Zoe Perdita's Blog, page 13
April 13, 2015
Manuscript Monday: That awkward moment when you wake up next to a strange alpha
I'm sort of behind on my blog posts at the moment. I've had the flu for a few weeks, and I'm finally feeling better but I'm still slow. Note: the flu sucks big time. Don't get it, if you can help it.
However, I'm working really hard at catching up. And I didn't miss MS Monday! Hooray for that!
Also, I forgot to mention in the last post that Cole (Alpha's Reign Book One) is a menage book between Cole (the resistant beta), Trent (the sexy alpha), and Akito (the also sexy omega).
Sort of like this, but with different hair colors and styles. Also, more peen. Gotta love the peen.
PICTURE HAS BEEN REMOVED B/C SOME PRUDE ASS BITCHES FLAGGED IT. DON'T YOU HAVE ANYTHING BETTER TO DO WITH YOUR TIME?
As promised, here's a sneak peek at Cole meeting Trent for the first time. Enjoy!
Cole turned over in bed and noticed a man sat next to him. Longish brown hair framed his face, unruly and tied back into a short ponytail with wisps sticking out in thick waves. His skin was golden, and his eyes were an unearthly silver. His mouth was turned up a fraction, but it was enough to show the sharp edge of his fangs.A wolf but not just any wolf – an alpha.Cole could tell by the glint in the man’s eyes. No other wolf had that expression. Only alphas looked that perfect. All other wolves were just humans who’d been changed. Alphas were more than that. They were the first.Fuck! Cole stared. Licked his lips, and tried to make his hung over brain come up with something to say that wouldn’t get his throat ripped out. “Who the hell are you?” he asked. The alpha smirked. “That’s what I expected. Defiance. I didn’t think you were as broken as you let on.”Well, that didn’t answer Cole’s question, but alphas were like that. They only said what suited them, no matter how annoying it was to anyone else. “Fuck you,” Cole said and rubbed his hand over his face. If he got his throat ripped out, at least he wouldn’t have to deal with alphas anymore. To his surprise, the alpha didn’t lunge and tear his flesh. Instead, he laughed. “I’m Trent Yagami.”Cole shrugged. That name meant nothing to him. Well, the first name anyway. “Yagami? Like the Boss Yagami?” If so, this alpha didn’t need to rip out Cole’s throat himself. He had an army of underlings to do it for him. Yagami was the most powerful alpha in Neo-Tokyo with the largest amount of territory. It stretched from the city center to the outskirts, past the ruins and into the wilds. Word had it that Boss Yagami had farms out there and humans who worked them. That’s how he got his resources. He had one of the only fresh supplies of food coming into the city. And if this was theYagami, what did that mean?Cole swallowed. Trent’s eyes narrowed. “No. Not that Yagami, but I see you’ve heard of my father. This is why Sari discarded you. A wolf has to know their enemies, and you don’t know me.”“You’re my enemy?” Cole asked, and felt the blood drained from his face. A chill shot up his spine. “Sari kicked me out because I couldn’t. . . .”“Enforce her will. I know. You spared that man’s life, but he died anyway. And now you’re here. But I can fix you.”Cole blinked. Squeezed his eyes shut and tried not to see the thing he ran from for the last year – that man’s face. The fear. The dread that choked him. Cole couldn’t do it. He dropped the gun. Let the man go. Only Sari’s wolves got the man anyway. Because wolves always won. They ruled.Whenever Cole closed his eyes he saw the blood and flesh rip apart. Heard the cries the man made, cut short as the wolves tore out his throat. Cole knew he couldn’t do that – couldn’t be one of those things. They weren’t human. They were animals without morals or compassion. All they cared about was their territory and gaining more power. He couldn’t join them and he couldn’t fight them, so he gave up. But giving up now wouldn’t help him survive.“I don’t want to be fixed,” Cole said and threw the covers off. A dark haired man curled next to him, and Cole’d been so unnerved he didn’t notice until now. It only took a quick glance to figure out who it was – Akito. Right. How could he be so stupid?Or course Akito turned Cole over to his alpha. What loyal pack member, wolf or not, wouldn’t?Shit. Whatever happened between them in the past, Cole needed to get out now.He slipped out of the bed and stood on unsteady legs. He still had on his boxers, but his pants were missing. Trent raised both brows. “You want to go back to partying until you end up dead? You want to give up the potential you have to be great because you failed at one simple test? I think there was a time you wanted to be part of a pack. Live a better life. Yet you’re willing to give it all up and throw everything away. Why?”Cole glanced around the room and headed toward the window. His heart pounded as he yanked open the shades. The sight that met him was unfamiliar, to say the least. Not the urban sprawl of Neo-Tokyo’s crumbling concrete buildings and skyscrapers, which gave way to the rubble in the distance. Instead, he stared right at a thick forest. Trees with new growth twisted beyond the window, and a small pond with a little rock garden sat in front of them. “Where am I?” Cole breathed. “And how long was I out?” If alphas could avoid answering questions, he could too.“Only for the night. This is Yoyogi Park, a mere fraction of my territory. Ever seen a tree, Cole?” Trent asked, his voice thick with sarcasm.Cole scowled and slumped against the window. “Not in a long time. Not since. . . what do you want from me?”“For one, I don’t want you to die,” Trent said. He stood up and rubbed the hair out of his face. Since he was an alpha, Trent was taller than Cole by several inches, with broad shoulders and a strong frame. “I’m building a pack, and you’re going to be my beta.”Cole rubbed his fingers through his own straight blond hair and glanced at Akito, who was still asleep. The words turned to mush in his head. “Why me? I don’t want to be like you.”Trent rolled his eyes. The silver caught the hint of sunlight and sparked. “I don’t care what you want. That’s the upside of being an alpha. I’m stronger than you. I can find you wherever you run, and I can bite you and make you mine. That’swhat I intend to do.”
However, I'm working really hard at catching up. And I didn't miss MS Monday! Hooray for that!
Also, I forgot to mention in the last post that Cole (Alpha's Reign Book One) is a menage book between Cole (the resistant beta), Trent (the sexy alpha), and Akito (the also sexy omega).
Sort of like this, but with different hair colors and styles. Also, more peen. Gotta love the peen.
PICTURE HAS BEEN REMOVED B/C SOME PRUDE ASS BITCHES FLAGGED IT. DON'T YOU HAVE ANYTHING BETTER TO DO WITH YOUR TIME?
As promised, here's a sneak peek at Cole meeting Trent for the first time. Enjoy!
Cole turned over in bed and noticed a man sat next to him. Longish brown hair framed his face, unruly and tied back into a short ponytail with wisps sticking out in thick waves. His skin was golden, and his eyes were an unearthly silver. His mouth was turned up a fraction, but it was enough to show the sharp edge of his fangs.A wolf but not just any wolf – an alpha.Cole could tell by the glint in the man’s eyes. No other wolf had that expression. Only alphas looked that perfect. All other wolves were just humans who’d been changed. Alphas were more than that. They were the first.Fuck! Cole stared. Licked his lips, and tried to make his hung over brain come up with something to say that wouldn’t get his throat ripped out. “Who the hell are you?” he asked. The alpha smirked. “That’s what I expected. Defiance. I didn’t think you were as broken as you let on.”Well, that didn’t answer Cole’s question, but alphas were like that. They only said what suited them, no matter how annoying it was to anyone else. “Fuck you,” Cole said and rubbed his hand over his face. If he got his throat ripped out, at least he wouldn’t have to deal with alphas anymore. To his surprise, the alpha didn’t lunge and tear his flesh. Instead, he laughed. “I’m Trent Yagami.”Cole shrugged. That name meant nothing to him. Well, the first name anyway. “Yagami? Like the Boss Yagami?” If so, this alpha didn’t need to rip out Cole’s throat himself. He had an army of underlings to do it for him. Yagami was the most powerful alpha in Neo-Tokyo with the largest amount of territory. It stretched from the city center to the outskirts, past the ruins and into the wilds. Word had it that Boss Yagami had farms out there and humans who worked them. That’s how he got his resources. He had one of the only fresh supplies of food coming into the city. And if this was theYagami, what did that mean?Cole swallowed. Trent’s eyes narrowed. “No. Not that Yagami, but I see you’ve heard of my father. This is why Sari discarded you. A wolf has to know their enemies, and you don’t know me.”“You’re my enemy?” Cole asked, and felt the blood drained from his face. A chill shot up his spine. “Sari kicked me out because I couldn’t. . . .”“Enforce her will. I know. You spared that man’s life, but he died anyway. And now you’re here. But I can fix you.”Cole blinked. Squeezed his eyes shut and tried not to see the thing he ran from for the last year – that man’s face. The fear. The dread that choked him. Cole couldn’t do it. He dropped the gun. Let the man go. Only Sari’s wolves got the man anyway. Because wolves always won. They ruled.Whenever Cole closed his eyes he saw the blood and flesh rip apart. Heard the cries the man made, cut short as the wolves tore out his throat. Cole knew he couldn’t do that – couldn’t be one of those things. They weren’t human. They were animals without morals or compassion. All they cared about was their territory and gaining more power. He couldn’t join them and he couldn’t fight them, so he gave up. But giving up now wouldn’t help him survive.“I don’t want to be fixed,” Cole said and threw the covers off. A dark haired man curled next to him, and Cole’d been so unnerved he didn’t notice until now. It only took a quick glance to figure out who it was – Akito. Right. How could he be so stupid?Or course Akito turned Cole over to his alpha. What loyal pack member, wolf or not, wouldn’t?Shit. Whatever happened between them in the past, Cole needed to get out now.He slipped out of the bed and stood on unsteady legs. He still had on his boxers, but his pants were missing. Trent raised both brows. “You want to go back to partying until you end up dead? You want to give up the potential you have to be great because you failed at one simple test? I think there was a time you wanted to be part of a pack. Live a better life. Yet you’re willing to give it all up and throw everything away. Why?”Cole glanced around the room and headed toward the window. His heart pounded as he yanked open the shades. The sight that met him was unfamiliar, to say the least. Not the urban sprawl of Neo-Tokyo’s crumbling concrete buildings and skyscrapers, which gave way to the rubble in the distance. Instead, he stared right at a thick forest. Trees with new growth twisted beyond the window, and a small pond with a little rock garden sat in front of them. “Where am I?” Cole breathed. “And how long was I out?” If alphas could avoid answering questions, he could too.“Only for the night. This is Yoyogi Park, a mere fraction of my territory. Ever seen a tree, Cole?” Trent asked, his voice thick with sarcasm.Cole scowled and slumped against the window. “Not in a long time. Not since. . . what do you want from me?”“For one, I don’t want you to die,” Trent said. He stood up and rubbed the hair out of his face. Since he was an alpha, Trent was taller than Cole by several inches, with broad shoulders and a strong frame. “I’m building a pack, and you’re going to be my beta.”Cole rubbed his fingers through his own straight blond hair and glanced at Akito, who was still asleep. The words turned to mush in his head. “Why me? I don’t want to be like you.”Trent rolled his eyes. The silver caught the hint of sunlight and sparked. “I don’t care what you want. That’s the upside of being an alpha. I’m stronger than you. I can find you wherever you run, and I can bite you and make you mine. That’swhat I intend to do.”
April 6, 2015
New Series Cover Reveal: Cole (Alpha's Reign Book One) - this time the wolves are in charge
I have a new series, and it includes some cool new elements.
Number one: Wolves rule! Okay, alpha's rule. Hence the series title. I was going to call it Wolf's Reign, but I thought it was too close to Wolf's Rain, a manga and anime series.
This is not my new book.
Number two: some slight sci-fi stuff. This series takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, so the sci-fi elements make sense (I hope).
The age of humans ended over a hundred years ago. The age of wolves is just beginning. Humans are little more than slaves to be traded by their betters. If a human is lucky enough to get bitten, a whole new world opens up to them.
Trent is an alpha building his pack and he knows the kinds of humans he needs -- powerful ones. But he only has an omega at the moment, and Trent needs a strong beta to help him control his territory.
Cole is a human party boy with nothing to lose. At least, that's what he thought when he met Trent. The alpha pushes Cole to his limits, both physically and sexually, until the only thing Cole has left is his own humanity. Can he hold on to it or will the alpha who wants to transform Cole into a beta wolf take that as well?
