M.A. Church's Blog, page 25

Tuesday Teaser on a Wednesday

THE NEXT evening Raven contacted Hudson and updated him on what happened at the club. Connie was in Hudson’s office and overheard the conversation. 

The hunter they’d nabbed in the club? Wasn’t actually a hunter. He was a human who smelled like a hunter because the two of them had gotten busy in the bathroom. The hunter had rubbed himself all over the human, thus scent-marking him. Raven had questioned the human and found he’d just left the hunter in the bathroom when shit went down. 

The human had not been harmed before they found out the truth. Of course, the poor human had to be compelled to forget the entire incident. Several of them had to be. 

Cops found the dead bodies and had questioned Raven about it, not that they could tie the deaths to the attack on the club. It all seemed like a rather elaborate undertaking just to kidnap some people, not to mention Raven was now thoroughly annoyed. 

The only good thing, if one could call it that, was that they had proof the hunters were still active in San DeLain even though Nox was dead, and two of the hunters had perished. Hudson had apparently killed the one he threw against the van. 

Oh fucking well.

Hudson emailed the rest of the San DeLain leaders and updated them on what happened. Kage and Austin had left for Greece, and Hudson had arranged for them to borrow his private jet, which included members of his court as the crew.

Before Kage left, he reminded Hudson they needed someone to keep an eye on the human that Nox had attacked.

Seeing no sign that Hudson planned to stop working anytime soon, Connie ducked down to the kitchen and grabbed the plates of food left for them. 

Taking the plates back to Hudson’s office, he placed the two trays onto the conference table in Hudson’s office. It was dinnertime, and Connie was starving. 

“Oh, sorry. I didn’t realize it was so late. Thank you.” Hudson joined Connie at the table. “Pizza?”

“Homemade pizza,” Connie corrected. 

Since all of Hudson’s court lived in the compound, Hudson employed a full-time staff to cook in his home. All the dragons on Hudson’s land had their own homes, but several of the single ones ate at the main house. In a very loose way, Hudson’s residence functioned like a werewolves’ packhouse.

Hudson took a bite and groaned softly. “This is excellent.”

“Did you expect anything less?”

“Nope. Stella and her staff excel in all forms of cooking. To say otherwise would be to tempt Fate,” Hudson quipped as he took another bite of pizza.

“Yeah, Fate in the form of your head cook. She’d probably whack you on the ass with one of her wooden spoons. Stella doesn’t play.”

“No, she does not.” Hudson picked up the soda that Connie had brought and took a sip. “Kage and Austin are on their way to Greece. He reminded me that the human who owns the bookstore needs protection.”

“What was the guy’s name again?” Connie asked.

“Kit Meadows. He’s the owner of The Book Spot. His ex was the hunter who let Nox into Kit’s office.”

Connie grimace. Talk about a betrayal. “Ouch.”

“Yeah. And the ex is missing too, so Kage and Austin are worried about Kit’s safety.”

Kit owned a bookstore that Austin had done a book signing at. The two had hit it off and had started to become friends when Austin had suddenly backed off. 

Austin had mainly done that because he didn’t want to draw Nox’s attention to any friend of his. Not that it had done good. Nox attacked Kit, assumed his identity, and lured Austin into a trap.

“Any idea of who you want to use to babysit the human?” Connie asked as he bit into his pizza.

“I think Beckett would work nicely. He’s pretty nonthreatening for an Ancient—which is good for Kit’s peace of mind. Plus, Beckett’s a bookworm. Doing guard duty in a bookstore should be right down his alley.”

“I’ll check with him and see what he’s got going on. You do realize, of course, that saying Beckett is nonthreatening for an Ancient is all kinds of wrong, right? He’s damn near as powerful as you,” Connie pointed out.

“This human is important to Kage and Austin. That makes him important to us, which is why I am assigning a Grand Lord to watch after him,” Hudson said.

Dragons had titles that correlated with age. Hatchlings were dragons from birth to ninety-nine years old. Younglings were one hundred to four hundred ninety-nine years old. 

Dragons who were five hundred to six hundred ninety-nine years old had the title of Sir/Mistress. Connie fell in that category. Any dragons who were seven hundred to nine hundred ninety-nine years old held the title of Lords/Ladies. 

