stories and pretending, that just for a little while, good things happen to good people.

Where to find the author:website: www.susanmacnicol.comblog: susanmacnicol.wordpress.comfacebook: www.facebook.com/susiemax77twitter: www.twitter.com/SusanMacNicol7pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/susiemax777/... http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/susanmacnicol/48/a44/602tumblr: http://www.susanmacnicol.com/my-tumblr-blog/
Publisher: Borough’s Publishing GroupCover Artist: Art Department of Borough’s Publishing Group
Blurb(s): THE MEN OF LONDON
From Charing Cross to Waterloo, there’s no escaping love.SEEING THROUGH…28-year-old Draven Samuels has a tragic past, but as an investigator with a high-profile London company he now gets what he wants. Tough, sarcastic, and sceptical, he has no patience for lies and even less for people who waste his time. Even if they’re as beautiful as the wild and dark-haired Taylor Abelard. Especially when they’re talking over the body of a murder victim.
THE DARKNESS Psychic Taylor Abelard is used to people calling him a freak. He can see past events and feel the ghostly vibrations of people close to him who've passed on. It’s why he doesn't get too close to the living. But this time, against his better judgment, despite Draven’s mocking rejoinders, Taylor will get closer than ever before. The mystery surrounding a dead friend will lead the two men down a dark and seedy trail of blackmail and lies. Add in the heartbreak of a family tragedy, and events lead them straight into each other’s arms. By the end of this night, all their demons will have risen—and been banished with the dawn.TCategories: Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance, Mystery

EXCERPT – SIGHT AND SINNERS 
The man Taylor was blowing definitely didn’t know how the hell to keep quiet. Taylor’s lips were wrapped around his dick, while above him a man stood, panting and moaning, turning the air blue with his curses. Taylor stopped what he was doing, causing the blowjob recipient to groan in dismay, and glared at the sweaty face above him.            “For Christ’s sake, Georgie, can you stop it with the fucking porn noises?” He glanced around him nervously. “This is where I work, damn it, and if anyone hears you they’ll come outside to see what all the fuss is about.”            Georgie’s wide eyes cast a quick glance around the deserted alleyway behind ‘Music Mayhem’ where Taylor was employed, then looked down at Taylor kneeling between his legs.            “Sorry, mate, it’s just that you’re so damn good at this and it’s been a while.”
Pages or Words: 66,000 words
Tour Dates:
23-FebRainbow Gold ReviewsUp All Night, Read All DayScattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
24-FebMM Good Book ReviewsInked Rainbow Reads
25-FebNic StarrAmanda C. Stone
26-FebThe Novel ApproachPrism Book Alliance
27-FebWicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews
2-MarEmotion in MotionWicked Wolves and Dreaming Dragons
3-MarBoy Meets Boy ReviewsKimi-Chan
4-MarBike Book ReviewsBecause Two Men Are Better Than One
5-MarHearts on Fire
6-MarParker Williams
9-MarNephylimFoxylutely Book ReviewsDecadent Delights
10-MarWake Up Your Wild Side
11-MarBayou Book Junkie3 Chicks After Dark
12-MarCate Ashwood
13-MarThe Blogger GirlsMolly Lolly
16-MarIyana Jenna
17-MarCathy Brockman RomancesMy Fiction Nook
18-MarVelvet PanicLove Bytes
19-MarKristy's Brain Food
20-MarMultitasking MommasBFD Book BlogFangirl Moments and My Two CentsSales Links: www.BoroughsPublishingGroup.comRafflecopter Prize: 2 copies of Double Alchemy and Double Alchemy: Climax Rafflecopter Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway


And now the interview!






What is your strangest habit?

I have this really bad habit of playing with my feet. It drives my husband and kids batty. I sit there, rubbing my feet together, one against the other and making little swishy sounds. I get glared at from most of my family members. Friends tend to be more polite and don’t say anything. I think it’s a nervous habit, maybe a comfort thing, that makes me realise I’m still there, still in corporeal form and I haven’t dissipated like a ghost J



If you were stranded on a desert island and were only allowed to have five modern conveniences with you, what would they be?

I’m assuming they have wireless and internet signal on said desert island? If not, I don’t want to go there J

Oh that’s easy for number 1. My Smart Phone. I love my Galaxy Note and don’t go anywhere without it. It’s my lifeline to the world outside and I go all cold when I lose internet or wireless signal. I also would take my laptop, as that would fill in for said Smartphone if it got sand kicked in its face etc or the battery died. I’d also want a pair of earphones to drown out the sounds of the other people, that I’m probably stranded with, moaning because I’m on my phone -again. Then I’d want a taser to tase those people who keep complaining that I’m on my phone or ignoring them because I’m on the laptop. Lastly, I’d like the whole DVD set of Queer as Folk US so I can watch Brian and Justin getting jiggy with it. I’d happily be stranded if I could take these things with me.



Do you listen to music while writing? If so what?

I love listening to music when I write. I have such a varied preference in what I listen to. I love classical, Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich being my favourites. I have a real crush on Ed Sheeran, because I’m a lover of all things red headed and cute and he totally fits the bill. He’s a musical genius. I also love The Killers, Foo Fighters, White Lies, Muse, IAMX, Eminem, Jack Savoretti, Paloma Faith, Joe Jackson and Arctic Monkeys.


You can check out my book playlists on Soundcloud.
https://soundcloud.com/sue-mac-nicol



What group did you hang out with in high school?

I hung out with the nerds. I was one…. My best friends were all clever and we hung around in a group that didn’t play sport, and thought debating was fun. I’m still good friends with my then best friend, Dianne, who lives in Dorset. We met when I was about eleven years old and we’ve been friends ever since. Each one of us was very different, all female and achievers in our own way. I won writing competitions and made the debating team. Dianne was very nurturing and had the capacity to listen so she was always involved in good works at the church etc. Sandra was a business woman with an agile brain and loved mathematics, a subject I hated. Charlotte was the brainiest and I think she went on to become a neuro-biologist or something similar. Geek Squad Deluxe.



What are you passionate about these days?

Oh hell, what aren’t I passionate about. I’m obviously into LGBTQ rights, equal marriage, the rights of all people to be with whom they want. I’m passionate about the punishment fitting the crime as any of you who’ve read Love and Punishment will know. I echo Anthony’s beliefs. It’s me who gave them to him in the first place. I’m passionate about people being un-judgemental, about live and let live. I wrote a book about a female raping a man and the consequences of that, where the men live their lives being laughed at and not taken seriously. You can see the blog posts on my website. I’m big on soap boxes.


http://www.susanmacnicol.com/category...


Say your publisher has offered to fly you anywhere in the world to do research on an upcoming book, where would you most likely want to go?

I have a burning ambition to set a book somewhere in the ice. I love films like Ice Station Zebra, Fargo and Fortitude. I find stories set in ice and snow and the wilderness fascinating. I wouldn’t mind going to Norway, or Iceland or Alaska and setting a book there. It would be all wooden log cabins, roaring fires and warm blankets, coupled with lots of wine, warm, tasty food and a lot of snuggling. My main characters, not me. Although that would be nice too. However, my hubby doesn’t like the cold so I think I’d be there on my own.



Do you have a favorite quote or saying?

