Lynn Thompson's Blog, page 43

Blake-A Montana Dayton Novel Ch. 12

I woke up late the next morning with my bed empty and a small ache in my heart. I was an idiot; Max probably screwed up any other relationship I might have in the future. No one else could even begin to compare to him, at least not when it came to making love, because that’s exactly what he did. Not just once, but all night long. He was insatiable. My lips felt swollen, my body felt bruised-in a good way, muscles I didn’t even know I had ached. I was in post sex heaven. For some reason it pissed me off.

“Wake up sleeping beauty,” Chase said as I opened my eyes. “You look like you had a wild night last night.”
I sat up, fluffing my pillow. “You’re the only sleeping beauty in this house Chase.”
He laughed, handing me coffee before he spilled it.
“I’m becoming spoiled,” I took a sip.
“Max told me to let you sleep in, but not too long, just in case you still wanted to take Lightning out.”
“Did he mention how long he might be gone?”
“No, if he catches that thing he could be gone for a while. If he picks up another job he could be gone for months,” he frowned. “He did tell me to tell you if you need anything to call his cell, he’s going to check it a couple times a day.”
I was an idiot. Regardless of last night I probably wouldn’t see him again anyway. We both lived in different worlds. I liked to travel, he worked for the government. I liked my independence, he liked to invade my space. There was no room for a relationship, and not once had he ever mentioned having any kind of relationship with me. It was just sex. Wonderful sex, but just sex all the same.
“Horseback riding sounds wonderful; I’ll be down in about thirty minutes.”
Chase grinned wide. “Your clothes are at the foot of the bed,” he said exiting the room.
With a sigh I got out of bed, showered, found some warm clothes, got dressed, applied some makeup, and dried my hair. I picked up my backpack and put my notebook, camera, and smokes in it, before I ambled downstairs.
“Ready?” I called to Chase as I searched for my gun. My mind kept circling back to Max, when all I wanted to do was focus on anything else but him.
“Almost, Max left you a present. I’m putting it together right now. Come take a look.”
“Have you seen my gun?” I marched into the kitchen, anger flashing in my eyes. Max was gone and I still felt like he was invading my space.
“Your gun is in your jacket pocket where you left it. What do you think?”
“I think both of you have to stop feeding me coffee,” I growled. Max bought me a black espresso machine to match my black appliances.
Chase pressed the start button and gazed over at me.
“Sit down; we’ll leave after we try this out.”
“You’re starting to sound like Max, Chase.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
I shook my head no.
“Max was really grumpy when he left this morning too. Is there something I need to know?”
“Nothing, sorry. How long are you watching over me?”
“Until he calls or comes back.”
“Aren’t you tired of it? I’m sure you have better things to do with your time.”
“Actually it’s exciting. Besides you’re like the big sister I never had.”
“Are you an only child?”
“Yep,” he turned around to finish making us lattes, signaling the end of the discussion. He added a touch of vanilla and frothed some milk frowning, then smiling, then frowning again.
“I have no idea how to do this,” he said, pouring hot flat milk into our espressos, and handing me one.
We both eyed the coffee, wondering if the milk was still good from so much heat. I took the plunge first, blew on my questionable latte and took a small sip.
“This is really good Chase, flat but good.”
After our jolt of caffeine, I made sure my gun was loaded. We put on our jackets and headed down to the barn with Killer following us.
Killer pounced on Pumpkin giving her lots of dog kisses as soon as we opened the door. I watched Pumpkin flatten herself. Her ears laid back on her head and she gave Killer the evil eye.
“Pumpkin should be used to that by now,” he side stepped the animals. “It happens every time we bring Killer down here.”
“If she lost a little weight she might be able to get away easier.”
He chuckled, “That’s not going to happen until she has her litter and maybe not even then. I think she’s a naturally big boned cat.”
“She’s pregnant? How long have you known? Rose will be absolutely thrilled.”
We stepped deeper into the barn. I wasn’t surprised to see yet another horse in the stall next to Ace’s empty one.
“Who does this horse belong to?”
The horse was brown with a white streak on its nose and was scrawny thin.
“She almost belongs to me. I’m renting to own her. I had the vet come in this morning and give her a general physical to make sure she is in good health, that’s when I found out about Pumpkin.” Chase said rubbing her neck. “She doesn’t look like much right now, but she will be.”
“What happened to her?”
“Her last owner was a mean S.O.B. and the people who adopted her can’t afford to keep her. I’ve been making payments to them. She’s almost paid off.” He said, grimacing.
I mounted Lightning, called Killer, and rode out of the barn with Chase walking out behind us rubbing the horse’s nose and talking to it lovingly.
“I hope you don’t mind taking it easy today, she’s still a little skittish.”
“Not a problem.”
He mounted her carefully, whispering in her ear to make sure she stayed calm.
“What’s her name? Does Rose know about Pumpkin?”
“No name yet, I want to see how she behaves first. And no, I haven’t had a chance to talk to Rose yet.”
“You could name her Brownie or Bolt” I said as we rode towards the meadow.
We went through many more names for his horse, coming up with nothing that fit when we noticed the clouds rolling in.
“Time to go back, it’s going to snow soon.” Chase said as flurries started flying from the sky, the air became rapidly colder.
“Too late,” I chuckled. We nudged the horses into a trot. The weather was another thing I loved about living up here. The sun could be shining without a cloud in the sky, or like right now with the clouds in the distance, and it could still be raining or snowing.
By the time we made it back to the barn at least two inches of snow covered us, and another two inches flurried around us when we finally trekked back up to my house.
With nothing else to do, I decided it would be fun to order toys, clothes, and presents for the kids for Christmas. I also considered buying Chase a Santa outfit.
We both agreed we would rent a car and deliver all of our goodies in the middle of the night, so we wouldn’t be seen. After spending hours on line we tried making lattes again. They came out somewhat better, if not a tad bit messier.
“Who needs to read directions,” I told Chase, wiping the excess milk off the walls and counter tops. “We just need practice.”
We popped some popcorn then watched a zombie movie. The snow still created a white veil outside, and I was happy. Absolutely nothing bad had happened today, it was great.

