M.A. Church's Blog, page 133

Pride Promotions 1 year Anniversary Celebration and a giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

USA Today Review of Trouble Comes in Threes

Trouble Comes in Threes was reviewed by USA Today!!! And I'm very happy to say it moved up one and is now #4 on DsP Bestseller List too.


USA Today link: http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyeverafter/2015/01/08/love-and-lust-becky-condit-ma-church-sara-alva/21452247/?hootPostID=fb2d00a049354db2501b4143fc2c0f77


Enjoyable reading can take many forms. Trouble Comes in Threes is romance at its most erotic. Silent is a love story at its intense beginning.

Trouble Comes in Threes by MA Church

What it's about (courtesy of Dreamspinner Press):

A snowstorm in the South—on New Year's Eve—is a perfect recipe for a catastrophe. After two soul-crushing bad breaks, Kirk's waiting for disaster number three to strike when, naturally, two stray cats arrive on his doorstep during the storm and decide to make themselves at home. Tenderhearted Kirk lets them stay even though there's something decidedly odd about his overly friendly felines.

Out of the punishing weather and full of tuna, Dolf and Tal are happy to be snug in Kirk's house. But then their human goes outside for firewood and suffers a nasty fall that leaves him unconscious. Now the two cats have no choice but to reveal themselves.

Kirk wakes up to find the two kitties are actually Dolf and Tal. They're cat shifters—and his destined mates. Being part of a feline threesome is enough for Kirk to grapple with, but soon he learns they come from a clowder that doesn't believe humans and shifters should mix. Kirk knew those two cats would be trouble. Little does he know the real trouble lies ahead.


Why you should read it: 
Ready for an exciting shifter book to start your year of reading off right? Trouble Comes in Threes is a cat-shifter story, an MMM ménage, and a thrilling mystery to solve as well.

Kirk is reaching middle age, feeling bad about his looks and his inability to find a steady relationship. Into his life comes, not a man, but two stray cats, seeking shelter from a snowstorm. Or so Kirk thinks. Dolf, the black kitty, and Tal, the white one, are planning to watch Kirk for a while before revealing the paranormal world, and their role in it, to him. They recognized Kirk as their mate while on a shopping trip, much to their own surprise and certainly an unexpected life twist for Kirk. When Kirk is injured bringing in firewood they have no choice but to change their plans in order to get him to safety.

It takes a bit of time to get Kirk to realize he isn't having an hallucination as he lays dying from his minor injury, but Tal's lustful impatience when Kirk, thinking he's dreaming, tells Tal to love him up, starts a process that will only result in a DNA conversion for Kirk that leads him to becoming not quite human, but not a cat-shifter either. In for a penny, in for a pound, there is nothing to do but go forward, and so the ménage begins. And this is only the beginning. There is a lot of hot sex that could set the place on fire, let me tell you.

Unfortunately, although Dolf and Tal love their human partner, not everyone in the kitty clowder (what wolves would call a pack) where Dolf is the alpha-to-be feels the same way. Someone makes his dislike of humans known and either that shifter or someone else is out to do serious harm to Kirk and perhaps others. Can they discover the identity of the attacker in time to thwart his plans? And is Kirk the real target? You'll have to read this exciting book to find out.

The Harvest: Journey's End Tour

Hey y'all! This is where I was yesterday and today. Each stop has a unique excerpt too. ;) Remember there is a giveaway with the tour!






6-Jan 3 Chicks After Dark 6-Jan The Novel Approach 7-Jan Kristy's Brain Food 7-Jan Carly’s Book Reviews

Wednesday Briefs - In Enemy Hands 3.7

Welcome to the Wednesday Briefs flash group (click to go to the site). The short stories have a maximum of a 1000 word count plus links at the bottom to the other flashers. If interested in joining us, drop me a line and I'll tell you how. :)Prompts for this week:

“Lovely place, isn’t it?”

“Do or die.”

“I may not have a lot of friends but...”

“Now more than ever…”

“Hit me with your best shot!”

“He/She lights up every room…”

“Find a way out…”

“That would be a lie.”

“Who is this guy?”

