Rob Colton's Blog, page 16

Guest Post: Julie Lynn Hayes

Please welcome Julie Lynn Hayes. She’s here to talk about her new paranormal shifter release, When Will I See You Again. Julie runs the Wednesday Briefs group that I participate in, so please give her your support. :-)

 

Today I’ve traveled to Crescent Bay, a seaside town whose biggest claim to fame lies with its supernatural inhabitants. I’ll be interviewing two of the residents today, to get their take on life in Crescent Bay from both sides of the railroad tracks, so to speak.

My first stop is the infamous night club, Charisma. Anyone who knows of the town knows about Charisma, and the man who draws people to it like a magnet. What could be more fitting than I should interview the crown prince himself, Raoul Marchand. This wasn’t easy to do, believe me. I had to pull a few strings to get his agreement to this.  Let’s hope he’s in a good mood and willing to talk.

It’s still fairly early when I arrive. Hopefully, I can avoid most of the crowds. I hear people line up just to get into this place, to witness the phenomenon that is Raoul Marchand. Well, I’m ready to be wowed. There is only a short line, luckily, when I arrive, and when I reach the head of the line and start to pull out my ID, the bouncer waves me in. I’m not sure if I should be glad or insulted.

Another bouncer greets me inside. “Good evening, I’m Paolo. You must be Julie?” I nod. “Raoul is waiting for you. Right this way.” I follow him down a hallway, which opens up into a very bright and shining place indeed.

Flashing colored lights bounce off platinum and chrome surfaces, exuding a certain energy. A large circular bar dominates the room like a command post. It’s covered in mirror tiles streaked with dark blue veins the color of night.

“Right down there.” My guide points to the end of the bar, and I spot him. It’s hard to miss him, even at this distance. He has a most commanding presence.

“Thanks, Paolo.” I give him a smile and proceed. As I approach, the man stands, and I tell myself to please not drool when I’m speaking to him, but I know it won’t be easy. He’s tall, dark, and hunkalicious. His dark hair falls down his back—to his ass, I hazard a hopeful guess—and his eyes glitter with a fierce intensity. He is very well put together, and he doesn’t dress to hide it. He’s a veritable god.

“Thank you for agreeing to this, Mr. Marchand,” I say as I reach out my hand. He takes it for just a moment before returning it to me, gesturing toward a leather and chrome bar stool beside his own.

He shrugs. “My father thought it was a good idea.” Does that mean Raoul doesn’t? I wonder.

“What would you like to drink?” he asks.

I think a moment before ordering an amaretto sour. He relays that to the bartender, and orders himself a marguerita. The bartender seems friendly enough. He quickly brings our drinks then leaves us to our own devices.

“What would you like to know?”

Well, that’s… to the point, isn’t it? Good thing I borrowed Sarah’s voice recorder. Otherwise, I might not remember a thing.

“Mr. Marchand… may I call you Raoul?”

I hear a low growl and I wonder if someone brought a dog into the bar before I realize it’s my host. Then the sound is gone as he replies. “If you wish.”

“So…” I think I’ll skirt the name thing for now. “How long have you been running Charisma?”

“About twenty years.”

“That’s a long time for someone so young. How old are you, if you don’t mind my asking?”

“Of course I don’t mind. Age doesn’t make a difference. I’m forty.”

“So you started in the business pretty young?”

“My father gave it to me to run, so it was pretty well laid in my lap.” He gives me an enigmatic look as he picks up his glass and drinks.

I think for a moment. “Let’s see, your father is Philippe Marchand, right? So he started Charisma? When was that?”

“About fifty years ago. But it wasn’t a night club, it was a restaurant.”

“Oh, I see. Did he close the restaurant?”

“No, he moved it across town and gave me the night club.”

“That was nice of him. Why did he do that?” I’m thinking maybe a graduation present or something. Must be nice, right?

I think I said something wrong. He gets this look I can’t describe… like he’s just assumed a mask of indifference. He pulls a phone from his pocket, glances at it and then at me.

I think I’m living on borrowed time, so I cast about in my mind for another subject.

“The Marchands are the largest and most well known supernaturals in this part of the country, aren’t they?”

“Yes.”

Short and sweet.

“I know that with drugs, lycanthropes don’t have to suffer through the change any more. What a blessing that must be for you and your family.”

“Yes it is.” 

Hmm, not getting anywhere there. Try something else.

“Tell me, Raoul, is there a special someone in your life?” That has to be good, get him to talk about his girlfriend. Or boyfriend. Whichever.

Suddenly he rises, slams his glass onto the bar. “I’m done,” he announces. “Find your own way out.” And before I can respond, he’s flounced off, toward the dance floor. Ooh, I hate to see him go, but I love to watch him leave.

Wait, he’s picking someone out of the crowd, and all the people around him are going nuts, trying to gain his attention. I watch as he selects a young man and leads him away. Ah, it was fun while it lasted. Guess I’ll get some rest at the hotel and go to my next interview tomorrow.

I’m sure there’s a story there, one he’s not ready to share.

The next day, I’m up bright and early. My next interviewee is meeting me at my hotel on his way to work, and he said he doesn’t have long. I can live with that.

I take the elevator down and make my way to the restaurant, which is sparsely populated. He’s already there, and looking rather chipper for so early in the day. He waves me to the table he’s at, and as I join him a very kindhearted waitress brings a cup and a pot of nectar of the gods. Good, I’ll be able to think.

I add sweetener and cream and smile at the young man. He has thick red hair and bright blue eyes and a very energetic smile. “You must be Alexx Jameson?” I hazard a guess.

“I am. And you’re Julie?”

“Right the first time.”

Okay, down to business, since he doesn’t have very long.

“I’m flattered you called me,” he says, “but I can’t imagine anyone wants to read about me, you know? I’m no one special. Just a guy who works for the Chronicle.”

“Everyone is someone,” I reassure him. “So, what do you do there, Alexx?”

“I’m a go-fer, I guess. I work in the mail room, but I do whatever they need me to do. Like get their morning coffees, which is my next stop.”

“How long have you worked at the Chronicle?” The Crescent Bay Chronicle is the town’s one newspaper, owned by Joseph Levine, head of a family that is second in size and position to the Marchands.

“About two years now.”

“Were you born here?”

“No, I wasn’t. I lived in another state entirely. Chance brought me to Crescent Bay and got me a job at the paper.”

“Chance or fate?” I can’t help but smile. He sips at his coffee and grins back. He seems like a very nice young man, very easygoing.

“So where do you see yourself in a few years?” I ask.