Also, sex and falling in love and stuff.
Here's a look at the cover of Cole (Alpha's Reign Book One):
I'll post a sneak peek next week!!!
Number one: Wolves rule! Okay, alpha's rule. Hence the series title. I was going to call it Wolf's Reign, but I thought it was too close to Wolf's Rain, a manga and anime series.
This is not my new book.Number two: some slight sci-fi stuff. This series takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, so the sci-fi elements make sense (I hope).
The age of humans ended over a hundred years ago. The age of wolves is just beginning. Humans are little more than slaves to be traded by their betters. If a human is lucky enough to get bitten, a whole new world opens up to them.
Trent is an alpha building his pack and he knows the kinds of humans he needs -- powerful ones. But he only has an omega at the moment, and Trent needs a strong beta to help him control his territory.
Cole is a human party boy with nothing to lose. At least, that's what he thought when he met Trent. The alpha pushes Cole to his limits, both physically and sexually, until the only thing Cole has left is his own humanity. Can he hold on to it or will the alpha who wants to transform Cole into a beta wolf take that as well?
Also, sex and falling in love and stuff.
Here's a look at the cover of Cole (Alpha's Reign Book One):
I'll post a sneak peek next week!!!
March 8, 2015
Book price drop and a few other announcements!
I know I've said it before, but it bears repeating.
Writing is hard.
Chuck knows.
Not just making up interesting stories and putting them down on (digital) paper, but writing as a business is hard. It's a constantly changing landscape to which writers (like me) need to adapt or lose out.
I haven't been adapting well lately, and my book sales reflect that.
Also, my last week has been like this:
Hyperbole and a Half
But I'm not going to whine about shit not going my way. Boo-fucking-hoo. Instead, I made a plan to do something about it.
I lowered all my books from $4.99 to $3.99. I'm sorry if you bought Alpha's Gamble at $4.99 and feel cheated. I didn't know I was going to lower the price until Friday. The book isn't selling well, and the only thing I can figure besides everyone decided they hated me is that the price is too high in the current ebook market. Since I make a living on my books, and I'd like to keep making a living on my books, I have a certain sales threshold to maintain. If that means I have to sell more books at a cheaper price, I can do that. I hope. New releases will be $2.99 for the first week! Yep! That means from now on my loyal fans (whom I love, btw, you guys rock!) will get a special discount on every book just for buying it when it comes out. ^_^I'll be putting out more stuff, including two new series! I've changed up my writing plans a bit this year. I think I need to diversify my books a bit better to attract more readers, and also to keep from getting bored and complacent. While it does mean that Haven City and Lost Wolves will be spread out a tiny bit more, it also means they'll be new stuff too. Including another wolf series (Alpha's Reign) and a gay superhero series (Darkvale). And who doesn't love gay superheroes?
Szereplk
*wipes away drool*
Check out my current release schedule here.
Writing is hard.
Chuck knows.
Not just making up interesting stories and putting them down on (digital) paper, but writing as a business is hard. It's a constantly changing landscape to which writers (like me) need to adapt or lose out.
I haven't been adapting well lately, and my book sales reflect that.
Also, my last week has been like this:
Hyperbole and a HalfBut I'm not going to whine about shit not going my way. Boo-fucking-hoo. Instead, I made a plan to do something about it.
I lowered all my books from $4.99 to $3.99. I'm sorry if you bought Alpha's Gamble at $4.99 and feel cheated. I didn't know I was going to lower the price until Friday. The book isn't selling well, and the only thing I can figure besides everyone decided they hated me is that the price is too high in the current ebook market. Since I make a living on my books, and I'd like to keep making a living on my books, I have a certain sales threshold to maintain. If that means I have to sell more books at a cheaper price, I can do that. I hope. New releases will be $2.99 for the first week! Yep! That means from now on my loyal fans (whom I love, btw, you guys rock!) will get a special discount on every book just for buying it when it comes out. ^_^I'll be putting out more stuff, including two new series! I've changed up my writing plans a bit this year. I think I need to diversify my books a bit better to attract more readers, and also to keep from getting bored and complacent. While it does mean that Haven City and Lost Wolves will be spread out a tiny bit more, it also means they'll be new stuff too. Including another wolf series (Alpha's Reign) and a gay superhero series (Darkvale). And who doesn't love gay superheroes?
Szereplk*wipes away drool*
Check out my current release schedule here.
March 2, 2015
Alpha's Gamble (Haven City Series # 7) Released!
Alpha's Gamble (Haven City Series # 7) is live everywhere (except Kobo)! In fact, I think it went live a few places last night.
*pops bottle of sparkling wine*
*drinks*
Are you going to roll the dice on Davis? Bet it all and see if Ken gets the man he's been in love with since he was a teenager? Or will you fold? Okay, I'm done with the bad gambling puns. And I apologize.
If you still like me after that, you can check out the book!
Buy it here:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
All Romance
Kobo
Google Play
Smashwords
Davis Harrison ruins things. He was supposed to form a pack and lead as alpha, but that future felt like a cage, so he paved his own path as a gambler who now owes money to the mob. Problem? Yeah. Big time. Especially when repaying old debts puts Davis and everyone he cares about in danger.
Enter Davis’s best friend and omega wolf, Ken Isben. Ken promised himself not to get involved with Davis and his schemes – that ship sailed a long time ago. Ken has a life, a home and a steady job. But every instinct tells Ken that Davis is his mate, and if he’s not there to pick up the pieces, who will?
But helping a friend in need is harder than it seems when that friend is as sexy as Davis. Even if Davis claims he’s straight that doesn’t keep the charming alpha from getting close to Ken in every way possible – igniting hidden desires and rekindling a lust Ken thought he got over years before.
The line between friends and lovers blurs, but is it enough to heal their wounds, repair their broken pack and fall in love?
Contains graphic gay sex scenes and violence.
Excerpt:
They finished off a whole pizza before Davis spoke. The one thing that he hadn’t thought about since the night before flashed into his mind. Hell, it was the reason he stayed at the club and got into the damn fight with those bears. Davis took a swig of his beer. “How was the date?”Ken’s chewing slowed, and he dabbed his mouth with a napkin before he answered. “Not great. I told him it wouldn’t work and came home.”Well, that was the last response Davis expected. He thought for damn sure Ty’s arrest interrupted Ken’s date, otherwise Ken would’ve gone home with the guy. “That’s it?” Davis fought the grin threatening his lips. Besides all the other shit he had to deal with, at least Ken didn’t have a damn boyfriend now.Ken pursed his lips and grabbed another slice. Probably his sixth, but Davis wasn’t about to judge. He could eat both pizzas by himself, and Ken could as well. “Well, he’s human, so that put a damper on it. He kept asking me about Christmas. What am I supposed to say? Wolves don’t celebrate human holidays? And he can’t cut a damn steak to save his life. Oh, and you have no idea what he did to his bread. Annoying, to say the least. Also, he’s indecisive and egotistical. Sort of. Or maybe he just wasn’t what I wanted.”Davis’s heart thudded in his chest. He heard Ken’s beat with it, like two drums trying to match each other’s pace. “What do you want?”He didn’t know why he asked. Ty told him. Ken told him ten years before, and Davis did the perfectly asshole thing and dismissed it. What could he do about it when the very idea of giving into that kind of desire scared him shitless? No – it wasn’t the desire that frightened him, that was just a front from his real fear. It was the responsibility of keeping Ken happy. Being the upstanding alpha Ken deserved, pretty much the exact opposite of what Davis actuallywas.What if he royally fucked it all up and Ken never forgave him? Or Ken left him. Yeah, he couldn’t deal with that. Ty was probably right. Ken was too good for him. That just meant Davis had to be better. “Stop being an ass. You know what I want. I’ve known since I was sixteen how I felt, and I don’t expect you to feel the same. I’m not saying I’m waiting for something that’s never going to happen, but I’m also not forcing myself into a relationship just for the hell of it. Or to make you jealous. It’s not worth it,” Ken said and gulped the last of his wine. His cheeks reddened, and he lapped a drop from his upper lip. Davis stared at him, mouth twitching into a smile. “You were trying to make me jealous?”“Shut up,” Ken said and nudged Davis’s calf with his toe. “I know it was stupid and pointless, okay? But you kissed me and—”“It worked. I was jealous last night. I was jealous the night Jin caught me. I sound like some asshole alpha, and I know it, but I hatedthe idea of anyone else touching you,” Davis blurted out. His fingers dug into the bottle of beer. This was his idea of being a better wolf? He wasn’t off to a great start. To his surprise, Ken didn’t shut the conversation down with a shake of his head. He didn’t gather their dishes and rush away, like he’d done before. This time Ken looked straight into Davis’s eyes. Ken’s own looked like the sea during a storm, fighting toward an impossible shore. If Ken was drowning out there, he needed Davis’s help. So Davis threw him a life raft. Hell, he’d have turned an entire ship around if he had to, because admitting this is what that felt like. “Do you want to be the one touching me?” Ken breathed and bit his bottom lip. His teeth dug into it so hard Davis feared it might break. Bleed. For him. And he wasn’t worthy of that kind of wound. Davis’s mouth felt like the Arizona desert, but he didn’t pick up his beer. Didn’t move. If he did, this moment might get lost in the grand shuffle, and they’d never find their way back here again. “Yeah. More than anything.”Ken inhaled sharply like someone hit him. His eyes pinched, and he nodded. “Then do it.”Fuck. Davis didn’t need to be told more than once. Who the hell cared about a half eaten pizza with an offer like that? But he couldn't shove the pizza on the floor; Ken wasn’t that kind of guy. He’d complain about the grease stains. So Davis rounded the table, swallowed the cactus in his throat and pulled Ken into him. Ken’s eyes widened, briefly, and then his expression turned sharp with desire. The same desire that singed Davis from the inside. His bones burned with it – a fire that started in his chest and spread across his entire being. He’d been waiting for this kind of signal all week, and finally he got it. Ken’s mouth met his first. Lips, teeth and tongue pressed together passionately. He tasted like pizza and wine, not a bad combo, considering. Davis’s fingers snagged on Ken’s T-shirt. It was too loose. Too baggy. He yanked it over Ken’s head, upsetting his hair even more. Hell, Ken didn’t even say a word when Davis let it drop to the floor. Davis’s chest heaved. Every breath he took ached. Pinched at his side, though the salve helped ease some of it. But the pain was worth it. All of it was worth it for Ken and this singular moment. Ken’s mouth slipped down Davis’s neck, over the rough stubble. Every kiss scorched his flesh. Woke up the pieces of him that slept far too long. He groaned, limped forward, and held Ken against the wall. Ken writhed like a damn serpent, all hands and that hot wet mouth. It nipped at his lips, his cheeks. The rough edge of his jaw. Kissing and sucking and—Fuck! Davis wanted that mouth. Wanted all of Ken sprawled out just for him. “You’re hurt,” Ken breathed, like he was reminding himself, not Davis, of the alpha’s wounds. Davis shrugged and pulled the shirt over his head. “So? I’m well enough for this.”Ken frowned when he saw Davis’s chest. The little cuts and scrapes from the rocks in the river. The black bruise spreading over Davis’s side. “Bedroom.”
*pops bottle of sparkling wine*
*drinks*
Are you going to roll the dice on Davis? Bet it all and see if Ken gets the man he's been in love with since he was a teenager? Or will you fold? Okay, I'm done with the bad gambling puns. And I apologize.
If you still like me after that, you can check out the book!
Buy it here:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
All Romance
Kobo
Google Play
Smashwords
Davis Harrison ruins things. He was supposed to form a pack and lead as alpha, but that future felt like a cage, so he paved his own path as a gambler who now owes money to the mob. Problem? Yeah. Big time. Especially when repaying old debts puts Davis and everyone he cares about in danger.
Enter Davis’s best friend and omega wolf, Ken Isben. Ken promised himself not to get involved with Davis and his schemes – that ship sailed a long time ago. Ken has a life, a home and a steady job. But every instinct tells Ken that Davis is his mate, and if he’s not there to pick up the pieces, who will?