I do. I’m a big believer in making your own destiny and your own choices. I think there are too many people out there in the world blaming the world and others for what is happening in their own lives. I think you have a responsibility to yourself to get you where you want to be and not rely on anyone else to do so. You make your own choices and need to live with the consequences .That’s why I like this quote-

Life does not ask what we want. It presents us with options.
Thomas Sowell, American economist and author

In Enemy Hands Chapter 5

Oh, what the heck! I'm putting this out early (and it's longer too lol)
Chapter Five - AdlarAdlar faced Varo after bidding Maylar goodbye. The other male shifted from foot to foot, clearly nervous. Varo hadn’t had much to say this morning, but Adlar caught the quick looks he aimed at Maylar. The other Helkan appeared happy, cheerful, and very much alive.
Adlar hope Varo took note of that, especially the alive part. Adlar was relieved Varo had a chance to see Maylar this morning. It proved his feeding from the other male hadn’t hurt him. He wanted Varo to see firsthand he had nothing to fear.
He’d also noticed Varo had shadows under his eyes and appeared slightly pale under his tan. He was aware the other male hadn’t slept well last night, which wasn’t surprising. The last few days had been eventful for both of them.
“Are you hungry?”
Varo pushed his hair back over his shoulder and shrugged, his eyes on the floor. “I could eat.”
Seeing the action, Adlar frowned. He’d braided his long hair this morning but Varo’s was still all over the place. Come to think of it, he hadn’t found Varo his own brush.
“Huh, we’re going to have to do something with that.”
“W-what?” Startled, Varo’s body jerked, and he looked at Adlar. “Do with what? What do you mean?”
“Your hair.” Well, at least he had Varo’s attention now. “Just hold on. I’ll be right back.”
“But—”
Adlar left a confused Varo standing in the kitchen. He hurried to his bathroom and hunted around in his own personal toiletries until he found a new brush and hair bands. “Perfect. Varo?” Adlar called from the bathroom. “Could you come here, please?”
Varo appeared. Confusion, and now wariness, showed on his face as he stepped into the bathroom. “Yes?”
“We’re going to have a cooking lesson, but first let’s get that hair under control.” Adlar handed the brush to Varo. “Sorry I didn’t think of this until now. If you need anything else I’ve neglected to furnish, tell me.”
Varo handled the brush almost as if he expected it to bite him. “Um, thank you.”
Adlar had another brilliant idea. “Tell you what. Why don’t you sit here?” He pulled Varo over to a built-in seat neat the mirror in his main bathroom.
Varo willingly sat, confusion still showing on his face. “Um, Adlar? What are you…?”
“Just relax.” Adlar ran his hand over all that long blond hair, and then looked at Varo’s reflection in the mirror.
He sunk his fingers into the mass and gently massaged Varo’s scalp, making sure to work his thumbs into Varo’s neck muscles too. He glanced in the mirror. Varo’s eyes were at half-mast, his mouth partly open. Oh frack, would you look at that.
He was tempted to say something about the obvious pleasure on Varo’s face, but he didn’t. As soon as he pointed it out, the other male would probably wipe such emotion from his features and shut down. Which was a shame. Varo lost in pleasure was a thing of beauty, and one he was determined to see more often.
But he also knew pleasure was a weakness Varo didn’t want to show him. Too bad Varo already had. Adlar knew he could bring pleasure to Varo and didn’t intend to stop. Oh, no. If anything, he fully intended to chain Varo to him by desire.
“Hand me the brush.”
Varo’s eyes snapped open.
Adlar waited. He wanted Varo to offer the brush to him freely. Would he? He held his breath as he stood still, and the tension between them spiked. 
Slowly Varo held it up to Adlar. “Here.”
A wave of warmth rushed over Adlar. It was almost as if the gesture meant more that what it actually was. Would the day come when Varo gave willingly everything Adlar wanted? Varo stared at him in the mirror. Those lovely brown eyes danced with pleasure.
“Thank you.” Adlar spoke softly, afraid to break the spell that held them together.
He skimmed his hand over Varo’s locks, his touch tender. Tenderness wasn’t a concept he often had time for in his daily routine, but he found it was something he could add, willingly.
Varo gulped. “You’re welcome.”
Adlar watched Varo’s throat work as he swallowed, and he yearned, yearned , to sink his fangs into that lovely tanned skin. The day would come, he swore. Instead he took the brush from Varo and, starting at the crown, slowly worked it through Varo’s hair.
When he hit a tangle he took his time to work it out, sometimes even hold the hank of hair in one hand while fighting the snarl. He didn’t want to hurt Varo. One he got to the bottom, he started over at the top, again taking his time to work through any tangles.
There weren’t many, he was glad to see. This was supposed to feel pleasant, sensual even. Adlar glanced back at Varo and found a sight that would tempt the most hardened of souls—Varo had stopped fighting the feeling.
His eyes were closed, and his breath was slightly elevated, but he was relaxed. Now that the snarls were gone, Adlar ran the brush through without stopping, his strokes firm and steady.
“That feels so good,” Varo muttered.
“Indeed. It’s a pleasure we often don’t have time to indulge.”
Varo opened his eyes and stared at Adar in the mirror. “No one… no one has ever done this for me.”
Adlar saw the hazy desire in those eyes. “That’s a shame. But never fear, princeling, this is something I’m only too happy to do for you.”
Varo moaned slightly. “You’re trying to seduce me.”
Adlar leaned forward to whisper into Varo’s ear. “I said I wouldn’t rape you. I never said I wouldn’t seduce you. But that’s not what this is about. You look tired this morning, and I wanted to do something to help you relax.” Adlar ran the brush through Varo’s hair again. “And this does, yes?”
“A kindness?” Varo smothered a sudden yawn.
“We are capable of it, you know.”
Varo narrowed his eyes at their reflection. “Actually, no, it’s not known.”
Adlar glanced at Varo in the mirror as he ran the brush down Varo’s hair one last time. He looked away from Varo’s reflection as he took the silken stands and began to braid them. “No, circumstances being what they are, I don’t guess you would know.”
Varo didn’t speak and neither did Adlar. He’d said what he wanted to say. Now Varo could think on it. And if the blush riding his cheeks were any indication, Varo was thinking about it.
He finished braiding Varo’s hair. “There. That’ll keep it out of your way. Come.”
Varo stood and followed Adlar out of the bathroom and back to the kitchen. “What are we doing now?”
Adlar walked over to the appliance used for storing food and other substances at a low temperature and removed a rather large oval object that was at least six inches in diameter.
“As I said earlier: cooking lesson. Take this please.”
Varo took the object and quickly used both hands to hold it. “What is this?”
“Struthio damelus egg. The animal that laid this is over seven foot tall, with a long neck and even longer legs. They can’t fly, but don’t think for one moment they aren’t dangerous.”
“Oh. Did you buy these?”
Adlar snorted in amusement. “No. I robbed its nest.”
Varo bobbled the egg, shock plain to see on his face. “Stars, are you serious?”
“Of course.” Adlar found a deep pot, placed the three-pound egg in it, and filled it with water. After he was finished, he moved the pot to a black, flat surface which consisted of heat-transmitting glass and ceramic material over heating elements. “The first thing we’re going to do is hard-boil the egg.”
Adlar showed Varo how to activate the cooking device.
Varo eyed the cooking surface then the black pot. The water inside was starting to bubble, and steam rose from it. “You’re boiling water!”
“You need boiling water to boil an egg.” Adlar poked Varo in the ribs.
“Hey now!” Varo grinned at Adlar but then looked back at the pot, a frown replacing the grin. “But why do it this way? Talk about primitive.” 
“We have reduplicators that can recreate any food choice programmed into it, that’s true,” Adlar said. “But I like doing it like this. It’s fun.”
Varo glanced at Adlar, the idea of how this could be ‘fun’ racing across his face. “Fun?”
Adlar checked that the water covered the egg as it cooked. “Oh come on now, surely you know the meaning of fun?”
Varo folded his arms over his chest. “Well of course I do. I just fail to see how this is fun.”
“I love technology and use it in all parts of my life, but becoming dependent on it isn’t a good idea. If for some reason technology became defunct, my people could survive using these primitive methods you turn your nose up at. Could yours? Could you, for that matter?”
“I… I honestly never thought about a world without advances. But I went through survival training just like everyone else. It was required at the Academy.”
Adlar checked the egg again. “I’m sure you did. But did you just go through the program, or did you actually take away knowledge you could put into action? Did you use the skills afterward? Or did you store the information and forget it?”
“While I was in training, we were abandoned in the forest and had to use our training, yes. But, after it was over and I graduated, I… well. I never thought about it again. I didn’t see the point in doing this…” Varo waved at the cooking egg. “I mean, that’s the reason we have reduplicators.”
“Be that as it may, you learned a skill but didn’t use it. If you don’t use it, you lose it. I’m going to teach you how to keep that skill sharp.”
“Great,” Varo muttered.
Oh the look on his face. Priceless. Bet he fears he’s going to starve. “Cheer up, princeling. Learning to cook won’t hurt at all, and I promise I won’t let you starve.”
“Good to know.” Varo uncrossed his arms and stared into the pot.
“Careful. That steam is hot.”
Varo jerked back. “This could be a rather dangerous endeavor.”
Adlar lips twitched. Cooking an egg was dangerous? Okay, the hot water could be. He’d give Varo that. Instead of commenting he checked the time. “That should be long enough.”
Adlar turned the heating surface off then opened a drawer and removed a large metal spoon. He dipped the heavy egg out of the steaming water and used a towel to cradle it as he walked to the sink.
“Now, we let it cool off.”
“Then we eat?” Varo asked.
“Not quite yet.” Adlar ran cool water over the egg for several unit minutes. “Okay, that should make it cool enough. Here. Touch it so you can feel how cool it is.”
Varo shrugged but touched the egg. “Okay. Now what?”
Adlar picked up the egg in one hand. “Now I’m going to use the back of the spoon I used to dip the egg out of the water and crack it. I’m just cracking it, not peeling it.”
“Why?”
Adlar gently tapped the eggshell, cracking it all over. “This is how you marble an egg. The more you tap, the more intricate the design. But do this with a delicate hand so that the shell is kept intact.”
“What’s the point in designing this thing?”