Introducing–>>Mary Bernsen

As this weeks featured Author.


Mary Bernsen is a southwest Florida native currently living in Punta Gorda with her two beautiful children and a third, much larger child that she affectionately calls husband. She is a stay-at-home mother and spends her days creating characters on the good side of twenty-five because she is in serious denial about the fact that she is now on the bad side of it. She has a passion for fantasy of any kind along with historical fiction. If she isn’t having conversations with her made-up friends, you can usually find her clipping coupons or out on the boat enjoying the muddy waters of Peace River (as long as it isn’t below 80 degrees).

url https://www.goodreads.com/marybernsen

website http://www.mbernsen.blogspot.com

twitter username marybernsen

genre Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

 

What is a Queen without her King?

After learning that she is adopted, Eliza sets off to locate her biological family and finds them in the Louisiana bayou. But they’re more than just locals—they’re descended from the area’s most famous Voodoo queen, Marie Laveau—Eliza’s great-great-grandmother. Surrounded by a mysterious world of séances, spells, and sacrifices, Eliza finds herself worshiped as the last great priestess. What’s more, she’s inherited the ability to heal the souls of others with a simple touch of her hands.

Eliza is expected to cultivate this gift so she can claim her title as Queen and return the Voodoo community to glory. A task Eliza wouldn’t mind as long as she could perform it beside the devastating Samuel Mueller. But according to tradition, Samuel is her keeper, and a keeper never becomes romantically involved with his ward. His sacred duty is to protect her. And the bayou is rife with enemies who would sacrifice anything to eliminate outsiders like Eliza…

 

 

Blake-A Montana Dayton Novel Ch. 11:2

“What’s wrong?”

“Time to put your eyes back in their sockets boys,” Alexis giggled. “Didn’t you look in the mirror?” she whispered to me.
“No, I forgot.”
“Go to the bathroom now.” Alexis gave me a nudge.
I did as I was told and almost didn’t recognize my reflection in the mirror. My hair was lightly highlighted, soft, and silky. My face glowed, and was soft and smooth. My skin felt like it did when I was a kid. I smiled, her product would definitely be worth investing in.
“Montana,” Alexis said, poking her head into the bathroom. “Everyone’s waiting for you.”
I gave her a big hug. “Thanks.” Now, at least I would die beautiful, if I died by the psycho creatures hands.
“Like I said, you’re feeding us.”
“Actually the guys are feeding us; maybe you should take them upstairs.”
Alexis giggled the whole way back to the table.
We ate ham with pineapple and brown sugar, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, green beans with almonds, homemade biscuits, cranberry sauce, and creamed onions, along with a salad straight from my garden.
I concentrated on the food, ignoring the guys glancing at me, and Max’s blatant stare.
We finished off dinner with coffee and pumpkin pie, topped with real homemade whipped cream, in front of the fire. Killer had been given his own plate loaded up with dinner and pumpkin pie, which he ate while we were having dessert.
Killer finished his plate and joined us in front of the fire, receiving pets from Alexis and Trina before settling down. We were all full, happy, and relaxed when this awful smell resonated from Killers direction. Killer smiled at us as the smell worsened. Everyone jumped up holding their noses closed and hurried back into the kitchen. Max and I jerked our jackets off the hooks by the door, calling Killer outside, while Trina sprayed down the living room with her perfume.
“I think Killer ate too much,” I said, laughing.
Max pressed himself against me, fingers rubbing up and down my sides. “Man, you’re gorgeous,” he dipped his face and breathed in my neck. “You smell so good,” he whispered as he turned my face towards his, gently pressing his lips against mine. He abruptly stepped back and lit a smoke for me.
“You’ve got to stop doing that Max,” or don’t stop at all.
He gazed at me longingly until I turned my back on him to watch the moon rise over the mountains.
Killer managed to evacuate my house faster than I ever could have. The kitchen was clean again and after several hugs the gang piled into Bears truck and left. Chase packed up some leftovers for Roses house and soon after, Chase, Max, and Killer left to check on the animals. I immediately lit a smoke when they were gone and located the pine air freshener, spraying the entire downstairs. Killer was no longer allowed to eat vegetables or pumpkin, I though smiling, he was ripe tonight.