But helping a friend in need is harder than it seems when that friend is as sexy as Davis. Even if Davis claims he’s straight that doesn’t keep the charming alpha from getting close to Ken in every way possible – igniting hidden desires and rekindling a lust Ken thought he got over years before.
The line between friends and lovers blurs, but is it enough to heal their wounds, repair their broken pack and fall in love?
Contains graphic gay sex scenes and violence.
Excerpt:
They finished off a whole pizza before Davis spoke. The one thing that he hadn’t thought about since the night before flashed into his mind. Hell, it was the reason he stayed at the club and got into the damn fight with those bears. Davis took a swig of his beer. “How was the date?”Ken’s chewing slowed, and he dabbed his mouth with a napkin before he answered. “Not great. I told him it wouldn’t work and came home.”Well, that was the last response Davis expected. He thought for damn sure Ty’s arrest interrupted Ken’s date, otherwise Ken would’ve gone home with the guy. “That’s it?” Davis fought the grin threatening his lips. Besides all the other shit he had to deal with, at least Ken didn’t have a damn boyfriend now.Ken pursed his lips and grabbed another slice. Probably his sixth, but Davis wasn’t about to judge. He could eat both pizzas by himself, and Ken could as well. “Well, he’s human, so that put a damper on it. He kept asking me about Christmas. What am I supposed to say? Wolves don’t celebrate human holidays? And he can’t cut a damn steak to save his life. Oh, and you have no idea what he did to his bread. Annoying, to say the least. Also, he’s indecisive and egotistical. Sort of. Or maybe he just wasn’t what I wanted.”Davis’s heart thudded in his chest. He heard Ken’s beat with it, like two drums trying to match each other’s pace. “What do you want?”He didn’t know why he asked. Ty told him. Ken told him ten years before, and Davis did the perfectly asshole thing and dismissed it. What could he do about it when the very idea of giving into that kind of desire scared him shitless? No – it wasn’t the desire that frightened him, that was just a front from his real fear. It was the responsibility of keeping Ken happy. Being the upstanding alpha Ken deserved, pretty much the exact opposite of what Davis actuallywas.What if he royally fucked it all up and Ken never forgave him? Or Ken left him. Yeah, he couldn’t deal with that. Ty was probably right. Ken was too good for him. That just meant Davis had to be better. “Stop being an ass. You know what I want. I’ve known since I was sixteen how I felt, and I don’t expect you to feel the same. I’m not saying I’m waiting for something that’s never going to happen, but I’m also not forcing myself into a relationship just for the hell of it. Or to make you jealous. It’s not worth it,” Ken said and gulped the last of his wine. His cheeks reddened, and he lapped a drop from his upper lip. Davis stared at him, mouth twitching into a smile. “You were trying to make me jealous?”“Shut up,” Ken said and nudged Davis’s calf with his toe. “I know it was stupid and pointless, okay? But you kissed me and—”“It worked. I was jealous last night. I was jealous the night Jin caught me. I sound like some asshole alpha, and I know it, but I hatedthe idea of anyone else touching you,” Davis blurted out. His fingers dug into the bottle of beer. This was his idea of being a better wolf? He wasn’t off to a great start. To his surprise, Ken didn’t shut the conversation down with a shake of his head. He didn’t gather their dishes and rush away, like he’d done before. This time Ken looked straight into Davis’s eyes. Ken’s own looked like the sea during a storm, fighting toward an impossible shore. If Ken was drowning out there, he needed Davis’s help. So Davis threw him a life raft. Hell, he’d have turned an entire ship around if he had to, because admitting this is what that felt like. “Do you want to be the one touching me?” Ken breathed and bit his bottom lip. His teeth dug into it so hard Davis feared it might break. Bleed. For him. And he wasn’t worthy of that kind of wound. Davis’s mouth felt like the Arizona desert, but he didn’t pick up his beer. Didn’t move. If he did, this moment might get lost in the grand shuffle, and they’d never find their way back here again. “Yeah. More than anything.”Ken inhaled sharply like someone hit him. His eyes pinched, and he nodded. “Then do it.”Fuck. Davis didn’t need to be told more than once. Who the hell cared about a half eaten pizza with an offer like that? But he couldn't shove the pizza on the floor; Ken wasn’t that kind of guy. He’d complain about the grease stains. So Davis rounded the table, swallowed the cactus in his throat and pulled Ken into him. Ken’s eyes widened, briefly, and then his expression turned sharp with desire. The same desire that singed Davis from the inside. His bones burned with it – a fire that started in his chest and spread across his entire being. He’d been waiting for this kind of signal all week, and finally he got it. Ken’s mouth met his first. Lips, teeth and tongue pressed together passionately. He tasted like pizza and wine, not a bad combo, considering. Davis’s fingers snagged on Ken’s T-shirt. It was too loose. Too baggy. He yanked it over Ken’s head, upsetting his hair even more. Hell, Ken didn’t even say a word when Davis let it drop to the floor. Davis’s chest heaved. Every breath he took ached. Pinched at his side, though the salve helped ease some of it. But the pain was worth it. All of it was worth it for Ken and this singular moment. Ken’s mouth slipped down Davis’s neck, over the rough stubble. Every kiss scorched his flesh. Woke up the pieces of him that slept far too long. He groaned, limped forward, and held Ken against the wall. Ken writhed like a damn serpent, all hands and that hot wet mouth. It nipped at his lips, his cheeks. The rough edge of his jaw. Kissing and sucking and—Fuck! Davis wanted that mouth. Wanted all of Ken sprawled out just for him. “You’re hurt,” Ken breathed, like he was reminding himself, not Davis, of the alpha’s wounds. Davis shrugged and pulled the shirt over his head. “So? I’m well enough for this.”Ken frowned when he saw Davis’s chest. The little cuts and scrapes from the rocks in the river. The black bruise spreading over Davis’s side. “Bedroom.”
March 1, 2015
Alpha's Gamble Print Cover Reveal!
It's almost time! One more day and Alpha's Gamble (Haven City Series # 7) will be out. The print cover is ready and (hopefully) sexy as all hell -- just like Davis. At least, I think so.
Check it out:
Check it out:
February 23, 2015
Alpha's Gamble (Haven City Series # 7) First Chapter Sneak Peek!!!
Alpha's Gamble (Haven City Series # 7) comes out in one week! Next Monday, March 2, 2015, the book will be live on all channels, barring some sort of unforeseen delay.
Until then, I'll be working on more of Lost Wolves Book Four. I haven't titled that one yet. I know. Bad writer. But at least I'm working on the right book now.
Oh, and obvs, fangirling over Destiel. Who doesn't?!?!
And now for the first chapter of Alpha's Gamble. Davis Harrison returns home, but he doesn't get the welcome he expects. And Ken drinks wine because wine is delicious. Also, angst. Glorious angst!
1
Davis Harrison ruined things. His life. His pack. His future. In this case, he ruined Ken Isben’s chance of getting a good night’s sleep. At least, that’s how Ken saw it. The evening started well enough. Ken got off work on time, for once. Sure, his brain felt numb from staring at a computer screen all day. Spreadsheets and numbers fumbled through his mind, but that was normal. Accounting had that effect. Carolyn, Ken’s best office friend, threw her scarf around her neck and winked. “You going to meet Sam?” Ken struggled not to smile. “At the bar. It’s not a big deal.”“You never know. It could be true love,” she said and made a kissy face. He flicked her in the shoulder to get her to quit. Ken’s chest ached at that suggestion. Sam wasn’t true love. That title belonged to someone else—someone who didn’t love Ken the way Ken loved him. But he didn’t say that to Carolyn. He shrugged and convinced himself it was possible. Just as he got off the elevator he realized he’d left his favorite pen on his desk. That meant Gemma, the office klepto, would end up with it the next morning. Damn! But it was just a pen, and he wasn’t about to go back up and tuck it into his desk. Not when he had a sort of second date with Sam from marketing. Well, Ken thought it was a second date. Maybe it was just drinks and making out behind a bar again. Ugh. A bar. He’d really prefer a restaurant and a glass of merlot. Oh, and a large medium rare steak. But that was the wolf shifter talking, and Sam from marketing was only human. He wasn’t even one of the humans with magic – a member of the shadow folk. Nope. Just plain old human, which meant his appetite didn’t approach Ken’s even if Ken was a mere omega. But his rank didn’t matter when he didn’t have a proper pack. Not since. . . well, he didn’t want to think about that. About Davis and the pack that might have been (which was overly melodramatic, but also mostly true). Because thinking about Davis caused Problems with a capital P. Thinking about Davis led to a whole bottle of wine down his throat and a delightfully light head that turned into a slight hangover the next morning. Thinking about Davis led to pulling out the high school yearbook and reminiscing about prom. How Davis said they should both go stag. Pick up chicks inside. Only they didn’t do that. Once there, with all the other students dressed in cheap gowns and rented tuxedos and the cheesy streamers fluttering over their heads with the breeze from the air conditioning unit, Davis yanked Ken toward the line for pictures. “As a joke!” he said, with that smile on his face – that charming grin that fell lopsided on the left and curved up a bit more on the right. It danced in his eyes, and Ken couldn't do anything but say yes. He always said yes. Yes hurt more than he knew at the time. Yes felt good. But, fuck. Yes didn’t last. So, thinking about Davis Harrison was strictly off limits, but Ken already went there as he walked toward the bar attached to one of the many local breweries in Haven City. His steps slowed, and he took a deep breath of the crisp fall air. The trees were almost bare. Their colored leaves littered the sidewalk, pressed into the cement with rain. Yeah, Davis ruined things because he made Sam from marketing seem like a poor consolation prize in comparison. But Ken couldn’t ever have Davis (with his charming smile and those soulful brown eyes). And not just because Davis left Haven City years ago. That was an obstacle, but one Ken would’ve been willing to cross if Davis were gay. He wasn’t. Yeah. Davis the Ruiner, for fucking sure. So Ken went into the bar and met Sam from marketing for a drink. Beer. Not his thing, but Sam swore it was the best new place. They talked about work, and it was fine. Normal. Everything a second date should be. It was supposed to be a cold winter, Sam said. Ken pretended to shiver. Sam chuckled, but his smile wasn’t lopsided. His features were all too even. No spark lit in Ken’s gut when he looked at Sam. But what the hell did he expect? At least the guy was here. And available. Good enough, overall. Though a fellow shifter would’ve been even better. Davis would be the best, his asshole of a brain reminded him. He shoved that thought aside. Then, as they parted ways, Sam said they should do it again sometime. He stood very close so his arm brushed Ken’s. Their shoulders touched. He smelled like beer, sweat and his own bland human scent. Ken smiled and nodded. Then Sam from marketing kissed him. It was wet and warm and passable in most ways. Not passionate. But Ken kissed Sam back. He almost invited Sam over. Why the fuck not? What was he waiting for? Well, someone who abandoned him a long time ago, for one. Ken didn’t ask. Instead, he turned and started toward his condo on the lower north side of town, about twelve blocks from downtown and just over the river. The neighborhood was lively at this time of night. The puddles shimmered in the streetlights, reflecting the moon that was nearly full. Ken sighed, and his stomach grumbled. He stopped at a local steak joint and ordered a meal to go since he was too tired to cook. His brain felt even number after that ‘date,’ and his mouth tasted unpleasantly sour. Was it the kiss or the beer? He blamed both. When he got to his apartment he ate alone at the table. He needed that wine now. Please and thank you. Chew. Sip. And whatever you do, don’t think about Davis. Then his cell rang, and he jumped. Ken wiped his mouth on a cloth napkin and answered it. “Mr. Isben? We have a Mr. Harrison down here at the station. Would you like to pick him up or let him stay in a holding cell overnight?” The voice on the other end was familiar. All too familiar, really. Tasha, the local booking officer at the police station. Just what Ken needed tonight. The breath hitched in his throat. Mr. Harrison. But it was the wrong Mr. Harrison. Not Davis, but his younger brother Tyler. “What did he do this time?”