Dragons over a thousand years old who was not born a King or Queen held the title of Grand Lord/Lady, like Beckett, and also considered an Ancient. 

A King/Queen was a solid color of whatever court they belong to. In Hudson’s case, since he belonged to the Fire Court, he was a completely red dragon.

Welcome to Pucker Up Monday

It’s not what you think, lol. Since Mondays do tend to suck, I thought I’d try to start the week off right for y’all. 

Tuesday Teaser

 

Fuck, it stunk of hunter in there. Now to deal with the humans who’d been kidnapped. Opening the door again, he got out and started around the back. 

The vampire appeared next to him suddenly. “Need help?”

“Possibly. It depends on if they saw something they shouldn’t have had. By the way, what’s your name?”

“Felix March of the St. Clair coven.”

“Thank you for your help, Felix. I’ll make sure Raven knows,” Hudson said as he reached the back of the van.

“Glad I could be of assistance, King Hudson. Fucking hunters.”

“Fucking hunters indeed.” Hudson opened the van doors. The one girl the hunters had managed to kidnapped ran at them, clutching one her high heels in her hand.

“I do love a fighter,” Felix said, staring at the woman. “Relax. You are safe. Lower your weapon.”

Hudson heard the power in the vampire’s voice. Impressed, he watched the human woman stumbled to a halt and slowly lower her shoe. She stared at Felix, her face blank. 

Felix held his hand out, and the woman took it. He gently helped her out of the van, then took her shoe from her. Kneeling, he instructed her to brace her hand on his back while he helped put the shoe her back on.

For some reason, the gesture touched Hudson.

Standing, Felix gently took her chin and stared into her eyes. “You were kidnapped, yes, but you saw nothing unusual. No claws. No red eyes. Nothing a human would not have. A blond-headed guy with blue eyes and of average height helped save you, but he disappeared before you could get his name. Do you understand?”

The woman nodded slowly. “Yes. I understand. I saw nothing unusual and a blond-headed guy with blue eyes who is of average height helped save me.”

“Now go back toward the club and find a group of people to stand with. There is safety in numbers.”

“I will go back to the club and find a group of people stand with because there is safety in numbers.”

Hudson watched the woman walked back. He glanced at Felix and grinned. Hudson had long red hair and brown eyes. Felix had short, dark brown hair. They were both tall. He couldn’t tell the color over his eyes because they were currently red.

“Smart.”

Felix bowed his head slightly. “Thank you, King Hudson.”

A few seconds later, fire trucks and cop cars came screaming up to the club. 

Hudson smelled Connie before he saw him. Connie stopped next to him and nodded to Felix.

“Connie, this is Felix, one of Raven’s vampires. Raven? This is my right hand, Sir Conrad. Felix was very helpful.”

“Hey, Felix. Thank you. I’ve noticed several of Raven’s people helping. Is everything okay?” Connie asked as they moved into the shadows.

“One dead. I’m not sure about the other there on the ground. He hasn’t moved since I threw him against the van. At least two escaped. The humans are unharmed,” Hudson said. “Any more attempted kidnappings?”

“No, fortunately,” Connie said.

“That’s good to know,” Felix said. “King Hudson? Sir Conrad? I must take my leave now. I’m sure the human police are going to want to talk to Raven since he owns the place.”

“I did see a female vampire capture what I think was one of the hunters inside the club. Once everything calms down, will you ask Raven to update me on what happened, please?” Hudson asked.

“Absolutely. I didn’t know about that. Interesting.” Felix nodded to both of them then walked back toward the club at a human speed.

“Making friends, are you?” Connie asked.

“Never can have too many,” Hudson joked. “But Felix was a great help. I do envy their ability to compel humans.”

“It would definitely be a nice talent to have,” Connie agreed. “But I’ll take being a dragon any day.”

“Can’t argue with that. We really are the best.” Laughing, Hudson threw his arm around Connie’s shoulders. “Come on, let’s go home. I’ve had enough excitement for the night.”

Welcome to Pucker Up

It’s not what you think, lol. Since Mondays do tend to suck, I thought I’d try to start the week off right for y’all. 

