Jeaniene Frost's Blog, page 6
November 8, 2019
Chapter 4, THE OTHER HALF OF THE GRAVE
November 7, 2019
New WICKED BITE contest, snippet, and more!
Next up, the new scene snippet! Before we get to that, allow me a moment of shameless glee: Kirkus gave WICKED BITE a starred review and had this to say: "Frost's second Night Rebel title is a fierce and satisfying sequel, brilliantly fleshing out two vibrant characters in ways that feature their surface power and irreverent attitudes but also spotlight the internal courage and nobility which make them perfect for each other. The hurtling plot and outstanding worldbuilding frame a poignant, character-driven romance that explores unconditional love and self-acceptance. The book stands alone, but reading the first title is recommended. A breathtaking paranormal romance."
*happy dances* Thank you, Kirkus! And now, the new scene snippet. I've already posted the prologue, first three chapters, and another scene snippet, so if you haven't read those yet, they're HERE . Also, USUAL SPOILER WARNING: If you haven't read Shades of Wicked, you WILL get spoiled on some plot points from the below snippet. For context, this scene is cut from Chapter 8 in WICKED BITE, and Veritas starts out maudlin because she's still trying to stay away from Ian for his own good. Ian, no surprise, is having none of that, especially since Veritas is also still refusing to tell him what he can't remember. Disclaimers and spoiler warnings aside, enjoy :).
WICKED BITE, copyright Jeaniene Frost
“There’s nothing crueler than time,” I murmured. “It stretches when you’re in pain, flies away if you’re happy, and crushes you when you remember all the years that are now gone.”
Ian seemed surprised by the change of subject. Then, his gaze became hooded. “True. And every so often, time can also be stolen from you. It was from me, and I won’t stop until I’ve recovered every bit of it.”
I let out a short laugh. “Then those ‘migraines’ you’re so dismissive of will be the least of your problems. You don’t want to know everything you’ve forgotten, but I will tell you this—Dagon has no claim on your soul any longer. It’s yours again.”
His brows rose. “Demon deals are unbreakable unless the demon dies. Are you saying that Dagon is dead?"
“I wish,” I said with feeling. Then I retreated into my icy Law Guardian persona. “Dagon’s deal with you has been nullified. The details are unimportant. What is important is that you’re free, so take your freedom and go.”
His gaze gleamed with green highlights. “There are many words I’d use to describe marriage. ‘Free’ isn’t one of them.”
“Whose fault is that?” I snapped, before composing myself again. “I have no intention of asserting my rights over you. I’m sure you feel the same way about me. That makes our marriage nothing more than an unfortunate technicality.”
He tapped his chin. “Not sure I agree. I wanted to rip Xun Guan’s head off over how she incessantly eye-humped you. The more the merrier, I usually say with lovers, but I seem to be jealous and possessive over you.”
I covered my shock at that with more chilly deflection. “What makes you think we were lovers?”
His grin was everything that made Ian unforgettable. “Oh, I have many of those memories.” Then his voice deepened. “Though sometimes, I wonder if they’re real.”
“Why?” I shouldn’t have asked. Why had I? Maybe Mencheres’s truth spell on me from earlier hadn’t worn off yet.
He came nearer, brushing my arms with the lightest of strokes. It still caused shivers to race over me. “Because nothing that good could possibly be real,” he murmured, and bent his head.
I turned away before his mouth touched mine. Then I pushed him back. Doing both took all of my strength.
“Your memories are wrong,” I said, proving Mencheres’s spell was no longer affecting me as that was a lie. So was what I said next. “During our brief alliance, yes, we had sex to break up the monotony of laying out our trap for Dagon, but it was nothing exceptional. Once we’d both gotten what we wanted from Dagon, we were glad to part ways with each other.”
Ian’s brows had risen at the start of my heartless rendition. By the end of it, they were almost in his hairline. Then he burst out laughing.
“What’s so amusing?” I asked in my chilliest voice.
“You,” he said, still chuckling. “Knew you must fancy me to convince Crispin to lie his arse off to protect me from a demon I can’t remember, but I didn’t realize this.”
"Realize what?”
He gave me a sunny smile. “You’re madly in love with me.”
"What?"
He waved away my gasp. “Nothing to be ashamed of. You’re in the company of multitudes, though none of them got me to the proverbial altar the way you did. Have I mentioned how impressive that was? Blimey, talk about making the impossible a reality.”
Outrage had me sputtering. “You are such an ass—”
“Can’t blame it on the Red Dragon, either,” he went on as if I hadn’t spoken. “I’ve been high on that several times, yet never woken up with a wife before. Means I must have wanted to marry you, too, shocking though the thought may be.”