“Hopefully as a reporter at the Chronicle,” he confesses, a faint blush rising up his cheeks, as if he isn’t used to speaking about his dreams.

“What kind of reporter do you have in mind to be? Sports, fashion, general news?”

“Crime,” he admits. “Something there isn’t really a lot of in Crescent Bay. But it would be a start. Who knows what after that?’

“The sky’s the limit. And if it’s meant to be, you know… maybe something is just around the corner for you?”

“I hope so.” He finished the rest of his cup and rises. “I’m sorry to drink and run, but there are people who will be very upset with me if I don’t get their morning coffees and stuff.” He rolls his eyes in a playful way. “Save us from divas.”

I can’t help but laugh. “I’ve met a few of those in my time.” I rise and hold out my hand. He takes it. “Nice to meet you, Alexx, thanks for talking to me. I’ll send you a copy of the interview when it comes out.”

“Nice to meet you too, Julie.” He gives me another smile and quickly hurries out of the restaurant. I, on the other hand, am starved, so I sit back down and glance at the menu. Might as well eat while I’m here. Then go home and put these interviews together.

So, there you are. Two different men, two different stories.

Hmmm, wonder if their worlds will ever collide?

Blurb:

Raoul Marchand is the crown prince of Charisma, the infamous night club in Crescent Bay, renowned for its supernatural clientele. He has the pick of any and all men, but he cares for none. He uses them and throws them away again, and has done so for some twenty years, in the aftermath of a tragedy that robbed him of what he loved most in the world.

Alexx Jameson is an idealistic young would-be reporter with the Crescent Bay Chronicle. Presented with an opportunity to write a story on the Marchands, he eagerly grasps the chance to be a real reporter. His friend, Chronicle receptionist Miller Fenwick, suggests they go to Charisma to do a little research. Alexx isn’t sure that’s such a great idea. After all, he’s still under age, being only twenty. No problem, Miller can fix that! Added bonus, there’s a full moon tonight.

When Alexx first encounters Raoul, it isn’t exactly in the way he dreamed of, and he’s sure he made a terrible first impression. But Fate throws them together under unforeseen circumstances, and the attraction between them can’t be denied. Can Raoul let go of the past long enough to find his future with Alexx, or is he doomed to repeat past mistakes?

Excerpt:

Alexx drew in his breath in dismay. This wasn’t going well. Even so, he could not stop staring at Raoul. His eyes met the other man’s. Raoul’s were very golden; he wasn’t aware such colors even existed in the spectrum of the human eye. But then again, he didn’t have any friends that were werewolves either. He wondered if this was a sign that perhaps this man was about to change, right here and now?

The thought was both exhilarating and frightening.

Alexx’s vision telescoped until he wasn’t aware of anything but this gorgeous man in front of him. Blood pounded in his ears and his mouth felt suddenly dry. Having lost all sense of the others in the room, he was surprised when he felt his chair yanked out from under him. Before he could fall, a hand grabbed the scruff of his neck, propelling him to his feet. He glanced at his companion; Miller was being subjected to the same surly treatment.

“You waste my time for this?” Raoul’s upper lip curled back in a snarl. Alexx found himself wildly attracted to him. “I have somewhere I need to be. Paolo, please show these gentlemen out.” Sarcastic much? He turned and reached for the door, but it opened before he touched it.

A shaggy blond with hazel eyes and a cheerful countenance stuck his head inside. “Hey Paolo—” He interrupted himself at the sight of the occupants of the room.

Alexx heard Miller’s sigh of relief, even as he too recognized the newcomer. He’d seen him around the Chronicle often enough, although he’d never really spoken to him. Foster Levine, son of the Chronicle’s owner—heir apparent and future newspaper magnate.

Alexx’s relief quickly changed to anxiety. What if Foster knew how old he really was? He couldn’t be sure one way or the other, but for the sake of argument, he had to assume he did. Would he out him to Raoul Marchand and his burly minion? Had they simply jumped from the frying pan to be scorched by the fire?

Author Bio:

Julie Lynn Hayes was reading at the age of two and writing by the age of nine and always wanted to be a writer when she grew up. Two marriages, five children, and more than forty years later, that is still her dream. She blames her younger daughters for introducing her to yaoi and the world of M/M love, a world which has captured her imagination and her heart and fueled her writing in ways she’d never dreamed of before. She especially loves stories of two men finding true love and happiness in one another’s arms and is a great believer in the happily ever after. She lives in St. Louis with her daughter Sarah and two cats, loves books and movies, and hopes to be a world traveler some day. She enjoys crafts, such as crocheting and cross stitch, knitting and needlepoint and loves to cook. While working a temporary day job, she continues to write her books and stories and reviews, which she posts in various places on the internet. Her family thinks she is a bit off, but she doesn’t mind. Marching to the beat of one’s own drummer is a good thing, after all.  Her published works can be found at Amber Quill Press, Dreamspinner Press, MuseitUp Publishing, Torquere Press, and eXtasy Books. She is also an editor at MuseitUp.  

My links:

Blog  http://julielynnhayes.blogspot.com

Twitter @Shelley_runyon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julie.l.hayes.7?ref=tn_tnmn

My Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3442231.Julie_Lynn_Hayes

Email: tothewolf.max@gmail.com

Noah's New Plan: Chapter 16

Here is Chapter 16 of my free Wednesday Briefs story, Noah’s New Plan.

This week’s theme is Christmas, of course. Merry Christmas to all of my readers!

“You know I don’t need a gun to kill you, right?” Eli glared at Derek. God, he hated this asshat with a passion. Only an asshole would show up at a place like the Buckle wearing a suit and a trench coat, while brandishing a checkbook like money could solve the world’s problems. “Put your fucking checkbook away before I shove it up your ass.”

“I’m looking out for Noah’s best interests. I know what he needs and it’s not you.”

“What do you know of Noah’s needs? You tossed him aside like garbage.”

Derek scoffed. “I’ve known Noah for twenty years. Someone like you isn’t good enough for him. He’ll come to the realization soon enough.” To accentuate his words, Derek looked Eli up and down, his lip curled up as if he smelled something rotten.

Rex strolled up, eyeing Derek suspiciously. “Is there a problem here?”

“He was just about to leave.” Eli reached for Derek’s arm, but the man stepped back and left on his own.

* * * *

Eli decided not to mention his encounter with Derek to Noah. He set the box he carried with the other boxes in Noah’s new living room. He watched Noah standing at the window, staring down at the street below.