I was feigning sleep when Max climbed into bed. He pulled me against him, spooning me. The heat from his chest touching my back emanated through my nightshirt and my heart beat with anticipation. He wasn’t wearing any clothes to bed tonight. His muscles sent small electrical pulses through my skin. I squeezed my eyes closed and tried to keep my breath even.
“Montana, I know you’re awake,” he lazily traced his fingertips over my belly button and up my stomach leaving my skin in flames under the shirt. His fingers lightly feathered down to my thigh and back up, creating little sparks of fire. He stopped at my waist for just a moment before sliding his hand under my shirt.
My breath caught in my throat. I couldn’t take anymore. I clamped my hand over his before he reached his destination. He chuckled in my ear and started kissing my neck. I told him to stop in my mind, but couldn’t get the words out of my mouth. My brain seemed to be at war with my body. My body won. I let go of his hand, rolled over, and kissed him, tracing my fingertips down and across his chest, causing his breath to catch in his throat.
“Remember Montana you belong to me,” he said as the heat from his kisses rushed through my blood, and his hands set my body on fire.

Scrivener Part Three: For Print

I used Scrivener to help me with my print copy also. I saved my book for amazon as a print copy, because it already has the page breaks inserted. One less thing to do in preparing the print book. I deleted the TOC and placed my author bio and contact info at the end of the book, then went into compile and set the Contents I wanted to compile -as is. There is also the option to uncheck the TOC and whatever you don’t want in your print copy.

For the text separator I used empty line
Folder- empty line
Folder & Text- single return
Text & Folder- page break

If your setting up your book for standard size print 8″x10″ you can save it under Format as non-fiction manuscript.
Make sure you go to Formatting and format your title/text.
And last, Page settings for your header/ footer/ page numbers, you can check not on page one if you don’t want a page number on the first page. I suggest looking up the guideline on page settings for a 8″x10″ book… top, bottom, left, right.

Here’s a handy community for answers I haven’t covered G+ Scrivener Community https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/109597039874015233580?cfem=1

I wanted to set up a 5″x8″ book so I went to createspace for the formatting guidelines. I ended up having to put my book back into Open Office or Word and set the page settings to .75 for both outer and gutter, or, right and left, mirrored. Bottom .75 and top .5. I went ahead and reset my pages so I would have the first two without the page numbers, rechecked my pages to make sure there wasn’t any weird paragraph spaces, and save in .pdf format. I found .pdf format is easier to upload.

Note: The guidelines tell you to gutter at .75 and outer at .50, but with those settings the right side pages will run into the bleed!

I had a rough time with my images. Createspace insists the dpi needs to be 300, which is fine by me, but I found that when I changed the ppi is my image size (because there is no dpi setting) to 300 createspace still wouldn’t accept the picture. I found that in order for them to accept my pictures…book cover… first page image was to set the ppi to somewhere between 320-350.



Blake-A Montana Dayton Novel is now in print for 12.95 at Createspace it should be available on amazon soon:)

 

 

 

Blake-A Montana Dayton Novel Ch. 11

Trina was of Asian descent, with long black flowing hair, big brown almond shaped eyes, and clear olive skin. And, of course, had a career as a model.

Alexis was Trina’s personal makeup and hair artist. Her long rich curly brown hair with golden streaks and hazel eyes could drop any guy to his knees, along with the perfect tan. I could see both of them posing for the camera. They were both thin with long legs and very tone bodies.
The men were in the kitchen cooking, “us” girls were kicked back in front of the fire. Alexis eyed me for a second, jumped up and flew out the front door. She ran back into the house with a backpack slung over her shoulder.
“I have an absolutely fabulous idea,” she grinned, pulling me up off the couch. “Where’s your bedroom?”
I pointed her in the right direction.
“Come on,” she tugged my arm and led the way. “This is such a wonderful house! We should think about buying something like this up here Trina.”
Trina just smiled. She dumped out the contents of the backpack on my bed, sorted some items out, and placed them to the side.
Alexis stepped into the bathroom and started the water running in my Jacuzzi. She re-materialized at the bathroom entrance, holding her hand out, Trina handed her a bottle and she disappeared back into my bathroom. The scent of Patchouli and vanilla enveloped the upstairs loft.
“Okay Montana, were ready for you, get undressed.”
The look I gave her made her giggle.
“You’re in wonderful hands.” Trina said.
“It’s the least we can do for you for feeding us.” Alexis grinned.
I glanced at the backpack and all the lotions and potions surrounding it.
“Alexis wouldn’t part with any of this stuff when we left. I tried to tell her we wouldn’t need it camping, but now I’m glad she brought it.”
I started to undress. “Where do you want me?”
“In the Jacuzzi would be great.”
The water smelled wonderful, so I slid into the tub. I was going to enjoy this. My world had been turned upside down recently, I deserved to get pampered.
Alexis applied thick greenish-brown goop on my face and neck while Alexis started brushing my hair, adding more goop to it.
“Why aren’t you modeling Alexis?”
“I used too, but I couldn’t stand the yelling and screaming that went with it. The dieting sucks too. I like to eat what I want when I want, besides my heart really is in the creating and making of masterpieces for the models to show off.”
“She means makeup and hair,” Trina said, “and since when do you need to diet?”
“Models are my masterpieces when I’m done with them!” She said, exasperated.
I wanted to grin at that one, but the goop she’d plastered on my face was hardening.
“So tell me about that big hunk of man down there,” Trina sighed, “he’s really into you.”
I wanted to tell her she could have him, but the paste had dried and my facial muscles were tight.
“We’re on a sabbatical from men,” Alexis said, “but I would take on Chase in a heartbeat if we weren’t. If you ever want to try the other side, let us know.” She winked at me.
Both of the would definitely be my type, if my type was female. I wasn’t at that point in my life and hopefully never would be. I closed my eyes while I soaked until a timer went off somewhere.
“All right Montana, I hope you can hold your breath because we need you to rinse all this off.” Alexis pushed me under the water.
Once I rinsed off the goop, and was dry, Alexis sat me on the bed and started making me into a masterpiece.
“All done,” She said, about ten minutes later, “I’m going downstairs to check on dinner, I’ll be right back.”
“This is Alexis product, what we used in the water.” Trina handed me a bottle. “Its oil free, so you don’t have to worry about shampooing your hair out after you use it. When you need more just call her.”
“Can’t I buy it on line?”
“No, we’ve been trying to market it, but haven’t found any companies interested right now.”
“Is there any side effects?”
“Not that we can tell. It’s made only with all natural products and we’ve used it for years without any problems.”
“Do you have a name for it?”
“Not yet, were having a hard time coming up with one because the product is so versatile. She made a scent free one we can use at the hot springs. It’s really nice because its water soluble and doesn’t pollute the environment.”
“Make sure you leave your information with me Trina. I invest in small businesses for a living and if I like this product we might be able to work something out.” I smiled. I liked them both.
Trina threw her arms around me in a tight hug and jumped up and down. “Thank You! I have got to tell Alexis!”
“Tell me what? Dinners ready, they’re setting the table right now.”
I yanked my clothes on. Trina raced over to Alexis, wrapped her arms around her in a huge hug, and swung her back and forth.
“I’ll tell you later. It’s wonderful news, you’ll love it!”
We raced down the stairs to find coffee brewing, a fire burning, and tons of food on the table.
“This looks wonderful,” I said, glancing at the boys. All four guys sat, staring at me.