“Your arrogance is astounding—”
“Then again, I do know you’re mine,” he continued, eyes gleaming now. “Did I tell you I sometimes feel things before they happen? Ah, I can see from your expression that I did. Imagine my surprise when I felt that you were mine the first time I saw you. Felt it again with every memory I had of you. Felt it when you were lying your arse off to the council about me, too, and I really felt it when I walked into your hotel room and breathed in your true scent.” He came close, letting me see him inhale again. “Knocked me right off my feet,” he murmured. “’Course, that also could have been the new memory it elicited, but either way, I know you’re mine. And so do you.”
“Bullshit,” I said with all the emotion I was denying.
Ian only smiled. “Keep pretending, then. I don’t need you to admit what you feel in order for you to help me recover what I’ve lost. You can show me.”
I regained enough control to ask, “How will I show you?”
“Being near you has already inspired one new memory. I expect more will come the longer we’re together.” His gaze turned knowing. “Did you realize that? Is that the other reason you’ve tried so hard to avoid me?”
"No.” But now that I did know, it would be.
If Ian remembered everything, he’d never let me pay the price for his resurrection alone. His sense of honor would demand that he hunt down the other souls along with me, danger be damned. I had to get away from him before that happened. But now that he could teleport, how could I escape him?
Of course. Ian was formidable, but he did have one rather large weakness.
I came toward him and dropped my glamour. My skirt suit was already ripped from the ghoul fight and being buried alive, so my real curves almost overflowed the torn fabric, now too tight. His gaze raked me from the top of my streaked, silvery hair all the way to my feet, and his nostrils flared when he caught my real scent.
“There you are,” he said in a throaty voice.
“Here I am,” I agreed softly.
Then I put my arms around him, steeling myself not to get lost in the feel of him. He pulled me close, his body flush against mine. Every nerve ending I had caught fire. So much for me maintaining control. Still, I couldn’t stop now. I tilted my head back and parted my lips, an invitation for him to kiss me.
His eyes glowed emerald as he took me up on it.
October 30, 2019
Chapter 3, THE OTHER HALF OF THE GRAVE
October 25, 2019
More Cat and Bones, free
Earlier this week, I announced the three winners for my WICKED BITE contest. In that post, I said how much I hated disappointing so many of you because over a thousand people entered, so 99.7% wouldn't be happy with the results. I wasn't blowing smoke, readers - I really DO hate that. I wish I could give gifts to everyone, but with things like Arcs (advance reading copies) or chocolate boxes (upcoming holiday contest, stay tuned!) or gift cards (same comment!), there's only few winners per contest because I am not Oprah :).However...I now have something for all of you. Last month, just for fun, I wrote out the first time Cat and Bones met from Bones's point of view, and published it in two blog posts. When I did it, I thought a few people might get a kick out of it, but that's about it. After all, HALFWAY TO THE GRAVE came out a dozen years ago next week, and in publishing's time-line, that's damn near back when dinosaurs roamed the earth.
That's why I was shocked in the best way when over a thousand of you commented on my social media pages and/or messaged me to say you wanted more.
So, I didn't tell you at the time, but I wrote more. I could only squeeze out a month to do so because I'm under deadline for the third Night Rebel book (more Ian and Veritas! Yay!) but in that month, I wrote about 30k words. That might not sound like much, but for context, it normally takes me four months - yes, four! - to write the first 30k of a book, as my editor can wearily attest. We've all heard of "comfort reads." Well, this turned out to be a "comfort write" for me, and I didn't even know that existed until now. In short, it made me happy and nostalgic and I loved it. I must have missed Cat and Bones more than I realized, plus writing from his point of view versus hers also made their story feel fresh to me (can something be both fresh AND nostalgia-inducing? Yes it can! Do I use too many parenthesis, em-dashes, and exclamation points in my posts? Yes - I do! :))
That brings us to the subject line. As my gift to you, readers, once a week for the next several weeks, I will be posting a free, weekly, UNFINISHED serial retelling the very beginning of Bones and Cat's relationship from Bones's point of view. Once again, this is not a new Cat and Bones book, nor is it an entire novel. It's only about 30K words (novella size) focusing on the very beginning of their relationship. I can't do the rest now or my editor - and Ian, heh! - will kill me for neglecting the third Night Rebel book. Seriously, can you imagine how pissed Ian would be, not to mention how smug Bones would be, over me taking a month's time-out on Ian's third book to write this? It makes me laugh just thinking about it! I will be creating a special section on my website so all the chapters will be in the same, easy-to-find place, but don't expect that until next week. For now, they're on my blog. Also, as a nod to this partial serial being from Bones's point of view, I'm calling it THE OTHER HALF OF THE GRAVE. I'm also only posting it on my website so I have just one place to correct any spelling/grammar/other errors I might find after posting it. So, don't look for this on my social media pages; you'll only find it here. Also, this won't be up forever. It's a limited-time free gift. Expect the new chapter next week, and every chapter once a week after that. I'm not specifying a particular day because I'm juggling a lot of things, plus I'm migraine-prone, so I never know when one will lay me out. However, I mentioned the twelve-year anniversary of Cat and Bones's first book, didn't I? *grins* That's your hint as to when the next chapter will drop next week. In the meantime, if you haven't read the first two chapters yet, they're HERE and HERE.