Noah had been quiet and preoccupied all morning. After getting caught in bed last weekend, Noah bumped up his timeline for the move into his new apartment. It was a big change, moving into a new place after twenty years. This place wasn’t so bad, but it was a definite step down from the fancy condo Noah used to live in.

Eli came up behind Noah and placed his hands on the man’s shoulders. Noah flinched at the initial contact, but quickly relaxed back against Eli’s body.

“You okay?” Eli asked softly.

Noah shrugged.

“I know it’s scary, moving and all… it’s for the best. Getting your independence, cutting that final tie with your ex, will do wonders. You’ll see.”

Noah shook his head. “No. That’s not it. I was just thinking… Christmas is this week.”

Eli wrapped his arms around Noah’s chest and hugged him tight. “After we get your stuff settled, how about we get a tree and decorate it?”

“That would be nice.” Noah was silent for several moments. His body started to tremble and he finally whispered, “I’ve never been alone on Christmas before.”

Jesus. The man was breaking Eli’s heart. He didn’t say anything, he just held Noah tighter.

“I don’t have any family left. Derek chased away all my friends years ago.”

Eli pressed a kiss on Noah’s neck while sending some extra hate to Derek. “Derek didn’t chase away all your friends. You got me, and I’m not going anywhere. You’re gonna spend Christmas day with me and my family. Then we’ll spend the night together. Here or at my place. Whatever you want.”

Noah shook his head. “I don’t want to intrude. Your family doesn’t even know me.”

“Now’s a good time as any to meet them.”

“I don’t know…”

Eli didn’t want to push Noah because he knew that would only make the skittish man retreat. But he didn’t want to give him too much time to think either, because then he’d start making those damned lists in his head. “We can talk about it later. How about we get what you need put away, then we can go and get a tree? How does that sound?” Eli pressed a kiss on top of Noah’s head.

Noah turned around to look at Eli, his pretty brown eyes glassy. He gave a nod and the smallest of smiles. “That sounds nice. I think a tree and some lights will liven this place up.”

“That’s the spirit.”

As Eli leaned his head down, Noah lifted his chin and closed his eyes. Eli kissed him tenderly, hoping that Noah could tell how he felt.

* * * *

Noah couldn’t remember the last time he had so much fun. Certainly not while decorating a Christmas tree.

He had purchased a pre-lit artificial tree as well as new decorations. Since the lights on the tree were white, Noah chose blue and silver ornaments to compliment them. He wasn’t about to decorate it with ornaments collected over the past twenty years with Derek, so he had to buy new ones.

The tree looked really good.

Noah was able to forget about being sad. He was so embarrassed for nearly breaking down in sobs earlier in front of Eli. What a loser he must have looked like. But then Eli invited him to spend Christmas with him. Was that even a good idea? Was it too soon? Wouldn’t that move them from the casual column, straight to serious?

He didn’t want to think about that. Instead, he was going to concentrate on decorating and having fun.

How could he not have fun? They had found a station on Noah’s Internet radio that was playing Christmas music. Eli had heated up some hot chocolate with mini marshmallows and a candy cane for added flavor. The minty chocolate smell wafted through the small apartment, adding to the wintry holiday feel.

He had all the ingredients for a good time.

And then there was Eli…

The man was wearing a Santa hat. Noah didn’t think it was possible to look undeniably stupid while at the same time looking undeniably hot.

But there he was.

Standing on a step ladder, the big man was stringing lights across the living room windows. He had taken off his shirt, wearing a tank undershirt that showed off his muscled inked-up arms, his wide back and big shoulders.

“So, what do you think?”

“Hmm?” Noah lifted his eyes from Eli’s crotch.

Eli raised an eyebrow. “I’m talking about the lights, not your Christmas package.” He rested a hand on his junk, then gave it a slight lift.

Noah blushed and looked away. Not knowing what else to say, he mumbled, “You look dumb in that hat.”

“You want me to take it off?” He grabbed the white poofy ball end and started to lift the Santa hat straight up off his head. He let the hat drop back on his head and then reached for his belt buckle. “Or maybe you want me to take this off?”

Noah tried not to laugh. “Whatever.”

Eli chuckled as he unlocked the ladder. His biceps flexed as he lifted it up and carried it over to the front door.

“Here we go.” Eli hit the light switch next to the door and the overhead light went off.

The room was bathed in white twinkling lights. The tree was gorgeous. The window was beautiful.

Noah could look past the wall of boxes that needed to be unpacked and could actually see a home.

Eli came up from behind and wrapped his arms around him. Noah leaned back against the man’s big body. Eli leaned his head down and the poofy end of his Santa cap hit Noah on the nose.

Noah giggled.

Eli’s beard tickled the outer shell of Noah’s ear. His warm lips found that exact spot under his ear. “Merry Christmas, baby.”

In that moment, standing in the twinkling lights, Noah forgot all about lists and plans and lived in the now.

And in that now was a man who cared about him enough to do all of this, just for him.

* * * *

The Wednesday Brief bloggers have a new web site. You can now read a snippet of all of the free Wednesday Briefs stories in one place, then jump to each site to read the entire post. Check out all the free stories!

http://wedbriefsfic.com/

Holiday Giveaway!

To celebrate the holidays, I took a page out of the fabulous Tali Spencer's book and stole was inspired by her idea of a holiday contest!

From now until December 24th at 11:59 PM EST, you can enter my big contest extravaganza. All you have to do is leave a comment. Make sure to leave your email address so I can contact you.

I’m going to draw three winners who will get to chose from one of these fabulous prize packs:

Signed paperback copies of both Galactic Conspiracies books, The Degan Incident and The Cassini Mission.
The Ranch Foreman audio book from Audible.com.
An ebook bundle containing copies of The Ranch Foreman, The Degan Incident and The Cassini Mission. 

To all my fans who have supported me throughout the year, I wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year! Thank you!

To enter: Leave a comment below with your email address.

Noah's New Plan: Chapter 15

Here is Chapter 15 of my free Wednesday Briefs story, Noah’s New Plan. The prompt I used this week was “fire smoldered in his eyes.”

"I’m serious. I’ll blow a hole in your head. Noah! Call 911."

Noah scrambled out of bed. Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. Frantically, he dug through the pile of clothes looking for his phone, which was still in his jeans. Where the heck did Eli throw his pants?

"Yes, Noah. Call 911."

Noah froze. He knew that voice. Shit. He let out a long sigh. Why the hell was Derek here so early on a Monday? Pulling his pants from the pile, he yanked them on, then found his shirt.

He walked out into the hallway to find Derek and Eli having a staring match.

