Victoria Danann's Blog, page 31

Visions of death, sorrow, and anguish are common for Desi while working with the St. Louisville Police Department as a consultant in tracking down kidnappers and murders. However, a single touch from Barcuilai and her visions were of another time and place. Why then was the man in her visions standing right in front of her in the present? Desi wasn’t sure how to handle these visions of sorrow that she saw when she touched Barcuilai. They troubled her in a way that made her feel as if her very soul was being torn apart. She wanted to flee; just as much as she wanted to erase the pain from his golden eyes. Together Barcuilai and Desi could not deny the connection they felt for one another. Will Barcuilai find love once more only to lose it again when Desi becomes the target of the very serial killers she’s helping the police track down or will Desi just become another shadow of his past?

Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/groups/leighsavage/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorLeighSavage

Blog: http://leighsavage.blogspot.com

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/leighsavage

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/LeighSavage

Amazon Profile: www.amazon.com/author/leighsavage

Email: authorleighsavage@gmail.com

Other Titles by Leigh Savage

Angel of Death (Book 1)

Bound by Blood Collection of Short Stories

Dream Dragon the Dark Side of Poetry

Buy links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Leigh-Savage/e/B002BLYBRE/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/leigh-savage

Left Bank Books: http://www.left-bank.com/search/apachesolr_search/leigh%20savage

About the Author:

Leigh Savage lives in Saint Louis, MO with her husband and two children. Leigh is known for her paranormal erotic romance novels Angel of Death and Shadows of My Past. She has also written a collection of short stories called Bound by Blood and her new release Dream Dragon the Dark Side of Poetry. Leigh is currently working on her next paranormal erotic romance short Surrender to the Night that’s a prequel to Angel of Death as well as book three in her vampire series called Embrace of the Immortal.

“I grew up loving to escape in the world of stories that my Father would write just for me. So, it wasn’t any wonder that as I got older, I too picked up the pen and started writing.”

EXCERPT:

Prelude

Medieval Faire

Plantersville, TX

Gabel watched carefully as the Festivities came to an end. He’d worked hard tracking her down from city to city as the faire moved around. He’d managed to get ahead of the faire and volunteer setting up and helping out the two weeks the faire was in town. This gave Gabel the time he needed to get close to her to gain her trust.

The first time he’d seen her in Kansas City he’d realized that he had a mission; for the first time in so long, he’d been wallowing without a purpose and more than once he’d almost gave in to the urge to end it all; but he lacked the courage to carry out the deed. Then God had brought him out of the depths of his wretched existence with a simple command…Kill Them….Kill the Evil Ones!

Gabel forced his self back to the present.

It sickened him to watch this last couple weeks as people flocked to her for a chance to have their Tarots read. Most people where so stupid to the reality many thought it was simply a trick for their amusement. Only he saw and knew the truth of the evil that grew inside her and the taint that poisoned her blood and if he didn’t stop her she would spread to infect others. It was only a matter of time before the evil spread and took over her soul. He could not allow it to happen and tonight he planned on freeing her cursed soul.

The sun was setting and he was making sure the visitors where leaving as the booths started packing up and getting ready to head out to the next city.

He approached her tent putting on his most handsome smile. He’d made sure to play the part of the gentleman these last couple of weeks. Slowing he had gained her trust; while at the same time keeping his distance so that she couldn’t get a reading off of him. Oh, how it disgusted him to pretend to be nice to her when all he wanted to do to her was….

“Oh, there you are Lance I was hoping I’d see you tonight?” Starla shouted waving him over to her tent.

Upon hearing her voice his thoughts trailed off trying to play his part of the Knight helping the faire maiden. He walked towards her his true thoughts guarded. “As I; hoped to see you my fair maiden.” He bowed low in the manner befitting the knight he was dressed like still playing his part.

Starla smiled and blushed slightly making her cheeks match the redness of her hair. Her brown eyes sparkled with mischief as she curtsied low in her peasant dress. The blush spread across her creamy white skin. “I wanted to thank you good Sir for being so kind and helpful to me these last weeks.” She looked up through her thick lashes. “May I repay your kindness with a reading?” Starla raised back up smoothing her skirt out.