“Just wait and you’ll see.” Once Adlar was finished he went to a rack that held spices. “We need a cup of Mamire soy sauce, two star anise, two tablespoons of Helkan black tea, one Algorian cinnamon stick, one teaspoon of sugar, one tablespoon Sichuan peppercorn, and two strips dried Helkan tangerine.”
Varo blew out a breath. “I’m supposed to remember all that later?”
“No. For each food, there are recipes listed in the reduplicators. Just log on and pull it up. This is called Marbled Tea Egg.”
“Ah! I’ve heard of Marbled Tea Eggs before. Never had one.”
“Really? I’m surprised. They’re a thing of beauty. Okay, next step. In the same pot return the egg and bring the water to a boil.” Adlar returned the pot to the cooking surface and turned the heat up. “Add the ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil then immediately turn the heat to low,” Adlar demonstrated.
Standing next to Adlar, Varo watched. “Okay.”
Adlar then reached below the cooking surface into a drawer, held up a lid, and covered the pot with it. “We let it simmer for twenty unit minutes so the egg can steep, and then I’m going to heat flash it so that it will marbleize faster.”
“Still seems like a lot of work.”
“Anything worth a frack usually is. Here, help me set table while we wait.”
Varo helped Adlar set the table. Adlar had just poured Varo a drink when Varo’s stomach growled. Varo blushed as he held his belly.
“That sounded serious.”
“I am hungry.”
“It won’t be long. Why don’t you sit down?”
Varo sat at the table while Adlar puttered around the kitchen as he waited for the egg to cook.
Adlar checked the egg. “Good, it’s ready.” He heat flashed the water then turned from the pot and walked to the cabinets that held plates. “I should have started this last night, but I didn’t think about it. The longer you steep, the more flavorful and deeply marbled the tea eggs will be.”
Adar set the egg down in front of Varo. The oversized cup had four prongs that held the egg upright. Adlar placed another small plate in front of Varo, along with a fork and a knife. Since the table was small, Adlar set across from Varo.
He had a moment of hesitation about the knife, but he didn’t think Varo would try to use it against him. At least, not yet. Varo would know he was still on guard. No, if Varo ever did try anything, it would come later, when Varo thought Adlar was more comfortable around him. He sincerely hoped Varo wouldn’t do such a stupid thing, but experience had taught him otherwise.
Varo glanced at the knife but didn’t say a word. Instead he looked at the egg. “I see what you mean now. This is simply gorgeous, and the pattern is so detailed.”
“You can create different marbled patterns by using use different sauces or juices.” Adlar used his spoon, cracked the shell, and peeled his side away.
Adlar picked his knife, sliced off a section of the egg, and put it on his plate. Varo picked up his knife and copied Adlar’s actions. The only sign of concern Adlar gave over the knife was a slight stiffening of his shoulders.
Varo set the knife down and using his fork, started eating the egg. “This is good.”
“Thank you. Next time we do this, I’ll watch while you cook,” Adlar said.
Varo didn’t say anything but Adlar saw the look on his face. Enthusiastic he was not. Ah well, Adlar was sure this was not the only thing Varo wouldn’t be pleased with.
They finished eating, and Adlar had Varo help him clean up the kitchen.
“I’m off-duty for a few days and have nothing pressing. Would you like to do some exploring? I thought you might like to see our more mountainous regions,” Adlar asked.
“I would like that, yes. Where would we go?”
“I can show you plenty around here. I often hike this area so I know it well.” Adlar touched the com on his hand then tapped out a message. “Just let me send a message to the palace so they know where I am.”
“Do you often have to check in with your brother?”
“It’s more of a safety precaution. If no one hears from me after a certain amount of time, searchers would at least have a starting place to look from. I rarely go more than a few days without talking to him.” Adlar led Varo to his equipment room.
“So you and your brother are close?”
Adlar unlocked the room and opened it. “Very much so. He’s younger than me.”
Varo’s stunned gaze roamed around the weapon-filled room. Racks and racks lined the walls. “This… this is all yours?”
“Yes.”
“Are you expecting an invasion, by chance?”
Adlar laughed softly as he led the way to one of the numerous shelves full of weapons. “Better to have too much than not enough. And by the way, nothing is loaded in here and the safeties are on too, just in case you get any bright ideas.”
“Worried I might attack you?”
“Actually, no. Thanks to the collar, I can put you on the ground before you could take aim.” Adlar took a small phaser and knife off one rack. “But let’s not talk about that. There are wild animals about, and it’s not a good idea to be unarmed.”
Varo glanced at all the different weapons lining every inch in the place. “In that case, what do I get?”
“Me.”
Adlar flashed a smile as he bent over and placed the small phaser in his ankle holder. Then he slid a knife in the top of his boot. Straightening, he removed another phaser from the rack of weapons and added it to the holder around his waist.
Finally another knife was added to an arm sheathe. He grabbed a pair of protective black glass eyewear designed primarily to increase vision in low light.
Varo stuck his hands on his hips and scowled. “Oh, goodie.”
“It is good.” Adlar grabbed a small backpack then winked at Varo. “Come on, let’s get started.” He led Varo out.
Stunned, Varo followed, standing silently as Adlar relocked the room. Adlar went to the kitchen and added bottled water and some freeze-dried food paks to his backpack.
“Ready?”
“Do I not get a backpack?” Varo asked.
“You don’t need one.” Adlar motioned to the backpack. “We don’t need much since we’re staying around here, but if you want to carry it, that’s fine with me.” Adlar held the pak out to Varo.
Groaning, Varo took it. “Huh. I have the feeling I was just scammed.”
“I have no idea what you mean.” Adlar patted Varo on the back then led him to one of the house exits Adlar stood for a moment looking around him. “Let’s head toward the east. There are some interesting landscapes that way I think you’ll like.”
The trail they followed wasn’t difficult at first. Small scrub trees with pointy spines dotted the landscape, and the ground was flat and easy to tread. Small lilac-colored mounds of rocks dotted the landscape along with flowering bushes.
Adlar quickly led Varo to the cliffs and the pathways that wound through the purple rock. Weak light filtered through from the never-ending clouds. Adlar showed Varo several interesting rock formations that water and wind had shaped then finally led Varo to the opening of another cave.
“Is this like yours?”
“Oh no.” Adlar shook his head. “This one has miles and miles of underground cave systems.”
“Could we get lost in there?”
“Most assuredly, but we’re not going in too far. And I’ve mapped this section of the cave.”
Varo stepped inside and noticed how brightly lit the cave was. As he looked around, he noticed glowing crystals in the walls. “Oh stars and curses, is that… is that Black Phospolrock?”
Adlar glanced around the cave, trying to see it through Varo’s eyes. “Yes, there are numerous pockets of the crystals throughout our caves.”
Varo’s breathe sped up as he looked around. “You mean to tell me you have Black Phospolrock just… just practically sitting around? It’s… it’s…. I could virtually just pull a crystal out of the wall with my bare hands.”
Adlar frowned at the walls. “I suppose.”
“You suppose ?” Varo gaped at Adlar. “Look at all this! There’s a fortune just sitting there.”
“Maybe, but do you also see the beauty surrounding you, Varo? Look.” Adlar spread his arms out. “Look and see .”
Weak sunlight beamed through a high hole in the cave ceiling, helping dispel the darkness, along with the glow from the Black Phospolrock crystals. Rock formations called speleothems drooped eerily from the ceilings like icicles, or emerged from the floor like mushrooms.
The icicle-shaped formations called stalactites formed as water dripped from the cave roof. Stalagmites grew from the floor, reaching toward the sky, from the end of stalactites. Patches of different shades of purple moss grew along the cave’s floor.
The cave was enormous, the ceiling towering above them. Ledges inside the cave looked to lead off in different directions. A cool breeze ruffled Varo’s hair as they walked and the splash of water drew his attention.
“Open your eyes, and see what’s here in front of you. There are all sorts of riches in this cave. Look! Look up!” A winged animal flew past. “They’re called Gainta Chiroptera. They’re the only mammal that has achieved powered flight. This species lives in these caves. And over there, see that? It’s an Anura, a short-bodied, tailless amphibian that also lives here.”
“They’re just animals.”
“It’s life, Varo. And there’s more to life than just currency.”
“I… okay. It is stunning down here, I’ll grant you that. I guess I never stopped to…. I’d like to do some more sightseeing. You sure you know your way around down here?” Varo asked.
“I do, don’t worry. I’m not going to get us lost. Besides, as I said, we aren’t going very far in.”
“It’s so… huge. It makes you feel so insignificant, you know?” Varo waved his hand at the soaring cave around them. “I mean look at this. No machine did this.”
“It’s amazing what nature can do, I agree. Come on, I want to show you something.” Adlar trudged off with Varo following.
“What is it?”
“Well now, if I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise,” Adlar threw over his shoulder. “But I think you’ll like it.”
Adlar continued to walk ignoring the mutterings he heard behind him. It was amusing, to say the least. As they made their way deep in the cave, Adlar stopped to point out odd rock formations or unique small animals he thought Varo would like.
As they walked, the air took on a coolness that hadn’t been there before. The ground gently sloped downward and, the cave walls began to close in. They slipped through a small opening, and then the cavern opened up.
“Goddess,” Varo whispered. “It’s amazing.”
The glowing walls cast light throughout the large space. Bright violet stones gave way to hot pink, the two colors blending perfectly. But that wasn’t what stunned Varo. The cavern contained a clear pool of shimmering water with a small island in the middle.
“Isn’t it? This pool is actually fed by a hot water spring.”
The rock ledges near the water offered places to sit and dip ones feet in the water. Toward the back of the cavern a hole in the ceiling allowed light and more water to enter. Plants had sprung up and bloomed madly around the water’s edge.
“Really?”  Varo bent down and touched the edge of the pool. “Wow, it’s really warm. How nice.”
Adlar glanced down at Varo, who was still crouched at the edge of the pool. He looked around the cave. It was only them here. He looked back at the water and debated asking Varo if he wanted to swim. They’d have to strip down and that meant all his weapons would be unsupervised. Could he take that chance?
He glanced back at Varo. Only one way to find out. “It is nice. The hot water feels very good. Would you like to try it?”
 TBC