I'm so happy to finally give a gift that I can share with all of you, readers! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
And speaking of Ian, Veritas and the Night Rebel series, don't think I've forgotten about them! Over the next several weeks, I'll also be posting more snippets from WICKED BITE, plus more Arc contests, and you remember I mentioned chocolate gift boxes and gift card prizes, too? Well, all of that will be happening over the next several weeks on my website, too. We're going to light it up on here from now until the end of January when WICKED BITE releases, so come out for the fun, gifts, and of course, free reading :).
October 23, 2019
WICKED BITE winners!
Wow, over a thousand of you entered to win an Arc (advance reading copy) of Wicked Bite! That's amazing! Unfortunately, that means 99.7% of you aren't going to be happy with the results. I hate disappointing so many of you, which is why I have a special announcement for ALL of you on Friday, so be sure to check back on my blog then! (No, it's not a movie or tv deal. I wouldn't be able to wait to share that if I ever had THAT news ;))
Anyway, back to the three winners! I had a random number generator choose them because I can't be expected to pick between all of you. Per previous winner's request, I'm only listing a first name and the initial of the last name. I'm also sending an email to the winners, so if you see your name here, check your inbox!
And the winners are...
Sydnei L., Jill H., and Leah C.
Congratulations and once again, check your inboxes! Everyone else, check back here on Friday. I think you'll like what I have for you :).
October 14, 2019
Wicked Bite giveaway!
Some promises are meant to be broken…Veritas spent most of her life as a vampire Law Guardian. Now, she’s about to break every rule by secretly hunting down the dark souls that were freed in order to save Ian. But the risks are high. If she gets caught, she could lose her job. And catching the sinister creatures might cost Veritas her own life.
Some vows are forever…
Ian’s memories might be fragmented, but this master vampire isn’t about to be left behind by the woman who entranced him, bound herself to him, and then disappeared. So what if demons, other Law Guardians, and dangerous, otherworldly forces stand against them? Come hell or high water, Ian intends to remind Veritas of the burning passion between them, because she is the only person seared on his mind—and his soul… Read the first three chapters HERE. Preorder: Amazon, Apple Books, B&N , BooksAMillion , Kobo , IndieBound
And now, to the contest! To enter for your chance to win one of three Arcs of WICKED BITE, please follow the rules below, and yes, international entries are welcome. Good luck!
1. Send an email to jeanieneprizes AT gmail DOT com (obviously replace the “AT” with an “@” and the “DOT” with a “.” in your email.)
2. Make sure to include your name and the email address you want to be contacted at if you win (if it’s not the email you’re sending your entry from.)
3. You can only enter ONCE. Duplicate entries will be deleted.
4. Contest starts NOW and ends Tuesday, October 22nd.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is the first of several contests I'll be running to give away Arcs of WICKED BITE. The current contest is open to everyone who follows my blog, but a future contest will be exclusive to my newsletter subscribers only, so if you haven't signed up for my newsletter yet, you can do so here: Jeaniene's newsletter.
Good luck!
September 24, 2019
The rest of chapter one from Bones's point of view
As I mentioned last week, for amusement - and perhaps some nostalgia - I re-wrote most of the first chapter of Halfway to the Grave from Bones's point of view (if you haven't read it yet, it's HERE.) Then I posted it, thinking, "The handful of readers who still remember this book might enjoy this." Over five hundred of you left comments across my social media pages saying the equivalent of "MORE!" For comparison, I normally get only a few comments per blog post. I can't tell you how touched I was reading them. After seven novels, two novellas and a book-size outtakes collection, I was pretty sure that readers had had enough of Cat and Bones. Looks like more than a few of you would disagree :). Group hug, Night Huntress fans! And, as you requested, here's more.
Now, it's not a lot more because (1) I write slow and (2) I still have to work on the book that I'm contracted to write or my editor will literally kill me. But here's the rest of the first chapter from Bones's point of view. Same disclaimer as before: It’s unedited so there are probably spelling and/or grammar errors. It also might not read the way YOU think Bones would see things because I don’t think I could ever match what’s in people’s minds when they think of Bones. But again, I hope you enjoy it :).
Chapter One, part two
On paper, Catherine Kathleen Crawfield was a small-town girl whose most notable accomplishment was a recent scholarship to Ohio State University. She lived with her mother and grandparents on the latter’s cherry orchard, which, according to recent tax returns, barely covered the bills for the household.
Catherine had no social media presence; a bit unusual for a twenty-two-year-old. The only online images of her were from yearbook pictures and an old family photo on the Crawfield Cherry Orchard website, which of course neglected to mention that at least one vampire was buried in the back of it.