“I don’t really believe in that kind of stuff, no offence to you.” He lied.

“Well if you’re not interested…”

Gabel cut Starla off. “What could it hurt to give it a try?” He gave her his most rakish smile.

“Wonderful.” She sighed. Starla motioned for him to come inside the tent and sit. “Now have a seat.” She smiled sweetly at him. “Do you think you’ll be following the Faire to Galveston?” She asked hope lacing her voice. She wanted to get to know more about him she wasn’t sure why but something about him seemed troubled in a way that made her want to sooth his pain. She had a feeling that something terrible had happened in his life that kept him guarded when he was around others. She hoped that the cards would let her see more into this complex man that sat before her.

“No.” He stated flatly.

“Oh.” She sighed trying not to sound too disappointed. “I see this will be our last time then. Let’s get started then shall we.”

“When ever you are ready place your hands over the deck and open your mind and seek what answer you would like to find. Once you feel at peace then divide the deck into three piles.” Starla instructed as she’d done many time through the years. Many people had the talent of reading the Tarot cards but only a rare few could see beyond what the cards where saying and peer into the people’s lives. She had always had the gift to do this by touching the cards after the people had it seemed that something from each person transferred to the cards leaving a small window into the soul.

Gabel did as he was instructed. “There it is done.” He said.

Starla took the cards into her hands and a sudden chill ran up her spine making the hairs on the back of her nape stand on end. She tried to shake off the uneasy feeling telling herself that it was the chill of the evening air. There was no other reason to feel this way she reassured herself.

Outside the tent the park lights kicked on as the setting sun sank behind the trees. The other merchants had taken a break for the evening to sit down with their families for a quick dinner before finishing their job packing up. Inside the tent Starla didn’t have that luxury; there was no family to share the time with or to share the lonely nights with. Starla was all alone in the world and soon she’d be alone once more.

Starla took a deep breath centering her inner self as she turned the first card over in the reading.

“The Devil,” A slight quiver entered her voice involuntarily. “In your recent past you where surrounded by negative forces and you seemed to be trapped in their clutches. Your judgment has remained clouded by these past events. An unpleasant event will turn into a new way of life for you. You will feel overwhelmed in the amount of work it will take to achieve these new goals. You will be working very hard for little or no profit. You will stay in a depressed state of mind and will feel trapped in your obsession. You have been run down because you feel like you no longer control your own life but you are a slave to your work your destiny. You have trouble sleeping because your past and future are always on your mind. “As she flipped over the second card her hands where shuck slightly as the feeling of uneasiness grew inside. “The Death Card represents your present state. The relationship you had with a loved one came to horrible end though the love you feel will continue to burn like an eternal flame. Though you didn’t think it was possible you will find a new path in your life that will be a release for you. You will be unsettled and move around a lot trying to find some semblance of peace but no matter where you go the unhappiness will follow you and you will seek a way to ride yourself of these emotions and you will find that you can no longer go on as before and will find a new direction, focus, to throw yourself into you. You will lose yourself and death will seem to follow you where ever you go. You will find yourself all alone.” Starla’s face turned pale as she turned over the last card in the reading. “You’re Future The Death Card…” Starla’s voice trailed off as all color drained from her face. “That’s impossible.” There was only one Death card in the deck it couldn’t possibly come up again and yet it did.

Gabel grabbed her hand forcing the palm of her hand to the card. “Tell me what do you see?” His voice lost all its charm and all the hate and resentment came to the surface reviling his true self.

Starla’s eyes rolled back in her head as images began to flash through her mind. “DEATH!”

“And who’d death do you see?” The contempt he felt for her kind laced his voice.

“Mine.” Starla said so soft that it was barely audible.

“Then you can see there is no use screaming for help or tying to make a run for it. After all it’s your destiny and you cannot cheat your fate!” Gabel grabbed the hilt of his sword waiting for his moment. Starla was too far into a trace to fight; she was his for the taking.