"Noah, please tell your gorilla to put some clothes on."

Ugh. Noah wanted the floor to open and swallow him whole. The situation was completely surreal. This was not how he intended the two men to meet. Heck, he never intended them to meet at all. “Eli, this is my ex, Derek. Derek, this is Eli.”

"You want me to shoot him?" Eli asked, his eyes still on Derek.

"Not yet. Go get dressed."

Eli lowered his weapon with a smirk on his face. “Right. I wouldn’t want to make him feel bad. Seeing a real man naked is probably bad for his self-esteem.” Eli disappeared into the bedroom and Noah couldn’t help but take a quick peek at the man’s muscular ass.

Derek looked down at Noah with a disapproving look on his face. “It didn’t take long for you to find yourself someone to lay under.”

Oh hell no! Noah called out towards the bedroom. “Eli, I changed my mind. Shoot him.”

"Damn it, Noah. I’m not joking! You brought a stranger into our home.”

"Eli is not a stranger. And you don’t live here anymore. And how dare you lecture me about moving on when you were cheating on me! And why the hell are you here?" Noah realized that he had raised his voice to a level that was close to screaming. It was completely out of character, but he wasn’t sorry either.

"The realtor’s out in the car. I left you a message last night. Now I know why you didn’t answer. God, it’s a good thing I didn’t bring her in here. I can’t believe you… The sounds coming from that room. Disgusting."

Eli stepped out of the bedroom and leaned against the door frame. He now wore his security uniform and rested a hand just above his holstered gun. Was it wrong that Noah found him really sexy right now?

The hunk of a man watched Derek carefully and let out a scoff. “Why am I not surprised you never heard Noah come before?”

"Oh my god," Noah muttered. His face was blazing hot. Had someone turned the heat up?

Derek glared at Eli with narrowed eyes. The muscle in his jaw twitched, giving Noah a little bit of satisfaction. It wasn’t often someone got the better of Derek Pepper. “You got what you wanted. You can leave now.”

"I’m not going anywhere until you’re gone, buddy."

Derek turned to Noah. “Tell your trick he can go.”

"Eli is not a ‘trick’. He’s my boyfriend."

Eli puffed out his chest and the corner of his mouth turned up in a smirk. Noah immediately knew the declaration was a mistake. He wasn’t trying to lead the man on, but he needed to get rid of Derek.

Reaching out, Eli grabbed Noah by the wrist and tugged him close. He wrapped his arms around Noah, pulling him tight against his chest. “That’s right, baby. We’re dating.” He rubbed his nose against Noah’s ear, tickling his hot spot with his beard.

Noah let out an involuntary whimper as a shudder ran down his spine.

Derek looked at the two of them, his jaw slack, just stunned. He looked jealous even. Good.

"Come back in an hour," Noah told him. "We’ll be gone by then."

"One hour," Derek snapped. He turned and walked out the front door.

Noah let out out a sigh of relief. “Oh my god. What a nightmare!” He tried to pull out of Eli’s arms, but the man held him close.

"You were amazing the way you stuck up for yourself."

Noah scrunched his brows together and frowned. “I was? I did?”

"Yup. And it was fucking hot." Eli groaned as he planted a trail of kisses up and down Noah’s neck. "So, boyfriends, huh?"

Noah’s eyes slipped closed as he leaned his head back against Eli. When Eli did that he couldn’t think straight. “Yeah,” he easily agreed. “That’s us.”

Eli spun Noah around and pinned him against the wall. A fire smoldered in his eyes. “Do we got time for a quickie?”

* * * *

Eli walked into the Buckle with a spring in his step. Noah had actually acknowledged their relationship today. The way he yelled at that prick of an ex was so damn sexy. And then he claimed Eli in front of the man.

"What’s got you grinning like a Cheshire cat?" Rex asked from behind the bar.

The bar wasn’t open yet, so it was dark and quiet inside.

Eli’s friend Rex was a big bear of a man. He looked like a surly lumberjack, but he was a gentle giant. A successful local business man, he owned a high-end restaurant in addition to the Buckle.

Rex opened a crate of beer bottles to stock the bar. “Don’t tell me,” he interjected before Eli could speak. “That nerdy little chaser, right?” He chuckled as he tossed the empty crate aside and opened a new one.

"Yeah," Eli said with a grin. "I think things are starting to get serious between us."

"You sound like a lovestruck teen." Shaking his head, he picked up the empty boxes and walked to the backroom.

When the doors opened for business, Eli took his normal seat at the door checking IDs while watching over the crowd. Monday nights at the Buckle weren’t normally crowded and tonight was no exception.

Eli took the ID that was handed to him. As he validated the birthdate, the name struck him as familiar. Derek Pepper. With a groan, he gave the asshole his ID back.

Derek put the card away. “We need to talk.”

Eli grunted out an annoyed sigh. “What do you want?”

"I want you to stay away from Noah." Derek reached into his jacket’s breast pocket and pulled out a checkbook and pen. "So how much is it going to cost to get rid of you?"

* * * *

The Wednesday Brief bloggers have a new web site. You can now read a snippet of all of the free Wednesday Briefs stories in one place, then jump to each site to read the entire post. Check out all the free stories!

http://wedbriefsfic.com/

Noah's New Plan: Chapter 14

Here is Chapter 14 of my free Wednesday Briefs story, Noah’s New Plan.

I went over the 1000 word limit, but it was necessary… The prompt I used this week was the phrase “That won’t kill you.”

This week’s chapter is for mature audiences. If you’re on the home page, click the “Read More” button to view the entire post.

Eli spent nearly an hour getting ready for his date with Noah. Usually if he was going out, he just threw something on. But something made him want to look good for Noah. Eli knew damn well the man was out of his league. If he needed to do a little something extra to keep him, then he would.

With his head freshly shaved, his beard freshly trimmed, he looked good. He pulled on a pair of his best black jeans along with a shirt he knew would show off his broad chest, shoulders and biceps. He left an extra button open, knowing Noah liked his chest hair almost as much as he liked his muscles.

Not that the sexy little man would ever admit it. He was still stuck in his rigid world of lists. Lists containing buttoned-down, stuck-up, men in business suits.

But not after tonight. Eli had a new plan for Noah. Tonight Eli was going to rock Noah right off that damn list.

Being an optimist, Eli packed an overnight bag. He grabbed one of his clean uniforms still in the dry cleaning wrapper and laid it out on his bed.