Bones discovered that when he followed Catherine last night. She’d switched vehicles back at the club, transferring Devon’s body from the trunk of his Volkswagen to the back of a Ford pickup that looked to be twice her age. Then she’d driven home, parked on the far edge of the orchard, and planted Devon in the ground as if he were nothing more than a new tree.
She’d gone to sleep after that. Soundly, from the snores he heard from his perch in a nearby tree. He hadn’t slept at all. He’d spent the rest of the early morning hours looking up everything he could find on Catherine.
By appearances, she was a normal college girl who should have no reason to want him dead. But she’d zeroed in on him last night, and it couldn’t be coincidence that she’d tried to pick up the only other vampire at that the club. No, someone must have sent Catherine after him. Which of his many enemies had done it? And how did Devon fit in? Simple misidentification? Catherine might have confused Devon for him, if she’d only been told to look for a blond male vampire.
Then again, the shadowy head of the cabal Bones was investigating could have found out that Bones was after Devon. Perhaps he'd decided to get rid of them both as a precaution. If so, a human woman was a poor choice of assassins, although Devon might disagree.
Catherine went to the same club the next night. As soon as she entered, she did what Bones was starting to realize was her usual sweep of the premises. When she didn’t find what she was looking for, she sat down at the bar. Bones was behind her before she could order a drink.
“I’m ready to fuck now.”
A line offensive enough to send all except a person with ulterior motives running. Last chance to show you’re a lamb instead of a wolf, Catherine.
“What?” she gasped, spinning around. The outrage in her expression died as she recognized him. Oddly, she flushed as if embarrassed by remembering what she’d said. Then her chin lifted and determination filled her gaze.
“Ah, yes, well…umm, drink first? Beer or…?”
“Don’t bother,” he said, waving away the bartender she’d started to hail. “Let’s go.”
“Now?” She looked startled.
“Yeah, now.” When she hesitated, he said, “Changed your mind, luv?” and turned as if to leave.
She grabbed her purse and practically lunged toward him. Not a lamb at all, then. “Lead the way.”
Bones grinned. As if he’d turn his back on her even once tonight. “No, no.” His arm swept out. “Ladies first.”
She glanced over her shoulder at him so much, he was surprised she didn’t trip on her way to the parking lot. When they were outside, she opened her mouth as if to speak, but he beat her to it.
“Well? Get your ride and let’s be off.”
“My ride?” she all but stammered. “I-I don’t have a ride. Where’s your car?”
“I drove a bike here,” he lied. “Fancy a ride on it?”
“A motorcycle?” she said with such obvious consternation, he stifled a laugh. Was she imaging how difficult it would be to transport his body on one of those? “Um, we’ll take my vehicle instead,” she offered. “It’s over there.”
She began to walk toward the old Ford, staggering after a few steps as if remembering that she was supposed to act drunk. Bones let her act out the pretense for a moment before calling out, “Thought you didn’t have a ride?”
She stopped, turning around guiltily. Sweet bleedin’ hell, she was terrible at improvisation once off her game. Perhaps he’d pegged her wrong. She might be more of a lucky one-off murderess than a human hitwoman someone had sent after him.
“I forgot it was here, is all,” she said in a too-bright tone. Then she started to slur her words. “Think I drank too much. You want to drive?”
“No thanks,” he said at once.
Anger flashed across her features before she covered it with a sloppy smile. “Really, I think you should drive. I’m feeling woozy. I’d hate to wrap us around a tree.”
And be distracted while she launched a new attempt to murder him? Not a chance. “If you just want to beg off until another night…” he said, turning away again.
“No!” she replied with such obvious desperation, he almost laughed. She must have realized she’d revealed too much because at once she tried to backtrack. “I mean, you’re so good-looking and”-her brow furrowed as she thought up more flattery-“I really, really want to get it on,” she finished.
This time, he couldn’t stifle all of his laughter. She blanched and he almost pitied her, except he’d seen how coldly she’d dispatched Devon. That could have been him. Nothing about her hinted at “assassin” so he’d never have suspected the danger. Little chit might have plugged silver into his heart while he was being a Good Samaritan and driving her home.
His tongue traced the inside of his lip as he stared at her until she flinched. But then he said, “Right, then, let’s be off.” Relief filled her face until he added, “You’re driving.”
With that, Bones climbed into the passenger seat of her pickup truck. Your move, luv.
She shifted on her feet for a few moments. Then, decision made, she got into the truck.
Bones didn’t take his eyes off her as she drove. She must have felt his gaze, but she didn’t look at him. Instead, her breathing hitched, her heart rate sped up, and her scent wavered between fear and resolve. Didn’t she know vampires could scent emotions? She should have worn perfume. The harsh chemical odor could’ve helped mask her true feelings.
Ten minutes into the silent standoff, she said “What’s your name?” in a sharp, tense tone.
Trying to verify your target? “Does it matter?”
She finally looked his way. Uncertainty filled her features before an almost desperate form of determination tightened her jaw.