Only the white of her eyes showed as the horrible and shocking images that continued to race though her mind. She was terrified of what she was seeing but unable to break the connection as she saw her own death and the death after death of other women yet to come. Then for one moment her eyes began to come back into focus just in time to see silver slicing through the air out of the corner of her eye. Then she knew no more.

Gabel watched as her head rolled on the tent floor. Blood sprayed the ceiling and walls as her lifeless body feel from the chair to the floor. He watched as the last spark of life faded from her brown eyes with profound satisfaction.

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Published on January 22, 2013 00:47

Vamps vs Weres Prize WINNERS!!!

GRAND PRIZE WINNER:

Joanette Fountain won the signed paperback version of The Order of the Black Swan COLLECTED TALES, BOOKS 1-3. 828 pages. To be shipped on or about 02/18/13 PLUS a pre-release copy of the e-book.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

In addition, these commenters have won an e-copy of The Order of the Black Swan COLLECTED TALES, BOOKS 1-3. All 330,000 words. Official release date February 14th. These lucky people will receive advance copies on February 7th.

INCLUDES:

Black Swan 1. My Familiar Stranger: Romancing The Vampire Hunters. NOMINATED FOR BEST PARANORMAL ROMANCE OF 2012 by REVIEWERS’ CHOICE AWARDS.

Black Swan 2. The Witch’s Dream: A Love Letter to Paranormal Romance

Black Swan 3. A Summoner’s Tale: The Vampire’s Confessor
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Alicia Menoda
April Holgate
Ashley Anne
Roxy Rae Cullen
Bonnie Hilligoss
Cassandra Hicks
Celina K
Cheryl Watson
Christine Merritt
Cindy Barton
Cindy Matthews
Daniel M
Deanna Bryant
Debbie Spinks
Ellen Thompson
Illana Flint
JoBeth Sexton
Josette Schaber
Judy Fox
Karen Michelle
Katie Amanda
Kim Reid
Leah Barbush
Lisa Vazquezanzua
Mary Crew
Michelle Bledsoe
Michelle Tucker
Mostly Misha
Nona Tilton
Roxy Rae Cullen
Samantha Robertson
Sassy Chassy
Savannah Miller
Susan Platt
Sylvia Garcia
Tara Clary
Valeshka
Whiney N Byrd
_________________________________________________________________________________

Congratulations. You will all receive an email with instructions for picking up your prize on or about Feb 7, 2013.

My Best,
Victoria

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Published on January 21, 2013 07:17

SKIN DEEP, novella featured today

Skin Deep: Feral Ink Book One

Sarah Mäkelä

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Etopia Press

ISBN: 978-1-939194-25-1

ASIN: B00A3Y9RTI

Number of pages: 112

(NOTE!!!) Word Count: 24,821

Cover Artist: Valerie Tibbs

Amazon BN Kobo ARe

Book Description:

Angelique had no idea her black panther tattoo would force her to abandon the love of her life—Connor O’Reilly—but she’s determined to keep him safe no matter how much it hurts. Her tattoo doubles as her feline familiar: loving, protective, dangerous, and with a life of its own. It’s also her deepest secret and draws enemies who desire its power for themselves.

Connor has no idea why Angelique left him, but he’s determined to win her back. As a werewolf, he has secrets of his own. Now his alpha is ready to force him to pair with an ex-girlfriend he can’t stand unless he can find Angelique and claim her as his mate. But even as their secrets threaten to keep them apart, hidden enemies seek to destroy their chance at love forever.