“Shoplifting. They’re not pressing charges since he returned the items,” Tasha said and sounded as tired as Ken felt. “Yeah. I’ll be down in a few minutes.”Good thing he’d only had one glass of wine. Still. He decided against driving and set out back into the night. Ken and Tasha had this routine down. When Ken arrived, he flashed his ID, and she led Tyler out of the holding cell and gave him back his things. Tyler’s tongue flicked over his lip ring, and he wouldn’t meet Ken’s eyes as he tucked his wallet and cell phone back into his jeans.Typical. Neither of them said anything until they stepped outside. “You want to talk about it?” Ken asked and shoved his hands into his pockets. “Nope,” Tyler said and his nose wrinkled. He didn’t look exactly like his older brother, but there were similarities. Striking ones if Ken looked for them. Tyler’s brown eyes held the same kind of warmth, but they were sharper around the edges. Tighter. Ken’s breath puffed in the cold air. “Are you using again?” Tyler snorted and brushed a hand over his hair. It was black this week. Who knew what color it’d be next. It suited his tattoos better than plain old brown did, however. “I’m clean. I go to meetings every day. Ask my sponsor if you want.”The thing about addicts was you couldn’t take them at their word. Only, Ken didn’t have any proof otherwise. Tyler looked the same as always. Haunted. Tight-lipped. But he wasn’t skinny and slight as he’d been at the height of his addiction. He’d put on muscle over the last two years of sobriety. That was a good sign. “Okay. I trust you, but what were you doing in that store?” Ken asked and nudged Tyler’s shoulder. Ken was shorter than Tyler by nearly a head. But it didn’t feel like Tyler was much bigger than him. Hell, he remembered when Tyler was the annoying little brother who wouldn’t leave him and Davis alone while they tried to play video games. Now he got into the habit of bailing Tyler out of jail because Davis wasn’t around to do it. Things sure as fuck changed. Tyler shrugged. “I was bored. Fuck, Ken. I got away clean. Then, I realized it was stupid and went back. They called the cops because I returned the shit.”Ken fought the urge to smile and lost. “Wait. You almost got away clean and you went back? Am I rubbing off on you?”“Shut up. I even told Tasha not to call you. The only reason they brought me in was because of my record,” Tyler said and kicked a pebble down the sidewalk. It skidded and landed in a puddle. “Oh, and you reek like booze and humans, by the way.”Ken’s cheeks heated. “Booze and humans? Well. I had one glass of wine and one glass of beer – grudgingly.”Tyler didn’t press for answers, but he raised an eyebrow. “Are you fucking a human?”“No!” Ken said and thanked whatever possessed him not to invite Sam over to his place that night. If he had – shit – he didn’t want to think about it. “I went on a date with one. No big deal. Guy from my work.”Tyler nodded. “You hear from Davis lately?” he asked and pulled out a cigarette. He didn’t light it, because Ken told Tyler often enough how he felt about smoking. Tyler tucked it into his lips and held it there. Ready. “Few months ago. Did you give him your new number?” Tyler shrugged, which could mean anything, as they reached the cross streets that led them in different directions. “Do you need a place to stay tonight?” Ken asked. Because he always asked. Even if he knew the answer.Tyler shook his head. “No. I’ll take the tram the rest of the way. It’s still running. See you around. And, uh, thanks.”Ken nodded tightly and watched Tyler walk away. When he got to his condo for the second time that night, Ken needed to finish that bottle of wine. His eyes stung, and he picked up his cell phone three times. Brought up Davis’s number and almost (almost!) pressed the call button before he thought better of it. What was he going to say? The same damn thing he said each time they talked. “Oh. Hey. Your little brother needs you. I’m doing everything I can to deal with it, like we would if we were a proper pack, but we’re not because you ran off and skirted your responsibility to us. How are you?”Ken set the phone down and drank straight from the bottle. He took two long swallows and shoved it back into the fridge. If he didn’t, he’d finish the damn thing. Then his night returned to normal. He showered. Brushed his teeth. Collapsed into his fluffy, expensive mattress with eight hundred thread count sheets and fell asleep. But no one on Earth, not even Tyler Harrison, could ruin a night like Davis. Bang!Bang!Bang!Ken bolted upright in bed and blinked at the digital clock on his nightstand. Two a.m. Someone was knocking at his door at two a.m.?What the hell? He threw off the comforter, slipped on his slippers and shuffled to the door. His brain wasn’t awake enough to tell him not to open it. Ken undid the lock. Swung open the door. And –“Hey, Ken. Long time. You gonna let me in or not?” Davis Harrison said and smiled. Lopsided and charming. Ken’s heart jumped into his throat. Any cloud of sleep that still clung to his mind dissipated with that voice. That scent. The sight of Davis. There! Not a million miles away. Not in Los Angeles or New York or Miami but on his doorstep. So Ken did the only thing he could do. He slammed the door in Davis’s face. Or, he tried to do that. However, Davis was still an alpha. Strong and fast, no matter what his other (many) shortcomings may be. He caught it with his forearm and pushed. “Oh, come on. It’s been years! I haven’t seen you since Vegas.”Vegas. Why did he have to remind Ken of Vegas?“No!” Ken said and pushed against the door with his back. “I need to get to sleep. Go see Tyler. He’s got a place.”Typical Davis. He wouldn’t take a hint even if someone clobbered him with it. “Ken. Come on. I’m here to see you. I’ll see Ty tomorrow. We need to talk.”Davis sounded so serious Ken forgot what he was doing. He stopped pushing, and Davis slipped inside with his duffel bag, and loomed over him. “Better lock up. Don’t want any weirdoes to break in.”Ken widened his eyes and balled his hand into a fist. The fist met the solid wall of Davis’s chest. The alpha stumbled back a step. Hell, it was better than before when Davis didn’t move an inch if Ken slugged him. Not that Ken liked hitting Davis, but sometimes the bastard deserved it. Like now!“What the hell? It’s two in the morning. You could’ve waited until a decent hour. Also, what are you doing here?” Ken hissed and brushed his hands through his hair. Davis moved toward the kitchen, his eyes slipping over everything in the room. The neat modern furniture and the art on the walls. “That’s not the tone of voice of someone who’s happy to see me. Lighten up, Ken! I know it’s late, but my bus just arrived, so I thought I’d head over. Why did you give me your address if you didn’t want me to use it? I couldn’t call Ty because I don’t have his new number. Now, you got something to eat?”Ken crossed his arms and watched, helplessly, as Davis opened the refrigerator and pulled out a package of salami, mustard and bread. He held up the bottle of wine and raised an eyebrow, as if he were offering it. “Yes. Wine. I think I’ll need the rest of it now,” Ken grumbled and grabbed the bottle out of Davis’s hands. “You want a sandwich? You look thin. Are you eating enough?” Davis asked as he threw the meat and bread together in a way that should’ve looked sloppy but managed being presentable instead. “Yes, and I eat plenty. You sound like my mother,” Ken said and pried the cork from the bottle. How had he even managed to push it back in so far? No idea. He yanked with his teeth and got it free. Davis pushed the first sandwich across the countertop and made a second. His brown eyes stayed glued to the task, and Ken watched Davis’s hands as he worked. They were rougher than before. Tanned and calloused, but they were the same hands he remembered. He swallowed. Hard. Then took a long sip of the wine. “Easy there. You need a glass?” Davis asked and placed the top slice of bread on his sandwich. “No,” Ken said and wiped his lips. “Not tonight I don’t. Tell me why you’re here.”“You don’t even want to sit?” Davis asked and pointed at the kitchen table. Ken gritted his teeth and bit back the urge to scream. Because screaming at Davis didn’t do any good. It never did any good. And he knew that, but it didn’t stop the impulse from filling his bones. He shoved the sandwich in his mouth instead and stared at Davis as if his gaze could will his best friend into telling him everything. Davis shrugged and leaned against the counter. As Ken chewed, he noticed Davis’s hands weren’t the only things about him to change. It’d been fifteen years since Davis left Haven, and nearly ten since they’d last seen each other. The Davis he remembered best was still slightly gawky – too tall and growing into his build. Davis grew well enough. His shoulders were broad and strong. A fitted T-shirt stretched over his muscular chest, tucked into his jeans. His brown leather jacket had seen better days, but it suited him. Ken’s mouth dried out, and he took another swig of wine. “So. Nice pajamas,” Davis said and brushed the crumbs from his lips. Ken scowled. “Talk or I kick you out. I thought you said you could never come back. Now here you are! What the fuck?”Davis opened his mouth and closed it twice. Then he yanked a glass out of the cupboard, filled it with water, and drank the whole damn thing before he answered. “Well, it turns out I can come back, so I did.”Ken narrowed his eyes. “Just like that. Fifteen fucking years of running away and now you can come back? Lucky us!”Davis shrugged. “Look. I told you I didn’t want you to get involved. But the trouble I was in got cleaned up. You know that gang war that went down last summer? Well, that took care of my problem. So, here I am. I thought you’d be happy to see me. You said you wanted me to come back, and then you practically leave me on the street. Hungry. Alone. Is that what friends do?”Ken reached for the final swallow of wine, but Davis lifted the bottle from the counter before he had the chance. Then, that bastard alpha, slipped his mouth over the edge, and he drank it. A drop landed on Davis’s bottom lip, and he swept it away with the enticing tip of his tongue. Shit. Ken wiped his sweaty palms on his pajama pants. “That was years ago. But you’re right. I don’t want to know what the trouble was. I don’t want anything to do with your messed up life, because you left me here to deal with one fucked up member of the Harrison household and that’s enough for me, thanks.”The words stung, and he didn’t really mean them. Not entirely. Tyler was like a brother to him more than anything else. And Davis was, well, Davis. “Yeah. I—how is he?” Davis asked and set the wine bottle down with a clink that sounded louder than it should have. “Fine. He was arrested for shoplifting again. No biggie,” Ken said. Davis’s jaw clenched, and he nodded. “Look. I’ll talk to him. Okay? That’s all I can do. I can’t promise he’ll listen to me.”Ken laughed. Short and bitter. “Oh, he won’t! But he’s better. Clean for two years. You know things were bad after your dad died, but when your mom went it just got worse. He needed you.”Davis pinched the bridge of his nose. “Yeah. I know. Is this going to turn into a lecture because I don’t need another one of those. If you don’t want me here, I’ll go. It’s just. . . I get back into Haven and you’re the first person I wanted to see. Don’t tell Ty. I want to see him too, but I thought you’d be glad I was back.”Ken squeezed his eyes shut and let out a slow breath through his nose. Davis Harrison everyone. Guilt tripper extraordinaire. And it worked. Ken’s stomach did a stupid juvenile backflip at those words. If Davis told Ken that in high school, he’d have convinced himself it was true love. That they really were mates and years of a fruitless crush finally meant something. Now, Ken shoved the sensation aside. “I – I’m just tired. It was a long day, and I have work tomorrow. You surprised me. I wish you called.”“Maybe I wanted to surprise you,” Davis said with a smile. Ken shook his head and glanced at the duffel bag next to the front door. It was as beat up as Davis’s jacket. “Do you have someplace to stay?”“Nope. Is this a two bedroom? It’s really nice. But I always thought you’d want a house in the suburbs.”“Well, maybe you don’t know me as well as you think. It’s a one bedroom, but you can take the couch. Let me get you a blanket,” Ken said, voice as sharp as he could make it. Davis flinched, and it should’ve felt more satisfying than it did. Ken flitted through his cupboards, gathered a few things and set the bundle on the couch. “Put the sheet down before you sleep. I don’t want your musk ruining the leather. Here’s a towel if you want to shower. Bathroom is down the hall. There’s an extra toothbrush, brand new, in the cupboard. Please use that.”Davis nodded. “Thanks.”Then, as Ken turned to leave, a strong hand snagged his shoulder. He tensed under the grip. It’d been so long. And the last time – oh fuck! The last time he made such a fool of himself. He took a breath through his nose. “Tell me one thing. Are you staying for good or not?”“I’m not leaving this time. I promise,” Davis said, his voice gruff and rich. It seeped into Ken’s skin, and he felt like he could drink it. Ken nodded tightly and slipped out of Davis’s grasp. He stepped into his room and shut the door, leaned against it, and balled his hands into fists so tight his nails bit into his palms. He wanted to believe Davis, but after everything that happened Ken knew the painful truth. That alpha abandoned the wolves who were supposed to be his pack. His promises meant nothing.Ken trudged to the bed and climbed under the covers. His mouth tasted like salami and wine, but he wouldn’t have gone back out there for anything. Well, maybe Davis naked in his bed – no!He shook that thought away, and put a pillow over his head as the shower burst to life. Which meant Davis was naked and wet. Damn. Ken squeezed his eyes shut and tried to sleep. Don’t think about Davis Harrison? Now it really was impossible.