Thursday Book Recommendation

 

These are books I’ve read and really enjoyed. Most of what I talk about will probably be paranormal/scifi but not always. Although it’s rare, I do read some contemporary. 

This week is:  Echo: A Dark MM Sci-Fi College Enemies to Lovers by Chani Lynn Feener

Blurb: 

The Devils of Vitality always hit their mark.

Rabbit Trace is a musical prodigy with a secret.

Ever since an event that took place a year ago, he gets terrible stage fright before every performance. With a famous mother who's dedicated her entire life to her craft, and the weight of her expectations heavy on his shoulders, Rabbit is only one panic attack away from crumbling. He knows it'll be easier to escape if he stops running from the memory of that night, but he's stubborn and doesn't want to remember something so horrible his mind thought fit to erase it for him. Monotony has helped him make it through, and he's settled into a dull routine that keeps his mind occupied, the worst of the attacks limited to just before performances. That is until one of the infamous Devils of Vitality suddenly takes notice and decides to invade his life, whether he reciprocates or not.

Baikal Void has many titles.

Each of them comes with a responsibility attached to it. Future Dominus, head of the Vitality Brumal Mafia, is just one of them. He's always known he'd one day have to take the crown, he just never realized it'd be so soon. With his father dying and the inevitable changing of power looming, Baikal struggles to keep his deranged nature under control as he grapples with the upcoming loss. Then one night he's dragged to a recital for his university and sees him for the first time. After one glance he knows he's found his saving grace in Rabbit, the reserved musician who looks like he's battling demons of his own. Just like that, he's got a new title to add to the list. He's going to be the owner of one little ethereal bunny.

Rabbit doesn't understand Baikal's sudden and intense interest, or why the Brumal Prince has gone out of his way to collect enough dirt on his mom to force his hand. Blackmailed into a relationship of sorts, Rabbit fights against Baikal's constant advances and his own tumultuous feelings. Everything Baikal inflicts on him is wrong and twisted, and yet the longer he's made to endure, the more codependent Rabbit finds himself becoming. Baikal promises freedom from the predetermined fate he's always been a slave to, but only if he gives himself over to him completely.

And if he doesn't do so willingly? A devil is always prepared to take what they want, and Baikal Void is no exception.

Trigger Warning: This is a stand-alone dark romance, which means there are many themes that some might find disturbing. Some of these include, but are not limited to, dub-con, violence, stalking, obsession, a rich and powerful male lead who's never heard the word no before, a male lead who's used to feeling trapped by his circumstances, and explicit sexual content not suitable for all readers. Please be sure to read the Author Note for a complete list of warnings! HEA guarantee!

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C5C6KBR3

(Note: This author has become an auto buy for me. If dark MM is your thing, you gotta check her out.)

Tuesday Teaser on a Wednesday lol

 

~excerpt from Edge of Darkness

A decrepit white van stopped a little way down the street fromthe club. Its door slid open.

Alarms started going off in Hudson’s head immediately. “Shit.”

A human male dressed all in black had his arm around a youngwoman, consoling her as he gently herded her toward the van. In fact, Hudsonnoticed several humans were being led that way.

The alarms in his head were now shrieking. He hadn’t stop toconsider option three—that this was a human kidnapping mission. Hudson duckedout the exit and started speed walking toward the van and the people movingtoward it.

Connie fell into step beside him within seconds. “What?”

“Men in black clothing are moving humans toward that white vanon the street.” Hudson picked up his pace, Connie still beside him. “I gotthis. Make sure there isn’t another van on the side streets.”

“Torres will kill me if I leave you unprotected, Sire,” Conniemurmured.

“Check the side streets, Conrad. That’s an order.”

“Dammit to the flames. Fine. Yes, Sire.” Connie broke off andheaded in the other direction.

Hudson hated to use his position to order his lover about, butright now he was acting as the king of the Fire Court, and he had a really badfeeling about this.

He broke into a run just as the pair closest to the vanstarted to fight. The girl’s instincts must’ve finally kicked in, but it wastoo late. The man finally picked her up and threw her inside.

The others hunters dropped the charade of being helpful anddragged whoever they were pretending to help toward the van. There were atleast three hunters, not including whoever was inside.