To Touch the Sky pre-order link!

To Touch the Sky is up for pre-order at Dreamspinner Press! This is book 2 in the Leap of Faith series.


Blurb:
He can run, but he can’t hide… 

Centuries ago, Hawk made a terrible mistake which has haunted him since. Fear of responsibility and feelings of unworthiness leads him to denying the mate Wha-tay showed him in a vision. So now Hawk runs his bar, has casual sex, and never, ever dates men with blond hair and brown eyes. But then Simon walks into his bar, and the future he’s feared is about to end up in a brawl if Hawk doesn’t do something—fast.

Simon Carter has a smart mouth and a bulldog temperament. So when Hawk runs, Simon pursues the sexy man, only to be rejected. Just as Simon decides to give up, someone—or something—visits him to change his mind… and scares him to death. Now Simon is backpedaling, and Hawk is in pursuit.

Desperate to reassure Simon and keep him safe, Hawk is forced to reveal his secrets before he’s ready. Can Simon learn to accept things aren’t always as they seem? Is the connection between them strong enough to help Hawk overcome centuries of pain? The only way the two men will move beyond Hawk’s past is for both of them to take a leap of faith.



Excerpt: 
The thrill of the hunt washed over him; his heart pounded in his chest. Nothing made him feel more alive short of taking to the skies. Sounds assaulted his ears—the dying shrieks of the animals, the howls of the wolves, the screams of the cougars, and the steady fall of hooves coming close….Much too close.“Oh spirits,” Chetan whispered. He’d let his attention drift from his nephew, and now…. His own cries joined the madness as a monstrous bull darted from the stampede and charged Isi.The maddened animal had several spears embedded in its body. The night was cool, and steam blew from its nose. The rank smell of the animal nearly gagged Chetan. As reality slowed to a crawl, he saw Isi standing still, his hands by his side, staring. Sound distorted and warped as Chetan yelled for Isi to move, draw his bow, do something. His voice was hopelessly lost in the pandemonium raging around him.Isi stood frozen as the buffalo charged.Chetan continued to yell as he ran toward the young brave, waving his arms frantically. If he could just get the bull’s attention… if he could just get to Isi’s side before…. He saw a black cougar casing the buffalo, gaining rapidly. More cat shifters landed on the buffalo’s back and attacked, sinking their great canines into the animal. It still wasn’t enough. The bull was now a short distance from Isi and bearing down, the young warrior in its sights.Oh, Wha-tay, I’m not going to make it!His legs pumped, his breath wheezed… and it didn’t matter. Oh please, Great Mother, no. Not this young one. Please. It’s my fault. I let myself get distracted. Don’t take him. Take me instead.The cougar raced beside the buffalo, then darted in close as it latched on to the throat in an effort to suffocate the massive beast. The danger was immense; the buffalo would trample the cougar if given the chance. The bull was too close, and still Isi stood unmoving. Why is he just standing there? There was no way, no way for him to get to Isi in time.Chetan stumbled to a stop and raised his bow, carefully taking aim. Please, please, let my aim be true. The arrow struck the buffalo dead in the face, but it was too late. It plowed into Isi with its mighty horns. Isi’s body flew high into the air, blood spurting from terrible gouges. A scream filled the air. Was that Isi? Isi’s mother? Or the bull?“No. No!” Chetan’s own scream joined the ones around him.

Present DayHawk’s eyes snapped open as the last of the—dream? Vision? Memory? Nightmare?—faded. Dammit, why was he remembering this now? It’d been hundreds of years since that night. Frankly he could stand to go hundreds more.“Shit,” he muttered. So much had changed since then. He now went by Gus Hawkins, his real name of Chetan nearly forgotten. Most everyone called him Hawk. Hania, the black cougar shifter, was now Jason Sky. Lootah’s name was Owen Woods. Hawk snorted in remembrance. As time passed they finally did find a name that described Lootah’s totem spirit—he was a Bengal tiger. Owen was the sheriff of the small town where Jason, Mapiya, and several other shifters lived. She was one of the few who still used her original name.