“I hope this was worth the extra effort.”

or use: gloves, card, newspaper

or use: clock, heels, box

or use: chair, bucks, ring

or use: car, belt, jacket

or have your character go to the mall

or use: pole, trash, tire

or have a character ride a bike

or have a character hobble

or “I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place, but what a way to go!”or have a detective show up in your story unexpectedlyor “I’ll have a little more of the hair of the dog”or “Well, roll me over and slap my ass!”

or have a blue moon in your story



Chapter 3.7
What in the two moons of Helkan was he going to do now? He fell silent as they walked, lost in thought. So many questions fought for priority in his mind. They were nearly to the waterfall before the splashing water caught his attention. The batar raced past them to the edge and dropped down to drink.
“I’m assuming this is where you got the mud to darken your hair.”
Varo stopped by the pool created from the waterfall. “Yes.”
“Lovely place, isn’t it?”
Varo glanced around, taking in the lush landscape. “It very much is. You’re lucky to have such areas. My planet did at one time, but...” Varo shrugged.
“Your use of factories and mass production led to a depletion of certain natural resources that has left your environment damaged.”
“You make it sound like we purposely set out to destroy our—”
“Your leaders had to know what the result would be.” Adlar waved at the surrounding jungle. “A perfect example of this depletion is deforestation. Forests help emit oxygen and refresh the levels of healthy gases in the air, which your people need since factories emit poisonous emissions. But you eliminated that source of oxygen.”
“But we are an industrialized planet, and as such—”
“As such nothing.” Adlar rolled his eyes. “Your people neglected your planet. The pollution that has resulted from your factories involves not only airborne emissions, but land and water pollution as well. Your people don’t seem to realize you can have industry without destroying everything around you.”
Varo clamped his lips shut. He wasn’t going to get into an argument over the environment, or the way the leadership ran their planet. His planet was a highly advanced society. But then, so were the Helkans. They had a space program, complete with warships, and their Satellite Surveillance Network was an example of their advanced technology.
“It’s no wonder you find our jungles fascinating.”
“You do realize we have more water than land on my planet, right?” Varo asked.
“A planet can support many different ecosystems as I’m sure you realize.” Adlar shrugged. “We care for our environment, something your kind can not grasp. Obviously. Ah well, it matters not. Come, we’re close to my landing site.”
Now, what did that mean? He forgot the question as Adlar motioned for him to continue. He was still in front of Adlar, which while smart, wasn’t necessary as long as he wore that cursed collar. Dar followed along beside them, stopping along the way to sniff at plants. They drew nearer to where his shuttle crashed and passed it.
“Keep going, it’s not far.”
Varo ignored the presence at his back because in the distance he could hear voices. His step slowed, but a gentle hand against his back kept him going. He’d noticed Adlar handled him carefully. He hadn’t been abusive. Yet. The fact the other male was a killer stayed in the forefront of his mind.
As they drew nearer, he saw why he heard many voices. Near what he assumed was their shuttle, there were four males, standing around. That didn’t surprise him, and neither did the fact his men were there, too, sitting on the ground.
He was greatly relieved they were alive. But on the other hand, every one of them had a collar around his neck, as now he did. He wasn’t sure death wouldn’t have been preferable. Adlar made a strange chirping noise as they drew closer. Varo saw the other males stop talking as they entered the clearing near their shuttle.
A shout went up when they saw him and Adlar.
They walked to the center, where Adlar’s crew was standing. Fists thrust into the air and a blend of voices rose to the sky. Even Dar pranced around, telling Varo the Helkans were used to seeing Adlar’s batar. Adlar could say what he wanted, but the animal wasn’t completely wild. Varo gritted his teeth as they celebrated their victory.
As he looked around, he took note that some of Adlar’s crewmembers had.... He grinned. If he wasn’t mistaken, some of the males had field dressings. As their enemy congratulated themselves, Varo visually checked over his men. They appeared unharmed. As he made eye contact with each, he saw anger burning in their eyes.
“Any injuries?” Varo whispered, not wanting to draw the Helkans attention.
“No.” Artan answered, his voice also soft. “They’ve allowed us to speak freely, so I checked with each person here. I’d hoped you’d managed to…. Since you weren’t here we thought maybe….”
Varo noticed Artan had dropped his title. “The one that found me is called Adlar. He’s the younger brother to their king. He also knows who I am.”
Artan hesitated. “He knows all?”
Varo nodded. “Yes. He found my sash, and well, the brown eyes are a dead giveaway.”
Artan frowned. “I see you’ve been collared too. That makes my blood boil. You’re a starship captain and royalty. The insult is one that can’t be overlooked, Captain.”
Varo glanced back at Adlar, and tried not to jump when he found the other male watching him, even while he celebrated with his men. A tendril of desire snaked down his spine. He had to find a way to stop the flare of passion that tackled him every time he looked at Adlar.
“Insults aren’t our most pressing worry, I’m sorry to say,” Varo said.
“They’ve taken us as slaves.” Haus shook his head. “Which is bad enough, but to collar you too? They can’t do that. Your father will pay for your—”
“Well, he might, and he might not. But it matters not since Adlar has made it clear he isn’t interested in trading or releasing me. And even if he would, I would not abandon my crew to such a cruel fate. If I go, then we all go.”
“We all knew the risks when we joined the space program,” Sarik said. “We made the decision to try this, Varo. We knew what could happen if we failed.”
Suddenly Varo noticed Adlar standing next to him. How long had he been there?
“As I told Varo, and I’m sure my men told you too, we do not release prisoners. Ever. The ones who collared each of you will take the responsibly of owning a slave seriously.”