Until then, I'll be working on more of Lost Wolves Book Four. I haven't titled that one yet. I know. Bad writer. But at least I'm working on the right book now.
Oh, and obvs, fangirling over Destiel. Who doesn't?!?!
And now for the first chapter of Alpha's Gamble. Davis Harrison returns home, but he doesn't get the welcome he expects. And Ken drinks wine because wine is delicious. Also, angst. Glorious angst!
1
Davis Harrison ruined things. His life. His pack. His future. In this case, he ruined Ken Isben’s chance of getting a good night’s sleep. At least, that’s how Ken saw it. The evening started well enough. Ken got off work on time, for once. Sure, his brain felt numb from staring at a computer screen all day. Spreadsheets and numbers fumbled through his mind, but that was normal. Accounting had that effect. Carolyn, Ken’s best office friend, threw her scarf around her neck and winked. “You going to meet Sam?” Ken struggled not to smile. “At the bar. It’s not a big deal.”“You never know. It could be true love,” she said and made a kissy face. He flicked her in the shoulder to get her to quit. Ken’s chest ached at that suggestion. Sam wasn’t true love. That title belonged to someone else—someone who didn’t love Ken the way Ken loved him. But he didn’t say that to Carolyn. He shrugged and convinced himself it was possible. Just as he got off the elevator he realized he’d left his favorite pen on his desk. That meant Gemma, the office klepto, would end up with it the next morning. Damn! But it was just a pen, and he wasn’t about to go back up and tuck it into his desk. Not when he had a sort of second date with Sam from marketing. Well, Ken thought it was a second date. Maybe it was just drinks and making out behind a bar again. Ugh. A bar. He’d really prefer a restaurant and a glass of merlot. Oh, and a large medium rare steak. But that was the wolf shifter talking, and Sam from marketing was only human. He wasn’t even one of the humans with magic – a member of the shadow folk. Nope. Just plain old human, which meant his appetite didn’t approach Ken’s even if Ken was a mere omega. But his rank didn’t matter when he didn’t have a proper pack. Not since. . . well, he didn’t want to think about that. About Davis and the pack that might have been (which was overly melodramatic, but also mostly true). Because thinking about Davis caused Problems with a capital P. Thinking about Davis led to a whole bottle of wine down his throat and a delightfully light head that turned into a slight hangover the next morning. Thinking about Davis led to pulling out the high school yearbook and reminiscing about prom. How Davis said they should both go stag. Pick up chicks inside. Only they didn’t do that. Once there, with all the other students dressed in cheap gowns and rented tuxedos and the cheesy streamers fluttering over their heads with the breeze from the air conditioning unit, Davis yanked Ken toward the line for pictures. “As a joke!” he said, with that smile on his face – that charming grin that fell lopsided on the left and curved up a bit more on the right. It danced in his eyes, and Ken couldn't do anything but say yes. He always said yes. Yes hurt more than he knew at the time. Yes felt good. But, fuck. Yes didn’t last. So, thinking about Davis Harrison was strictly off limits, but Ken already went there as he walked toward the bar attached to one of the many local breweries in Haven City. His steps slowed, and he took a deep breath of the crisp fall air. The trees were almost bare. Their colored leaves littered the sidewalk, pressed into the cement with rain. Yeah, Davis ruined things because he made Sam from marketing seem like a poor consolation prize in comparison. But Ken couldn’t ever have Davis (with his charming smile and those soulful brown eyes). And not just because Davis left Haven City years ago. That was an obstacle, but one Ken would’ve been willing to cross if Davis were gay. He wasn’t. Yeah. Davis the Ruiner, for fucking sure. So Ken went into the bar and met Sam from marketing for a drink. Beer. Not his thing, but Sam swore it was the best new place. They talked about work, and it was fine. Normal. Everything a second date should be. It was supposed to be a cold winter, Sam said. Ken pretended to shiver. Sam chuckled, but his smile wasn’t lopsided. His features were all too even. No spark lit in Ken’s gut when he looked at Sam. But what the hell did he expect? At least the guy was here. And available. Good enough, overall. Though a fellow shifter would’ve been even better. Davis would be the best, his asshole of a brain reminded him. He shoved that thought aside. Then, as they parted ways, Sam said they should do it again sometime. He stood very close so his arm brushed Ken’s. Their shoulders touched. He smelled like beer, sweat and his own bland human scent. Ken smiled and nodded. Then Sam from marketing kissed him. It was wet and warm and passable in most ways. Not passionate. But Ken kissed Sam back. He almost invited Sam over. Why the fuck not? What was he waiting for? Well, someone who abandoned him a long time ago, for one. Ken didn’t ask. Instead, he turned and started toward his condo on the lower north side of town, about twelve blocks from downtown and just over the river. The neighborhood was lively at this time of night. The puddles shimmered in the streetlights, reflecting the moon that was nearly full. Ken sighed, and his stomach grumbled. He stopped at a local steak joint and ordered a meal to go since he was too tired to cook. His brain felt even number after that ‘date,’ and his mouth tasted unpleasantly sour. Was it the kiss or the beer? He blamed both. When he got to his apartment he ate alone at the table. He needed that wine now. Please and thank you. Chew. Sip. And whatever you do, don’t think about Davis. Then his cell rang, and he jumped. Ken wiped his mouth on a cloth napkin and answered it. “Mr. Isben? We have a Mr. Harrison down here at the station. Would you like to pick him up or let him stay in a holding cell overnight?” The voice on the other end was familiar. All too familiar, really. Tasha, the local booking officer at the police station. Just what Ken needed tonight. The breath hitched in his throat. Mr. Harrison. But it was the wrong Mr. Harrison. Not Davis, but his younger brother Tyler. “What did he do this time?”“Shoplifting. They’re not pressing charges since he returned the items,” Tasha said and sounded as tired as Ken felt. “Yeah. I’ll be down in a few minutes.”Good thing he’d only had one glass of wine. Still. He decided against driving and set out back into the night. Ken and Tasha had this routine down. When Ken arrived, he flashed his ID, and she led Tyler out of the holding cell and gave him back his things. Tyler’s tongue flicked over his lip ring, and he wouldn’t meet Ken’s eyes as he tucked his wallet and cell phone back into his jeans.Typical. Neither of them said anything until they stepped outside. “You want to talk about it?” Ken asked and shoved his hands into his pockets. “Nope,” Tyler said and his nose wrinkled. He didn’t look exactly like his older brother, but there were similarities. Striking ones if Ken looked for them. Tyler’s brown eyes held the same kind of warmth, but they were sharper around the edges. Tighter. Ken’s breath puffed in the cold air. “Are you using again?” Tyler snorted and brushed a hand over his hair. It was black this week. Who knew what color it’d be next. It suited his tattoos better than plain old brown did, however. “I’m clean. I go to meetings every day. Ask my sponsor if you want.”The thing about addicts was you couldn’t take them at their word. Only, Ken didn’t have any proof otherwise. Tyler looked the same as always. Haunted. Tight-lipped. But he wasn’t skinny and slight as he’d been at the height of his addiction. He’d put on muscle over the last two years of sobriety. That was a good sign. “Okay. I trust you, but what were you doing in that store?” Ken asked and nudged Tyler’s shoulder. Ken was shorter than Tyler by nearly a head. But it didn’t feel like Tyler was much bigger than him. Hell, he remembered when Tyler was the annoying little brother who wouldn’t leave him and Davis alone while they tried to play video games. Now he got into the habit of bailing Tyler out of jail because Davis wasn’t around to do it. Things sure as fuck changed. Tyler shrugged. “I was bored. Fuck, Ken. I got away clean. Then, I realized it was stupid and went back. They called the cops because I returned the shit.”Ken fought the urge to smile and lost. “Wait. You almost got away clean and you went back? Am I rubbing off on you?”“Shut up. I even told Tasha not to call you. The only reason they brought me in was because of my record,” Tyler said and kicked a pebble down the sidewalk. It skidded and landed in a puddle. “Oh, and you reek like booze and humans, by the way.”Ken’s cheeks heated. “Booze and humans? Well. I had one glass of wine and one glass of beer – grudgingly.”Tyler didn’t press for answers, but he raised an eyebrow. “Are you fucking a human?”“No!” Ken said and thanked whatever possessed him not to invite Sam over to his place that night. If he had – shit – he didn’t want to think about it. “I went on a date with one. No big deal. Guy from my work.”Tyler nodded. “You hear from Davis lately?” he asked and pulled out a cigarette. He didn’t light it, because Ken told Tyler often enough how he felt about smoking. Tyler tucked it into his lips and held it there. Ready. “Few months ago. Did you give him your new number?” Tyler shrugged, which could mean anything, as they reached the cross streets that led them in different directions. “Do you need a place to stay tonight?” Ken asked. Because he always asked. Even if he knew the answer.Tyler shook his head. “No. I’ll take the tram the rest of the way. It’s still running. See you around. And, uh, thanks.”Ken nodded tightly and watched Tyler walk away. When he got to his condo for the second time that night, Ken needed to finish that bottle of wine. His eyes stung, and he picked up his cell phone three times. Brought up Davis’s number and almost (almost!) pressed the call button before he thought better of it. What was he going to say? The same damn thing he said each time they talked. “Oh. Hey. Your little brother needs you. I’m doing everything I can to deal with it, like we would if we were a proper pack, but we’re not because you ran off and skirted your responsibility to us. How are you?”Ken set the phone down and drank straight from the bottle. He took two long swallows and shoved it back into the fridge. If he didn’t, he’d finish the damn thing. Then his night returned to normal. He showered. Brushed his teeth. Collapsed into his fluffy, expensive mattress with eight hundred thread count sheets and fell asleep. But no one on Earth, not even Tyler Harrison, could ruin a night like Davis. Bang!Bang!Bang!Ken bolted upright in bed and blinked at the digital clock on his nightstand. Two a.m. Someone was knocking at his door at two a.m.?What the hell? He threw off the comforter, slipped on his slippers and shuffled to the door. His brain wasn’t awake enough to tell him not to open it. Ken undid the lock. Swung open the door. And –“Hey, Ken. Long time. You gonna let me in or not?” Davis Harrison said and smiled. Lopsided and charming. Ken’s heart jumped into his throat. Any cloud of sleep that still clung to his mind dissipated with that voice. That scent. The sight of Davis. There! Not a million miles away. Not in Los Angeles or New York or Miami but on his doorstep. So Ken did the only thing he could do. He slammed the door in Davis’s face. Or, he tried to do that. However, Davis was still an alpha. Strong and fast, no matter what his other (many) shortcomings may be. He caught it with his forearm and pushed. “Oh, come on. It’s been years! I haven’t seen you since Vegas.”Vegas. Why did he have to remind Ken of Vegas?“No!” Ken said and pushed against the door with his back. “I need to get to sleep. Go see Tyler. He’s got a place.”Typical Davis. He wouldn’t take a hint even if someone clobbered him with it. “Ken. Come on. I’m here to see you. I’ll see Ty tomorrow. We need to talk.”Davis sounded so serious Ken forgot what he was doing. He stopped pushing, and Davis slipped inside with his duffel bag, and loomed over him. “Better lock up. Don’t want any weirdoes to break in.”Ken widened his eyes and balled his hand into a fist. The fist met the solid wall of Davis’s chest. The alpha stumbled back a step. Hell, it was better than before when Davis didn’t move an inch if Ken slugged him. Not that Ken liked hitting Davis, but sometimes the bastard deserved it. Like now!