After he spritzed on a hint of cologne, he went to his nightstand and opened the drawer. He tore a foil wrapper from the strip. As he started to shut the drawer, he stopped to grab two more condoms. Just in case. Shoving them in his bag, he grabbed his jacket and uniform, and was out the door.

* * * *

Dinner with Eli was a sharp contrast to their first time. That first dinner was filled with awkward silence and uncomfortable body language. Noah decided before Eli picked him up that he would let go and try to have fun. And it worked.

The man had kissed him at the door when he arrived. That was some greeting. Noah hadn’t expected it, but he didn’t stop him. Eli practically ravished him right there on the doorstep.

Tonight was just easy. Conversation flowed like water. Eli made Noah laugh. And he wasn’t too hard on the eyes either. Maybe it was something about the security guard’s personality, but Noah found Eli more and more attractive as he got to know him. Not that the man was ugly—far from it. He just wasn’t Noah’s type.

However, a person’s tastes can change over the years. And maybe Noah’s tastes were evolving.

"What do you want for dessert?" Eli asked.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Noah met Eli’s eyes. He patted his tummy. “I don’t know… I’m kind of stuffed.”

"Aw, come on. You hardly ate a thing. They have a chocolate mousse cheesecake here that’s fantastic."

"Mmm… That does sound good… I really shouldn’t. I think I’ve gained some weight."

"A little dessert won’t kill you. You could use a little weight if you ask me."

Eli signaled for the waitress. He asked her to box up Noah’s leftovers before ordering dessert. With two forks.

* * * *

"Oh god!" Noah cried out.

On all fours, he pushed back against Eli.

"Fuck!" Eli grunted as he buried himself to the hilt. He grabbed Noah’s hips and began thrusting, using long, slow strokes.

Noah couldn’t believe the way he was acting, so wanton. He hadn’t intended to invite Eli inside, but they had started making out. And the next thing he knew, they were in Noah’s bed. Fucking.

Never before would he have used that word, but there was no other way to describe what they were doing. Noah had hated when Derek took him “doggy style”. It made him feel used, like a nameless hole for Derek to use for his own pleasure.

But right now he felt free.

They’d had sex twice last night. And this morning Noah woke to Eli rubbing against him. And by god, Noah wanted it. It had been so long. And it was so good. It seemed to get better each time.

He pushed back against Eli, meeting him thrust for thrust, the two of them developing a rhythm that grew in speed and intensity.

Eli’s hands tightened on Noah’s hips. The man felt huge inside him. He hit all the right spots. Noah’s dick was hard as steel, throbbing against his belly. Pre-cum dripped from his dick, leaking onto the sheets below. Noah fisted the sheets, using them to brace his body as he pushed back against Eli.

Leaning over his body, Eli pressed his lips between Noah’s shoulders. “You feel so fucking good, baby.”

The man’s hard muscles and furry chest felt so damn good against his body. When Eli pulled away and slid out, Noah protested. “Eli. Please don’t stop.”

His rough hands grabbed Noah and rolled him over. Noah barely had time to process what was happening before Eli spread his legs back and wide. Shuffling forward on his knees, his hard cock found its target.

"Yes," Noah moaned, his body shuddering as Eli stabbed at his prostate. As Eli pumped hard and fast, Noah touched him anywhere he could reach. "You’re so big and strong."

Eli flexed his bicep, making it bulge. “You like that, boy?”

"Not. A. Boy," Noah grunted out. But he did like it.

His body trembled as Eli played him, bringing him closer and closer.

After spitting in his hand, Eli reached down and grabbed Noah’s dick. His slick hand swiftly brought him to yet another orgasm as Eli let out what sounded something like a curse and a growl.

Embedded deep inside Noah’s body, the bigger man’s body went rigid as he shot his load into the condom.

Noah slumped boneless against the bed as he tried to catch his breath. Damn, morning sex was never this good.

He hissed with slight discomfort as Eli pulled out of his body. Three times in a twenty-four hour period might just be his limit.

"Fuck." Eli let out a breath. "Whew." He slid off the condom and tied the end off. Reaching over, he snagged a tissue from the nightstand and wrapped up the rubber.

Eli abruptly froze, his head cocked towards the door.

Confused, Noah sat up on his elbows and scrunched his eyebrows together. “What?”

“Shh.” Naked as the day he was born, Eli quickly got out of bed and hurried to his bag.

When Eli pulled his gun out, Noah’s breath caught as his heart leapt up into his throat.

“Call 911,” the man mouthed, sending Noah into a near panic.

Eli stepped out of the bedroom, into the hallway, and pointed his gun. “Don’t move, asshole!”

* * * *

The Wednesday Brief bloggers have a new web site. You can now read a snippet of all of the free Wednesday Briefs stories in one place, then jump to each site. Check out all the free stories!

http://wedbriefsfic.com/

Goodreads M/M 2013 Member Choice Award Nominations

I received two nominations this year in the 2013 Member Choice Awards sponsored by the Goodreads M/M Romance group. Thank you to those who nominated me.

The Degan Incident - Best Alternate Universe

The Ranch Foreman - Best Cowboys

To view the complete list of nominees:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1603355-nominations-for-2013-member-s-choice-awards

You can vote for your favorite books with the following link (you don’t need to be a member):

http://www.esurveyspro.com/Survey.aspx?id=31dc63a9-f374-40b9-a220-b3aad4f2ba0d

Guest Post: Jon Keys

Please welcome Jon Keys who is here to talk about his new release, Heart of the Pines, just in time for the Christmas season!

Jon is also part of the Wednesdays Briefs blog group I participate in, so you can find free fiction from him every Wednesday.

Hi Rob! Thanks so much for having me today. I think it’ll be a blast. First though, I have to admit. I’m a bit of a fanboy. I’ve been reading your stories on-line for years. And just so you know, you have to finish the sequel to Timber Pack, soon! Okay, enough of that stuff. This is all about me! LOL! I thought I’d share a little about myself, and Heart of the Pines, which is part of Dreamspinner’s 2013 Advent Calendar.

I had fun writing a story with a holiday’s setting. I always loved the season when I was a kid. We moved around a lot and didn’t live near relatives, but we traveled back “home” for the holidays. Even when we hadn’t lived there for most of our lives, where my parents grew up was still ‘home’. The trip was a ritual. We’d open presents a day early so when our parents got off work on Christmas Eve, we would start the annual pilgrimage to the grandparent’s house.

Every year that I can remember, it was the same. Five of us were packed into a car built for four, the AM radio buzzing and popping. Of course, we weren’t even out of the city limits before we were asking how much further. I swear this explains my GPS issues now, I always know exactly how much further! Anyway, we always listened to the same station. Probably the only one we could get. And every year once it was dark the station started giving the radar sighting of Santa.