Varo jerked around to face Adlar. “We are not some sort of… of…. We think, have feelings… needs. We’re sentient being. We are not things. We”—Adlar snarled—“are not the animals here.”


TBC

Carol PedrosoJon KeysKazy ReedNephylimTali SpencerShelly SchulzVictoria AdamsCia NordwellElyzabeth VaLeyAvery DawesJulie Lynn Hayes 

Pride Promotions presents The Right Words by Lane Hayes and a Giveaway!

Book Name: The Right Words
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Author Name: Lane Hayes
Author Bio: Lane Hayes is grateful to finally be doing what she loves best. Writing full-time!  It’s no secret Lane loves a good romance novel.  An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters.  These days she prefers the leading roles to both be men.  Lane discovered the M/M genre a few years ago and was instantly hooked.  Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and her third received an Honorable Mention in the 2014 Rainbow Awards.  She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband and the coolest yellow Lab ever in an almost empty nest.
Author Contact:Website:  http://lanehayes.wordpress.comTwitter:   @LaneHayes3Facebook: LaneHayesauthorEmail:   lanehayes@ymail.com
Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson

Blurb(s):
Escaping an abusive relationship left Luke Preston anxious and spouting panic-induced poetry. Desperate for a fresh start, Luke accepts a job remodeling a tired old beach house for a professional soccer player and his model girlfriend. While his passion is literature, not sports, focusing on the renovations eases his anxiety. Until the job he signed up for turns out to be more complicated than advertised.

Sidelined with a serious injury, soccer star Michael Martinez decides his beach house is the perfect place to recuperate. Remodeling might be the diversion he needs to keep his mind off his busted knee. Falling for the pretty designer with some quirky habits wasn’t on the drawing board. Unfortunately, Luke didn’t build a big enough closet for Michael to hide in. Having a star-powered sports career used to be all Michael lived for, but he’ll have to reevaluate his plans and find the right words if he wants to build more than a beach house with Luke.