“I just wanted to know. Mine’s Cat,” she said as she left the freeway for a gravel road.
“Cat, hmm?” he mocked. “From where I sit, you look more like a Kitten.”
She shot him an irritated glance. “It’s Cat. Cat Raven.”
“Whatever you say, Kitten Tweety,” Bones drawled.
That upset her so much, she slammed on the brakes. “You got a problem, mister?”
I don't, but you do. Temper, temper. Bones raised his brows as if confused. “No problem, pet. Have we stopped here for good? Is this where you want to shag?”
She flushed again, then looked away. His would-be murderess was a prude. How priceless.
“Um, no,” she said. “A little further up. It’s prettier there.”
And well off the main road so no one could stumble across them. Prude or no, she was still doing her level best to kill him. Pity he’d have to disappoint her.
“I just bet it is, luv,” Bones said with a chuckle.
After a few minutes, she stopped at the edge of a lake. Bones didn’t move. He only watched with more amusement as she fidgeted and kept glancing at the pocket on her right thigh. Even though her trousers were oversized, Bones could still see the outline of her weapon inside it. She couldn’t pull it out without being obvious, and without the element of surprise, he could snatch it from her before she could raise it to stab him.
She had to know that. How would she attempt to distract him? She couldn’t play the helpless, frightened victim if she wasn’t being attacked. Frustration nearly boiled off her as the minutes ticked by. Bones hid his smile. She had no idea what to do now, did she?
“Don’t you want to go outside and…shag?” she said at last.
Bones didn’t attempt to conceal his grin. “Oh no. Right here. Love to do it in a truck.”
He could hear her teeth grind as she said “Well…” while doubtless searching for an excuse to leave his sight long enough to pull her weapon. “There’s not much room in here,” she settled on, and began to open her door.
“Plenty of room, Kitten,” Bones replied. “I’ll stay here.”
“Don’t call me Kitten,” she said, anger sharpening both her tone and her scent.
Lucifer’s bouncing balls, she had to be the worst faux-seductress he’d ever encountered! Devon should be spinning in his grave over letting her slay him. With only a little more prodding, her pretense would fall away entirely.
“Take off your clothes,” Bones said while raking her with a gaze. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”
Now the red in her cheeks was from rage. “Excuse me?”
“You weren’t going to shag me with your clothes on, were you, Kitten?” he taunted her. “Guess all you’ll need is your knickers off, then. Come on. Don’t take all bloody night.”
She shot him a look of pure hatred before her expression turned crafty. “You first.”
She thought modesty would be his downfall? Bones grinned. “Shy bird, are you? Didn’t peg you for the type, what with walking up to me and practically begging for it and all. How about this? We’ll do it at the same time.”
Her expression mottled with more fury, but either she gave up on her attempt to kill him, or she continued on with the seductress charade. She chose the charade and began to unbutton her trousers. When Bones undid his and pulled up his shirt, her fingers actually shook.
Once again, he almost pitied her. Then he saw her hand slip to the weapon in her pocket. As soon as she touched it, her trembling eased. She wanted him dead so much, the prospect of it calmed her.
She’d made her move. My turn, Kitten.
“Look here, luv, see what I have for you,” Bones said, pulling his cock out.
Her cheeks flamed and she looked away. It was all the distraction he needed.
His fist shot out and connected with her head. She slumped into his arms, her right hand still curled around the weapon she’d tried so hard to murder him with.
Bones pulled it out. A wooden stake? That wouldn’t kill any vampire…wait. It was heavier than it should be.
Bones broke off a piece of the wood…and smiled. “Well,” he said to his unconscious companion. “Aren’t you full of surprises, Kitten?”
***
September 18, 2019
Just for fun: Halfway to the Grave, chapter one, from Bones's point of view
The night before last, I had just finished a book and wanted something else to read, but it was late and my eyes were too tired to start a new book. So, to kill some time, I re-read the first chapter of Halfway to the Grave. Then, before I fell asleep, I thought about how that chapter would read if it was written from Bones's point of view.When I woke up, I was still thinking about that chapter through Bones's eyes. So, just to amuse myself, yesterday I wrote it out. Well, most of it. I ended it before the actual end of the HTTG's Chapter One, but it felt like the right place to end this re-written version. Today, I re-read it and it still amused me, so I thought I'd share it with you.
It's unedited, of course, so there are probably spelling and/or grammar errors. It also might not (and probably won't!) read the way YOU think Bones would see things in that chapter. I don't think I could ever match what's in people's minds when they think of Bones, lol. But again, this was just for fun, so I hope you enjoy it, too :).
Chapter One
Tonight, Bones hunted.
A vampire named Devon was his prey. According to Bones’s sources – who’d been very motivated to talk, after what he’d done to them – Devon ran the books for a secret cabal that was responsible for a trail of bodies from Mexico all the way to this poor imitation of a high-end nightclub in Columbus, Ohio.