Buy link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6219 
Cover Artist: LC Chase

In Enemy Hands 4.9

Next week's prompts are:

“Head on up stairs and…”
“Huh, that’s smaller than I thought.”
“By my guest.”
“Hanging out down here…”
“I really love that you….”
“It’s a good match.”
or use: necklace, shore, paint
or use: dill, kite, cookie
or have a character attend a class
or have a car backfire
or “party ‘til you drop”
or “the best years of my life”
or “I’ll give you a match – your butt and my face”
or “Keep it simple, stupid”
or “Chances are…”





Chapter 4.9

Adlar handed him a black long-sleeved shirt. Since it was cooler than what he was used to here, he was glad to see the sleeves. He slipped the shirt on.
Adlar frowned at him. “It’s a shame to cover up the tattoos on your arms, but you may be more comfortable until you adjust to the cooler weather. It is tight, I see. You’re bigger in the chest and arms than me. We’ll need to get your measurements too.”
“Why?”
Adlar stepped into a pair of pants and buttoned them. “Why? For clothes, of course.” Adlar slipped on a shirt but then paused, an amused look in his eye. “Unless you’d prefer to be naked?”
Varo scowled. “I’d prefer to be on my own world.”
The amusement vanished, and a shuttered look dropped over Adlar’s face. “Well, unfortunately for both of us, you didn’t stay on your own world. You took a shuttle, penetrated our shields, and crash-landed on my planet in some harebrained attempt to cause harm, I assume. Now we have to live with your actions.”
“But your people—”
“And I do not wish to get into another discussion as to why that’s my people’s fault.”
Varo pressed his lips tightly together.
Adlar handed Varo a pair of socks. “Let’s get your boots. I need your size for footwear too. Come.” Adlar turned and walked out of the closet.
Varo was tempted to see what would happen if he didn’t follow along, but decided it wasn’t worth it. He was sure he’d find plenty to take a stand over later. Plus, he was hungry and wanted information on his men. Angering Adlar wasn’t the wise thing to do right now.
They returned to the bathing chamber and retrieved his boots, which he quickly laced. The room was almost too warm with so many clothes on. They then went to the kitchen where he noticed a small communications center off in a corner.
“Give me your sizes, please.”
Varo rattled off the numbers. “Oh, and underwear. Don’t forget that. I, ah, feel odd without them.”
“Better get used to it, princeling. I prefer my access unobstructed.”
“But that’s… that’s…” sexy, deviant?
“That’s how it’s going to be.” Adlar typed in a security code then let out a small high-pitched screech.
“No! Please, wait!” Varo stumbled back in fear, grabbing at the collar dreading the pain to come. Why had Adlar activated the collar?
Adlar jerked around to look at Varo. “What? Oh.” He held his hand, palm up. “Easy, easy. It’s okay. I was just activating the computer, that’s all. That’s not the command for the collar.”
Panting, Varo glared at Adlar. “Is that your language?
“You heard my warriors and me speak to each other at the crash site, so you know it is.”
Fury quickly replaced anger. “It just sounds like a bunch of screeching to me. How am I supposed to tell the difference from one command to the other?”
“As far as the collar goes, it’s simple. If you’re disobedient, I’ll give a verbal warning first in an effort to allow you to correct the behavior. If you don’t, then I’ll activate the collar and correct you myself. But I will give you a chance first.”
“I’m not a child, you know. I’m a certified captain of a starship. Do you have any idea of the years required to achieve that?”
“I do, yes, and I admire you for earning such a title. I know you’re smart, Varo, but your personality is that of a spoiled child. For that matter, so many of your ruling class is the same. You want, thus you take. Or try to. Your sense of entitlement is astounding.”
Adlar rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Well, your pigheaded lack of foresight and financial savvy is appalling. Guess we’re even.”
“No, Varo, we are not ‘even’. While I admire the accomplishments I see you’ve earned from the numerous tattoos on your arms, you are not my equal. I own you.”
A red haze filled Varo’s vision.  
“Before you do something you’ll regret, let me remind you I own you because you crashed on my planet. It was your own doing, not mine. If you follow through on the intent I see in your eyes, I will punish you. And I won’t bother checking on how your crew is settling.”
“Of course you hide behind this collar instead of facing me like a true... oomph!”
Varo found himself on the floor, one arm twisted behind him. Never had he seen another move so fast. One moment Adlar was at the communication center, and the next he’d rushed Varo. Adlar slid effortlessly between Varo’s legs and came up behind him.
Before Varo could react, Adlar grabbed one arm, hooked Varo’s foot, and put Varo on the ground, face first. Varo barely had time to blink before Adlar had his knee in Varo’s back, and his arm behind him. The soft whisper of a knife leaving its sheath froze Varo.
“All I’d have to do is shove this into your neck at the base of your spine.”
Varo squeezed his eyes shut.
“Princeling, I am an assassin. I train others to be assassins. I can kill with a touch, but I like the blade best. I like to get close to my target.” Adlar stood and returned the knife to the ankle sheath. “We are not equals. Don’t think that we are, and don’t test me again.”
Calmly, Adlar returned to the communications center and returned to placing clothing orders.
It took Varo a little longer to stand. Calm was the last thing he felt. Adlar had told him, but he hadn’t believed it. Now he knew better. Adlar’s attack had been silent and swift. He hadn’t had time to react, not that it mattered. Adlar had him helpless on the floor in no time. And when had he put the knife sheath on? He’d missed that.
Adlar was a killer.

Varo slowly stood, unsure what to do with himself now.

TBC

Chris T. KatAvery DawesNephy HartCarol PedrosoCia NordwellRavon SilviusJohayanTali SpencerJim DunawayM.A. ChurchJulie Lynn Hayes

Welcome Julie Lynn Hayes and her latest release, Crossroads

Blurb 

Crossroads: a point at which a crucial decision must be made that will have far-reaching consequences
Clete Deveraux is a little old Southern boy a long way from home, drifting the highways with his abusive boyfriend, Vern. Tal Clark is newly graduated from the University of Missouri in Columbia, but his plans for a carefree summer have just been derailed and he’s not sure what he’s going to do. Things happen for a reason… Clete and Tal’s lives intersect at a rest stop in central Missouri, but sometimes first impressions aren’t the best. And finding the right path isn’t always easy.Clete and Tal have reached a crossroads… and now they have to decide which way they want to go. And who they want to go with.
 Excerpt As he rounded the corner, he stopped dead in his tracks, his thought not only unfinished, but completely slammed from his head by the sight before him. A figure stood in front of one of the vending machines, slender legs encased in tight blue jeans that led to the most gorgeous ass Tal thought he’d ever seen in his life, a notion that was seconded by his dick, which twitched its agreement.Genie who?The girl had fine blonde hair, so pale it seemed almost white, but maybe that was just due to the harshness of the lights. Tal’s heart was beating a staccato tattoo inside his chest at the way she shifted her weight from one leg to the next. His imagination began to run rampant, as he pictured himself placing his hands on those dainty hips, drawing her to him as he nibbled on her neck. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been this turned on. A little voice inside his head rejoiced. Genie was wrong—he wasn’t what she’d said he was, and this was proof positive of that. It was all her fault if he found more pleasure in a book than in her bed. See? The proof of his sexuality was here, staring him in the face. Well, her ass, his face.And then she turned, and in the next moment all his illusions shattered around him.She... was... a he.Just damn.This guy was pretty enough to be a girl, easily, Tal’s confused libido tried to make amends. He wore small hoop earrings in one ear that jingled lightly when he turned his head. His eyes were a blue so pale they almost disappeared into his face, his smooth skin lightly tanned, which only brought out the pinkness of his pretty lips.Pretty lips? Where had that come from?  Author bio: Julie Lynn Hayes first began publishing short stories and poetry in the 1990’s, when it was a different ballgame altogether, and Ebooks hadn’t been dreamed of yet. That changed in 2010 with the acceptance of her first romance novel. She’s come a long way since that first book appeared, and is finding the journey a very educational one.
She lives in St. Louis with her daughter Sarah and her cat Ramesses. She often writes of two men finding true love and happiness in one another’s arms, and is a great believer in the happily ever after. She likes to write in different genres, to stretch herself in order to see what is possible. Her great challenge is to be told something can’t be done—she feels compelled to do it.
When she isn’t writing, she enjoys crafts, such as crocheting and cross stitch,  needlepoint and knitting, and she loves to cook, spending time watching the Food Network. Her favorite chef is Geoffrey Zakarian. Her family thinks she’s a bit off, but she doesn’t mind. Marching to the beat of one’s own drummer is a good thing, after all. Her published works can be found at Dreamspinner Press, eXtasy Books, and Amber Quill Press.
My links:Blog Twitter @Shelley_runyon FacebookMy Goodreads Dreamspinner eXtasy Books Amber Quill

Sales link: http://www.extasybooks.com/julie-lynn...