Categories: Contemporary, Gay Fiction, Humor, Romance


Excerpt from The Right Words by Lane Hayes 
“One day at a time,” he repeated thoughtfully, making an obvious effort to steer the topic toward something more pleasant. “Well, I don’t have anything better, so… I’ll go with that too.” Michael’s smile lit his entire face. It was a beautiful thing to witness. He was handsome always, but wow… what a smile.
“Was the picture of us good at least?”
This time he laughed out loud, a sweet, musical sound that made me chuckle along with him.
“Yeah, very hot.” He reached over and pulled me into his side effortlessly. “Look, I wasn’t trying to send mixed signals this week. I know I haven’t been around like I said I would. I… Jamie isn’t going to go away easily. This has been a weird blow to add to an already fucked-up situation, but… I like you and I do trust you.”
“You like me?”
He gave a small half chuckled and shrugged. “Un poco.” He translated when I gave him a blank stare. “A little.”
“I like you a little too.”
I couldn’t help my response at being near him. I curled into his side like a cat begging for attention. Michael wrapped his arms around me and kissed my cheek and my chin. I didn’t want a “friend” kiss, though. I wanted what he gave me Friday night. I wanted “that kiss.” I intercepted him when he leaned in to peck my temple and stuck my tongue out to trace the corner of his mouth. He groaned and accepted the invitation, diving and thrusting his tongue inside my mouth to stake his claim. His right hand traveled down my throat and came to a stop over my left nipple. He rubbed at the sensitive flesh through my tight T-shirt and squeezed hard when he heard my moan of approval.
I arched my back into his touch but kept my mouth fastened to his. I didn’t want to lose this connection. He bit at my chin and sent kisses down my neck as his hand dipped down to my belt and came to rest on my hardening cock. I whimpered and scooted on his lap to straddle his thighs.
“Is this okay? Am I hurting your knee?”
“It’s good, honey. Really good.” Both of his hands splayed flat on my back and circled to the front to pluck at the fabric of my T-shirt. “Take it off.”
I didn’t have to be told twice. I was burning up. I yanked it over my head and tossed it aside before I began working on the seemingly endless row of buttons on his dress shirt.
“Fuck. Help me get his off you. I need to feel your skin.”
I barely recognized my voice. I sounded breathless.
When Michael finally leaned forward to let the fabric slide from his shoulders, I met him halfway to feel his skin against mine. Heaven. He was simply beautiful, with finely toned washboard abs and gorgeous skin. It was smooth like mine but much darker. Olive against golden. I loved the contrast and I was anxious to explore. I let my hands roam, over his chest, down his stomach, and back again. My fingers itched to palm his cock through his worn jeans. Instead I fused my naked torso against his and ground my aching cock against his equally hard member. We both hissed, and the kiss became something more like sex.   
Pages: 204 pages 
Tour Dates: December 12th – January 6th

Tour Stops: 12-DecParker WilliamsFoxylutely Book ReviewsSinfully Sexy
16-DecHearts on FireLove BytesKimi-ChanScattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
19-DecMolly LollyCate AshwoodMM Good Book Reviews
23-DecBFD Book BlogWicked Faerie's Tales and ReviewsAmanda C. Stone
26-DecPrism Book AllianceRegular Guys, Hot Romance
30-DecThe Novel ApproachBook Reviews, Rants, and RavesQueer Town Abbey
2-JanElisa - My Reviews and Ramblings
6-JanDecadent DelightsMy Fiction NookMultitasking MommasVelvet PanicJoyfully Jay
Sales Links:
eBook: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5749
Paperback: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5750

Rafflecopter Prize: $25 Gift Card

The Harvest: Journey's End Tour and giveaway stops...

Hey everyone! The Harvest: Journey's End has started its tour today! Each tour has its own excerpt and there's a giveaway for the tour too, so make sure to stop and check it out. :)



5-Jan Cate Ashwood


5-Jan
Emotion in Motion


5-Jan
Christy Loves 2 Read

The Harvest: Journey's End is out! All buy links are below

Happy New Year everyone!



Hey guys! The Harvest: Journey's End is officially out now! YAY!!! Here are the links:


Amazon eBook: http://www.amazon.com/Harvest-Journeys-M-Church-ebook/dp/B00RJLZOAE/ref=la_B007A8JA4C_1_10?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1420092258&sr=1-10

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theharvestjourney039send-1717002-145.html

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/506280


Create Space book: https://www.createspace.com/5206803




I'll probably do a contest shortly. The hubby, the kids, and I did our Christmas over the past two days. With all the noise, running in and out, friends and respective boyfriends/girlfriends here, cooking... well, I've ended up having one of my 'dizzy every damn time I get up' spells. Part of that is the med's I take for the stroke and well... just a side effect of of the actual stroke itself. Stress (both good and bad kinds) gets the better of me, still.