About the Author:

Sarah Mäkelä lives in North Carolina with her husband and cats. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, computer and console games, and traveling all over the world. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, as well as the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers and the Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal chapters. Find her online at http://www.sarahmakela.com.

http://www.sarahmakela.com

http://blog.sarahmakela.com

http://www.twitter.com/sarahmakela

http://www.facebook.com/authorsarahmakela

http://www.goodreads.com/sarahmakela

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Published on January 21, 2013 00:29

I Kissed A Dog

I Kissed a Dog

The Werewolves of the West Series Book One

Carol Van Atta

Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Cambridge Press US under the umbrella of Charles River Press (CRP)

ISBN: 1936185725

ISBN13: 9781936185726

ASIN: B009SV179U

Number of pages: 446

Cover Artist: Ann Falcone

Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeuDqevNSXM

Book Description:

Chloe Carpenter isn’t like other women. She can communicate with animals. A gift she unwrapped following one of her frequent dances with death.

In her otherwise wacky life, she’s finally found a semblance of sanity working at the Plum Beach Wildlife Park, where her unique talents can make life or death differences for the animals in her care. That semblance is shattered when a new veterinarian roars into the park in his spiffed up sports car and sets his golden gaze on her. If she had her way, he’d roar right back out.

Problem: He’s her new coworker and he’s saved her life twice – in the past twenty-four hours.

Zane Marshall, Enforcer for the Pacific Pack of purebred werewolves, has a job to do – figure out who or what is mutilating the young men of Plum Beach.

With orders to find the woman who talks to animals, he accepts a position working alongside the fiery Chloe Carpenter, a female who ignites his interest far more than he ever expected. Remarkably, she’s the one elusive female with potential to bring meaning and passion to his empty existence.

Problem: She despises him.

Together, they’re forced to unravel a mystery of supernatural proportions, a murderous mystery with eternal implications for everyone. In the process, they discover opposites really do attract.

Major Problem: Zane is pledged to another woman, and she’ll do anything to keep him from Chloe.

Buy the book Author Blog Book Depository Indie Bound

Amazon Print Amazon Ebook BN BN Nook

About the Author:

Like most authors, Carol Van Atta is no stranger to the written word. She penned a short novel at age 12 (somewhat frightening illustrations included, and lots of bunnies were involved), and had a creative writing piece published in her high school newspaper (about David Bowie’s Diamond Dogs LP). Yes, she’s an ex-80′s chick.

Devouring books from numerous genres, Carol developed a deep thirst/hunger for more reading material, and could almost always be found with her nose in a book.

She has contributed to several popular inspirational anthologies and devotional books, and lives in the rainy wetland of Oregon with a terrifying teen (another in college) and a small zoo of animals. She is taking an undetermined hiatus away from inspirational writing to delve into her darker side. (Though you can check out her latest spiritual suspense novel, Soul Defenders). It is rumored that this genre-jumping occurred after Carol discovered too suspicious red marks on her neck, and experienced an unquenchable urge to howl at the moon.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Werewolves-of-the-West-I-Kissed-a-Dog/153030771437034

https://www.facebook.com/carol.vanatta.1

http://www.werewolvesofthewest.com/

http://vampswereswhyohmy.blogspot.com/

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1237874.Carol_Van_Atta

TWO INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

1.) Do you remember what you were doing when you got the idea for this book?

Honestly, I don’t recall the exact moment. My mind is overflowing with ideas for books on an almost continual basis. The “a ha” moments happen frequently as I’m preparing to fall asleep. You’d be surprised by my long list of book ideas and the many half-started books on my computer. What I did know was that I wanted to write a fun, suspenseful, exciting, and adventurous romance series that featured werewolves, vampires, and other supernatural fiends and monsters. I was fascinated with the paranormal / supernatural long before it became the current rage. I believe it was inevitable for me to create stories that allowed me to dive into a world I had found enthralling for such a long time. I am so happy I followed my dream!

2.) I noticed that your bio says you have contributed to several popular inspirational anthologies and devotional books.

a. What sort of inspiration? Great question. As a woman of faith, and a woman with a pretty scary past, I wanted to share with women, in particular, that there is hope and healing available. We can be victorious in this life. My most cherished relationship is with God. I couldn’t have overcome the hell in my life without the hope of Heaven. I want to inspire others to become all they can be.

b. What is a devotional book? A devotional book is a book that typically features short daily encouragements for readers. Usually, one page only, each devotion offers a positive quote, a short topical story or tidbit of hope, and then ends with a prayer, affirmation, or positive action. Many have scriptural references included, or ideas for additional reading. In most cases, there is one devotion per day, something positive to start your day with, or a special way to end your day on a good note. Oftentimes, devotional books have space for the reader to journal his or her thoughts, write prayers, or poems. Sometimes a devotion ends with a thought-provoking question to be answered. I hope that helped!