My Sexy Saturday - Shadows in the Night

Welcome to the 81st week of My Sexy Saturday ! This week’s we’re doing something a little different. We hope to do this occasionally and that you’ll like it. Our theme is My Sexy Addiction. It’s an open theme in that we’re not going to say when or how or where. We are going to say – just one thing and that’s about the song – Addicted to Love. You remember it…don’t you? How about the line ‘You might as well face it you’re addicted to love’? And doesn’t that just say it all about us here at My Sexy Saturday?For this hop you post 7 paragraphs or 7 sentences or 7 words. It can be from a WIP or something published. For this week, I thought I’d do something from my upcoming Dreamspinner release, Shadows in the Night. It’s book #1 in the Leap of Faith series. Book #2, To Touch the Sky, will release on April 3, 2015.
Excerpt: When Eva returned a short time later with her catch, she stopped and watched the huge, black animal and the little boy sleeping next to each other.
“I’m back.” Eva sat down next to the beast. A long black tail rested across Chip’s legs, and greenish-yellow eyes focused on Eva. “You know this can’t go on much longer, my friend. He’s smart for a child his age, and soon he’s going to ask questions about you.”
The creature rumbled in agreement.
“I know it’ll be hard for you. But another year—maybe two—and you’ll have to disappear from his life. The time isn’t right yet for you to make yourself known.”
The creature rumbled again, sadness in his eyes.
Eva ran her hand over the thick black coat. “I know, dear. But the time will come. You and I both know that. It will come, and he’s going to need you. Take care of him for me, okay?”

The beast nodded his head again. His time would come, but not for many years yet. The little boy had to grow into a man first. 

In Enemy Hands 4.8

Next week's prompts are:
“Don’t stare!” “Arousing you, arouses me.” “Argue with me naked and I’ll let you win, baby.” “If you kiss my neck, I’m not responsible for what happens next.” “Turn that down!”  “Actions speak louder than words.”“Talk about banging your head against a brick wall.”“You know what cures a headache, right?”“I learned my lesson.” “Where’s your better half?”“Ah well, boys will be boys.”“I was thinking about…”or use: pants, keyboard, spiceor use: cheek, floor, hammer or use:  paste, pen, planetor use: movie, ice, crackor use: leather, kilt, appleor have a character shovel a drivewayor have a character help an elderly personor have a character pick up a package from the store  or “She had me between a rock and a very hard place…”or “I don’t care how you spell the damn thing, it still tastes like shit”or “Give me a little kiss, willya, hon?”or have a character watch a video on You Tubeor have a character square danceor “Piss on it, I’m outta here!”or “Wash my back, and I’ll scrub yours”


Chapter 4.8Adlar, still holding both their cocks, stroked his hand over them. Friction built, and Varo wished desperately they had lube, even though he leaked precome like mad. They both did. Adlar’s fingers on his throat, his hand on their dicks…. The need to come grew.
Adlar was so near to him, and his scent teased Varo ruthlessly. Adlar’s breath fanned over his cheek as water still pounded at them. Panting, gasping, they both stared into each other’s eyes, neither willing to back down. Adlar jerked them off faster.
Varo wondered if passion showed in his eyes as it did in Adlar’s. That pale skin was flushed pink from the heat and pleasure. Varo thrust his hips, unable to stay still any longer. He needed to come, wanted to come. The pressure built. Nothing else mattered. Nothing else could.
But by the gods, he refused to be alone in this. If he was going to lose control then so was Adlar. Small whimpers fell from his lips, demanding more. Thrusting hard in the tunnel of Adlar’s fist, he mindlessly sought his pleasure.
Adlar leaned closer, plastering their bodies together, but somehow still stroked them. Varo moaned when Adlar nuzzled his throat. He was going to come; all he needed was just a little more pressure… then fangs scraped his throat. Fear slammed his mind even as his orgasm roared through him. 
Reality faded, and all there was to see was whiteness, and a buzz was all he could hear. His breath froze as his body jerked and twitched, as his balls emptied. In the distance, he heard a rumbling yell and heat covered his groin. Time stopped.
Had anything ever felt this good?
Everything came crashing back as Adlar held him. Goddess knew, that was the only reason he was still on his feet. He was boneless and satisfied in a way he’d never felt. And wasn’t that a soul-sucking conclusion to come to?
“Frack. Are… are you okay?” Adlar asked, still leaning against Varo, his breath rather rough.
Varo was relieved to hear Adlar sounded as affected as he felt. The small tremors were satisfying too.
“I’m fine,” he gasped.
They both stood there.
“Thank the frack.” Adlar huffed and a chuckle crept out. “I’d bend you over right here, but I’m afraid we’d both end up on our asses.”
A bucket of cold water couldn’t have sobered Varo quicker. He’d let his enemy jack him off. Stars, he practically threw himself at the other male. All he had to say was no, and he hadn’t. Instead of saying no, he nearly humped Adlar to death.
Horrified, he shoved at Adlar. “Get off me.”
Adlar stepped back, eyebrow raised. Oh, Varo was starting to hate that arrogant look.
“I guess it was too much to hope you’d be docile after coming.”
Varo fumed, the heat of his glare should have made the water steam.
“You didn’t say no, princeling.”
Of course Adlar threw that in his face. “I’m well aware of that!”
Adlar paused, staring at Varo. “Indeed. Well, come on then, I think it’s time to get out.”
Varo followed, wishing they’d gotten out before he made such a fool of himself. The problem was, he knew it was just a matter of time before this happened again. He couldn’t, couldn’t, allow himself to forget again that Adlar was his enemy. 
Adlar led him to cabinets along one of the walls. He opened one and handed Varo a towel. The material was just as soft as any he had at home. After they dried off, Adlar wrapped the towel around his waist, so Varo copied him.
Adlar walked out of the bathing chamber, and Varo followed him to another room. Immediately, he saw this was Adlar’s sleeping chamber. Again, instead of starkness, he found wealth and luxury.
A bed on a platform dominated the room. Over the bed a large, sheer white netting encased the bed, hung from the ceiling. The bedding was also white. The stone walls had been whitewashed. Even the furniture was white, and there were white rungs strewn around the floor.
Stunned, he looked around. “This is amazing. I thought you’d, ah….”
Adlar smirked. “What? You thought what?”
“Well, I was expecting darker colors, more masculine woods. Not this light and, ah… well, delicateness.”
“I live my life in darkness, Varo. But even I want a retreat. This is mine.” Adlar walked to the door in the room and opened it. “Come on.”
Varo followed him through the door and into a closet that might have even been bigger than his. He snorted out a laugh. Again, he was surprised. He’d assumed Adlar wouldn’t have many clothes. The male just didn’t seem the type. What a wrong assumption that turned out to be. Rack upon rack of clothes took up the space.
While most of the colors were dark, as he’d imagine they would be, Adlar also had dozens of things in bright colors too. Vibrant reds, emerald greens, sunny yellows… he was frankly surprised at the amount of silky fabrics to shiny, unbending ones.
“Surprised?”
“Well, yes.”
“I told you things weren’t often as they appeared.”
“Yes, you most certainly did.” He needed to remember that. Assumptions were dangerous, and as he kept finding with Adlar, often wrong.
Adlar handed him a pair of black pants. “Try those. I think we’re close in size, but they might be somewhat long on you.”
The pants looked amazingly like his uniform pants. For some reason, that too surprised him. His enemy wore the same kind of uniform pants as he did. Why having that in common bothered him he didn’t know. Maybe because it made Adlar seem more… normal. More like him. But he wasn’t; Adlar had fangs. There was nothing normal about that.
He tried the pants, and they did fit, if a little long. Once he tucked them in his boots, it wouldn’t show.
“Hmm, this may be tight, but it’s all I have.”

Pride Promotions presents Here Without You by Mia Kerick and a Giveaway!

Book Name: Here Without You


Book two of the Once Voice series. Can be read as a standalone, but not suggested.


Release Date: February


Author Name: Mia Kerick


Author Bio:Mia Kerick is the mother of four exceptional children—all named after saints—and five nonpedigreed cats—all named after the next best thing to saints, Boston Red Sox players. Her husband of twenty-two years has been told by many that he has the patience of Job, but don’t ask Mia about that, as it is a sensitive subject.