“What the hell? It’s two in the morning. You could’ve waited until a decent hour. Also, what are you doing here?” Ken hissed and brushed his hands through his hair. Davis moved toward the kitchen, his eyes slipping over everything in the room. The neat modern furniture and the art on the walls. “That’s not the tone of voice of someone who’s happy to see me. Lighten up, Ken! I know it’s late, but my bus just arrived, so I thought I’d head over. Why did you give me your address if you didn’t want me to use it? I couldn’t call Ty because I don’t have his new number. Now, you got something to eat?”Ken crossed his arms and watched, helplessly, as Davis opened the refrigerator and pulled out a package of salami, mustard and bread. He held up the bottle of wine and raised an eyebrow, as if he were offering it. “Yes. Wine. I think I’ll need the rest of it now,” Ken grumbled and grabbed the bottle out of Davis’s hands. “You want a sandwich? You look thin. Are you eating enough?” Davis asked as he threw the meat and bread together in a way that should’ve looked sloppy but managed being presentable instead. “Yes, and I eat plenty. You sound like my mother,” Ken said and pried the cork from the bottle. How had he even managed to push it back in so far? No idea. He yanked with his teeth and got it free. Davis pushed the first sandwich across the countertop and made a second. His brown eyes stayed glued to the task, and Ken watched Davis’s hands as he worked. They were rougher than before. Tanned and calloused, but they were the same hands he remembered. He swallowed. Hard. Then took a long sip of the wine. “Easy there. You need a glass?” Davis asked and placed the top slice of bread on his sandwich. “No,” Ken said and wiped his lips. “Not tonight I don’t. Tell me why you’re here.”“You don’t even want to sit?” Davis asked and pointed at the kitchen table. Ken gritted his teeth and bit back the urge to scream. Because screaming at Davis didn’t do any good. It never did any good. And he knew that, but it didn’t stop the impulse from filling his bones. He shoved the sandwich in his mouth instead and stared at Davis as if his gaze could will his best friend into telling him everything. Davis shrugged and leaned against the counter. As Ken chewed, he noticed Davis’s hands weren’t the only things about him to change. It’d been fifteen years since Davis left Haven, and nearly ten since they’d last seen each other. The Davis he remembered best was still slightly gawky – too tall and growing into his build. Davis grew well enough. His shoulders were broad and strong. A fitted T-shirt stretched over his muscular chest, tucked into his jeans. His brown leather jacket had seen better days, but it suited him. Ken’s mouth dried out, and he took another swig of wine. “So. Nice pajamas,” Davis said and brushed the crumbs from his lips. Ken scowled. “Talk or I kick you out. I thought you said you could never come back. Now here you are! What the fuck?”Davis opened his mouth and closed it twice. Then he yanked a glass out of the cupboard, filled it with water, and drank the whole damn thing before he answered. “Well, it turns out I can come back, so I did.”Ken narrowed his eyes. “Just like that. Fifteen fucking years of running away and now you can come back? Lucky us!”Davis shrugged. “Look. I told you I didn’t want you to get involved. But the trouble I was in got cleaned up. You know that gang war that went down last summer? Well, that took care of my problem. So, here I am. I thought you’d be happy to see me. You said you wanted me to come back, and then you practically leave me on the street. Hungry. Alone. Is that what friends do?”Ken reached for the final swallow of wine, but Davis lifted the bottle from the counter before he had the chance. Then, that bastard alpha, slipped his mouth over the edge, and he drank it. A drop landed on Davis’s bottom lip, and he swept it away with the enticing tip of his tongue. Shit. Ken wiped his sweaty palms on his pajama pants. “That was years ago. But you’re right. I don’t want to know what the trouble was. I don’t want anything to do with your messed up life, because you left me here to deal with one fucked up member of the Harrison household and that’s enough for me, thanks.”The words stung, and he didn’t really mean them. Not entirely. Tyler was like a brother to him more than anything else. And Davis was, well, Davis. “Yeah. I—how is he?” Davis asked and set the wine bottle down with a clink that sounded louder than it should have. “Fine. He was arrested for shoplifting again. No biggie,” Ken said. Davis’s jaw clenched, and he nodded. “Look. I’ll talk to him. Okay? That’s all I can do. I can’t promise he’ll listen to me.”Ken laughed. Short and bitter. “Oh, he won’t! But he’s better. Clean for two years. You know things were bad after your dad died, but when your mom went it just got worse. He needed you.”Davis pinched the bridge of his nose. “Yeah. I know. Is this going to turn into a lecture because I don’t need another one of those. If you don’t want me here, I’ll go. It’s just. . . I get back into Haven and you’re the first person I wanted to see. Don’t tell Ty. I want to see him too, but I thought you’d be glad I was back.”Ken squeezed his eyes shut and let out a slow breath through his nose. Davis Harrison everyone. Guilt tripper extraordinaire. And it worked. Ken’s stomach did a stupid juvenile backflip at those words. If Davis told Ken that in high school, he’d have convinced himself it was true love. That they really were mates and years of a fruitless crush finally meant something. Now, Ken shoved the sensation aside. “I – I’m just tired. It was a long day, and I have work tomorrow. You surprised me. I wish you called.”“Maybe I wanted to surprise you,” Davis said with a smile. Ken shook his head and glanced at the duffel bag next to the front door. It was as beat up as Davis’s jacket. “Do you have someplace to stay?”“Nope. Is this a two bedroom? It’s really nice. But I always thought you’d want a house in the suburbs.”“Well, maybe you don’t know me as well as you think. It’s a one bedroom, but you can take the couch. Let me get you a blanket,” Ken said, voice as sharp as he could make it. Davis flinched, and it should’ve felt more satisfying than it did. Ken flitted through his cupboards, gathered a few things and set the bundle on the couch. “Put the sheet down before you sleep. I don’t want your musk ruining the leather. Here’s a towel if you want to shower. Bathroom is down the hall. There’s an extra toothbrush, brand new, in the cupboard. Please use that.”Davis nodded. “Thanks.”Then, as Ken turned to leave, a strong hand snagged his shoulder. He tensed under the grip. It’d been so long. And the last time – oh fuck! The last time he made such a fool of himself. He took a breath through his nose. “Tell me one thing. Are you staying for good or not?”“I’m not leaving this time. I promise,” Davis said, his voice gruff and rich. It seeped into Ken’s skin, and he felt like he could drink it. Ken nodded tightly and slipped out of Davis’s grasp. He stepped into his room and shut the door, leaned against it, and balled his hands into fists so tight his nails bit into his palms. He wanted to believe Davis, but after everything that happened Ken knew the painful truth. That alpha abandoned the wolves who were supposed to be his pack. His promises meant nothing.Ken trudged to the bed and climbed under the covers. His mouth tasted like salami and wine, but he wouldn’t have gone back out there for anything. Well, maybe Davis naked in his bed – no!He shook that thought away, and put a pillow over his head as the shower burst to life. Which meant Davis was naked and wet. Damn. Ken squeezed his eyes shut and tried to sleep. Don’t think about Davis Harrison? Now it really was impossible.
February 17, 2015
Manuscript Tuesday: Alpha's Gamble - Ken Gets What He Wants
I'm sucking at posting for MS Monday. How do I keep forgetting? Because I'm lame, probably. But I'm here now with a new snippet from Alpha's Gamble!
I realized I was writing the wrong book last week. I'll explain more later. But the next Lost Wolves book won't be Kamil's story. It's going to be about Lucien and his mate. Stuff has to happen before I get to Kamil's book. Wish I figured that out sooner, but I'm dumb sometimes. *cries in corner*
Also, because I know how much everyone loves Destiel. . . .
*fangirling done*
Finally, here's another peek at Alpha's Gamble (Haven City Series #7). Davis and Ken are having a serious conversation about old times and feelings -- then sexiness happens. ^_^
Davis blinked. “You looked through my bag?” He didn’t sound angry. More surprised. Amused. Fuck. That shouldn’t amuse him. But this was Davis. Ken’s cheeks heated. “I wasn’t trying to snoop, but I checked to see if you left anything important to make sure you didn’t skip town,” Ken said. Admitting it felt like scraping razors over his tongue. It’s exactly how trusting Davis felt. The flash of laughter died in Davis’s eyes. He nodded. “Yeah. Makes sense. But I wouldn’t leave without a word. Not this time.”“That’s not what I asked,” Ken said and held as still as he could. Every time Davis talked his body rumbled. Vibrated against Ken. “Why that picture?”“Because I always missed you the most, and that picture reminded me of the good times we had. Before things got out of hand. Don’t tell Ty. He hates me enough as it is.”How could he just admit that without an ounce of hesitation? Ken took a sharp breath and nodded. He didn’t know what to say. How to respond to one of the most romantic things someone had ever said to him – and it was Davis who said it. “So?” Davis said. His grip on Ken’s fists relented and moved to Ken’s wrists. “Anything else you want to know? While we’re confessing things, do you want to know about the time I found your porn?”Ken’s cheeks flushed, and he shook his head. “This is a bad idea, Davis. You—”The pink tip of Davis’s tongue darted over his not so full lips. “I what? I’m not gay enough for you?”“Not really,” Ken said and bit back the desire to laugh. What else could he do? “But that never stopped me before.”“It really didn’t,” Davis said and his lips turned up, just enough, that Ken’s stomach twisted into a knot. “I want to know what it’s like.”“What?” Ken breathed. His heart hammered, and Davis’s pounded with it like a pair of warring drum beats. “What kissing you is like.”Ken was sure his ass fell asleep from the sharp edge of the counter pressing into it. And the wall of Davis’s chest was as immovable as a mountain. His breath hitched in his throat, and against every ounce of better judgment, he looked into those brown eyes. Nodded. His heart called the shots now. His cock came in as a close second. Davis didn’t do what Ken thought. He didn’t smirk and use too much tongue. He carefully brushed a damp strand of black hair from Ken’s forehead and leaned down right as Ken leaned up. For all the times he’d kissed some other guy, he never felt as close to unraveling as he did then. This wasn’t just anybody. It was Davis. Davis sober and asking to kiss him because. . . he didn’t even want to think about the reasons or the consequences. This. Was. Happening. His mouth met Ken’s softly, though Davis’s lips weren’t what Ken would call soft. The stubble on his cheeks tickled Ken’s chin. A surge shot through him when Davis’s tongue brushed his. Just what he was afraid of. Fireworks went off behind his eyes, which he’d closed at some point. Ken thought Davis’s mouth might be harder to move with. But it was far too pliable. Too eager as it worked against Ken’s. Ken’s fingers gripped the side of the counter, and he tried to bite back the groan building in his throat, but he couldn’t keep it down. It rose with Davis’s hands, which released Ken’s wrists and wound over his arms. Shoulders. Rested on the back of Ken’s neck and pushed through his hair. “That sound gets me off,” Davis grunted. “Do it again.”He sure as hell wasn’t kidding. Davis’s cock stiffened, Ken felt it against his hip. No matter what he told his mind, it didn’t want to listen. How could logic matter at a moment like that? So he put his hands on Davis’s hips. The flesh was hot and hard. A tremble traveled through Davis’s body at the touch. “What?” Ken asked. “Make that noise,” Davis breathed into his mouth. Their noses bumped as the alpha turned his head. Blinked. Ken never realized Davis’s lashes were so long and full. They framed his eyes with dark wisps. Women were probably jealous of that. Women. Because Davis wasn’t gay. This was just. . . just. . . . just what?
I realized I was writing the wrong book last week. I'll explain more later. But the next Lost Wolves book won't be Kamil's story. It's going to be about Lucien and his mate. Stuff has to happen before I get to Kamil's book. Wish I figured that out sooner, but I'm dumb sometimes. *cries in corner*
Also, because I know how much everyone loves Destiel. . . .