Yes, for the record. I do still believe in Santa. If you don’t believe, you don’t get presents. I’m no fool.

So we dealt with the hours by bugging each other and listening to the radar reports of Santa traveling from the North Pole. By the time we finally arrived, Santa was usually over Nebraska, and we were all hyper as hell about opening presents. With lots of cousins I only saw a few times a year, and more sugar laden food than any sane person should eat, I was ready for Christmas.

But Santa had to come. Oh yeah, this was no second rate deal. The fat guy showed up each year and gave out gifts. Man, it was hard being good for those last few weeks too. I mean, come on, he couldn’t really expect me to stay out of trouble the whole year.

With all the ritual over, we were loose to roam. Our arrival signaled days of playing in barns and farm building, wandering over hundreds of acres of rangeland, afraid the cows were attacking us. I found out later they thought we had food. Daring each other to run through the pen where the bulls were kept also kept life interesting. The bulls didn’t care what we were doing either, but it got our adrenaline pumping.

In a few days the visit was over, and we were making out way back. Things would settle down. We’d play with presents and then, far too soon, school would start again and the season was all over until next year.

So hopefully my little Christmas memory has you in the mood for a good holiday story. I sure think Chris and Wade’s story Heart of the Pines falls into that category.

~ Jon ~

 

Blurb

Christmas is the worst time of the year to find yourself alone. Chris Moss, owner of a tree farm, knows this down to his bones as he makes his way through his first holiday season after losing his wife to cancer. When Wade Hart, an annual customer at the farm, visits, they find common ground: Wade lost his own longtime lover to a parting of ways and is lonely too. The constant, gentle companionship provides fertile soil for an attraction neither expects, but nurturing a new relationship is a tough proposition. With the encouragement of family and friends, Chris and Wade may yet find that a second love later in life can be just as fulfilling as the first.

 

Excerpt from Heart of the Pines

Jets of steamy breath shot from Wade’s nostrils as he struggled to drag the enormous Christmas tree across the loose Michigan snow. The bells on Chris’s Santa hat jingled merrily as he hurried out to help his friend pull the tree up the final hillock to the barn.

“Here, let me give you a hand.” Stepping along the slowing tree, Chris wrapped a glove-covered hand around a branch and lent his strength to the effort.

Wade nodded and smiled. “Thanks, it’s a little much by myself.”

“No problem, happy to help. Looks like you got a beaut,” said Chris.

Wade pulled off his knit hat and wiped the perspiration from his head. “It’s a good one. I think I’ve covered your whole farm, several times, to find the perfect tree.”

They pulled the tree into the work area and hoisted it onto the sawbuck. “Want me to trim it up for you?”

“Sure. One less thing I’ll have to do.” Wade laid the handsaw he’d used on the table behind them, then tugged his thick cap on while Chris made a few quick cuts with the chainsaw to ready the tree for his stand. The roar of the saw faded, and Chris struggled for a few minutes as he tried to push the tree into the netting. As he began his second attempt, Wade woke from his stupor and grabbed the other side of the tree.

“Sorry, I’m a little spacey today,” said Wade.

With his help, Chris slid the tree into the tube of netting, getting it ready for Wade’s SUV. “No problem. It’s a huge tree. I hope Jeff will be around to help you unload.”

Wade folded his arms over his chest, a pained look on his face. “Jeff moved out. Last week. I thought makin’ our annual trip to your farm for a tree would keep me from thinkin’ about it.” Wade turned his head and let out a shuddering sigh. “I guess it’s not ‘our’ trip anymore.”

Chris gave Wade’s shoulder a squeeze. “Sorry to hear that. You guys always seemed happy together. Jeff was always cutting up and flirting with Mary.” I haven’t forgotten you attended her funeral.

“It happens. I guess we lasted longer than a lot of couples. Ten years isn’t bad.” Wade’s fingers ran over one of the fir boughs edging the barn windows. “It was good in the beginning, like newlyweds. Jeff loved our loft in Chicago. But ever since we moved to Traverse City, the relationship had slowly gone downhill. Our business downtown was an attempt to find something to keep Jeff happy.”

The pain in Wade’s eyes sparked a wave of bitter nostalgia for Chris. He missed Mary so desperately some days. She always was the caretaker of the family, even when they got the diagnosis of stage-four cancer; she still took care of everyone else until it was impossible for her to keep doing it. He turned to the barn behind them, pulled off the Santa hat, and held it tight in his hands as the frigid air gusted through his short white hair.

The farm was always beautiful this time of year, the ground covered with crystalline flakes in a white carpet that extended to the steps of the house, which he kept carefully swept. He hadn’t changed anything since Mary died. It had been more difficult in the summer when the beds that hugged the foundation of their house were ablaze with flowers Mary had planted and nursed through the years. The winter covering had been a blessed relief, but his heart still ached at the lack of holiday decorations. Mary had loved the season, and given half a chance, she covered everything within striking distance with lights. Without her, the trimmings just hadn’t mattered.

He shook himself and focused on finishing with Wade’s tree. He tied the bottom of the netting and turned to Wade. “There you go. All bundled and ready to put in that great foyer you have.”

“Not so grand this year. It’s kind of tough to get into the spirit of the season.”

Chris gave Wade a sympathetic smile. “It could be worse….”

Realization hit Wade. “Oh my God! I can’t believe I’ve been such an ass. This is your first Christmas alone. I’m so sorry, Chris. I feel awful.”

“It’s not your fault. It’s been almost a year since her funeral. It’s ancient history to most people.” Although it seems like yesterday to me. I can still feel her soft hand in mine as we picnicked on one of Lake Michigan’s sugar sand beaches on our first date, playing in the chilly crystal clear water. Even then, she’d taken care of everything and had the perfect lunch basket packed.

“Yeah, but Mary always said Christmas was her favorite time of the year.”

“It was, and I haven’t felt like doing much. It’s a lot more work to take care of the farm alone too. But the income for the whole year happens in the next month or so. Doesn’t leave me with many choices.” Chris smiled at Wade. “Bad thing about a Christmas tree farm, firs just aren’t that tasty.”

Wade gave a nod, and then his eyes lit up. “Hey, what if I do it? I’ve helped Mary put up the decorations before. It’ll keep me busy, and Santa’s Tree Farm needs to look more festive than either of us feels.”