Mia focuses her stories on the emotional growth of troubled young people and their relationships, and she believes that physical intimacy has a place in a love story, but not until it is firmly established as a love story. As a teen, Mia filled spiral-bound notebooks with romantic tales of tortured heroes (most of whom happened to strongly resemble lead vocalists of 1980s big-hair bands) and stuffed them under her mattress for safekeeping. She is thankful to Dreamspinner Press, Harmony Ink Press, and CreateSpace for providing her with alternate places to stash her stories.

Mia is a social liberal and cheers for each and every victory made in the name of human rights, especially marital equality. Her only major regret: never having taken typing or computer class in school, destining her to a life consumed with two-fingered pecking and constant prayer to the Gods of Technology.

Where to find Mia:

Blog: www.miakerick.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mia.kerick

Dreamspinner Author Arcade: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/AuthorArcade/mia-kerick/bio/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6474518.Mia_Kerick

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MiaKerick


Publisher: Dreamspinner Press


Cover Artist: Paul Richmond (Photograph by Dan Skinner)



Blurb(s):
With all of his scratched and dented heart, Nate DeMarco wants to be two places at once, but he’s been forced to make an unbearable choice. Having barely survived high school, Nate and his boyfriends, Casey Minton and Zander Zane, are ready to move forward in life. Casey and Zander have left home to attend Boston City College. Nate remains in New Hampshire to protect his volatile younger sister from their increasingly violent, alcoholic uncle. Nate suffers with anger, resentment, and loneliness as he battles what he wants against what he feels he must do.

Now separated, the young men fight to stay in contact. However, they’re each faced with their own separate issues. Casey must cope with residual fear from having been bullied in high school. Zander obsesses over the establishment of One Voice, the new gay-straight alliance at Boston City College. Nate fights for his sister’s very survival. Meanwhile, the intensity of the boys’ relationship increases, both sexually and emotionally, as happens in long distance relationships.

Nate’s futile effort to live two lives leads to tragedy, which blasts Nate, Casey, and Zander apart. Can the three young men find their way back to a united path before it’s too late? 


Categories: Contemporary, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Menage/Poly, New Adult, Romance


Excerpt:2 NATE’S DIARY

August 23 (they only been gone about half a week now)


SO MAYBE this is a bit fucked up, but I’m gonna put it down on paper in black and white, and maybe when I read it back to myself, it’ll seem more normal.

Here’s the thing. Like Casey says, us three is a throuple. Three dudes in love. Whatever. Cuz I sure as shit love them guys, and nothin’s gonna change that. So, yeah. There’s two dudes in place A and one dude, alone, in place B. I just figured them two would be gettin’ busy in bed in their fancy dorm room whenever they had a chance—cuz that’s what guys do, right?

Well, apparently not so much. Last night they Skyped me. There them two were, sittin’ all cozy on Casey’s rainbow-colored bedspread. The floppy stuffed unicorn that me and Zander gave him for Christmas junior year was propped up behind ’em, starin’ at the computer, like it was lookin’ right at yours truly. I felt real alone and a little like a loser (fucked-up fact is they only been gone a couple days), but I leaned back on my bed and acted like I didn’t give a shit.

Casey said, in this adorable proper voice, “Nate, there’s a topic Zander and I feel it’s imperative we discuss. It’s a matter of great importance.” He already sounds like a doctor, and he’s only a freshman in college.

Zander was just starin’ into the computer at me, sorta studyin’ my I-don’t-give-a-shit-about-nothin’ expression.

“What’s such a big friggin’ deal, babe? Lay it on me.” That was pretty cool soundin’, I thought.

“Well, Zander and I want to have a discussion about.... Nate, we want to discuss physical intimacy. In that....”

Even on Skype I could see that two spots on Casey’s cheeks had turned bright pink. Looked like he was having trouble spittin’ this out. And he was the talker in our throuple.

“Zander and I are here together, without you, and we’ve talked about this—”

“I expect you two’ve been goin’ to town on each other every night since you got to college and are prob’ly itchin’ to strip each other down right now.” Both of my guys’ eyes popped open wide when I said that.

“Actually, Nate.” Zander spoke up cuz it seemed that Casey was suddenly at a loss for words. “We haven’t, and we’re not gonna.”

“Huh?” That just kinda flew outta my mouth. “Come again, guy?”


Casey found his voice. “We aren’t going to sleep together unless you’re with us. We discussed it, and neither of us think it would feel right.” He glanced at Zander, and them two nodded at each other. “We aren’t going to do anything in bed together until you’re here for a visit.”

Pages or Words: 216 pages


Tour Dates/Stops:16-Feb Gaylist Book Reviews Nephylim Multitasking Mommas Prism Book Alliance Rainbow Gold Reviews
17-Feb Hearts on Fire Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words Velvet Panic Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews Amanda C. Stone
18-Feb Fallen Angel Reviews Cathy Brockman Romances Because Two Men Are Better Than One My Fiction Nook Jade Crystal Queer Town Abbey BFD Book Blog
19-Feb Bayou Book Junkie MM Good Book Reviews Christy Loves 2 Read Molly Lolly
20-Feb Parker Williams Decadent Delights Love Bytes The Novel Approach Inked Rainbow Reads
Sales Links:eBook: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6035Paperback: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6036

Rafflecopter Prize: $25 All Romance e-Books Giftcard


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Hi!! Thank you, Decadent Delights, for welcoming me as a guest poster on your blog today! I hope many of your readers check out my One Voice Series: Casey, Nate, and Zander’s love story. Coming out February 16th, Here Without You is Book 2 in the series, second to Us Three.
On with the interview…


1.What inspired you to start writing?
Much of my inspiration comes from pop music. My daughter Demi made a CD for me called “Writing Songs” and I listened to it every time I worked on Beggars and Choosers. All four of my kids accused me of liking only songs featuring “guys who sing with raspy voices”, which very well might be true. (Lifehouse was a particular favorite.) That was a long time ago.

Since then, I wrote Intervention that was about a young man who could only reach his love interest when he sang to him in the coffee bar they both worked at. I used many of my favorite, most inspirational songs within the book. And yes, many of the vocalists, male and female, had raspy voices. Not Broken, Just Bent was inspired by the song by Pink of the same name, and Here Without You was inspired by the song by 3 Doors Down. “She Keeps Me Warm” by Mary Lambert inspired Come To My Window, which I have yet to self-publish.



2. Who is your favorite author and why? I know that this isn’t exactly the correct answer, but I have several author faves.Chris Owens- forBareback. My number one favorite book ever—it makes me cry every time. What hurts to read is the loss of the comfortable familiarity—the family life—between the two men, when one man makes a serious mistake that the other cannot forgive him for.  Charlotte Bronte- for Jane Eyre, and my very first favorite tortured hero, Mr. Rochester. Amy Lane- for all the beautiful angst.Stephenie Meyers- for Twilight’sEdward Cullen. Enough said.Abi Roux and Madeleine Urban- for Cut and Run. Intense, suspenseful, unpredictable. I write down the dates of the next installment in my calendar. Sigh.Michael Bowler-for the best YA action and adventure series called Children of the Knight.Tessa Cardenas- The Strongest Shape, which illustrates the perfect love of three.Cody Kennedy- for selfless and candid sharing of his life, his pain, his heart in all of his books.



3. How do you come up with the titles for your books?
I find coming up with titles a combination of FUN and STRESS.

The fun part can be likened to smearing fudgy frosting on a chocolate cupcake. I thrive on anticipating how well the two parts (frosting and cupcake/story and title) will come together as a whole. I love searching key words for related idioms that might fit my story.

And sometimes I know the title from the very beginning of my writing, for example, Not Broken, Just Bent was named before the story was fully conceived, because I was inspired by the song to write it. So music is a great source of both inspiration and titles.

The STRESS part comes in when I start dwelling on how important the title is to the success of the book. I want the title to attract readers, and I want it to be true to the story. I also want it to have that perfect ring, but I don’t want there to be a hundred other books of that same title on Amazon. Sometimes I think I have come up with the absolute perfect title and when I search for it online, I realize I am not the only author who had that thought.

4.What is the hardest part about writing for you?
The answer to this question is twofold, and neither answer has anything to do with the creative aspects of writing, but more the technical and organizational aspects.