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Published on January 18, 2013 00:00

Grave Intentions

First Book of the Grave Series

Lori Sjoberg

Genre: paranormal romance

Publisher: Kensington Publishing

ISBN: 9781601830067

ASIN: B009T9SCDA

Number of pages: Approx. 289

Word Count: 96,100

Amazon B&N

Book Description:

He’s handsome, reliable, and punctual-the perfect gentleman when you want him to be. But this dream man is Death’s best agent-and now he’s got more than his soul to lose . . .

One act of mercy before dying was all it took to turn soldier David Anderson into a reaper-an immortal who guides souls-of-untimely-death into the afterlife. But the closer he gets to atoning for his mortal sin and finally escaping merciless Fate, the more he feels his own humanity slipping away for good.

Until he encounters Sarah Griffith. This skeptical scientist can’t be influenced by his powers-even though she has an unsuspected talent for sensing the dead. And her honesty and irreverent sense of humor reignite his reason for living-and a passion he can’t afford to feel. Now Fate has summoned David to make a devastating last harvest. And he’ll break every hellishly-strict netherworld rule to save Sarah…and gamble on a choice even an immortal can’t win.

About the Author:

Growing up the youngest of three girls, Lori never had control of the remote. (Not that she’s bitter about that. Really. Okay, maybe a little, but it’s not like she’s scarred for life or anything.) That meant a steady diet of science fiction and fantasy. Star Trek, Star Wars, Twilight Zone, Outer Limits – you name it, she watched it. It fed her imagination, and that came in handy when the hormones kicked in and she needed a creative excuse for staying out past curfew.

After graduating from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science, Lori worked for nearly a decade in retail management. When that got boring, she switched to financial planning, and then insurance. The writing bug bit a few years later. After completing her first manuscript, she joined the Romance Writers of America and Central Florida Romance Writers. Now she exercises the analytical half of her brain at work, and the creative half writing paranormal romance. When she’s not doing either one of those, she’s usually spending time with her husband and children of the four-legged variety.

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLoriSjoberg

www.lorisjoberg.com

@Lori_Sjoberg

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6574214.Lori_Sjoberg

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Published on January 17, 2013 00:21

Angel’s Kiss Featured Today

About Angel’s Kiss:

Angel’s Kiss is the story of Alexandria Hayes-Lewis. Lexie, as she likes to be called, is blessed with the perfect life. By day she manages her family’s detective agency in Serevan, the beautiful beach town where she was born and raised. By night she makes certain her devilishly handsome husband knows just how much she loves him.

Lexie never knew she’d been marked at birth by an Angel’s Kiss—until one ordinary case turned deadly.

A brutal attack awakens a deeply hidden family legacy: a superhuman strength and vitality. Not only is she stronger—her gift can intensify the strength and power of immortal beings. With the secrets of her heritage unlocked, and her legacy revealed, Lexie becomes the prey.

Terrified by changes she doesn’t understand and sensual nightmares she can’t control, Lexie desperately searches for ways to harness the power flowing through her veins. But when people die and her family is threatened, she takes the ultimate step against those who want to shield her, those who want to possess her, and those who want to kill her. In a frantic bid for freedom, she enlists the help of an unusual guardian and an ancient weapon.

Will it be enough to save her?

LYNNE STEVIE

Bio:

I was raised on a small farm in the Midwest, at a time when there were only 3 television stations. Oh the horror!

Growing up miles away from any other families gave me the opportunity to hone my imagination and plenty of time to read. To say that I had an active imagination is a huge understatement and I have always had a fascination for magic, fantasy and the paranormal.