Chris couldn’t help but smile at the sudden enthusiasm. “If you’d like, that would be great. I just can’t face the stuff. Too many memories.”

“Southern boy to the rescue! I got this covered.” Wade clapped his hand on Chris’s bicep and squeezed it. Chris found a comfort from the contact that surprised him. Mary’s touch had always had that unique ability to soothe him. Some nights its absence had left him curled around her pillow with tears streaming down his face.

Chris fished a ring of keys from his pocket, flipped through them, and held one out for Wade. “This unlocks the storage padlock. Anything you want to do would be great. I have a few customers wandering around looking for trees. I better go check on them.”

Chris raced through the light snowfall while Wade started for the storage building.

 

eBook Link

Dreamspinner Press

 

Bio

Jon Keys’ earliest memories revolve around books; with the first ones he can recall reading himself being “The Warlord of Mars” and anything with Tarzan. (The local library wasn’t particularly up to date.) But as puberty set in he started sneaking his mother’s romance magazines and added the world of romance and erotica to his mix of science fiction, fantasy, and comic books.

A voracious reader for almost half a century, Jon has only recently begun creating his own flights of fiction for the entertainment of others. Born in the Southwest and now living in the Midwest, Jon has worked as a ranch hand, teacher, computer tech, roughneck, designer, retail clerk, welder, artist, and, yes, pool boy; with interests ranging from kayaking and hunting to painting and cooking, he draws from a wide range of life experiences to create written works that draw the reader in and wrap them in a good story.

E-mail: jon.keys@ymail.com

Blog: http://jonkeys.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jon.keys.773

Twitter: @Jon4Keys

New Feature: Subscribe by Email

I’ve added a new feature to my website to make keeping up with me easier. You can now subscribe via email through the Google Feedburner service.

To subscribe, click the “Subscribe by Email" link, located on the right side under the About Rob Colton section. Once you submit your email address, you’ll receive a confirmation email to verify your subscription.

When the site is updated, you’ll receive an email letting you know what’s new for the day.

Noah's New Plan: Chapter 13

Here’s Chapter 13 of my free Wednesday Briefs story, Noah’s New Plan.

This week my plot prompt was a football reference.

Noah spent the day looking at apartments. So far hadn’t found anything that jumped out at him.

His list of wants didn’t seem that outrageous. He didn’t know why it was so difficult. He wanted a second floor apartment with a balcony. The appliances should be new. A fireplace would be nice because he liked to curl up and read a good book in the wintertime. The main view must overlook trees or a pond, not a parking lot. And it had to be within a head librarian’s budget.

That wasn’t so impossible, was it?

With only one place left on his list, he headed to the city’s art district. He was to meet the landlady in front of the corner coffee shop.

Looking up and down the street front, Noah wasn’t sure what to make of it. There was a tattoo parlor, a sushi bar and a bookstore on this block. A rainbow flag flew over the bookstore’s door. Noah had been to that bookstore a couple of times to purchase some gay-themed books.

Noah looked up at the apartment over the coffee shop. Yeah, he wasn’t feeling it. He would have turned and left if the landlord wasn’t already there smiling, holding out her hand.

"It’s nice to meet you, Noah. I’m Melanie."

Noah shook her hand. “Thanks for showing me the apartment.”

"Oh, you’re quite welcome. I think you’re going to love it."

Melanie pulled out a ring of keys and Noah followed her to the nondescript doorway between the coffee shop and the sushi bar. After unlocking the door, Melanie trotted up the stairs with Noah right behind her.

Okay, so it was a second floor apartment. That was on his list.

The landlady flipped through the keys until she found the right one. She opening the door and held out her hand in a flourish. “Home sweet home!”

Noah frowned, but quickly put on a smile for Melanie.

The place was smaller than what Noah had hoped for. It wasn’t much more than a single room with a bedroom and bathroom. It wasn’t dirty, but it felt like it was. New paint on the walls would have freshened the place up.

The appliances weren’t so bad even though the kitchen was tiny. There was no fireplace, naturally. Plenty of windows, but the view was of the street below.

"Take a look around," Melanie encouraged.

As Noah walked into the bedroom, his cell-phone beeped. He pulled it from his pocket and looked at the screen. It was from Eli.

What ya doing?

Looking at an apartment in arts district.

Cool. That’s real close to me. I’m in h-town.

Noah stared at his phone and blinked. Eli lived in the city’s historic village? He didn’t seem like the historical home kind of guy. Many of the homes in that part of the city were being revitalized after having been neglected for so long.

Then again, Noah didn’t know much about Eli.

I’m not sure if I like it. It needs work.

I can help. I’m good with my hands wink wink

Noah laughed.

"Did you say something?" Melanie asked from the other room.

Noah returned to the living room. “I’m fine.”

"So what do you think?"

Disregarding everything on his list, Noah said, “I’ll take it.”

* * * *

It was Saturday night and Noah sat on the floor of his living room packing away his personal belongings.

Good times.

He didn’t realize until that moment how many pictures he had of him and Derek. Besides the framed pictures scattered around the house, there were also a bunch of photo albums under the coffee table.

What the hell was he supposed to do with them all? It wasn’t like he was going to display them in his new place. Should he toss them in the garbage? It seemed wrong to throw away twenty years of memories, but he honestly didn’t want them.

Noah dumped the photo albums and frames into an empty box. He’d figure it out later.

When his phone beeped, he wasn’t surprised. He had been half expecting the message.

Eli had taken to texting him on a regular basis. They were supposed to be keeping it casual, but Noah didn’t exactly object to the man’s attentions. He liked chatting with Eli over text. It seemed a lot less serious than actually talking on the phone.

Heading to the night job. What do you think?

A second later, a picture appeared in the chat window. Noah tapped it to enlarge it and his jaw dropped.

The bouncer wore a black T-shirt that was at least one size too small. In large bold letters, the front of the shirt said “CAUTION: CHOKING HAZARD”. His worn jeans were snug, the denim was faded and almost threadbare in his bulging crotch.

Was Eli really going to wear that to work?

Noah tapped his screen. Seriously?

LOL jealous?

"Jealous?" Noah scoffed. Whatever….

Okay, so maybe a little. Eli was going to have men all over him tonight. But damn, he looked good. That picture was making Noah horny.

Come down to the club

Noah was tempted even though he already had plans to go out on a date with Eli tomorrow night. He needed to exhibit some amount of self control, especially if he was going to keep this casual. But damn, Eli was making it hard. Literally.

Noah tapped on the screen’s keyboard. I can’t. I’m in the middle of something.

Ouch. Pass deflected.