First of all, computers challenge me. I sometimes think I have been cursed by the gods of technology. The biggest challenge has been learning to use the computer effectively. The week before last I lost everything since Beggars and Choosers on my Mac Book Air. I thought it was backed-up by the cloud. I was wrong. And even several data rescue services could not recover the data. So yes, the technological aspect of writing is my biggest challenge.

On a positive note, my daughter taught me how to make folders, which has really cleaned up my desktop.

The other very difficult part for me is keeping track of all the details in the story. Names of schools, and uncles, and little sisters, and places they used to work. Who uses exactly which kind of slang, which characters curse, college majors, and details like that. I need to develop a record system that simplifies this, but I start writing, and I never get around to organization of the details.


5. If you could spend a day with anyone from history, dead or alive, who would it be, and what would you do? What would you ask them?
I would love to have met Freddie Mercury, the lead vocalist of Queen. He was what my childhood dreams were made of, and in my opinion, the most talented of all male vocalists. I admire his vocal abilities that are unbelievable, his musicianship, and his stage antics. What an amazing entertainer!

And so… what will Freddie an I do on our amazing day together? I think we will go to a museum, like maybe MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art, in New York City. I know that Freddie Mercury will have some fascinating insights and so I’ll bring him to the Picassos and the Matisses and the Toulouse Lautrecs, and with these classic works of art as conversation starters, we’ll have some incredible conversation about beauty and love and the way we see the world and music and change.

What would I ask him? I suppose I would let the conversation flow naturally, but I would love to know how he conceived of joining rock and opera, and the inspiration for some of his best songs, IMO, like “Love of My Life” and “You Take My Breath Away”.


6. If you were stranded on a desert island and were only allowed to have five modern conveniences with you, what would they be?
This one’s easy.

1. Coffeemaker

2. Latte maker

3. Computer with Charger (most desert islands have excellent wifi, from what I hear)

4. Cell phone and charger (gotta stay in touch with the kiddos)

5. Looks like I’m going to need a generator so I have a source of electricity

6. If I could have one more modern convenience, I’d really like to take my blow dryer… please.


7. What is your favorite meal?
A tuna melt at a NYC diner. Love me a good tuna melt, fries and pickles on the side!
Want one now.


8. What is a talent you wish you had, but don't?
When I was young, and right through my teens, I truly wanted to sing. My interest
was in musical theater, and I wanted to be able to sing show tunes like those on The
Chorus Line. I took voice lessons and practiced a lot, and I will say I had some talent,
but I didn’t have enough. When it became clear that I just wasn’t good enough to
make it in show business, I decided that I’d pursue teaching not theater, but I was
the drama coach for years at the middle school where I taught.

I consider the ability to sing beautifully to be a gift, I wish I had it, and I admire
(envy) all who possess it.

But I’m a write of love stories. And I’m satisfied with that.

In Enemy Hands 4.7

Next week's prompts are:“Time and time again you…” “The problem with that is…” “I loved every minute of it.” “You can’t fix stupid.” “Sit down, shut up, and hold on.”  “Are you going to be on the computer all day?”“What do you plan to do with that?”“My show comes on tonight so I can’t…”“Please let the dog out.” or “The worst day of my life…” or “Some things should remain in the past…”or “Would you like a little coffee with that sugar?”or “He’s so sweet I just want to lick him all day!”or “Did I just get to second base or third?”or use: coin, board, lampor use: clown, tree, road or use:  ramp, fence, basketor use: brick, bomb, bridgeor use: window, cup, faxor have a character return a library bookor have a character stare up at the nighttime skyor have a character snowboard 

Chapter 4.7Mindless, he handed it to Adlar over his shoulder. That light scent teased his nose as Adlar got a lather going. He held his breath, waiting, his heart thumping in his chest. When Adlar’s hands worked their way into his hair, he reached out toward the walls of the waterfall for support.
Adlar scrubbed his scalp, just hard enough to feel good. Closing his eyes, he relaxed into the feeling. Gods, he had no idea such a thing could feel so decadent. He never dreamed Adlar would pamper him. He’d expected force; what he received was seduction.
“Okay, now turn. Time to rinse.”
He could withstand torture. But seduction? Seduction was much more insidious. Varo opened his eyes and stared at the stone in front of him, unable to deny that it was working—he was still achingly hard. Adlar tapped his hip, startling Varo.
“Come on, you have to get the shampoo out. Turn around for me.”
How perfectly reasonable that sounded, but he knew it wasn’t that simple. The grip on his hip tightened, reminding him that he really had no choice. Slowly he turned, afraid of what he’d find. But another part of him knew, and couldn’t wait. How in the galaxies had he missed this dark, twisted side to his nature?
Pale, pale skin greeted him, stunning in its purity. He knew the lack of sunlight, along with living in caves, was the reason, but he had no idea he’d find it so tempting. Adlar’s long, black hair was tied back in an effort to keep it dry.
“Very good.”
Facing Adlar, he tilted his head back so the water could do its job. He stood silently, eyes closed through the rinsing. Water rushed over his trembling body. As much as he wished the trembling came from fear, he knew better.
Adrenaline jack was one thing. That wasn’t what was happening here. Adlar finished rinsing his hair, and Varo opened his eyes, unable to hide any longer. He found himself staring at Adlar, focused on that perfect body in front of him. He desired Adlar.
He hadn’t really paid attention to how long his hair truly was. His gaze traced Adlar’s face. And those eerie yellow eyes were so different from his, with their slitted pupils. The pointed ears were odd too. Long and lean was a perfect description of the male standing in front of him.
Long, lean, and hard as stone.
For him. Adlar was hard for him. The idea both thrilled and scared him. Lost in thought, he flinched when Adlar ran a pale green sea sponge, heavy with suds, over his chest. His gaze snapped up to lock with Adlar’s.
“There’s nowhere to run.”
He was well aware of that. Regardless, that didn’t stop him from backing slowly away. His mind screamed that allowing Adlar to touch him was wrong, that he should fight, even though he knew what the result would be. He wasn’t one who actively sought pain, and the cursed collar around his neck promised just that.
For every step he took back, Adlar followed, pacing him as they danced around each other in a predatory game of give and take. Eventually, Varo found his back pressed against the stone wall of the shower with Adar inches from him.
Trapped, Varo waited to see what would happen. He shuddered when Adlar casually wrapped his fingers around his throat, every ounce of blood draining to his cock. Adlar stood in front of him, not touching, but close.
Adlar held him trapped there while he lazily worked the sponge slowly over his body. Chest heaving, he dropped his graze… then threw his head back when that soapy sponge trailed down over his stomach toward his groin. Oh stars, don’t… don’t…
“Careful. You knock yourself out, and I won’t be happy,” Adlar said.
…don’t stop. A strangled groan escaped Varo as the sponge bypassed his dick and continued down one leg as far as Adlar could reach. Varo clutched the stone walls, desperate to keep himself grounded.
The next several units of time passed with Adlar touching every inch of skin he could reach. Varo struggled not to react to the passion rising in him, but it was as useless as trying to stop the tide. The grip on his throat wasn’t tight, but the threat was implied. Which was silly with the collar, but at the same time, he couldn’t deny it thrilled him.
Adlar finally tossed the sponge and pressed his body against Varo’s. “Mmm, so nice.”
Varo closed his eyes again in an effort to escape his very blatant reaction to his enemy. He didn’t understand why this was happening.
Adlar tightened his fingers on Varo’s throat. “And you make me hard too. No more hiding. Look at me, Varo.” Adlar shoved his groin forward and rubbed his cock against Varo’s. “You make me need.”
Shocked, Varo’s eyes flew open. The press of a hard dick against him sent his desire sprawling out of control.
“Tell me no.” Adlar wrapped his free hand around their cocks, stroking slowly. “Tell me no, and I’ll stop. But you have to tell me no.”
Varo opened his mouth to do just that, but a long, needy moan slipped out instead.
“That doesn’t sound like no to me.” But still, Adlar held back.
Varo knew Adlar waited to see if he would speak, if he would say no. If he would say something.  Instead, he strained in Adlar’s grip.
“Last chance to tell me no.”
Varo whimpered.
“So be it.” TBCChris T. KatNephy HartCia NordwellJC WallaceJon KeysMC HouleAvery DawesM.A. ChurchJohayanRavon SilviusJulie Lynn Hayes