Introducing–>>Teshelle Combs

As this weeks featured Author

Teshelle Combs is the award winning author of the YA action/romance novel, ‘The System,” and contemporary fantasy novel, “Core.”

She’s one of those crazies who majored in English in college and works as a full-time writer.

Teshelle grew up in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, and currently lives with her musico hubby, Nate Combs, and their soon-to-be born baby boy, Jaxter in Cape Coral, FL.

If you’d like to be interviewed, featured, or reviewed for Teshelle’s blog, email her at teshellecombs@gmail.com.

website http://teshellecombs.com/

twitter username TeshelleCombs

genre Young Adult, Contemporary, Fiction

 

Nate Combs (hubs), Toni Morrison, Suzanne Collins, Veronica Roth, Megan Dalabes(less) Cale can’t lie.

If only he could lie to the girl with the hard eyes and clenched fists, if only he could twist the truth, maybe he’d win her trust. But Cale can’t lie. And the only way to get ‘her’ is to tell her exactly what he is.

Journey through fight clubs, sky dungeons, and the perils of a forbidden world. Join Cale–an eighteen year old with one impossible secret–as he tears through the calloused blockade that is Ava Johnson.

And fearless Ava, buried in secrets of her own, faces the most frightening truth of her dark life.

She must learn to need someone.











1 + 1 = Dead.

That’s the only math that adds up when you’re in the System.

Everywhere Nick turns, he’s surrounded by the inevitability of his own demise at the hands of the people who stole his life from him. That is, until those hands deliver the bleeding, feisty, eye-rolling Nessa Parker. Tasked with keeping his new partner alive, Nick must face all the ways he’s died and all the things he’s forgotten.

Nessa might as well give up. The moment she gets into that car, the moment she lays her hazel eyes on her new partner, her end begins. It doesn’t matter that Nick Masters can slip through time by computing mathematical algorithms in his mind. It doesn’t matter how dark and handsome and irresistibly cold he is. Nessa has to defeat her own shadows.

Together and alone, Nick and Nessa make sense of their senseless fates and fight for the courage to change it all. Even if it means the System wins and they end up…well…dead.

 

 

Blake-A Montana Dayton Novel Ch. 10:2

“I’ve wanted to do that all morning,” he breathed, kissing me more softly. “It’s safer to kiss you with clothes on right now.” He moved to my throat, left a small trail of fire as he proceeded to kiss my neck, up to my ear. Goose bumps danced up my arms, hot shivers shot down my spine. I slid my fingers down his chest, taking my time, resting my hands on his hips. Oh man, he felt so right.