After earning a bachelor degree in Criminology I married my college sweetheart and traded farm country for the sugar white beaches of the Florida Panhandle. Now I spend my time writing and taking care of my three children, two dogs, one guinea pig and my terrific husband.

I can be found on my blog at http://www.lynnestevie.wordpress.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lynnestevieauthor .

Angel’s Kiss is Available on Amazon and Free for Prime Members:

http://tinyurl.com/ck8l857

or in paperback at LULU.com:

http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/LynneStevie

ISBN 9781300059882

ASIN B008PYM99I

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Published on January 16, 2013 00:38

Little Red Riding Wolf

Little Red Riding Wolf

Twisted Tales: Come Into the Woods, Book One

Jessica Aspen

Genre: Spicy Paranormal

Publisher: Passion in Print Press

ISBN: #978-1-60820-615-5

Number of pages:111

Word Count: 34,000+

Cover Artist: Deana C. Jamroz

Amazon BN ARe Passion In Print

Book Description:

Tired with being the runt of the litter, feisty Red jumps on the opportunity to take on the sexy new forest ranger, but when Evan uncovers evidence of wolves, things get out of control. Can Red keep her were-wolf identity secret and still save Evan from her brother’s thirst for blood?

Fraternizing with humans is taboo, but when feisty werewolf Red runs into hunky new forest ranger Evan Brewster, she jumps on the opportunity to let loose her desires. Evan is stoked when he meets the petite red haired hottie, and combined with his new discovery of wolves in Colorado, thinks his career and life are made. Then Red pushes him away, her hostile brother threatens his life, and things begin to spiral out of control. Caught between her sexy lover and her pack can Red trust Evan with her secrets, or must she sacrifice her human lover and her heart?

About the Author:

Jessica Aspen writes paranormal romance near the foothills of the Colorado Rockies. Her books are full of elves, were-wolves and sexy men who walk on the dark side of the knife. She loves dark chocolate, walking the dog, hiking and is obsessed with new electronic writing devices. Jessica is also obsessed with writing, and learning about writing. She is a member of RWA, CRW, FF&P and PRO. You can find Jessica most days during the week at http://jessicaaspen.com

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5759763.Jessica_Aspen

https://twitter.com/JessicaAspen

https://www.facebook.com/jessica.aspen

Excerpt

Evan.

She rolled his name through her mind, resisted the desire to taste the flavor of it on her tongue. Maybe if she wasn’t touching him she could do this…carry on a normal conversation. She struggled for something to say, something that would cover this incredible desire to fuck a complete stranger.

“Welcome to Radon,” she managed to get out. “How do you like it so far?” Inane. Moronic. But it was out now. She hoped he couldn’t see the shaking that had started at his touch, or smell the moisture between her legs. Lucky he was only human.

Calm down, Red! You can do this. You have to do this.

“It’s been interesting. It’s a pretty tight-knit little town.” His smile had warmed, become friendly. And interested.

She knew what that appraising look meant. She’d received it from all the available males her parents had invited to their house in an effort to entice her to settle down. But that look from the bachelor wolves had never made her feel like this. Feel like her whole body was tuned in to his. Like she should get on all fours and push her ass in the air, spread her legs, and beg.

Her palms were damp. She caught him checking her out and was glad her hoodie was zipped up tight and covered her chest. Her nipples had tightened so fast, so hard, they almost hurt.

“Town’s been a little tough on you, huh?” she asked. Poor guy, he couldn’t have known what coming to this area would be like. They hadn’t had a ranger in the area who wasn’t pack in her lifetime. The county was up in arms.

“You could say that.” He shot her a conspiratorial smile that warmed his eyes to molten chocolate. She had a sudden vivid picture of a sheepskin rug and him lying naked in front of a fire, her lips and tongue tracing the contoured lines of muscles illuminated by the flames.

She dragged her mind back and forced it to focus on the present. Focus on the words coming out from between his sexy lips.

“You’re the friendliest person I’ve run into in this town. Where have you been hiding?”