The kids have gone home and the hubby is on days. It'll be nice and quite tomorrow-just me and Kitty. :)

~M

Pride Promotions presents The Adventures of Cole and Perry by Amanda C. Stone cover reveal and Giveaway!

Book Name: The Adventures of Cole and Perry
Release Date: Mid-January
Author Name: Amanda C. Stone
Author Bio: Armed with her Batman notebook, fourth grade Amanda C. Stone was ready to start writing stories about unicorns, family members, and her imaginary friends Pink Amanda and Blue Amanda. Today, Amanda is armed with a new notebook, along with a laptop, and a never ending supply of caffeine. Her stories are about all kinds of things, but the most important aspect is people falling in love.
Where to find the author:
Website: http://www.amandastonebooks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandastonebooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amandastonebks
Newsletter Signup: http://eepurl.com/ZF60L
Email: amandastonebooks@gmail.com
Publisher: Self-published
Cover Artist: Amanda C. Stone


Blurb(s): It all started when Cole met Perry in a bar. Over three years they had some exciting adventures, and misadventures. The six stories included in this book are all about their journey from bar to wedding.

The Anniversary
Another cancellation of plans by his boyfriend forces Cole out to the neighborhood bar. Not long after arriving he meets Perry. Even as exciting as Perry is, he's unsure how the night will end.

The Fight
Cole and Perry are struggling to make time for each other and constantly at each other’s throats. A fight to the death will decide who is right or wrong in their arguments. But Cole really doesn't want to shoot Perry.

The Threesome
Deciding they want to spice up things in the bedroom, Perry wants to have a one-time threesome. Cole's nervous and doesn't want to ask any of their friends to join them. Perry finds the perfect solution.

The House
After two and a half years together, Cole and Perry want to buy a house. Once they find the perfect house, they get to spend their first morning together in their new space. Perry will have to help Cole decide which room is his favorite.

The Baby
Both Cole and Perry are exhausted. Taking care of a three month old is hard when she's up all night and is always hungry. If only they could find where they put the bottle warmer.

The Wedding
Cole is ready to make his commitment to Perry life-long. After careful planning, they created the perfect event. What could possibly go wrong? If only Cole didn't ask the same question.
Categories: Contemporary, Fiction, Gay Fiction, Humor, M/M Romance, Romance
Excerpt:

“Cole. I have a surprise for you. I want you to close your eyes and keep them closed until I tell you to open them.”

Cole looked up from his magazine at the doorway Perry’s voice drifted in from. He put the magazine on his nightstand and closed his eyes.

“They’re closed,” he called out. He wasn’t sure where Perry was in their apartment, but he sounded close.

Rustling and a strange squeaking noise reached his ears. Cole furrowed his brows trying to figure out what Perry was up to and what he was hearing.

“Okay. Go ahead and open your eyes.”

Cole popped his eyes open. He closed them and then re-opened them again. Nope, he still was seeing what was in front of him.

“Perry. Why is there--?”

Perry cut him off before Cole could finish his thought.

“So, we had talked about fantasies and things like that. I told you this was mine. So I’d like to introduce you to Freddy. Freddy, I’d like to introduce you to my boyfriend, Cole.”

Cole smiled at how nervous Perry was. His boyfriend was adorable trying to be brave with his ideas.“Nice to meet you, um, Freddy. Perry, where did you meet Freddy?”

Perry had a small smile on his face that showed Cole he appreciated he was alright with what was happening.

“Online. I found Freddy on some website. Can’t remember the name now.”

Cole was stunned. His boyfriend didn’t go to those types of websites for any reason. Just meant Perry wanted to have the threesome and was willing to do it without asking one of their friends. Cole was so happy Perry had found a way to have his fantasy.