“Bear’s here.” I whispered in his ear, lightly pushing him away, saved by the bell. What did my body not understand about the word no! Had Bear not interrupted us I would have wound my hands into his hair and continued kissing him for the rest of the morning. It was getting harder to keep my distance from him. I was losing control over this situation and he wasn’t helping.
Max dragged his hands through his hair, his breathing uneven. “That’s becoming annoying.”
I gave a shaky laugh. “I can’t help it; it’s a blessing and a curse.” More of a blessing than a curse, I thought.
We both tried to shake off our desire as we ventured to the front door to let Bear in.
“Make sure to wait until he knocks, he doesn’t know you can do this and I don’t want him to,” Max said, slowing down our pace.
Max didn’t need to remind me, most people didn’t know I was a sensitive. I preferred to keep it that way. I waved to Chase on the way to the frond door, patiently waited for Bear to knock, then gave it another minute before I answered.
“Hey Bear, what a nice surprise, come on in.”
Max grasped my hand tightly. I couldn’t shake it loose, so I had to step to the side to let everyone in.
“Montana, Max.” Bear stomped his feet, shaking some of the snow off his boots, while eying Max’s hand in mine at the same time.
“I hope you don’t mind, my son Tree and I wanted to drop off some pumpkin pies for you and ended up picking up some hitchhikers on the drive over. This is my son Joshua; just call him Tree, Alexis, and Trina.”
They all crowded into my kitchen. “Oh man, it smells so good in here,” Alexis exclaimed, breathing in the scents of food from Chase’s cooking.
Bear came up behind me and tugged on my shirt, causing Max to tighten his grip on my hand even more.
“Can I use your phone to call Rose? It’s been a hectic morning,” he blushed, “I forgot mine at home.”
“Sure,” I dug it out of my back pocket, “use the solarium.”
“Okay Max, what gives?” I whispered, holding our hands up, while marching towards the fireplace.
“I want you by my side. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
“Hmm, now tell me the truth. I promise I won’t run away or anything.”
“Maybe not, but you sneak away every chance you get.”
“I don’t sneak, I walk.”
Everyone moved into the living room, joining us. Interrupted again, this was getting very annoying.
“You have a great place Montana, and I haven’t even seen the whole house.” Alexis giggled as she spoke. “I hope you don’t mind us barging in on you. Our car broke down close to town. Bear and Tree were nice enough to tow us to the nearest garage, before inviting us up here to drop off the pies. They said they could get us a room at the cute little bed and breakfast in town while our car is being fixed.”
“It’s not a problem. What’s your destination?”
Max lightly brushed his fingers over my knuckles. I momentarily lost focus on the conversation. No wonder I was always sneaking out of the house.
Trina smiled. “We are on a sabbatical, so we’ve decided to drive wherever our heart desires.”
“Where’s that?”
Alexis smiled and giggled again. “The hot springs, we’re going to camp there for a few days. I’ve heard it’s beautiful.”
“It is. I’ve seen several meteor showers at the springs. Keep your eyes open for them and shooting stars.”
“Ooh, shooting stars.” Trina said, her eyes lit up at the prospect.
Alexis laughed, “Were from L.A., so nature is a real adventure to us. We did a ton of reading on the subject before our vacation, hopefully were prepared for anything that might happen.”
I thought about the psycho-man creature out there. I really wanted to tell them to go somewhere else, but Max said everyone was safe, except me. I had to believe him or go insane worrying.
“Well if you run into any problems my casa is always open.”
“Thank you, we’ll remember that,” they both said simultaneously and broke down into giggles.
“Look who I found,” Bear said, coaxing Killer into the room. He flushed red as he handed me my phone. Good, he was able to talk to Rose.
Killer didn’t quite make it to the fireplace before Trina and Alexis pounced on him.
“What’s his name?” Trina cooed.
“Killer,” Max, Chase, Bear and I replied at the same time.
“Ooh, you do look like a Killer.” Trina said, rubbing his face while giving him a hug. “A Killer hunk of a dog,” she giggled again.
I think Killer blushed.
When Chase rose to check on the food I took the opportunity to break free from Max. I followed Chase into the kitchen, put some fresh coffee onto brew, and poked around at the food. “How much do we have?”
Chase grabbed my hand, “Enough to feed everybody.” He leaned into me, whispering into my ear. “Be nice to him Montana, he really likes you.”
“What’s going on in here?” Max grumbled, striding up to us.
Startled, we jumped away from each other.
“Is everything all right?” Max asked.
“Better than ever,” I replied.
“You never answered my question.”
“Chase and I were discussing dinner arrangements.”
“It looked like he was going to kiss you,” Max growled.
“Are you jealous?” I regretted saying it as soon as it came out of my mouth. Max glared at me. Chase gave me a dirty look before turning his back and walking out of the kitchen.
“I’m sorry Max, that was uncalled for. You just startled me when you came in. I swear there’s nothing going on between me and Chase, but to be honest with you, I do like him a lot.”
This time I had to grab Max’s hand to keep him from stomping out of the kitchen.
“If I was to have a younger brother it would be Chase.” There was no use in starting a fight between them.
I watched the anger on Max’s face subside. He tugged my hair and chuckled. A moan escaped my mouth as he slid his hand up the back of my neck and pulled me toward him. Oh man, oh man, what was happening to me?
To prove I still had some self control I stuck my tongue out at him and dodged his embrace. I heard Max chuckle again.
“I need a break before the party gets started.” I said as I bailed out onto the back deck with Max on my heels. “And I’m trying not to sneak out on you anymore.”
I leaned against the railing, scoping out my property. “Where do you think he is? I haven’t sensed him lately and I feel like I’m falling into a false sense of security.”
“I think he’s in its molting phase. That’s why I’m leaving in the morning.” He surveyed the landscape.
“He’s shedding his skin? Does that mean he’s growing?”
“No, he’s adapting to the environment, to the snow.”
“What are you saying? Does he change colors?”
“It’s classified. I wish I could tell you more, but I’ve already said too much. He shouldn’t be bothering you for the next couple of days, but please be careful anyway.” Max held my gaze. “Chase will be staying here, regardless, to keep an eye on everything.”
I caught his drift, he meant to keep an eye on me through Chase.
“Is it safe enough to go riding tomorrow? Lightning’s probably getting restless.”
“As long as you take Chase, I need to get back inside. I’ve neglected my duties long enough. Are we done out here?”
“Yeah, it’s starting to get cold.”
He reached out to me, changed his mind, and dropped his hand back to his side.