Wrong question ranger. The question was who had been hiding him from her? Now her mother keeping her home from work to make jam had begun to make sense. Maybe her mother would never think she was an adult. Although maybe her mother was right, given her lusty thoughts, maybe she should be sequestered.

“I normally work at the general store in town. I must have just missed you.” Yeah right. Did that sound as lame to him as it had to her? She lifted her chin. Her mother had been making up excuses to keep her at the family’s house all week. Despite being sent off to the boonies she had met the hot new guy in town.

Her mother’s plan had backfired.

“Is that Burdock’s? It’s the only general store I’ve seen.” One long hand reached up, pushed his thatch of hair back off his face in an unconscious slow sensual movement. The hair fell forward back into place as soon as he released it, dark and thick.

“Yeah, I guess you’ve been in there.”

“Yeah. Is the black haired dude with the bad-ass attitude who mans the counter related?” His eyes crinkled up at the corners when he smiled. An urge to spread her thighs slid through her. In an effort to control it, she clenched them tight.

What had he asked?

“Seth,” she said, relieved she knew what to say. “He’s one of my brothers. He’s none too happy that you’re here.”

“Why is that?”

“Let’s just say that we’re a typical small town. Outsiders aren’t really welcome.”

“You know, you’re the first woman I’ve met under thirty all week. I was beginning to wonder where they all were.”

Dangerous territory here. She’d better be careful of what she said. Obviously the alphas had the few available females under lock and key.

“We have a surplus of men in this town. You probably just missed the women.” She shouldn’t be talking to him. He made her so nervous, she just knew she would slip and let something out. Something that would alert him that all was not as it seemed in small town Radon, Colorado.

“Well it’s been nice chatting, but I have to get going.”

She smiled and started to move off down the path again, but he stepped in front of her, blocked her.

The back of her neck prickled.

She supposed he was eager to talk to the only friendly face in town, but she wished he would back off. She was having enough trouble controlling herself as it was. Her heightened senses told her to take action. Now.

He’d moved too close. His spicy male scent filled her nostrils, caressed her skin. Made her want to bury her face in the crook of his neck and inhale, suck him in like oxygen before going underwater.

“Where are you off to?”

“My grandmother lives up the mountain. I’m just going to check on her and stay a while.”

His face lost its easy smile, grew concerned. “You’re hiking up the mountain by yourself? A woman like you shouldn’t be out here alone.” She bristled at his statement. Just like her brother! What was it with men and their bossy attitudes?

“A woman like me? Slow down buster! I’ve been hiking this mountain since I could walk. You’re out here alone, why not me?”

“But I’m a trained outdoorsman. You hardly look prepared in those shorts if the weather changes. What do you have in that pack?” He moved closer to her, and she backed up, suppressing the desire to bare her teeth. With relief she channeled her newfound sexuality into anger instead. This she understood.

Human or not, he was beginning to get her back up, just like any other male.

“I’ll be at Grandma’s before dark. And it’s an incredible day. No storm in sight. See ya.” She edged around him and moved back onto the path, determined to put him and temptation, behind her.

“Wait, I’ll go with you. There are signs of hunters in the area, you shouldn’t be hiking alone.” He picked up his oversize pack with ease. Then scrambled, trying to buckle the waist straps and keep up with her at the same time. She stepped up the pace.

She could feel him close behind, knew he was eye level with her ass. Knew he watched her backside swish with each step.

Her tingling nerves began to send messages again. With him nipping at her ankles, she felt like prey.

“No, thanks. You won’t be able to keep up.” She moved faster, pumped her legs in a rapid rhythm on the familiar trail.

His legs might be longer than hers, but she had Were stamina and a light pack. No way he could keep up with her for long.

“Hey, I’ve been through hell in the military. If I could keep up in basic, then I can keep up with you little girl.”

She laughed, flashed a catch-ya-later look over her shoulder, and put on a hair more speed. He’d find out soon enough that she might be little, but she had more oomph in this little package than most. And he could just watch her swish her tail until she was out of sight.

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Published on January 15, 2013 00:00

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