Fuck, fuck, fuck. Breaking into a run, Hudson caught up withthe couple closest to him and didn’t waste time. Grabbing in the hunter inchokehold, he broke his neck. The human captive immediately started running inthe other direction.

He debated going after the human but didn’t. Hopefully theydidn’t get a good look at Hudson since he basically killed somebody right infront of them.

Hudson let the guy drop to the asphalt and took off after thenext couple. The hunter was fighting with his captive, who was a guy this time.

The hunter slugged the man, then threw the human over hisshoulder and sprinted toward the van. The victim wasn’t little by no means, butthe hunter handled him as if he weighed no more than a feather.

Just as Hudson caught up with them, the first hunter came outof nowhere and slammed into Hudson. The hunter was partially transformed, andthe yellow eyes were a dead giveaway of what DNA had been spliced with his—werewolf.

Deadly sharp claws slashed at Hudson, ripping through hisshirt and into his skin. Hudson spun, his hair whipping around him. He caughtthe hunter’s arm, and as he turned, he slammed his elbow into the hunter’s ribs.

He smirked in satisfaction when he heard several of them crack.The hunter’s yells gave him a little spurt of joy too. Finishing the turn,Hudson picked the hunter up and tossed him against the van, making it rock.

The hunter collapsed in a heap on the ground and didn’t move.Hudson sprinted toward the last hunter who had the human male over hisshoulder.

His hair fluttered as something blurred past at an incrediblerate of speed. Then the hunter came to an abrupt stop and dropped his human.The guy rolled several feet away, staggered to his feet, and started limpingoff.

Hudson caught up to the hunter, surprised to see a vampire hadhis fangs in the hunter’s neck, draining him. The vampire dropped the hunterand glanced at Hudson.

“The human male saw,” Hudson asked just as the van startedpull away. “Can you compel him to forget? I’ll take care of the van.”

“Yes, King Hudson.” The vampire blurred toward the humantrying to escape.

Hudson hated to do that, but the human had seen something heshouldn’t have. He had to forget.

Hudson raced for the van and grabbed the bumper just as thedriver hit the gas. He lifted it, and the front wheels smoked as the van triedto go but couldn’t.

Eventually the hunter figured out something was wrong. Thefirst hint was probably the fact they weren’t moving. Idiots. Opening the door,he and another hunter bailed out of van and started running.

Hudson dearly wanted to go after him, but he couldn’t, not as longas there were still victims inside the van. Fortunately for him, the vampirewho had helped him earlier took care of the problem.

Hudson lowered the back of the van down then hurried to the driver’sdoor. Scrambling into the seat, he put the van in park. Fuck, it stunk ofhunter in there. Now to deal with the humans who’d been kidnapped. Opening thedoor again, he got out and started around the back.

Tuesday Teaser

 

~Excerpt from Edge of Darkness, book 1 in the Dragons of San DeLain

“Hunters are on the property,” Hudson breathed, speaking so quietly it was almost sub vocal. 

Whatever paranormal powers hunters picked up through DNA mutation wasn’t quite as strong as a true paranormals. He hoped his warning was quite enough the hunter couldn’t pick it up.

The vampire’s eyes widened, but that was the only indication of nerves. “Certainly. I’ll get right on that. Oh, wait. We’re out in the coolers up here. Sorry about that. Be right back.”

Hudson leaned against the bar as a vampire disappeared into the back. A few minutes later he returned with his and Connie’s beer. As Hudson left the bar, he noticed the bartenders, who were all vampires, leaning closer to paranormals to take the drink orders.

Hudson made his way through the crowd to his table. As he walked, he noticed several paranormals making eye contact. Word was getting around quickly.

Now if only he could figure out where was the hunter he smelled. All the leaders of San DeLain had briefed their people on how to spot hunters. The oddness to their human scent was the main giveaway. 

He’d barely sat down his seat when he saw Raven, the Master of the City and owner of this club, moving through the crowds. 

“Here you go,” Hudson said, handing Connie his beer. “Sorry it took so long. The bartender had to go into the back since they were out in the coolers up front.”

“I understand.”

Hudson watched as Raven moved to the crowd, stopping to briefly speak to people as if he was nothing more than an owner saying hi to his patrons.