Blake-A Montana Dayton Novel Ch. 10

I woke up to Max’s stare. He’d just taken a shower and was standing over me wearing only a towel, small beads of water dripped off his hair and slid down his shoulders and chest. I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from drooling. My mouth twitched upward as my gaze wandered from his lips, to his chest, tightly muscled stomach, narrow hips, muscular legs, and down to his feet. Concentrating hard not to let my gaze settle on any certain part of him I followed the same trail back up to his eyes.Wow. The intensity of his eyes startled me. My pulse gave a quick kick in anticipation. He sat down on the bed and lightly stroked my face with the back of his knuckles. “You need to get up,” his voice rough, “Chase will be here soon.”

I balled my hands into fists. It was all I could do to keep from yanking him down on top of me. I waited until he sauntered into the closet before I left the warm confines of my bed, reminding myself again that I didn’t want to travel down that road. I went straight to the bathroom, locked the door behind me, and blasted the cold water in the shower.

I located my phone, turned it on, and fluffed myself up some. I’d just booted up my computer when noises of pots and pans banging around echoed up the staircase. My phone joined the cooking sounds with it’s ring. I followed the sound, answering before it went to voice mail. “Hi Rose, Happy Thanksgiving.”
“Montana it’s so nice to hear your voice. I’m glad you answered.” Rose said, sounding down.
“You don’t sound very happy Rose.”
“I’m a little homesick and I haven’t heard from Bear yet.”
“Have you talked to him at all since you’ve been gone?”
“Every day, up until today. You haven’t seen him by any chance have you?”
“No, but I’m sure he’ll call you soon. It could be he’s having a rough morning or something, it did snow several feet up here.”
“You’re probably right. What are your plans for today?” She laughed. “Let me guess, absolutely nothing. You’re going to sit in front of the fire and watch movies or read.”
“I wish. Max and Chase decided it would be fun to have Thanksgiving Dinner here. It sounds like they’re busy cooking right now.”
Rose was silent for a moment. “I’m glad you finally meet Chase, he’s a good guy. What’s going on with Max? What is he doing there?”
“He likes me? I really don’t know Rose.”
“So you’re not dating him or anything? Did you find out anything else about him?”
“No, and no.”
“That’s too bad on both counts, maybe I was wrong and he’d be good for you. I bet you can’t intimidate him as easily as other guys.”
If only, he‘d be long gone by now.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about Rose, besides I’m pretty sure I’d drive him crazy. I’m sure he’d be much happier with a more docile female.” I tried to picture it. It didn’t work.
“You need a man in your life Montana.”
Here we go again. “I don’t. How is your family?” I changed the subject.
We talked about her family for a while and I promised her if Bear didn’t call her I’d go search for him.
As soon as I hung up with Rose my mom called. She was heading out with a group of other gals to the casino, and free food. I wished her luck. I didn’t mention Chase or Max to her, I knew if I did there would be tons of questions and I’d be on the phone for hours with her.
“Don’t forget to turn your phone on Christmas Day.” My mom hummed.
“I won’t. Have fun.”
I hit the end call button and stared at my phone a moment, half expecting it to ring again. When I was sure it wasn’t going to I snuck down stairs, out the back door. I wanted some fresh air without a body guard.
The forest was peaceful, the sun was out, and the sky was blue. The day was perfect. I sat in a chair on the back deck. My phone rang.
“Hey sis, how’s it going?”
“It’s going fabulous, we’re thinking about becoming pregnant again!”
“Congratulations. When’s the big day?”
“Ooh, not until summer, I don’t ever want to be pregnant during the summer again! Were going to try for a winter or spring baby, hopefully a boy.”
“Speaking of child, how’s my niece?”
“She’s yanking on my pant leg right now, impatient to talk to you.”
I laughed. “And how’s my favorite husband.”
“You know he loves it when you call him that.” She giggled. “He’s perfect, as always.”
My sister’s name is Zoë; she has blond hair, blue eyes, is taller than me, and is the exact opposite of me. She’s outgoing and friendly to everyone, plus she’s always well dressed and perky. Her husband Shawn is one of my most favorite people. He has black hair with a touch of gray on the sides, hazel eyes, and a great body from working construction. He loves my sister more than life itself. He would do anything for her and Charlie, my niece. If I was ever to have a relationship I would like one like theirs. That one reason alone ruled out Max by itself.
“Hold on sis, Charlie is going to die if she doesn’t talk to you right now.”
The phone banged around in my ear for a second, I felt Charlie‘s high energy buzz through the line before she said anything. “Hi Charlie, how much sugar have you had today?”
“How did you know I was on the phone? You know mom and dad won’t feed me sugar. Mr. Lopez says hi too.”
Charlie is the big three, has black hair like her father, blue eyes like her mother, and is a rocket. She’s friendly, outgoing, and talks a mile a minute.
I let her talk until she had to take a breath, then I quickly asked her “How’s Mr. Lopez?” Mr. Lopez is her giant pet turtle, I think she tried to ride him once, but he wouldn’t move fast enough for her.
“Mr. Lopez has gotten bigger, I swear. Well I don’t really swear, mom says it’s bad to do that.”
I smiled, Charlie was hoot. While she was rambling on about Mr. Lopez Max stepped out on the back deck with his arms crossed over his chest and my smokes in one of his hands. I grabbed my smokes, lit one, and handed them back to Max. He lit his own while he stood there watching me as I listened to Charlie.
It seemed like an eternity before Zoë was able to wrench the phone out of her daughter’s hand.
“Love you Charlie, we’ll talk again soon.”
In the background I heard Charlie calmly tell her mom she wasn’t done talking to me.
Zoë was laughing when she spoke. “Shawn just rescued us, he’s taking Charlie outside and wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving.”
“Right back at him,” I said smiling. He was an excellent father too.
We talked for what seemed like forever. I didn’t say a word to Zoë about Chase or Max either, she would have interrogated me just like mom if had, and I wasn’t in the mood to answer any questions. She, like mom, promised to call on Christmas Day with a, “please remember to turn on your phone.”
Max gestured me back inside once I hit the end button. As soon as we stepped through the door he backed me up against the wall, hands braced on both sides of my head, and kissed me fiercely.