But Devon was supposed to be here tonight. That’s why Bones waited in the frayed, fake-velvet booths of the club’s VIP area. The music was also atrocious, and so loud the humans had to shout in order to hear each other. With a vampire’s heightened senses, the incessant beat felt as if it were being pumped directly into Bones’s skull.
He was, as the cliché went, getting too old for this. At least when it came to frequenting human nightclubs. When it came to hunting, his two-centuries-plus added to his advantage. The same was true for his other pursuits.
One example of those pursuits flashed a smile at him as she came nearer. She was attractive enough, if he ignored the heavy chemical scent of perfume she must have doused herself with. But then he'd also have to ignore the way her eyes were dilated from something other than feminine interest.
“Hi,” she purred, leaning over his table to better display her décolleté. “What do you say to buying me a drink, sexy?”
Shagging might be his favorite pastime, but Bones never touched a woman under the influence of drugs. She was also now blocking his view of the club’s entrance. If Devon slipped in, Bones wouldn’t know. He couldn’t have that. Normally, he’d let her down gently, but lives were on the line.
“I’d say lay off whatever drugs made your pupils larger than olives,” he replied with a rudeness meant to send her away.
She huffed and straightened, clearing his line of sight to the door. “Bastard,” she snapped before stalking off.
Bones hefted his glass in salute. “Right you are.”
Two more women and a man made similar advances over the next hour. Bones sent them all away as well. He’d just rebuffed his fourth admirer when a telltale gleam of pale, almost luminescent skin caught his eye.
Vampire, was Bones’s first thought as he studied the woman entering the club. Her hair was a crimson splash that hid her face as she waited while the bouncer checked her identification. After a moment, the bouncer gave it back and waved her through.
Bones only caught glimpses of her as she threaded her way through the crowds. She appeared to be looking for someone, but she wasn’t dressed as if she’d intended to go clubbing. She wore long gloves and oversized denim trousers with construction-style pockets. Her top was equally plain, but its scooped neck showed off her creamy, flawless skin, at least. That is, when her long red tresses didn’t keep tumbling over her shoulders to cover it.
Push your hair back, Bones found himself thinking. Show me your face…
Wait, who cared what the vampire looked like, if she was even a vampire at all? He had his doubts now. She moved like a human, and the brief glimpses he’d caught showed a trifle too much flush in her cheeks for a vampire’s stationary pulse.
He couldn’t waste time ogling a probably-human woman. He needed to find Devon. Bones finished his whisky, then left cash for his bill. Perhaps a tour of the club was in order. Devon could’ve slipped in when he was distracted by the redhead. That wouldn’t do.
An hour later, Bones was back in the booths with their elevated view of the entrance. Devon hadn’t shown up yet and it was approaching midnight. If this were a vampire club, the evening would just be starting, but this was a human establishment so it would only be open another two hours. If Devon didn’t show soon, he wasn’t coming.
Perhaps his intelligence on Devon had been wrong. It wouldn’t be a shock. People had been known to lie to stop the pain when a silver knife was shoved into their sternum-
Ash blond hair caught Bones’s eye as a man walked into the club. He moved with the purposeful grace that only a vampire had, and his skin held the same distinctive, creamy luminescence as Bones’s own.
Devon had finally arrived.
Then the redhead cut Devon off from Bones’s line of sight, walking toward him with a sway that indicated she'd imbibed too much tonight. Before he could send her away, she dropped into the seat opposite him.
“Hello handsome,” she said, her slur turning a bad impression of a seductive voice into a terrible one.
“Not now,” he replied curtly.
She blinked as if she’d never heard those words before. With her beauty, she probably hadn’t. Dark red brows arched over storm-cloud gray eyes while very little makeup graced her high cheekbones, elegant nose and luscious, full lips. No perfume masked her scent, either, allowing him to catch a subtle mix of sweet cream, vanilla and…cherries.
“Excuse me?” she said, as if she hadn’t understood.
“I’m busy,” Bones stated with annoyance. He could no longer see Devon now. Lovely or no, he wouldn't let her cost him over two years of hunting for answers.
She touched his hand. Her warmth erased any doubt as to her humanity, as did the heartbeat he could hear from her nearness.
“I was wondering…um…” she stammered before bursting out, “Want to fuck?”
Bones turned back to see a horrified look cross her features at her bluntness. Her hand also paused midway to her mouth as if she’d been about to physically attempt stuffing the words back.
His lips curled. Not afraid to say what she wanted even if it embarrassed her, was she? Under other circumstances, he might make her forget that embarrassment in the nearest, darkest corner. But now wasn’t the time.
“Bad timing, luv,” he said with a dismissive wave. “Have to wait until later. Be a good bird and fly away, I’ll find you.”
She got up and walked away, shaking her head with obvious confusion. Bones didn’t spare her another look. His gaze was all for the blond vampire moving through the crowd with the arrogance of an apex predator surrounded by prey.