Of course, the only people he was stopping to speak with were other paranormals.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a blur of movement… then nothing. It was like nothing had occurred. Even he, as a dragon, barely noticed it. It was one reason why vampires were apex predators. They moved at speeds humans had no hope of following. 

“Get ready,” Hudson whispered to Connie.

“Of course.”

The flashing lights also provided cover for the vampire as she suddenly disappeared into a hallway with a very startled human. Hudson would bet one of the fist-sized rubies he owned that was the hunter he scented.

Problem was, was that the only one?

Before he had a chance to finish that thought, the lights in the club went out. Humans were the only ones in the club who’d have trouble seeing in the darkness, and sure enough, seconds later, they began to scream. 

Of course they did, when nearly everyone and their brother owned a gun in this country and a certain element liked to shoot up gay clubs. 

Then the fire alarm went off.

“For fucks sake,” Connie growled, surging to his feet.

Oddly enough, Hudson didn’t smell smoke. He did notice the humans around him panicking, though.

“It’s a distraction,” Hudson said softly over the screaming to Connie. “No smoke.” 

“Why?” Confuse, Connie glanced at the terrified crowd.

That was the question. If the hunters, and apparently there were more than one, were trying to escape, the threat of fire would certainly be a good cover for them to get out of there. But even if they were trying to save their buddy, again, a fire was still a perfect distraction. 

A man shoved a woman into Hudson as he rushed by. Hudson helped steady her even as he cussed the human male. This was going to get ugly quickly. 

The humans were on the verge of stampeding the exits because they didn’t know there wasn’t actually a fire. And in the dark, everything was confusing. The red lights of the fire alarm and the screaming didn’t help matters, either.

“We need to help the other paranormals evacuate the club.” Hudson motioned to one of the exit signs. “Come on.”

Connie stuck close to Hudson as they made their way to the nearest exit. Sure enough, the door had been thrown open and paranormals were trying to direct humans through. 

More likely the same was being done at the other exits. He hoped. There were crying and shouts as people fought to get outside. He noticed a vampire trying to use his talent of persuasion to calm the humans, but there was too much stark terror for it to work. 

Fucking hunters. The acidic scent of fear canceled out everything else. Even if a hunter passed Hudson on his way through the exit, there was a good chance Hudson wouldn’t know.

Off in the distance he heard sirens. Well, it appears the police were responding in a timely manner. Hopefully they could calm the crowd and not incite them. 

Connie had moved outside and was trying to calm a group of young women who were crying hysterically. One of them had apparently been pushed down in the rush to get outside. 

Her lip was busted and bleeding, her dress was torn, and she’d scraped her knees pretty badly. Several people were bleeding, in fact. Hudson hoped the vampires didn’t lose control.

Some humans were quickly vacating the area while others were standing around aimlessly staring at each other. Most likely shock was setting in. 

It appeared as if people had finally figured out the fire alarms were false and were starting to calm down a little. Hudson scanned the groups of people standing around talking. Now several of them had their cell phones out. Because of course they did.

A decrepit white van stopped a little way down the street from the club. Its door slid open. 

Alarms started going off in Hudson’s head immediately. “Shit.”

Welcome to Pucker Up Monday Pride Style

It’s not what you think, lol. Since Mondays do tend to suck, I thought I’d try to start the week off right for y’all. 

Thursday Book Recommendation (on a Friday lol)

These are books I’ve read and really enjoyed. Most of what I talk about will probably be paranormal/scifi but not always. Although it’s rare, I do read some contemporary. 

This week is:  The Necromancer's Light (Radiance Book 1) by Tavia Lark

Blurb: 

He’ll die without touch.

As a necromancer, Shae loses a little more of himself every time he uses his magic. Always cold, always touch-starved, the only thing that helps is human contact. But that’s hard to come by when those same dark powers scare everyone away from him. Nobody likes a necromancer.

Especially a paladin of the Radiant Order.

Arthur’s still bitter and broken after his last lover stabbed him in the back, and the last thing he needs is another brush with evil. When he agrees to escort the wandering necromancer north, he’s just doing a public service.

But he never expected Shae to be so clingy. Or distractingly attractive.