Introducing–>>M.H. Soars

As this weeks featured Author

 

I like to call myself a United Nations child. I was born in the United States but grew up in several different countries which gave me a broader perspective of life. I’ve always been passionate about books and stories and at a certain point had a comic book series going. With a background in fashion design I always thought I was going to follow that path. But the characters in my head kept begging to be set free. So I decided to write their stories. A couple of years and a baby later, the first installment of my Arcadian Wars series is finally done. I currently reside in New Mexico with my husband and baby daughter. I love to read novels in the YA, PNR, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, and Chick Lit genres. When not devouring said novels, you may find me shopping online (I’m an expert), blogging about fashion, or trying to teach my daughter to walk (even though she’s too young for that). If you would like to learn more about me and my projects, visit my Facebook page. Or you can also ‘friend’ me here on Goodreads.

url https://www.goodreads.com/mhsoars

genre Young Adult, Paranormal, Contemporary

 

Being a teenager is tough, especially when you have to pretend to be something you’re not, and you’re in love with someone you shouldn’t. 115 years ago, a small planet called Arcadia was invaded by a vicious alien race and nearly destroyed. Cut off from their resources, the Arcadians turned to Earth for help. A group of Arcadian explorers discovered a Prophecy that claimed their salvation lay in the hands of two children from Earth. To ensure their safety, the Arcadian Council sent their most gifted youngsters to Earth to act as protectors. Samantha is one of them.

To succeed in her mission she must learn to control her Arcadian powers and keep her true identity from her best friend, and the girl she swore to protect, Alexia. But Samantha will soon realize that nothing is as it seems. Someone is trying to prevent the Prophecy from taking place and the prophecy boy hasn’t been found yet. There is also a new drug circulating at school that is turning students into freakishly strong menaces.

To make matters worse, distractions keep getting in her way. Such as her love/hate relationship with her “cousin” Matthew. Or her confused feelings toward popular and mysterious Julian. She wants nothing more than to be free to live her life. But the survival of Arcadia depends on her and her friends. Free will is not an option.

 

I like to call myself a United Nations child. I was born in the United States but grew up in several different countries which gave me a broader perspective of life. I’ve always been passionate about books and stories and at a certain point had a comic book series going. With a background in fashion design I always thought I was going to follow that path. But the characters in my head kept begging to be set free. So I decided to write their stories. A couple of years and a baby later, the first installment of my Arcadian Wars series is finally done. I currently reside in New Mexico with my husband and baby daughter. I love to read novels in the YA, PNR, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, and Chick Lit genres. When not devouring said novels, you m…more

Blake-A Montana Dayton Novel Ch. 9:2

“Montana!” Max wrapped his arms around my waist and drug me away from the railing.