Let Devon believe he was the only vampire here. Would only make it easier to take him down.
Bones flew up to the ceiling. He wore all black and the area around the booths was so dark, no one noticed. Once there, he went behind the network of lights. Anyone who looked up would only see the constant flash of strobes or the roving beams of spotlights. Not the dark figure behind them.
His perch gave him a clear view of Devon. The other vampire paused by several women during his slow sweep of the club, leaning in to catch their scent, brush their skin, or run his fingers through their hair. Devon made it seem subtle, almost accidental, but it was neither. Shoppers in a grocery store tested their produce in much the same way.
Devon was picking out his next meal.
Bones’s jaw tightened when he saw Devon catch a glimpse of the redhead he’d shooed away. He’d hoped she’d leave the club after his refusal, but she hadn’t. She’d done a circle of the place as if looking for him, then plopped down at the bar and ordered a drink. When Devon saw her, he stopped talking to the petite blond he’d been conversing with and stared.
Distractingly lovely, isn’t she? Bones thought, feeling an odd twinge of anger at the way Devon looked at her. Yes, vampires were possessive of their possessions and their people, but she was neither to him. Still, that twinge grew when Devon left the blonde and went straight to the redhead.
Bones was too far away to hear what Devon said over the pulsating music, but he smiled as he leaned behind the redhead and spoke.
She turned around, annoyance clear on her features. Good. Send him on his way!
Then a bright smile wreathed her face, turning up the dial on her already irresistible beauty. Whatever she said had Devon sitting next to her and signaling the bartender for a drink.
Bones told himself the stronger twinge he felt was sympathy, not jealousy. Bad choice, pet. He has an entirely different way of intending to eat you than I did.
Devon chatted her up for only half an hour before she was following him out the door. Bones slid across the ceiling until he reached a dark corner, then jumped down and left the club. Once outside, he flew high to avoid being spotted and kept his aura tamped down so that Devon couldn’t detect it.
The redhead staggered as she followed Devon to his car. Clearly, she’d had too much to drink. Bones would have taken her home so she could sleep it off, then shagged her senseless once she was sober. Devon didn’t seem to mind her drunkenness. He smirked as he helped her into the passenger seat, then climbed into the driver’s side and pulled away.
Bones stayed high as he followed the Volkswagen. No surprise, Devon drove the poor chit to a deserted, wooded area. Bones dropped lower, tensing when the car stopped. Almost immediately, the passenger door opened and the redhead stumbled out.
Bones was now low enough to hear Devon laugh when she staggered away, screaming. Even sober, she’d have no chance at outrunning a vampire. Drunk as she was, she only made it a few meters before she tripped and fell.
Bones dropped even lower, until only the tops of a nearby tree concealed him. Below, Devon walked over to the girl, grinning while letting the inhuman green glow out of his gaze. Seeing it, she whimpered and crawled backward in terror.
Don’t fret, luv. I’m coming.
He’d catch Devon by surprise when he was feeding. That would ensure the sod wouldn’t notice Bones swooping up behind him.
“Don’t hurt me!” she wailed when Devon knelt next to her.
The other vampire smiled as he grabbed her by the back of the neck. “It will only hurt for a moment.”
Bones dropped so low that he braced against the nearest tree trunk. He was about to springboard off it to maximize his speed to knock Devon away-
The redhead’s hand whipped out to stab something into Devon’s chest. Before Bones could react, she gave the weapon a vicious twist. Devon collapsed on top of her, his whole body going limp. She kept twisting until Devon started to decay into a vampire’s true death.
What the bloody hell?
“You were right,” she said in a tone that no longer bore a hint of a drunken slur. “It only hurt for a moment.”
Bones stared in disbelief. Two years of nonstop information gathering, and now, all the answers he had sought were shriveling away along with the rest of Devon’s body.
The redhead shoved Devon off and rose to her feet. No hysterics, no remorse, and she’d shown no hesitation when she stabbed Devon, either. If she had, Bones could have stopped her in time. But no, she’d been swift and merciless. Exactly the way he would be, when he was taking out a mark. This wasn’t her first kill, especially with how brisk and businesslike she acted as she opened the trunk and hefted Devon’s body into it.
Little chit was a professional. Or at least, she thought she was. Compared to Bones, she was a novice. He’d be sure to use that to his advantage later. She’d want to see him again. He’d been her first intended victim, after all.
I promised to find you, little bird. I’ll keep that promise.
She whistled as she closed the trunk and got back into the car. Bones flew high and followed her. He had no idea who she was or who she worked for, but by God, he was going to find out.