Huh?

Football? Ever heard of it?

Is that the game with the big men in tight pants?

OMG I’m dating a big gay nerd.

Noah couldn’t help but laugh. I’ll see you tomorrow

* * * *

The Wednesday Brief bloggers have a new web site. You can now read a snippet of all of the free Wednesday Briefs stories in one place, then jump to each site. Check out all the free stories!

http://wedbriefsfic.com/

Thanksgiving Excerpt: Enforcer preview

As a special Thanksgiving treat, I’m posting a preview from my upcoming work-in-progress, Enforcer.

I posted a different snippet on Halloween, but didn’t really say what the story was. In that post, we were introduced to a new character, Buzz Hinske, who plays a very important part in the story.

As some of you guessed, Enforcer is book 2 of Timber Pack Chronicles.

It’s still very much a work-in-progress and I don’t have an estimated release schedule yet, but I’m working hard on finishing it up.

This has been a great year for me and I have all of you to thank. Thank you so much for your support. It means a great deal.

Happy Thanksgiving and Enjoy!

* * * *

Chapter 1

The massive auburn-brown colored wolf stopped and scented the air. Nearly twice the size of a natural gray wolf, he was a born and bred predator. He was in his element, stalking through the forest, hunting for his prey.

Nostrils flared and ears twitched as he patiently waited for instruction. His eyes scanned the trees, searching. The hint of a scent followed by the tiniest of sounds drew his attention to the left.

Another large wolf, black as pitch, slowly, stealthily, emerged from the trees. He was strong and powerful, the king of this forest.

Alpha.

The alpha wolf’s eyes caught the moonlight, glowing a bright amber in the dark. Behind him, a small wolf with fur as white as snow stepped from the trees to stand by his side. The black wolf moved in a step, instinctively taking a protective stance in front of his little mate.

Alpha turned and met the auburn wolf’s eyes, and tipped his head and motioned with his snout, drawing a circle.

Jed nodded in acknowledgment at the order, then scented the air again. The other pack members were close.

And so was their prey.

With the alpha’s blessing, Jed took off, his auburn fur just a blur as he ran through the woods, darting amongst the trees. He scented the pack beta nearby and closing in, but he ignored him. Trey would catch up, or he would miss out.

Swinging around the frightened buck, Jed steered the animal towards the middle of his pack-mates, attempting to box it in. As he turned on his paws, a sharp stab of pain bit through Jed’s back, reminding him of that fight from months passed. And his failure.

Anger and frustration tore through Jed and he leapt without thinking, funneling all of those feelings into the kill. He took down the buck, cleanly snapping its neck with his powerful jaws and massive teeth.

His stood over his kill and snarled triumphantly.

Only when Colton’s black wolf approached did Jed realize his error. The alpha always made the kill and the alpha-mate was always the first to eat.

As soon as he caught Colton’s narrowed gaze and lip curled in a snarl, Jed dropped his eyes and tilted his head, baring his neck in deference. He slowly retreated away from the deer, moving backwards until he stood in the shadow of a large tree.

He watched as Colton grabbed the buck in his powerful jaws and dragged it to his mate as an offering.

Parker’s white wolf sniffed at the carcass, and once he found just right spot, tore off a chunk of meat with his jaws. Once he swallowed down a couple of bites, he moved to allow Colton to eat. After Colton got his fill, Parker then dragged the deer as best as he could to the center, signaling the others to join in.

Jed knew that it was now his turn to enjoy the kill, but he stayed back and watched. Trey, Curtis, and Stan all moved in. Stan’s mate, the Kodiak bear shifter named Buck, watched with interest as he usually did, but he never joined in the feast. As a bear, he wasn’t much interested in animal meat, though you could often find him snagging fish from the river when he was in this form.

A sharp twinge in his back made the anger surge in Jed again. His failure with the rogue wolf had left him damaged. Scarred. Broken.

Now he carried the scar on his back between his shoulder blades where that crazy fucker Ethan had stabbed him with a silver knife, poisoning his blood. When he shifted to wolf, the scar became a white patch of fur, where it currently throbbed and itched like a motherfucker.

Jed threw his furred back against the nearest tree and rubbed against the bark, bringing temporary relief. Aware he was now being watched by the others, Jed turned and ran deep into the woods.

He needed to be alone right now. A good run would help. It was the only thing that did.

* * * *

Jed Stone emerged from the trees naked and dirty, his muscles tired and aching. The muscles surrounding the scar on his back throbbed with every movement. It was always the worst after a shift, which was infuriating. Usually an injury felt better after a shift, when the body reconfigured and repaired itself. Unfortunately, a shift couldn’t repair extensive silver damage.

Despite the scar in the middle of his back, Jed’s nude human shape was a sight to see: well-muscled and well-hung. His hard muscles were covered in a dark auburn fur in all of the right places. Standing at six feet plus six inches tall, wide as a tank, his body was built for the job he was bred for. He may have been only nineteen years old, but he had the body of a fully-developed man.

Jed was the enforcer for Timber Pack. He acted as the pack’s lead soldier and bodyguard, as well as keeping the members in line. There wasn’t much to do with a pack of only eight, but Jed took his duty seriously.

Hell, protecting Parker, the Alpha’s mate, was how he ended up with silver poisoning in the first place. He may have saved Parker’s life by keeping the rogue busy until Colton and Trey arrived, but he couldn’t help but feel like he had failed. He should have killed that psychotic wolf.

Jed froze in his steps when he heard the unmistakable sounds coming from the first cabin… Parker’s whimpers and moans were intermingled with Colton’s rhythmic growls and grunts. Skin slapping against skin. The bed thumping against the wall.

Jed looked down between his legs. His cock hung limp, completely disinterested in the sounds of the couple fucking.

He had accidentally seen Colton and Parker fucking on more than one occasion. The odds were better than not; they were still in that newly-mated phase, and they went at it like god-damned rabbits. The hunt always seemed to push Colton’s libido into overdrive. Parker was lucky he was able to walk the next day after a hunt.

Jed had watched Parker suck Colton off in the back of a school bus once after one of their away games. He beat off to that memory on more than one occasion. Not that he would ever share that with Colton. He wanted to keep his balls and his dick right where they were, thank you very much.

Jed understood, though. A good run or hunt was a powerful aphrodisiac. Not that a young lycan needed much to get going. Hell, the wind blowing across his cock used to be enough to give Jed a hard-on. Not anymore.

Not since the stabbing.

Jed swallowed the lump in his throat and walked back to his own cabin with his head hung in shame.