*fangirling done*Finally, here's another peek at Alpha's Gamble (Haven City Series #7). Davis and Ken are having a serious conversation about old times and feelings -- then sexiness happens. ^_^
Davis blinked. “You looked through my bag?” He didn’t sound angry. More surprised. Amused. Fuck. That shouldn’t amuse him. But this was Davis. Ken’s cheeks heated. “I wasn’t trying to snoop, but I checked to see if you left anything important to make sure you didn’t skip town,” Ken said. Admitting it felt like scraping razors over his tongue. It’s exactly how trusting Davis felt. The flash of laughter died in Davis’s eyes. He nodded. “Yeah. Makes sense. But I wouldn’t leave without a word. Not this time.”“That’s not what I asked,” Ken said and held as still as he could. Every time Davis talked his body rumbled. Vibrated against Ken. “Why that picture?”“Because I always missed you the most, and that picture reminded me of the good times we had. Before things got out of hand. Don’t tell Ty. He hates me enough as it is.”How could he just admit that without an ounce of hesitation? Ken took a sharp breath and nodded. He didn’t know what to say. How to respond to one of the most romantic things someone had ever said to him – and it was Davis who said it. “So?” Davis said. His grip on Ken’s fists relented and moved to Ken’s wrists. “Anything else you want to know? While we’re confessing things, do you want to know about the time I found your porn?”Ken’s cheeks flushed, and he shook his head. “This is a bad idea, Davis. You—”The pink tip of Davis’s tongue darted over his not so full lips. “I what? I’m not gay enough for you?”“Not really,” Ken said and bit back the desire to laugh. What else could he do? “But that never stopped me before.”“It really didn’t,” Davis said and his lips turned up, just enough, that Ken’s stomach twisted into a knot. “I want to know what it’s like.”“What?” Ken breathed. His heart hammered, and Davis’s pounded with it like a pair of warring drum beats. “What kissing you is like.”Ken was sure his ass fell asleep from the sharp edge of the counter pressing into it. And the wall of Davis’s chest was as immovable as a mountain. His breath hitched in his throat, and against every ounce of better judgment, he looked into those brown eyes. Nodded. His heart called the shots now. His cock came in as a close second. Davis didn’t do what Ken thought. He didn’t smirk and use too much tongue. He carefully brushed a damp strand of black hair from Ken’s forehead and leaned down right as Ken leaned up. For all the times he’d kissed some other guy, he never felt as close to unraveling as he did then. This wasn’t just anybody. It was Davis. Davis sober and asking to kiss him because. . . he didn’t even want to think about the reasons or the consequences. This. Was. Happening. His mouth met Ken’s softly, though Davis’s lips weren’t what Ken would call soft. The stubble on his cheeks tickled Ken’s chin. A surge shot through him when Davis’s tongue brushed his. Just what he was afraid of. Fireworks went off behind his eyes, which he’d closed at some point. Ken thought Davis’s mouth might be harder to move with. But it was far too pliable. Too eager as it worked against Ken’s. Ken’s fingers gripped the side of the counter, and he tried to bite back the groan building in his throat, but he couldn’t keep it down. It rose with Davis’s hands, which released Ken’s wrists and wound over his arms. Shoulders. Rested on the back of Ken’s neck and pushed through his hair. “That sound gets me off,” Davis grunted. “Do it again.”He sure as hell wasn’t kidding. Davis’s cock stiffened, Ken felt it against his hip. No matter what he told his mind, it didn’t want to listen. How could logic matter at a moment like that? So he put his hands on Davis’s hips. The flesh was hot and hard. A tremble traveled through Davis’s body at the touch. “What?” Ken asked. “Make that noise,” Davis breathed into his mouth. Their noses bumped as the alpha turned his head. Blinked. Ken never realized Davis’s lashes were so long and full. They framed his eyes with dark wisps. Women were probably jealous of that. Women. Because Davis wasn’t gay. This was just. . . just. . . . just what?
February 11, 2015
Manuscript Monday on Wednesday: An Alpha on His Knees
This week has been crazy, mostly because I'm trying to be a responsible adult and get my taxes ready (joy of joys!). So I forgot about MS Monday, but I'm ready now!
Also, I'm working on the next Lost Wolves book, which is fun because the setting is fresh and there's a whole lot of trouble brewing in the future. And sexy times. Those are simmering too.
Like this:
And this:
Pie by heathyrfeathyr
So I'm shipping these two like Amazon. Don't judge me! #noregrets
Here's another snippet of Alpha's Gamble (Haven City Series # 7). Davis screwed up big time and is trying to find the best way to apologize. *wink wink, nudge nudge*
Ken said nothing as he parked the car near his condo and trudged inside. His suit was soaked, and his hair dripped over his skin. He was pale and ashen, with tight lines around his mouth and eyes. His faced was etched into a frown from his brow to his slightly pointed chin. Davis shut the door behind him and let out a long, heavy sigh. He turned the lock, as if it even mattered! A dragon could pop in and rip both of their heads off in the middle of the night, though he doubted that. To Davis’s surprise, Ken didn’t move to the bathroom or the bedroom. He stood with his back to Davis, dripping all over his hardwood floors with his shoulders tense and trembling. As if all the energy Ken expended in the last few hours drained him. Left him hollow. Davis knew how that felt. “Ken?” he said carefully and wiped his boots on the welcome mat. Ken didn’t say anything. He didn’t turn or make a sound besides a sharp sob. Davis stepped around him, prepared for the worst. The moment when Ken kicked him out of his life forever, because what the hell else did he deserve after tonight? But Ken didn’t even look at him. The dim glow of the living room lamp illuminated his face, which turned toward the floor, and his shoulders shook with something more than the cold. “You need to get that suit off. Clean up. Get to bed,” Davis said and reached forward. He shouldn’t have done it. Shouldn’t have touched Ken right then, because it sparked something in his brain that shouldn’t have been sparked at a moment like that. Not after the night they had. Davis shouldn’t think about Ken being naked on the couch with another man, but he did. His brain was a total asshole. Ken still trembled under Davis hands, but the touch didn’t shock him out of whatever the hell was wrong with him in the first place. Maybe he just realized what kind of danger they’d been in, and it finally caught up to him. Reasonable, considering Ken had been sheltered most of his life. Since Ken didn’t move, Davis slipped the suit jacket off his shoulders. Normally, he’d have dropped it on the floor and been done with it, but Ken was a neat freak. Emphasis on neat, so he slung it over the back of a kitchen chair instead. “This would work better in the bathroom,” Davis mumbled. Ken nodded with a slight dip of his chin, and Davis pulled the omega forward. Hell, at least Ken responded at all! Although, once they got to the bathroom Ken still didn’t try to help undress himself. He stood still, hands balled into fists, chest heaving and eyes wide, as Davis yanked off the navy blue tie around Ken’s neck. That went in the sink. Then, his fingers danced over the buttons on Ken’s shirt. One. Two. Four. Each one revealed another few inches of Ken’s chest – the gentle curve of muscle hidden under his skin, like he did yoga or Pilates or something. And, fuck, he probably did. Davis yanked the shirt out of Ken’s pants, and his stomach did this weird little dance. Here he was, undressing his best friend after one of the most traumatic experiences Ken had ever had, and he was getting a rush thinking about it. How vulnerable Ken looked at the moment. Just like he did when he told Davis the truth about his sexuality all those years ago, and Davis did nothing but hug him. He could do a lot more now, and Ken would let him. Yeah, his brain was a total asshole. Slowly, well, slower than he needed to, Davis slipped the wet shirt off Ken’s arms. It dragged over Ken’s skin, leaving a line of goose bumps in its wake, and Ken took a deep breath. A jolt shot straight to Davis’s cock. What. The. Fuck?He closed his eyes. Breathed in through his nose and out through his mouth. It moved over Ken’s chilled skin, and his entire being filled with Ken’s distinct scent. “You want me to take off your pants too?”“Yes,” Ken said softly, his voice hitched and far away. So that was the first thing he said when they got back. Davis almost laughed. Really!
But, who the hell was Davis to say no? He was the one who got Ken into this mess to begin with. Unlike before, he’d fix the problems he caused now.
Also, I'm working on the next Lost Wolves book, which is fun because the setting is fresh and there's a whole lot of trouble brewing in the future. And sexy times. Those are simmering too.
Like this:
And this:
Pie by heathyrfeathyrSo I'm shipping these two like Amazon. Don't judge me! #noregrets
Here's another snippet of Alpha's Gamble (Haven City Series # 7). Davis screwed up big time and is trying to find the best way to apologize. *wink wink, nudge nudge*
Ken said nothing as he parked the car near his condo and trudged inside. His suit was soaked, and his hair dripped over his skin. He was pale and ashen, with tight lines around his mouth and eyes. His faced was etched into a frown from his brow to his slightly pointed chin. Davis shut the door behind him and let out a long, heavy sigh. He turned the lock, as if it even mattered! A dragon could pop in and rip both of their heads off in the middle of the night, though he doubted that. To Davis’s surprise, Ken didn’t move to the bathroom or the bedroom. He stood with his back to Davis, dripping all over his hardwood floors with his shoulders tense and trembling. As if all the energy Ken expended in the last few hours drained him. Left him hollow. Davis knew how that felt. “Ken?” he said carefully and wiped his boots on the welcome mat. Ken didn’t say anything. He didn’t turn or make a sound besides a sharp sob. Davis stepped around him, prepared for the worst. The moment when Ken kicked him out of his life forever, because what the hell else did he deserve after tonight? But Ken didn’t even look at him. The dim glow of the living room lamp illuminated his face, which turned toward the floor, and his shoulders shook with something more than the cold. “You need to get that suit off. Clean up. Get to bed,” Davis said and reached forward. He shouldn’t have done it. Shouldn’t have touched Ken right then, because it sparked something in his brain that shouldn’t have been sparked at a moment like that. Not after the night they had. Davis shouldn’t think about Ken being naked on the couch with another man, but he did. His brain was a total asshole. Ken still trembled under Davis hands, but the touch didn’t shock him out of whatever the hell was wrong with him in the first place. Maybe he just realized what kind of danger they’d been in, and it finally caught up to him. Reasonable, considering Ken had been sheltered most of his life. Since Ken didn’t move, Davis slipped the suit jacket off his shoulders. Normally, he’d have dropped it on the floor and been done with it, but Ken was a neat freak. Emphasis on neat, so he slung it over the back of a kitchen chair instead. “This would work better in the bathroom,” Davis mumbled. Ken nodded with a slight dip of his chin, and Davis pulled the omega forward. Hell, at least Ken responded at all! Although, once they got to the bathroom Ken still didn’t try to help undress himself. He stood still, hands balled into fists, chest heaving and eyes wide, as Davis yanked off the navy blue tie around Ken’s neck. That went in the sink. Then, his fingers danced over the buttons on Ken’s shirt. One. Two. Four. Each one revealed another few inches of Ken’s chest – the gentle curve of muscle hidden under his skin, like he did yoga or Pilates or something. And, fuck, he probably did. Davis yanked the shirt out of Ken’s pants, and his stomach did this weird little dance. Here he was, undressing his best friend after one of the most traumatic experiences Ken had ever had, and he was getting a rush thinking about it. How vulnerable Ken looked at the moment. Just like he did when he told Davis the truth about his sexuality all those years ago, and Davis did nothing but hug him. He could do a lot more now, and Ken would let him. Yeah, his brain was a total asshole. Slowly, well, slower than he needed to, Davis slipped the wet shirt off Ken’s arms. It dragged over Ken’s skin, leaving a line of goose bumps in its wake, and Ken took a deep breath. A jolt shot straight to Davis’s cock. What. The. Fuck?He closed his eyes. Breathed in through his nose and out through his mouth. It moved over Ken’s chilled skin, and his entire being filled with Ken’s distinct scent. “You want me to take off your pants too?”“Yes,” Ken said softly, his voice hitched and far away. So that was the first thing he said when they got back. Davis almost laughed. Really!
But, who the hell was Davis to say no? He was the one who got Ken into this mess to begin with. Unlike before, he’d fix the problems he caused now.
February 10, 2015
Two Lost Wolves Goodreads Giveaways Just in Time for Valentine's Day!
I forgot manuscript Monday yesterday, but I'll post the excerpt tomorrow. So sorry! Enjoy some sexy Destiel as an apology. I ship them hardcore.
Destiel - Stay by DanglingThpider
Today I come baring gifts in the form to two (yes, you read that right!) two Goodreads giveaways.
I'm giving away two copies each of Omega in the Light (Lost Wolves Book Two) and Omega's Destiny (Lost Wolves Book Three) on Goodreads. You need a Goodreads account or a Facebook account to enter. The books are autographed and everything. Oh, and it's open to everyone worldwide.
Check it out!
Omega in the Light (Lost Wolves Book Two)
Omega's Destiny (Lost Wolves Book Three)
Or enter directly here. I don't know how to make it non-wonky.