The wolves began to howl, the pack raced into the clearing, sniffed the air, and took off in a dead run, disappearing through the trees.
Blood flooded my ears, I sagged into his arms. He half dragged me, half carried me into his bedroom and sat me on his bed, gently he brushed the hair out of my face. The soothing motion helped the shock wear off. He gazed at me through intense eyes. I yanked him forward and kissed him, then pushed him away and sprang off the bed. I rushed downstairs, gun drawn, with Max close on my heels.
“Montana stop!”
I threw open the door and skidded toward the snowmobile. I’d almost made it, but Max grabbed the back of my jacket and tugged. I lost my balance, my legs slid out in front of me and I landed flat on my butt. I sat there for a moment with my head in between my knees. The snow began soaking through my jeans; my whole body began to shake.
“Montana, are you all right?”
I sat up, tears streamed down my face. “I’m fine.” I said, howling with laughter. I really needed to get better control of my nerves.
“Good. Get up so I can kill you.”
That put me into a bigger fit of giggles as I stood up. “Whatever you need to do Max.” I put my hands up by my head, still holding my gun.
Max glared at me. He moved forward and slung me over his shoulder so fast it made my head spin. He marched back inside the house.
“What the hell do you think you were doing?” He growled, carrying me back up the stairs. “Drop the gun on my bed.”
I tossed the gun as he carried me into the bathroom and turned on the water in the shower.
I wrapped my arms tightly around his waist, “Don’t you dare.” He wrestled my arms loose, taking my jacket with him, and dumped me in the shower. I attempted to jump back out, but he pushed me back in.
“Stay there, you’re freezing cold!”
I didn’t feel cold until the warm water soaked through my clothes.
“Strip down so I can put your clothes in the dryer.”
I peeled my wet clothes off and threw them at him as hard as I could, getting his face and shirt wet. I knew I should have argued with him, but I was still in shock. I actually kind of got a glimpse of the “he creature.” I had an idea what I was looking for now. My first reaction had me rooted to my spot on the balcony, but my second was to hunt it down and kill it. Max had stopped me, which now that I thought about it, didn’t make any sense. We should have been out there chasing it down.
“No wonder you don’t have a man in your life,” he growled.
I stuck my tongue out at him and gave him the finger as he left the bathroom. The temptation to empty his shampoo and body soap down the drain over-took me, I was so mad. Instead of being childish and vindictive I turned off the water, plucked a towel off the rack, dried off, and put on his robe. I snuggled into it, marched back into his bedroom, avoiding him, and stood in front of the fire he’d just started.
I spun around and glared at him, seeing red. His arms were crossed in front of his chest and he glared right back at me.
“I am on vacation.” I said very softly, my hands balled into fists. “I’ve had it with this thing that is out there! My plans were to spend the winter alone, reading, sitting by the fire, and doing what I wanted to do! Not plying nice with other people and not being locked in my own house. You told me I was safe here,” my voice rose, “but that, that creature was hanging out in your pine trees, spying on me.” I took a deep breath. “You stopped me from finding it and killing it and you’re mad at me? This is my vacation Max; this thing has got to go! Why the hell aren’t we hunting it? It was right there!”
Max dropped his arms to his sides. “Damn, you’re cute when you’re mad.”
I groaned. I should have expected him to change the subject. “Where are my clothes, I’m going home.”
“Hold on Montana, your wet and your clothes aren’t dry yet. Sit down and I’ll get us some coffee.” He disappeared down the stairs.
I wasn’t ready to sit down, so I found a brush and brushed my hair with my head as close to the fire as I could get it. It wasn’t a blow-dryer, but it helped a little.
When Max came back with our coffee I sat down. “I’m sorry about earlier, I had no idea he was here. As far as I know this is the first time he’s ever been on my property. I heard the wolves scuffling around, searched the house for you, and then spotted you bent so far over the railing I thought you might fall. It scared and annoyed me at the same time.” He grinned.
I imagined one of his wolves grinning at me like that and shuttered.
“Emotions I’m not used to having. You drive me crazy Montana.”
“The feeling’s mutual.” I heaved out a sigh. “Any idea yet on why this thing wants me so bad?”
“No, and it’s still classified. I’m done with my calls and Chase should be at your house soon. We’ll head out in a few minutes.”
He was evading my questions and probably lying. I searched his eyes; he didn’t want me hunting the thing down. “I need my clothes.”
He snagged the coffee cup from my hand and killed the fire. “Follow me.”
The laundry room was well placed under the stairs and hidden by a door.
“This is cool.” I said, putting back on my semi-damp clothes. “Do you think your wolves might catch him?”
“No.”
I wanted to ask him why not? But he’d probably just tell me I was cute again or something, so I let it drop.

We arrived back at my place without a problem. Max lent me his second snowmobile on the promise that I wouldn’t take off. It was a hard promise to make, but I managed to keep myself in check.
“Hey Chase. What’s with all the food?” Chase had already unloaded the truck by the time we reached the house, and over-stuffed bags covered every inch of my kitchen counter.
Chase gave me a huge grin. “Ask Max.”
I raised my eyebrow questionably at Max.
“Thanksgiving dinner, we’re having it here. After tomorrow I have to get back to work.”
“Who’s cooking?” I’m not big on cooking.
Max chuckled, “Chase and I.”
I grinned, “Good.”
After putting away the food I found two pizzas and placed them in the oven for dinner. When the timer beeped we took them into the living room and watched zombie movies until it was time for Chase to check on the animals. Max went with him. I wasn’t invited, of course.
I took Killer outside and lit a smoke. They hadn’t invited him either and both of us were starting to pout. Everything seemed as it should be, so I leaned against the railing and examined the stars while listening to the wind blow through the trees. The night was cold, but at the same time the chill was refreshing. I felt safe at this moment in time and decided to take advantage of it.
“You really shouldn’t be out here by yourself.” Max said softly, climbing up the stairs to stand beside me.
“All is right with the world and Killer is with me.”
“He wouldn’t be able to help you though.” Max slung his arm around my shoulder and held me close as we walked back inside.
“I’m going to bed,” I slipped out of arms, away from him, and covered a yawn at the same time. Having him this close made me uneasy, both in a good way and in a bad way. I was confused. He drove me crazy even though I was insanely attracted to him. Not to mention everything that was happening overwhelmed me and my life didn’t feel like my own anymore.
“I’m coming with you, I’ll be up as soon as I check the locks.”
Damn! I bounded up the stairs as soon as he turned his back and quickly changed into my nightshirt. I sat on the bed, putting on some purple fuzzy socks when Max emerged from my office.
“Nice socks.” He said disappearing into my closet. He strode back out with black sweatpants on and sat on the bed next to me.
“Your clothes are in my closet?” Why didn’t I know that?
“My horse is in your barn, I’m here most of the time, it shouldn’t surprise you that my clothes are in your closet.”
I rolled my eyes at his arrogance. “Just as long as you remember not to get on my bad side, I’ll be nice and keep a roof over both of your heads.”
He grinned, rolling his eyes at me. “I’ll remember, now climb under the covers with me.”
He tucked us under the covers and pressed against me, hand resting on my waist. His breathing was even and he was solid. It was bad enough I had to keep my eyes averted from his beautifully, muscled, naked chest when he’d sat by me, now the intimacy from his closeness produced a rush of heat and desire that filled every part of my spirit. My heart went into over drive.
“Relax Montana; I’m not going to bite. At least not tonight anyway, I’m exhausted.”
I relaxed in degrees, vaguely remembering snuggling deeper into his arms until sleep took over.