***
September 12, 2019
Wicked Bite snippet featuring Cat from the Night Huntress series
If you haven't read the prologue and first three chapters from WICKED BITE, they're
here
, and yes, you should read them before reading the below because they provide context. This scene snippet is from Chapter Six, for additional context. Oh, and SPOILER WARNING: If you haven't read the first Night Rebel book, SHADES OF WICKED, you WILL get spoiled on some pretty major plot points if you read the below. All disclaimers and spoiler warnings aside, enjoy!WICKED BITE, copyright Jeaniene Frost
As luck would have it, one of my leads on another possible resurrected soul was only about two hours away. I drove straight there since I’d already lost over a day dealing with the disastrous court hearing. Silver would just have to wait in the car while I found out if this was a real sighting or another false lead. Either way, once I was finished, I intended to follow my own advice and get the hell out of Greece.
I hoped Ian did, too, as soon as the spell lifted. He couldn’t be so reckless as to stay and keep looking for me, could he? My stomach clenched. Yes. Ian was fearless and he didn’t remember how powerful Dagon was. Or how vindictive.
I had to make sure that he left. I drove one-handed while I dug through my purse for my mobile. Then I called the number I’d programmed in several weeks ago. Instead of the male British voice I expected, a woman with an American accent answered.
“Bones’s phone. You’ve got Cat because he’s busy.”
“Hi, Cat,” I said with false cheerfulness. She wasn’t my intended victim, but Ian had me so wired up on frustration and fear, she’d do. “Are you or Bones near Greece?”
“Veritas? What’s wrong?” Cat asked, sounding wary now.
“What’s wrong?” It burst out of me loud enough to make Silver jump. “You and Bones promised to keep Ian safe, but less than one month after I leave him with you, he’s angering the highest court in vampire society while practically GPS-ing his location to Dagon since everyone knows where the council meets when they’re in session!”
“Now, look—” Cat began.
“I still don’t know if it was Ian’s stunning bribe or the council’s shock that someone had the balls to sue them that kept them from sentencing him to death!” I continued to rage. “Either way, I’ve got Ian safely confined in a villa with Mencheres until dawn, but he needs to get out of Greece as soon as the spell lifts. Obviously, I can’t trust Ian to stay out of danger on his own, so I ask again, are you or Bones near Greece?”
“Are you done?” Cat asked in a sharp tone.
“Yes, and I’m waiting for your reply.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean are you done talking,” she said, now sounding dangerously cheerful. “I meant, are you done losing your shit? Because if you think you’re fed up after dealing with Ian for one night, try dealing with him for the past few weeks. Bones and I have chased him all over the fucking world trying to get him to listen to reason, and thanks for telling us that Ian can now teleport, by the way! I’ve had better luck chasing a ghost, and I mean that literally.”
“Ian can teleport?” I’d so hoped what I’d seen at the villa had just been him moving very fast . . .
“Yeah, and last week, Ian let us know he was sick of us trying to baby-sit him by leaving a few spells behind for us. One of the spells turned me mute for two days, and another melted Bones’s fangs off! I didn’t even know that was possible—”
This was backfiring fast. “Uh, I’m very sorry—”
“—but his fangs were gone! Ian’s lucky they grew back or I’d be hunting him down, all right, and that demon would have nothing on what I’d do to Ian once I caught him.”
“Perhaps calling you wasn’t such a good idea,” I muttered.
“You bet it wasn’t,” she flared. Then her tone softened. “Look, I get that you’re scared for him. I don’t want Ian to get hurt, either. But he’s made it clear he won’t be controlled by Bones, by me, or anyone else. I give it two minutes after your spell’s up before he’s gotten away from Mencheres, too. So, if you want Ian out of Greece, you’ll have to get him out yourself. You’re the one he’s obsessed with anyway.”
“I can’t.” Despite my effort to maintain control, my voice cracked at the last word. “It’s not safe,” I finished in a stronger tone.
Cat sighed. “I know you said demons were after you, but that’s not going to stop Ian. He’s not the run-and-hide type. He’s the stay-and-fight type. Believe me, we tried to get him to change, and we failed.”
I almost flung my mobile through the windshield, because she was right. Dammit, she was right! Ian had never backed down from a fight, no matter the danger. Now what was I supposed to do?
As if I’d asked that out loud, Cat said, “If I were you, I’d concentrate on killing whoever is threatening to Ian. I know that’s damn near impossible, but I still think you’ll have a better chance against a bunch of pissed-off demons than you will at getting Ian to suddenly stay inside and take up knitting.”
She was probably right again, but I had an oath to fulfill. Still, this was one more reason to want Dagon dead, and I didn’t have to abandon my oath to search for the other resurrected souls in order to kill Dagon. I could multi-task.
“My apologies for my misdirected ire before,” I said.
Cat grunted. “Don’t worry. Love makes us all crazy-”
I hung up so fast, I didn’t hear the rest of her reply. Was what I felt for Ian that obvious?
***
WICKED BITE releases January 28th. Preorder yours at: Amazon, Apple Books, B&N , BooksAMillion , Kobo , IndieBound
August 11, 2019
Update: Effie HAS a home!