Pages or Words: Around 17,000 words
Tour Dates: January 1, 2015
Tour Stops: Parker Williams, Havan Fellows, Lee Brazil, Bayou Book Junkie, The Hat Party, Love Bytes, Velvet Panic, Inked Rainbow Reads, 3 Chicks After Dark, Decadent Delights, LeAnn’s Book Reviews, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Molly Lolly, BFD Book Blog, Amanda C. Stone, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Charley Descoteaux, Hearts on Fire, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews, Fallen Angel Reviews, My Fiction Nook, The Fuzzy, Fluffy World of Chris T. Kat, MM Good Book Reviews, Dawn’s Reading Nook, Elisa - My Reviews and Ramblings, Christy Loves To Read, Cate Ashwood
Sales Links: ‘For more information’  http://www.amandastonebooks.com/books/the-adventures-of-cole-and-perry/
Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy upon publicationRafflecopter Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway




And now some random facts from  Amanda C. Stone:

Ability you wished you possessed?
To be invisible. There are times when I just want to be left alone and if no one could see me, it would make it so much easier.
 Skill you wish you had?Better time management. I tend to get scatterbrained and jump from one thing to another without finishing anything 

Winners of the Trouble Comes in Threes giveaway!

AND THE WINNERS ARE:
1stplace – Shorty Chelle 
2ndplace – Sherry
International fan: Helen - ebook copy

Shorty and Sherry, I’ll be emailing you soon for your home address. As of today, I still haven’t received my author copies from DsP, so there may be a hold up when I ship this stuff out if you want the paperback. 
Big thank you to all that entered!
~M

Wednesday Briefs - In Enemy Hands 3.6

Welcome to the Wednesday Briefs flash group (click to go to the site). The short stories have a maximum of a 1000 word count plus links at the bottom to the other flashers. If interested in joining us, drop me a line and I'll tell you how. :)Prompts for this week:
“The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.” “I hope that in this year to come...” “Should Old Acquaintance be forgot...” “Five, four, three, two, one…” “My New Year’s resolution is…” “What are you doing for New Year’s Eve?” “Happy New Year!” “He has nothing I wish to trade for.” “Talk about taking a risk.” “Allow me to introduce myself.”  or use: ball, square, hat or use: dip, chips, football or use: alcohol, glass, glitter or use: picture, calendar, cross or have your character get drunk or use: water, pen, coat or have a character slow dance or have a character cuddle with a pet or “You want to ring my what?”
or “These pretzels are making me thirsty…”
or “How many nipples did you say you have?”
or have a character start a diet
or have a character return a gift 