Destiel - Stay by DanglingThpiderToday I come baring gifts in the form to two (yes, you read that right!) two Goodreads giveaways.
I'm giving away two copies each of Omega in the Light (Lost Wolves Book Two) and Omega's Destiny (Lost Wolves Book Three) on Goodreads. You need a Goodreads account or a Facebook account to enter. The books are autographed and everything. Oh, and it's open to everyone worldwide.
Check it out!
Omega in the Light (Lost Wolves Book Two)
Omega's Destiny (Lost Wolves Book Three)
Or enter directly here. I don't know how to make it non-wonky.
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
Omega in the Light
by Zoe Perdita
Giveaway ends March 03, 2015.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
Enter to win
.goodreadsGiveawayWidget { color: #555; font-family: georgia, serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; font-size: 14px;
font-style: normal; background: white; }
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border: 1px solid #6A6454; border-radius: 5px; font-family:"Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
Omega's Destiny
by Zoe Perdita
Giveaway ends March 03, 2015.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
Enter to win
February 2, 2015
Cover Reveal and Snippet: Alpha's Gamble (Haven City Series # 7)
Long time, no blog, my lovelies! I've been busy working on Alpha's Gamble, and I'm actually ahead of my schedule for once. I know. Crazier things have happened. I've only got two more editing sessions and it's done. But the release is still slated for March 2, 2015. *cue the frowny faces*
However, this also gives me a chance to get further ahead. I'm starting the new Lost Wolves book this week, and I'm going to start posting snippets from Alpha's Gamble for MS Monday. Hooray! Everyone wins!
Now check out this cool cover.
Snippet from Alpha's Gamble. Ken and Davis reunite after ten long years:
Davis shrugged and leaned against the counter. As Ken chewed, he noticed Davis’s hands weren’t the only thing about him to change. But then, how could they? It’d been fifteen years since Davis left Haven, and nearly ten since they’d last seen each other. The Davis he remembered best was still slightly gawky – too tall and growing into his build. Davis grew well enough. His shoulders were broad and strong. A fitted T-shirt stretched over his muscular chest, tucked into his jeans. His brown leather jacket had seen better days, but it suited him. Ken’s mouth dried out, and he took another swig of wine. “So. Nice pajamas,” Davis said and brushed the crumbs from his lips. Ken scowled. “Talk or I kick you out. I thought you said you could never come back. Now here you are! What the fuck?”Davis opened his mouth and closed it twice. Then he yanked a glass out of the cupboard, filled it with water, and drank the whole damn thing before he answered. “Well, it turns out I can come back, so I did.”Ken narrowed his eyes. “Just like that. Fifteen fucking years of running away and now you can come back? Lucky us!”Davis shrugged. “Look. I told you I didn’t want you to get involved. But the trouble I was in got cleaned up. You know that gang war that went down last summer? Well, that took care of my problem. So, here I am. I thought you’d be happy to see me. You said you wanted me to come back, then you practically leave me on the street. Hungry. Alone. Is that what friends do?”Ken reached for the final swallow of wine, but Davis lifted the bottle from the counter before he had the chance. Then, that bastard alpha, slipped his mouth over the edge, and he drank it. A drop landed on Davis’s bottom lip, and he swept it away with the enticing tip of his tongue. Shit. Ken wiped his sweaty palms on his pajama pants. “That was years ago. But you’re right. I don’t want to know what the trouble was. I don’t want anything to do with your messed up life, because you left me here to deal with one fucked up member of the Harrison household and that’s enough for me, thanks.”The words stung, and he didn’t really mean them. Not entirely. Tyler was like a brother to him more than anything else. And Davis was, well, Davis. “Yeah. I—how is he?” Davis asked and set the wine bottle down with a clink that sounded louder than it should have. “Fine. He was arrested for shoplifting again. No biggie,” Ken said. Davis’s jaw clenched, and he nodded. “Look. I’ll talk to him. Okay? That’s all I can do. I can’t promise he’ll listen to me.”Ken laughed. Short and bitter. “Oh, he won’t! But he’s better. Clean for two years. You know things were bad after your dad died, but when your mom went it just got worse. He needed you.”Davis pinched the bridge of his nose. “Yeah. I know. Is this going to turn into a lecture because I don’t need another one of those. If you don’t want me here, I’ll go. It’s just. . . I get back into Haven and you’re the first person I wanted to see. Don’t tell Ty. I want to see him too, but I thought you’d be glad I was back.”Ken squeezed his eyes shut and let out a slow breath through his nose. Davis Harrison everyone. Guilt tripper extraordinaire. And, shit! It worked. Ken’s stomach did a stupid juvenile backflip at those words. If Davis told Ken that in high school, he’d have convinced himself it was true love. That they really were mates and years of a fruitless crush finally meant something. Now, Ken shoved the sensation aside. “I – I’m just tired. It was a long day, and I have work tomorrow. You surprised me. I wish you called.”“Maybe I wanted to surprise you,” Davis said with a smile. Ken shook his head and glanced at the duffle bag next to the front door. It was as beat up as Davis’s jacket. “Do you have someplace to stay?”“Nope. Is this a two bedroom? It’s really nice. But I always thought you’d want a house in the suburbs.”“Well, maybe you don’t know me as well as you think. It’s a one bedroom, but you can take the couch. Let me get you a blanket,” Ken said, voice as sharp as he could make it. Davis flinched, and it should’ve felt more satisfying than it did. Ken flitted through his cupboards, gathered a few things and set the bundle on the couch. “Put the sheet down before you sleep. I don’t want your musk ruining the leather. Here’s a towel if you want to shower. Bathroom is down the hall. There’s an extra toothbrush, brand new, in the cupboard. Please use that.”Davis nodded. “Thanks.”Then, as Ken turned to leave, a strong hand snagged his shoulder. He tensed under the grip. It’d been so long. And the last time – oh fuck! The last time he made such a fool of himself. He took a breath through his nose. “Tell me one thing. Are you staying for good or not?”“I’m not leaving this time. I promise,” Davis said, his voice gruff and rich. It seeped into Ken’s skin, and he felt like he could drink it. Ken nodded tightly and slipped out of Davis’s grasp. He stepped into his room and shut the door, leaned against it, and balled his hands into fists so tight his nails bit into his palms. He wanted to believe Davis, but everything that happened Ken knew the painful truth. That alpha abandoned the wolves who were supposed to be his pack. His promises meant nothing.Ken trudged to the bed and climbed under the covers. His mouth tasted like salami and wine, but he wouldn’t have gone back out there for anything. Well, maybe Davis naked in his bed – no!He shook that thought away, and put a pillow over his head as the shower burst to life. Which meant Davis was naked and wet. Damn. Ken squeezed his eyes shut and tried to sleep. Don’t think about Davis Harrison? Now it really was impossible.
However, this also gives me a chance to get further ahead. I'm starting the new Lost Wolves book this week, and I'm going to start posting snippets from Alpha's Gamble for MS Monday. Hooray! Everyone wins!
Now check out this cool cover.
Snippet from Alpha's Gamble. Ken and Davis reunite after ten long years:
Davis shrugged and leaned against the counter. As Ken chewed, he noticed Davis’s hands weren’t the only thing about him to change. But then, how could they? It’d been fifteen years since Davis left Haven, and nearly ten since they’d last seen each other. The Davis he remembered best was still slightly gawky – too tall and growing into his build. Davis grew well enough. His shoulders were broad and strong. A fitted T-shirt stretched over his muscular chest, tucked into his jeans. His brown leather jacket had seen better days, but it suited him. Ken’s mouth dried out, and he took another swig of wine. “So. Nice pajamas,” Davis said and brushed the crumbs from his lips. Ken scowled. “Talk or I kick you out. I thought you said you could never come back. Now here you are! What the fuck?”Davis opened his mouth and closed it twice. Then he yanked a glass out of the cupboard, filled it with water, and drank the whole damn thing before he answered. “Well, it turns out I can come back, so I did.”Ken narrowed his eyes. “Just like that. Fifteen fucking years of running away and now you can come back? Lucky us!”Davis shrugged. “Look. I told you I didn’t want you to get involved. But the trouble I was in got cleaned up. You know that gang war that went down last summer? Well, that took care of my problem. So, here I am. I thought you’d be happy to see me. You said you wanted me to come back, then you practically leave me on the street. Hungry. Alone. Is that what friends do?”Ken reached for the final swallow of wine, but Davis lifted the bottle from the counter before he had the chance. Then, that bastard alpha, slipped his mouth over the edge, and he drank it. A drop landed on Davis’s bottom lip, and he swept it away with the enticing tip of his tongue. Shit. Ken wiped his sweaty palms on his pajama pants. “That was years ago. But you’re right. I don’t want to know what the trouble was. I don’t want anything to do with your messed up life, because you left me here to deal with one fucked up member of the Harrison household and that’s enough for me, thanks.”The words stung, and he didn’t really mean them. Not entirely. Tyler was like a brother to him more than anything else. And Davis was, well, Davis. “Yeah. I—how is he?” Davis asked and set the wine bottle down with a clink that sounded louder than it should have. “Fine. He was arrested for shoplifting again. No biggie,” Ken said. Davis’s jaw clenched, and he nodded. “Look. I’ll talk to him. Okay? That’s all I can do. I can’t promise he’ll listen to me.”Ken laughed. Short and bitter. “Oh, he won’t! But he’s better. Clean for two years. You know things were bad after your dad died, but when your mom went it just got worse. He needed you.”Davis pinched the bridge of his nose. “Yeah. I know. Is this going to turn into a lecture because I don’t need another one of those. If you don’t want me here, I’ll go. It’s just. . . I get back into Haven and you’re the first person I wanted to see. Don’t tell Ty. I want to see him too, but I thought you’d be glad I was back.”Ken squeezed his eyes shut and let out a slow breath through his nose. Davis Harrison everyone. Guilt tripper extraordinaire. And, shit! It worked. Ken’s stomach did a stupid juvenile backflip at those words. If Davis told Ken that in high school, he’d have convinced himself it was true love. That they really were mates and years of a fruitless crush finally meant something. Now, Ken shoved the sensation aside. “I – I’m just tired. It was a long day, and I have work tomorrow. You surprised me. I wish you called.”“Maybe I wanted to surprise you,” Davis said with a smile. Ken shook his head and glanced at the duffle bag next to the front door. It was as beat up as Davis’s jacket. “Do you have someplace to stay?”“Nope. Is this a two bedroom? It’s really nice. But I always thought you’d want a house in the suburbs.”“Well, maybe you don’t know me as well as you think. It’s a one bedroom, but you can take the couch. Let me get you a blanket,” Ken said, voice as sharp as he could make it. Davis flinched, and it should’ve felt more satisfying than it did. Ken flitted through his cupboards, gathered a few things and set the bundle on the couch. “Put the sheet down before you sleep. I don’t want your musk ruining the leather. Here’s a towel if you want to shower. Bathroom is down the hall. There’s an extra toothbrush, brand new, in the cupboard. Please use that.”Davis nodded. “Thanks.”Then, as Ken turned to leave, a strong hand snagged his shoulder. He tensed under the grip. It’d been so long. And the last time – oh fuck! The last time he made such a fool of himself. He took a breath through his nose. “Tell me one thing. Are you staying for good or not?”“I’m not leaving this time. I promise,” Davis said, his voice gruff and rich. It seeped into Ken’s skin, and he felt like he could drink it. Ken nodded tightly and slipped out of Davis’s grasp. He stepped into his room and shut the door, leaned against it, and balled his hands into fists so tight his nails bit into his palms. He wanted to believe Davis, but everything that happened Ken knew the painful truth. That alpha abandoned the wolves who were supposed to be his pack. His promises meant nothing.Ken trudged to the bed and climbed under the covers. His mouth tasted like salami and wine, but he wouldn’t have gone back out there for anything. Well, maybe Davis naked in his bed – no!He shook that thought away, and put a pillow over his head as the shower burst to life. Which meant Davis was naked and wet. Damn. Ken squeezed his eyes shut and tried to sleep. Don’t think about Davis Harrison? Now it really was impossible.