Shae has never felt an aura as warm and safe as Arthur’s. He craves the man’s touch—and more. But everyone he’s ever known has left him, and it’s just a matter of time before Arthur leaves him too.

Assuming the soul-stealing monsters don’t kill them first.

The Necromancer’s Light is a gay fantasy romance, with magic, hurt/comfort, and bed sharing for Reasons. First in a series but can be read alone. 56,000 words, HEA guaranteed.

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B099V1ZHH7

Tuesday Teaser

 

~Excerpt from Edge of Darkness, book 1 in the Dragons of San DeLain

As they talked, the hair on the back of Connie’s neck stood up. A feeling of menace wrapped around him. Calmly he swallowed the sip he had just taken and nonchalantly scanned the area as he answered a question Hudson just asked. 

Dragon gods, there were so many people here. Way too many people for him to figure out who was staring at him—them?—with such loathing. But there was, he’d bet his scales on it.

“Connie?” Hudson demanded softly.

He shouldn’t be surprised that Hudson noticed his attention had wandered. “Someone seems particularly interested in either me or us. And not in a sexy way,” Connie whispered back. “Do you feel it?”

 

Chapter Three - Hudson

HUDSON LEANED  back in the chair and sipped his drink as he casually he looked around. He hadn’t noticed what Connie said he felt, dammit, but he also hadn’t been really been paying attention. 

And shame on him for that. He knew better. Just because Nox was dead that didn’t necessarily negate the threat of hunters.

There were so many people around them, even though they were off the dance floor. Then there were the folks upstairs who could stare down into the bottom level. It would be impossible to pin down whomever was giving them the hairy eyeball. 

Nevertheless, Hudson discreetly drew air into his lungs and tried to shift through the various scents he inhaled. Unsurprisingly, everything was muddled thanks to the humans’ sweat, cologne, hair products, and so on. 

It didn’t help that they were sitting under an air vent that was running on high. Then add in the identifying scents from the various paranormal there, and it was definitely messing with the scents. 

As luck would have it, though, the air-conditioning kicked off for a moment. What perfect timing. Hudson made himself wait before inhaling again so the scents could settle.

Oh yes. That was much better.

The vampires were easily identified thanks to their slight metallic scent. And it was a vampire owned club, after all, so there were a lot of them there.

Salt and brine rode the air currents. Glancing about, he spotted a few merpeople. Their androgynous features marked their species. Like the vampires, they needed blood, but unlike the vampires, it didn’t have to be human. 

A couple of magic users were there too. They tended to smell of ozone even when not using their powers. They blended in with the human crowd the easiest. 

A lone gargoyle sat at a table, his earthy scent tangy and fresh but also sharp. Seeing him was a surprise. They didn’t often leave their territories. 

Then it hit him like a brick to the face—an oddness to a human scent that made the nose wrinkle because it was just wrong. 

“Hudson?” Connie murmured. “Do you—”

“Yes, I’d like to have another drink,” Hudson replied, cutting Connie off. 

If this was one of the genetically altered hunters, then they could nearly hear as well as any paranormal. Last thing he wanted to do was alert whoever was watching them that they were aware of it.

“I’ll take care of it, Conrad. You stay here and hold our table, please.” Hudson knew Connie would catch on pretty quickly. For one thing, Hudson usually used Conrad’s nickname of Connie. Unless, of course, he wanted Connie’s immediate attention. 

“Yes. Yes, okay, I could go for another drink. Sure. I’ll stay here.” Connie lounged in his chair looking completely unperturbed. He even smirked. “It’s your turn anyway.”

“That it is. I’ll be back.” Hudson left the table and hurried to the bar. From where he was standing, he had a pretty good line of sight to Connie, as long as no one got between them.

The vampire bartender drifted down to Hudson, a slight smile on his face. “Hey. Do you want the same?”

Hudson act like he was having problems hearing the bartender. Which, if he’d been human, was a distinct possibility with the way the music was thumping. 

Hudson leaned across the bar like he was trying to give the bartender his order. The bartender blinked in confusion, then met Hudson half way. 

“Hunters are on the property,” Hudson breathed, speaking so quietly it was almost sub vocal.