Chapter 3.6

The way Adlar said princeling sent chills through him. He just wasn’t sure if they were good chills or bad… or maybe he was just cold because of his damp head. And why was he holding onto his sash as if it was some sort of… trophy? The thought scared him almost as badly as the earlier pain.
“I—My father will pay for my return,” Varo blurted, shoving his dirty hair off his face.
He’d convince his father to bargain for his crew, too, even though that would leave him indebted. He refused to leave his crew here while he went free. Once the Helkans opened up a communication channel, he’d—
Adlar stuffed the red sash back in his shirt. “We do not release prisoners, as I’ve told you.”
Varo bit his lip to contain the snarl that wanted to escape at Adlar keeping his sash, but suddenly Adlar’s words grabbed his attention. He knew as a rule they didn’t, but… he was a prince. “What?” 
He shook his head. Adlar sat there, no emotion on his face. Varo didn’t seem to be getting through to Adlar. Maybe he didn’t understand the wealth his family controlled. “But… but… he’ll pay. He’s the king of Yesri. Do you understand what I’m saying? Just send him a—”
“He has nothing I wish to trade for.”
By the stars’ fading light, what did Adlar mean? “But—”
“Enough. We do not trade. Even if we did, I do not wish to trade with your king. You don’t seem to understand that I have what I want.”
Varo spluttered. How dare Adlar dismiss him in such a way, and so effortlessly? “But… but… but… you can’t do this. I’m a prince and… and… What do you want with me?”
Adlar raised an eyebrow, a smirk on his face. Before Varo could react, Adlar reached out, snagged him behind the head, and jerked him forward. Shocked, Varo didn’t fight. Adlar’s lips covered his again, a demand to submit.
A large part of him rebelled, but a spark ignited inside him. Adlar certainly knew how to kiss, not that Varo had much to compare it to. And now there was no denying the first kiss had been a fluke. He responded again just as much as the last time.
Adlar pushed his way inside and passion bloomed again… oh goddess, Adlar could kiss. He was so male, and so overpowering. Adlar held his head still, his hand buried in his hair. Such strength.
Varo relaxed, letting Adlar explore him. The male sure knew what he was about, and it was so nice to let someone else take over and… A feeling so foreign he didn’t know what to make of it rose in Varo.
What was he thinking? He was always in control. As ship’s captain, he had to be. Lives depended on him. He had an obligation to his farther to…. Who was he kidding? His father didn’t care for him outside of being a backup to the spare heir to the title.
Adlar’s mouth slashed over his, and his fangs nicked his tongue… and all thoughts left his head even as his cock filled. His toes tingled. Stars and curses, that was hot. Then Adlar brushed against his dick, and he nearly came in his pants, something he hadn’t done since he was a youngling.
The wild call of a native bird snapped Varo’s attention back to what was happening, to what he was doing. This was his enemy he was allowing to maul him, a being who was going to try to turn him into property. Him. He didn’t bow to any man, much less to a male who wanted to own him. He needed to have a discussion with his dick soon.
He shoved Adlar off him. He wasn’t the only one gasping for air, he noticed.
Adlar took a deep breath. “I think that should tell you what I want from you.”
He’d known that, he had. But hearing it, having it spoken, was another thing. It brought everything crashing down on him. This wasn’t someone he could dally with. This was his enemy. What was he thinking? He wasn’t, that was the problem. At least, the organ doing the thinking was the wrong one.
“Never,” he swore. “I’ll never submit to you. Tell me, Helkan, do your brutal ways include rape?”
Adlar’s face clouded, but then slowly cleared. “Rape? Oh, I don’t believe I’ll have to rape you, Varo. Not from what I just experienced. You desire me.”
Varo reared back, horrified. “I do not ! That was… that was—”
Dar suddenly sat up, ears twitching.
“I know what that was and so do you.”Adlar stood. “Up with you. I let you distract me, and that can be dangerous in the jungle.”
Varo slowly stood also, glancing around. He muttered under his breath as he brushed himself off. “Considering we didn’t even know you had a jungle…”
“There is much you don’t know about us. We prefer that. Now come.”
He was right. Varo abruptly saw just how right Adlar was. No one knew much about the Helkans, and here he was with an excellent opportunity to learn as much as he could. That information would be priceless. Or it would be—if he ever had the chance to relay it to his people.
“Where are we going?” Varo asked.
“Back to the general area of your shuttle.” Adlar motioned for Varo to precede him. “Dar, are you coming?”
Dar yawned and rose to his feet.
Varo caught himself taking a step back. He couldn’t help it. The animal was huge, and he was defenseless.
They started the trek back, and as they moved though the jungle, he noticed he felt better. He hoped the antiserum had cured whatever reaction the leaf sap caused. He also noticed the jungle around them fell silent as they passed. The wildlife seemed to know there was a predator in their mist.
As they returned to the crash site, Varo kept an eye out for his men. He hoped they were okay. How could he ask Adlar? Should he? There was a slim chance the Helkans didn’t know there were others in the shuttle with him, and Adlar hadn’t mention anything about his men. Maybe he didn’t know.
“I, ah… you said you were the leader of the D’noir, is that right?” Varo called over his shoulder.
“That is correct.”
Adlar was close enough Varo could hear him perfectly. “So, what is the D’noir?”
“The D’noir are ten assassins who protect our leader.”

Varo’s stomach dropped to his knees. Adlar led a group of killers. If he led assassins, how much of a killer was he then? Not only that, the male who’d placed a slave collar on him was younger brother to their king. Adlar was royalty himself… and a killer. He just couldn’t get over that part.

TBC

Sarah HayesKazy ReedAvery DawesJohayanCaraway CarterElyzabeth VaLeyCia NordwellJulie Lynn Hayes